Question: Portuguese Flank Company Uniforms

[Rob_bresnen]

Can anyone tell me what the uniforms for the Portuguese flank companies were like in the Napoleonic war? I can't seem t find any pictures, which makes me wonder if they had different uniforms at all?

[abu iskander]

Have a look here. I think he'll have a good answer for that (and more). I believe there's a difference to the already somewhat curious Portuguese shoulder strap, but can't recall precisely.

http://jjwargames.blogspot.com/search?q=portuguese

[Jemima Fawr]

There wasn't a lot of difference to the centre companies: The flank companies had fringes on their shoulder-straps (the shoulder-straps being of the unique flared Portuguese fashion) and the fringes had alternating bands of blue and the regimental piping colour.

One of the Dighton paintings shows a Portuguese flank company man wearing British-style wings with white lace and worsted fringe, but that was almost certainly an unusual and atypical embellishment.

In Cacadore battalions, the Atiradore (flank) company had black plumes instead of the usual green.  They were also equipped exclusively with rifles (the centre companies were largely equipped with muskets, though selected marksmen also received rifles in many battalions, with rifles comprising up to a third of the battalion's firepower - much the same as KGL Light Battalions).

[Rob_bresnen]

thanks for that answer. Very helpful.

[rumacara]

Regiment of Lagos

Hope this helps. If i get better images i will post.
In winter, blue trousers, in summer white ones.
You have the barretina and the shako illustrated.

From left to right - captain, second sergeant, drummer, grenadier company, light company and 2 fusiliers.

[Jemima Fawr]

Rumacara's post has just reminded me that I forgot to mention the green fringes of the Light Company!