Maximillian Adventure French Zouave Trousers

[OB]

I find myself with the makings of a French Force for the Maximillian Adventure. This includes a unit of Zouaves. So far my research has thrown up images of them wearing red, white or light blue trousers. I will be grateful if someone could tell me which is correct for Mexico?

Thanks in advance.

[Citizen Sade]

Regulation red trousers for zouaves with white ones in hot weather. That would be most if not all of the campaigning season in Mexico, I assume.

P.S. Sky blue trousers were worn by the tirailleurs Algériens

[OB]

Very good that's what I needed to know, thank you.

[Richard MARQUIS]

I seems, from a contemporary eyewitness, that most of the soldiers from zouaves and tirailleurs units wore the white trousers in mexico.

[OB]

Thanks for that Richard.  I have some Tirailleurs that I'd like to use. They all have a turban wrapped around their fez. I have seen some images that support their use in Mexico and others with fez only.

Any ideas on which way to go appreciated.

[Richard MARQUIS]

Personally I will paint my tirailleurs like on these latest pictures and the zouaves mainly with red trousers. Just because I like their uniforms like that. And only some of them with white trousers.

[OB]

Thanks again Richard. Very helpful. I particularly like the last pic' of the Zouaves.

As I'm using Rebels and Patriots I can now field two small units of Tirailleurs and Zouaves respectively. This has the advantage of producing a more interesting "Company" under those rules.  It also gives me the opportunity of bringing each up to full strength for Field of Battle games.