Throughout history, there have been instances where fashion took precedence over function in military uniforms, resulting in potentially lethal consequences. While some shortcomings were recognized, others remained shrouded in mystery. Below, we examine six uniform elements that contributed to the loss of many servicemen on the battlefield.
Neck stock
During the 18th and 19th centuries, the neck stock served as a detachable component of European soldiers’ uniforms. Constructed from materials like horsehair, whalebone or rigid leather, it encircled the neck and secured under the chin. Its replaceable nature made it a practical addition to uniforms, while its rigidity enforced proper posture by lifting a soldier’s chin.
However, the very stiffness that lent the neck stock its utility also proved to be its downfall. It dug uncomfortably into the soldier’s neck and chin, impeding mobility and awareness. Additionally, it hindered their ability to aim down the sights of their musket – a critical disadvantage in the chaos of battle.
As a result, the neck stock was one of the most perilous elements of a soldier’s attire, leading to its eventual discontinuation.
Hessian headgear
Hessians were German soldiers hired by the British as an auxiliary force during the American Revolution. Despite fighting alongside the British, who traditionally wore read coats (more on that in a minute), they wore their traditional uniforms, including tall headgear adorned with medals.
Although these helped to distinguish the Hessians from the British, they also drew a lot of attention. Gold and silver plates positioned along the fronts of the headpieces were easily spotted by American soldiers, and their height often caused them to catch on tree branches. While the latter was more of an inconvenience than anything, the former could prove deadly.
Red coats
British soldiers during the Revolutionary War could be easily identified by their bright red coats, which they wore as a part of their uniform (hence the nickname “Redcoats”). The hue helped comrades identify each other through the smoke of gunfire and was believed to make the British look intimidating, complimenting their perceived power.
While their red military uniforms made it easier for soldiers to identify friend from foe, they also made the British easier to spot, which proved deadly during encounters with the Continental Army. They were unable to hide or launch surprise attacks, and the coats themselves were made of a heavy wool material, which was both itchy and uncomfortable.
Cardboard shoes
Wartime often means rationing, with supplies becoming tight as they’re allocated for use in the war effort. When the necessary items run out altogether, adjustments have to be made. That’s how cardboard shoes came to be issued to soldiers in Napoleon Bonaparte‘s Grande Armée.
To make up for the lack of supplies needed to produce service boots, the French soldiers were supplied with faux leather boots with cardboard soles used in place of real leather. Not only impractical, this part of their military uniform was also deadly, as the shoes weren’t properly insulated, leading to severe cases of frostbite in the freezing outdoor temperatures.
World War I headgear
Upon the outbreak of the First World War, the idea of death by shrapnel was far from anticipated. Unaware of what they’d encounter during the trench warfare that came to define the Western Front, British soldiers were deployed with soft caps. While the trenches could protect them from enemy gunfire, the caps they wore did virtually nothing to protect against shrapnel.
It only took one year for Britain’s War Office to develop a new type of military headgear that would reduce the amount of head injuries being suffered. The “Brodie” helmet was the soft cap’s replacement, and soldiers began receiving it in the summer of 1916. While made of steel, it still wasn’t the safest, as it left a soldier’s neck and the lower portion of the head exposed. As well, the metal reflected light, which played tricks on the eye.
Le Pantalon Rouge
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The French Army had worn red pants as early as 1829, and while a number of countries had abandoned the color in favor of something less distinguishable, the French continued to don their red attire up until 1914.
When WWI began, the French Army suffered numerous casualties, as they were unable to mount surprise attacks or hide with their bright red pants, which stuck out against the mud of the battlefield. However, when Minister of War Adolphe Messimy suggested that the trousers were the problem, he was met with intense resistance.
It took thousands more deadly encounters for the military to change up its uniform and allow soldiers to wear blue bottoms.
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