By: Graeylin
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There have been several regiments in the British Army numbered as the 95th
Regiment of Foot. Perhaps the most famous was formed in 1800 as an
experimental Corps of Riflemen who armed with the Baker rifle, at a time
when the rest of the British Army and other European armies were armed with
muskets. They were the sharp shooters and snipers of the British Army.
Different tactics, training and weapons made them the British special forces
of their time.
The purpose of the regiment was to have the riflemen working in open order and be able to think for themselves, a method completely unheard of prior to its formation. They were to operate in pairs and make best use of natural cover from which to harass the enemy with accurately aimed shots as opposed to releasing a mass volley, which was the orthodoxy of the day. On top of this, the unit's operation was markedly different from the line infantry by being taught instead of flogged, holding regular shooting and sporting competitions and by being rewarded for achievements. They were to act as skirmishers against the French during the Napoleonic Wars. This unit was later renamed in 1816 as The Rifle Brigade, with its number taken by the 96th Foot, which was disbanded in 1818. Officers would regularly dine with their men and in so doing would become familiar with each man in their respective companies, again a discipline unheard of at the time. The performance of the regiment can be demonstrated by the story of Rifleman Thomas Plunkett of the 1st Battalion, 95th Rifles. Plunkett, armed with a Baker rifle, shot the French General Colbert at a range of between 400 and 800 yards during the Peninsula War. He then shot a second Frenchman who rode to the general's aid, proving that his was not just a lucky shot. By comparison, a standard issue Brown Bess musket could not be relied upon to hit a man-sized target at over 60 yards. The riflemen of the 95th were dressed in distinctive dark green uniforms, as opposed to the bright red coats of the British Line Infantry regiments. This tradition lives on today in the regiments modern equivalent, The Royal Green Jackets. Most folks are familiar with the 95th because of the program featuring Sean Bean, as Sharpe... he served in the 95th. This kitbash depicts a Scottish Ghillie (game keeper/hunter) serving in the 95th. He has abandoned his troosers, and instead wears a dark green subdued Kilt. Otherwise, his dress is standard. |
| Two super cool looking projects here old buddy. I definitely wouldn't mind having both of these figures in my collection, but boy - that 95th guy, I'm drooling over him! Special thanks for sending both these cool figures in and sharing them with us. - GL |
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