Camp Equipage of the British Army, c1809

Ever wondered what the British Army took with them on campaign? In the archives at Kew under the reference WO26/41 is a list of the value of camp equipment. This list was drawn up by Horse Guards on 30^th May 1809 as a result of the aftermath of the retreat from Corunna, which resulted in not only the loss of life but also a great loss of equipment.  It makes interesting reading for re-enactors to see what type of equipment was normally found on camp.

Round Tent (the Duke of York’s Pattern) with poles, pins, mallets, etc. Complete.....£5 13s 0d

Poles, per set........................... 5s 6d

Pins, large, per 100.................. 6s

Pins, small, per 100.................. 3s 6d

Mallets, large, per dozen......... 9s 6d

Mallets, small, per dozen......... 5s 6d

Iron collar, each....................... 1s 6d

Camp Colour Pole.................... 3s 4¼d

Camp Colour Flag.................... 1s 1d

Powder Bag............................. 8s 4d

Drum case............................... 6s 1¼d

Bill Hook.................................. 1s 11¼d

Flanders Kettle........................ 10s 6½d

Wood Canteen........................ 1s 9¾d  

Ditto strap............................... 1s 4d

Haversack............................... 1s 4¾d

Felling axe............................... 3s 3d

Cap and sling for ditto............ 2s 9¼d  

Corn sack................................ 4s ¾d

Set of forage cords................. 3s 3d

Water Bucket......................... 5s 10d

Saddle water deck................. 7s 6½d

Picket Rope............................ 8s ½d

Picket Pole............................. 3s 10¼d

Picket Mallet......................... 1s 7½d

Nose Bag............................... 2s 4½d

Palliasse................................ 4s 10¾d

Bolster case.......................... 1s 1¾d

Sheet..................................... 6s 10½d

Blanket................................. 8s 11d

Coverlet................................ 6s ½d

Ammunition Box................... 18s ¼d

Medicine Pannier................. £1 7s 7d

Bridle for Bat Horse............. 11s 8d

Hospital Marquee and Tent, Complete...................£45 10s 10d

Pack saddle with trees and Haucurns (Hawsers).....£4 0s 2d

Pack saddle with trees and Baggage straps............£3 6s 8¾d