Jacket, Corps of Riflemen, 1802 (c)

In 1800 the British Army established the Corps of Riflemen. Its soldiers fought in pairs ahead of the main red-coated infantry who operated in close formations. Riflemen moved around freely, were trained to use natural cover and could pick off the enemy with aimed shots. They wore green uniforms to better hide themselves. Their uniform had black facings and was usually accompanied by black leather equipment to help conceal them.