'28th Foot 1759, Grenadier'

Watercolour from 'Dress and Equipment of the Gloucestershire Regiment. 28th North Glos. 61st South Glos. 1694-1915', a volume of 37 studies possibly by F Stansell, 1915 (c).

Grenadiers were originally special assault troops who threw grenades (iron balls filled with gunpowder) at the enemy, as well as using muskets. In theory they were chosen for their height and strength, but in reality they were usually selected from veterans and more experienced soldiers.