The Military Contrast, 1773

Coloured etching, artist unknown, published by M Darly, 1 May 1773.

The Army made little provision for war veterans, and disabled soldiers had few prospects, unless they were lucky enough to get a pension from the Royal Hospitals at Chelsea (London) or Kilmainham (Dublin). A soldier's dependants received no help if he were killed on active service.

The prospects for officers were rather better. Although not all would have been considered wealthy, most had private means. Those whose regiments were disbanded at the end of a war would go on to half-pay (effectively a form of pension).