Buff pantaloons, worn by Lieutenant Starkey Hyde Wilkinson, 77th (East Middlesex) Regiment of Foot, 1812 (c)

These pantaloons, with Austrian knot detail, would have been worn with boots. From 1800 the use of pantaloons and boots as opposed to breeches and gaiters was established, but breeches were a standard item of infantry legwear until 1823.

Lieutenant Wilkinson was commissioned as an Ensign on the 13 April 1809, and as a Lieutenant 28 May 1812.

He served during the Peninsular War, including at the action of El Bodon, 25 September 1811, where the British 5th and 77th Regiments gained praise from Wellington in a General Order. It drew to the attention of the whole army the conduct of the Brigade as a 'memorable example of what may be effected by steadiness, discipline and confidence', and 'recommended to the particular attention of the officers and soldiers of the army an example to be followed in all such circumstances'.

Lieutenant Wilkinson died at sea on board the 'Loyal Briton', 14 September 1825 from remittent fever.