His Majesty's Fifth Regiment of Foot

An 18th Century Historical Reenactment Unit

Grenadiers:

The other flanking company consisted of all the big, over six foot tall men of the company. These troops had originally been used to throw grenades, but by the Revolution this practice had long since stopped.

Grenadiers were trained in the linear tactics of the time, although colonial fighting sometimes dictated fighting in other ways. Like the light infantry, Grenadiers from other regiments were many times put together to form a powerful fighting unit.

Grenadiers wore the impressive, although at times hot and uncomfortable, bearskin caps. Knee high gaiters were generally worn, although on campaign a grenadier sometimes would wear shorter gaiters. He also wore white belting, a match case, which was no longer needed, and a hanger, or short sword. Officers, sergeants, and Grenadiers were the only foot soldiers allowed to carry swords.

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