Adjutant and Dress Parade

[lt83]

Hello folks,

Was wondering what manner of dress the adjutant would be in at dress parade. I have seen it done from adjutants having all the bells and whistles (sword belt, sword, pistol ,sash, white gloves and uniform.) to being in pretty standard dress (just the uniform). I was looking for a little help to what is authentic.

Thanks

[TimKindred]

Comrade,

If you will obtain a copy of the 1861 regulations, or the revised regulations of 1863, officer's dress is spelled out succinctly. Additonally, Kautz's customs of the service will also be of value. A brief google search will give you access to copies of the regulations online.

However, an Adjutant should always appear with sword and sash, cleaned, well groomed, and wearing the uniform prescribed by regulations, with such allowances as either his commanding officer or circumstances dictate.

Both officers and soldiers are enjoined from carrying haversacks, canteens, knapsacks, or anything other than their arms and accoutrements at dress parade. The only time those articles should be present is for inspection.

Respects,

[Altecfive]

As for an adjutant on dress parade think from this perspective. It is his dress parade until he turns it over to the commanding officer. All officers on parade are suppose to wear sash and sword. White gloves were also sop for the time on dress parade. Obviously, in re-enacting not many people have white gloves, or a sash. But, an officer was suppose to be an example for his troops. So, they would come out in their best uniform possible.

[Kevin O'Beirne]

It would vary with the regiment, it's commanding officer (and what he wanted) and perhaps with the adjutant himself.

The adjutant was probably mounted on a horse for marches, so for parade he would probably not appear wearing a knapsack.

An adjutant would NEVER (as much as that statement can be made about anything) have run a dress parade or guard mounting ceremony without being under arms, meaning, sword and belt. Whether an adjutant had a side-arm was a personal choice.

I would imagine a typical adjutant was expected to wear a sash for parade and guard mount, but the situation may have varied in practice. If it were me, and lacking documentation to the contrary, I think the adjutant should present a military appearance and be "on duty" for parade, and that means wearing a sash. White gauntlets are entirely optional and a personal choice, not a duty- or regulations-required item.