Minifigure – British Army Line Infantry Private Redcoat Napoleonic Wars – LEGO Compatible

This image displays a toy minifigure representing a British Army Line Infantry Private (often commonly known as a “Redcoat”) from the Napoleonic Wars era (approx. 1803–1815).

Here is a detailed breakdown of the figure and its historical context:

The Figure: British Redcoat Private This figure represents the rank-and-file soldier who made up the bulk of the British Army’s fighting force.

• Uniform: He wears the iconic scarlet red tunic with white cross-belts across the chest. These leather straps were essential for holding the heavy cartridge box (ammo) and the bayonet scabbard. He is dressed in white trousers and black boots, which was the standard campaign uniform for British troops fighting in Europe.

• Headgear: He wears a Shako, a tall, cylindrical military cap made of felt and leather. It features a brass plate on the front and a white plume on top. Historically, a white plume often identified the soldier as a member of the Grenadier Company—the elite company of a regiment composed of the tallest and strongest men—though it is also the classic look for a generic British infantryman in toy form.

• Weapon: The key difference between this figure and the “Sergeant” (N001) is the weapon. This soldier holds a long Flintlock Musket with a Bayonet attached. Historically, this is the famous “Brown Bess” musket (Land Pattern Musket), the standard weapon of the British infantry for over a century. The bayonet fixed to the end allowed the musket to be used as a spear in close combat.

• Accessories: The set includes a black knapsack (backpack) for carrying kit and supplies, which attaches to the back of the figure.

Historical Background: This soldier represents the men who served under the Duke of Wellington. These “Redcoats” were renowned for their steely discipline and their ability to utilize Line Tactics. In battle, they would stand shoulder-to-shoulder in lines just two men deep, waiting until the enemy was very close before unleashing devastating volleys of musket fire. This specific type of soldier is most famous for the victory against Napoleon Bonaparte at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815.