Minifigure – British Officer of the 95th Rifles (The “Green Jackets”) during the Napoleonic Wars (LEGO Compatible)

This image displays a toy minifigure representing a British Officer of the 95th Rifles (The “Green Jackets”) during the Napoleonic Wars era.

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

The Figure: 95th Rifles Officer This figure represents a leader of the elite British light infantry. While he wears the same green color as the Rifleman (N003), his uniform details mark him as an Officer.

• Uniform: He wears the iconic “Rifle Green” (dark green) jacket and trousers. The key distinction here is the elaborate black braiding (frogging) across his chest. Historically, Rifles officers adopted a “Hussar” style of dress with these decorative cords, distinguishing them from the plain jackets of the enlisted men.

• Rank Insignia (The Sash): He wears a Crimson Sash tied around his waist. In the British Army, the crimson sash was the universal mark of a commissioned officer. While Line Infantry officers wore it over the shoulder, Rifles officers traditionally wore it around the waist with the knot on the side.

• Headgear: He wears a Stovepipe Shako with a Green Plume and the silver “Stringed Bugle” badge. The bugle horn was the symbol of light infantry because they used bugle calls for orders instead of heavy drums.

• Weapons: Officers did not carry the heavy Baker Rifle. Instead, this figure is equipped with a Curved Sabre (Light Cavalry style sword) and a Flintlock Pistol for personal defense.

• Facial Features: He has a “stubble” beard print, giving him a rugged, veteran appearance often associated with skirmishers who spent long periods in the field.

Historical Background: The 95th Rifles were unique in the British Army. They were the first to wear green for camouflage rather than the traditional red. Their officers were trained to encourage initiative and independent thinking among their men, rather than the blind obedience required in Line regiments. This specific officer figure is likely inspired by the fictional character Richard Sharpe (from the Bernard Cornwell novels and TV series), who is the most famous depiction of a 95th Rifles officer in popular culture. These officers led their men in loose skirmish lines, picking off enemy officers and artillery crews from a distance.