List of Changes

Below is a list of changes to British Army weapons, uniforms and equipment relevant to an infantry unit during the period we portray.

Most of this list is from the List of Changes in British War Material. This book does not contain the complete L.o.C.s, as it covers only weapons and equipment. I am attempting to find the "lost" L.o.C.s and will add them here. The items marked with a hash # have been added using information in Soldiers' Accoutrements of the British Army 1750-1900.

These are, of course, the official date the change was authorised by Horse Guards and there is no guarantee as to when units stationed on the other side of the world would receive a new version of something, if ever. We are researching records to find out when the 65th implemented any changes.

45 - Stock of Enfield Rifled Muskets - 5 Dec 1859
To be shortened one inch from heel-plate to trigger guard, in arms of future construction, reducing the length from 14 to 13 inches.

Recommended by the O.S. Committee.

46 - Improvement in Small Arms Cartridges - 10 Dec 1859
By an additional cut made in the paper after lubrication. (This cut is made to ensure the entire separation of the paper from the bullet when projected from the piece)

Submitted by Superintendent R. Laboratory.

49 - Packing Small Arm Ammunition - 14 Feb 1860
In consequence of the greater bulk of the rifle powder recently introduced into the service, marked "Enfield rifle powder", and the change of pattern of percussion cap box, the number of rounds to be in future packed in S.A. boxes is 480 instead of 500.

Recommended by the O.S. Committee.

50 - Small Arm Ammunition Boxes - 28 Dec 1859, 18 Feb 1860
For all stations within the tropics, as well as for China, to be made of teak, with mahogany ends.

Recommended by the O.S. Committee.

51 - Zinc Box - 4 Apr 1860
For holding 720 percussion caps for ammunition boxes.

Submitted by Superintendent Royal Laboratory.

52 - Quarter Barrels for Packing Small Arm Ammunition - 13 Mar 1860
To be increased in diameter half an inch, to enable the same number of rounds (700) to be carried in the barrels as heretofore, the powder lately introduced into the service occupying greater bulk in the cartridge than that previously used.

Recommended by the O.S. Committee.
Approved with the concurrence of H.R.H. the General Commanding-in-Chief.

53 - Scabbard for the Sword Bayonets of Rifled Muskets, Pattern 1856 - 28 Oct 1859
One inch longer than the former pattern, to allow for shrinking in hot climates.

Submitted by Superintendent R. S. A. Factory.

60 - Pouch, 60 Rounds, Obsolete Pattern - 23 Nov 1859
Altered to hold 50 rounds, with receptacle for nipple wrench; cap pouch lined with fur, and tins with three compartments, to govern the alteration of the (60 round) pouches in store.

Submitted by the P.M.S., Tower.

61 - New Pattern Pouch (50 Rounds), Tin - 16 Dec 1859
Specially provided for governing supply of 10,000 under contract.

Submitted by the P.M.S., Tower.

120 - The Use of the New Blank Cartridge, with Mock Bullet - 14 May 1860*
Proposed by Lieu.-Col. Boxer, R.A., and adpopted 15th January 1858, having been found to be attended with danger, H.R.H. the General Commanding-in-Chief has desired a return to the old blank cartridge of the service.

*Date of authority.

123 - Scabbard for Bayonet, Pattern 1853 - 28 Apr 1860
The brass chapes and locket secured by rivets, the hook fixed to the locket, and the seam at the back instead of at the side.

Proposed by Superintendent Royal Small Arms Factory.

124 - Repaired Scabbard for Pattern 1853 Bayonets - 15 Sep 1860
Sealed to govern repair of 12,963 in store.

Submitted by P.M. Storekeeper, Tower.

127 - Pouch, 50 Rounds, with Tin Compartments, for Infantry - 2 May 1860
Specially provided for governing supply of 10,000 under contract.

Proposed by Adjutant-General.

128 - Oil Bottle, for fitting into the Ball Bag, Infantry - 5 Jul 1860
Specially provided for governing supply of 10,000 under contract.

Submitted by Dep. Adjutant-General.

129 - Haversack, General Service # - 1860
Slide and loop replacing buckle and eyelets.

178 - Enfield Rifle Powder - 18 Oct 1860
In order to make the Enfield rifle powder suitable for all arms of the service, without alterating the charge, the grain is to be increased in size. It is therefore to be manufactured between a 12 and 20 mesh, instead of between a 16 and 24.

Recommended by Special Committee on gunpowder.

186 - Ball Bag with Loop - 25 Dec 1860
Waterproofed by paint inside; to govern supply of 1,000 for trial.

Proposed by Deputy Adjutant-General.

245 - Improved Ammunition for 1842 and 1851 Pattern Muskets - 23 Feb 1861
It having been found that the cup ball ammunition heretofore in use with the 1842 and 1851 [Minie rifle] pattern muskets, the iron cup was liable to be blown through the bullet, improved ammunition for these muskets has been adopted, having the diameter of the bullet reduced and a wood plug substitiuted for the iron cup.

1842 pattern, charge 3 drams [81.6 grains]. Bullet, cylindro-conoidal, wood plug, diameter 0.731 inches, weight of bullet 812 grains, weight of plug 12 grains.

1851 pattern, charge 2½ drams [68 grains]. Bullet, cylindro-conoidal, wood plug, diameter 0.675 inches, weight of bullet 662 grains, weight of plug 8 grains.

Recommended by the O.S. Committee.

247 - Waterproof Wrapper for Small Arm Cartridges - 30 Jan 1861*
The following method of rendering cartridges proof against humidity and actual immersion in water, has been ordered for trial (previously to being adopted into the service) by the troops in Ceylon, Demerara and Bermuda, by way of three regiments in camp at Aldershot, and on board H.M. ships "Naracissus", "Donegal", "Immortalité", "Trafalgar", "Nile", and "Arrogant".

The regulated number (10) of service cartridges are enclosed in a waterproof wrapper, and to prevent the waterproof wrapper from becoming injured by chafing or rough usage, the whole is enveloped in the service brown paper outer wrapper.

Proposed by Lieut.-Col. Boxer, Royal Artilley.
Recommended by the O.S. Committee.
* Approved date of trial.

248 - Musket Plug or Stopper - 5 Mar 1861
For keeping the arm steady in the rack, with moveable cup.

To govern supply of 200 for trial.

Submitted by Mr. Dowling, War Office.
Recommended by Superintendent R.S.A. Factory.

249 - The Small Arm Ammunition Box Made of Teak - 13 Mar 1861
With mahogany ends, of the pattern approved 28th December 1859 (vide No. 50, 1st April 1860), is to be substituted for quarter barrels, when showed in magazines at stations within the tropics.

Recommended by the O.S. Committee.

292 - Alteration in the Bands of the Enfield Rifle, 1853 Pattern and Short Rifle - 3 June 1861
The projections on the screw on the bottom and middle bands are removed, and the liability of injury to the soldiers accoutrements diminished, and economy of manufacture secured. [Badderley bands]

Proposed by Colonel Dixon, R.A., Superintendent Royal Small Arms Factory.
Recommended by O.S. Committee.

293 - Repair of Gun Stocks - 10 June 1861
The old plan of repairing cracked rifle stocks, by lining and glueing, to be resorted to in cases where the stocks are found to be only slightly injured in the fore-end.

Proposed by Colonel Dixon, R.A., Superintendent Royal Small Arms Factory.
Recommended by the O.S. Committee.

295 - Composition for Percussion Caps of Increased Detonating Power - 7 May 1861
The composition is as follows:-

Proposed by Lieut.-Col. Boxer, Royal Artilley.
Recommended by the O.S. Committee.

296 - Service Small Arm Ammunition for Enfield Rifles - 30 May 1861
To be marked according to place of manufacture, as follows:
W. for Woolwich
G. for Gosport.
D. for Devonport.

Recommended by the O.S. Committee.

299 - Nipple-Wrench - 3 Jun 1861
Altered to form a small turn screw to remove the head of the inside screw of the altered bands of the 1853 pattern Enfield, and short rifles.

Proposed by Colonel Dixon, R.A., Superintendent Royal Small Arms Factory.
Recommended by the O.S. Committee.

363 - New Back Sight - 1 Jul 1861
For naval rifle (1858 pattern) and short rifle (1860 pattern)

It having been found that the graduations of the back sights of these rifles were incorrect above 500 yards, a new sight has been prepared, with altered graduations, the top giving 1,250 yards, instead of 1,100 yards as before.

Proposed by Superintendent Royal Small Arms Factory.
Recommended by the O.S. Committee.

364 - Foresights of Enfield Rifles (Pattern 1853) - 26 Jul 1861
To be made of cast steel.

Proposed by Superintendent Royal Small Arms Factory.
Recommended by the O.S. Committee.

365 - Foresights of Short Rifles - 7 Aug 1861, 28 Aug 1861
To be made of cast steel, and have a barleycorn similar to that of the Enfield rifle (Pattern 1853). See L.o.C. 364.

Proposed by Superintendent Royal Small Arms Factory.
Recommended by the O.S. Committee.

366 - Charge Reduction for 1842 Pattern Rifle Musket - 27 Aug 1861
It having been found that the shooting of the 1842 pattern rifle musket with the charge of 3 drams (vide L.o.C. 245, Circular 680) is wild, and recoil excessive, the charge for these arms has been reduced to 2¾ drams [74.8 grains].

Proposed by Superintendent Royal Laboratory.
Recommended by the O.S. Committee.

371 - Ball Bag, Buff Leather - 10 Sep 1861
With broad flap and painted inside; (see photo)

For infantry, except rifle regiments.

Submitted by Superintendent of Stores, Tower.
Recommended by Deputy Adjutant-General.

433 - New Back Sight for Enfield Rifles, Pattern 1853 - 4 Nov 1861
This sight differs from the former pattern in the following particulars:-

It is graduated up to 1,000 yards, instead of 900 yards.

The shoulder of the leaf upon which the sliding bar rests for the 500 yards sight, is lowered about 1/8 of an inch.

The "V's" on the cap of the leaf are cut differently.

Proposed by Colonel Dixon, R.A. and the Adjutant-General.
Recommended by the O.S. Committee.

503 - Musket Plug - 17 Jan 1862
For keeping the arm steady in the rack, with moveable cup.

Submitted by Mr. Dowling, War Office.
Recommended by Superintendent Royal Small Arms Factory.

505 - Canteen # - 6 Jan 1862
Canteen, having the ends of the staves covered and the chime not projecting beyond the heads.

508 - Waistbelt # - 1862
The union locket attached with a thong, instead of sewn in.

558 - Skin Cartridge (Captain Hayes' Patent) - 8 Apr 1862
Manufactured by Messrs. Gladstone, for Deane and Adams' revolving pistols.

Submitted by Messrs. Gladstone.
Recommended by the O.S. Committee.

559 - Waterproof Wrapper for Small Arm Cartridges - 19 May 1862
The method of rendering cartridges waterproof, alluded to in L.o.C. 247, circular 680, has been adopted into the Service.

The words "Waterproof Wrapper" will in future be printed on the label affixed to each barrel of ammunition.

Proposed by Lieutenant-Colonel Boxer, R.A.
Recommended by the O.S. Committee.

568 - Zinc Oil Bottle, Seamless, for Infantry Ball Bags - 23 Apr 1862
Submitted by Mr. A. Warner, 31 Threadneedle-street.

640 - Percussion Cap, with Flanges, for Deane and Adams's Improved Revolving Pistols - 29 Sep 1862
Submitted by Superintendent, Royal Laboratory.
Recommended by the O.S. Committee.

642 - Marking of H.P Caps - 26 Sep 1862
The cylinders and jars in which the new pattern percussion caps are packed (L.o.C. 295, Circular 704) are to be marked with the letters H.P. (heavy pressure), to distinguish these caps from those of the old pattern.

643 - Nipple Wrench, Privates'; - 18 Jul 1862
With head of same shape and size as serjeants' pattern.

Nipple Wrench, Serjeants';
With side pricker of same length as privates' pattern.

699 - Buff Waist Belt, Infantry Pattern - 4 Nov 1862
Converted from a bayonet belt, Pattern 1842.

To govern alteration of 6,000 for issue to the Militia.

Submitted by P.S. Stores, Tower.
Recommended by Inspector General of Militia.

776 - S.A. Ammunition Boxes - 12 Jun 1863
The sliding lids of small arm ammunition boxes, when first issued, are, in future, to be secured by a brass screw, the head of which is covered by a seal.

This is to be removed when the box is issued from the 3rd to the 2nd Reserve.

Submitted by P.S. Stores, Woolwich.
Recommended by the O.S. Committee.

778 - Pouch to Hold 50 Rounds of Whitworth's Ammunition - 15 May 1863
To govern supply of 1,000 for issue with Whitworth rifles for trial.

This only differs from the service pouch in dimensions:

Submitted by P.S. Stores, Tower.
Recommended by Adjutant-General.

807 - Musket with Spring Bayonet - 16 Jul 1863
A musket with spring bayonet has been approved for gymnasiums. Weight, 9 lbs. [illustration not included here]

Submitted by Messrs. Wilkinson and Son.
Recommended by the Adjutant-General.

854 - Whitworth Rifle - 18 Dec 1863
A pattern Whitworth rofe has been approved to govern the supply of 8,000 which have been ordered to be made at Enfield.

The particulars of this rifle are as follows: -

855 - Waterproof Wrappers for Small Arm Cartridges - 21 Dec 1863
Approved L.o.C 559 Circular 781

Are in future to be demanded as "Bags, waterproof"

Proposed by Superintendent Royal Laboratory.
Recommended O.S. Committee. Minute 10,450.

857 - Ammunition for Deane and Adams' (54 Gauge) and Colt's (84 Gauge or Medium) Revolver Pistols - 7 Nov 1863
Patterns of amunition for the above pistols have been approved as follows:

For Deane and Adams' pistol, 54 gauge. (To be substituted for that approved L.o.C. 558 Circular 781).

Cartridge, Skin, for Deane Revolver - 54 Gauge [illustrations not included here]

For Colt's pistol, 84 gauge or medium.

Cartridge, Skin, for Colt Revolver - 84 Gauge or Medium [illustrations not included here]

Waterproof bags for each of the above descriptions of ammunition, to contain packages for Deane and Adams' pistol of 20 rounds, and for Colt's pistol of 18 rounds, have been approved.

Proposed by Superintendent Royal Laboratory.
Recommended O.S. Committee.

858 - Metford's Explosive Rifle Bullet - 15 Dec 1863
Has been adopted into service.

This bullet is similar in external form to the service bullet for the Enfield rifle, but it has a cylindrical cavity extending from the apex downwards, which is filled with a strong detonating composition, and stopped with wax.

Proposed by W. E. Metford, Esq.
Recommended O.S. Committee.

859 - Plugs of Baked Clay, Saturated with Beeswax - 15 Dec 1863
Are in future to be used instead of boxwood plugs for cases of elongated rifle bullets, in consequence of difficulty being experienced in obtaining the necessary supplies of boxwood for this purpose.

Proposed by Superintendent Royal Laboratory.
Recommended O.S. Committee.

883 - Packages of Ammunition for Deane and Adams's Revlover Pistols - 17 Feb 1864
Are to have the gauge of the bore of the pistol for which the ammunition is intended on the outside of the wrapper.

884 - Ammunition fo All 38 Gauge Revolver Pistols Fitted with Lever Ramrods - 8 Feb 1864
Patterns of ammunition suitable for all pistols of above nature, fitted with lever ramrods, have been sealed.

[illustrations not included here]

A waterproof bag, to contain a package of 20 rounds of the above ammunition, has been approved.

Proposed by Superintendent, Royal Laboratory.
Recommended by the O.S. Committee.

885 - Improved Snap Cap for Small Arms - 17 Feb 1864
This differs from the pattern heretofore in use in having a small disc of brass dropped ito the opening shaped to fit on the nipple after the leather is fixed. This is intended to obviate the liability of the nipple hole becoming choked by small pieces of leather.

Proposed by Superintendent, Royal Small Arms Factory.
Recommended by Major-General Hay and the O.S. Committee. Minutes 11,009-12,222.

886 - The Bayonets of Short Rifles in Store - 30 Jan 1864
To be attached to the rifles by string.

Proposed by Assistant-Superintendent of Small Arms, Millbank.
Recommended by Superintendent, Royal Small Arms Factory.

922 - Alteration in Shape of the Toe of the Butt of "Long Butt" Enfield Rifles - 31 May 1864
This consists in the stock being cut off straight instead of in a curve, which gives a stronger form to the toe of the butt.

This form was approved for short butt Enfield rofles (L.o.C. 45, Circular 590) but has not heretofore been applied to long butts, which are at present only occasionally required for the repair of arms.

A pattern stock has been sealed to govern future supplies.

Recommended by Colonel Dixon, R.A., Superintendent, Royal Small Arms Factory.
Recommended by O.S. Committee.

981 - Wrappers for Rifle and Carbine Ammunition - 18 Aug 1864
In order to provide against all chance of mistakes being made in the issue of small-arm ammunition, the wrappers of ammunition of rifles and carbines, of whatever nature, with 0.577 bore, are to be marked respectively as follows:-

When the ammunition is made up with bullets having the clay plug (L.o.C. 859, Circular 855), this will be specified, and the date of the year will, of course, vary.

982 - Percussion Caps - 10 Aug 1864
In consequence of the heavy-pressed percussion caps primed with the composition approved L.o.C. 295, Circular 704, having been found liabel to fly to pieces when fired on the nipple of the service Enfield rifle, the following composition has been approved for percussion caps of future manufacture, viz.:-

6 parts fulminate of mercury.
6 parts chorate of potash.
4 parts antimony.

This composition produces a flame sufficiently strong to penetrate the cartridges of breech-loading arms, but its use the explosion is so modified as to prevent the breaking of the cap.

Proposed by Lieut.-Colonel Boxer, Superintendent, Royal Laboratory.
Recommended by the O.S. Committee. Minutes 12,203 & 12,206.

1025 - Percussion Caps - 8 Feb 1865
Primed with the new composition (approved L.o.C. 982, List No. 3)

Are to be distinguished by the letter A, printed on the labels of cylinders and barrels in which they are packed.

Submitted by Superintendent, Royal Laboratory.

The following changes were approved after the 65th left New Zealand, but are included because it is possible, from the change, to ascertain more about the item before the change.

1067 - Haversack, General Service # - 1865
Button added to back of the haversack so that it can be rolled up and buttoned when empty.

1134 - Rifle Muzzle Stopper - 26 Aug 1865
A rifle muzzle-stopper with an iron shank, and with the body composed of cloth discs instead of cork, has been approved to govern future supplies.

It has been decided that brass-headed stoppers are to be issued with brass-mounted arms, and iron-headed stoppers with iron-mounted arms, irrespective of service.

Stopper with cloth discs, proposed by Messrs. C.A. Bradbury & Sons.

1222 - Scabbard for Bayonet Pattern 1853 - 22 Feb 1866
With brass locket stronger than the former pattern (L.o.C. 123, Circular 639)

Brass Locket (Spare) for Ditto

Submitted by Superintendent of Stores, Tower.
Recommended by Adjutant-General.

1378 - Fifty Rounds Pouch, Infantry - *11 Dec 1866
Altered for Snider ammunition, by removal of cap pocket, and introduction of strengthened tin.

Buff Frog, with Buckle and Strap
Similar to that of the Royal Engineers, for serjeants, band, buglers, and drummers of infantry.

Submitted by Superintendent of Stores, Tower.
Recommended by Adjutant-General.
*Provisional approval date.

1616 - Boxes, Wood, Ammunition, Small-Arm, Service - 14 May 1868 (a), 28 Mar 1868 (b)
Patterns of these boxers have been sealed as follows:-

(a) Mark II. To govern the alteration of the existing store of Mark I (see L.o.C. 776) to accord with Mark III.
(b) Mark III. To govern future manufacture.

This differs from the former pattern (L.o.C. 776) in the following particulars, viz:-

There is no metal button at the back of the sliding lid.
The recess for the seal is placed at (a) instead of over the securing screw hole.
The securing screw (b) is made with a cheese head,-and
An arrow with the word "unscrew" is painted on the lid.

[illustration not included here]

Proposed by Superintendent, Royal Carriage Department.
Recommended by the O.S. Committee. Minute 24,324.

1866 - Box, Wood, Ammunition, Small-Arm, Teak, Service, Lined with Tin. (Mark I) - 13 Dec 1869
It has been decided that small-arm ammunition boxes shall in future be lined with tinned plate, for the better preservation of their contents from damp.

A box has been seen sealed as a pattern to govern future supplies for all services except India.

The wood exterior is of the present service pattern (L.o.C. 1616), except that a slight alteration has been made in the mode of attaching the string to the lid.

The lining has an opening corresponding to the lid of the box.

When the box is packed, the lining will be hermetically closed with a plate and strap of tin soldered on.

To open the package, the strap of tin, and afterwards the plate, may be torn off by hand.

Proposed by a Special Committee on packing small-arm ammunition. Col. Boxer, R.A., President.

2034 - Snap Cap - 17 Nov 1870
It having been found that the brass link which unites the chain to the iron cap is liable to give way on a sudden jerk, a pattern snap cap has been sealed to govern future manufacture, in which the link referred to is of steel wire instead of brass.

Circular Memoranda

Here are any Circular Memoranda I have found pertaining to the Infantry equipment.

CIRCULAR MEMORANDUM,
Addressed to the Infantry at Home and Abroad.

Horse Guards, S.W., 21 st May, 1859

Ball bag, carrying 10 rounds, with oil bottle and rag, to be used as an expense pouch. #
See L.o.C. 371.

CIRCULAR MEMORANDUM,
Addressed to the Infantry at Home and Abroad.
General No. 183.                                                        Arms-3(1859).

Horse Guards, S.W., 23 rd July, 1859

        WITH reference to the Circular Memorandum of the 21 st May last, announcing the adoption of the new pattern pouches for the Infantry, the General Commanding in Chief directs that it to be further notified that the Secretary of State for War has consented to grant to Regiments and Depôts furnished with the ball-bag (or expense pouch) containing the oil bottle, an allowance at the rate of 1l. 4s. 9d. per annum, for each Company of 100 men for the purchase of oil.

    The description of the oil best suited for small arms is “Rangoon oil,” which is accordingly always to be used, and if it should be found impossible to obtain that article through an agent in London or otherwise, a representation to that effect should be made to the Adjutant General for the General Commanding in Chief’s information, with a view to application being made for its issue in kind from the Public Stores, in which case the allowance would be withheld.

    The General Commanding in Chief has also entered into an arrangement with the War Office, by which “Cloth Selvages” will be issued to Regiments and Depôts with the annual supplies of clothing in such quantities as to allow for each Soldier twelve strips, eight inches long by one inch in width. Each of these strips would make two or three wipers or sponges, which, with care and economy, would be sufficient to last a year.

    The unused strips should be carried in the men’s knapsacks, and be produced at all inspections of necessaries. The wiper in use should be carried in the expense pouch, in which a perfectly clean piece should also be kept, for the purpose of being inserted in the jag of the ramrod when the arms are examined, and shown to the Officer inspecting the Company, who will thus have the means of satisfying himself as to the state of the barrels of the rifles. Care must be taken when the barrels are washed out with water that the wiper is not placed with the ammunition in the expense pouch till thoroughly dry.

By Command.              
G. A. WETHERALL,
Adjutant General.

Updated 28 February, 2007