Red Tunics

[Lynn_M]

When was the last time that British soldiers went into battle wearing Busbys and Red Tunics?

[sddsddean]

I think (but not absoluetly sure) that the last campaign red tunics were used was in the Boer War. Someone suddenly realised that the soldiers stood out like a sore thumb, whilst the Boers (in a sort of green colour) were almost impossible to spot.

[Lonnie]

Wilkopedia says that this was the last time.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Gennis

[Bellringer]

By busbys I think you mean bearskins as worn by the Brigade of Guards. Just a point.
My Grandfather fought in the Boer war (he relieved Mafekin with the help of others of course) and he wore khaki. Which, incidently is Urdu for dust.

[mike b]

Depends whart you mean by 'battle,' but there are references to red coats being worn on campaign in Zululand in 1888 and in the 4th Ashanti campaign of 1896...