West Indies

West India Regiment card circa 1900s

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This is another illustration from the Commonwealth and Empire Series Gunga Din,
I was unable to find any detailed information regarding the belt plate, lacking details I used the regulation cypher as worn by most line regiments.
As for the headless image, hands are will have to do....
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Here's an attempt at the 3rd West India Regt, 1817-25.
Again from the Commonwealth & Empire Series.
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It is surprising to note that in old British army manuals, they used the term "regiments of color" for the West India regiments.

I for one haven't a clue but maybe it's because too Whitehall, that's what they were, color regiments.


Also, this was a period in history that regarded anyone without land or title as expendable.

British soldiers and sailors were often flogged to death and civilians could be deported of hanged for stealing a loaf of bread. Workers were often no better treated than Norman serfs, in many cases they were treated far worse than Norman serfs.


A well known mine owner and Lord or the Realm would entertain his quests by having miners brought out of the mine to fist fight.

Until 1872 miners were employed under the Bond system. Under the terms of this bond they were submitted to various fines and conditions of work for a full year.
In effect servants to the owner with no minimum wage, long hours and sometimes paid in tokens that could only be redeemed at the mine owners shop.
To break the bond would result in fines, face trial and imprisonment.
From the 1830's the miners started to form unions and organise themselves at the risk of dismissal.

So maybe it's not surprising that regiments with soldiers of African decent would be called 'colour regiments'.
Then again it could be something entirely different.