French Cipaye

The early French Cipayes, were similar to their British counterparts as they initially wore their own costume rather than a European style uniform. These figures are based on the well known Rousselot renderings, and are wearing a muslin headdress with a wide flat top which it is believed was intended to protect the wearer against sword cuts. The conventional long gown which was fastened by ties on the left hand side, and was worn tucked up around the hips. About 900 French Cipayes were positioned on a ridge slightly to the rear of the main French line. They were to take no part in the actual Battle of Wandewash. A further 300 Cipayes were left to guard the French camp.