GGNEW-01
John Jenkins Designs
Not yet Released - expected in mid-August.
Although established in 1864, it was another 11 years before the town of Newcastle, the most northerly in Natal, contributed to the ranks of the volunteers, forming the Newcastle Mounted Rifles in October 1875. The creation of the unit proved popular and by the end of the year 46 men had enrolled. The local Resident Magistrate, Melmoth Osborn, received the vote to become captain.
The Newcastle MR joined the Natal Carbineers and Buffalo Border Guard at Helmekaar early in December 1878 as No.3 Column concentrated for the Zulu War.
The tunic of dark green cloth had a collar of black velvet edged with black braid and a V-shaped black velvet cuff facing edged with black braid ending in a trefoil knot.
The tunic was edged with black braid and decorated across the front with five rows of black braid ending in double drop loops fastened with olivets. Shoulder cords were of twisted black braid, dark green trousers bore a black stripe down the outside seam.
The unit is shown in a photograph with white helmets without spikes, and there is no evidence of a regimental badge, although all other Volunteer Corps possessed them.