Quote Originally Posted by Tobus View Post
Orvis, thanks. That was a lot of good information. I'm curious about the part I quoted above. Do you happen to know when during the war they were de-kilted, as well as the reason for it? I wonder if it had to do with the brutally cold weather and/or other environmental conditions, or if it was just a matter of simplification for supply/logistics purposes. I'm also curious why the basket-hilt swords were given up.

If indeed they had been de-kilted prior to their southern foray to Savannah, it would certainly explain why I didn't see any mention of it there.
In the American theatre in both the French & Indian + the war of independence swords were put aside in favour of tommohawks which were more useful by all infantry regiments. That said there was mention of the 42nd using broadswords at Ticonderoga and later in one of the Indian rebellions using broadswords at Bushy run, so it may depend on the circumstance as to what was worn...