The First California Regiment, served in the Philippines both during the Spanish American War, and during part of the Philippine-American War. The unit took part in actions on July 31, 1898 (near Malate) and in the capture of Manila on August 13, 1898.
Virtually, all infantrymen in the Cuban and Philippine Campaigns looked the same in their dark wool shirts, light blue trousers, and brownish hat and leggings. Although better for hot climates, khaki uniforms were not generally available unitl after the war.
Infantrymen were issued the awkward Merriam Patent Knapsacks. It was universally hated and rarely used. Instead troopers preferred carrying the more comfortable blanket roll much like it was carried 30 years previous during the Civil War. |
