These caps became a source of contention during the American War of Independence, when the 5th wore theirs at a Royal birthday parade (possibly the Queen's) in Philadelphia. The Colonel of the 5th at that time was Lord Percy, who was not on good terms with Sir William Howe, who was C-in-C in North America, but also Colonel of the 23rd Foot (Royal Welch Fusiliers) who had put their caps into storage and were unable to wear them, parading in simple cocked hats.Churchill wrote: Notes-For defeating a French division of Grenadiers at Wilhelmstahl in 1762 it was granted the privilege of wearing Fusilier caps and also a white plume for gallantry at St.Lucia.