British military was transported by sea and the space was very limited.
I do not remember where I read it, but the rank-and-file British soldier was allowed to bring home one trunk of luggage sized ~ 2 x2 x4 feet. officers were given much more space. Which means that soldiers were unlikely to bring long swords, only daggers (likely, quite simple), but the officers could get better examples, bigger sizes and transport them back for free.
Generals, of course, got THE loot....
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