NAM.2017-09-7-2-2

Photographic copy of 15 soldiers of the 2nd Battalion, Grenadier Guards, outside a group of bell tents used as a fatigue mess, on 6th June 1861. Sgt Pike, Capt Rolles, and Capt Johnstone are named. It is not clear who they are, but they are possibly the two men standing on the left of the image, with Capt Johnstone sitting on the ground holding his rifle. The remaining 12 men are other ranks called fatigue men, who perform cleaning and cooking duties amongst other things. They mainly seem to be of Asian or African descent. Some are holding items such as a shovel, bucket or pot. Two of the soldiers were white drill jackets with the insignia of Corporals. One man is probably a drummer in the band, as his jacket has lace stripes across the front and wings at the shoulders. From a photograph album containing 22 copies of images taken by Lt Col Henry William Verschoyle, 3rd Battalion, Grenadier Guards. The original photographs were taken between 1860-1864, and consist mainly of group portraits. Grenadier Guards reference number 99.