NAM.2017-09-7-61-40

Photograph of Pioneer Sergeant Jones, 2nd Battalion Grenadier Guards, standing with a group of other soldiers from the battalion including the Corps of Drums behind them, probably taken in Gibraltar, 1899 (c). They stand on a tree-lined pathway wearing white drill jackets and peakless caps. Pioneer Sergeant Jones has his badge of rank - three chevrons, crossed axes and a crown - on his upper arm and he holds an axe. He also has a sash over his jacket and a beard. Historically, Pioneer Sgts were one of the few traditional roles in the British Army permitted to wear a full beard on parade in keeping with ancient pioneer custom. Two more Pioneers holding axes stand next to him. From a photograph album of 111 photographs entitled '2nd Battalion 1897-1909', relating to the 2nd Battalion Grenadier Guards in the UK, South Africa and Gibraltar from 1897 to 1909. Mostly group photos and individual portraits.