NAM.2017-09-7-61-48

Photograph of a formal ceremony at Wellington Barracks, possibly when the Duke of Cambridge said farewell to the 2nd Battalion, Grenadier Guards before their departure for South Africa, March 1900. The battalion is formed up in several long lines with the officers in their greatcoats standing nearby. The other ranks are in Walking Out Order, with Slade-Wallace equipment carrying their personal belongings, pith helmets, and holding their rifles down by their sides. A large crowd of onlookers watch the ceremony from outside the railings. The image has been taken from the balcony of one of the barrack buildings, and ladies can be seen watching the ceremony from beside the photographer. The original Guards Chapel is visible to the right of the image. The 2nd Battalion sailed for South Africa to take part in the Boer War, leaving on the 18th March 1900 and arriving in mid-April. 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.