'Colonel N.G.B Goodfellow, C.I.E., Commandant 128th Pioneers 1919-1923'

Photograph, 1920 (c).

Portrait of Colonel Napier George Barras Goodfellow (1878-1963), 128th Pioneers.

A fellow officer in the 128th Pioneers, Lieutenant Colonel Francis Hughes Farebrother, described Goodfellow as 'non-social' (he did not ride horses for pleasure), but a 'dedicated Regimental soldier', a fine hockey and tennis player, and a keen small game shot.

The 128th Pioneers were formerly the 28th Bombay Native Infantry, raised in 1846. In 1888 the 28th Bombay Infantry became the 28th (Pioneer) Regiment of Bombay Infantry. In 1901 the unit became the 28th Bombay Pioneers. They were renumbered the 128th Pioneers as part of the reform of the Indian Army in 1903.

The regiment fought in the 2nd Afghan War (1878-1880) and in the 1st Sudan War in 1885. In 1897 it took part in the Tirah campaign on the North West Frontier of India. During World War One (1914-1918) the regiment served in Egypt. In 1922 the regiment formed the 3rd Battalion of the 2nd Bombay Pioneers and in 1932 it was disbanded.

From an album of photographs relating to the 128th Pioneers, 28th Bombay Pioneers, and 3rd Battalion 2nd Bombay Pioneers, 1870-1928.