34th Punjab Pioneers at Lutai, China, 1900 (c)

Photograph, 3rd China War, 1900 (c).

Pioneers were soldiers who could serve as infantry, but whose main role involved carrying out engineering and labouring tasks. These ranged from handling all types of stores, building bridges, repairing roads, building defences and fortifications, and erecting camps.

From a collection of photographs associated with the 3rd China War (Boxer Rebellion) (1900-1901).