A mounted and dismounted lancer, Quetta, 1897

Photograph by F Bremner, India, 1897.

Both men carry traditional lances with small swallow-tailed flags (known as lance pennons) just below the spearhead. The use of these pennons was originally intended to disconcert the horses of opposing cavalry in close combat but they eventually became a decorative parade item, normally removed or wrapped in a canvas cover on active service.

From photograph album of 60 photographs taken by F Bremner, Quetta, June 1897.