Pioneer, Coldstream Guards, 1895 (c)

Glass negative, W Gregory and Company, 51 Strand, London, 1895 (c).

Pioneers were responsible for engineering and construction, as well as some blacksmithing tasks within regiments. Traditionally, pioneers would march ahead of their company and clear the path for those following behind with an axe. Their axes developed strong symbolic importance as a result. As well as an axe, pioneers would also carry shovels, billhooks, a sawback sword and a pickaxe. As a result of their duties, pioneers were traditionally the strongest and most imposing members of the company.

This pioneer is pictured wearing a scarlet single breasted tunic. The buttons of the tunic, grouped in pairs, identify the regiment as the Coldstream Guards. The cuffs are round with a four buttoned slash. The collar, cuffs, and shoulder straps are piped white. The collar is also decorated with the Garter Star. The blue cloth trousers have scarlet side-stripes two inches wide. The pioneer is wearing a bearskin cap and holding an axe.