'Church Dharamshala', 1868 (c)

Photograph, India, 1868 (c).

Under British rule, the winter capital of Himachal Pradesh, Dharamshala, became a cantonment and a base for Gurkha units. The Church of St John in the Wildnerness was built in 1852. It survived an earthquake in 1905 but its bell tower was badly damaged.

From an album of photographs compiled by Colonel C A Mercer, 19th Regiment and 4th Regiment of Gurkha Infantry, India, 1868-1878.

According to the Hodson Index of Indian Army officers Colonel Charles Archibald Mercer (1847-1923) joined the British Army as an ensign, serving with the 19th (The 1st Yorkshire North Riding) Regiment of Foot and the 34th (Cumberland) Regiment of Foot. Mercer served on the North West Frontier of India with the 19th in the Black Mountain Expedition (1868). He went on to serve with the 4th Gurkha Regiment, rising to the rank of colonel.