French Spahi, 1914 (c)

Watercolour by Thomas Ivester Lloyd (1873-1942), 1914 (c).

The Spahi regiments of the French Army originated in auxiliary forces raised during France's colonial conquests in North Africa. These units of primarily Arab and Berber irregular cavalry from Morocco, Tunisia and Algeria were commanded by French officers. They were eventually incorporated into the regular French Army and Spahi units fought in the Crimea (1854-1856) and on French soil during the Franco-Prussian War (1870-1871). During World War One (1914-1918) Spahi units fought on the Western Front, and by 1918, the number of regiments had increased from four to seven. By 1915 the French Spahi units had adopted a standard khaki uniform but they retained their Zouave style uniform, with Arab headdress and hooded cloak, for ceremonial duties.

Thomas Ivester Lloyd served in the Army Remount Service and the Royal Field Artillery.