Private Castell, West India Regiment, 1888 (c)

Albumen print by Nelson Brothers, 12 King Street, Twickenham, 1888 (c).

Studio portrait of a member of the West India Regiment wearing the regiment's distinctive zouave uniform.

Until 1858, soldiers of the West India Regiments wore uniforms similar to the rest of the British Army. But Queen Victoria, impressed by the exotic appearance of the French Army's North African zouaves, instructed them to adopt the same style. The popularity of the zouave uniform in the mid-19th century is also evident in the American Civil War in which both sides raised colourful zouave units.

This uniform was only worn by black soldiers, who were not permitted to rise beyond non-commissioned rank. The white officers never formally adopted the zouave uniform, although many wore parts of it on active service. It remained a part of the West India Regiment Dress Uniform until 1914, and was worn by the regimental band until disbandment.