Sudanese Guard, 1953

Oil on canvas by Ralph Lillford 1953.

This was painted while the artist was in Egypt, where he was posted for his National Service tour of duty. Ralph Lillford had been awarded a scholarship to the Royal College of Art, but had to delay taking up the offer for two years when called up for National Service. He joined the Army Educational Corps and was posted to Fayid in the Suez Canal Zone. Promoted to sergeant, he also served as an instructor with 121 Supply Platoon Royal Army Service Corps.

The guard was one of a police detail on duty at 57 Army Education Centre where the artist worked in Fayid. He recalled they were very tall, quiet, and extremely smart men, spending much of their off-duty time polishing their equipment.