Indian NCOs of the Guides cavalry, 1879

Photograph by John Burke, 2nd Afghan War (1878-1880), 1879.

The Queen's Own Corps of Guides, formed in 1846 by Lieutenant Harry D Lumsden in Peshawar, were the first military force to adopt khaki as a service dress. The Guides consisted of a unique combination of infantry companies and cavalry squadrons. The North West Frontier where they operated was rarely quiet and although many other cavalry and infantry regiments served there, none was engaged more frequently than the elite Guides. They also saw service in the 2nd Afghan War (1878-1880), initially with the Peshawar Field Force at Ali Masjid. The Guides also fought at Fattehabad (2 April 1879), Asmai Heights and Sherpur cantonment (December 1879) and in many other smaller skirmishes during the campaign.

From an album of 28 photographs by John Burke, 1878-1897.