Private in full dress, 1st West India Regiment, 1900

Lithograph after Richard Simkin (1850-1926), 1900.

In 1858 the West India Regiment adopted a uniform similar to that of the French Zouaves, who had captured the public imagination during the Crimean War. It comprised a red fez wound about by a white turban, red sleeveless jacket with yellow braiding worn over a long-sleeved white waistcoat, and dark blue breeches piped in yellow. Initially leather leggings and sandals were worn, but replaced with white stockings, white gaiters and black shoes. Regiments were distinguished by the wearing of different coloured tassels to the fez and piping on the waistcoat cuffs. This uniform was retained for full dress throughout the regiment until 1914 and by the band until disbandment in 1927. The regiment was unique amongst colonial units in that it was an integral part of the British regular army. The uniform is retained today by the band of the Barbados Defence Force.

From an album of 115 lithographs of 'Uniform studies of Foot Guards, Line Infantry, Yeomanry and Indian Army units, of various dates, 1850-1900 (c)'. Produced by Forster Groom and Company, London.