Infantry, 2nd West India Regiment, 1876

Watercolour over pencil by Richard Simkin, 1876.

This watercolour depicts a West Indian corporal in review order and a British officer in undress uniform. Until 1858 the West India Regiment wore a uniform similar to British line infantry, but in that year this was replaced with a 'Zouave' style uniform that included a white waistcoat and turban, scarlet jacket, blue trousers and white gaiters. Officers continued to wear British-style uniform. The regiment was the only British Army unit to wear 'Zouave' uniform, although some colonial troops, including the Gold Coast Hausas, also adopted it.