Zouaves, 1855

Photograph by Roger Fenton (1819-1869), Crimean War, 1855.

Originally recruited from the French territories of North Africa, by the time of the Crimean War the ranks of the Zouaves were almost entirely filled with Europeans. Despite this they retained their colourful and exotic uniform and maintained a ferocious fighting reputation throughout the campaign. When comparing the appearance of British and French soldiers, William Russell concluded 'He (the British soldier) cuts a sorry figure beside a great Gaul in his blazing red pantaloons and padded frock, epaulettes, beard d'Afrique and well-twisted moustache'.