Wearing their white jackets, members of the band for the 21st (Royal North British) Fusiliers Regiment of Foot stand while holding their musical instruments in this informal group portrait taken in camp during the Crimean War. Officers with swords and white sashes stand looking at the camera, along with other enlisted men. At far right and left, two officers hold their pet dogs, while another dog is seen blurred on the ground at front left. One seated officer at left reads a book. A remarkable portrait of camp life.

This photograph has been recombined from two halves pasted within a family and “Grand Tour” album belonging to Major William Henry Carleton, (1831-1909) who served with distinction in this Scottish infantry regiment. From 1877-1881, the regiment saw the restoration of “Scots” in their title, becoming the “Royal Scots Fusiliers”.

Dated 1855, its very possible this photograph was taken in camp during the Siege of Sevastopol, which lasted from October 1854 until September 1855.

Carleton’s Obituary: “The death is announced as having taken place on December 26 at Raveagh, County Tyrone, (Ireland) of Major William Henry Carleton, late of the 21st Foot (Royal Scots Fusiliers). Major Carleton served with his regiment throughout the Eastern campaign of 1854-55, including the battles of Alma, Balaclava, and Inkerman, and the siege and fall of Sevastopol. He received for his services the medal with four clasps, the Turkish medal, and was nominated a Knight of the Legion of Honour. He retired from the Army in 1870.” (from clipping pasted within same album as photograph)