This website presents our knowledge and research on this important aspect of the Royal Collection. As of April 2026 it will not be regularly updated and new research on this topic will sit within the main website.

Record of historical events

Victoria and Albert collected photographs that documented the political and military events that defined a period of global expansion

ROGER FENTON (1819-69)

Serjeants of West Indian regiments at Hythe

Feb 1860

Albumen print | 24.7 x 29 cm (image) | RCIN 2942128

Photograph of six men, five of them in same uniform, performing an exercise, from the West Indian regiments at Hythe. Part of collection of seventeen photographs (RCINs 2942127-43) taken at Hythe in 1860 by Roger Fenton, who became a member of the Hythe School of Musketry and was placed in the 1st Section of Volunteers.
  • Creator(s)

    Roger Fenton (1819-69) (photographer)

    Subject(s)

    Volunteer Forces
    Army-GB-West African Regiment
    Army-GB
    Hythe School of Musketry
    Army-West Indian Regiment
  • 24.7 x 29 cm (image)

  • Acquired by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert

  • Subject(s)
    • Places
      • Europe
        • Great Britain
          • England
            • Kent [England]
              • Hythe [Kent]
    • Science, Medicine and Technology
      • Engineering & Technology
        • Military engineering
          • Arms (weapons)
            • Firearms
              • Rifles
    Object type(s)
      • visual works
        • photographs