This group of officers was one of four photos published in The Navy & Army Illustrated on 24 July 1896. In the centre sits the only British officer, the adjutant, Lieutenant J A Wilson, who later commanded the regiment during WW1, from 1914 to 1917. He is flanked by two senior Subadars, the one on the left of the photo being Subadar-Major Kalu Thapa. The body language demonstrates the superior status of British officers at that time; that however senior the rank of the native officer he would always be subordinate.
The simplicity of the uniforms of the native officers are in contrast with Wilson’s smart braided jacket which has black velvet facings. The Jemadars and Subadars wear a green jacket with black collar. The cuffs are pointed but of the same colour as the jacket. The pantaloons are also green, with black puttees and lace-up ankle boots. These also contrast with the British officer’s green breeches and polished riding boots. The pillbox cap has black lace and a black button on top surrounded by figured black braid. Wilson’s green field service cap was an undress item in place of the green cloth-covered helmet. All the officers have medals, the India Medal in some cases having five clasps. There are at least five recipients of the Indian Order of Merit and the caption to the picture claims that seven of the officers had been wounded in action.
