East Africa Rifles 1899? Waiting for the train.

[Harry Fecitt]

Whilst exploring the McMillan Library in Nairobi last year I came across this loose image in a book published in 1900, and I photographed it.

I believe that it shows a detachment of the East Africa Rifles in 1899 waiting for a train to arrive, probably in Nairobi where the first train arrived that year.

At that time the unit still had an Indian contingent, the other companies being composed of Sudanese and Swahilis.

I find the head-dress, particularly of the Indians, interesting.

Has any Gentleman got comments or information to add?

Harry

[paul wood]

Guard of honour I assume to welcome all the bigwigs who were travelling on the inaugural journey of "the lunatic express". An excellent photograph and extremely well found.

Paul

[Harry Fecitt]

Paul

Thank you for showing interest - I do not think that there are many other photographs of the East Africa Rifles.

Harry

[Ed_Haynes]

Nice photos. I know the Centre for Armed Forces Historical Reserach (New Delhi) has a few more period photos, but they are uncommon.