3-065-565 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Life on board a troop-ship: evening amusements, 1874. 'The sketches by Major W. O. Carlile, R.A., representing the ordinary scenes and incidents of daily habit among the soldiers of our army, when embarked on their voyage to a distant field of service in foreign or colonial lands, are continued by two more Illustrations. They were taken on board H.M.S. Himalaya, a Government troop-ship...The evening amusements on deck, where a large audience is frequently assembled around the foremast to hear the best comic singer in the regimental company, or perhaps a sailor of the ship's crew, who is gifted with the talent of musical mimicry, present a good example of the soldier's life when at sea. An old coat of civilian fashion or livery, a battered old hat and cotton umbrella, breeches or trousers tucked up in a ludicrous manner, with a coloured neckerchief, make up the regular stage attire for one of those droll character songs which excite much laughter when skilfully performed'. From "Illustrated London News", 1874.