The Coldstream Guards is the oldest regiment of the British Army in continuous active service, part of the Foot Guards of the Guards Division. It originated in Coldstream, Scotland, where General George Monck founded the regiment in 1650. The Coldstream Guards is one of two regiments of the Household Division that can trace its lineage to the New Model Army, the other being the Blues and Royals (Royal Horse Guards and 1st Dragoons). During the Crimean War (1853–1856), the Coldstream Guards fought in the Battle of the Alma, the Battle of Inkerman and the Siege of Sevastopol. On its return, four men of the regiment were awarded the newly instituted Victoria Cross.
This picture is a carbon print of a photograph titled Heroes of the Crimean War. From left to right, the guardsmen depicted are Joseph Numa, John Potter and James Deal. The photograph is dated 1856 and was produced by Hughes & Mullins, after a similar photograph by Cundall & Howlett. This copy was commissioned by Queen Victoria and printed around 1889 to 1891; it is now part of the Royal Collection.Photograph credit: Hughes & Mullins, after Cundall & Howlett; restored by Adam Cuerden