2-913-619 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Band of the 3rd French Regiment playing in H.M. Naval Yard, at Deal, 1854. Crimean War: French military band in Kent. '...a deputation of gentlemen from Deal waited on the Colonel of the...French line, on board the Prince, to solicit the services of the band on shore. The request was promptly granted; and...the spacious area of the Dockyard...filled by a dense crowd of spectators, while a large number of ladies occupied seats in front of the building. The French band consisted of nearly sixty musicians, all well trained; and the style in which they played the various pieces chosen for the occasion was the subject of general admiration...A cold collation was served up in the Boat-house, to which due honour was done by the French band...small parties were also held at the Barracks and throughout the town during the evening...the soldiers of England and France fraternised in the most cordial manner'. From "Illustrated London News", 1854.