The Camp of the Foreign Legion at Shorncliffe. See also #5268

DESCRIPTION: This illustration, titled "The Camp of the Foreign Legion at Shorncliffe," depicts Shorncliffe Camp in Kent, England, during the mid-1850s. Originally published in The Illustrated London News on July 21, 1855, the engraving captures a significant moment in the camp's history during the Crimean War. [1, 2]Historical ContextThe British Foreign Legion: Facing a shortage of troops for the Crimean War, Great Britain raised several "Foreign Legions," including the British German, British Swiss, and British Italian Legions.Shorncliffe's Role: Shorncliffe Camp was specifically laid out and expanded between 1855 and 1856 to accommodate these foreign troops. In particular, the German legionaries were sent here after friction arose with Swiss troops stationed nearby at Dover Castle.Military Significance: Known as the "birthplace of the modern British Army," Shorncliffe was a major training center throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. It was here that innovative "light infantry" training methods were first developed and implemented. STYLE: Engraving COLOUR: Monochrome SIZE (cm): 22.5 x 15.5 CREATORS: PUBLICATION: ILN 21 July 1855 PUBLISHER: DATE: 1855 COMMENTS: Excellent condition SUBJECT: Newsprint PACKAGE: Single one-sided sheet in acid-free mount, flat & unfolded inside hard-backed envelope. Royal Mail Tracked 24 included. Note: Images are provided for illustration purposes only and are intended to show the complete printed product, including any imperfections of age that may be present. Frames or props shown in the images are for display purposes only and are not included with your purchase.