Photograph of four soldiers from the 17th Light Dragoon (Lancers) who served in the Crimean War. From left to right: Corporal Thomas Smith, Corporal William Dimmock, Private William Pearson and Corporal Thomas Foster. All are wearing military uniform including helmets with plumes and the Crimea Medal. They are each holding a flagpole and a sword and there is a building with a veranda behind.

These soldiers were awarded the Crimean Medal by Queen Victoria on 18th May 1855. Throughout the war she had taken an active interest in the welfare of the troops and on their return to Britain she met a number of veterans at Buckingham Palace and at the military hospital at Chatham.