Central Office of Information photograph issued in March 1955. Catalogue ref: INF 10/153. Original caption says: ‘Photograph shows Newcastle Hill Station Military Camp in the Blue Mountains. The Hill Station is 3,719 feet up and some 19 miles from Kingston.’
- Why do you think this photograph was taken?
- What jobs did some men do in Jamaica after service in the Jamaican Regiment?
- Does the photograph and caption reveal anything about the relationship between Britain and Jamaica?
Further notes are provided on the reverse of the photograph as follows:
‘THE JAMAICAN REGIMENT
The Colony of Jamaica, British West Indies
An unrecognised militia existed in Jamaica before 1914, but it was at the beginning of the First World War that the Jamaica local forces really came into being. In November 1940 the Jamaica Infantry Volunteers (later called the Jamaica Battalion and now know as the Jamaican Regiment) was granted colours by the late King George VI. It is believed to be the first colonial local force to be granted colours by a reigning monarch.
The Jamaican Regiment is a full-time force. Recruits, of whom there is a steady stream, are required to serve for twelve months. Many are tradesmen, and after their years’ service they return to their trade. Others on leaving the Regiment join the police force or enlist to the prison service as warders. All recruits are given basic recreational instruction, and athletics, cricket and football are included in their course.’