1st Battalion, The Rifles Portrait Sittings

British ArmyBritish RegimentsBritish MilitaryInfantryRifle RegimentSoldiery
Written By RORY LEWIS

Soldiery (British Army Portraits) was one of the most challenging and rewarding projects of my career. Now that the exhibitions are complete, I can take the opportunity to publish a selection of portraits from the sittings — captured through my non profit, Heroes in Focus.

Among the many regiments I photographed, the 1st Battalion, The Rifles stands out for its deep sense of tradition and distinct identity. Little has changed for The Rifles since the Napoleonic Wars. They remain at the forefront of battle — trained as marksmen and defined by discipline, independence, and quiet professionalism. They do not carry a flag; instead, their Battle Honours are proudly worn on their parade uniforms.

Each Rifleman carries the history of the regiment. On the belt plate, there are 34 Battle Honours represented, inherited from the forming and antecedent regiments.

The bugle has long been central to The Rifles’ identity — both as a symbol and a tool of communication. Adopted in the 18th century, it replaced the cumbersome drum for its clarity and range. Its piercing note could be heard up to three miles away, a crucial advantage in the chaos of battle. Originally an ox horn, it later evolved into polished silver, producing a sharper, more distinguished sound.

The bugle remains at the heart of The Rifles’ musical traditions today. Daily routines in the battalions are marked by bugle calls, and The Rifles sound rather than beat Retreat — a proud distinction. Their history has even found a touch of popular fame through the Sharpe television series.

Upon arrival at Chepstow, the home of 1st Battalion, I was greeted by a young officer no more than 23 years of age. There, I found myself behind the lens with soldiers as young as 18 — a humbling and awe-inspiring experience. To truly realise how young many of these men are, and to imagine the careers that await them, is to understand the living spirit of service that Heroes in Focus seeks to preserve.

Portraits include:
Lieutenant Baldwin · Captain Axford · Rifleman Woods · Sergeant Bugle Major Lewis · Rifleman Armour · Captain Massey ·

1st Battalion, The Rifles

1st Battalion, The Rifles

The Rifles

RORY LEWIS

Winner of the Portrait of Britain in 2017 and 2018. Lewis is a dedicated portrait photographer who has spent over a decade capturing many of the world’s most recognised faces. Sitters have included the likes of William Shatner, David Cameron, Sir Derek Jacobi, Iain Glen and Natalie Dormer. Rory’s images have been exhibited on both sides of the Atlantic, and several of his iconic portraits have been acquired by the National Portrait Gallery in London. His recent project, ‘Soldiery’, which documented the British Army of the 21st Century, was completed over a two year period and has been hailed as a national success story, named by the BBC as ‘The changing face of the British Army’. Rory divides his time between London and Los Angeles, working with a wide variety of clients. In addition to his projects and private portraits, his photography has been commissioned by Pepsi, Universal, the British Army, The Times, The Guardian and Cancer Research UK, among others. Rory draws immense inspiration from the masters of art including Hans Holbein the Younger, Titian, Caravaggio and Jusepe de Ribera.

http://www.rorylewis.studio
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