amightydirge:Pontifical Zouave of Major O'Reilley’s Papal Brigade. The Papal Zouaves were formed dur
amightydirge:Pontifical Zouave of Major O'Reilley’s Papal Brigade. The Papal Zouaves were formed during the chaos of the Italian Unification Wars. The Brigade was open to foreigners, and Catholics around the world travelled to Rome to aide in the defense of the Holy See. Large numbers of Dutchmen, Frenchmen, and Belgians served, with small numbers coming in from a variety of nations, including America, Russia, India, Spain, Mexico, and China. Pontifical Zouaves wore grey uniforms with red details, and wore a grey and red kepi instead of a fez. Regardless of their origin and composition, the Zouaves once again lived up to their reputation, displaying ferocity and valor during the war. -- source link