The whole regiment is on parade in this panorama, printed on a whole page of The Navy and Army Illustrated of 24 July 1896. They are at Shillong where they had been stationed since 1867. A British officer stands out in front and the Gurkha officers are in a line behind him. At either end of this line are British officers, some wearing red tunics and white helmets who were attached to the 44th Gurkhas from other units. On the left of the photo can be seen two small 7-pounder artillery pieces which were referred to as Bubble and Squeak. Two mountain guns had been allotted to the Sylhet Battalion in 1827 but were subsequently dispensed with. In 1883 they were again issued with two guns which remained part of their armament until 1905.
At a short distance behind the guns is the regimental band which had been instituted in 1877 and sanctioned by the government. The regimental history also says that a pipe band was started in 1890. Between the band and the main body of Gurkhas there are men in pale uniforms and turbans. These may be the last remnants of the Hindustani element that were being phased out. Further back from the band are Gurkhas standing apart from the rest, who may be pioneers. Right at the back of the ranks are Gurkhas in khaki service dress. These are recruits who have not yet received their dress uniform.
