The Royal Engineers had set up a photographic unit at the School of Military Engineering at Chatham in 1856. The purpose of the unit was to photograph maps and plans for distribution to the army and also to record important sites, installations and equipment. The photographers of the Royal Engineers, including the chief photographer, Sergeant Harrold, were sent on the Abyssinian expedition with the 10th Company Royal Engineers to photograph the army camps and environs. Included are portraits of Sir R. Napier and staff, Sir C Staveley, Dr. Currie and medical staff, Kassa's Prime Minister, rescued Missionaries, Artizans and families.