Originally recruited from North Africa, the Zouaves of the French Army were famous for their distinctive uniform of fez, short and collarless jacket and baggy pantaloons.

In the Crimean War at the Battle of Alma, the Zouaves took part in the French Army’s assault that turned the Russian left flank leading to the allied success. At the Battle of Inkerman the Zouaves rushing to the aid of the British Guards contributed to the allies repulsing the large attacking Russian Army. At the battle of Sevastapol, the Zouaves led the successful attack on the Malakoff fortifications forcing the eventual Russian evacuation.