The "Stokers Band" poses during a "practice" on a pile of coal or coal ashes.

This image of sooty stokers and their musical instruments may have been intended as a "gag" photograph. It is in keeping with other photographs that make light of the more onerous tasks aboard ship. Niobe's entry ports (left and right) and one of Niobe's 12-pounder guns (left centre) can be seen in the background.

George Metcalf Archival Collection
CWM 19830056-042