The 87th Regiment of Foot in Mauritius.

The 87th spent 12 years on garrison duties in Mauritius from 1831. An inspecting officer noted in 1840:

'... it would be exceedingly desirable that the soldiers should be provided with an Evening Meal. From the dinner hour at one o'clock until eight the next morning he fasts - he has no meal in the interval, and in many instances acts of intemperance are more readily induced in consequence'.

The men were more prone to drink as they could do so very cheaply - a man could get drunk in Mauritius for one penny.