WW1 Indian Army Cavalry - 31st Duke of Connaught's Own Lancers Brass Shoulder Title

A UK Made brass shoulder title with two original loops for fixings. In very good condition. Worn circa 1903 - 1923. Scarce.

In 1903, Lord Kitchener's Indian Army reforms were implemented, under which the 1st (Duke of Connaught's Own) Bombay Lancers were renamed as the 31st (Duke of Connaught's Own) Bombay Lancers and this was the regiment's title as they entered the First World War. It had a history going back to the raising of the Bombay Squadron of Cavalry in 1803 but was known as the 1st Regiment of Bombay Light Cavalry for much of the 19th century.

In 1914, the 31st (Duke of Connaught's Own) Bombay Lancers consisted of one squadron each of Dekhani Mahrattas, Jats, Sikhs and Pathans. They spent the duration of the First World War at Kohat on the North West Frontier where they maintained regional security against Afghan and warlord aggression, receiving the battle honour 'NW Frontier, India 1917'. They also took part in the 3rd Afghan War in 1919 for which they received the battle honour 'Afghanistan 1919'. Cavalry reforms that were implemented by 1922 saw them amalgamated with 32nd Lancers, forming the 13th Duke of Connaught's Own Bombay Lancers.

"Sowars & Sepoys in The Great War" (A.Nath) Fig 170 refers.

Comm DaMc (313)

Code: 67141