WW1 Indian Army Cavalry - 31st Duke of Connaught's Own Lancers Officer's Gilt Service Dress Cap Badge

A fine gilt cast brass cap badge of some quality with two original loops for fixings to the reverse and strengthening bars to the reverse of the lances . In very good condition with some service wear to loops. Worn circa 1903 - 1922. Rare.

The badge is in the form of the unit's number in Roman numerals, 'XXXI', over crossed lances, with a King's Crown above and a scroll bearing the unit title, 'Duke of Connaught's Own'. Circa 44mm tall. Appears to be theatre made.

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.

The shoulder title can be viewed as my item 67141 (now sold).

"Sowars & Sepoys in The Great War" (A.Nath) Fig 167 refers.

Comm DaMc (507)

Sold to Bobby

Code: 67880