British and Indian officers of an unknown Indian Army cavalry unit, 1920s (c)

Photograph, India, 1920s (c).

After the First World War the desire for Indian self determination grew and political reforms were introduced by the British. Changes to the Indian Army were part of this wider process. Several regiments were selected to be 'Indianised'. The appointment of new British subalterns was terminated in order to create entirely Indian officer cadres, up to and including the rank of colonel. Whereas previously all Indian commissioned officers had ranked below the most junior British subaltern, their status was now based on rank alone. They could also command British troops and lead their own units, something impossible prior to the reforms.

From an album of photographs, letters and newspaper cuttings associated with the 18th King George's Own Lancers, 19th Lancers (Fane's Horse) and 19th King George's Own Lancers, 1858-1961; inscribed on cover, 'Presented by the 19th KGV's Own Lancers Ex-officers Reunion Association 1958', with a foreword by Major General Roland Dening, 1960.