Madras Pioneers, New War Kit and Uniform, 1890 (c)

Watercolour by Alfred Crowdy Lovett (1862-1919), 1890 (c).

Originally raised in 1758 as the 1st Battalion Coast Sepoys in 1758, the unit became the 1st Carnatic Battalion in 1769 and the 1st Madras Battalion in 1784. It was renamed the 1st Battalion, 1st Madras Native Infantry in 1796 and became the 1st Regiment Madras Native Infantry in 1824. The regiment became the 1st Regiment Madras Native Infantry (Pioneers) in 1883, with the term 'Native' dropped in 1885. Reform of the Indian Army led to the creation of the 1st Madras Pioneers in 1903 and then the 61st Madras Pioneers in 1903. The regiment became the 61st Prince of Wales's Own Pioneers in 1906 and, when Prince George became King George V in 1910, the regiment became the 61st King George's Own Pioneers in 1910.