Colonel Probyn, CB, VC, and Honorary ADC to the Viceroy of India and HM's Indian Cavalry, 1867

Oil on canvas, by James Rannie Swinton (1816-1888), 1867 (c).

Colonel (later General Sir) Dighton MacNaghten Probyn VC (1833-1924) is shown in the uniform of 11th Bengal Lancers. He began his career with 2nd Punjab Cavalry, serving for five years in operations on the Trans-Indus frontier before his outstanding service in the Indian Mutiny (1857-1859). He was mentioned in despatches seven times during the Mutiny, then awarded the Victoria Cross 'for gallantry and daring throughout this campaign'.

In 1858, he was appointed to command 1st Regiment of Sikh Irregular Cavalry. This became 11th Bengal Cavalry in 1861. Although Probyn gave up command of the regiment in 1866, a year later he sat to Swinton for his portrait in this uniform, an indication of his pride in the regiment. Probyn served in the 2nd China War (1856-1860), and went on to receive a number of honours and awards, becoming a General in 1888 and a Privy Counsellor in 1901. He served for 54 years in the Royal Households of King Edward VII, King George V and Queen Alexandra, and died in 1924 at the age of 91.

In 1904 when Probyn was appointed Honorary Colonel of his former regiment, it became 11th Prince of Wales's Own Lancers (Probyn's Horse). After Partition in 1947, it was assigned to the Army of Pakistan as Probyn's Horse (5th King Edward VII's Own Lancers). Since 1956, when Pakistan became a republic, Probyn's name has remained only on its badge.

Purchased with the assistance of the Art Fund (formerly the National Art Collections Fund or NACF).