Cap badge, 20th Deccan Horse, 1903-1922

Bronze badge with rearing horse on a scroll bearing the title, 'Deccan'.

The 9th Deccan Horse was formed in 1790 as part of the Nizam of Hyderabad's state forces. Two regiments of cavalry were raised and formed part of the Hyderabad Contingent, allied to the East India Company's Madras forces. As part of General Lord Kitchener's reform of the Indian Army, these regiments were renamed the 20th Deccan Horse and the 29th Lancers (Deccan Horse). Both units saw service on the Western Front and in the Middle East during World War One (1914-1918). The two regiments were amalgamated in 1922 and became the Royal Deccan Horse (9th Horse).

From the Field Marshal Sir John Chapple Indian Army Collection.