Collar badge, 15th Lancers, 1922-1947

Brass badge, one of a pair, in the form of crossed lances with the unit number in large Roman numerals, 'XV', at the intersection, with a scroll below bearing the unit title, 'Lancers'.

Following World War One (1914-1918), the number of Indian Cavalry Regiments was reduced from 39 to 21, but rather than further disbandments, units were amalgamated in pairs. The 15th Lancers was formed at Lucknow on 15 February 1922 by an amalgamation of 17th Cavalry, and 37th Lancers (Baluch Horse). The regiment was initially titled as 17th/37th Lancers but was renamed 15th Lancers within the same year. The new regiment inherited the combined battle honours, 'Afghanistan 1878-80' and 'Afghanistan 1919'.

This renumbering created the possibility of confusion, as another regiment numbered 15 already existed, however that other regiment, the 15th Lancers (Cureton's Multanis), amalgamated with the 14th Murray's Jat Lancers to form the 20th Lancers.

In 1937, the 15th Lancers reorganised as the training regiment for the 1st Cavalry Group. In 1940, it amalgamated with 12th Cavalry (Frontier Force), however the training centre was disbanded the following year. The Pakistan Army re-raised a 12th Cavalry (Frontier Force) and a 15th Lancers in 1955 as reconnaissance regiments.

From the Field Marshal Sir John Chapple Indian Army Collection.