Pouch badge, 18th Bengal Lancers, 1886-1906

Gilt badge with the regimental number, '18', above the unit initials, 'BL', over crossed lances, with scroll bearing the battle honour, 'Afghanistan 1879-80'.

The 18th Regiment of Bengal Cavalry was formed in 1861 from the 2nd Regiment of Mahratta Horse and the Tiwana Horse. The regiment adopted the lance in 1886. The battle honour on this badge is related to the 18th Regiment of Bengal Lancers' service in the 2nd Afghan War (1878-1880). The unit became the 18th Prince of Wales's Own Tiwana Lancers in 1906 and the 18th King George's Own Lancers in 1910. In 1914, during World War One (1914-1918), the regiment was sent to the Western Front. The unit went on to serve in the Middle East, fighting at the Battle of Megiddo and participating in the advance on Damascus in 1918. In 1922 the regiment was amalgamated with the 19th Lancers (Fane's Horse) to form the 19th King George V's Own Lancers.

From the Field Marshal Sir John Chapple Indian Army Collection.