Button, 87th Punjabis, 1903-1922

Small bi-metal button by J R Gaunt and Son Limited, London, with seven-pointed star with regimental number, '87', within circlet bearing the title, 'Punjabis', surmounted by King's Crown.

The 87th Punjabis was formed in 1903 from the 27th Madras Infantry. The unit served in India during much of World War One (1914-1918), based at Jhelum on the North West Frontier. Drafts of men from the unit provided replacements for other units serving overseas. It was eventually posted to Mesopotamia in 1917 and remained there during the Kurdish Revolt of 1919. In 1922 the unit became the 5th Battalion, 2nd Punjab Regiment.

From the Field Marshal Sir John Chapple Indian Army Collection.