Cap badge, 75th Carnatic Infantry, 1903-1922

Bi-metal badge in the form of the Star of India, with the regimental number, '75', within a circlet bearing the regimental title, 'Carnatic Infantry'.

The 75th Carnatic Infantry was formed in 1903 but its origins go back to the late eighteenth century. The Carnatic is a geographic region encompassing the eastern coast of southern India. It was part of the former Madras Presidency.

The 15th Carnatic Battalion was formed in 1776, becoming the 15th Madras Battalion in 1784. It became the 2nd Battalion, 4th Regiment of Madras Native Infantry in 1796 and the 15th Madras Native Infantry in 1824. 'Native' was dropped from the regimental title in 1885. Reform of the Indian Army resulted in the 75th Carnatic Infantry becoming the 2nd Battalion of the 3rd Madras Regiment in 1922.

The unit fought in the Mysore Wars and in Burma in 1885. As the 75th Carnatic Infantry, it served in India and Aden during World War One (1914-1918).

From the Field Marshal Sir John Chapple Indian Army Collection.