Button, 13th (The Shekhawati) Rajput Regiment of Bengal Infantry, 1885-1901

Small gilt button with etched regimental number, '13'.

The 13th Regiment of Bengal Native Infantry was originally raised in Shekhawati in 1835. The regiment was incorporated into the East India Company in 1843. It became the 13th Regiment of Bengal Native Infantry in 1861. It became the 13th (The Shekhawati) Regiment of Bengal Native Infantry in 1884 with the word 'Native' dropped from the title in 1885. The regiment was renamed the 13th (The Shekhawati) Rajput Regiment of Bengal Infantry in 1897 and became the 13th (Shekhawati) Rajput Infantry in 1901. Reform of the Indian Army in 1903 resulted in the unit being named the 13th Rajputs (The Shekhawati Regiment). In 1922 the amalgamation of Indian Army regiments resulted in the unit taking on a training role as the 10th Battalion, 6th Rajputana Rifles.

The regiment fought in the 1st Sikh War (1845-1846) and was awarded a battle honour for the Battle of Aliwal in 1846. It remained loyal to the British during the Indian Mutiny (1857-1859) and fought in the 2nd Afghan War (1878-1880). During World War One (1914-1918), the regiment formed part of Indian Expeditionary Force B which participated in the campaign in East Africa and fought at the Battle of Tanga in 1914.

From the Field Marshal Sir John Chapple Indian Army Collection.