Button, 16th Rajputs (The Lucknow Regiment), pre-1922

Small, circular, bi-metal button made by Gaunt, London, with a fortified, turreted gate, upon a plain ground.

The Lucknow Regiment was formed during the Indian Mutiny (1857-1859) in 1857, from loyal elements of a number of Bengal infantry regiments. The unit became the 16th Bengal Infantry in 1861. The title 'Lucknow' was adopted in 1864. In 1897 the regiment was renamed the 16th (The Lucknow) Rajput Bengal Infantry. From 1903 to 1922 the unit was named the 16th Rajput Infantry (The Lucknow Regiment). As part of the reforms of the Indian Army in 1922 the unit became the 10th (Training) Battalion 7th Rajput Regiment. Following the Partition of India the unit became the Indian Army's Rajput Regiment.

The fortified castle gate on the button commemorates the Baillie Guard Gate of the Lucknow Residency. During the Indian Mutiny siege the defenders of the gate included men of the predecessor units of the 16th Rajputs.

From the Field Marshal Sir John Chapple Indian Army Collection.