Shoulder title, 30th Punjabis, 1903-1922

Brass badge with the regimental number, '30', above the curved title, Punjabis'.

The 30th Regiment of Bengal Native Infantry was originally formed in the Indian Mutiny (1857-1859) as the 22nd Regiment of Punjab Infantry. It became the 34th Regiment of Bengal Infantry in 1861 and the 30th (Punjab) Regiment of Bengal Native Infantry in 1864. The term 'Native' was dropped from the title in 1885. In the reforms of the Indian Army in 1901 and 1903, the regiment became the 30th Punjab Infantry and 30th Punjabis respectively. The regiment was amalgamated in 1922, forming the 1st Battalion, 16th Punjab Regiment.

The regiment served in the Bhutan War (1864-1865), the 2nd Afghan War (1878-1880) and the Chitral and Tirah campaigns on the North West Frontier of India, in 1895 and 1897 respectively. During World War One (1914-1918), the regiment served in East Africa, with a second battalion raised for service in the Middle East and two further battalions raised in India.

From the Field Marshal Sir John Chapple Indian Army Collection.