Pugri badge, 33rd Punjab Infantry, 1901-1903

Silver badge in the form of a five-pointed star with the unit number, '33', within a crescent, inscribed with the title, 'Punjab Infantry'.

The pugri or pagri is a form of headdress.

This unit was originally raised in Allahabad, during the Indian Mutiny in 1857. After hostilities ended, the Allahabad Levy became the 37th Native Infantry but were renumbered the 33rd in 1861. In 1891, 'Allahabad' was dropped from its title and, in 1891, the unit became the 33rd (Punjab) Regiment Bengal Infantry. The 33rd Punjabis served in East Africa, the Middle East and on the Western Front During World War One (1914-1918). In the major reorganisation of the Indian Army in 1921-1922, the 33rd Punjabis became the 3rd Battalion of 16th Punjab Regiment. The 3rd Battalion saw service in the Far East during World War Two (1939-1945). In 1947, the 16th Punjabi Regiment became part of the Pakistan Army.

From the Field Marshal Sir John Chapple Indian Army Collection.