Cap badge, 9th Bhopal Infantry, 1903-1922

White metal badge in the form of a mahseer fish above a scroll bearing the unit title, 'Bhopal IX Infantry'.

The Bhopal Levy was raised after the Indian Mutiny (1857-1859) and was renamed the Bhopal Battalion in 1865. It participated in the 2nd Afghan War (1878-1880). With the reform of the Indian Army in 1903 the unit was reorganised as the 9th Bhopal Infantry. During World War One (1914-1918) the regiment served on the Western Front and in Mesopotamia. In 1922 further reforms led to the regiment's amalgamation with other units to form the 16th Punjab Regiment. The 9th Bhopal Infantry formed the 4th Battalion (Bhopal) 16th Punjab Regiment. During World War Two (1939-1945) the unit fought in North Africa and in Italy, notably at Monte Cassino in 1944 where it suffered heavy casualties. With Partition in 1947, the unit became part of the Pakistan Army.

The fish insignia, a symbol of authority, honour and dignity (Mahi Maratib) in the Mughal Empire, was bestowed upon the city of Bhopal in 1728. It was subsequently incorporated into the coat of arms of the city under British imperial rule.

From the Field Marshal Sir John Chapple Indian Army Collection.