Cap badge, 49th Bengal Infantry, 1917-1920

Blackened white metal and brass badge with the unit numeral, '49', surmounted by crown, with a scroll bearing the unit's title.

The 49th Bengal Infantry was formed in Karachi in 1917. Unusually, the unit drew exclusively from Bengali recruits despite the traditional prejudice which classified them as poorly suited for martial service. After a period of garrison duty in Mesopotamia, the unit was demobilised in 1920.

From the Field Marshal Sir John Chapple Indian Army Collection.