Button, 1st Regiment of Madras Lancers, 1886-1901

Large, white metal button by Hobson and Sons, London with the unit initials, 'M' and 'L', flanking crossed lances, surmounted by a Guelphic Crown, with the regimental number in Roman numerals, 'I', below.

The 1st Regiment of Madras Lancers was originally raised as the 5th Madras Native Cavalry in 1787. In 1788 the regiment became the 1st Regiment of Madras Native Cavalry and the 1st Regiment of Madras Light Cavalry in 1819. It was renamed the 1st Regiment of Madras Lancers in 1886 and the 1st Madras Lancers in 1901. In 1903, with the reform of the Indian Army, the regiment became the 26th Light Cavalry. In 1906 the unit was renamed the 26th Prince of Wales's Own Light Cavalry. Another name change occurred when the Prince of Wales became King George V in 1910, with the unit adopting the title, 26th King George's Own Light Cavalry.

The regiment was amalgamated with the 30th Lancers (Gordon's Horse) in 1921, forming the 26th/30th King George's Own Light Cavalry. The following year the regiment was renamed the 8th King George's Own Light Cavalry.

From the Field Marshal Sir John Chapple Indian Army Collection.