Helmet badge, 2nd Regiment of Madras Light Cavalry, pre-1886

Originally raised for the Nawab of Arcot's Army as the 3rd Regiment of Cavalry (Stevenson's), the unit transferred to British service as the 3rd Madras Native Cavalry in 1784. It was renumbered the 2nd Madras Native Cavalry In 1788, losing the title 'native', and becoming the 2nd Madras Light Cavalry in 1819. It became the 2nd Regiment of Madras Lancers in 1886. Reform of the Indian Army in 1903 led to a renumbering of the unit to 27th Light Cavalry. Finally, the last change before partition occurred in 1922 when further reform led to the unit becoming the 16th Light Cavalry.

The battle honour, 'Seringapatam', acknowledges the regiment's service in the in the 4th Mysore War (1799).

From the Field Marshal Sir John Chapple Indian Army Collection.