Helmet badge, 1st Regiment of Madras Light Cavalry, pre-1886

Silver badge with Imperial Crown within oval garter bearing the regimental title, 'Madras Lt Cavalry'.

The 1st Madras Light Cavalry 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.

From the Field Marshal Sir John Chapple Indian Army Collection.