Pouch badge, Governor's Body Guard, Bombay, pre-1876

Gilt badge with Royal monogram, 'VR' and scroll bearing the title, 'Bombay', within a garter surmounted by a crown, within wreath.

The Governor's Body Guard, Bombay was raised at Pune (Poona) in 1865 from part of the South Mahratta Horse at the time of the latter unit's disbandment. The Bodyguard comprised two British officers, seconded from other cavalry regiments, twelve Indian NCOs, four of them dafadars (equivalent to sergeant in the British Army), and 46 sowars (cavalrymen).

From the Field Marshal Sir John Chapple Indian Army Collection.