Car pennant, used by General Sir Frank Messervy, North Western Army (India), 1946-1947

Messervy used this car pennant when he was General Officer Commander-in-Chief Northern Command India between 1946 to 1947. In the lead up to India's partition, Messervy's Northern Command oversaw the Punjab Boundary Force. Many of its units consisted of a mix of Muslims, Hindus and Sikhs, but their regimental loyalties held them together and they impartially policed the unrest. Messervy reported that they were 'steady and disciplined throughout' and contrasted this with the police who were often involved in communal violence.

Messervy served as Commander-in-Chief of the Pakistan Army from 1947 to 1948. He retired from service in 1948 and was granted the honorary rank of General for his service.