Waistbelt clasp, 9th Bombay Native Infantry, 1855-1885

Silver and gilt waistbelt clasp with the regimental number, '9', surmounted by an Imperial Crown, within a circlet bearing the unit title, 'Bombay Native Infantry'.

The 9th Bombay Infantry had its origin in the creation of the 5th Battalion, Bombay Sepoys in 1768. The unit became the 2nd Battalion, 1st Bombay Native Infantry in 1796. The unit served in the Mysore Wars and gained the battle honours, 'Mysore' and 'Seringapatam'. The regiment was renamed the 9th Bombay Native Infantry in 1824 and went on to fight in the 2nd Sikh War (1848-1849) and the 2nd Afghan War (1878-1880). The term 'Native' was dropped from the regiment's title in 1885. In 1903, as part of the reform of the Indian Army, the regiment was renumbered the 109th Infantry. In 1922 the unit was amalgamated and became the 4th Battalion 4th Bombay Grenadiers. It was disbanded in 1930.

From the Field Marshal Sir John Chapple Indian Army Collection.