Helmet badge, 126th Baluchistan Infantry, 1903-1922

Gilt badge with the regimental number, '126', at the intersection of crossed knives (pesh-kabz).

The 26th Bombay Native Infantry was the last regiment of infantry to be raised by the Bombay Army of the East India Company, being established in 1825 as the 2nd Extra Battalion of Bombay Native Infantry. Its name was changed a year later. The regiment served in the Persian War (1856-1857), on the North West Frontier of India.

The word 'Native' was dropped from the unit title in 1885 and the name changed again in 1892, to the 26th (Baluchistan) Regiment of Bombay Infantry. The regiment served in the 3rd China War (Boxer Rebellion) (1900-1901).

Reform of the Indian Army in 1901 and 1902 led to the regiment being renamed the 26th Baluchistan Infantry and the 126th Baluchistan Infantry respectively. During World War One (1914-1918) the regiment served in Aden, Egypt and Mesopotamia.

In 1922 the regiment was amalgamated and became the 2nd Battalion, 10th Baluch Regiment. In World War Two (1939-1941) the battalion fought in Malaya prior to the fall of Singapore.

From the Field Marshal Sir John Chapple Indian Army Collection.