'Sergeant Fane's Horse', 1865 (c)

Watercolour by an unknown artist, 1865 (c).

Lieutenant Fane (1828-1885) of the Madras Native Infantry raised an irregular cavalry unit for service in China in 1860. The recruits were taken from regiments disbanded in the aftermath of the Indian Mutiny. The new regiment largely consisted of Sikhs, Pathans and Punjabi Moslems as caste restrictions prevented many Hindus serving overseas. Fane's unit took part in the capture of the Taku Forts and on returning to India in 1860 became the 19th Bengal Cavalry (Lancers).

In 1861, the regiment became the 19th Regiment of Bengal Cavalry, and four years later 'Lancers' was added to its title. In 1874 it became the 19th Regiment of Bengal Lancers, being renamed in 1901 the 19th Bengal Lancers (Fane's Horse). Following its amalgamation with the 18th King George's Own Lancers in 1921, the regiment became the 19th King George's Own Lancers.