WW2 Indian Army 2nd Royal Lancers (Gardners Horse) OSD cap badge

High quality die cast dark bronzed finish Officers Service Dress cap badges pair with rear blade fixings.

The 2nd Lancers (Gardner’s Horse) is one of the oldest and most decorated armoured regiments in the Indian Army. It was originally raised in 1809 by Lieutenant-Colonel William Linnæus Gardner as a corps of irregular cavalry.

In 1922, as part of a reorganization of the British Indian Army, the 2nd Lancers (Gardner’s Horse) was amalgamated with the 4th Cavalry to form the 2nd/4th Cavalry. This title was short-lived, and by July 1922, the unit was re-designated as the 2nd Lancers (Gardner’s Horse). In 1935, the regiment received the “Royal” prefix, becoming the 2nd Royal Lancers (Gardner’s Horse).

During World War II, the regiment served in the Western Desert campaign as part of the 3rd Indian Motor Brigade, 7th Armoured Division. They participated in key battles, including the Battle of Gazala in 1942. Following the brigade’s dispersal, the regiment returned to India in 1943, where it was converted into an armoured car regiment. In October 1943, Lieutenant-Colonel Maharaj Rajendra Sinhji became the first Indian to command the regiment, marking a significant milestone in its history.

After India’s independence in 1947, the regiment was allotted to the Indian Army and reverted to its designation as the 2nd Lancers (Gardner’s Horse) in 1950.

Code: 64321