This article is about the 23rd Cavalry (Frontier Force) in the First World War and will help you research soldiers who served with the Regiment. I have also created other guides to researching the Indian Army and its soldiers which can be viewed by clicking on the link below:
The 23rd Cavalry (Frontier Force) in the First World War
Lineage: Raised at Lahore (Punjab, Pakistan) by Lieutenant W. G. Prendergast as the 3rd Regiment of Punjab Cavalry. In 1851 became the 3rd Regiment of Cavalry Punjab Irregular Force, then the 3rd Regiment of Cavalry, Punjab Frontier Force in 1861, the 3rd Punjab Cavalry in 1901 and the 23rd Cavalry (Frontier Force) in 1903. The Regiment was amalgamated with the 21st (Prince Albert Victor’s Own) Cavalry (Daly’s Horse) in 1921 to form the 21st/23rd Cavalry which became the 11th Prince Albert Victor’s Own Cavalry (Frontier Force) in 1922.
Composition in 1914: 1 1/2 Squadrons of Sikhs, 1/2 of Dogras, 1 of Hindustani Muslims, 1/2 of Punjabi Muslims and 1/2 of Pathans.
Location in July 1914: The 23rd Cavalry (Frontier Force) was stationed at Lahore Cantonment (Punjab, Pakistan) having arrived from Quetta (Balochistan, Pakistan) on 5 January 1914.
The 23rd Cavalry (Frontier Force) was stationed at Lahore when the First World War broke out i August 1914. The 23rd Cavalry was inspected by Lieutenant-General M. H. S. Grover, Commanding 4th (Quetta) Division on 30 October 1913 who reported:
General efficiency: In all matters affecting its efficiency the regiment is in a very satisfactory condition. It is well trained and well commanded and it is in all respects fit for service.
Confidential review reports on Indian Army units for 1913-1914: IOR/L/MIL/7/17023
War Diaries of the 23rd Cavalry (Frontier Force)
There are four war diaries for the 23rd Cavalry (Frontier Force) and the first two have been digitized by the National Archives.
- Date: May 1915 – March 1916
- 6th Indian Cavalry Brigade
- Reference: WO 95/5087/3
- Notes:
- Date: April 1916 – June 1919
- Karun Front
- Reference: WO 95/5011/6
- Notes:
- Date: October 1917 – November 1918
- 11th Indian Cavalry Brigade
- Reference: WO 95/5092/3
- Notes:
- Date: May – September 1919
- Lines of Communication Defence, Peshawar Area, North West Frontier Force
- Reference: WO 95/5392
- Notes:
Further Sources for the 23rd Cavalry (Frontier Force)
A good source of information concerning the 23rd Cavalry (Frontier Force) and the British officers who served with it are its confidential reports held at the British Library: Confidential Reports on Regiments etc. However, when the Regiment was abroad only its Depot and the British officers serving there were reported on. For information regarding the British and Indian officers who served with the 23rd Cavalry (Frontier Force) the Indian Army List can be consulted.
Regimental History: There is no regimental history for the 23rd Cavalry (Frontier Force).