This article is about the 27th Light Cavalry 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 27th Light Cavalry in the First World War
Lineage: The Regiment’s initial date of formation is lost to history but it was in the service of the Nawab of Arcot (Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India) prior to 1780. Joined the East India Company’s service in 1784 as the 3rd Regiment of Madras Native Cavalry and became the 1st Regiment of Madras Native Cavalry the same year. The 4th Regiment in 1786, the 2nd Regiment in 1788 and subsequently the 2nd Regiment of Madras Light Infantry in 1819. Then the 2nd Regiment of Madras Lancers in 1886, the 2nd Madras Lancers in 1901 and the 27th Light Cavalry 1903. The Regiment became the 16th Light Cavalry in 1922.
Composition in 1914: 1 Squadron of Madras and Dekhani Muslims, 1 of Punjabi Muslims, 1 of Rathore Rajputs and 1 of Jats.
Location in July 1914: The 27th Light Cavalry was stationed at Neemuch (Madhya Pradesh, India) having arrived from Jubbulpore (Madhya Pradesh, India) on 7 January 1911.
The 27th Light Cavalry was stationed at Neemuch when the First World War broke out in August 1914. The 27th Light Cavalry as inspected by Colonel H. M. Johnston, 15th Lancers, Special Inspecting Officer of Cavalry, 5th (Mhow) Division:
Turn-out: Well mounted and steady.
Efficiency in drill: Very good.
Manoeuvres: Particularly quick and steady.
General efficiency: In spite of the fact that it has not been in Brigade for some years, it fell into its place from the start. Fit for service.
Confidential review reports on Indian Army units for 1913-1914: IOR/L/MIL/7/17023
War Diaries of the 27th Light Cavalry
Unfortunately, there are no war diaries for the 27th Light Cavalry.
Further Sources for the 27th Light Cavalry
A good source of information concerning the 27th Light Cavalry 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 27th Light Cavalry 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 27th Light Cavalry, the Indian Army List can be consulted.
Regimental History: There is no regimental history for the 27th Light Cavalry covering the First World War period.