This article on the 2nd Battalion 99th Deccan Infantry aims to help you research the Battalion and those who served with it during the First World War. I have written a separate article on the 1st Battalion 99th Deccan Infantry and also a series of guides to help you research soldiers who served in the Indian Army during the war. The links below will take you to the guides:
- Guide to the 1st Battalion 99th Deccan Infantry
- Guides to Researching Soldiers who Served in the Indian Army
The 2nd Battalion 99th Deccan Infantry in the First World War
Lineage: The 2nd Battalion 99th Deccan Infantry was formed at Arangaon (Maharashtra, India) on 4 March 1918 and disbanded in 1919. For a history of the Regiment’s lineage see my page on the 1st Battalion 99th Deccan Infantry.
Class Composition of Battalion in 1919: 2 Companies of Hindustani Muslims, 1 Company of Rajputs and 1 Company United Provinces Jats.
The 2nd Battalion 99th Deccan Infantry was a short-lived Indian infantry battalion formed at Arangaon (Maharashtra, India) on 4 March 1918. The Battalion’s first commanding officer was Acting Lieutenant-Colonel Robert James Hilson who was appointed from the 91st Punjabis on 8 April 1918. Below is an excerpt from the July 1918 edition of the Indian Army List showing the British officers serving with the Battalion. The inexperience of the British officers and the number on probation or with a temporary commission (T.C.) is typical of a war-raised Indian infantry battalion. The Battalion saw no active service and was disbanded in 1919.
War Diaries of the 2nd Battalion 99th Deccan Infantry
Unfortunately, there are no war diaries for the 2nd Battalion 99th Deccan Infantry
Further Sources for the 2nd Battalion 99th Deccan Infantry
Due to the Battalion’s brief existence, there are few sources available. For information regarding British and Indian soldiers who served with the 2nd Battalion 99th Deccan Infantry, the Indian Army List can be consulted.