32nd Lancers

This article is about the 32nd Lancers 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 32nd Lancers in the First World War

Lineage: Raised at Baroda in 1817 as the 2nd Regiment of Bombay Light Infantry. In 1861 became the 2nd Regiment of Bombay Silladar Light Cavalry, but reverted to its previous title the same year. Then became the 2nd Bombay Lancers in 1883 and the 32nd Lancers in 1903. The Regiment was amalgamated with the 31st Duke of Connaught’s Own Lancers to form the 31st/32nd Lancers in 1921 which became the 13th Duke of Connaught’s Own Lancers in 1922.

Composition in 1914: 2 Squadrons of Muslims Rajputs, 1 of Rajputs and 1 of Sikhs other than Jat Sikhs.

Location in July 1914: The 32nd Lancers was stationed at Jubbulpore (Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India) having arrived from Sialkot (Punjab, Pakistan) on 4 February 1911. The Regiment had a detachment at Sutna.

The 32nd Lancers was stationed at Jubbulpore, now Jabalpur, when the First World War broke out in August 1914. The 32nd Lancers had been inspected by Major-General H. D. Fanshawe, Commanding Jubbulpore Brigade on 10 February 1914 who reported:

Turn-out: Regiment well turned out.

Drill and manoeuvre: Efficient.

Musketry: Satisfactory.

Signalling: Good.

Personnel: Indian officers and men intelligent and active; physique good.

General efficiency: Satisfactory. Fit for service.

Confidential review reports on Indian Army units for 1913-1914IOR/L/MIL/7/17023

War Diaries of the 32nd Lancers

There are three war diaries for the 32nd Lancers and all have been digitized by the National Archives. To download the war diaries for a small fee click on the blue links below. I have transcribed entries from the war diaries below.

  • Date: September 1916 – March 1919
  • 1st Indian Corps, Corps Troops
  • Reference: WO 95/5060/1
  • Notes:
  • Date: 16 July – 31 December 1920
  • 7th Indian Cavalry Brigade
  • Reference: WO 95/5090/3
  • Notes:
  • Date: April 1919 – April 1920
  • 18th Indian Division, Divisional Troops
  • Reference: WO 95/5221/1
  • Notes:

Further Sources for the 32nd Lancers

A good source of information concerning the 32nd Lancers 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 32nd Lancers, the Indian Army List can be consulted.

Guides to Researching Soldiers who Served with the Indian Army

Guides to Researching Soldiers who Served with the British Army