This article is about the 7th Hariana Lancers and will help you to research the Regiment and those who served with it during the First World War. This page is one of a series of guides to help you research the Indian Army which can be viewed by clicking on the link below:
The 7th Hariana Lancers in the First World War
Lineage: Raised by Captain J. Liptrott at Cawnpore (Kanpur) and Meerut in 1846 as the 16th Regiment of Bengal Irregular Cavalry, then the 17th Regiment Bengal Irregular Cavalry in 1847, the 7th Regiment of Bengal Cavalry in 1861 and the 7th Regiment of Bengal Lancers in 1900. Then the 7th Bengal Lancers 1901, the 7th Lancers in 1903 and the 7th Hariana Lancers in 1904. The Regiment was amalgamated with the 6th King Edward’s Own Cavalry in 1921 to become the 6th/7th Cavalry which became the 18th King Edward’s Own Cavalry in 1922.
Composition in 1914: 1 Squadron of Jats, 1 of Sikhs, 1 of Dogras and 1 of Hindustani Musalmans.
Location in July 1914: The 7th Hariana Lancers was stationed at Ferozepore (Firozpur, Punjab, India) having arrived from Jacobabad (Khangarh, Sindh, Pakistan) on 13 February 1911.
The 7th Hariana Lancers was stationed at Ferozepore, now Firozpur, when the First World War broke out in August 1914. The Regiment was inspected by Major-General H. B. B. Watkis, Commanding 3rd (Lahore) Division:
There has been a marked improvement in the mounting of the regiment and in stable management. Musketry is very satisfactory and generally the regiment is in an efficient condition and fit for service. But ceremonial drill requires attention as also signalling and physical training.
Confidential review reports on Indian Army units for 1913-1914: IOR/L/MIL/7/17023
War Diaries of the 7th Hariana Lancers
There are four war diaries for the 7th Hariana 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.
- Date: February – September 1915
- 6th Indian Cavalry Brigade, Mesopotamia
- Reference: WO 95/5086/2
- Notes:
- Date: October 1915 – June 1916
- 7th Indian Cavalry Brigade, Mesopotamia
- Reference: WO 95/5086/3
- Notes:
- Date: July 1916 – December 1917
- 7th Indian Cavalry Brigade, Mesopotamia
- Reference: WO 95/5090/1
- Notes:
- Date: January 1916 – April 1918
- 3rd Lahore Division, Divisional Troops
- Reference: WO 95/5100/1
- Notes:
Further Sources for the 7th Hariana Lancers
A great source of information concerning the 5th Cavalry and the British officers who served with it are its confidential reports held at the British Library: Confidential Reports on Regiments etc. For information regarding the British and Indian officers who served with the 5th Cavalry, the Indian Army List can be consulted.
Regimental History: There is no regimental history for the 7th Hariana Lancers.