The 20th Punjab Infantry were formed, about 1861, from The Ferozpore Punjab Battalion, which was almost certainly a 'caste regiment' composed entirely or almost entirely of Sikhs. Perhaps 6 or 7 companies of Sikhs and 1 or 2 coys of other castes. Hence the "quoit' [circle] emblem - the throwing weapon of traditional Sikh warriors.
In 1864 the 20th were re-badged as The 28th Bengal Infantry, and in 1903 became the 28th Punjabis, which would have been a mixed caste regiment. This was standard practice post Mutiny, on the theory that the various 'castes' [religions and or ethnic groups] would never co-operate on another mutiny. Quite possibly an even split: 4 companies Sikhs and 4 of "Punjabi Musselman" companies. I believe that is when the crescent moon was added to their badge.
This device, then, would most probably date from sometime between 1903 and the regiment's amalgamation into the 4th Battalion, 15th Punjabi Regiment, though its possible that the new 4th Bttn kept its old device on some of their kit and things like letterhead and officer's appointments.
A very nice momento of an interesting unit!
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29-01-11, 02:09 PM
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