"Indian Army"?

[pinfrin]

Originally Posted by peter monahan

It's not the Service Corps badge, which had an ASC cypher in the centre and the garter motto; nor the General service badge - GRI in a crowned wreath - issued to officer cadets and others without a regimental or corps affiliation. I have been dabbling in Indian badges for 30+ years and don't recall seeing anything quite like it, which may mean nothing at all, but I wonder too whether it is a bazaar made fantasy piece.

My two rupees worth.

[1] Perhaps a badge design change post Dec 1936 ?
Like the IGSM [1908 -1935] i.e. Edward VII (1908 - 1910);
George V (Kaiser-i-Hind, 1910 - 1930);
George V (Indae Imp 1930-1935).
Changed to the IGSM (1936-1939) George VI
[2] Or were there 3 (4 or more ?) designs or a separate one for the
Unattached List and Unlinked (General) ?
(The Unattached Belt Insignia unlikely to have been on the cap.)
http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php?topic=240231.0[/

[peter monahan]

It's certainly possible that the Unattached List badge went through several designs - the IA was nothing if not prolific when it came to uniform changes. Intriguing and I suspect the answer may come form a photo of such in use rather than a reference book.

That said, I'm rather pinning my hopes on Ashok Nath's book having something in it. I'm told it is in the post!

[peter monahan]

Pinfrin

It looks as if you're suggesting it is a Warrant Officers badge, as mentioned in the '37 tegs. Is that correct? Obviously the sticking point is the addition of the title 'Indian Army' which isn't mentioned in your quote, but that doesn't absolutely rule it out either.

Perhaps Sapper will spend the weekend unpacking books and confirm his answer?

[Roobarb]

Just to add to this thread, here is another example affixed to an officers cap from a Ranchi based tailor that was founded in 1926 (who are still trading today interestingly enough).
The cap bears standard GS buttons.

I can't find any mention of it in 'SOJC' corps and services chapter alas.

The cap badge has been on the cap since i bought it as part of an officers uniform grouping as i collect Indian made uniforms and headgear.



And a detail of the badge. The cap and badge could have been married together at any time in the recent past of course so i am interested to see if there are any developments regarding it.

[peter monahan]

I would say that counts as pretty definitive evidence that it is a variant on the GS badge, Roobarb! Well done and thank you for posting.

One of the joys of IA badges is the fact that there is always more o learn!

[pinfrin]

The small print in Appx 1 [Uniform, Facings, Badges & Devices]
Army Regs India 1913 Dress mentions 3 versions:

1. Indian Army
On Field Cap : The Royal and Imperial Cypher within a circle
inscribed Indian Army with the Tudor Crown above. (as for buttons)

2. Officers of the Unattached List awaiting admission
to the IA:
On forage Cap:- Royal and Imperial Cipher and Tudor Crown in gilt metal.

3. Departmental Commissioned and Warrant Officers:
On buttons : GRI with laurel wreath and Tudor Crown.
On forage cap: - The Royal & Imperial Cypher

4. Indian Army Reserve of Officers:
On forage cap Royal cypher & Tudor Crown embroidered in gold.

5. Unemployed Officers
The text in the Regs page 65 also says that they can wear
the 'uniform prescribed for the Indian Army'

2,3 (?),4 understood but 1 and 5 ?
There also seems to be a dislocated line in a paragraph re. the UL
waist belt.