268th Indian Infantry Bde or 254th L. of C. Sub-Area.

[High Wood]

This photograph of some I.A. soldiers was amongst some photographs in an album taken by a British LAC. Closer examination reveals that one of the soldiers is wearing a formation sign and a slip on shoulder title. The S.T. is unfortunately unreadable but the formation sign is either that of the 268th Indian Infantry Brigade or that of the 254th L. of C, Sub-Area.

Can anyone hazard a guess as to what the shoulder title might read?

[pinfrin]

the red horn one is likely 21 div IA
C & T had a lot for sale with this

https://www.the-saleroom.com/en-us/a...8-a5ed01457b2b

[Mike Jackson]

Originally Posted by High Wood

This photograph of some I.A. soldiers was amongst some photographs in an album taken by a British LAC. Closer examination reveals that one of the soldiers is wearing a formation sign and a slip on shoulder title. The S.T. is unfortunately unreadable but the formation sign is either that of the 268th Indian Infantry Brigade or that of the 254th L. of C, Sub-Area.

Can anyone hazard a guess as to what the shoulder title might read?

I would go for 268 Indian Inf Bde and then take my pick from 5th/1st Punjab Regt or 1st/5th Mahratta LI (obviously not the third battalion in the Brigade; 2nd/5th RGR). An expert on Indian Army headdress of the period might be able to discriminate between the two aforementioned battalions?

[pinfrin]

Originally Posted by Mike Jackson

I would go for 268 Indian Inf Bde and then take my pick from 5th/1st Punjab Regt or 1st/5th Mahratta LI (obviously not the third battalion in the Brigade; 2nd/5th RGR). An expert on Indian Army headdress of the period might be able to discriminate between the two aforementioned battalions?

268 details at

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/268th_...fantry_Brigade

now in 19 div
then in 21 div (the red horns are for 21)

the soldiers appear to be typical Mahrattas. will check with their regimental history later.

[peter monahan]

Originally Posted by pinfrin

the soldiers appear to be typical Mahrattas. will check with their regimental history later.

Agreed. The 5/1st Punjabis, formerly the 82nd, went to Pakistan in '47 as it was composed of Punjabis Muslims, Sikhs and, I believe, one company of Jats, so most likely Mahrattas.

[koi_hai]

The turban is typical Maratha. I would go with 21 Div, 1/5 Mahratta Lt Infy.

[High Wood]

Many thanks for your contributions, gentlemen.

[Mike Jackson]

Here's the same sign being worn by a member of 163 Regt RAC (formerly 13th Bn The Sherwood Foresters) in 267 Armd Bde, 43 Armd Div.
163 Regt RAC.jpg