British 4th Bombay Horse Regiment

By Crusader1307

Also known as ''Hodson's Horse Troop'', The 4th Bombay Horse was a Native Raised, Indian Light Cavalry Unit of The British Army. It was formed in 1857. They were named ''The Flamingos'' (after the exotic bird) – for their colorful head wraps (a common headgear for Indian Soldiers – both Native and British). It was raised in response to The Indian Mutiny of 1857, and the need for loyal Native Subjects who were both familiar with all areas of local terrain and could fight as irregular cavalry. While originally part of The Native Indian Army, they would become part of the Regular British Service in the 1860s.

In the 1870s, The 4th Bombay would be combined with several other Horse Regiments and re-designated as The 9th and 10th Bengal Lancers. The Regiment would go on to serve valiantly in World War I, especially at The Battle of Cambrai (France) in 1917. After India was given it's independence as a Colony of Great Britain, The Regiment would be reformed as an Armor (Tank) Regiment, still serving in The Indian Army.