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{{Infobox military unit
| unit_name = 7th Light Cavalry
| abbreviation =
| image =
| caption =
| dates = 1784–present
| country = [[India]]
| allegiance = {{flag|British India}} {{flag|India}}
| branch = {{army|British India|23px}} [[File:Flag of Indian Army.svg|24px]] [[Indian Army]]
| type = Cavalry
| role =
| size = Regiment
| command_structure =
| equipment = [[T-90]]
| Past Commanders =
| ceremonial_chief =
| colonel_of_the_regiment =
| notable_commanders = [[Iftikhar Khan|Maj Gen Muhammed Iftikhar Khan]], [[Jayanto Nath Chaudhuri|Gen JN Chaudhuri]], Maj Gen [[Rajinder Singh Sparrow]], Lt Gen [[Kamal Davar]], [[A. K. Singh|Lt Gen Ajay Kumar Singh]], Lt Gen Ashok Bhim Shivane

| identification_symbol =
| identification_symbol_2 = 
| nickname =
| patron =
| motto =
| colors =
| march =
| mascot =
| battles = [[Third Mysore War]] [[Fourth Mysore War]] [[Pindari War]] [[World War I]] [[World War II]]
| anniversaries =
| decorations =
| battle_honours = [[Mysore]] [[Seringapatam]] [[Mahidpur]] [[Merv]] [[Persia]]-1915 [[Imphal]] [[Kyaukmyaung (Sagaing)|Battle of Kyaukmyaung Bridgehead]] [[Meiktila]] [[Mandalay]] [[Operation Dracula]] (Rangoon Road) [[Srinagar]] [[Zojila]]
}}
The '''7th Light Cavalry''' previously the '''28th Light Cavalry''', was a regular army cavalry regiment in the [[British Indian Army]]. It was raised in 1784 under the [[Honourable East India Company|East India Company]]. The regiment later saw service on the [[North-West Frontier Province (1901–1955)|North West Frontier]] and in [[World War I]] and [[World War II]]. In 1947, it was allocated to the new Indian Army, where it continues to exist as the 7th Light Cavalry

== History ==

===Formation and early history===
The history of this regiment can be traced to 1784 when a force of cavalry was hired from the [[Nawab of Arcot]] by the [[Honourable East India Company|East India Company]]. These regiments subsequently mutinied over pay issues. The regiments involved were disbanded and from their remnants, volunteers formed the 2nd Madras Cavalry. This new regiment would eventually become the 7th Light Cavalry.<ref name="bharat-rakshak"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://sainiksamachar.nic.in/englisharchives/2009/mar15-09/h10.htm|title='Saviours of Srinagar' in Sainik Samachar|date=2019-03-15|access-date=2020-11-12}}</ref>

The title was first changed to that of 3rd Madras Native Cavalry. Under this designation the regiment first saw action during the [[Third Mysore War]] in 1790, against [[Tipu Sultan]].<ref name="bharat-rakshak">{{cite web|title=bharat-rakshak|url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/LAND-FORCES/index.php?page=shop.browse&category_id=28&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=26#|access-date=2008-07-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080410193513/http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/LAND-FORCES/index.php?page=shop.browse&category_id=28&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=26|archive-date=2008-04-10|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The regiment was next in action during the [[Fourth Mysore War]] in 1799. It subsequently fought with distinction at the [[Battle of Seringapatam]] and at the [[Battle of Mahidpur]] in the [[Pindari War]] of 1817, after which it was renamed the 3rd Madras Light Cavalry. For these actions the regiment was awarded the battle honors ''Mysore'', ''Seringapatam'' and ''Mahidipore''.<ref name="bharat-rakshak"/>

The regiment was subsequently involved in several minor operations against the southern Mahrattas from 1844 to 1855. A detachment of the 3rd Madras Light Cavalry was then sent to join the [[9th Deccan Horse|Deccan Horse]] during the [[Mutiny of 1857]]. During the remainder of the 19th century the regiment did not see any action.<ref name="bharat-rakshak"/>

In 1891 the regiment was converted to lancers, becoming the 3rd Regiment of Madras Lancers. In the reorganisation of the Indian Army of 1903, their title was changed to the 28th Light Cavalry. During this time the class composition of the regiment was 33% [[Tamil Nadu|Tamil]]s from [[Madras Presidency]], 33% Sikhs and 34% Jats.<ref name="bharat-rakshak"/>
[[Image:Madras cavalry.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Madras Cavalry]]

===World War I===
At the start of [[World War I]], the regiment was stationed in [[Quetta]] as part of the [[4th (Quetta) Division]].<ref>{{cite web|title=orbat.com |url=http://orbat.com/site/history/historical/india/army1914.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090909172657/http://orbat.com/site/history/historical/india/army1914.html |archive-date=2009-09-09 }}</ref>

In July 1915 two squadrons were sent to [[Persia]] where they were mounted on camels. In this role they were tasked with stopping German agents from traveling across Persia to [[Afghanistan]]. The remainder of the regiment was posted to Persia in November 1915.<ref name="ReferenceA">"We Lead". 7th Light Cavalry 1784-1990</ref>

The regiment's effectiveness in Persia was demonstrated when a detachment captured a German officer, Lieutenant Winkleman, who was attempting to reach the [[Amir]] of Afghanistan to convince him to rebel or start a [[Jihad]], against the British in India.<ref name="bharat-rakshak"/>

====Russia====
Following the [[Russian Revolution (1917)|Russian Revolution]] the regiment was sent to Trans-Caspasia in May 1918 to assist the [[white movement|White Russian]] Menshevik forces to fight the [[Bolsheviks]]. In April 1919 the regiment returned to Meshed in Persia, where it stayed for seven months employed in escorting convoys. In November 1919 the regiment started back for India and reached Lucknow in February 1920.<ref name="ReferenceA"/>

The regiment received the battle honors ''Merv'' and ''Persia 1915'' for their services in the Great War.<ref name="bharat-rakshak"/>

===Interwar period===
In 1921 the 28th Light Cavalry left Lucknow for Dera Ismail Khan on the North West Frontier.

In 1922 another reorganization saw the regiment renamed as the 7th Light Cavalry and the class composition was altered. The current class composition of the regiment is two squadron [[Jats]] and one squadron [[sikh]].

From 1924 to 1929 it was stationed at Bolarum, followed by Sialkot, then Jullunder until October 1933. The regiment then moved to Loralai in Baluchistan. It stayed there until October 1935 before moving back to Bolarum where it was stationed at the start of the Second World War.

The same year the ‘Indianization’ of the Indian Army officer corps began in selected regiments. Initially in the cavalry the two units selected were the 7th Light Cavalry and the 16th Light Cavalry. Under this policy British officers would no longer be appointed to the regiment. Instead newly commissioned Indian officers, initially trained at [[Royal Military College, Sandhurst]] and from 1932 onwards at the [[Indian Military Academy]], Dehradun, would be appointed instead. The first Indian officer was appointed in December 1923. By September 1939, 16 of the 22 officers of the regiment were Indian.<ref>Indian Army List October 1939</ref>

===World War II===
At the start of the Second World War the regiment was stationed in [[Bolarum]] as part of the [[4th (Secunderabad) Cavalry Brigade]]. The 7th Light Cavalry were brigaded with the:
*[[14th/20th Hussars]]
*[[11th Prince Albert Victor's Own Cavalry (Frontier Force)|Prince Albert Victor's Own Cavalry]]
*3rd Field Regiment, [[Royal Artillery]]
*4th Cavalry Brigade Signal Troop.<ref>{{cite web|title=adelphia|url=http://home.adelphia.net/~dryan67/orders/ia.html}}</ref>

The last mounted parade of the 7th Light Cavalry took place in 1940. However even by early 1941 the only mechanical transport provided for the now dismounted regiment was an Austin car for the commandant and a few motorbikes for dispatch riders.<ref>p63 "We Lead. 7th Light Cavalry 1784-1990"</ref> Vehicles trickled in and finally a full complement of 52 Stuart tanks was received by April 1943.<ref>p65 "We Lead. 7th Light Cavalry 1784-1990"</ref>

The regiment was then attached to the [[254th Indian Tank Brigade]],<ref>page 3, Loyalty & Honour’ The Indian Army September 1939 – August 1947 - Volume 2 Brigades</ref> in November 1941.

The brigade came under the command of Brigadier [[Reginald Scoones]]. When it was moved to Imphal in November and December 1943 the 254th Indian Tank Brigade consisted of the following major units:

*7th Light Cavalry
*[[3rd Carabiniers]]
*3rd Btn [[4th Bombay Grenadiers]]

The brigade served with the [[5th Indian Division]] and the [[7th Indian Infantry Division]]s in [[Burma]]. It participated in the [[Battle of Imphal]], [[Kyaukmyaung (Sagaing)|Battle of Kyaukmyaung Bridgehead]], [[Battle of Meiktila]], and [[Operation Dracula]] (Rangoon Road).

In June 1945 the 7th Light Cavalry sailed from Rangoon to Madras and by July was stationed at Ahmednagar.

In August 1945 it was selected to form part of the British Indian Division (BRINDIV) This division served with the British Commonwealth Occupation Forces (BCOF) as part of the Allied Occupation Forces in Japan. The move to Japan occurred during March/April 1946. The regiment returned to India in August 1947.<ref name="ReferenceA"/>

===Post war===
In 1947 the regiment passed to the independent nation of India. The Muslim squadron was transferred to the new [[Army of Pakistan]], to be replaced by a [[Jat]] squadron from another unit of the former [[British Indian Army]]. The 7th Light Cavalry now consisted of two [[Jat]] squadrons and one [[Sikh]] squadron.<ref>{{cite book|last=Guatam|first=PK|title= Indigenous Historical Knowledge: Kautilya and His Vocabulary, Volume III|date=2016|publisher= IDSA/Pentagon Press |isbn= 978-81-8274-909-2|page=153}}</ref>

;[[Indo-Pakistani War of 1947–1948]]:
Following the occupation of [[Gilgit]] on 2 November 1947, the Pakistani irregulars captured [[Kargil]] and [[Dras]]s in May 1948. [[Leh]] finally fell on August 1948. [[Zoji La]]
situated at a height of 11,575 feet was the gateway to the [[Ladakh]]. Pakistani forces had well entrenched themselves with artillery guns and heavy weaponry and were is a strong position. Two separate attacks in September 1948 by 77 (Para) Brigade supported by artillery and air support were beaten back with heavy casualties and Zojila appeared impregnable. A decision to employ the [[M3 Stuart|Stuart light tanks]] of 7th Light Cavalry under its commanding officer Lt Col [[Rajinder Singh Sparrow|Rajinder Singh ‘Sparrow’]] along with the infantry proved decisive. The tanks under its squadron commander Captain Sharakdev Singh Jamwal supported by the infantry units ([[5th Gorkha Rifles (Frontier Force)|1/5 GR]], [[Punjab Regiment (India)|1 Patiala]] and [[Rajput Regiment|4 Rajput]]) led to the capture of this strategic pass on 2 November 1948. This paved the way for 77 (Para) Brigade to advance and capture Kargil and effect a link-up with Leh on 23–24 November 1948. Lt Col Rajinder Singh ‘Sparrow’ was awarded the [[Maha Vir Chakra]].<ref>p105 - 123 "We Lead" compiled by Col JDS Jind edited by Brig. Jind and Lt Col Proudfoot. 7th Light Cavalry 1784-1990</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://opoyi.com/the-1948-battle-of-zojila-and-lessons-for-ladakh-2020|title=The 1948 Battle of Zojila and lessons for Ladakh 2020 in opoyi.com|access-date=2020-11-12}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.asianage.com/india/7th-light-cavalry-redefines-mountain-warfare-332|title=7th Light Cavalry redefines mountain warfare in The Asian Age|date=2016-05-04|access-date=2020-11-12}}</ref>

;[[Annexation of Goa]]:
The [[M3 Stuart|Stuart light tanks]] of the 7th Light Cavalry and the [[8th Light Cavalry]] took part in the ground invasion of Goa on the Betim and [[Usgao]] axis in 1961. It also seized [[Fort Aguada|Aguada Fort]] and freed its political prisoners.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://usiofindia.org/publication/usi-journal/operation-vijay-the-liberation-of-estado-da-india-goa-daman-and-diu/|title=Operation Vijay : The Liberation of 'Estado da India' – Goa, Daman and Diu in USI Journal October 2013 - December 2013|access-date=2020-11-12}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rediff.com/news/special/goa-liberation-fifty-years-on/20111219.htm|title='Here's to the folks of Goa, Daman and Diu!' in rediff.com|date=2011-12-19|access-date=2020-11-12}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/goa/Thanksgiving-dinner-for-armed-forces-today/articleshow/11139222.cms|title='Thanksgiving dinner for armed forces today' in the Times of India|website=[[The Times of India]] |date=2011-12-17|access-date=2020-11-13}}</ref>

;[[Sino-Indian War]]:
The [[M3 Stuart|Stuart light tanks]] of the Regiment saw action in [[Bomdila]] and Tenga under [[48th Indian Infantry Brigade|48 Infantry Brigade]].<ref name="Sandhu 2015">{{cite book|last=Sandhu|first=PJS|title=1962: A View from the Other Side of the Hill|date=1992|publisher=VIJ Books (India) Pty Ltd |isbn= 978-9384464769}}</ref> Other squadrons of the Regiment joined [[4th Infantry Division (India)|4 Infantry Division]] at [[Dirang]] and [[62nd Indian Infantry Brigade|62 Infantry Brigade]] at [[Sela Pass|Se La]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.earlytimes.in/newsdet.aspx?q=302475|title='Battlefield Himalayas Expressions Of Tanks Commander' in the earlytimes.in|date=2020-10-30|access-date=2020-11-12}}</ref><ref name="Praval 2009">{{cite book|last=Praval|first=KC|title=Indian Army After Independence|date=2009|publisher=Lancer Publishers|isbn=978-1935501107}}</ref>

;[[Indo-Pakistani War of 1965]]:
7th Light Cavalry was the first Indian Army unit to receive [[PT-76]]s (in late August 1965). The tanks saw action in the Western sector.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bharat-rakshak.com/ARMY/history/1971war/278-armour-advantage.html|title='The Amphibious Armour Advantage' in bharat-rakshak.com|date=2006-10-12|access-date=2020-11-12}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://theprint.in/pageturner/excerpt/captain-amarinder-singhs-no-holds-barred-account-of-the-monsoon-war-of-1965/115939/|title='How India crushed Pakistan in the famed tank battles of Khemkaran in 1965' in theprint.in|date=2018-09-12|access-date=2020-11-12}}</ref>

;[[Indo-Pakistani War of 1971]]:
No.1 Independent Squadron of the 7th Light Cavalry with its PT-76 light tanks moved in from [[Agartala]] with 57 Mountain Division and fought at [[Akhaura Upazila|Akhaura]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.coloursofglory.org/valour-is-but-duty/|title='Valour is but duty' in coloursofglory.org|date=2017-01-04|access-date=2020-11-12}}</ref> The rest of the Regiment which was under 2 Independent Armoured Brigade of [[39th Infantry Division (India)|39 Infantry Division]] of [[I Corps (India)|I Corps]] led the advance in the [[Shakargarh]] Sector.
[[File:Stamp of India - 1984 - Colnect 361608 - 7th Light Cavalry.jpeg|thumb|right|305x305px|1984 postage stamp on the bicentenary of the regiment]]

;Affiliation
The Regiment and the frigate [[INS Satpura]] were affiliated on 5 October 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Visakhapatnam/Affiliation-of-Naval-ships-with-Army-regiments-tomorrow/article12544731.ece|title='Affiliation of Naval ships with Army regiments tomorrow' in The Hindu|website=[[The Hindu]] |date=2012-10-04|access-date=2020-11-13}}</ref>

;Miscellaneous
The regiment had the honour to participate in the [[Delhi Republic Day parade|Republic Day Parade]] in 1984 with its T-72 tanks.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=APTzgRcn254 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/APTzgRcn254 |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|title=Republic day parade 1984|website=[[YouTube]] |date=|access-date=2021-05-17}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
==Regimental Titles==
:1784 – 2nd Regiment of Madras Native Cavalry
:1786 – 1st Regiment of Madras Native Cavalry
:1788 – 3rd Regiment of Madras Native Cavalry
:1819 – 3rd Regiment of Madras Light Cavalry
:1891 – 3rd Regiment of Madras Lancers
:1903 – 28th Light Cavalry
:1922 – 7th Light Cavalry
:1947 – 7th Light Cavalry (to India on Independence)

==Victoria Cross recipient==
L/Daffadar [[Gobind Singh (VC)|Gobind Singh]], 28th Light Cavalry February 1, 1917
Place of Action: east of [[Pezières, Épehy|Pezières]], France attached to the [[2nd Lancers (Gardner's Horse)]]

'''Citation''': Lance Dafadar Gobind Singh of the Indian Cavalry was awarded the Victoria Cross "for most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty in thrice volunteering to carry messages between the regiment and Brigade Headquarters, a distance of 1½ miles over open ground which was under the observation and heavy fire of the enemy. He succeeded each time in delivering his message, although on each occasion his horse was shot and he was compelled to finish his journey on foot."<ref>{{cite journal|date=11 January 1918|title=SIXTH SUPPLEMENT TO The London Gazette Of TUESDAY, the 8th of JANUARY, 1918|journal=The London Gazette|issue=30471|pages=725|url=https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/30471/supplement/725}}</ref>

==Uniforms and insignia==
During the early years of its existence the regiment wore red coats with green facings and gold lace. In 1814 the uniform was changed to dark blue with orange facings. In 1817 a general order instructed that the dress of all regular native cavalry in the service of the HEIC should be changed to French grey (a light blue/grey colour). This was to remain the full dress coat colour of the 7th Light Cavalry until 1914. The distinctive orange facings were changed to buff in 1846.<ref>Boris Mollo, pages 20-21 "The Indian Army", {{ISBN|0 7137 1074 8}}</ref>

In 1923 the pattern of badge introduced comprised crossed lances with the number "7", surmounted by a crown. In 1930 the design changed to crossed lances with a crown on the intersection, over a scroll with the regimental title.<ref>John Gaylor, page 74 "Sons of John Company, {{ISBN|0-946771-98-7}}</ref><ref>We Lead. Winter Mess Dress
(a) Dark blue jacket, patrol cut, with silver shoulder chains, badges of rank. shoulder titles collar dogs and buttons, French Grey closed collar and piping.
(b) Dark blue overalls with French Grey facings.
(c) Headgear for non-Sikh officers - cheese-cutter pattern side-cap and for Sikh Officers - French Grey turban with light blue pag.
(d) Black half Wellington boots with box spurs.
(e) Cross belt of regimental pattern.
Summer Mess Dress
(a) White cotton gaberdine jacket patrol cut in same design as winter jacket.
(b) Overalls and other items same as for winter dress.
Badges of Rank - Shoulder Titles
(a) Silver in peace time.
(b) Silver white thread embroidered on dark blue background for operational area.</ref>

The present Regimental insignia consists of crossed [[lance]]s with [[pennon]]s of the regimental colours, mounted with the [[State Emblem of India]] and a scroll at the base with the numeral '7' and the words 'Light Cavalry'. The shoulder title consists of "7C" in brass.

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==Further reading==
* Proudfoot, Lt Col C. L., We Lead. 7th Light Cavalry 1784-1990. Lancer International 1991
* Bowling A.H. Indian Cavalry Regiments 1880–1914 Almark Publishing 1971
* Carmen W.Y Indian Cavalry Uniforms Leonard Hill 1961
* Mollo B. The Indian Army Blandford Press 1981
* [https://thedailyjaimi.readsector.com/2020/02/27/rare-photos-of-british-army-officer-in-india-playing-polo-and-big-game-hunting-go-up-for-sale/] ''28th Light Cavalry photographs''

==External links==
* [http://www.members.tripod.com/~Glosters/IAcavalry1.htm Uniforms of the late 19th Century]

{{British Indian Army Cavalry Regiments 1903 - 1946}}
{{Indian Army Armoured Corps}}

[[Category:British Indian Army cavalry regiments]]
[[Category:Honourable East India Company regiments]]
[[Category:Military units and formations established in 1809]]
[[Category:Indian World War I regiments]]
[[Category:Indian World War II regiments]]
[[Category:Armoured and cavalry regiments of the Indian Army from 1947]]

7th Light Cavalry - Revision history

Bot at 01:32, 26 October 2022