2nd Lancers (Gardner’s Horse)

A Legacy of Valour and Distinction

The 2nd Lancers (Gardner’s Horse) was raised on 12 May 1809 as the Gardner Corps of Irregular Horse by William Linnaeus Gardner. Initially formed for police and revenue duties in the ceded and conquered provinces between the Ganga and Jamuna rivers, the regiment soon distinguished itself in active military campaigns.

Early Campaigns and the “Sindh Lions”

The regiment performed with distinction in the Nepal War (1815), the Burma campaign (1824), and the Sindh campaign (1844). For its exemplary services in Sindh, it was presented with Musketoons and bestowed an Honorary Standard Squadron. It also received an Honorary Standard bearing the insignia of the Scinde Lion.

Earning the proud nickname “Sindh Lions,” all ranks were authorized to wear a unique Lion Passant Regardant badge on their accoutrements. Notably, 2nd Lancers (Gardner’s Horse) remains the only unit in the Indian Army authorized to display its distinctive Lion insignia on all its vehicles during peacetime.

The regiment further earned distinction in the Sikh Wars of 1846 and 1848, and later played a role in quelling the Santhal rebellion in Bengal. In 1882, it sailed to Egypt and participated in the decisive Battle of Tel-el-Kebir.

World War I and the Battle of Cambrai

During the First World War, the regiment fought in France, where at the Battle of Cambrai it suffered heavy casualties, including its Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel H.H.F. Turner.

In this battle, Gobind Singh won the Victoria Cross for exceptional bravery. The regiment’s gallantry was recognized in the Cambrai Despatch by Field Marshal Lord Douglas Haig, and 30 November is commemorated as Cambrai Day, a Battle Honour Day.

Subsequently deployed to the Middle East, the regiment led one of the greatest cavalry charges at El Afuleh on 20 September 1918 during the “Drive to Damascus,” regarded as the last great cavalry charge in military history.

Between the Wars and World War II

In April 1922, the 4th Cavalry was amalgamated with the regiment. In June 1935, it was granted the title “Royal” and renamed the 2nd Royal Lancers.

During the Second World War, the regiment fought notable engagements at El Mechili and Bir Hacheim in North Africa. Rajendrasinhji Jadeja was awarded the Distinguished Service Order (DSO), while LD Mehboob Ali Khan received the Indian Distinguished Service Order. In October 1943, Lieutenant Colonel Maharaja Rajendra Sinhji became the first Indian to command the regiment in the British Indian Army.

Post-Independence Achievements

In August 1947, the regiment saw action against communist guerrillas in Malaya before returning to India in December 1947.

In January 1953, General Maharaja Rajendra Sinhji became Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army—the first officer from the regiment and the Armoured Corps to hold this position. In November 1961, the regiment, along with Scinde Horse, became the first in the Armoured Corps to be awarded the Guidon by the President for distinguished service in war and peace.

During the 1965 Indo-Pak War, equipped with Sherman MK VII tanks, the regiment distinguished itself in major tank battles and was awarded the Theatre Honour “Punjab.” It was also the first to receive India’s indigenous main battle tank, Vijayanta.

In July 1993, Bipin Chandra Joshi became Chief of Army Staff, marking the second time an officer from the regiment held this highest office. The regiment has also produced two Army Commanders—Lt. Gen. H. Kaul and Lt. Gen. R. Sharma.

A Decorated Regiment

With over 150 gallantry awards to its credit—including a Victoria Cross, an Albert Cross, 32 Distinguished Service Orders, 19 Military Crosses, and numerous other distinguished decorations—the 2nd Lancers (Gardner’s Horse) stands among the most decorated regiments of the Indian Army.

In recognition of its illustrious history and outstanding service to the nation, India Post has issued a commemorative postage stamp on the 2nd Lancers (Gardner’s Horse), honouring its enduring legacy of courage and commitment.