The Scinde Horse

Raising of the Scinde Horse

The Scinde Horse was raised on 8 August 1838 at Hyderabad in the Sind province (now in Pakistan) by Captain W. Ward. The regiment was formed to protect British lines of communication to Baluchistan from Baluchi marauders.

Battle of Meeanee and Early Legacy

The regiment proved its mettle in its very first engagement—the historic Battle of Meeanee, fought on 17 February 1843 under the leadership of Lieutenant Colonel John Jacob, later revered as the Father of the Regiment. Displaying exceptional valour, the Scinde Horse defeated a formidable enemy. As a mark of respect for the gallant Baluchi warriors, the regiment adopted the Baluchi warrior as its regimental badge.

The Regimental Trumpet Call continues to be the historic “Advanced Guard” call of 1840. The Scinde Horse (14th Prince of Wales’s Own Cavalry) also holds the distinction of being the first regiment of the present Indian Armoured Corps to equip itself with armoured fighting vehicles.

Post-Independence Transition

On 15 December 1947, Lieutenant Colonel P. L. Chopra became the first Indian Commandant of the Scinde Horse, taking over from Lieutenant Colonel K. R. Brooke, the last British Commanding Officer.

On 9 November 1961, the Vice President of India, Dr. S. Radhakrishnan, presented a new Standard to the regiment. This was a unique honour, as the Scinde Horse became the first cavalry regiment in post-Independence India to receive the President’s Standard.

Role in the 1965 Indo-Pak Conflict

During the 1965 Indo-Pak War, the regiment served as the advance guard of the 15 Infantry Division in the Lahore sector. It led a daring charge and successfully captured Dograi, earning the Battle Honour “Dograi” and Theatre Honour “Punjab 1965”.

Operations in the 1971 War

In the 1971 operations, the Scinde Horse spearheaded the advance of the 36 Infantry Division. On every occasion, the regiment upheld its timeless motto:
“Man dies but the Regiment Lives.”

International Missions and United Nations Service

The regiment has also excelled in overseas missions. On 24 August 1994, it was awarded the United Nations Somalia Medal for its outstanding service during Operation UNOSOM II.

Honours, Citations and Gallantry Awards

The Scinde Horse has been awarded:

• 26 Battle Honours
• 19 Theatre Honours
• Army Commander South Western Command Unit Citation on 25 February 2011

In addition, the regiment has received numerous individual gallantry awards, reflecting its continued excellence and bravery.

175 Years of the Scinde Horse

The 14th Prince of Wales’s Own Scinde Horse, a distinguished cavalry regiment of the Bombay Army (later the British Indian Army), has completed 175 years of glorious service, marked by courage, sacrifice, and tradition.

Commemorative Postage Stamp

In recognition of its illustrious history and exceptional valour, the Department of Posts salutes the Scinde Horse by issuing a Commemorative Postage Stamp on the occasion of its 175 years of service.