1857

INDIAN MUTINY. A defence force was organised of 53 men (see appendix I.) under Mr. M. J. WILSON. Commandant. (see appendix II.). Defence post selected was Dr. A. SIMPSON’S Civil Surgeon’s bungalow and in his honour was named “Fort Pill Box.” This eventually became the Judge’s bungalow, which completely collapsed in the earthquake 2.15pm on the 15^th January 1934 (Luby was the Judge) MUZAFFARPUR. Mr. FRED COLLINGRIDGE of Doudpur Factory has the credit of being the Founder of the Regiment. He was 11 years in Command and 18 years in the Regiment. 

1862

During the year 1861, Mr. F. COLLINGRIDGE, in conjunction with Mr. C. T. METCALFE, the then Joint Magistrate if Tirhoot formulated a scheme for raising a Mounted Volunteer Corps: the first names were recorded at Doudpur, and on the 16^th July, 1862, an application signed by fifty-four residents of the districts of Tirhoot and Chupra, for enrolment as members of a Volunteer Corps was submitted to the Commissioner of the Behar Division. 

The name of the Corps proposed was the SOUBAH BEHAR MOUNTED RIFLES VOLUNTEER CORPS. 

The first Officers nominated were: Commandant J. FURLONG with rank of Captain. Lieutenant C. T. METCALFE, Tirhoot Troop, Lieutenant F. HOLLWAY, Champaran Troop. Cornet doing duty as Adjutant F. COLLINGRIDGE. 

ARMS proposed were a Sword and Terry’s Breech-Loading Rifle (this rifle was not available so Sharpe’s Breech-Loading Carbine was supplied). 

UNIFORM. Light grey coat with red pipings. Grey breeches with jackboots – helmet with red plume and blue puggry. Waist belt – frog – cartouche box. Cap pocket revolver case fitted on to Sword belt. 

Later to the above application 17 more signatures (making 71 in all) were obtained (see appendix III.) from the Champaran District supported by Mr. T. B. LANE, Magistrate of Tirhoot, and Mr. G. F. COCKBURN, Commissioner of the Patna Division. 

1862  8^th December

Sanction was obtained on the 5^th December (Letter No. 206), 1862, and the officers nominated were duly appointed on the 8^th December, 1862, and the Regiment named SOUBAH BEHAR MOUNTED RIFLES VOLUNTEER CORPS.

1863  July

First Drill Inspector, Lance Sergeant GODBEY, 2^nd Dragoon Guards, was appointed.

1865

First Honorary Colonel. The Hon. SIR CECIL BEADON, K.C.S.I. (see appendix IV.).

1868  August

Major JAMES FURLONG, First Commandant died. He was six years Commandant of the Regiment.

1869

Major F. COLLINGRIDGE was elected Commandant. Major J. BURN officiated.

1872

Snider Rifles were issued.

1875

Uniform became dark blue with white facings – white helmets – blue pantaloons with white stripes and knee boots. Hot weather uniform was white.

1875

Capt. A. E. MONEY, First Regular Adjutant. (See appendix V).

1876  5^th January

PRINCE OF WALES (Edward VII) Escort at BANKIPORE.

1880  7^th December

Major F. COLLINGRIDGE – the Founder resigned his Commission. 11 years in Command. 18 years service.

1881  7^th March

Major W. B. HUDSON appointed Commandant.

1882

Martini Rifles issued.

1883  July

South Ganges Troop was raised making 5 Troops.

1883  October

Mongyr Troop was raised making 6 Troops.

1884  1^st January

Proclamtion Parade Calcutta – over 200 strong attended on the occasion of the Ilbert Bill and camped at Bally-gunge. The ILBERT BILL – Up to 1883 a European could claim to be tried ONLY by another European. In 1884 Lord Ripon, the Viceroy, proposed to sweep away distinction. B.L.P. 200 strong went down to Calcutta to ‘kidnap’ the Viceroy and ship him home! In the end a compromise was effected. Jury to try a European had to be composed of at least half of his fellow countrymen.

1884  June

B.L.H. now has 6 Troops so is entitled to have a Lieut.- Colonel.

1884  29^th February

BEHAR MOUNTED RIFLES VOLUNTEER CORPS became the BIHAR LIGHT HORSE VOLUNTEER CORPS.

1884  March

First Chaplain appointed. Rev. J. RICHARDSON (see appendix VI).

1885  12^th February

When General GORDON was deserted and was making his last stand at Khartoum Col. HUDSON offered one hundred men and horses to the Government of India to go to the Soudan for the relief of General GORDON at Khartoum. Lord DUFFERIN refused stating the Home Government had instructions to despatch merely a small force to Suakim.

1885

Present Head Quarters and Armoury were purchased for Rs 10,182. MUZAFFARPUR.

1888  24^th January

H. E. General Sir F. S. ROBERTS, V.C.G.C.B., Commander in Chief India inspected the Corps.

1889  June

First Volunteer Reservists.

1893

Moving Camp on a large scale was first started 9^th January. 50 members under Lieut. Colonel Sir W. B. HUDSON, K.C.I.E., Major J. HODDING. Second in Command rode from Camp Segowlie 13 miles. 11^th January to Camp Bettiah 18 miles. 12^th January Camp broke up.

One hundred sets of regulation saddlery at a cost of about £77 were presented to the Corps by Mr. LACHLAN MACDONALD. 

Volunteer Officer’s Decoration first sanctioned for Indian Volunteers.

1894  25^th January

Khaki uniform was worn for the first time.

1895

First Large camp.

1895  April

Lord ELGIN VICEROY was escorted at Gya and Bankipur.

1897  January

First Maxim Gun arrived.

1898  December

Colonel Sir WILLIAM B. HUDSON, K.C.I.E., V.D., resigned his commission. He was 17 years Commandant.

1899  13^th January

Major J. HODDING takes over command.

1900 30^th January

Lumsden Horse 54 officers and men (see appendix VII) went to S. Africa to fight against the Boers. 

Trooper H. L. LUMSDEN, R. J. C. DAUBENY, R. W. CASE, Killed. 

Lieut. E. C.CRANE, Regt. Serg. Major C. M. C. MARSHAM, Serg. F. S. Mac NAMARA. Wounded. 

Capt. J. B. RUTHERFOORD was awarded D.S.O. 

Serg. Major C. M. C. MARSHAM awarded D.C.M. 

Corporal PERCY JONES awarded D.C.M. 

Liet. C. E. CRANE and Serg. G. E. LLEWHELLIN mentioned in despatches.

1901

QUEEN VICTORIA died – 63 years on the throne EDWARD VII was crowned KING.

1902  January

Memorial to members of the Regiment who had fallen in South Africa was unveiled in Christ Church Muzaffarpur.

1902  May

Lieutenant Colonel J. HODDING was selected for the Command of the Indian Volunteer Contingent assisting at the Coronation Ceremonies of HIS MAJESTY KING EDWARD VII in London. Segeant PERCY JONES, D.C.M., being selected as a representative from the Corps to form one of the Contingent. 

Major NEWCOMEN, Cawnpore Light Horse presented the NEWCOMEN Cup for the competition among the Mounted Corps in India for the Best Man-at Arms. 

This was won by Trumpeter Sergeant HOOLEY “D” Troop.

1903  1^st January

Delhi Coronation Durbar, 24 rank and file under Capt. J. B. RUTHERFOORD, D.S.O. attended.

1905  1^st April

His Excellency LORD CURZON, Viceroy and Governor General of India was escorted at Pusa.

1905  20^th September

Major FRED. COLLINGRIDGE, “The Founder” died.

1906  7^th February

His Excellency LORD MINTO, Viceroy and Governor General of India was escorted to Bankipur.

1906  20^th May

Lieutenant Colonel JOHN HODDING, V.D.C.I.E., Commandant resigned and was granted the Honary rank of Colonel with permission to wear the uniform of the Corps on retirement. He was 30 years a member.

1906  25^th May

Major VICTOR NORTH HICKLEY, V.D., Hon. A.D.C., to the Command of the Regiment with rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

1906  5^th November

H. E. LORD KITCHENER Commander in Chief in India was escorted by “B” Troop under Capt. H. W. APPERLEY at Raxaul station.

1906

Bandolier equipment was issued in place of old cavalry pouch belt.

1906  November

Two beds in the Woodburn Ward, Presidency General Hospital, Calcutta were established.

1906  23^rd December

Reservist MINDEN JAMES WILSON (oldest member) retired. He was a volunteer since 1857 – 52 years.

1910

EDWARD VII. Died GEORGE V. came to throne.

1911  23^rd June

Lieutenant Colonel VICTOR N. HICKLEY, C.I.E., V.D., A.D.C., represented the Regiment at the Coronation Ceremony to H.M. KING GEORGE V. in London.

1911  12^th December

Captain E. G. BARTON and Vet. Lieutenant QUINLAN (see appendix IX.) represented the Corps at the Delhi Durbar.

1911 17^th December

H.M. the KING EMPEROR GEORGE V. was escorted at Arrah. Twenty two officers and one hundred and sixty seven rank and file present. The King presented the Regiment with a signed photograph of their IMPERIAL MAJESTIES.

1912  January

Captain E. LLEWHELLIN, Lieutenants R. S. CHESHIRE and R. BARROW and 29 N.C.O.’s attended the Calcutta concentration camp on the occasion of their MAJESTIES visit to Calcutta.

1913  26^th January

Captain E. G. BARTON died on parade.

1913

BIHAR LIGHT HORSE Jubilee Year.

1912  12^th April

Major GORDON, 13^th D.C.O. Lancers Adjutant for 5 years was presented with a Sword of honor.

1913  24^th August

Brass tablet to Capt. E. G. BARTON unveiled by Col. HICKLEY in Christ Church, Muzaffarpur.

1913  August

Short Martini Enfield Rifle issued.

1914  25^th October

Colonel Sir WILLIAM BRERETON HUDSON, K.C.I.E., A.D.C., died. He joined Soubah Behar Mounted Rifles on 4^th July, 1864, was Commandant 7^th March, 1881 to 1898.

1913  29^th November

His Excellency LORD HARDINGE, Viceroy and Governor General of India visited Bankipore. 104 sabres of BIHAR LIGHT HORSE escorted him.

1915

Lieutenant T. R. FILGATE, C.I.E., V.D., took over Command from Colonel V. N. HINKLEY, C.I.E., V.D., A.D.C.

1916 3^rd February

Regiment escorted His Excellency The Viceroy LORD HARDINGE at the opening of the Patna High Court.

1916 4^th February

Maharajah of Darbhanga presented the Corps with a maching gun.

1916  16^th December

Mr. MINDEN JAMES WILSON, died. He was Commandant at Fort Pill Box, 1857. Soubah BEHAR MOUNTED RIFLES, 1862. BEHAR LIGHT HORSE, 1884 – 23^rd December, 1909 – 52 years.

1917  19^th January

Evening Lieutenant HUBBACK in camp Turki lectured on “putting a house hastily into a state of defence and the necessary steps to be taken. The most prominent and interesting point naturally the “Keep”. (The following morning there was an artistic sketch on the blackboard of the “Keep”.) By RAGS WILSON.

1917  1^st April

BIHAR LIGHT HORSE VOLUNTEER CORPS became BIHAR LIGHT HORSE INDIAN DEFENCE FORCE. It’s motto “Nec Aspera Terrent” (They are not frightened of hardships).

1918  27^th March

Colonel J. P. HODDING, C.I.E., V.D., A.D.C., died. He was a member from 4^th April, 1875 to 25^th May, 1906. 31 years.

1920  October

Lieutenant Colonel T. R. FILGATE, C.I.E., V.D., resigned. He was known to us all as “Puss in Boots” due to riding boots he wore, and was 5 years Commandant. Lieutenant. Lieutenant Colonel GEORGE ELLIOT LLEWHELLIN, V.D., took over.

1920  October

BIHAR LIGHT HORSE INDIAN DEFENCE FORCE became BIHAR LIGHT HORSE AUXILLARY FORCE (INDIA) Regiment after 50 years and four months ceases to exhist as a Volunteer Corps.

1921  July

The Regiment was organised as follows – Cavalry. “A” Troop Muzaffarpur. “B” Troop at Motihari. “C” Troop at Bhagalpur “D” 1 Troop at Darbhanga (South) “D” 2 Darbhanga (North) and “E” Troop at Chupra. Infantry Coy. Was known as A Coy with detatchments at Patna and Monghyr, while there were 2 M.G. sections at Patna, Muzaffarpur and Monghyr. There were also 3. L.M.P.’s at Pusa, Purneah and Darbhanga.

1921  September

All old saddlery was returned and the new cavalry pattern was issued to replace them. 

PRINCE OF WALES (now DUKE OF WINDSOR) was escorted to Patna.

1923  January

Colonel E. A. C. HINDMARSH, M.O., of the BIHAR LIGHT HORSE, retired. (Appendix VIII.)

1923  February

Colonel VICTOR N. HICKLEY, C.I.E., V.D., A.D.C., died a member 32 years. 10^th April, 1882 to 1915. Lt. Colonel 1906 – 1915. Coronation 1911.

1925

Buttons to be leather with a collar badge in silver of a wild boar and a cap badge in silver of a wild boar.

1926  April

Colonel G. ELLIOT LLEWHELLIN, C.B.E., V.D., handed over Command to Major C. G. LEES, V.D., A.D.C. He was six years in Command.

1930  2^nd April

Major A. L. DANBY took over Command till 1934 and was promoted to Lieut. Colonel. 

Colonel CECIL G. LEES, V.D., A.D.C., resigned. He was 4 years in Command.

1931  October

Major J. A. BROWN, V.D., (Sandy) died playing polo at Hathwa.

1932

The Regiment was reorganised “A” Troop at Muzaffarpur, “B” Troop at Motihari, “C” Troop at Bhagalpur and Patna, “D” Troop at Semastipur. The L.M.P.’s were at Patna, Semastipur, Purneah, Marhowrah, Monghyr and Basdeopur.

1932  22^nd May

A memorial to “SANDY” Major J. A. BROWN was unveiled in the Semastipur Church. 

Mrs. “SANDY” BROWN presented a Gong to the BIHAR LIGHT HORSE. For many years this was the gong of the BIHAR LIGHT HORSE and stood outside the Quarter Guard. 

A stained glass window was installed in Muzaffarpur Church in memory of those, who fell in the Great War of 1914 – 1918. 

Arms and ammunition were supplied to members to take to their own homes for the first time. 

Blue patrol mess kit was brought into use for the first time.

1933

Regiment again was reorganised. A, D and C Troops being known as Eastern troop subdivided into Muzaffarpur Wing and Dharbhunga Wing “B” “C” Patna and Saran. Mounted Troop being known as Western Troop subdivided into Champaran Wing and Saran Wing. Five motor Patrols as follows Saran L.M.P.2, and Purneah L.M.P.

1934  15^th January 2.15p.m.

The Earthquake.

1934  April

Captain T. G. CROSSE, M.C. takes over command from Lt. Colonel ARTHUR L. DANBY, O.B.E., E.D., A.D.C. 4 years in Command.

1934  May

First Cobbler was engaged.

1935  April

Major General H. K.BETHELL Commander, Presidency and Assam District Inspected the Regiment. 

Lieut. Colonel ARTHUR L. DANBY, O.B.E., E.D., A.D.C., took over command for the second time from Captain T. GRANT CROSSE, M.C. 

Dress Parade held with short sleeves and pockets and epaulettes with white tape stripes to be worn by N.C.O. on both arms. (4½ x ½).

1936

Major General G. M. LINDSAY, C.B., C.M.G., C.B.E., D.S.O. Commander Presidency and Assam district inspected the regiment.

1936  20^th January

KING GEORGE V. died.  EDWARD VIII. KING Abdicated. GEORGE VI. Came to the throne.

1937  April

Colonel ARTHUR L. DANBY, E.D., A.D.C., left for Poona and had the honour to lead the Volunteer Detachment of the Indian Coronation Contingent in London on May 12.

1937  June

Major General G. M. LINDSAY, C.B., C.M.G., C.B.E., D.S.O. Commander Presidency and Assam district for the second year inspected the Regiment.

1938

Disbandment of UNITED PROVINCE HORSE. The Gorakpur Squadron was transferred to the BIHAR LIGHT HORSE.

1939  April

Colonel A. L. DANBY, O.B.E., E.D., A.D.C. (Honorary Colonel) handed over Command to Lieut. Colonel C. A. MACLEAN, C.B.E., M.C.

1939  May

Pocock Lone Trophy Competition. For Horse-mastership and Scouting by a team of five Volunteer Cavalry of the Empire was won by the BIHAR LIGHT HORSE.  

Sergeant O. H. M. HERFORD. First 320/320 in 8 hours 12 minutes. Trp. A. J. SALISBURY, Second 318/320 in 12 hours 37 minutes, and other three members were respectively STUART–WILLIAMS, Fourth 310/320 in 8 hours 44 minutes (Lost marks on condition of his horse) eighth and eleventh, PETE HALL and HALES-COLEMAN. Riding 70 miles over a course marked out on the map – regulation parade order without arms – Winner best time – subject to vetting sound man and horse and map test next day. (Two ladies Mrs. BRENDA HERFORD and Mrs. CORAL SALISBURY also put up an excellent performance, completing the Course in 10 hours 50 minutes).

1939  31^st May

General SIR ROBERT CASSELLS, G.C.B., C.S.I., D.S.O. His Excellency is very pleased indeed that this Auxillary Force (India) Unit has proved itself second to none in the Empire in a Competition designed to test these Qualities.

1939  3^rd September

11 a.m. World War II. declared.

1940  September

Colonel G. ELLIOT LLEWHELLIN died.

1941  31^st March

Colonel C. A. MacLEAN was granted rank of Colonel with permission to wear the uniform of the Corps.

1941  1^st April

Colonel C. A. MacLEAN, C.B.E., M.C., handed over to Major W. N. R. KEMP.

1941 December

No. 2 Troop sent Rs. 600/- the Honorary Treasurer of the East Indies War Fund – proceeds of the No. 2 Troop Dance held at Semastipur.

1942

Civil Disobedience Movement of National Congress BIHAR LIGHT HORSE embodied and called out in aid of civil power. Internal Security Scheme brought into effect.

1942

Tr. FRANCIS with a body of English soldiers was massacred by the mob at Marhowrah, who ambushed them. 

Rev. COOMBE, Missionary of Ghoraschen rescued from the mob by Major KEMP. Trp. MEYRICK, Captain GOMME, 4 B.O.R’s and 4 sepoys. He was found in a bullock cart disguised as a muslim woman, very exhausted having been hunted through sugarcane all day.

1942  15^th August

Internal Security Scheme.

1942  16^th August

Europeans brought into rallying points at Muzaffarpur, Motihari and bettiah.

1942  21^st August

BIHAR LIGHT HORSE, Troop Train, Motihari to Muzaffarpur. 

Major KEMP, Troopers W. H. MEYRICK, R. METRICK, F. A. C. MUNNS, W. MURRAY, Colonel OGILVEY, British Legation, Nepal. Captain GOMME, B.O. on leave: Mr. HENRY, Railway Engineer with his most efficient gang who repaired the line.

1942  25^th August

All women and children evacuated to Muzaffarpur.

1942  10^th October

Disembodied.