Secunderabad Cavalry Brigade
The Secunderabad Cavalry Brigade was a distinguished cavalry formation of the British Indian Army that played a vital role during the early to mid-stages of the First World War. Formed during a period of significant military restructuring, the brigade transitioned from a peacetime garrison force in India to a combat-hardened unit on the Western Front in France.
Origins and the Kitchener Reforms
The brigade was established on September 17, 1907, as a direct result of the Kitchener Reforms. These reforms, implemented by Lord Kitchener during his tenure as Commander-in-Chief, India (1902–09), aimed to unify the three former Presidency armies, the Punjab Frontier Force, and the Hyderabad Contingent into a single, cohesive Indian Army.
Kitchener's strategic vision shifted the army's primary focus toward the defense of the North-West Frontier to counter foreign aggression—specifically Russian expansion into Afghanistan—while maintaining internal security as a secondary priority. Under this new organization, the Secunderabad Cavalry Brigade was integrated into the 9th (Secunderabad) Division, with its peacetime headquarters located at Bolarum.
Mobilization and Deployment to France
At the outbreak of the First World War in August 1914, the unit was mobilized as the 9th (Secunderabad) Cavalry Brigade. It formed part of the first elements of Indian Expeditionary Force A. The brigade's core strength consisted of one British regiment and two Indian regiments:
- 7th (Princess Royal's) Dragoon Guards
- 20th Deccan Horse
- 34th Prince Albert Victor's Own Poona Horse
Supporting these cavalry units were N Battery of the Royal Horse Artillery, the Secunderabad Cavalry Brigade Field Ambulance, the H Section Ammunition Column, and the 1st Field Troop of the 1st King George's Own Sappers and Miners.
After a brief stop in Egypt, the brigade arrived in France on October 12, 1914. To avoid confusion with the British 9th Cavalry Brigade also operating in the region, the unit was referred to by its geographical name, the Secunderabad Cavalry Brigade, rather than its numerical designation.
Combat Operations on the Western Front
Initially attached to the Indian Corps and later the 1st Indian Cavalry Division, the brigade saw immediate action in 1914. Its early engagements included the Battle of La Bassée, the Battle of Armentières, and the Battle of Givenchy. A notable moment of valor occurred on November 24, 1914, when Lieutenant Frank de Pass of the 34th Prince Albert Victor's Own Poona Horse was awarded the Victoria Cross at Festubert.
On December 23, 1914, the brigade was reassigned to the 2nd Indian Cavalry Division, where it remained until 1918. During the later years of the war, the brigade participated in some of the most significant clashes of the conflict.
The Somme and Cambrai
In 1916, the brigade was involved in the Battle of the Somme, specifically during the Battle of Bazentin (July 14–17) and the Battle of Flers–Courcelette (September 15–22).
By 1917, the brigade took part in the Battle of Cambrai, contributing to the Tank Attack in November and the subsequent German counter-attacks. While often held in reserve to exploit potential breakthroughs, the brigade frequently sent parties to the trenches to hold the line or perform duties as pioneers; these detachments were known as the Secunderabad Battalion.
Dissolution and Legacy
In March 1918, the brigade was broken up in France. The British components, including the 7th (Princess Royal's) Dragoon Guards and N Battery, Royal Horse Artillery, remained in France. The Indian elements were transferred to Egypt, where they merged with the 7th Mounted Brigade on April 24, 1918, eventually becoming part of the 14th Cavalry Brigade within the 5th Cavalry Division by July 1918.
Key Facts
- Active Period: September 17, 1907 – March 1918.
- Primary Allegiance: British Crown / British Indian Army.
- Key Engagements: Battles of La Bassée, Armentières, Givenchy, the Somme, and Cambrai.
- Notable Honor: Lieutenant Frank de Pass awarded the Victoria Cross in 1914.
- Composition: A mix of British (Dragoon Guards) and Indian (Deccan Horse, Poona Horse) cavalry.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Formation Date | September 17, 1907 |
| Peacetime HQ | Bolarum, India |
| Major Divisions | 9th (Secunderabad), 1st Indian Cavalry, 2nd Indian Cavalry |
| Key Commanders | Br.-Gen. M.F. Rimington, Br.-Gen. C.L. Gregory |
| Dissolution Date | March 1918 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the brigade called the Secunderabad Cavalry Brigade instead of the 9th?
While it was officially the 9th (Secunderabad) Cavalry Brigade, it used its geographical name in France to avoid confusion with the British 9th Cavalry Brigade, which was serving on the Western Front at the same time.
What were the Kitchener Reforms?
The Kitchener Reforms were a series of military reorganizations led by Lord Kitchener between 1902 and 1909 to unify various presidency armies and local forces into a single Indian Army focused on defending the North-West Frontier.
What was the "Secunderabad Battalion"?
The Secunderabad Battalion referred to parties of the brigade that were sent into the trenches to hold the line or act as pioneers when the main cavalry force was being held in reserve.
Which units made up the brigade on the Western Front?
The combat core consisted of the 7th (Princess Royal's) Dragoon Guards, the 20th Deccan Horse, and the 34th Prince Albert Victor's Own Poona Horse, supported by N Battery, Royal Horse Artillery, and various field ambulance and sapper units.
What happened to the brigade after March 1918?
The brigade was dissolved; British units remained in France, while Indian units were sent to Egypt to join the 7th Mounted Brigade, which later became the 14th Cavalry Brigade.