10th Baluch Regiment - Inter-War Period

Inter-War Period

After the First World War, a major re-organization of British Indian Army took place. Most of the wartime units were disbanded, while the remaining single-battalion regiments were merged to form large regimental groups of 4-6 battalions each. Among these was the 10th Baluch Regiment, formed in 1922 at Rajkot (Rajasthan) from the five old Baluch battalions and the second battalion of 124th Baluchistan Infantry. The regimental depot later shifted to Karachi. The distinctive rifle green and red uniform of the old Baluch battalions was adopted by the entire regiment. The officers wore a cherry boss surmounted by a silver 'X' on field and forage caps, while the old battalion badges continued to be worn on pagris and helmets by the 1st, 3rd, 4th and 5th Battalions. It was not until 1945 that a single cap badge was adopted by the regiment on introduction of berets during the Second World War. It consisted of a Roman numeral 'X' within a crescent moon, a crown above and title scroll below, all in white metal. The badges of rank were in black metal with red edging, while the lanyard was of rifle green cord with two red runners. Another distinctive feature of Baluchi uniforms were plain silver ball buttons worn on service and mess dresses.

The line up of the new regiment was:

• 1st Battalion (DCO) - 124th Duchess of Connaught's Own Baluchistan Infantry.
• 2nd Battalion - 126th Baluchistan Infantry.
• 3rd Battalion (QMO) - 127th Queen Mary's Own Baluch Light Infantry.
• 4th Battalion (DCO) - 129th Duke of Connaught's Own Baluchis.
• 5th Battalion (KGO) - 130th King George's Own Baluchis (Jacob's Rifles).
• 10th (Training) Battalion - 2/124th Duchess of Connaught's Own Baluchistan Infantry.