The two regiments that constituted the 2nd Lancers after the reorganisation of 1922 were the former 2nd Bengal Lancers and the 4th Cavalry. The 2nd did not have a standard or guidon (or at least had not had one for many years), but the 4th had been granted an extra Honorary Squadron for distinguished service in Sind in 1844. However, six years later a General Order of 1850 gave strict instructions that regiments of cavalry were to be organised as six rissalas, with no exceptions. So the 4th (at that time titled 6th Bengal Irregular Cavalry) were compensated by having an Honorary Standard. By 1928 this standard was in a very dilapidated condition and the opportunity was taken to produce a new standard, or guidon, incorporating the combined battle honours of both regiments.
The new standard, dating from 1928, and reproduced here from the Cavalry Journal of 1929, has 18 battle honours on scrolls arranged in a circular pattern on a laurel wreath. Inside this is a wreath of oak leaves, and in the centre the lion passant regardant (barely visible). The King’s crown surmounts this central device, the title ‘4th BC’ placed upper right, and an Arabic inscription upper left. The date 1844 is below the oak-leaf wreath. The staff is topped with a gilt Royal Crest and there are two gold and crimson cords ending in gold and crimson tassels.
