The regiment was raised in 1803 as Captain Skinners Corps of Irregular Horse. Charging alongside the British 16th Lancers, they fought gallantly to earn the battle honour of Bhurtpore, along with Kandahar of 1842.

Joining the Kurrum column they earned the honour, Afghanistan 1879-80, and their actions in the ‘Boxer Rebellion’ added the honour Peking 1900.