Camel Sowar 1908


Camel Sowars, usually 4 to a regiment were the messengers to and from the various headquarters in a cantonment. This saved the horses, which were liable to lose condition if left standing about at the various offices in hot weather. The 'sowari camels' were known as shooter sowars derived from the Persian 'shater' meaning a footman, beadle or runner, one who escorted, or ran before a king or grandee.

The uniform for this sowar is the same as the others in the regiment. The dark green kurta has a red collar with green cuffs edged in red. Down the front of the kurta was a red stripe in line with the buttons, and red piping either side. There is also red piping following the back seams. The silver shoulder chains have a brass title. The turban and cummerbund are red with black stripes, and he has a Sam Browne leather belt. He has white breeches and black puttees. The saddle cover is green with a red stripe following the edge, and a large 25 in the pointed corner. There is another stirrup showing beneath the shabraque indicating that there is another saddle for a passenger on the back.


Uniforms | Regimental History


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by Stephen Luscombe