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The name is Geographical and not racial. Dogras are Brahmans, Rajputs and Jats who for the most part remained Hindu in a predominantly Moslem region. The British had recruited Dogras as far back as 1840, from the Punjab Hills and Jammu & Kashmir. They were rated most valuable soldiers, courageous and with great powers of physical endurance.
The 41st came into being in 1900, taking a number in the old Bengal line which had been vacant since 1882. They went to China in 1904 to join an international force, staying there until 1908. In WW1 they served in India, France, Mesopotamia and Egypt. There was a second battalion raised in 1917 at Jubbulpore.
In the amalgamations of 1922, they joined the 37th and 38th Dogras to become the 17th Dogra Regiment, stationed at Jullundur. The 41st became the 3rd battalion, 2/41 making up the 10th or training battalion. 10/17th was also responsible for the Machine Gun Drivers' Training Company.
During the hot weather of 1931, it was decided that the 3rd Bn (the old 41st) should be disbanded. When the pensioners heard about this, a deputation of senior Indian officers went to Simla to protest. The Adjutant-General was not sympathetic but the old soldiers persisted and got to meet the Commander-in- Chief who listened patiently. They challenged him to quote a single instance of political sedition in their community or failure in the field; if such were found he would be justified, they said, in disbanding the entire 17th Dogra Regiment. Orders for the disbandment of the 3/17 Dogra were rescinded.
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