British officers retained the Indian style uniform after WW1 for formal occasions, although khaki prevailed. This captain wears the khaki blouse which was based on the kurta, but opened all the way down. The collar fastened with hooks and eyes at the neck and had regimental badges for the 2nd Lancers which, since 1922, incorporated the 4th Cavalry. The silver metal shoulder chains have a captain’s rank of three gilt stars. A brown leather Sam Browne belt supports his sword and is worn over a red kummerbund which has striped ends, no longer the Paisley pattern of the previous full dress. He has brown leather gauntlets and black boots.
The photo was taken at the wedding of Gervase and Iris Portal in 1927 where this unnamed officer was best man. His medals for WW1 include a Military Cross. The 1920 Army List shows five officers with that decoration: Captain D E Whitworth, Captain E W D Vaughan, Captain R P L Ranking (who commanded the regiment in 1940) and Lieutenant E St.J King, also Captain L D W Hearsey (attached).
