Major C H Hawes began his career as a lieutenant in the 3rd Punjab Cavalry on 22 March 1893. He served on the Northwest Frontier in 1897–98, taking part in the operations on the Samana and in the Kurram Valley during August and September 1897. He was present at the relief of Fort Gulistan and joined Colonel Richardson’s flying column to the Kurram Valley from 20 August to 1 October 1897. His service in the Tirah campaign extended over 1897–98, marking him as an experienced frontier officer.
Hawes was promoted to captain on 10 July 1901 and returned to the Northwest Frontier in 1902, participating in operations against the Darwesh Khel Waziris. His steady advancement reflected both his active service and his reliability in difficult campaigns. In 1909 he was promoted to major, and in 1913, while the regiment was stationed in Quetta, he was placed in command of the King’s Indian Orderly Officers sent to London. This appointment demonstrated his standing within the regiment and the trust placed in him to lead a distinguished ceremonial detachment representing the Indian Army at the King’s court.
The photograph from the Imperial War Museum shows Lieutenant‑Colonel C H Hawes DSO MVO in service dress uniform in 1915. He was still serving in the 23rd Cavalry, as indicated by his cap badge, which retained the design of the old badge of the regiment when it was numbered the 3rd Punjab Cavalry. His career thus spanned both active frontier operations and ceremonial duties, bridging the martial traditions of the Punjab Cavalry with the imperial symbolism of the King’s Indian Orderlies.
