Corps of Guides facts for kids
The Corps of Guides was a special military group in the British Indian Army. It was unique because it had both foot soldiers (infantry) and horse riders (cavalry) in one unit! This group mostly served in a region called the North-West Frontier Province, which is now part of Pakistan.
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What Was the Corps of Guides?
The idea for this special army unit came from Sir Henry Lawrence. He wanted a group of soldiers who knew the local areas well and could act as "guides" for the main army.
Who Formed the Guides?
Sir Henry Lawrence chose a young officer named Lt. Harry Lumsden to lead this new unit. On February 6, 1847, Lt. Lumsden officially took command of what would become the famous Corps of Guides.
Who Joined the Guides?
The soldiers recruited for the Guides were mostly Pathans from the local region. These were brave and skilled people who knew the mountains and valleys very well.
Where Were They Based?
The main base for the Corps of Guides was in a town called Mardan. Today, Mardan is in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan.
The Guides After 1947
In 1947, British India gained independence and split into two new countries: India and Pakistan. The Corps of Guides then became part of the Pakistan Army.
How the Guides Changed
After 1947, the Corps of Guides was split into two parts:
- Its infantry (foot soldiers) joined another group called the Frontier Force Regiment.
- Its cavalry (horse riders) became a new unit known as the Guides Cavalry.
