Viceroy’s Commissioned Officer

A Viceroy`s Commissioned Officer was a senior native member of the British Indian Army. They were ranked senior to warrant officers in the army and held a commission issued by the Viceroy of India. The Viceroy`s Commissioned Officers (VCOs) were also identified as native officers or Indian officers. The officers were treated as commissioned officers in most respects. The Viceroy`s Commissioned Officers had authority only over the Indian troops. They were subordinate to all King`s commissioned Indian officers and British King`s and Queen`s Commissioned Officers.

The ranks were developed to assist effectual liaison between the English officers and the Indian troops. The men who were promoted to the rank of Viceroy`s Commissioned Officer served for a long period and had good service records. Moreover they could also act as a common liaison point between the British officers and the native troops. The officers could speak English fluently and acted as advisers to the British officers on native issues.

The Viceroy`s Commissioned Officers were always addressed and treated with respect. All men, including British officer, addressed the Officers as Subedar Sahib. After the Partition of India, the British Indian Army was shared among the Union of India and the Dominion of Pakistan. The Modern Indian Army also retained similar ranks known as Junior Commissioned Officers.

Ranks of Viceroy`s Commissioned Officer
The Viceroy`s Commissioned Officers were assigned several titles and ranks during their service. These are mentioned as follows-

Cavalry Regiments
* Jemadar
* Risaldar or Ressaidar
* Risaldar Major (Ressaidar Major) or Wordi Major

Infantry Regiments and Other Arms
* Jemadar
* Subedar
* Subedar Major