At the outbreak of World War One (1914-1918) the regiment was stationed at Neemuch in Madhya Pradesh and consisted of one squadron each of Madras and Dekhani Musalmans, Punjabi Muslamans, Rathore Rajputs and Jats. The majority of the regiment remained stationed on the North West Frontier for local defence, although contingents were sent as drafts to reinforce other cavalry regiments serving in France and the Middle East. In 1919 the regiment served in the 3rd Afghan War, earning the battle honour 'Afghanistan 1919'. In 1922 the regiment was retitled as the 16th Light Cavalry.