Dear all,

during an archaeological mission in Iran (in 2015) I had the opportunity to visit the Apadana in Persepolis. In one of the inner walls I saw an historical inscription dating back to World War 1 (1917). The inscription reports this text:

"Lucas. Sgt. 21st Lancers 1917"

I saw that the 21st Lancers was a cavalry regiment of the British Army. After a fast check in Wikipedia I saw that" The 21st Lancers did not see service on the Western Front during the First World War, being the only regular cavalry regiment of the British Army to spend the duration of the war in India. The regiment did however see action on the North-West Frontier during 1915–16, with one trooper, Charles Hull, receiving the Victoria Cross. A single squadron made up of reservists served in France in 1916–17, attached to XIV Corps." My question is: did the 21st Lancers operate also in Iran in 1917? Or the regiment just cross this land? or maybe Sgt. Lucas presence in Iran in 1917 was not connected with WW1 and his military service in the 21st Lancers?

I am working on an archaeology exhibition about WW1 and I am considering to add a session about Middle East, this is the reason of my question. Your kind help will be greatly appreciated!