[1] In 1903, the regiment, now designated as the 22nd Madras Infantry, was reconstituted with Punjabi Muslims, Hazarawals, Sikhs and Hindu Jats.

As a result of the reforms brought about in the Indian Army by Lord Kitchener, all Madras units had 60 added to their numbers, and the regiment's designation was changed to 82nd Punjabis.

On the outbreak of the First World War in 1914, the 82nd Punjabis were serving on the North West Frontier of India.

In January 1916, they were dispatched to Mesopotamia, where they were engaged in the desperate British efforts to relieve the besieged garrison at Kut al Amara.

In the fierce fighting at Shumran, while crossing the River Tigris, the regiment again suffered heavy casualties.

After the Japanese invasion of Burma, the battalion fought in a number of rear-guard actions, as the British retreated a thousand miles to India.