RSF in Rangoon 1908-10

[rmtnuke]

Hi. Great-uncle FE Thornton served with the Royal Scots Fusiliers up until the First World War when he joined the Indian Army. I see he served with the RSF in Rangoon, Burma between 1908-10 - anyone any idea what the Fusilers were doing there and if there is any reading matter on their time there? Thanks. Robin

[Steven Broomfield]

Protecting the Empire. Burma was part of the Indian Empire and needed white troops to help garrison it. At any given time you could expect one Regular battaion of each infantry regiment to have a battalion somewhere coloured pink on the map, while the other battalion stayed at home. They would then swap every ten years or so.

Afraid I've no idea on reading matter.

[rmtnuke]

Protecting the Empire. Burma was part of the Indian Empire and needed white troops to help garrison it. At any given time you could expect one Regular battaion of each infantry regiment to have a battalion somewhere coloured pink on the map, while the other battalion stayed at home. They would then swap every ten years or so.

Afraid I've no idea on reading matter.

Thank you, Steven - very helpful! Regards, Robin

[centurion]

In the period in question there were disputes with both China and Thailand over the Burma borders with some actual incursions by the Chinese in the North. The soldiers would have been there to add weight to the efforts of the diplomats.

[rmtnuke]

In the period in question there were disputes with both China and Thailand over the Burma borders with some actual incursions by the Chinese in the North. The soldiers would have been there to add weight to the efforts of the diplomats.

Great! That's really helpful. Cheers. Robin

[Mike Donoghue]

Hi Robin,

My Grandfather was in India, I believe the North West Frontier, for four years ending in 1912. I found a book at my local library called 'Sword of the Raj, The British Army in India, 1747 - 1947.' It was published in 1977 by The Bobbs-Merill Company Inc.

I found it very interesting and informative. I think you will enjoy it if you can find it.

Cheers,

Mike