MaureenE Posted 27 June , 2018 Share Posted 27 June , 2018 Photograph labelled Indian Platoon, from what appears to be a printed album titled 2nd Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers Ferozepore (India). The 2nd Battalion was in India 1919- c 1934. http://www.lancs-fusiliers.co.uk/gallerynew/2lf1931-1934India, Punjab, Amritsar/album/25.jpg I have not previously come across an “Indian Platoon” in a British Army Regiment. What were the duties of an “Indian Platoon” and were the Indian soldiers officially part of the British Army? Cheers Maureen Link to post Share on other sites
Steven Broomfield Posted 27 June , 2018 Share Posted 27 June , 2018 Maureene - is it an 'Indian Platoon' in a British regiment, or just an Indian Platoon who served alongside the Fusiliers (does that make sense? I mean that rather than embedded as part of the LF, this was a platoon from an Indian regiment which served alongside them in cantonments, or on a scheme or something)? Link to post Share on other sites
MaureenE Posted 27 June , 2018 Author Share Posted 27 June , 2018 I have done some more Googling which seems to have answered my questions. They appear to be Indian Army attached to British regiments. From a dnw medal catalogue INDIAN ARMY MERITORIOUS SERVICE MEDAL, G.VI.R., 1st issue (8345 Qmr. Hav. Basant Singh, Support Coy. 2-Welch R.), together with a Welsh Regiment cap badge, toned, good very fine (2) £100-120 Basant Singh was a member of 2/Welsh Regiment’s ‘Indian Platoon’, one of which was attached to each British infantry regiment serving in India up until November 1932. Each such platoon comprised one Indian officer and 42 other ranks, their primary duty being to lead and care for the mule packs upon which guns and ammunition of the Machine-Gun Company were carried. https://www.dnw.co.uk/media/auction_catalogues/Medals 27 Sep 16.pdf Cheers Maureen Link to post Share on other sites
Heid the Ba Posted 28 June , 2018 Share Posted 28 June , 2018 Very interesting, thanks Maureene. Link to post Share on other sites
Steven Broomfield Posted 28 June , 2018 Share Posted 28 June , 2018 I'll second that. Link to post Share on other sites
PhilB Posted 28 June , 2018 Share Posted 28 June , 2018 You live and learn! Link to post Share on other sites
ddycher Posted 10 July , 2018 Share Posted 10 July , 2018 I’m intrigued. Wonder if the TF units had them. Never come across this before. Thanks Maureen Regards Dave Link to post Share on other sites
capricorn Posted 15 July , 2020 Share Posted 15 July , 2020 (edited) Indian MG Platoons were attached to a British regiment. It was in early 1922 , shortly after the introduction of the Vickers Machine Guns into Infantry Battalions the AHQ announced an experimental scheme to provide Indian detachments in all British Battalions, as mule leaders for machine gun pack mules.Soon afterward the 1st Indian platoon was formed & allotted to The 1st Bn Kings Shropshire Infantry amongst other batallions Edited 15 July , 2020 by capricorn Link to post Share on other sites
MaureenE Posted 16 July , 2020 Author Share Posted 16 July , 2020 Thanks for posting. Interesting to see, and note the dates. Cheers Maureen Link to post Share on other sites
58 Div Mule Posted 19 July , 2020 Share Posted 19 July , 2020 Probably a bit off topic but ‘Indianisation’ grew at pace in the 30’s. Indian soldiers attached to British Regiments and Indian officers taking over roles previously allotted to British officers. 6th Royal Battalion, 13th Frontier Force Rifles was an early example. 58 DM. Link to post Share on other sites
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