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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/77003-0.txt b/77003-0.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..aa646ba --- /dev/null +++ b/77003-0.txt @@ -0,0 +1,18802 @@ + +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 77003 *** + + + + + + WITH THE INDIANS IN FRANCE + + + By + + GENERAL SIR JAMES WILLCOCKS + + G.C.M.G., K.C.B., K.C.S.L., D.S.O., LL.D. + + + LONDON + + CONSTABLE AND COMPANY LTD. + + 1920 + + + + + TO MY BRAVE COMRADES OF ALL RANKS OF THE + INDIAN ARMY I DEDICATE THIS BOOK WHICH + IS AN EARNEST ENDEAVOUR TO RECORD THEIR + LOYALTY AND UNPERISHABLE VALOUR ON THE + BATTLEFIELDS OF FRANCE AND BELGIUM + + + _From BLACKWOOD’S MAGAZINE + December 1917._ + + + + + HURNāM-SINGH + + + BY GENERAL SIR JAMES WILLCOCKS + + + I + + Beneath an ancient pipal-tree, fast by the Jhelum’s tide, + In silent thought sat Hurnām-Singh, + A Khalsa[1] soldier of the King: + He mused on things now done and past, + For he had reached his home at last, + His empty sleeve his pride. + + + II + + Five years before a village lout, beneath the self-same tree, + He met the Havildar, who’d come + With honeyed words and beat of drum, + Cajoling all who glory sought, + And telling how the regiment fought + The Zakha and the Mohmand clans, + With shouts of victory. + + + III + + Wah Guru Ji! rang in his ears, the famous battle cry, + And since those days Hurnām had seen, + On Flanders plains, from fierce Messines, + To Festubert and Neuve Chapelle, + ’Mid festering bogs and scenes of hell, + How Khalsa soldiers die. + + + IV + + The village yokels round him flocked to hearken to his tales, + How he had crossed the Kala[2] sea, + From India’s strand past Araby, + Thro’ Egypt’s sands to Europe’s shores, + Where the wild stormy mistral roars, + And anchor’d in Marseilles. + + + V + + “Is it the truth,” said one more bold than village yokels be, + “That men with wings ascend on high + And fight with Gods in yonder sky? + That iron monsters belching wrath, + Beneath their wheels of Juggernaut, + Claim victims for Kali?” + + + VI + + “Now list all ye,” said Hurnām-Singh, “the aged and the youth, + The tales they told in bygone days, + Of Gods and Ghouls in ancient lays, + Are true, not false; mine eyes descried, + Mine ears have heard as heroes died, + The Mahabharut’s[3] truth. + + + VII + + “The land of France is wide and fair, the people brave and free, + I fain would tell, but orders came, + ‘Push on, the foe awaits the game’— + The game of death; the Khalsa cry, + The warriors’ slogan, rent the sky, + Fateh Wah Guru Ji![4] + + + VIII + + “The Sahibs’ faces told their tale; no craven thought or sloth + In those brave hearts, as we had learned + When Gujerat the tide had turned, + And left the names of Aliwal + And Chillianwala as a pall + Of glory to us both. + + + IX + + “And thus the sons of Hindustan, from Himalaya to Scinde, + From Hindu Kush to Deccan plains, + Rent in a day the ancient chains + Which isolated class from clan, + And joined in battle as one man, + To die for Mata Hind.[5]. + + + X + + “Hur Mahadeo! Guru Ji! and Allah’s sacred name, + Shri Gunga Jai![6] from brave Nepal, + Re-echoed loud through wild Garhwal; + From Dogra vale, Afridi clan, + To the proud homes of Rajistan, + Was lit the martial flame. + + + XI + + “As pitiless the bullets rained, ’mid angry storm and flood, + Khudadad Khan! immortal name, + Stood by his gun, for India’s fame + Was in his hands; the Huns advance, + Recoil; Retire; the soil of France + Is richer with his blood.” + + + XII + + And Hurnām paused as he recalled, one dark November morn, + When twice three thousand foes had rushed + Our trenches, powdered into dust, + And bayonet point and Kukry blade + Avenging retribution made, + Before the break of dawn. + + + XIII + + “Garhwal will tell,” he said, “with pride her children oft recite, + How Durwan Negi, lion-heart! + Was first and foremost from the start; + He led the charge which won the day,— + Oh, brothers, ’twas a glorious fray, + For victory came with light.” + + + XIV + + Shābāsh! Shābāsh! from every tongue, and mothers’ hearts stood still, + As sons stepped forth and made demand + They too should join the glorious band, + They too should hear the battle’s din, + Or purge the soul of every sin, + If such were Ishwar’s[7] will. + + + XV + + Hurnām went on: “At Neuve Chapelle, at Festubert, we bled, + On Wipers field, at Moulin Piètre, + We heard the German hymn of hate; + Above our lines the war-ships soared, + Our trenches rocked while cannon roared + The requiem of the dead.” + + + XVI + + The Jhelum’s banks had witnessed oft her waters stained with gore, + Had heard the tramp of countless feet, + Had known both triumph and defeat, + But never had her waters swirled + A prouder message to the world + Than Hurnām’s story bore. + + + XVII + + For India’s sons had sealed their oath, according to their laws; + Sealed it with blood across the sea, + From Flanders to Gallipoli, + On Tigris’ banks, on Egypt’s sands, + ’Mid Afric’s swamps and hinterlands, + And died in England’s cause. + + + XVIII + + For ages long the Mullah’s cry, the temple bells shall wile, + And call to prayer for those who died, + The father, mother, son, and bride, + Descendants of the loyal brave + Who rest in warriors’ simple grave, + And need no marble pile. + + + + + CONTENTS + + + PAGE + CHAPTER I. 1 + CHAPTER II. 18 + CHAPTER III. 31 + CHAPTER IV. 49 + CHAPTER V. 60 + CHAPTER VI. 73 + CHAPTER VII. 88 + CHAPTER VIII. 103 + CHAPTER IX. 119 + CHAPTER X. 137 + CHAPTER XI. 153 + CHAPTER XII. 170 + CHAPTER XIII. 182 + CHAPTER XIV. 193 + CHAPTER XV. 200 + CHAPTER XVI. 220 + CHAPTER XVII. 235 + CHAPTER XVIII. 245 + CHAPTER XIX. 257 + CHAPTER XX. 268 + CHAPTER XXI. 294 + CHAPTER XXII. 304 + CHAPTER XXIII. 315 + CHAPTER XXIV. 325 + CONCLUSION 344 + EPILOGUE 345 + APPENDIX 347 + INDEX 383 + + + + + MAPS + + + FACING PAGE + Country adjoining Indian Corps Front 75 + Dispositions of Meerut Division near Givenchy _Page_ 165 + Neuve Chapelle, March 10–13, 1915 234 + Movements of Lahore Division before and after Attacks of + April 26–27, 1915 267 + Trenches of Indian Corps, August 27, 1915 319 + Mauquissart _Page_ 343 + ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── + Facsimile of “Summary of News” in Persian and Hindi + character 317 + + + + + INTRODUCTION + + +I have not attempted to write a Military History of the Indian Army +Corps in France. I lay no claim to describing the course of events on +the British Front, as a whole, during 1914–15, except in as far as they +concern the Corps. The excellent account written by Lieut.-Colonel +Merewether, C.I.E., Indian Army, and Sir Frederick Smith, Bart. (_The +Indian Corps in France_, published by John Murray), both of whom served +on my Staff as Recording Officers on behalf of the India and War +Offices, and who have had at their disposal all the official records, +furnishes ample details of the movements and the doings of the Corps as +forming an integral part of the British Army in Flanders. + +I have not had the advantages of papers of reference, nor have I seen +all the diaries of the various Commanders and others, and have had the +handicap of writing most of my story far removed from England; but it +must be borne in mind that a great part of their information was +naturally derived from my own reports and correspondence, and of nearly +all such I kept copies, and have used them. If, therefore, in some cases +our descriptions of military events appear somewhat similar the reason +will be readily understood. Also I kept a very careful Diary from day to +day which has enabled me to write with certainty of the events recorded. + +My object has been to deal with the Corps alone, only bringing in +outside movements sufficiently to describe the operations it took part +in. I have tried to bring before the public, and more especially my +numerous friends in India, the inside of the story as opposed to its +general aspect. Books on the war are already numerous, and will increase +in large numbers, and to attempt to enter into competition with many +brilliant writers would be foolish. I therefore only deal with the small +portion of the war as it appeared to me, and as few if any have a better +knowledge of the brave Indian soldiers and the deeds they performed than +I have, I hope I may succeed in bringing before my readers a true +statement of facts. + +It must not be imagined that I have any illusions as to the part played +by the Indians, as will be made clear throughout this book. No one knows +better than I do how utterly impossible it would have been for them to +do what they did, without the help and example of their illustrious +comrades of the Scotch, Irish, and English battalions which formed part +of each Brigade, or of the splendid Territorial units which later joined +us, and the superb British Artillery which paved the way for all our +efforts. + +But of these History will assuredly furnish a brilliant account. It is +not always so of Indian troops; their raconteurs are few and far +between; the chief actors in the play, still living, will probably be +counted by tens not thousands. The rank and file will furnish no writers +to thrill the generations to come; they will just pass with the great +masses of India, content that they have done their duty and been +faithful to their salt. + +It has not been possible to record all, or even many, of the deathless +deeds performed by both British and Indian officers and men, but I have +added an Appendix extracted from the official list of Promotions and +Rewards of Officers, N.C.O.’s, and Men of all Arms of the Indian Army +who served with the Army Corps or with other Indian troops or with +British Corps in France prior to 1916; and there will be found under the +heading of Staff, Units of all Arms and Departments, etc., what I +presume is a complete roll of rewards. + +It will be observed that the early fighting prior to the battle of Neuve +Chapelle is described in far greater detail than the operations which +took place subsequently. For this there are two reasons. First, I was +able to keep very full notes of all occurrences as they took place, and +for the first three months indeed all ordinary papers went no farther +than my own Army Corps. But on the formation of the First and Second +Armies the Indian Corps passed under the orders of the First Army, and +the same opportunities did not offer as previously; hence it became much +more difficult to retain copies of all correspondence. Secondly, I +consider it far more interesting to record even the smallest fights, in +which the Indians bore a share whilst they were still new to the game +and had not become versed and seasoned in the intricacies of trench +warfare. + +I have considered it a sacred duty, and to the best of my ability I have +endeavoured to place on record the loyalty, courage, and devotion of the +King’s soldiers from Hindustan. + +It has been impossible to write a book of this kind without entering +into personal matters, but so intimately connected is a Commander of +Indian troops with the whole being of his officers and men, that the +doings of the one cannot be separated from the other, if their combined +efforts are to be intelligently described. But putting this aside, so +erroneous are many of the opinions and so ill-natured have been some of +the criticisms of the part taken by the Indian Corps in Flanders, that +it has been impracticable to avoid writing strongly when I considered it +necessary, and hence I have not hesitated to do so. Moreover, it is due +to India to be told the facts. The day is past when that great portion +of our Empire could be kept in comparative darkness; the light is +dawning, and the Great War has opened to her an opportunity which she +never had before. Her sons have shared the glory of the Empire. From the +boggy fields and trenches of Flanders and the desert sands of Egypt; +from the immortal heights of Gallipoli; from the burning plains of +Mesopotamia and the impenetrable jungles of East Africa, comes up with +one voice, from the thousands who fought and bled for England: + + India has taken a new birth; the heavens above, the sea, the earth + Have changed for aye, the darkness dies, light has illumined all men’s + eyes, + Since Armageddon’s day. + +I am indebted to many officers of the Army Corps for short stories and +some details regarding their units, but I have avoided asking any of +them for information which might raise controversial matters, and for +anything contained in this book I take full responsibility. My thanks +are due to Professor John Wardell, late Professor Modern History and +Lecturer Military History, Trinity College, Dublin, for having furnished +me with some interesting diaries of deceased and other officers as well +as extracts of letters written from France. + +In a few instances I have taken the liberty of copying the numbers of +casualties suffered by the Corps, as well as the names of certain +officers and men rewarded, from the semi-official history quoted +above—_The Indian Corps in France_. Unfortunately many very useful +manuscripts, notes, and returns on the way to me in Bermuda were lost in +the _Adana_ when that ship was torpedoed in the Atlantic. + + BERMUDA, + _20th October 1919_. + + + + + CHAPTER I + + +On the 5th September 1914 I was quartered at Murree in the Punjab, and +within a few days of finishing my four years’ tenure of command of the +Northern Army in India, when the good news reached me that I was to +proceed to France in command of the Indian Army Corps, then already on +its way to take part in the Great War. My luck was once more “In.” I say +“once more,” for I had had the good fortune to serve in fourteen +campaigns or expeditions, and in all but two of these had been +associated with or in command of British and Indian troops combined. + +From Sandhurst I had passed on to Afghanistan in 1879 and had served +under that grand soldier Lord Roberts. The Indian Frontiers from the +North-West to Burmah were all familiar to me. I had shared the bivouac +and the camp for thirty-six years with my brave and loyal Indian troops, +on Afghan hills and in the dense jungles of the Irriwaddy and Chindwin, +in Munipoor in the far North-East of India, in Ashanti and blood-stained +Kumassi in distant West Africa. I had sheltered with them in the living +squares of man and beast in the deserts of the Soudan, and now I was +about to participate in their trials on the plains of Flanders. It had +been my good fortune to command brigades and divisions in peace, and +twice to be in chief command of expeditions on the North-West Frontier +in 1908; and finally the Northern Army of India for four years. + +Dull indeed must be the man who with all this experience did not know +the Indian soldier, did not appreciate his great worth, or recognise his +limits. I never joined the Indian Army, but did all my regimental duty +with an Irish Corps, the 1st Battalion Leinster Regiment. To Irish +soldiers I owe much; from them I first imbibed that spirit of +camaraderie which is worth more in war than all book discipline; the +spirit which recognises common sense to be one of the greatest of gifts, +and which willingly renders loyal service, so long as no attempt is made +to exact it by misplaced force. + +The Irish soldier is unsurpassed in the field, but you must trust him as +an Irishman. He has a right to a distinct nationality, and is justly +proud of it. No man could serve with cheerier, better comrades than the +1st and 2nd Connaught Rangers, which belonged to my Army Corps in +France; but of them more anon. + +A word more as to myself; for in writing of Indian troops it is +absolutely necessary that a man should thoroughly understand his +subject, or his story would be worthless. I need only say that their +religion, habits, castes, and language (Hindustani, the lingua franca of +India) are as familiar to me as my own religion and language, and that +from long and sometimes perhaps weary toil I had acquired a knowledge of +many of the dialects of the Native Army. Thus equipped I found myself +the fortunate commander of an Indian Army Corps, for the first time in +history to be employed in Europe. + +The Army of India was little understood in Great Britain. At the +commencement of the war I read, not with any surprise but with +considerable amusement, accounts of the composition of the Army Corps. A +great part of the public appeared to think that Indian brigades and +divisions were composed of Sikhs and Gurkhas alone, and did not trouble +about any of the many other races of India; nor were they aware that in +each brigade was a British battalion. As for cavalry, of course the +“Bengal Lancers” were the only specimens known to them; a Sikh squadron +being described by one correspondent as “fierce turbaned Moslems on +fiery Arab steeds.” The artillery, which was composed of the finest +British batteries in the Army, superbly horsed, was reported by one +paper as consisting of “mountain guns borne on Abyssinian mules”; and a +foreign paper, writing of the arrival of the Corps at Marseilles, +solemnly announced that “this Corps has been raised and equipped +entirely at the expense of three great Indian Princes, who are now +occupying the finest hotels in Marseilles. Their names are Prince Sikya +(evidently a corruption of Sikh); Prince Gorok (Gurkhas); and Prince +Balukin (meant for Baluchis).” + +The Germans at any rate were to be rudely awakened. The shell-torn +trenches and blood-stained fields of Neuve Chapelle were to prove to +them that, given a fair chance and a sufficient artillery support, the +men from the banks of the Ganges and Indus, from the plains lying to the +south, and the Highlanders of Nepal and North-West Frontiers, could take +as fierce a toll on the day of battle as their white comrades. + +The Army of India in 1914 was trained for a Frontier war or minor +oversea expeditions, and for these purposes was to a certain extent +sufficiently well armed and equipped, but by no means fully so. The +training had been improved out of all recognition since Lord Kitchener +formed a General Staff and instituted his “Test”; at the time a much +debated innovation, but one which, in my opinion and that of many of +those best qualified to judge, was a turning point in the field training +of the Army. It had at least set up emulation and given a chance to all +classes of which that Army is composed, so that even Corps in outlying +unknown stations were brought into the competition, and the spurt thus +given to military training had far-reaching effects. + +The Army had had no opportunities for the higher training which was +required for European warfare. The parsimony of the Indian Government +had put a heavy clog on the military wheel. Money could be had for +everything except preparation for war. It was far easier to get +thousands of pounds for some perfectly useless scheme which might +possibly benefit some local cause, than to extract a hundred pounds for +anything to which attached the aroma of the Army. Indeed, so +extraordinary was the antipathy to spending a farthing on anything +savouring of gunpowder that officers and men, British and Indian, had +accepted it as a cardinal principle that expenditure on the Army, +however necessary or urgent, was a matter of small concern to the +Government, and that, sink or swim, nothing but unforeseen upheaval or +disaster, would ever worm a rupee from the civilian rulers in whose +hands rested the decision. + +In England there was at least our Expeditionary Force (or a great part +of it) ready for war; its transport and equipment could be completed at +the shortest notice, and its Reserves could be quickly called up. But in +India, where, if anywhere in the Empire, it was essential that several +divisions should be able to take the field at any moment, no such +organisation existed. True it is that many thousands of men stood armed +and ready to quell local disturbances or Frontier forays, but the +mobilisation of a force consisting of even two divisions could not be +completed in all its details for weeks. It is no answer to say that +India was able to despatch two divisions to Europe at short notice. Two +divisions certainly sailed from Karachi and Bombay, but their equipment +had to be completed at Marseilles, at Orleans, and actually in the +battle area itself, whilst the artillery was only made up by denuding +other divisions of their guns. The rifles were of a pattern which did +not suit the latest class of ammunition with which the Army at home was +supplied, and both rifles and ammunition had actually to be handed into +store at Marseilles and fresh arms issued. To any one acquainted with +the science of musketry, and that in the days when our infantry had to +depend on this arm alone; when hand-grenades and trench mortars were +unknown; it will readily be understood that the handicap of going into +action with brand new arms was a very real one. Even the machine-guns, +which in some cases were much worn, had to be refitted with new tripods +as best it could be managed at Orleans. Further, there were no +howitzers, no mechanical transport, a scant supply of medical equipment +and signalling apparatus, and innumerable other shortages which were +essential to a force suddenly dumped down from railhead into the +trenches. All these were supplied in abundance in France as soon as it +was possible; indeed the excellence and rapidity with which this was +done was astonishing to us who remembered the cheese-paring days in +India, but it proved what a fool’s paradise we had been bred in, and on +what sandy foundations the structure of the Indian Army rested. + +I have no desire unnecessarily to string out the manifest disadvantages +the Indian Corps laboured under, but I have heard too much the +criticisms of our Indian troops by soldiers and civilians, who are +without the faintest knowledge of what they talk about, and it is only +right that the truth should be known. There is a growing body of Indians +who have every desire but no means of ascertaining the facts, and if +this book can be of any use in helping to explain to my numberless +friends and acquaintances in India the splendid deeds of their brethren +who fought and bled on the sodden plains of Flanders under handicaps +which must have been seen and felt to be understood, I shall be more +than rewarded. Moreover, as commander of those troops during a year of +the war I had opportunities of knowing many details unknown to others, +and now that the war is over I am free to write the truth which for +years has been of necessity suppressed. + +Whatever may have been the shortcomings of the Indian Army it possessed +one asset which never stood it in better stead than in France; its +British officers, although far too small in number, were the salt of the +earth. As leaders of men, comrades and friends of their Indian officers, +sepoys, and sowars, as loyal and brave gentlemen, they could not be +surpassed. I always believed in them, but in France my belief was +heightened to profound admiration, and as death took its heavy toll day +by day I knew that by no means could they be replaced; for the great +essential was that they should know their men and their language, and +this became impossible as India sent more and more troops to the various +theatres of war. + +Next to the British were the Indian officers, most of them men who had +earned their commissions by brave and loyal service, of fighting stock, +with martial traditions, ready to give their lives for their +King-Emperor, proud of the profession of arms; they formed the essential +link between the British officers and men. In ordinary circumstances in +the Field they were well fitted to fill temporarily the place of their +lost British leaders, and many instances of this I shall relate. + +I tread perhaps on thorny ground, but after a life spent with them in +many lands, I do not consider they can replace the British officer in +the field. I have discussed this with numerous Indian officers and +soldiers of all classes, but I never met one who did not practically +agree with me. There no doubt are in India some who will lay claim to +this, but I firmly believe the British officers, who are the truest +friends of the Indian soldier, will unanimously agree with me. If +bravery and self-sacrifice were alone to be considered then by all means +the Indian can take his place in any rank, but training and temperament +at present stand in his way. + +What is now being wisely done is to increase the pay of the Indian +officers and men. The pay of Indian officers especially was almost an +insult to a class so loyal and devoted, and it must be very largely +increased; they should be given rank corresponding to their British +comrades, and precedence equal to, if not above, their civilian +confrères. + +This was one of the sorest points with Indian officers. To the ordinary +observer like myself, at Durbars and public gatherings it was plain that +they never received their proper share of _Izzat_ (honour). No doubt I +shall be told this was all thought out and arranged by the Government, +but I speak from practical experience, not from the edicts of Simla and +Delhi. The Indian officer was not treated with the respect which was his +due and which he has earned in arduous service on many fields of war. It +was a feeling very strongly held by them and must be set right. _Izzat_ +is a thing little understood by any but Indians, but it is a great +driving force; it raises men in the estimation of their fellows, whilst +the loss of it debases them. + +Public opinion as understood in this country was nonexistent in India. +It was a one-man country; if the man was a strong personality he could +do much; if he was undecided his share became a small one, and good old +Indian _dustoor_ (custom) settled the question in the prehistoric +fashion. + +Under the Indian officers are the N.C.O.’s and men. I have soldiered +with Rajputs and Jats, Pathans, Sikhs, Gurkhas, Punjabi Mahomedans, +Madras Sappers and Miners, Dogras, Garhwalis and other races. Each has +its characteristics, and these must be recognised by any one entrusted +with the command of Indian troops. You cannot place them in one mould; +you will not get from them their best, unless they recognise that they +are understood. + +One of my chief difficulties at the beginning of this war was to make it +understood that the Indians cannot be treated as pure machines, and that +they possess national characteristics as varied as those between +Scandinavians and Italians. I own that Sir John French and his Staff +generally made every allowance for these facts, but there were others +who made none; an Army Corps (no matter its fighting strength in +numbers) was an Army Corps and nothing else. An Army Corps was supposed +to be able to occupy so many thousand yards of trenches, and the orders +were issued by this routine rule. + +It might be said the Indian Corps was sent as a Corps and times were too +pressing to go into such details; this is perhaps true, and we all +recognised it at the beginning of the Flanders fighting; but as time +went on and the German attack was beaten off, I saw plainly that you +cannot expect a ship to keep up full steam when the engineers and +stokers are lying shattered in the hold. And yet those brave men not +only filled a big gap in our battered line, but, helped and encouraged +by their comrades of the British battalions of the Indian Corps, held it +against incessant attack. Minenwerfers, hand-grenades, and high +explosives tore through them and flattened out their trenches; blood +flowed freely; but as often as they were driven back from their front +defences they managed to return to them again. India has reason to be +proud of her sons, and their children may well tell with pride of the +deeds of their fathers. + +I can look back to the time when the Indian Army was commanded by Lord +Roberts, and he paid two visits to Delhi whilst I was Staff-Officer +there. Whoever may follow him as Commander-in-Chief, one thing is sure; +no individual will ever be as closely connected in the minds of Indian +soldiers with the name of Chief as he was. It was truly surprising how +he was beloved by all ranks. It is no uncommon thing to hear of Viceroys +or Commanders-in-Chief who were well known to and liked by Indians, but +no sooner do they vanish from the scene than they are practically +forgotten for all time. Perhaps it is human nature, perhaps it is common +to all countries, but one thing is sure, viz. that Lord Roberts’ name +has, and will have, an abiding place in many an Indian home for years to +come. He had the nature which earns confidence, the open mind which +breeds loyalty, the fearless character that binds men to their leaders +with hoops of steel. An Indian Army led by Lord Roberts was doubled in +its fighting capacity by his presence, which to them was the sure +presage of victory. Without that affection which he had established, +neither to-day nor in the times to come, will the soldiers of India give +of their best on the field of battle. May be it is a fault, and in the +eyes of some reduces their value as fighting units, but if the Empire +calls on all its sons to fight in one field, it must not forget that +human nature is stronger than Service Regulations, and that blood is +thicker than water. + +Lord Roberts left an indelible mark on the Indian Army and one which has +proved invaluable to all who have since served in India. + +Another great soldier who left his mark, but in a different way, was +Lord Kitchener. His reforms were sweeping. The training of the Army +received at his hands an impetus which will stamp his rule as remarkable +so long as we remain in India. His re-grouping of brigades and +divisions, the creation of a General Staff, the erection of new barracks +and cantonments, quite upset the slow calculations of those who looked +on and wondered. And yet if analysed his work was only a putting into +force of principles which had long been recognised as necessary but +which others had not had the power to carry out. Lord Kitchener with a +master eye saw what was needed and did it; he rode rough shod over +_dustoor_ or custom; he was a mighty organiser and the civilians were +afraid of him. He never bothered himself over minor details in India; he +left them to his subordinates. He chose them himself and trusted them. +The inside life of Indians was unknown to him, he went to India too late +in life to learn; he was too busy with big tasks to attend to what he +did not consider an essential for a Commander-in-Chief. + +Among his many reforms were some which I venture to say have not been +beneficial. The terms of service which passed men to the Reserve after a +short period in the ranks proved a veritable stumbling-block, and +created a Reserve which proved not only useless but a danger in war +time. The Reservists sent to the Indian Corps in France were of this +type, largely worn out, hating the very idea of war, many physically +unfit and incapable of a single day’s work. + +Even Lord Kitchener had found it hard to get sanction for sufficient +British officers for Indian regiments and battalions. The numbers +eventually sanctioned were sufficient for frontier work, but altogether +inadequate to meet the requirements of European warfare, and this very +soon made itself manifest. + +The reduction of ambulance _kahars_ (trained bearers) was another very +serious drawback, but in this case it reacted worse on the Frontiers +than in Europe, for in France, of course, a totally different system +prevailed. In 1908, during the Zakka Khel and Mohmand Expeditions, in +order to equip even one division and an extra brigade, bearers had to be +collected from all the divisions in India as far as Madras; an +impossible system in an Army supposed to stand ready for Frontier wars. + +During Lord Kitchener’s rule, manœuvres or large gatherings of troops +were few and far between; all the money available was spent on +reorganisation; nevertheless the battalion training reached a far higher +scale of efficiency than had ever previously been the case. In order to +increase the numbers of brigades and divisions, to meet the requirements +of his scheme for mobilisation, Lord Kitchener reduced the number of +British battalions in a brigade from two to one. This for European +warfare proved a great mistake, as I shall endeavour to show. + +Lord Kitchener’s name will, in India for all time, stand as a landmark +of great changes long needed. He has been described as a hard man; this +he may in a sense have been, but underlying his hardness, to those who +were privileged to know him well, was the very kindest heart that ever +beat in a soldier. He set himself a definite task and allowed nothing to +stand in his way, and yet I never knew a man who was more ready to +listen to reasonable suggestions, more ready to acknowledge that there +were two sides to all arguments, and when you had convinced him on any +point he was always prepared to give your views a chance. As I shall +show later he had an intense wish to do justice to the Indian Army and +was the best friend of the Indian Corps from the day we landed at +Marseilles to the day the Corps left France. The first telegram I +received in Europe was from him. + + I am glad to hear that the Indian troops are _razi_ (happy), give them + my salaams and tell them I feel sure they will maintain their records + of the past when they meet the Germans. + +If there had been a few more in authority who knew how to deal with +Indian soldiers, and who understood that a word spoken at the right +moment is worth a volume on paper, it would have been of inestimable +advantage to the Corps in France. + +The first Viceroy with whom I had any direct dealings was Lord Minto. A +soldier by instinct, a gentleman by nature, and the kindest of friends: +he was very much liked by the Indian officers. He always made a point of +having them all introduced to him after any parade at which he was +present. + +During the Frontier expeditions of 1908, from the inception of the +operations to the last day when we recrossed the Frontiers, Lord Minto +never failed to bear the troops, British and Indian, in mind; and his +advice on the political questions involved and his desire to spare the +enemy once he had been well beaten and submitted, at once showed his +nature. During his Viceroyalty the Indian soldiers learned that the +representative of the King-Emperor had a heart of gold, and having been +a soldier himself was anxious, as far as his high position would allow, +to meet them as comrades. + +Such men leave behind them traditions which in India far outlive those +established during their comparatively short periods of high office by +some others who place Western attainments on a higher plane than human +nature. In the East this never pays; India is very susceptible of +influence but it must be based on common sense. + +On the Frontiers amid the wild hillmen, Lord Minto at once established +himself as a soldier by appearing on his first parade in uniform, with +the badges of a brigadier-general (which in military life he was), and I +well remember the surprise and pleasure of the Indian soldiers who told +me (then a Brigadier myself), that now they understood that Brigadier +was in reality a very high rank, and that in the next expedition they +hoped the Viceroy would himself command troops. + +On this his first visit to the Frontiers he was accompanied by Lady +Minto, who attended the parade and later went over the Malakand Pass. +She spoke to all the Indian officers and many of the wild transborder +chiefs, and years afterwards the memory of her visit was still a theme +of conversation amongst the Maliks beyond Chakdara and _en route_ to +distant Chitral. You can do much in the East by personal example, you +can do little without it. + +Lord Kitchener was followed as Commander-in-Chief by Sir O’Moore Creagh. +As a very young subaltern I had first met him after the Afghan War in +1880, when he was a Captain and had just won the V.C. at Kam Dakka in +the Khyber. His cheery character had impressed me, and I instinctively +felt I had met a soldier I might meet again in a higher sphere. His +intimate knowledge of India, its people and languages, and his early +promise marked him for distinction, and in 1910 he left the India +Office, where he was Military Secretary, and assumed command of the +Indian Army. + +Sir O’Moore Creagh had to follow a difficult man. Lord Kitchener had +dragged out of the Government what in India is spoken of as a colossal +sum of money. In truth it was nothing of the kind, but it has in the +past pleased that country to call anything a waste of money which is +required for military purposes. + +The military are the very root of our rule in the East, and if you +refuse sustenance to that root the tree will wither. Time has proved the +truth of this, and in 1914, when the trumpet of Death resounded all over +the world, the Government of India awoke to the fact that there are +other things than education and law on which to spend the revenues of an +Empire. + +During Sir O’Moore Creagh’s tenure of command, the Northern Army, which +I commanded, was given many opportunities of holding manœuvres on a much +bigger scale than usual. Comparatively large concentrations took place +in the Peshawar Division and near Soneput in the Punjab, which offered +scope for working entire war divisions against one another and also +allowed many Corps of Imperial Service troops to share in the work. The +Chief was present at some of these operations, which he thoroughly +enjoyed. + +The Indian Staff College at Quetta, which has proved so beneficial to +the Army at large, was founded during his regime, and the General Staff +was permanently established on a modern basis. He, however, like his +predecessors found himself handicapped by the difficulty of getting +sufficient funds to keep the Army efficient for war. The shortage of +ammunition; the deficiency of a reserve of rifles; the totally +inadequate numbers of Field Artillery; the absence of howitzer batteries +properly armed; the inadequate pay of all ranks of the Indian Army, and +a hundred other most important items had to remain in abeyance, and very +soon after he left the Great War came to test the machine. + +The test has proved the fine fighting spirit of officers and men and the +dire need that existed for modern equipment. The aeroplanes, the +howitzers, the reserve materials were _non est_, and although I do not +know whether the Indian or Home Governments found the cash, whoever it +is has had to pay pretty heavily for the failure to provide it in time. + +During my tenure of command of the Northern Army nothing struck me more +than the hopelessness of the system adopted both by the War Office and +the Government of India in fixing the age for the higher Commands, such +as divisions and brigades, and in the Indian Army of regimental and +battalion commanders. The Indian rules were hopeless; promotion was +given by length of service and selection had to take a back seat. Money +was saved by keeping on officers, long after many of them had ceased to +be fitted for command, as it kept down the pension lists, and when money +could be saved on anything connected with the Army, there was no doubt +it would be done readily. The consequence was that in a country like +India, where youth and vigour should rank first in apportioning work, +exactly the contrary was the case. Merit had to subordinate itself to +rules and customs, and far too old a race of officers were frequently +placed in positions for which they were unfitted. In themselves mostly +good and gallant soldiers in their day, it was no fault of theirs but of +the pernicious system under which they served. + +But if this was the case in the Indian Army, encrusted in obsolete +traditions, what excuse can be offered for the methods adopted by the +War Office in selecting officers of the Home service for higher commands +in India? Here at least was an opportunity for sending out young +brigadiers and generals, but nothing of the kind was done. On the +contrary, although good soldiers with good records were frequently +selected, they were generally long past the age for brigade commands and +would not have been given them in England. In fact the War Office used +India as the dumping ground for senior officers whom they wished to +reward, but for whom they did not mean to find a place in this country. + +No one can deny these facts; they are to be found in the Army lists of +the period. It was very hard on the many gallant officers themselves, +but still harder on the Army of India. Any one anxious to examine the +matter need only consult the comparative ages of Brigade commanders at +the beginning of the war in France. In the Indian Corps drastic changes +had to be carried out in the field in the first months, as, to quote one +instance only, it was at once discovered that in combined operations the +Indian Brigade and Divisional commanders became senior to Divisional and +Corps commanders of the other Army Corps. Such a state of affairs could +not long continue, and if for no other reasons, for this alone, the +changes became imperative. How unfair on the Army of India was such a +state of things! How unjust to those brave and loyal officers +themselves, who after long years spent in gallant service for their +country were pushed out of their places in presence of the enemy—the +great goal they had lived for. And yet it was looked on as quite the +usual thing, and no one at the War Office ever seemed to have troubled +themselves where India was concerned. Such remarks may be called +vindictive, but call them what you will the Army Council of those days +is to blame, and secure as that body may feel itself when confronted +with one whose experience has not been acquired in Whitehall, the Army +of India of 1914 will support me in what I say. + +The most important event in Sir O’Moore’s Chiefship was the great Delhi +Durbar, when His Majesty the King was present. No need to write of this, +except to say that knowing India, its Army and people, as I do, whatever +may have been the impression left on the millions of the King’s +subjects, speaking of the Army I can say that his presence among them +has left an impression which no other occasion in the history of that +wondrous land could ever have equalled. Men who had never dreamed of +seeing their Emperor in person, saw him with their own eyes, knew him to +be a living entity, and went away feeling themselves sharers in an +unequalled Empire. It is not too much to say that the King’s visit did +more to bind to the Throne in loyal bonds the Indian Army than any +triumphs won by the greatest of India’s former Emperors. Only those who +know India and its people, and know them well, can understand the +magnitude of the event. + +The last of the Viceroys in my day in India was Lord Hardinge. I had the +honour of knowing him sufficiently well to appreciate thoroughly the +very great interest he took in the Army. In fact I go so far as to say +that none of the high officials I ever knew in India felt a keener sense +of his duty towards the Indian soldier than he did. Grandson of a great +soldier-Viceroy who had fought the Sikhs, his sympathies were equally +with the men who had fought for and against us on many a fierce +battlefield, and from the day I first met Lord Hardinge to the last day +I commanded the Indian Army Corps in France, I never failed to enlist +his unflagging interest in the men I commanded. He attended the big +Delhi manœuvres of 1912 and camped near the troops. Up at dawn and till +evening in the saddle, the Viceroy imparted his own enthusiasm to the +men. He rode over every part of the large manœuvre area, enquired into +everything, and during the final phase on the last day was like a boy in +spirits, thoroughly enjoying the spectacle, which turned out to be as +realistic as mimic warfare can well be made. + +It was Lord Hardinge who urged the employment of Indian troops in +France. He and Lord Kitchener were the two moving spirits in the scheme, +and from the day I left India he never failed at once to answer all my +long letters; never failed to give me not only his advice on all matters +connected with the semi-political aspect of affairs, as far as they +concerned my Corps, but used his great powers to meet every request +regarding the classes of troops, the terms of service, changes in the +system of enlistment and Reserves, and in short nothing was more +noticeable than the determination, throughout the first year of the war, +which he evinced, to make the employment of Indians in Europe a success. + +I write plainly, as the Indian Army should know the facts. The work of +Viceroys, although frequently performed in the glare of publicity, has +two sides. Much of what Lord Hardinge did for the Indians in France is +the other, or unknown side, of the picture. What was done in India no +doubt was put down as the work of the Indian Government, but much of it +was originated by him personally, because he took the pains to enquire +and knew the facts, and more still because he sympathised with the +difficulties which attended the steering of the ship in uncharted +waters. + +Of one more official I must write before I proceed with my story, for +not only were we much thrown together in peace and on active service, +but his name is so intimately connected with the North-West Frontiers of +India and the personnel of an important part of our best fighting +material, that for many years past one had naturally associated the name +of Roos-Keppel with that of the Pathans and other border clans. + +Fifty-three years of age, Roos-Keppel had lived on the Frontiers for +over twenty years. In many political appointments, as Commandant of the +Khyber Rifles, and since 1909 as Chief Commissioner of the North-West +Frontier Province, he has learned all there is to learn of the +tribesmen, and has taught them, if not all, then most of what is +necessary for them to understand. His life has been a romance of the +wild border land; his success has been achieved by manly and just +conduct in the face of semi-barbarism. His fearless nature, fine +personal appearance, and intimate knowledge of the habits and language +of the clans, stamp Roos-Keppel as a Paladin of the Frontiers. You must +know the man and his task to understand what he has done for India. +Governors and generals come and go, Maliks and Khans change or +disappear, but for many long years Roos-Keppel has been the true Warden +of the Marches. + +The Afridis and Afghans know the white man came decades ago and planted +himself firmly on his borders, and means to remain there; but the white +man to the present generation of these wild warriors is Colonel Sir +George Roos-Keppel and no other. His influence has won their admiration, +his stern justice tempered with mercy has won their fear, and his belief +in himself has made them believe in him also. + +Often in France, in the dark days of 1914, have I quoted to the Pathans +things he had said, and it always acted with them like a trumpet call to +duty. Still more often did I wish I had had him with me, but it was not +to be. He happened to be on leave in England when war broke out and came +to Orleans to meet the Corps, and although I tried to secure his +services, he was wanted back at his post in India, and I lost the aid of +a good soldier and a remarkable man, which I deeply regretted. + + + + + CHAPTER II + + +The decision to send Indian troops to France was at first limited to +sending two Divisions with their artillery and other arms, and it was +not till these had actually begun to leave that orders were issued +constituting them into an Army Corps with its full Staff. I was selected +for the command, and most of my limited Northern Army Staff were +attached. The remaining officers required to complete were appointed +direct from Army Headquarters at Simla, but I was allowed to nominate +the personal Staff. Of course it was a drawback not having a Staff with +whom I had worked in peace time, but such an organisation had not been +contemplated, and in any case I had nothing to complain of, as no +General could have found a more loyal and devoted body of officers; many +with very high attainments and experience in the field, and all with a +knowledge of British and Indian troops. I very soon found that +notwithstanding the fact we were all new to the peculiar warfare and +unversed in the details of Army Corps organisation, the common-sense +training which India gives men enabled us to quickly gather up the +threads of the work. + +The following was the composition of the corps which left India: + + LAHORE DIVISION + + Lieut.-General H. B. WATKIS, C.B. (Indian Army). + + FEROZEPORE BRIGADE.—Brig.-General R. M. Egerton, C.B. (Indian Army). + 1st Connaught Rangers. + 57th Rifles (Frontier Force). + 9th Bhopal Infantry. + 120th Baluchis. + + JALANDAR BRIGADE.—Major-General P. M. Carnegy, C.B. (Indian Army). + 1st Manchesters. + 15th Sikhs. + 47th Sikhs. + 59th Rifles (Frontier Force). + + SIRHIND BRIGADE.—Major-General J. M. S. Brunker (late R.A.). + 1st Highland Light Infantry. + 1st Battalion 1st Gurkhas. + 1st Battalion 4th Gurkhas. + 125th Rifles. + + DIVISIONAL TROOPS. + 15th Lancers. + Headquarters Divisional Engineers. + 20th and 21st Companies Sappers and Miners. + Signal Company. + 34th Sikh Pioneers. + Headquarters Divisional Artillery. + + ARTILLERY. + 5th, 11th and 18th Brigades R.F.A. + Ammunition Columns. + 109th Heavy Battery. + + MEERUT DIVISION + + Lieut.-General C. A. ANDERSON, C.B. (late R.A.) + + DEHRA DUN BRIGADE.—Brig.-General C. E. Johnson (Indian Army). + 1st Seaforth Highlanders. + 1st Battalion 9th Gurkhas. + 2nd Battalion 2nd Gurkhas. + 6th Jat Light Infantry. + + GARHWAL BRIGADE.—Major-General H. D’U. Keary, C.B., D.S.O. (Indian + Army). + 2nd Leicesters. + 2nd Battalion 3rd Gurkhas. + 1st Battalion 39th Garhwal Rifles. + 2nd Battalion 39th Garhwal Rifles. + + BAREILLY BRIGADE.—Major-General F. Macbean, C.V.O., C.B. (late Gordon + Highlanders). + 2nd Black Watch. + 41st Dogras. + 58th Rifles (Frontier Force). + 2nd Battalion 8th Gurkhas. + + DIVISIONAL TROOPS. + 4th Cavalry. + 3rd and 4th Companies Sappers and Miners. + 107th Pioneers. + Headquarters Divisional Engineers. + Signal Company. + + ARTILLERY. + Headquarters Divisional Artillery. + 4th, 9th and 13th Brigades R.F.A. + Ammunition Columns. + 110th Heavy Battery. + +By 26th September 1914, or a little over seven weeks after the +declaration of war, two Brigades of the Lahore Division had arrived at +Marseilles. The Sirhind Brigade had been detained in Egypt to reinforce +the garrison and did not reach France till the end of November, its +place in the Corps being filled, on and off, by a British Brigade from +the Expeditionary Force. + +I myself with the Corps Staff reached Marseilles by ordinary P. and O. +mail on 30th September. I was met by the General in Command and an +A.D.C. sent by General Joffre, and in a moment grasped the reality of +our alliance. I was only an Army Corps Commander, but the honour thus +conferred on us was a token of the unequalled tact and politeness of the +French people. Every day I served in France I learned more, that with +all our _esprit de corps_ we are not in the same street with their army +in _camaraderie_. + +The Meerut Division was disembarking by 11th October. The Secunderabad +Cavalry Brigade also arrived in Marseilles before I finally left for +Orleans, and later was attached to the Indian Corps in Flanders, until +the arrival of the remainder of the Indian Cavalry Corps. This fine +Brigade was commanded by Brig.-General F. Wadeson, Indian Army, and +consisted of + + 7th Dragoon Guards, + 34th Poona Horse, + 20th Deccan Horse, + “N” Battery R.H.A.; + +and with it came the Jodhpore Imperial Service Lancers, under command of +that fine old veteran chief, Major-General Sir Partab Singh. His name is +too familiar even in England to need any description here; suffice it to +say he has, by his glorious personal example throughout the war, earned +a prominent niche in the temple of fame, and as long as India endures +the Rathore and other Indians will treasure the name of Maharaja Sir +Partab Singh, Bahadur. + +Amongst Indian princes and chiefs who came to Europe, the following were +attached on various duties to the Indian Army Corps, and by their +loyalty and devotion well maintained the fame of their ancestors. +Indeed, as I look back on those stormy days and recall many rides over +execrable roads and fields deep in mire, from one end of our line to the +other, I conjure up these scions of noble and great houses, sodden and +mud-stained, and cease to wonder why Great Britain had gained so firm a +hold over the millions of Hindustan. + +It is something which our race may well be proud of. On many a bitter +field their powerful ancestors had fought against one another; some had +disputed with us our sovereignty over the peninsula now called India, +and all were of different race, creed and religion to ourselves; and yet +here on the plains of Flanders they were intent on one thing alone, and +that was to share our toils and our honours, and give if necessary their +lives for their King-Emperor. + +Lieut. His Highness the Maharaja of Jodhpore was serving with Sir Partab +Singh in his own regiment of Lancers. + +Colonel His Highness Sir Ganga Singh, Bahadur, Maharaja of Bikanir, was +attached to the Meerut Division. I have long known this Indian prince; +his devotion to the British and his readiness to be always doing +something were conspicuous in France. His own Camel Corps was serving in +Egypt, and later on he went and joined it for a time. + +Major His Highness Sir Madan Singh, Bahadur, Maharaja Dhiraj of +Kishengarh. + +Captain the Hon. Malik Sir Umar Hayat Khan Tiwana was attached to the +Ferozepore Brigade. A lithe, active man, he was the chief Mahomedan +representative with the corps. + +Lieut. Raj-Kumar Hira Singh of Panna was with the Bareilly Brigade; and +Lieut. Maharaja Kumar Hitandra Narayan of Kuch Behar was attached to the +Dehra Dun Brigade. + +Lieut. Maharaja Kumar Gopal Saran Narain Singh of Tikari served with the +Corps Signal Company and was a most versatile man, always ready to turn +his hand to any job. Cheery and energetic, I had many opportunities of +observing his work. + +Lieut. Malik Mumtaz Mahomed Khan, Native Indian Land Forces, was with +the Staff of the Secunderabad Cavalry Brigade; and Captain Shah Mirza +Beg, Jodhpore Lancers, was an A.D.C. in the same Brigade. + +Last, but by no means least, was one of the best soldiers I ever met, +Risaldar Khwaja Mahomed Khan, Sirdar Bahadur, I.D.S.M., of the Guides +Cavalry, my Indian A.D.C. He had served as A.D.C. to Lord Kitchener when +he was Commander-in-Chief, and twice with me on frontier expeditions in +1908. Brave, loyal to the core; hard as nails; always cheerful and very +hard working, it was a pleasure to serve with such a real gentleman. He +was invaluable in France, for although he knew but little English and +very little French he was liked by all, British and Allies. He was the +connecting link between me and all our Indian officers, and by his tact +arranged many matters of considerable local importance to us. The Indian +Government owes him a debt of gratitude; I hope they will not forget it. + +No one who knew _The Khwaja_, as he was familiarly known, could fail to +see in him the best type of Indian officer; and in his remote village of +Hamza Kot in the Yousafzai plain beneath the shadow of the Buner hills, +he will often recall the bleak but stirring days we worked together from +Givenchy and Festubert to Neuve Chapelle. + +At Marseilles the Indian troops were camped in various localities either +in or within a few miles of the town. We had our field service tents, +and except for the surroundings and the awful state of the ground from +incessant rain, one might have been back in Northern India. But in those +early days of the war everything was new to all ranks, and no matter +what the discomforts it was a sudden drop into dreamland. + +Take a look at the race-course by the sea. Leaning on the rails are +twenty or thirty French, men, women, and children, watching our Indian +soldiers cooking their evening meal; these have doffed their khaki +uniform and are now clothed in the scantiest of garments. They exchange +words, French and Hindustani; a French child offers one of them a sweet, +the Indian gives a chapatty in return; cigarettes are offered by a +passer-by; a Mahomedan pulls out from his haversack a bamboo flute and +plays a ditty; all laugh heartily. The West has already conquered the +East; the East has sown a seed which gradually grew until within a few +months Indians in Flanders were entering shops, bargaining and buying as +if they were to the manner born, and the vendors were even more civil to +them than to Europeans, and that is saying much for those fine people +the French. + +What may eventually be the result of all the friendliness and +_camaraderie_ between the French and Indians is hard to say. It will +have its advantages; it will assuredly have its disadvantages. “East is +East and West is West”: the Ganges and the Seine flow in different +directions; the artificial meeting of these waters may not be an unmixed +blessing. The Hindu on his return to Kashi (Benares) or the Mahomedan at +his prayers at the Jumma Musjid at Delhi may think differently of the +white races across the sea to what he thought before the transports bore +him across the _kala-pani_, the black water. + +However, although everything may be changed after this war, personally I +believe the East will return to its own ways, and very rightly so, and +that the next generation of ordinary Indians will talk of France, +Gallipoli, and Mesopotamia much as we do of the conquest of Mexico or of +Peru. + +Whilst the Corps was collecting and getting re-equipped with new rifles, +etc., I was summoned to General Headquarters, on the Aisne, and +travelled _via_ Paris and thence by motor-car. At General Headquarters I +saw Sir John French, and learnt from him that our Army was very shortly +to be transferred from the Aisne to Flanders, and that the Indian Corps +was to hasten its departure and join them there; he indicated the region +of La Bassée, and although heavy fighting went on before we actually +took our place in the trenches, it was immediately west of La Bassée +that we eventually did so. He asked me many questions, and whether I had +anything particular to point out. My only request was that I hoped my +Corps would not be split up before we could be more or less +concentrated, for I had a very shrewd idea we should find ourselves in +trenches in Flanders and that the days of normal past European warfare +were near their end on the Western front. I was not far wrong, but, as I +shall show later, the situation was such when the Lahore Division +arrived, that several battalions were at once taken from their brigades +and thrown in anyhow with cavalry and infantry to help stem the German +rush between Ypres and La Bassée. + +The times were abnormal and the necessity was great, but it was very +unfortunate for the Indian troops that before they had time to realise +their position, or gather whether they were facing east or west, they +were separated from their own British battalions and broken up into half +battalions and even companies, and rushed into the whirlwind of Ypres +amidst those who were strangers to them. + +Then came realistically home to them the shortage of British officers. +Twelve was the total war complement per battalion—twelve marked white +men; nobly these and the gallant Indians did their duty, but the tempest +was on them and the British officers were practically blotted out. The +Indian officers and men fought fiercely, but notwithstanding that the +other British troops of all classes around them were setting a deathless +example of glory, the fact remained that the Indians were fast losing +the officers who knew them and whom they trusted beyond all things; and +of the strangers there were none who could talk their language or +understand them. + +Those who take up the pen to criticise should first put themselves in +the place of these men, who had crossed the seas to fight for England, +without any personal cause in the quarrel, and inspired alone by the +duty they owed their King-Emperor because they had eaten his salt. It is +a story of loyalty never surpassed in the annals of history, but the +narration of these events will follow in the next chapter. + +I returned to Marseilles, and was in Orleans a few days later; here the +two Divisions and all their belongings were being concentrated and moved +on, as equipped with mechanical and horse transport. The French General +in Command of the District was greatly interested in the troops and +witnessed a march past after an inspection parade. + +The Indians were much impressed by the statue of Joan of Arc, which +stands in a large square of the town; they had just heard the story of +the Maid, and I saw them assembled in groups round the statue, and some +companies which happened to be passing came to attention and turned +their faces towards it. Could the Maid have ever dreamed that the Aryans +from the far waters of the Indus and the slopes of the great Himalayas +would one day learn to honour her as her own countrymen would do? But +every day in France in 1914–15 was a lesson in psychology. + +The mechanical transport handed over to us at Orleans was a revelation. +The great retreat from Mons had taken its terrible toll, England was +being called on to face difficulties of sea and land transport undreamed +of but a few months previously; our armies were fighting for dear life, +and these must needs of course be supplied first, and yet that great +organiser Lord Kitchener had found it possible to send us motor +transport sufficient for our immediate needs, and all up to time. Indeed +it was we who had to hurry to keep pace with the urgent call from the +trenches. + +Had the mechanical transport been the sole difficulty, that had already +been solved, but with the horse vehicles it was a totally different +affair. No need to dilate on this; we knew they were doing their best +for us and we meant to do our best with what was given us; but in truth +the medley of carts of every description that met my eye the first +morning at Orleans was enough to turn one’s hair grey. + +A vast plain, now converted into a bog, was literally strewn with +vehicles and horses; every species of conveyance found a place, and the +fair at Nijni Novgorod could not have shown greater variety; the +char-a-banc and the baker’s cart; structures on prehistoric springs; +pole and draught harness; horses in hundreds without collars, head or +heel ropes—in fact, just loose. It might have appeared grave if it had +not been so amusing. But the cart horses and harness were all as nothing +to the drivers. Good fellows, who a month later had become useful +soldiers, to-day they were indeed a sore trial. I went round to one +diminutive man and said, “Do you know anything about horses?” “I do +not,” was his reply. “How many days have you been a soldier?” “Thirteen +days.” He was doing his best to find his horses, which in company with +many others were taking a stroll along the banks of the Loire anywhere +within five miles of the camp. I liked that man. + +Such were some of our first trials, but what minute ones in comparison +to the real ones we should soon be facing. The Indian soldiers could not +understand all these things! The motor lorries were new to them, and +they simply took it for granted that in a European war everything was +going to be new. But to see hundreds of magnificent horses wandering +about because there was nothing to fasten them with, and drivers who +were very much at sea, with a force going into the field, they did not +understand. They have learned a good many things since. + +Of all arms of the Indian Corps there was one not surpassed in any +army—the Field Artillery. True, that to furnish the British equivalent +of a corps in guns many other divisions in India had lost their +brigades, but the artillery as it stood was near perfection. Superbly +horsed; with officers and men who had been trained on excellent and +varied manœuvre grounds; comparatively old, and in every respect highly +disciplined soldiers; the field artillery I had in France was a thing +any General might well envy. And moreover, as it was put to no such test +as the Mons retreat it went into action fully equipped, and remained +throughout the year the Corps was in France a fine fighting machine. +Officers and men disappeared as in other brigades of the Expeditionary +Force, but the nucleus remained, and improved as time went on. + +The Indian Divisions had each an entire regiment of cavalry attached as +Divisional troops, and in addition a battalion of Pioneers, and in this +respect were ahead of British troops in organisation. These Pioneer +battalions proved of inestimable value, being trained in various kinds +of technical work as well as all ordinary fighting duties. In addition +each Division had two companies of Sappers and Miners; acknowledged by +all who have ever seen them in the field to be some of the finest +engineer troops in our army. + +The Indian _kahars_ or stretcher-bearers attached to the field +ambulances are a peculiarity of India. In France they did most excellent +work; purely non-fighting men, they are callously brave under fire, +going about their duty with a calm air which appears to say, “I am not a +fighting but a healing man, therefore they will never shoot me”—for this +in fact is what one of them said to me. The _kahar_ of course takes his +chance, but I doubt if that man had ever heard of the Huns. + +On the 18th October two Brigades of the Lahore Division left Orleans and +were on the Flanders front by the 21st, and the Meerut Division +following them reached St. Omer by the 29th of the month. These were +followed by the Secunderabad Cavalry Brigade and Jodhpore Lancers, and +thus the whole of the Corps that had so far arrived in France was at +last facing the Germans. + +A great surprise to me, once we found ourselves in Flanders, was the +ease with which everything worked. The Indian troops, as is well known, +have their own peculiar customs. Their religious scruples and their +feeding have to be arranged for on lines entirely different to British +soldiers. All these details might reasonably have been expected to cause +considerable difficulties, but we had been preceded by Staff Officers +conversant with all the requirements, and General Headquarters gave such +a free hand in these matters and so readily fell in with every +suggestion which they felt was necessary, that in a very few days things +were working more smoothly than in India itself, where unfortunately red +tape, Babus, and Returns clog the wheels to such an extent as to render +the machinery frequently almost immovable. + +India was now to be put to the test. Thirty, and even twenty, years +previously it had been looked upon as the best training ground for the +army. Indian campaigns had produced many distinguished soldiers. Names +like those of Nicholson, Colin Campbell, Havelock, Roberts, had +immortalised its army; and only recently Lord Kitchener had reorganised +it, but the years of desert warfare in Egypt and the war in South Africa +had shorn India of many of its attractions. It was no longer looked on +by many good soldiers as the best, or even as a good school. I had known +some who had refused high commands; others who felt European war was in +the air and had no intention of cutting themselves adrift from home, +where lay the best chance of being employed. For me personally there was +the ever-present knowledge that but few of those directing the great +military machine in France knew anything about the Indians, and yet the +very nature and composition of the corps must be thoroughly recognised +if the fullest advantage was to be taken of it. We did know, +fortunately, that His Majesty the King not only had his Indian soldiers’ +welfare at heart, but also that we should always have his earnest +support, and this was a tower of strength to us. We knew also that Lord +Kitchener would watch our progress and back up our needs. + +So far so good, but something more was needed. Did our immediate +commanders grasp the fact that our strength in bare numbers as compared +with a British Army Corps was 5400 bayonets short? Did they realise that +our reinforcements were precarious, and had to come thousands of miles +across the seas? They could not know what I did, viz. that a very large +proportion of our reservists, which must form a great part of such +reinforcements, were quite useless for European warfare, owing to the +pernicious reserve system then prevailing in India. Could they tell that +the drafts, before many months had gone by, would begin to consist of +recruits enlisted immediately before or during the war? + +A former War Minister in England had once told me that in four months +Britishers could be turned into good soldiers, fit to fight in Europe. +Perhaps he was right; perhaps this great war has proved it; but “East is +East and West is West,” and notwithstanding my admiration for the +Indians and believing them to be first-class fighting material, I can +positively assert that it is impossible to make good soldiers of them in +four months or even in a much longer period. Education, temperament, the +difference between having and not having a cause in the quarrel, must +perforce be considered. From the day I left India I had revolved all +these matters in my mind, and now the time had come when we must put our +whole soul into the battle. + +The day of my arrival at St. Omer, the British Headquarters, was indeed +one to be remembered. Asia had dropped into Europe; the descendants of +Timour, of Guru Govind, of the ancient Hindus, had come to fight the +Huns on the historic plains of Flanders. Seventy miles in a direct line +from us lay the immortal field of Waterloo; seventy-five miles away were +the cliffs of Dover. The man must have been carved out of wood who would +not have rejoiced at his good fortune; the heart atrophied that did not +beat the faster at the thought that he was given a chance, however +humble, of taking his share in the greatest conflict of all times. + +As I motored to General Headquarters, methought the temple bells on +Ganges banks were ringing, and the millions of devotees offering their +prayers for their loved ones so far away, in a land which none could +conjure up even in imagination. The voices of the muezzins were +ascending from thousands of mosques, from the Afridi hills to the Deccan +plains and away beyond, calling on Allah to protect their kith and kin +and give them victory. The Golden Temple of Amritsar was sending up its +call to Ishwar, with _fatehs_ for the soldiers of the Khalsa. On the +mighty Himalayas, the home of the Highlanders of Nepal, the sturdy +little Gurkhas, I could see many thousands who knew nothing of Europe or +any land beyond their own, but who did know that their kinsfolk could +die like men, and they were calling in their simple faith on the Creator +to watch those who from loyalty to their King-Emperor had crossed the +great unknown sea. And then the car stopped, and my vision faded, for I +was at General Headquarters, and on a large table covered with small +flags was the map of the British trenches, and standing beside it was +the Field-Marshal Commander-in-Chief. + +I had only met Sir John French three times in my life, but even had I +never met him before I would have been glad to serve under his command, +for he spoke so directly and with a manner that proved his sincerity and +his confidence in himself and his army. There was no bluster, but just a +man in high authority speaking to another, who, he recognised, had a +difficult task before him and meant to do his level best. I went away +happy. + +I once asked one of my African soldiers, “Who is the greatest man in the +world?” He promptly answered, “You are.” I asked him why, and he +replied, “Because you are my Commander-in-Chief.” Simple fellow, but I +felt rather like him for the moment. + + + + + CHAPTER III + + +From General Headquarters I proceeded to my billet at Merville for the +night, and was met by the Frenchman, his wife and children, in whose +house I was quartered. The room had only been vacated by another +occupant an hour previously, and the hall and drawing-room bore the +marks of hurry and scurry everywhere. I was often in the year to come to +be the uninvited guest of other French people, but these were enough to +show me the great heart of France; a heart so true and brave that it at +first set one wondering what manner of people is this. + +When I got to know them better I ceased to wonder; I ceased to doubt +what might be the end of it all; this glorious race in its dire trial +was indeed setting an example to the whole world. My hosts could not do +enough to help me; tea was served: the children ran up and down stairs +carrying something, anything, so long as they could show they were +anxious to make me welcome. I thought perhaps they imagined the Indian +General was some peculiar class of animal, but no! I soon discovered it +was because I was an ordinary Englishman and they were typical French, +that their kindness was lavished on me. And as months went on and we +mixed more and more with them, we all discovered that high as had always +been our opinion of our neighbours across the Channel, we had known but +little of them after all. The unselfishness of their race is to my +thinking unique; and from civilians, men and women alike, I never +received anything but the greatest courtesy. For two months my corps +held the trenches next to the French, and during that time I conceived a +liking for their soldiers, and an admiration for their brave and +courteous Generals and Staffs that I had never thought possible to +entertain towards any other than our own army. + +There was never any kind of difficulty in working with a French General; +one was only too glad to meet his wishes, for they were always expressed +with courtesy, a natural gift with them, sometimes sadly lacking with +us. + +I had the honour of knowing and working with General de Maud’huy, +Commanding the Xth Corps, and General Maistre, Commanding the XXIst +Corps d’Armée, both splendid comrades in the field. Many others, too, I +had dealings with; and amongst Staff Officers attached to the Indian +Corps none could have been a greater favourite with British and Indians +alike than Captain de la Ferronays. He joined us at Marseilles, and +remained for some months until transferred to the French General Staff. + +One of my saddest days in France was when we had to part from our French +comrades for our first period of rest, and we did not serve next to them +again except for short periods. + +My great hope had been that the Indian Corps would not be split up as it +arrived but be given a few days wherein to pull themselves together and +form some idea of what was before them. This later on became the policy, +and troops new to the country and form of warfare were not only kept +behind the trenches but were instructed in all that was necessary, so +that when their turn came they did not walk blindly into the hurricane. + +It was, however, impossible in these days; every man as he arrived was +wanted, and wanted badly, and hence some of the first arrivals were just +pushed into the firing-line and took their chance. The Indians had one +disadvantage: their Generals and officers had no previous training in +this novel form of fighting. The British forces, even though composed of +men of all kinds, had most of them a nucleus of officers and soldiers +who had already seen the backs of the Germans. The retreat from Mons was +fresh in their memories, but the advance to the Aisne was a retort that +no retreat could dim, and with these to their credit they felt that no +matter how strong the foe, they were the same men who had turned to bay +on the Marne and driven the Prussian Eagles away from their goal. + +The orders however were given, and with that spirit which they had shown +on many a field from Meanee to Delhi and Lucknow the soldiers of India +entered into battle. + +The 1st Connaught Rangers, forming part of the Ferozepore Brigade, was +the first battalion of the Army Corps engaged, and the 57th Rifles and +129th Baluchis were the first Indian regiments. As the Dorsets rightly +carry on their colours the motto, “Primus in Indis,” so surely should +each of these two battalions be given “Primus in Europa,” a fitting +reward for their good fortune. On the 22nd October 1914 the Connaughts +arrived at Wulverghem by motor buses, a new form of battle transport, +and on the 23rd a portion of them took the place of the Essex regiment +in the trenches in front of Messines. The remainder of the battalion +next day relieved cavalry on the same front. + +On the 26th October they were again relieved by cavalry, during which +operation they suffered some casualties. Rendezvousing near Wytschaete +they shortly afterwards received orders to attack the German trenches +near Gapaard in conjunction with the 57th Rifles, both then being under +the orders of the First Cavalry Division. The 129th Baluchis attached to +the 3rd Brigade of the Second Cavalry Division operated on their left. + +The Connaughts’ attack was led by Lieut.-Colonel H. Ravenshaw, Major +Murray being in command of the firing supports. Owing to darkness it was +found impossible to keep touch with the 57th, but eventually Captain +Payne’s company, after passing through a fairly heavy fire, rushed three +German trenches, taking an officer and some men prisoners, and skilfully +withdrew. Ravenshaw specially commended Major Murray and Captain Payne +on this the first occasion of an attack by the battalion. The total +casualties were seventeen men. + +On the 29th October the Connaught Rangers rejoined the Lahore Division. +This fine battalion, which did excellent work on many occasions, was the +only Irish corps then under my command; six weeks later the 2nd +battalion, which had originally formed part of the 5th Infantry Brigade +of the Second Division, was also sent to me to supplement its sister +battalion; it arrived in a very depleted state, and with only one of its +original officers, but soon recovered its condition and rendered +splendid service. + +I have the greatest affection for Irishmen and have done all my +regimental soldiering with them and was proud to have so distinguished a +regiment under my command. To those who know how to treat them they are +indeed impossible to beat in any Army, and I shall hope again some day +to meet my comrades, such as may be left of them. + +The 57th (Wilde’s) Rifles on arrival at the advanced scene of operations +found themselves in occupation of trenches near Oost Taverne and between +Wytschaete and Messines. Sepoy Usman Khan of the 55th (Coke’s) Rifles +(commonly known as “Cookies” on the Frontier) on this occasion won the +Indian Distinguished Service Medal. I believe he was the first Indian to +gain a decoration in France. + +As stated before, the 57th took part with the Connaught Rangers in the +attack on Gapaard. Lieut.-Colonel Gray, the Commanding Officer, was +unfortunately wounded early in the day by shrapnel. He had served with +me on Frontier expeditions, and his wild fighting spirit and cheery +manner made him a typical leader of Indian troops. It was not long after +before he was back in France with his beloved regiment and later went on +to the Eastern Mediterranean as a Brigadier-General. + +The 57th was composed of exceptionally good officers and a fine class of +Indian officers and men all round. In this affair they did not have a +chance of doing much and their casualties were slight. The composition +of this unit was two companies of each of the following classes, Sikhs, +Dogras, Punjabi-Musalmans, and Pathans, and their last active service +had been in China, 1900. + +Meantime the 129th Baluchis who were attached to the 3rd Cavalry Brigade +and were operating on the left of the Indian battalion had to advance +over very bad ground and made but small progress. This battalion had +taken over trenches already prepared by the cavalry on the 23rd October, +and came under rifle and machine-gun fire for the first time, and as the +Commanding Officer reported, “they stood it well.” + +In the attack on Gapaard a company of the Baluchis got to within 300 +yards of the German trenches and were quite annoyed on receiving orders +to retire, but it was necessary as the enemy machine-guns were skilfully +posted. Captain Hampe-Vincent was killed, and besides there were +forty-six other casualties. The battalion carried out various duties +between this date and the 30th, losing another twelve men. + +The movements and duties of the 57th Rifles and 129th Baluchis, during +their detachment from their own Brigade, read strangely to any one who +was not in the area at the time. Here were two Indian battalions, +suddenly dumped down in a maelstrom, depending for guidance entirely on +their few British officers, split up into half companies, attached to +various British corps in turn, cavalry, infantry, guns; hurried from one +trench to another, from one front to another, hardly realising the +meaning or object of it all; and then comes the hardest trial; their +gallant leaders are everywhere, encouraging and guiding with a spirit of +unselfish bravery that will live for all time, when the hand of death +strikes them down; others fall sorely wounded; Indian officers share +their fate; the sepoys bewildered but faithful still fight on. They may +be driven (they were driven) time after time from their trenches but +such a retreat is glory, and they shared it to the full with their newly +found British comrades in those few but stormy days of Ypres. + +The difficulty of recording these events may be gathered from the +Commanding Officer’s report on the actions round Wytschaete and +Messines, which he begins with the remark: “It is not possible to submit +a detailed report or make special mention of individuals, owing to the +fact that six out of seven British officers employed with my companies +were killed or wounded.” With the help of the Indian officers later on, +all that could be discovered was noted, and as many rewards were given +by the Commander-in-Chief as there was evidence to prove had been +earned. + +As a record of the kaleidoscopic movements of the 57th Rifles the +following orders are interesting: On the evening of 28th October the +Commanding Officer was directed to place one company at the disposal of +the G.O.C. 4th Cavalry Brigade, and another at that of the G.O.C. 5th +Cavalry Brigade; these two companies relieved portions of their British +comrades in the trenches. Later the same evening he was ordered to send +his two remaining companies to report to 3rd Cavalry Brigade at Messines +by 5 A.M. next morning. Headquarters of the battalion were ordered to +remain at Wytschaete; and to complete the break up, the machine-gun +section was sent to the 4th Cavalry Brigade. Of course the situation was +such as to render even such extraordinary orders necessary, but my +object in quoting them is to show the immense difficulties the +battalions had to face under most abnormal conditions, and the fact that +notwithstanding the shortage of British officers, and hence the absence +of any one who could speak their language, these gallant men of the 57th +and 129th put up and sustained so good a fight as to earn the high +encomium and thanks of leaders as distinguished as Generals Hugh Gough +and Allenby, no mean judges of human nature. + +During the 29th, the 57th Rifles suffered only a few casualties, but on +the morning of 30th October the Germans plastered the trenches of the +4th and 5th Cavalry Brigades with shrapnel and high explosive and +attacked with infantry. About 2 P.M. a portion of the troops north of +the 5th Cavalry Brigade was compelled to fall back, thus exposing the +trenches to the south to enfilade fire, and the Brigade commenced a +retirement from its left flank. + +Captain Forbes of the 57th, with No. 3 Company, by some mischance did +not receive the orders to retire in time and became isolated. The enemy +was soon on both his flanks, but Forbes is made of the stuff that never +acknowledges danger. He was severely wounded a day or two after and +invalided, but I was glad to have an opportunity on his rejoining, of +placing him on the Corps Staff as Camp Commandant. As the company +retired, a half of it with its leader, Lieut. I. H. Clarke, was mown +down by machine-gun fire, only a few getting away. As the Commanding +Officer put it tersely but with how much pathos—“They did not return.” +The survivors moved back to Wytschaete. + +Major Willans, a sturdy soldier, with No. 1 Company farther to the right +had fared slightly better and was able to withdraw with his machine-gun +to the east of the Wytschaete-Messines Road. The bombardment of the +trenches and Wytschaete continued during the 30th and 31st October, and +on this latter night, between 3 and 4 A.M., the Germans made an infantry +attack in overwhelming numbers. The supports were commanded by Major E. +E. Barwell, and on hearing the burst of musketry he pushed forward but +was killed as he advanced. A personal friend and a brave gentleman, he +died as he once told me he hoped he might. + +No. 4 Company of the 57th was bearing the weight of a strong attack at +the same time, and Captain R. S. Gordon commanding No. 2 Company at once +led them to its assistance. As the Highlander leaped from his trench he +was killed; and thus passed away an ideal soldier. “Jock” Gordon was a +very uncommon man, loved by all who knew him, of a nature that knew no +guile, literally worshipped by his men, on that cold October morn he +found his place in the Valhalla of his northern land. + +Lieut. Malony, notwithstanding that he was opposed to vastly superior +advancing numbers, kept up so heavy a fire that the enemy began to cry a +halt and endeavour to dig themselves in. He held on as long as his +ammunition lasted but was then himself severely wounded and +incapacitated. + +Meantime half of No. 4 Company was nearly surrounded, and the detachment +was left without a single British officer; but the occasion generally +discovers the man, and he was there in the person of Subadar Arsla Khan, +one of those legendary heroes of the days of Timour. I had known him for +years in peace and war; he had won his Order of Merit with me on the +North-West Frontiers of India, and has since added the Military Cross to +his numerous decorations. Leading a counter-attack with the bayonet he +gained sufficient time to pull his men together, and then, although +vastly outnumbered, skilfully withdrew both companies to Messines; here +the men became separated in the streets and were eventually taken in +charge by Lieut. Reardon, the British interpreter attached to the +battalion. In the counter-attack Jemadar Kapur Singh, a Dogra, was +killed after all his men had been placed _hors de combat_. + +It is instructive to read in the reports that some of the men in +Messines “had the good fortune” to come across an officer who spoke +Hindustani, and was thus able to direct them to rejoin their +Headquarters; and the report concludes with, “and some of them did +arrive at Kemmel.” + +Necessity may know no law, but you cannot expect a dweller of these +islands to ask his way of a Chinaman of the Yangtse, especially should +both have the misfortune of being under a heavy fire of high explosive +shell at the time. You may perhaps expect it, but one often expects too +much. + +Captain Forbes, of whom I wrote above, was severely wounded whilst +conducting his men back from the north of Wytschaete, where the Germans +had gained a footing. A withdrawal also became necessary from other +portions of our trenches, and Major Willans, finding his position +untenable, had retired his Sikhs on to a battery near a windmill +south-west of Wytschaete. Lieut. Fowler, who commanded the regimental +machine-guns, was severely wounded. He had exercised his command with +great coolness. + +Major Swifte, who had succeeded to the command of the 57th when +Lieut.-Colonel Gray was wounded, collected all the men he could and on +the morning of 1st November was ordered to report to G.O.C. 4th Cavalry +Brigade, who directed him to take up a position on the right of the 3rd +Hussars. Here he was joined by Major Willans with his own company and +what remained of the companies from Messines, and late that night was +ordered to report himself to O.C. 129th Baluchis. + +This battalion had, like the 57th Rifles, been doing its share in +another place. After its first experience in the trenches it had a rest +in billets on 27th October, and was at work again on the 29th +entrenching a position. Whilst at this duty, at 11 A.M. on the 29th, two +companies received orders to proceed to a bridge over the Canal +north-west of Hollebeke to support the cavalry in the château there, but +at 1.10 P.M. it was moved to Klein Hollebeke to form part of the reserve +to the 1st Army Corps, and at 7 P.M. marched back to its billets. The +casualties only amounted to twelve killed and wounded. + +Orders for relief had been issued for 7 A.M. on 30th October, but at +6.30 A.M. the enemy opened a heavy fire which continued throughout the +morning. Lieut.-Colonel W. M. Southey was in command of the 129th. His +was one of the few battalions of the Indian Corps that I did not then +know well, but I had seen them for a few days and made as thorough an +inspection as was possible. It had in its ranks Mahsuds and some +Mohmands, good fighters in their own Frontier hills; the Mohmands were +now being for the first time tested in our regular Army. In consequence +these were of necessity young soldiers, but under Southey all soldiers +will fight, and notwithstanding their youth the new classes gradually +acquired the discipline which is so essential for any military body. +Southey soon after this got command of a brigade and at once justified +his selection. + +The 129th was originally raised in 1846 and has always been known as a +“Baluchi” battalion. It consisted in 1914 of two companies of +Punjabi-Musalmans, three of Mahsuds, and three of other Pathans, and had +seen service in Persia, Afghanistan, and Egypt, 1882. The Duke of +Connaught is their Colonel-in-Chief. + +A story is told of Southey during the heavy fighting near Givenchy and +Festubert in December 1914. When commanding his battalion in the +advanced trenches he received a message from some higher authority +directing him to hold on at all costs to his somewhat precarious +position—“Never mind about holding on, I will of course do that, but +where are my rations?” + +In this battalion was an Indian officer of whom also I must tell a +story. Six years previously I was in command of an expedition on the +North-West Frontier of India, when one day the tribesmen had gathered in +force and held a very strong Pass. All arrangements were completed and +our attack was just beginning when suddenly, 800 yards directly in front +of my own position, a single man carrying a large white flag appeared on +a knoll and deliberately began walking towards us. Had there been no +firing, or had the tribesmen ceased firing, the flag would of course +have been respected, but on the contrary as he advanced the Martinis of +the Mohmands began to crack louder than ever, and presently casualties +occurred here and there in our ranks. Of course such conduct could not +be tolerated, and it appeared as if one fanatic had adopted this ruse to +put us off our guard. However on came the flag, now at the double, and I +do not think I exaggerate when I say scores of shots were aimed at it. +The man kept tacking from side to side, appearing and disappearing in +the holes and hollows and behind rocks, but remaining scatheless, until +he was less than 400 yards from us, when as if from a chivalry inborn +every one ceased to fire at him, and only stared at what they thought +was a madman. The firing went on steadily elsewhere. At last he arrived +where I was standing, and saluting delivered himself of the following +speech: “General, my name is Ahmed Din, I am a native officer of the +129th Baluchis. I am on leave from my regiment. This is my home and +these people on the hills are fools and do not know the power of the +British Government. I ask you to cease firing and they will at once +surrender. I have only one request and that is that you spare the large +village just the other side of the Pass and we will pay any fine you +impose.” Whatever else he was he certainly did not fear death, for he +had faced it as coolly as man could do. I sounded the “Cease fire,” and +in five minutes all firing had ceased and white flags floated all along +the ridges and peaks. We marched over the Pass and occupied the village +but every precaution was of course taken and picquets posted. Ahmed Din +remained with me as a hostage and guest combined. + +No sooner was it dark than from every side bullets came raining into our +camps, and for that form of warfare we had quite a number of men, +horses, and mules hit. I told my gallant friend that if I was killed (he +winced) the sepoys would certainly see that he followed suit. He took me +aside and said, “Remember, General, this is not my village, mine is +farther on.” “All right,” I answered, “I will burn yours to-morrow,” and +he believed I would, but of course I did not. + +We left next morning but not before the rearguard had left the village +in ashes, and Ahmed Din smiled as he looked back on the smoke being +borne towards his own untouched belongings. The climax was reached when +later he came to me in Peshawar and asked to be given the medal for the +expedition; he got it, but thought it rather hard luck that he was not +given the field allowance as well. Poor fellow, I met him again in +France and we laughed over the incident. He will see his native hills no +more. + + Amid the sloughs of Festubert, where India’s heroes sleep and share + With England’s sons a common grave; when Azrael’s trump shall call the + brave, + And ranks fall in and stand to arms, to answer God, not war’s alarms, + A tomb with crescent marked in green shall yield the soul of Ahmed Din. + +The 129th experienced varying fortunes during the 30th October; after +reinforcing the firing-line with all available men, they were pushed +back by a strong German attack. One company held on to a farm where it +was reinforced by Colonel Southey himself but eventually had to retire. +The demoralising effect of continued retirement was beginning to tell on +the men, many of whom were very young soldiers, and it was necessary to +pull them together. Detaching a portion of them to hold a wood to the +right, the remainder were rallied in the vicinity of a château which was +held by Lieut. H. Lewis and Subadar Adam Khan. Evening saw them still +holding the wood and some trenches north of the château, and later three +companies moved to billets near the canal bank, leaving one company to +hold the trenches north of the château. + +On 31st October further moves took place, resulting in three companies +taking over some cavalry trenches, with one company in support and forty +men in reserve. Firing by the enemy continued till 11 P.M., when it +increased, and news was received through some French officers that a +farm held by the Baluchis had been captured by the Germans. Colonel +Southey at once proceeded with Major Hannyngton and Lieut. Lewis to find +out what was happening. The truth was soon ascertained, viz. that Major +H. W. Potter, in local command, was still holding on round the farm +which was in possession of the enemy. It is a strange fact that +notwithstanding the difficulty of the Indians recognising the difference +between French and Germans, in this case they had been right and +insisted they were Boches, but it was the British officer who thought +them French, and would not open fire until they had arrived at twenty +paces; too late to stop them, but what a fine example of self-control; +even though it was a matter of life and death, the Englishman refused to +kill until he was sure it really was the enemy. + +Fifteen or more were accounted for when the party fell back, and the +Germans entered the farm. The last bit of work that fell to the Baluchis +is best told in the brief official report of Colonel Southey himself: +“We formed up about 3 A.M. and advanced on the left of the farm, Major +Potter taking the right, and marched up to the farm. We killed about +three and wounded three, and the remainder who had not bolted +surrendered, fourteen in number.” That is all. + +Thirty-five Germans had been accounted for, and many of our own brave +fellows, but the adventure on a dark night in rain-soaked fields carried +out by aliens in a strange land is dismissed in three lines. + +Lieut. Lewis during this advance was twice shot at, at a distance of not +less than fifteen yards; both shots hit his field-glasses in front of +his left hip and smashed them to bits, the second one glancing off and +hitting his hand. A few days later he received a letter from a friend in +Ceylon who wound up by saying, “Take my advice and always wear your +field-glasses in front of your belt.” Lewis had another narrow escape at +Givenchy two months later. Whilst working his machine-gun in the front +trench the Germans broke in on his right, unknown to him. One of his +team suddenly saw them coming down the trench a few yards away, and +Lewis saw one man covering him with his rifle from the parapet only +three paces off. He gave the order to retire (these stories were told me +by a brother officer of his) and heard the click of the man’s rifle but +no shot followed. The rifle was not loaded. + +And if any have ever doubted the splendid gallantry shown under the +severest trials let them read this example of what Indian soldiers will +do when called on by their leaders. Each battalion had in those days two +Maxim machine-guns. With the team of one gun of the Baluchis were three +men whose names deserve to be recorded: Naik Sar Mir, Lance-Naik Hobab +Gul, and Sepoy Redi Gul. These men worked their gun until it was blown +to bits by a shell and only retired under orders of their commander +Captain R. F. Dill, who, displaying splendid coolness, continued the +fight with his other gun. And what of this machine-gun? I believe the +Victoria Cross is made from the metal of guns captured at the Alma. The +second machine-gun of the 129th Baluchis might well be manufactured into +the future Victoria Crosses of the Indian Army, for it has a famous +story attached to it. + +Dill had lost one gun but whilst the other remained he would remain with +it. He was disabled by a splinter of shell in the head, his glorious +team fell fast, but as each man fell another took his place. Engrave +these names in letters of gold for all time: 2524 Colour-Havildar Ghulam +Mahomed, 2813 Sepoy Lal Sher, 4182 Sepoy Said Ahmad, 103 Sepoy Kassib, +3600 Sepoy Afsar Khan; and only one remained, severely wounded. He +worked the gun till strength failed him and he lay unconscious and hence +untouched by the enemy—No. 4050 Sepoy Khudadad! and he has lived to wear +the Victoria Cross, the first Indian soldier who ever won it. His home +is in the village of Chakwal near Jhelum’s river. There I can see him in +imagination, telling the children of the deeds of his regiment, but like +all brave men saying little of his own share in it. + + A tale which holdeth children from play, and old men from the chimney + corner. + +The 129th on relief by French cavalry rejoined their own Brigade on the +La Bassée front. + +And so the first experience of the Army Corps in the war had been gained +and the price paid. Not that any one of them grudged it, nor was the +toll as heavy as the British units had to pay, and yet comparatively it +was heavier, because it was taken from men who had had no opportunity of +realising what it was all about. They had been trained to the +understanding that when they entered into the battle it would, at any +rate at first, be alongside the British comrades with whom they had +served in Brigades in India; these at least they knew and understood; +and even if this could not be, they had every reason to believe they +would at least fight as battalions under their own Commanding Officers; +but here none of these things happened. They were split up in fragments, +and that they stood the strain as well as they did is the best possible +testimony to their discipline and efficiency. As an Indian officer said +to me on the return of the two battalions to rejoin their Headquarters, +talking about the separation from their own Brigades, “Sahib, they do +not understand anything about us.” + +The short fighting round Ypres had cost the 57th Rifles the loss of two +British officers killed, three wounded, and one missing out of a total +of eleven present, three Indian officers killed or missing, and one +wounded, whilst 290 other ranks made up the casualty list for those few +days. An Indian battalion numbered only 750 all told—450 remained. In +the 129th Baluchis the losses were three British officers killed, three +wounded, and of Indian officers three were killed and two wounded, and +other ranks totalled 230. + +Of Major G. G. P. Humphreys his C.O. wrote: “I most deeply deplore his +loss.” Captain W. F. Adair, though mortally wounded, refused to allow a +havildar and two of the men of the 129th to remove him as it might +entail their being killed themselves. Colonel Southey calls him “a most +gallant and cool leader.” + +Subadar Zaman Khan of the 129th had the honour of being singled out as +an officer of the “greatest coolness and courage,” and Havildar Sobat +Khan of the same battalion “showed bravery and coolness above the +average,” and on the 30th October set a splendid example to his men +under a heavy shell and rifle fire by rushing out from the support to +the firing-line trenches and thus getting them to follow him. + +Individual deeds of the men are difficult to record, for as the +Commanding Officer wrote at the time: “Owing to the casualties amongst +the officers of Nos. 1 and 2 Companies I find it very hard to get any +information regarding individuals.” + +After the fighting near Messines the English papers got hold of a story +of how one “Ganga Singh” of the 129th had won and received the Victoria +Cross. Pictures appeared showing him being carried ashore in a stretcher +“somewhere in England, the first Indian to win the V.C.” Lord Kitchener +wired to ask for information, but I had heard nothing of it and it was +not till long after that evidence could be gathered from men who had +themselves been wounded and left the battalion. Then the true story came +out, and it was this: + +On 31st October, when the trench held by his party was overwhelmed by +the enemy, Havildar Ganga (for that was his correct name), who had been +a gymnastic instructor, commanded his section and fought with his +bayonet, killing several Germans, and his weapon being bent or blunted, +and the enemy being still in the trench, he seized a sword which he had +picked up and continued to fight. In this mêlée he received five wounds +which left him disabled, and it was nearly a year before he could be +sent back to India. He was awarded the Indian Order of Merit, which +carried with it a life pension, and the Russian Cross of St. George. + +Sir John French was always anxious to bestow well-earned rewards on +Indian officers and men, and it was very rarely in the early stages of +the war that any exception was taken to my recommendations. This was a +very great help to all Commanding Officers, who felt that they could +count on being supported in their selections. Later on this generosity +was considerably curtailed, although Divisional and Brigade Commanders +were very careful in sending in names. + +To those who understand Indians there can be no greater mistake than to +be niggardly in the bestowal of war honours. The Indian Order of Merit +carried with it a small life pension, and this was of very great +importance to men who gave their services for a totally inadequate +remuneration. It was the highest honour a soldier could earn until the +Victoria Cross was opened to him by His Majesty the King at the great +Delhi Durbar. To show how well Lord Roberts understood the value of +immediate rewards to the Indian Army, after the defence of Thobal in +Manipore by Major Grant in 1891, a feat which made India ring with +praise of the gallant little band, Grant was especially promoted from +Lieutenant to Brevet Major and awarded the Victoria Cross, and every man +of his party (I think about seventy) received the Indian Order of Merit. +How much greater were the toils and dangers of Flanders! + +Willans of the 57th Rifles received a D.S.O., and his brother-officers, +Captain W. S. Trail and Lieut. E. K. Fowler, the Military Cross. Dill of +the 129th Baluchis received the D.S.O.; and besides Sepoy Khudadad, who, +as already told, won the first V.C. given to the Indian Army, the five +men of his Maxim detachment who were all killed were rewarded +posthumously, the havildar receiving the Indian Order of Merit, and his +comrades the I.D.S.M. + +It was the fate of the Indian Corps to be allotted for nearly fourteen +months almost exactly the same part of front, with only two small breaks +in the monotony. One has already been described, and the other was when +the Lahore Division was temporarily detached for a few days to take its +share in the second battle of Ypres in April 1915. With these two +exceptions the Indians were confined to the fronts from just north of +Neuve Chapelle to Givenchy, a distance in a direct line of about seven +miles. + +If any one had thought how best to dishearten good soldiers, they could +not have chosen a better method. Often did I urge that we might be given +a change from the same bogs and swamps to somewhere north or south, but +it was not agreed to, and so for over thirteen months the men went up to +the same old trenches and returned to the same monotonous billets, until +many of them believed it was probably all or a greater part of the +entire British line. We often wondered what could be the reason: I knew +myself, but that is another story. + +Those were the last of the days of the old Regular Army, the staunchest +and most trenchant weapon that Britain ever possessed. Signs were even +then appearing of the younger formations, which were within a year to +submerge the old and create a new Army, in which the names of historic +corps would alone form the link between them. But owing to those very +associations how strong did that link become; what a heritage did the +old regiments and battalions bequeath to their younger brothers. When +the Territorials and the New Army began to swamp the battle front they +had the good fortune to build on foundations of granite, the builders of +which had learned their trade not in months or years, but in the school +of generations of soldiers who had created and maintained the Empire of +Great Britain. + +The New Armies found the bogs and the climate the same, but they also +found to hand implements to dig with, guns with countless ammunition to +help to defend or clear the way for them, howitzers, grenades, trench +mortars, searchlights, heavy guns, machine-guns galore, aeroplanes, +balloons, communication trenches, light railways, flares, etc., etc. If +they wished then to understand the conditions of those early months of +the war it was not difficult. Remove all, or nearly all, of the above +accessories, divide the numbers per mile of trench by five, reduce the +gun ammunition to an almost infinitesimal amount, double the enemy and +allow him the high _morale_ he originally undoubtedly possessed, and +they could then form some idea of the war as it had to be carried out in +the winter of 1914–15. + +The part played by the Indian Corps in the first great battle of Ypres, +in as far as it relates to the fighting in the immediate vicinity of the +town itself, has been told as nearly as I can gather it from official +reports and private letters in my possession, but although the most +critical time was in the north, the country to the south as far as La +Bassée was the scene of incessant hard fighting and contests for every +inch of ground. Behind us lay the plains of Flanders, and behind them +the ports of Calais and Boulogne and the shores of the Channel. The eyes +of Germany’s War Lord were fixed on these; could he but succeed in +pushing back far enough, or breaking through, that thin khaki line, what +was the prize? Had he succeeded history might have had to tell a +different tale. + +There was at one time little else between the Hun and the sea he sought +than the war-worn and battered troops of England. How they held that +line, with what fortitude and endurance they fought, with what +incredible valour they died is already a matter of history, but the +object of this book is only to tell of the part played (small in +comparison though it may be) by the Army Corps from India, the British +battalions and batteries and the soldiers of Hindustan, inhabitants of +warm climes, fighting in a country so strange and so unlike anything +they had ever heard of or imagined. The man must be totally devoid of +generosity who does not read and wonder with what fidelity and loyalty +they gave their lives, and in doing so left behind a legacy of which not +only India but Great Britain itself may be proud. + +It was their good fortune to arrive just at the moment when they were +most needed; just when our troops were using their very last reserves +and fighting against terrible odds, in fact just when two extra +divisions could still help to stem the tide, and even if they had never +done another day’s fighting their advent would more than have justified +their having been sent, for they helped in some degree to save the Army +in the hour of its great trial. + + + + + CHAPTER IV + + +Before describing the events in which the Lahore Division, the first to +arrive on the scene of action, took part, north of La Bassée, it is well +to take a look at some of the Commanders and Staffs who left India for +France, and to study the types of Indians which constituted the Army +Corps. + +The Chief Staff-Officer was Brigadier-General H. Hudson of the Indian +Cavalry, son of General Sir John Hudson, who had commanded the Bombay +Army years previously. An able soldier with much Staff experience, he +later commanded a British Division, and then became Adjutant-General in +India. He had served on my General Staff in India when I commanded the +Northern Army, and was as good a friend as he was a Staff-Officer. He +was promoted Major-General after Neuve Chapelle. Whatever his rank he +was always known as “Huddy.” + +Major J. R. Charles of the Royal Engineers had served on the General +Staff and previously soldiered with me on Frontier Expeditions. + +Major J. A. Longridge of the Indian Army later became a G.S.O.I. A +splendid character, brave and modest, loyal to the core, and a perfect +type of English gentleman, he was killed in the trenches in 1916. + +The Chief of our Artillery was Brigadier-General F. Mercer. I seldom +call men by anything but their surnames, but with Mercer somehow it was +natural not to do so. He was always cheery and happiest on horseback, +and such men are a useful asset in war. He afterwards went as Chief of +Artillery to the First Army. + +My Engineer Chief was Colonel H. C. Nanton of the Royal Engineers. As +good an officer as you could find in that line, he was a worker whom +nothing could tire, full of new ideas, never happier than when in a +trench devising methods for saving the lives of our men, or arranging +how best to destroy the Huns, and for choice in the trenches nearest to +them. Day or night Nanton’s one object in life was to be hard at work +doing his duty. + +Colonel Treherne, our P.M.O., lived to save lives; he was one of the +most conscientious men I know. + +And so I could go on adding names of good comrades, men of the stamp of +Colonel A. Peck, Major H. L. Tomkins, Assistant Military Secretary; +Major W. L. Twiss of the Indian Army, and Major Barclay Vincent, 6th +Inniskilling Dragoons; all since risen higher in rank and in the +estimation of their Corps Commander of those days. + +Some there were in high places “over there” who, when we first arrived, +commiserated with me on the fact that we were a scratch lot on the +Headquarters of the Corps; but one advantage I did possess and that was, +that they were all men who knew the Indian soldier inside out. Camberley +may turn out Napoleons, but it cannot provide them with the knowledge +which is an absolute essential in dealing with Indian troops. + +The commanders of the two Divisions belonged, one to the Indian and the +other to the British Service. Lieut.-General H. B. Watkis of the Indian +Army commanded the Lahore Division and was the first to arrive in +France. Always an earnest student of his profession, on him fell the +brunt of the German attack on Givenchy in December 1914. Watkis had a +difficult task in those days, and that Sir John French singled him out +as the only General among us all in the Indian Corps to be mentioned by +name, in the body of his early despatches, was a high tribute. + +Brigadier-General Cobbe, V.C., of the Indian Army was Chief +Staff-Officer to Watkis; he had served with me in Ashanti in 1900, being +severely wounded and earning a D.S.O., which he supplemented in later +years with a Victoria Cross in Somaliland—a staunch friend, as modest as +he is brave. He served later on the Corps Staff, and left us in 1915 to +serve on the Staff of the 1st Corps, and later commanded an Army Corps +in Mesopotamia as a Lieutenant-General. + +Colonel G. Hodson was A.Q.M.G. of the Division. A hard-riding polo +player and one of the cheeriest of soldiers, he died of wounds received +in Gallipoli; another name inscribed on the Roll of Honour of that +famous corps, the Guides, in which he had passed most of his life. The +name of Hodson is known throughout India, since the days when the leader +of Hodson’s Horse scoured the northern plains and leaving a landmark in +Indian history before the walls of Humayun’s Tomb near Delhi, fell in +the final triumph of Lucknow. + +The Ferozepore Brigade of the Lahore Division was commanded by +Brigadier-General R. M. Egerton, another of the Guides, another scion of +a name known wherever the British flag floats in Hindustan. He served +with his Brigade until it left for Mesopotamia, and there joined in the +heavy fighting, receiving a K.C.B. and K.C.I.E. + +Major-General P. M. Carnegy of the Indian Army commanded the Jalandar +Brigade; son of another Indian General, he brought with him the +tradition of a British family which had made that historic land its +temporary home. His Brigade Major was Major Hugh Hill of the Royal Welsh +Fusiliers; I met him a week before he was killed in the trenches in +1916, and the last words he said to me were: “Your son will do all +right.” No one who knew him is likely to forget this gallant English +gentleman. + +The commander of the Sirhind Brigade was Major-General J. M. Brunker, +Royal Artillery. He was detained in Egypt with his Brigade on the way to +France, but joined in time to take part in the battle of Givenchy in +December 1914. + +The Divisional Artillery was commanded by Brigadier-General F. E. +Johnson, one of those who act on the principle that “whatever thine hand +findeth to do, do it with all thy might.” + +I am not writing a despatch, but just jotting down the names of comrades +who come to mind; men who took part in our daily lives, whose watchword +was duty, and who will, I am sure, forgive me for recording their names +here, for they were as true as they were modest. + +The Meerut Division was commanded by Lieut.-General C. A. Anderson, late +Royal Artillery. A typical Irishman and a fearless soldier, he +understood the Indian character well. No better man than “Paddy” +Anderson could have been selected for a Division. His chief amusement +was to visit the trenches, and if you wanted to find him you could not +do better than make for the front line closest to the Germans. I do not +believe there was a single General in the Expeditionary Force who so +often visited his men in the trenches. On one occasion I was looking +over a map with him at his advanced Headquarters; a few shells were +going over or dropping within an uncomfortable range, when one planted +itself close alongside us; Anderson at that moment had his pencil on a +particular spot on the map; without moving it he just looked up and said +with a strong Irish accent, “Pip-Squeak” (small German shell), and went +on with his remarks. It was his way, nothing disturbed him. At Givenchy, +Neuve Chapelle, Festubert, and on the day of Loos, “Paddy” Anderson did +splendidly; he succeeded me in command of the Indian Corps in September +1915, and shortly after orders were issued for the break up of the Corps +and it moved to Egypt, Mesopotamia and East Africa. After the Indians +left France, Anderson was given command of a British Army Corps on the +Western Front. + +To prove how little was known about us at G.H.Q.; during an important +action Anderson was placed under the orders of a junior General of a +British Division, and informed that the officer concerned had been given +the temporary rank of Lieut.-General. But Anderson was already a +Lieut.-General, which Headquarters had evidently been quite unaware of, +for the order directed that “Major-General Anderson, etc., etc.” As four +of the Army Corps were at this time commanded by Generals all junior to +him, it was going a bit strong to reduce him still further. I think I am +correct in saying that Anderson was the only Corps Commander of those +days who was not given any French or foreign decoration, nor did he ever +get one. + +Anderson’s Chief Staff-Officer was Colonel C. W. Jacob of the Indian +Army. A very thorough officer, who later commanded the Dehra Dun Brigade +and the Meerut Division, and on the departure of the Indians from France +was given a British Army Corps with the rank of Lieut.-General. + +Brigadier-General H. D’U. Keary of the Indian Army led the Garhwal +Brigade. A bold horseman and good sportsman who had often first passed +the post, ridden down the wiry black buck, landed record fish in the +upper waters of the Irriwaddy, and shot every kind of game, Keary +impressed one by his quiet manner. He assumed command of the Lahore +Division in January 1915, and at the second battle of Ypres gained the +unstinted praise of General Sir Horace Smith-Dorrien, then in command of +the Second Army. Keary took his Division to Mesopotamia, earned his +K.C.B. and K.C.I.E., and characteristically refused command of a +Division in India, preferring to serve on in the field with the men he +had led in action. Later he was given the Meerut Division in India and +transferred to the Burmah command. + +Brigadier-General C. E. Johnson, Indian Army, was in command of the +Dehra Dun Brigade, and later commanded a Brigade in India; and the last +of the Indian Brigades, the Bareilly, had for its Chief, Major-General +Forbes Macbean, formerly of the Gordon Highlanders, who had served in +Kabul, Tirah (where he was severely wounded), and South Africa. + +The Artillery of the Division was in the competent hands of +Brigadier-General A. B. Scott. He had served in South Africa, and later +received his promotion to Major-General and command of a Division. + +Lieut.-Colonels P. Twining and C. Coffin were the heads of the +engineering branches of the two Divisions, and those who knew them felt +safe in their hands. + +The Field Brigades of Artillery were commanded by Colonels L. G. F. +Gordon, Ouseley, and Maxwell in the Lahore, and L. A. Gordon, Potts, and +Tyler in the Meerut Division. + +Lieut.-General Sir Locke-Elliott, who had retired from the Indian Army +after holding the appointment of Inspector-General of Cavalry, was at +first attached to the Army Corps as Technical Adviser, and later on for +all Indian troops in France. Locke-Elliott’s name as a horseman was a +household word in India. + +Major the Right Hon. F. E. Smith, K.C., M.P., now Lord Birkenhead, +joined us at Marseilles as Recording Officer to the Corps, and remained +with us till after the battle of Neuve Chapelle. He was a keen observer +and a brilliant writer. Had he been given a free hand, the story of our +doings would have reached India from time to time, and whilst letting +that country know something of the work of its soldiers, would at the +same time have stimulated recruiting and cheered the populace; but those +were the days of reticence; nothing could be told; the cinematograph and +the Press were kept on a leash, and “F. E.,” as he is popularly known, +was severely handicapped. All that could get past G.H.Q. was sent on, +whilst he and I were continuously being goaded by all those who cared to +send something more exciting than a bare statement of facts. However, he +kept an interesting record and one which has since been turned to good +use in compiling the history of the Corps. He had as assistant Major St. +G. Steele of the Indian Army, and with him also Captain the Hon. Neil +Primrose, a capital companion in the field. “F. E.” is a keen soldier at +heart. He had no opportunities of doing anything but his own job, but to +do that he never failed to accompany me on all kinds of missions. On one +of these occasions, when he accompanied me in the trenches, his stature +was very nearly the cause of some other than he filling the place of +Attorney-General in the Government; and rather in the spirit of a +schoolboy he was very often away in places where business did not carry +him; one day his horse was shot under him, but he turned up unhurt, and +was always in the highest spirits. He was held in high esteem by Lord +Kitchener, who frequently consulted him on important questions. + +And last, but not least, were my two A.D.C.’s, Captain A. P. Y. +Langhorne, R.A., and my only son, Lieut. J. L. Willcocks, the Black +Watch. The boy has served throughout the war, winning a D.S.O. and M.C. +Langhorne had served with me for years on the Indian Frontier, earning a +D.S.O. in 1908. A sterling soldier and a loyal friend, he is now a +Lieut.-Colonel, and has added a Military Cross to his D.S.O. + +On the departure of Sir Frederick Smith to become Attorney-General, I +was given Lieut.-Colonel J. W. B. Merewether of the Indian Army as +Record Officer, and he remained with the Corps till it left France. He +was an old regimental comrade and a man full of energy and wit: a clever +writer and a very entertaining companion; his presence at our +Headquarters was much appreciated. He was constantly with me when I +visited billets, trenches, etc., and he acquired a very detailed +knowledge of all that went on in the Corps. He devoted his whole time to +visiting officers and men of every unit and collecting all the +information he could gain. The results have been embodied in the book, +_The Indian Corps in France_, compiled by him and Sir Frederick Smith, +dedicated to His Majesty the King-Emperor, and published under the +authority of His Majesty’s Secretary of State for India in Council. +Particular care has been taken to bring to light the individual actions +of officers and men throughout the time the Army Corps was in France. He +deserves well of the India Office and the Indian Army in general. After +the Corps left France Merewether was given the C.I.E. + +It is interesting to analyse the different types of races of which the +Indian Army Corps was composed. The Christian, the Mahomedan, and the +Hindu were ranged in the service of the King who ruled the greatest +Empire known to history; this in itself is a remarkable fact, but far +more remarkable was the reason; it was this, that they all felt in their +hearts that the cause was just, and in feeling it knew they were +fighting for the right. Had it been otherwise it could never have been +achieved. + +England was represented by the 2nd Battalion of the Leicesters and 1st +Manchesters, both regiments which could not be surpassed in the field. +Ireland furnished the Connaught Rangers, like all Irish corps specially +dear to me. Scotland sent us three battalions, the 1st Seaforths, 1st +Highland Light Infantry, and 2nd Black Watch, fine specimens of that +fighting race. It is sufficient testimony to them all to say, that they +not only formed the backbone of the Army Corps, but their example in the +dreary trenches, and in the battle, served as a beacon which guided +their Indian comrades. + +Of the Indians who served with me in France, the Gurkhas were the first +in the permanent trenches to bear the shock of a German attack. They +laboured under great disadvantages in taking over trenches too deep for +their stature, and that at a time when rain and slush made it impossible +to remedy the defect. They took time to accustom themselves to the +uncanny conditions, but the soldier from Nepal has a big heart in a +small body; he has the dogged characteristic of the Britisher; he will +return if he can to a trench from which he has been driven, and it will +not be so easy to turn him out a second time. After the first shocks +they pulled themselves together. Taciturn by nature, brave and loyal to +a degree, the Gurkhas ended, as I knew they would do, second to none. + +The Dogras are quiet, steady, clean soldiers, of refined appearance. A +Dogra battalion always turns out smartly, and this was noticeable even +in the mud-laden swamps of Flanders. They felt the first bitter cold of +November 1914 more than any other class, but they faced it bravely and +rendered great service. + +The Sikhs are a fighting race, the Khalsa or chosen people as they style +themselves. Of all Indian soldiers I know the Sikh the best and have +served with him in every imaginable condition. He does not so readily +imbibe discipline as many of the other classes in the Army. He has +grievances born of his own imagination, and can be troublesome when it +is most inconvenient for him to be so, but he is a fine manly soldier, +will share your trials with genuine good humour, and can always save +something in cash out of nothing. In France some of the first fighting +by Indians was done by Sikhs, as I shall relate. My own motto with Sikhs +is to give them all they deserve, and we owe them much, but not to spoil +and pamper them. + +The Jats are strapping big men as a rule, slow in movement and decision, +with some of the characteristics of the Sikhs (with whom they are +closely connected). They always impressed me as stubborn fighters; not +brilliant, but very reliable. They did good work in France. + +The Pathans have quicker wits than the other races. They can see the +light side of things. They do not always answer to a call as readily as +some of their comrades, but are possessed of an innate chivalry which, +although it makes them quickly resent whatever may be opposed to their +own ideas of honour, does not prevent them from behaving like good +soldiers when appealed to. Their _élan_ is their chief asset. + +The Punjabi Mahomedan did well all round during the war. He proved +himself a reliable soldier. The mistake made in some cases in India was +to enlist men who had no claim to join the Army. There is a line of +demarcation which is well understood by those who enlist this class, but +was frequently glossed over in order to get recruits. Careful selection +is an essential if units are not to be handicapped in war. + +The Garhwalis as a distinct type were being tested for the first time in +Class Corps. The 1st and 2nd Battalions of the 39th Garhwal Rifles did +splendidly on every occasion in which they were engaged. In fact they +surprised us all; not that we did not expect them to do well, but they +suddenly sprang into the very front rank of our best fighting men. At +Festubert in 1914, and at Neuve Chapelle, nothing could have been better +than their _élan_ and discipline, and they at once established a +reputation which will live in India. + +After a long experience of the Indian Army, I do not think that what are +called Class Regiments (_i.e._ composed of men all of one race) are the +best, or in many cases even desirable. With the exception of Gurkhas, +Mazbi Sikhs, and Garhwalis, I think the other races of Northern India +are at their best in war when formed in half battalions or companies and +mixed with other classes. In the case of Gurkhas I only know one example +of their being mixed with other races, and that was a company of the +Guides. Their case, however, stands on a different footing, as it was a +Corps which was stationary in ordinary times of peace, having its +Headquarters at Mardan on the North-West Frontier, and besides the +Guides were an exceedingly very fine corps. I would advocate an +exception to the above statement, and that is, in the case of some of +the battalions, the Class system might, in recognition of their +distinguished services during the war, be given a further trial. The +reasons for what I advocate are complex, but the truth is to my thinking +undeniable. Perhaps I shall be met with the statement that this has been +disproved by the Class Regiment system in this war. I do not agree, on +the contrary in my opinion it has been proved, and I have seen much +proof of it. + +The different races have their own characteristics; by mixing them you +get a combination of _élan_, stubbornness, and endurance; you make it +easier to maintain one form of discipline for all classes; and while +giving full play to each religion and its prejudices, you eliminate the +narrow-mindedness that springs of clannishness in Eastern peoples. +Moreover the mixed battalion system makes it easier to introduce +gradually the _lingua franca_ of India throughout a Corps, so that the +loss of British officers will not mean an absence of Europeans who can +talk the language of their men. This is in any case a difficult matter +under any system, but with Class Corps it is a quandary. + +What then is the remedy with Gurkhas who speak a language absolutely +their own? In this case we can do our best to make Hindustani understood +as far as it can be, and for the rest, to encourage in every way a +knowledge of their language amongst British officers of the Indian Army +who can be persuaded to learn it. The Indian Army without these fine +fighters would be like a twinscrew steamer minus one screw. Means can be +found to keep the ship in trim. + +I have endeavoured to give some general impressions, formed in a long +life of soldiering and also during the year I commanded the Indian Corps +in the war, of my associates of all ranks. Many names, both British and +Indian, will appear in this narrative, and some of them I hope may come +across this loyal tribute from one who bears them in happy and honoured +memory. + +To the friends of those who have passed away no words of mine can +adequately express the admiration I feel for the brave comrades I am +writing of. They have left behind them imperishable memories, which are +a precious inheritance. + + No need of marble pile to show + Where sleep the illustrious slain, below; + No need of graver’s art to trace + In lettered brass their resting-place; + Their own right hands in death still feared + Eternal monument have reared. + + + + + CHAPTER V + + +The doings of the Ferozepore Brigade only have so far been narrated, and +it is time to describe the actions of the Lahore Division farther south. +At the time I write of General Sir Horace Smith-Dorrien was in command +of the 2nd Corps, and was holding the Germans attacking from the general +direction of Lille towards Bethune and La Bassée. + +It is no part of this story to describe the gallant fights made by this +Corps between the time of its arrival in the area and the date on which +the Lahore Division joined it. Suffice it to say that on the 24th +October 1914 the general line held by the British ran roughly from east +of Givenchy, by Neuve Chapelle bending towards the Aubers Ridge and +passing Mauquissart, which is south-east of Laventie. + +The names of Givenchy, Festubert, Neuve Chapelle, and Fauquissart sum up +the story of our existence. That short line holds more Indian dead than +the whole of the rest of Europe combined. Who would ever have believed +in the last days of that cold October that we had in fact taken up our +permanent abode for a year to come? + +On the 24th October the Germans made a determined attack all along our +line, but were repulsed, and it is at this stage that the Lahore +Division was called on to replace some of the weary and war-worn units +in the firing-line. Most accounts which describe the part taken by us in +this particular fighting speak of the Lahore Division as if it had been +a complete unit, but as a matter of fact at that time it consisted of +less than one complete Brigade, with the Divisional Artillery and a +regiment of Cavalry. As if determined to keep up the splitting process +to the full, in this case also the 1st Manchesters of the Jalandar +Brigade had been detached to help the French Cavalry, and then the 5th +Division, and was away for over a week (47th Sikhs also detached and two +companies Sappers and Miners), thus leaving a few Indian battalions to +start the game by themselves. The Sirhind Brigade was still detained in +Egypt and did not join till December, and the Ferozepore Brigade as +already described had been split up and was fighting with the British +Cavalry near Ypres. + +On the 24th October the Sikhs, 59th Rifles, and 34th Pioneers moved up +to the support of General Conneau’s French Cavalry, and later relieved +that body in the trenches. The wedge thus formed by these Indian +battalions was between the 8th British Infantry Brigade on their right +and the 19th Infantry Brigade on their left. This relief was the first +conducted by any considerable body of the Corps, and to those who did +not know the nature of the country or the difficulties of such movements +under fire by night, perhaps the description of it given me by an Indian +officer will be the simplest explanation. “I for the first time realised +the difficulties and dangers run by Burmese dacoits approaching one of +our own strongly held stockades fully manned, armed, and ready for them. +I used to think Dacoits were a cowardly set of rascals; I changed my +mind that night.” + +The enemy made frequent attacks during the night, one of which, on a +British unit to the right of the 15th Sikhs, succeeded in pushing +through, but another British battalion immediately regained the lost +trench. + +The attacks continued the next day, causing us severe casualties and +thoroughly trying the temper of the men. The length of trenches held was +far greater than the numbers available warranted, but necessity knows no +law, and to those who know the British front only as it was in after +days it appears incredible that the Germans did not now, and for eight +long weeks to follow, break through our attenuated line on the Indian +front. It was nothing but the dogged pluck of the men, with occasional +bits of good luck thrown in, that prevented it. For it must always be +borne in mind that the rifle and bayonet alone were in those days the +arms of the infantry soldier, and as for guns, well! they did all that +such guns as we then possessed could do, but the numbers of them were +few and the ammunition altogether inadequate. + +The Brigade Reserve on this date consisted of the ration parties alone +(all others were up in the firing-line), until a company of the 47th +Sikhs arrived to rejoice the heart of the Brigadier. + +Talking of rations, it was extraordinary considering all things with +what regularity the men were fed; during this and other particular times +of course they had often enough to do without any of their accustomed +food, as the Indian soldier does not indulge in tinned supplies; but by +hook or crook the company cooks would manage to send up excellent +viands, frequently preparing them under conditions anything but +conducive to good cookery; and I do not think G.H.Q. ever had a +complaint or any cause for doubt as to the ability of the Indians to +feed themselves under all circumstances, at least none ever went through +me as Corps Commander. + +A _langri_ (cook) of a Sikh regiment whom I was talking to one day not +far behind the firing-line said to me, “We like cooking close up to the +trenches, or otherwise the Government may refuse to give us a clasp to +our medals,” and being a bit of a wag, he added, “and then in India they +will call us the Marseilles _walas_ (fellows).” At that time many men +landed at Marseilles and never got beyond. + +The three battalions were put to a high test during those first days and +went through the baptism of fire most creditably. On the early morning +of the 27th October the Huns made a determined attack on the 59th +Rifles, which was repulsed after a severe struggle. This battalion had +served under me on the Frontiers and was composed of splendid material, +and any commander could have put implicit trust in it. Colonel C. +Fenner, the commandant, was a most conscientious, reliable soldier; he +was killed near the trenches on 23rd November 1914. + +The 59th Rifles began its career as the Scinde Camel Corps in 1843, and +received its present title in 1908. It consisted before the war of three +companies of Pathans, one of Punjabi-Musalmans, two of Sikhs, and two of +Dogras. The regimental motto is “Ready, aye ready.” + +The 15th Sikhs had always been considered a crack corps in the Indian +Army, and at the beginning of the war had as fine a lot of men as the +Punjab could furnish. As time went on, like all other corps they had to +take what they could get, but later in Egypt the General in command of +the Brigade to which they were attached sent them a very satisfactory +order, showing that a good battalion utilises its material to the best +purpose. John Hill, then C.O., was a sturdy officer, whom I could always +trust to place duty above personal considerations. Later he commanded a +British Brigade. The 15th Sikhs were originally raised at “Ludhiana” in +1846, and had served in six campaigns from China to Tirah. It was a +Class Corps of eight companies of Sikhs. + +The 34th Pioneers consisted of Mazbi and Ramdasia Sikhs, and was +commanded by Lieut.-Colonel E. H. Cullen. This battalion had served with +me across the Indian Frontiers, and did very good work in France on all +occasions when it was employed; and as the work of a Pioneer Corps is +never-ending, this means it well maintained its reputation. Like +everything else in the early days of the war, it started with work which +should if possible have been performed by another corps, but Pioneers +were also trained for every kind of work in the field, in case of +necessity. The battalion was raised in 1887, and had served in Chitral +and China. + +Sir John French sent his congratulations to the Jalandar Brigade for the +manner in which they had done their share in the line. + +For two more days the Indian battalions held on to their positions. I +say advisedly “held on,” for their numbers were very limited, and only +the reinforcement by the 15th Indian Lancers enabled them to repulse two +strong German attacks. On the 1st November the Manchesters and 47th +Sikhs rejoined their own Brigade. The former had suffered some 100 +casualties during its detachment, and the 47th had lost very heavily in +its gallant fight at Neuve Chapelle (not to be confounded with the +battle, which did not take place till March 1915), as I shall relate. + +Between the 24th October and 1st November 1914 the Indian battalions +engaged on this part of the line had suffered 705 casualties or +practically the strength of a whole battalion, which numbered 750 at war +strength. + +The 15th Sikhs lost three British and three Indian officers wounded, +including Lieut.-Colonel J. L. Gordon, then temporarily in command. +The 34th Pioneers lost their interpreter, Captain G. H. +Vaughan-Sawyer—killed, whilst two British and three Indian officers +were wounded. + +In the 59th Rifles Captain W. F. Scott was killed, and a fine specimen +of an Indian leader, Captain K. D. Murray, was severely wounded, and in +addition two Indian officers were wounded. + +The 47th Sikhs (excluding their losses near Neuve Chapelle) had two more +British officers and 118 men wounded, making a total for the first few +days’ experience of trench warfare of 294 casualties out of a strength +of 750. + +The names of many Indian officers were brought to notice, of which I +particularly remember that of Subadar Natha Singh, 34th Pioneers, who +took command of his portion of the defence after his British officers +had been wounded. + +It was during these events, to be accurate on the 27th October, that I +reached my first Headquarters at Merville; it was also a year later to +be my last, but that was still a long time ahead and unfortunately we +cannot read the future. I took a sheet of paper to make a rough estimate +of the whereabouts of my Army Corps, and I will quote what I find noted +on it. It will give any one reading this an idea of what I felt, after +my hopes that we might get a few days, or even hours, if possible to get +into shape before actually entering the trenches. + +General Watkis had had a rough experience of what breaking up a Division +means, and he had with great loyalty accepted what was naturally a blow +to a Divisional commander. It was a condition of things not only never +contemplated, but opposed to all the principles on which the Brigades of +the Army of India were constituted. If, then, here and there, things did +not meet with the approval of the Higher Command, the cause did not lie +at our doors. Orders must be obeyed. + +As each battalion rejoined the Corps it brought its own story of the +fighting; a confused medley of combats fought heaven knows where, mixed +up with British troops, none of whom the Indians had ever set eyes on +before. + +Sir John French’s despatch of 20th November 1914 says, “The Lahore +Division had concentrated on the 19th and 20th October,” and on the 29th +I find in my Diary: + + _Extract from Diary_: + + “Where is my Lahore Division?” + + _Sirhind Brigade._ Detained in Egypt. + + _Ferozepore Brigade._ Somewhere in the north, split up into three or + four lots. + + _Jalandar Brigade._ Manchesters gone south to 5th Division (this + disposes of the only British unit). + + _47th Sikhs._ Half fighting with some British Division; half somewhere + else! + + _59th and 15th Sikhs._ In trenches. 34th Pioneers (Divisional troops) + also in trenches. + + _15th Lancers._ In trenches. Two Companies of Sappers and Miners + fighting as Infantry with British Division. + + _Divisional Headquarters._ Somewhere. ? + + “Thank heaven the Meerut Division will get a better chance.” Ends. + +However, what did anything matter so long as we were actually to be +allowed to collect and go into our very own trenches? + +Before beginning the story of the combined Corps it is necessary to tell +the story of the first fight in the village of Neuve Chapelle, a village +later to become famous in Indian history as the first in Europe in +which, on a big scale, her soldiers attacked, dispersed, and drove from +their positions the Germans in their own chosen and defended trenches. + +Neuve Chapelle had already been the scene of severe fighting, portions +of it being taken and retaken by the 7th and 9th British Brigades, until +on the 27th October the enemy bringing up considerable reinforcements +gained possession of the whole village. Pushing his advantage +vigorously, our gallant fellows were forced to retire, until a +considerable salient was created in our defensive line, and one which it +was imperative to straighten out if possible. The Wiltshires, +Lancashires, and West Kents had been fighting all they knew, and there +was a possibility of a wedge being driven between our Fifth and Third +Divisions. + +I have in my possession a very full description of the part played by a +portion of the Indian troops, who were now called on to support the +situation, and later to take part in the attack on the village. I can, +however, make little use of this, as the orders received by different +units were not only very vague, but one at least did not receive them +until after the attack on the 28th had already begun. It was therefore +impossible in this case to make any arrangements, and all that could be +done was to join in as best they could. + +What is clear is that half of the 47th Sikhs were on the 27th October +ordered to counter-attack, with the 9th Bhopal Infantry in support, some +trenches from which part of a British battalion had been forced to +retire. The 9th Bhopals in the intricate country temporarily lost touch +with the Sikhs and moved, as I shall tell further on. The 47th soon met +the O.C. Lincolns, and the battalion was directed to advance and assist +the companies of the Lincolns who were held up; one company under Major +H. E. Browne on the left, and another half company under Captain R. J. +M‘Cleverty on the right advanced, whilst half a company under Major S. +R. Davidson was kept in hand. + +Facing a heavy fire of machine-guns and howitzers, the 47th Sikhs +receiving their baptism of fire, for the first time since raised in +1901, pushed forward, covering themselves with honour, and not halting a +moment until they were into, and in the case of one platoon beyond, the +farthest trenches occupied by the Lincolns. From this no farther advance +was possible with the limited numbers at disposal. + +During this advance Major Browne and two Indian officers were wounded, +and seven men were killed and twenty-eight wounded. I have given details +more fully than is perhaps necessary, but this as I said was the first +experience the battalion had under fire, and it served to brace them up +and spur them to the deeds which they so nobly wrought throughout their +stay in France. + +At 1 A.M. on the morning of the 28th October the 47th were ordered to +move and take over the trenches of the Wiltshires, but on arrival learnt +that they had already been relieved by the 20th and 21st Companies of +Indian Sappers and Miners, and the 47th took up their position in a +ditch 200 yards in rear, as daylight was appearing. + +To those who know the Indian Army it will at once be evident that to +employ such highly trained technical troops as Sappers as ordinary +Infantry was to extract the very marrow from a Division engaged in this +sort of siege warfare. As well employ a battle-ship to scout for +destroyers; but in those early days of the war the Lahore Division was +turned topsy-turvy at every stage of its progress, and that it emerged +fit to fight at all is its highest testimonial. + +Early on the 28th October the half battalion of the 47th Sikhs was +holding a line between the 20th and 21st Companies Sappers and Miners, +with a frontage of some 800 yards, when orders were issued for the +battalion to make a frontal attack in conjunction with their comrades of +the Sappers. The plan of attack was laid down, and was to converge on a +point in Neuve Chapelle which was indicated in the orders, and to be +carried out without a stop. + +Whilst these are waiting to carry out this duty, let us return to the +9th Bhopal Infantry, whom I left under orders to counter-attack with the +47th Sikhs on the 27th October. This battalion had arrived at Vieille +Chapelle from near Ypres on that day, travelling by motor buses, then a +novel means of locomotion for Indian troops. It brought no machine-guns +(mark this) and very soon after received orders to move to Rouge Croix, +and whilst _en route_ further orders directed it to detach half a +battalion to support the 47th Sikhs in their counter-attack, already +described. This constant splitting up of battalions was one of the most +senseless proceedings. + +Touch was lost in the difficult country, but eventually this half +battalion got into communication with the Royal Scots on their left, and +after further varying fortunes reached the vicinity of another British +unit, the West Kents. + +The 9th then came into contact with the Germans to the south of Neuve +Chapelle, killing several of them, and assisting in checking an enemy +advance against the flank of a neighbouring unit. + +Lieut.-Colonel H. L. Anderson, second in command, was mortally wounded, +and Lieutenant J. C. Mullaly, son of a gallant General and old comrade +of mine, was taken prisoner while endeavouring to stem an enemy rush, +amid fighting which, owing to many causes, was becoming a confused +medley, Germans firing from every direction. The situation now was that +a big gap existed between the 9th and the 47th Sikhs, which was filled +by No. 20 Company Sappers and Miners. + +Before mid-day on the 28th we thus see that the two Indian half +battalions and the two companies of Sappers and Miners were spread over +a considerable frontage, and about to attack the village of Neuve +Chapelle. It was at this stage purely an Indian fight, no British troops +being engaged on this portion of the attack; why, I cannot say. + +Major G. A. Jamieson of the 9th Bhopals has left it on record that the +orders for his battalion only reached him at 11.15 A.M., _i.e._ after +the attack had already commenced. Under such conditions all the +battalion could do was to detach as many men as possible to help the +Sappers and Miners who were on the move and advancing. Jamieson later on +died of wounds received in Mesopotamia; I had known him for many years. +Son of a soldier and descended from a long line of fighting men, he was +one of the keenest of officers, always trying to do something to improve +the efficiency of his men. + +The moment had now come, and the Indians are advancing with the proud +satisfaction that this is their own fight and that the eyes of their +British comrades are on them. + +The Artillery bombardment which preceded the attack had hardly ceased, +when the open country was already fast being crossed by our men; of +shelter there was little, but this only made the pace the faster, and +600 yards had soon been covered although with considerable losses. + +The men, well led by their officers, were now thoroughly blooded, and +raising the war-cry of “Shri wa guru ji ka khalsa,” and the final yell +of “Fateh,” the Sikhs, and with them, every whit as keen, the two +companies of Sappers, lowered their bayonets to the charge and were +amongst the foe inside the village of Neuve Chapelle. + +The Germans from houses all round kept up a heavy fire, but the Indian +soldiers were not to be denied, and using the bayonet they cleared the +streets, entering houses and killing freely, always fighting hand to +hand. It was a glorious day for the Indian Army, and the story, although +briefly told in despatches, is one of which the Sikhs as a race, and the +Sappers and Miners as a Corps, may well be proud. + +An officer of a British Corps, whose fighting zeal had led him into the +fray, in describing it said: “I climbed up into a house and looked down +the street, and the way those fellows fought was a sight to remember”; +and General Sir Horace Smith-Dorrien himself told me a few days later +that from every side he heard nothing but the highest praise of the +Indians. + +Meantime the fight was raging in the centre of the village; Captain +M‘Cleverty, the bravest of the brave, leading his Sikhs, fell dead under +a shot from a concealed German. This man was at once accounted for by a +Punjabi Mahomedan of the Sappers. Through a hail of machine-gun fire +both Corps continued the struggle, and had soon cleared the main street. + +The Germans were meantime bringing heavy counter-attacks to bear on our +scattered troops, but Davidson of the 47th was not the man to succumb to +any foe, and was trying to form up for a final charge, when the Huns +opened rapid fire from several machine-guns, literally sweeping the +streets, and no reinforcements were at hand and there were no signs of +them coming. Thus overwhelmed, the brave Sikhs were obliged to fall +back. Once again they crossed the 600 yards of open ground, in retreat +’tis true, but covered with glory. They had left a mark behind them +which must have impressed even their enemies, and as a German prisoner +said months afterwards, they had taught his people a lesson which they +remembered throughout the time they faced the Indian Corps. Davidson +received the well-merited distinction of Brevet Lieut.-Colonel. + +Had reinforcements been sent up the battle of Neuve Chapelle in March +1915 might never have been necessary; but in war it is so often an “If.” +What is sure, and that is what concerns me here, is that the Indians +fought in a manner which at once established their reputation as +first-class fighting men. + +The two companies of the 47th Sikhs went into action 289 of all ranks, +and the muster roll after the fight was 144, or a loss of exactly 50 per +cent of their numbers. Amongst these were two Indian officers, of whom +one was killed. + +The 47th Sikhs was raised at Sialkote in 1901 as the 47th (Sikh) +Regiment of Bengal Infantry, and received its present designation in +1903. It was composed of eight companies of Sikhs. + +The 21st Company Sappers and Miners were all this time sharing to the +full the brunt of the fighting. Captain J. S. Richardson was killed +while leading a charge on the enemy’s side of the village through which +the men had swept; and Almond and Rohde, his two Subalterns, shared his +fate. Lieutenant Fitzmaurice was severely wounded, and nearly 60 other +ranks out of 140 completed the casualties: A list which included every +British officer borne on its rolls, and not one remained to direct the +operations of a unit in which all skilled officers who knew their men +were needed. The I.D.S.M. was conferred on Subadars Ismail Khan and +Ganga Charn Dixit. + +Their comrades of the 20th Company were likewise fighting hard; when it +was seen that reinforcements were not coming Lieutenant Nosworthy, +rather than retire, hurriedly erected a barricade in a side street, and +from this and two neighbouring houses kept the enemy at bay, until at +last, seeing no further use in delay, he and his gallant band, now under +twenty men, worked their way back over the open. + +What a splendid record did this Sapper Company compile in a few brief +hours of that October day. Lieutenant E. Hayes-Sadler was killed leading +an attack on some German machine-guns which were playing havoc from a +spot outside the village, he and his men being literally mown down. +Lieutenant Rait-Kerr was severely wounded while voluntarily crossing the +open to bring up reinforcements, but endeavoured nevertheless to try and +rejoin his commanding officer. Captain Paris, who had boldly led the +company from the start, was also severely wounded. + +Like its sister company the 21st Sappers and Miners, the 20th also came +out of action with the loss of all its British officers. Trained to the +technical branches of their profession, they could still fight as +Infantry with the best, even when they knew that “Some one had +blundered.” + +Sapper Dalip Singh single-handed kept off numerous Germans, helped +Lieutenant Rait-Kerr into safety, and gained the Indian Order of Merit +for his bravery. + +The Military Cross was the reward of Subadar Malla Singh, and the Order +of British India that of Subadar Ganpat Mahadeo, both of whom earned +their decorations by conspicuous coolness and skill. + +The Indian Corps of Sappers and Miners is too well known to need +description here; as Sir John French said in his despatch of November +1914, they “have long enjoyed a high reputation for skill and resource,” +and “they have fully justified their reputation.” I would only add, that +ever after in the war they added greatly to it. I look forward with keen +pleasure to visiting them again. + +The 9th Bhopal Infantry, whom we left just when they had received their +orders to join in the attack, found themselves in a dilemma, but Major +Jamieson hastily told off as many men as were at his disposal to work +along with the Sappers and Miners who were already advancing. The result +was that while some parties got into Neuve Chapelle, and one under +Jamieson passed through the village, they were compelled to retire and +suffered considerable losses. Lieut.-Colonel Anderson, second in +command, died of wounds, and one Indian officer was killed; Captain L. +J. Jones and Lieutenant H. Wade were wounded and missing; Lieutenant +Mullaly, as already stated, was unfortunately captured, and Captain G. +Irvine wounded; the total casualties including missing were just under +300. + +The 9th Bhopal Infantry was raised in 1859, and reconstituted and +received its present title in 1903. It served in Afghanistan 1878–79, +and consisted of two companies of Sikhs, two of Rajputs, two of +Brahmins, and two of Musalmans. It was quartered in Fyzabad when war +broke out, and I had inspected it early that year. It was under orders +for Secunderabad in the next reliefs, but so keen were all ranks to go +to the north of India, and so eagerly did they do their field work, that +I recommended to the Commander-in-Chief they should be given a chance on +the Frontiers. The battalion was not on the mobilisation list, but the +Chief selected it to fill a gap, and hence it was sent to France. Later +it went to Mesopotamia and took part in the fighting there. + +Sir John French, as he always did, acknowledged the good work done by +all ranks, both before and on this day, in a telegram in which he said: +“Please congratulate your Indian troops on their gallant conduct, and +express my gratitude to them.” + + + + + CHAPTER VI + + +I have told the story of the Indian Corps up to the date of the arrival +of the Meerut Division on the British Front. This Division began its +experiences in the trenches on the 29th October, from which date the +portion of the line allotted to the Corps came under my command. In +place of the Sirhind Brigade detained in Egypt, and the Ferozepore +Brigade still away in the north near Ypres, I was given two British +Brigades of the Second Army Corps; in addition, two extra battalions +were temporarily left with me. With the arrival of the Secunderabad +Cavalry Brigade and Jodhpore Lancers, I was able to count on another +1000 men as long as this Brigade might be left at my disposal. + +In nearly all the accounts of our doings at this time I find it stated +that two and a half Brigades were left to strengthen the Indian Corps; +giving the impression that these were in addition to our own full +numbers. This is of course entirely erroneous. As a matter of fact, even +with the two and a half Brigades lent to us, the Corps was far under the +strength of British Army Corps; while in the matter of guns we had +nothing but the bare complement of field guns and two heavy batteries of +four guns each. In consequence the Second Corps left us, to start with, +a proportion of its Corps Artillery. + +Sir John French had said to me on the night of my arrival, “Are you +prepared to take over the front of the Second Corps at once?” and I +replied, “Certainly.” If it had been twice as long, and had we been half +our strength, I should have made the same reply. We had arrived and were +going to take on anything ordered, and I felt confident we were going to +do it well; and looking back on it all, now that one can take an +unbiassed retrospect, there is only one conclusion to which honest +soldiers will come and that is that all ranks, British and Indians, did +their duty nobly and deserve well of their King and our country. + +Headquarters were established at Hinges (pronounced by us phonetically), +a large château not far from Bethune. In a very few hours we had adapted +ourselves to circumstances; electric lights, telephones, and telegraphs +were all erected with surprising speed, the Indian Signalling Company +under Captain Franklin working as if it had been accustomed to such +luxuries, though here they were absolute necessities. + +The Indian servants adapted themselves at once to kitchen ranges, and +meals were served up as if in an Indian bungalow. In the hall, orderlies +and messengers, French, British and Indian, fraternised and exchanged a +jargon of words; outside stood a couple of German prisoners guarded by a +mud-bespattered trooper, waiting to be interrogated. What must have been +their feelings as they watched the medley, and heard the mother tongues +of races as far apart as London and Peshawar. + +As I leaned over the banisters, I felt a stern joy that it was my good +fortune to be entrusted for the first time in war with so varied a task +as the control of such divergent elements of humanity, in the heart of a +great European country. + +Before General Smith-Dorrien handed over the command and left the +château, I had the advantage of a long conversation with him. For him I +have a great admiration, and I felt his advice would be valuable, and in +those two hours I learned much which stood me in good stead during the +war. I discovered that in addition to his own war-seasoned Army Corps he +had had an extra Brigade. This was news to me; and as I was taking over +his front I knew I must hold my trenches very lightly. He knew India and +its troops, and had been Adjutant-General as well as commander of a +Division in that country, so could speak from personal experience. I +received many useful hints from him, and as he drove away I felt we had +with the Expeditionary Force a General who thoroughly understood the +Corps, and when the day came, which it soon must, for the formation into +Armies, I hoped might have us in his command. + +[Illustration: COUNTRY ADJOINING INDIAN CORPS FRONT.] + +With the exception of Sir John French and Smith-Dorrien I was at that +time the senior officer in France, but I never for an instant suffered +under the delusion that this meant anything to me. I had come with the +Indians, and I knew that there I should remain and so long only as they +chose to keep me. Commands of Armies were altitudes too dizzy to be +reached by a soldier who had lived in khaki it is true, but had worn it +in far-away portions of the Empire, and had seldom been seen on the +Downs of Salisbury or in the purlieus of Pall Mall or Whitehall. + +The front assigned to the Corps was about eight miles in length from +north of Givenchy on our right, passing east of Festubert and Richebourg +l’Avoué (only a name on the map), west of Neuve Chapelle, past +Mauquissart, and taking a bend to Rouges Bancs on our left. + +The Meerut Division held the southern portion of the trenches in the +following order, commencing from Givenchy: Bareilly, Garhwal, and Dehra +Dun Brigades; with the Jalandar Brigade of the Lahore Division on the +left. This takes no account of the extra British Brigades which filled +gaps as occasion required, until our own two absent Brigades rejoined +us. + +The night of the 29th October was ushered in by a storm of rain, and +through the bogs, ditches, and darkness officers and men tramped to +their first battle positions. It was difficult, but every one was keen +to try it and learn for himself what manner of game it was that was +being played in this novel war. And they soon enough learned it, for +within a few hours of their arrival our Indian troops took the first +shock. The 2nd battalion 8th Gurkhas was the unit which happened to be +holding the portion of trenches chosen by the Hun to test our men in. +Throughout the night the Gurkhas were subjected to a heavy fire—shells, +rifles, and machine-guns all taking their toll; several Infantry attacks +were also made but none were pushed home; and occupying trenches a foot +too deep for them under a deluge of rain, the men from Nepal went +through a severe ordeal. It was found impossible, under the +circumstances, to do anything to improve the trenches, which in many +places were merely the ordinary water channels or broad ditches, +affording no shelter. + +At dawn the Germans made a fresh attack, which however gave them no +advantage, and about 8 o’clock concentrated a heavy shell-fire on the +8th Gurkhas and Devons, who with them formed the left of the line of the +Bareilly Brigade. For four hours this inferno continued, and, as the +Headquarters 5th Division reported, the trenches were seriously damaged. + +From 11 A.M. onwards attacks followed one another in rapid succession, +but these were splendidly repulsed. Before mid-day Colonel Morris, who +was in command of the 8th, began to doubt if his ammunition would last +out, and, whilst making the best arrangements possible, observed that +the trenches held by Captain E. Hayes-Sadler and Wright were being +heavily attacked. For an hour this attack continued. Major Wake also +felt the full brunt of an attack against his trench, and on all sides +the Gurkhas were being assailed, but held on. By 1.30 P.M. the whole +battalion was in the firing-line. + +Morris now sent word to General Macbean, his Brigadier, asking for +reinforcements and saying his ammunition could not last much longer. He +directed Major Wake to hold out at all hazards, which orders that +gallant soldier carried on to the death. Captains Hayes-Sadler and H. +Wright were killed whilst stemming the advancing tide. Captain E. Stack, +although severely wounded, attempted to deliver a message and in this +glorious act was again struck down, and killed. Major Barlow, already +three times wounded, by strenuous exertions succeeded in driving back a +German attack on the right, but here he found his men outflanked and the +enemy in his rear, and whilst still endeavouring to do his duty he +collapsed into a trench but fortunately after some time recovered his +senses and survived to tell the tale. + +Captain B. Hartwell was killed, and Colonel Morris, who from first to +last had displayed every quality of an intrepid leader, was severely +wounded, and lay in a trench till found by his men. He lived to command +them once more, and died fighting on the day of Loos in September 1915. + +Lieutenant MacLean carried on, although wounded, until unable to +continue any longer; and Captain Davidson was missing. Till half-past +three o’clock the Gurkhas held on to their line, when a heavy attack +succeeded in driving them from their fire trenches. Of Indian officers +two were killed, one wounded, and two missing, and the casualties in +other ranks totalled 207. + +This serious set-back was caused chiefly by the right of the battalion +being turned, thus exposing them to a flank attack; but even this might +have been averted under conditions less trying to new troops. The +merciless shell-fire, the weather, and the trenches, useless to short +men, all combined to severely shake them and afforded little opportunity +of recovering the lost ground. They had to do what better troops have +done over and over again in this war, viz. learn their lesson. It was a +severe one and it takes time to obliterate the memory of such an ordeal, +but that the battalion was soon again able to take its share in the +heavy fighting in Flanders is the best tribute to its tenacity. + +Whilst the companies which had suffered most made the best of their way +back from the trenches, Major Cassels held his portion of the line, but +was, like the remainder, eventually forced back, and Captain Buckland +with a company rejoined his Headquarters that evening. + +The shortage of British officers is well exemplified by this action, as +owing to the number of casualties amongst them I was obliged to send +Major Tomkins of the 28th Punjabis, my Assistant Military Secretary, to +assume command of the battalion, no other officer in the Corps being +available. An officer who had been present throughout the retreat from +Mons told one of my Staff that he never experienced a heavier shelling +than the Gurkhas were exposed to that day. + +A pleasant reminiscence is the recollection of the ungrudging help given +by the British Corps in the vicinity. As soon as it was seen that the +Gurkhas were being subjected to a very severe shelling and that the +enemy was launching one attack after another at them, their comrades of +the gallant English regiments whether in first line or in support at +once came to their help. Sir Horace Smith-Dorrien directed that the +Bedfords and West Ridings, who were down for relief, were not to be +withdrawn that night, and the Norfolks and Devons also remained on +temporarily, until the situation could be cleared up and the line +re-established. An Indian officer who had been through the mill, in +telling me about it said, “I do not know a word of English but I will +remember the names _Napak_ (Norfolk) and _Diban_ (Devons), they are +_burra bahadurs_ (very brave men).” + +And this gives me the opportunity of repeating with what real admiration +the Indian soldiers looked on their British comrades, not only of the +fine battalions which formed part of the Indian Corps, but Britishers of +all Corps. It has been an example and a lesson that will never be +forgotten, and under many a village tree as the sun goes down over +Indian hills and plains the old soldiers of the days to come will recite +to their listening brethren tales of the great days when the _Gora log_ +(white men) dashed themselves against heavy odds or hurled back the +Kaiser’s legions. + +The enemy had gained a success, but he was not going to be allowed to +retain his hold, and a counter-attack was led by the West Ridings and +Bedfords, with the 58th Rifles and 107th Pioneers in support. The attack +succeeded in clearing the enemy out of his captured trenches nearly to +the late support line of the Gurkhas; and the 58th Rifles from this +point were pushed through to the assault. The Hun had had his fling and +it was now his turn to run, with the result that the support trenches +were captured with some farm-houses near them. These were at once +subjected to a severe shelling which caused many casualties, amongst +them Colonel W. E. Venour commanding the 58th and Lieutenant J. M. Craig +(attached to the battalion from the 57th Rifles) were both killed. + +The 58th lost also a good soldier, Captain and Adjutant W. Black, who +was killed whilst closely reconnoitring the German trenches prior to the +assault; but the regiment kept a firm hold of its gains at a cost of the +lives of three British officers and five other ranks killed, and four +Indian officers and eighty others wounded. The enemy still retained some +of the Gurkha trenches he had captured earlier in the day. + +I had known the 2nd battalion 8th Gurkha Rifles since 1886 when they +were known as the 43rd Gurkha Light Infantry, and they had borne many +different titles since, being reorganised as the 2/8th Gurkha Rifles in +1907. I had served beside them in Burmah 1885–87. They were composed of +a fine sturdy lot of men, and had they not had the misfortune to start +their very first day in France exposed to a prolonged shelling, followed +by a series of heavy attacks, they would not have been so heavily +handicapped during the entire campaign as they were by the loss of +practically all their own officers at one sweep—the most severe trial an +Indian battalion can possibly undergo. + +The 58th Vaughans Rifles was an old Punjab Frontier Force battalion; and +I soldiered alongside it in the days when it was known as the 5th Punjab +Infantry. It was given its present title in 1903. The ranks were filled +by Sikhs, Dogras, Pathans, and Punjabi-Musalmans. The battalion took +part in nearly all the fighting of the Indian Corps in France, and was +ably commanded by Lieut.-Colonel Davidson-Houston, who succeeded to it +on the death of Colonel Venour; he later was awarded the D.S.O. and was +killed in the attack on the German trenches opposite Mauquissart on the +25th September 1915, and thus the regiment lost two of its commanding +officers. One of the last letters he ever wrote was to me (mostly about +his beloved battalion) on the eve of his death. + +No. 1811, Havildar Karam Singh of the 58th was awarded the Indian Order +of Merit for gallantly remaining on in command of his section after +being severely wounded. + +The Army Corps being now established in its trenches, with different +members of my Staff I began a regular round of various portions of the +front and visits to the Divisional commanders and Brigadiers. During +these tours, which I kept up regularly throughout my tenure of command, +I saw over and over again every battalion, regiment and battery in the +Corps and inspected every unit forming the Transport, Supply, Medical, +etc., and of course every detail of the Hospitals, from the trenches to +the railhead. I made a regular practice of doing as much of all this as +it was possible to do on horseback, and I am convinced that no ordinary +person on the Staff should ever have had a day’s sickness who, wet or +fine, mud or dust, took his exercise, and hard exercise too, without +fail. Of course the regimental officers and men and all others connected +with them had to live a life not only of daily labour, peril and +discomfort, but had to do it on foot, and to them must always be awarded +the palm of all toil. But I am now writing of the higher Staffs; +whatever their responsibilities, they lived in comfort, they slept in +houses, and shared comparatively few of the dangers of the war, and yet +there were some who were too fond of the motor-car, and whose horses +stood idle awaiting the great advance, which did not come till four +years later. + +Perpetual bodily exercise in war, as in peace, should be insisted on in +all ranks; it is the fulcrum of the health lever. In the early days of +the war and in the bog which is an ever-present feature of the Flanders +landscape I found it most difficult to get to the advanced trenches +owing to the impossibility of dragging my steel-bound leg (a legacy of +past campaigns) through the mud, and more than once in consequence I +found myself riding past sentries who had been posted on roads leading +to the vicinity of the trenches to stop all horses or vehicles +proceeding any farther. I suppose it was wrong to disobey orders, but +the gallant sentinels generally let me pass, only remarking, “All right, +pass as the orders are your own.” It was always an interesting +experience. + +After we had managed to dig communication trenches and improve the +drainage, and as the wet decreased, visits to the firing-line were not +only in themselves a very good form of exercise, but in truth the most +interesting and exciting exercise one could take. I can see the reader, +who perhaps spent most of his days in that unenviable region, smile, but +I say again, for a General and his Staff the visits to the trenches form +their most pleasant recollections. + +When one talks of riding across country, it has to be borne in mind that +during October and even into November there were days when this was +quite feasible, later on it became absolutely necessary to stick to the +roads, or what went by that name, as the fields were mere bogs; and +often have I been in deep sympathy with my brave chargers, who hammered +along the stony tracks or _pavés_. It had to be done, however, if riding +was to be a means of conveyance, and I had the satisfaction of feeling +that in the case of my favourite arab, “Arabi Pasha,” no one after his +own master would ever mount the faithful horse, and I believe he knew it +also. It was one of the farewells one does not wish to repeat. + +What manner of country was it in which the Indian Corps now found +itself? A dismal dead plain, dotted with farm-houses and here and there +clumps of trees. The uninteresting roads metalled only in the centre; +ditches and drains in every direction; observation beyond a very limited +distance impossible, and for months the morning mists enveloped +everything in a thick haze well into mid-day; canals, crossed here and +there by bridges, added to the difficulties of communication. The fields +soon became impassable; ditto the paths except on foot; rain fell almost +daily; snow fell heavily in November; the trenches were first turned +into water channels and then frozen over. Above, the aeroplanes seemed +the only moving things besides the clouds; below was a waterlogged soil, +and on the surface lived and died men who will be handed down for all +time as heroes. This monotonous land boasted no hills and valleys, not +even a mound; it was just a flat dreary expanse in winter, and studded +with green leaves and some wild flowers in summer. + +Only a few hundred yards beyond us lay the Aubers Ridge which we were +never to reach, and a small wood cast of Neuve Chapelle of which I shall +have much to say, and which went by the name of the Bois du Biez. I have +since been to Flanders to see that wood, for on it I longingly gazed for +ten months, and my last day in France was spent in the trenches exactly +opposite to it. + +It was plain to see that with our weak battalions and the impossibility +of receiving Indian reinforcements, it would be necessary to have in +hand a small reserve. The only reserve I could count on was the +Secunderabad Cavalry Brigade. Much as I hated doing it, I informed +G.H.Q., and although the Commander-in-Chief was sorely pressed for +troops I eventually got three battalions, and I forthwith wrote to say +that I was now quite happy as to my position. I mention this as, +although it may have been inconvenient or even dangerous to weaken the +line elsewhere, the Indian Corps was the extreme right of the British +line and joined hands with our French allies near Givenchy, and it would +have been a blunder to allow any gap being created in that vicinity. + +I also at once got into touch with the French Generals and commanders on +my right, and we mutually arranged to support one another whenever it +might become necessary. We became the best of friends, and many a time +did I lend or borrow troops or guns for various operations. + +The 2nd November was a day of trial for the Indian troops, as on that +morning the 2nd Gurkhas, which held the trenches to the east of the road +junction a mile N.E. of Pont Logy and N.W. of Neuve Chapelle, which +formed an acute salient in our general outpost line, were furiously +attacked. This salient was very much in the air; the trenches were badly +sited and could hardly be called trenches at all; there was no plan; +salients were open to enfilade fire and the position as a whole was +practically untenable. In addition it was isolated from the rear by a +spinney and orchard. + +The Gurkhas were dumped into it on the night of the 29th and 30th +October, and as the C.O. said at the time, there was no option but to +hold and make the best of it. The Germans, who were only some forty to +sixty yards distant, knew exactly the weakness of the position, and +determined to take advantage of it, and with this object in view were +fast sapping up to it. + +The attack was opened with high explosive shell, and a trench mortar +which was some 400 yards distant threw one shell after another in rapid +succession, fired with a precision which showed they had the exact range +and correct target; the trenches were soon practically obliterated and +the occupants blown up, killed, or wounded, the position being rendered +still more difficult by the fact that we were being enfiladed. +Simultaneously with this the enemy commenced throwing hand-grenades from +the saps they had run up close to our line, and No. 3 Company’s trench +was made the target for these, rendering its right half untenable. Aided +by all these devices the Hun Infantry dashed into No. 1 and 2 Company’s +trenches, specially selecting any remaining British officers as their +victims. + +It is well to once remind those who may read this that all the story of +those days must be read in the light of facts as they existed. With the +accounts of fighting at a later date before them, they are apt to forget +the dark days of 1914 when our men had to face mortars, hand-grenades, +high explosive shell, and a hundred other engines or contrivances of +war, with which they themselves were not provided. Here were these +gallant fellows just arrived and exposed to every form of terror, and +they could reply only with their valour and the rifles and two +machine-guns per battalion with which they were armed, and yet they did +it. + +The left half of No. 3 Company’s trench and that of No. 4 Company still +remained; these were echeloned back to the left, towards the Connaught +Rangers, and they were held till nightfall. The Irishmen, seeing the +state of affairs and the tempest sweeping over the Gurkhas, first sent +one platoon to their assistance, and followed it with two others. + +At this juncture Lieut. J. Reid, the only surviving officer, ordered the +occupants of No. 3 trench to fall back towards the left trenches; but +the communication trench was full of dying and wounded, and as they +crossed the open they suffered heavily. The survivors in the trenches +who had managed to hold on were brought out late in the evening by +Subadars Dalbahadur Rana and Fateh Singh Newar; this latter officer +received the Order of British India for his conduct, and the commanding +officer specially mentioned as fighting well and holding on to the last +Jemadars Kharak Bahadur Gurung and Tirthe Gurung, who was wounded, as +well as Bahadur Ghale and Suba Singh Gurung. + +The 1st Battalion 9th Gurkhas were on the right of the 2nd, and well +thrown back. Lieut.-Colonel C. E. Norie, commander of the 2nd Gurkhas, +carries only one arm, having left the other in the mountains of Tirah; +but with one arm he also has but one heart, and it is a brave one. + +He was near the battalion reserve when the German attack began, and at +once moved with it to the right of his forward trenches; having located +the mortar which was doing all the execution, he silenced it by a +concentrated fire; shortly after he again moved to his left as his +ammunition was exhausted; having replenished this and meeting a squadron +of the 34th Poona Horse coming up in support, Norie moved his reserve +forward with the squadron to assist in the defence of his left trenches. +Met by a furious machine-gun fire, this advance was held up as these +trenches had meantime been captured by the enemy. + +About 2 o’clock the Gurkhas were subjected to a concentrated fire of +high explosive shell and had to move north. That evening reinforcements +of Royal Scots Fusiliers and an Indian battalion arrived, and the 9th +Gurkhas on the right were also reinforced by a portion of the 6th Jats +and 7th Dragoon Guards. Norie himself advanced with the Royal Scots +Fusiliers and his own men, and this party got within twenty yards of the +Germans, but were then held up by machine-guns. One officer of the +Fusiliers was killed and two officers of the Gurkhas were wounded; but +although the push did not succeed in getting home, it was too much for +the Huns, who forthwith left and returned to their own trenches, and +ours were reoccupied. + +At this stage Brig.-General Bowes commanding the 8th British Brigade, +which was one of the two left with the Indian Corps, issued fresh orders +and a new line was begun to be consolidated. During the time General +Bowes was with me he invariably rendered good service, always being +ready to take on any job. + +Such is the story of the first experience of another fine unit being +initiated in the form of fighting in Flanders, and brings to light the +discipline and tenacity of the Gurkhas of Nepal. The odds were immense, +but although hard hit they were ready to take part in a counter-attack, +and their British and Indian officers performed many deeds of gallantry. + +I have described the part taken by Colonel Norie, and his own Brigadier, +C. E. Johnson, and General Anderson commanding the Meerut Division wrote +in the highest terms of him and his battalion. Sir John French too wrote +in his despatch: “The situation was prevented from becoming serious by +the excellent leadership displayed by Colonel Norie of the 2nd Gurkhas.” +A very special compliment, as he was the only officer in the Indian Army +Corps mentioned by name in this despatch. He was rewarded with a +Brevet-Colonelcy. + +Of the officers killed, Major H. S. Becher met his death in covering a +portion of the retiring line. Lieutenants J. H. Walcott and I. Innes +died leading a charge against the enemy as they were nearing our +trenches. + +Lieut. Reid, after hard fighting, fell whilst coolly conducting a +relieving party of the Connaught Rangers to the Gurkha trenches. Lieut. +Lucas was killed whilst collecting his men, and the same shell blew up +several of them also. + +Major Ross and Subadar-Major Man Singh Bohra heroically led a charge +which ended in a hand-to-hand fight, during which they and most of their +men were killed. + +Major N. Macpherson and Captain F. Barton fell at their posts. + +Subadars Tekhbahadur Gurung and Gopal Singh Rawat were killed in the +counter-attack with Innes and Walcott, and Subadar Chet Singh fell with +them. + +In the Connaught Rangers, Lieut. G. D. Abbott was killed while moving up +with his company in the open to the help of the Gurkhas, and with him +fell many of his brave Irish. Lieut. Hewitt of the same battalion was +wounded, but the rest held on to their trench during the night. The +Rangers suffered forty casualties. + +In the 34th Poona Horse, the C.O., Lieut.-Colonel C. O. Swanston, a very +keen and earnest soldier, was killed at the head of his men whilst +crossing up to the support of the Gurkhas, and in this regiment Sowar +Madhu was given the Indian Order of Merit for saving the life of a +wounded Indian officer under a heavy fire. The Interpreter Lieut. +Sturdee was also wounded and the casualties numbered thirty-eight. Major +G. Molloy’s name was brought to notice for good work. + +The 2nd Gurkhas had seven out of their full complement of twelve British +officers killed, but this did not complete the roll of casualties. +Captain G. McCleverty was wounded while “showing great gallantry, always +well to the front endeavouring to get to the trenches,” and the same +remark applied to Major F. H. Norie, attached as Interpreter, who owing +to the heavy losses amongst the officers voluntarily took his place in +the forefront of the fighting and was severely wounded, earning the +grateful thanks of all ranks and a D.S.O. + +No. 1618, Naik Padamdhoj Gurung received the Indian Order of Merit for +conspicuous gallantry. + +The total losses of the 2nd Gurkhas on this day were seven British and +four Indian officers killed and two British and two Indian officers +wounded; thirty-one other ranks killed and 100 wounded. + +This action brings conspicuously to light the fact that even the best +Indian troops in European warfare need the leading of British officers. + +The 2nd Gurkhas was a regiment second to none in the Indian Army. The +British officers were as good as those of any battalion in His Majesty’s +armies; the Indian officers, N.C.O.’s, and men were of the best stamp of +fighting men in the East, and if I had been asked I could not have +selected a better fighting battalion; and after this affair my belief in +them was confirmed. They had been tried in the fire and not found +wanting. + +I had known them since the days of the Afghan War of 1878–80, and by +common consent they were acknowledged to be a first-class fighting unit. +Bhurtpore, Aliwal, Sobraon, Delhi, Kabul, Tirah are their battle +honours, and to these will now be added others well earned. + +The 34th Poona Horse was originally raised in 1817, and had under +different names served from Ghazni (1839), Meeanee, and Kushab to +Afghanistan (1879–80). The Honorary Colonel was Lieut.-General H.H. the +famous Maharaja Sir Partab Singh, and the ranks were filled by Rathore +Rajputs, Kaimkhanis, and Punjab Musalmans. It was the first Indian +Cavalry regiment of the Cavalry Brigades to be engaged in the war, and +whilst it remained with the Army Corps always gave a good account of +itself. + + + + + CHAPTER VII + + +October had ended with some exciting episodes in the Indian Corps; +November had been ushered in with a fresh attack, and all classes of the +troops, British and Indian, were destined to find plenty of work and +fighting as the days went on. + +On the 5th November a very gallant act was performed by Lieut. G. +Brunskill of the 47th Sikhs in front of his trenches. Accompanied by one +of his battalion scouts he traversed some 500 yards of “No Man’s Land,” +until he found himself not thirty yards from the entrenched Germans. +Making a detour he again crept forward, and finding the trench +unoccupied, the two got over the parapet and inspected the interior; +they then packed up various articles of equipment and papers, made a +note of the dug-outs and snipers’ posts, and began their return journey. +They were suddenly fired on, but got back safely with their valuable +information. + +Brunskill made two similar journeys, on the last occasion reaching to +within thirty yards of the enemy’s second line, where he was fired on, +and this firing brought on a wild fusillade from friend and foe, through +which he and his brave companion, Sepoy Tawand Singh, also of the 47th +Sikhs, managed to return unscathed. These reconnaissances discovered the +line of advance of German supplies and gave other useful information, +which enabled us to devote particular attention to the points noted. For +his gallant work Brunskill was awarded the Military Cross. Two days +later he was severely wounded whilst performing another daring deed +during daylight. + +One very important fact disclosed, and which stood us in good stead +thereafter, was that the enemy at that time used few or no patrols and +left his front line practically unoccupied. Thus the brave pay for their +daring, and the men behind reap the benefits. + +The next troops to be engaged in a difficult operation were the 1st +Battalion Connaught Rangers (of the Ferozepore Brigade), commanded by +Lieut.-Colonel H. L. S. Ravenshaw. To their front was a trench which had +been held by one of their companies and was now in German hands, and it +was decided to eject the enemy and fill it in. At midnight on the +14th-15th November the Royal Scots Fusiliers, of the 8th British +Brigade, opened a heavy fire under cover of which a company of the +Rangers, commanded by Captain C. Hack, with Lieutenants F. George and D. +Tulloch, rushed and captured the trench in face of a sharp fusillade. + +Captain Payne, the same officer who had behaved so well at Messines in +October, at once sent forward the digging party, and these set to work +to fill in the trench. But now the rifle-bolts of the attackers began to +jam and the men in the party had to take up the fire. Filling in soon +became impossible and the casualties were heavy, every officer having +been killed, and a retirement was ordered. + +The trenches were deep in mud and very slippery, and the enemy was +superior in numbers. Payne at once reoccupied his now half filled in +trenches and advanced to the attack, but was driven back with loss. A +second attempt was also repulsed. The Germans redoubled their fire, and +as the Connaughts’ rifles were fast becoming useless, two platoons of +the Middlesex of Bowes’ British Brigade came up to relieve them. This +caused the trench to become overcrowded, and as some of the Connaughts +were leaving, in order to make room, they were caught under a heavy +machine-gun fire which caused many casualties, including Lieut. J. +Ovens, who was killed. Lieut. George, the adjutant, was severely wounded +as he rushed forward, but Lance-Corporal T. Kelly cleared the parapet, +and in face of a very heavy fire lifted his officer to carry him to +safety; as he was doing so another bullet killed Lieut. George in his +arms. This was a splendid act, and from personal descriptions at the +time a far finer one than I can describe it, and I should have liked to +see him get the Victoria Cross; but as it was he was awarded the D.C.M. +and it was never better earned. He died of wounds in January 1916. + +Captain Hack was killed in the charge, and Lieut. Tulloch, although +wounded early in the attack, bravely carried on till he also was killed. +Payne received the D.S.O. for his share in the action. + +The Irishmen suffered forty casualties in this affair, and had it not +been for their rifles jamming, the trenches would have been rendered +untenable for the enemy. At the same time they learned their lesson, not +the least valuable part of it being that rifles are delicate weapons and +must be looked after. There can be no doubt it was partly want of care +that caused the bolts to jam, and the troops of all Corps very soon +found that a little extra care, even if grease is not always available, +will help to save lives. + +Brigadier-General Bowes in his report stated that “everything possible +was done by the Connaught Rangers to carry out the duty assigned to +them.” Within four days this battalion had lost five officers killed and +two wounded. + +On the 5th November the 8th British Brigade, attached to us, recaptured +and filled in the trenches evacuated by the 2nd Gurkhas. On the same day +Major E. H. Phillips commanding the 28th Battery, 9th Brigade R.F.A., +was killed. He had climbed a haystack to get better observation, when a +shell ended his career. He was one of my best friends and comrades in +the days when we tramped and fought through the swamps and forests of +Ashanti, and later we soldiered together in more peaceful times in +India. A splendid gunner and a charming personality, he was a real loss +to the service; but he left a perfect battery behind him. What more +could a soldier do? + +As the days went on both officers and men acquired a knowledge of the +novel methods of warfare. The Indians were at last brigaded with their +own British battalions; they had behind them their own guns, transport, +supplies and hospitals, and they were finding out that the wounded or +strayed need only move in one direction to find friends who could +understand their language. The chaotic state of affairs when they were +mixed up anyhow with absolute strangers was passing away, and a sense of +cheerfulness which was bred of this knowledge soon began to manifest +itself. But even so it took time, and in some cases a very long time, to +obliterate from their minds the memory of their first rough experiences, +and in conversation with Indian officers and men I learnt many lessons +on how things might have been done. They said plainly, “We were not +given a chance; and if we get ‘bud nāāmed’ (a bad name) it is not our +fault.” Some of the tales the first arrivals in France brought back from +Messines and near Neuve Chapelle were soon spread through the ranks of +the new arrivals, and any one who knows India also knows what this +means. + +One incident at once proved the innate love of fair play inherent in the +sepoy. In the German lines a document had been found, directing that +mercy was not to be shown to the Indians, and a day later the 15th Sikhs +brought back twelve prisoners from a raid. The only comment made by the +havildar of the party was, that the Germans might do as they pleased, +but he and his men were soldiers not dacoits. + +The enemy early began to try the effect of using English when on the +prowl near our lines, and one man, dressed exactly like a British +officer of Gurkhas, came right up to the trenches, and in good English +said the company was to move farther along the trench to make room for +another company moving up in support. The British officer in command +being suspicious of the accent asked, “Who are you?” and the reply was +the same as before. “Answer at once by what ship you came to France,” +was our officer’s next query, and the disguised German started to run +but was shot dead. Similar ruses were not uncommon, and notwithstanding +the difficulty of our men being able to discriminate, the Hun generally +got off second best. + +Fortunately for us the perfectly idiotic accounts that used to appear in +those early days of what the Indians were expected to do, or were doing, +seldom reached or interested them. They simply did their duty and cared +nothing for daily papers; but more than once Indian officers have told +me how surprised they were that our newspapers could lie as they did. In +any case such stories did much harm, for when instead of finding that +the Indian soldiers were some mythical kind of beings, the British +public discovered that they were only ordinary men trying to do their +duty under inconceivable difficulties, they grew disappointed; but we +did gain one advantage, and that was, we were left more alone, and +pictures of charging Lancers and bearded Gurkhas ceased to appear. + +The Seaforth Highlanders was the first British battalion of the Meerut +Division to come up against the Germans, when on the 7th November they +found their right flank assailed; but the Seaforths, the old 72nd, did +not on service allow any man through their lines without a pass, and the +enemy could not produce that document. One or two of the attacking Huns +reached the trench and remained there for good, and the others were +driven back faster than they came, leaving many dead and wounded behind +them. The enemy on this occasion used a very large and long-range trench +mortar, which did much damage, and to which of course we had no reply. +Captain R. S. Wilson and sixteen men were killed and 2nd Lieut. I. +Macandrew and sixty-three other ranks were wounded. It was a heavy toll +for a short affair, but the battalion at once found that a Corps which +had won battle honours from Mysore and Sebastopol to South Africa had +nothing to fear from the Kaiser’s legions. + +During the short time the battalion had been in the trenches it had +already, in addition to the above, suffered many casualties, losing four +officers wounded, including their splendid Chaplain Rev. McNeill, and +one missing, and other ranks suffered in proportion. + +Part of the 2nd Gurkhas were again employed this day in support of the +Seaforths, and during this operation Captain Beauchamp-Duff, son of the +Commander-in-Chief in India, was killed. He was a popular officer and a +great loss to the regiment. + +The description of the fighting by the Army Corps in France is of +necessity nothing but a long record, practically of siege warfare, on +the same front, relieved occasionally by an attack or defence against +the enemy, and it therefore lacks the incidents which furnish the war +correspondent with copy for stirring descriptions of battles. +Nevertheless, even in this somewhat gloomy atmosphere will be found +occasional bursts of flame helping to light up the otherwise sombre +picture; and after all what is being recorded is the long and patient +sacrifice made of course by our own men who had everything at stake on +the final decision, but still more by the loyal soldiers of India who +were equally enduring. + +From the day of arrival at G.H.Q. I had resolved in my mind how we were +to meet the trench mortars and hand-grenades used by the enemy. I had +some years previously foreseen that these instruments would assuredly +take a foremost place in the next war, and when on short leave home from +India, whilst I was in command of the Peshawar Division, I had spent +several days examining and seeing the “Hale’s” hand- and rifle-grenades +used. After learning their mechanism I had myself thrown and fired these +grenades against roughly constructed wooden stockades, and been much +impressed by their destructive effects. + +It appeared to me that when once troops reached within a certain +distance of a position held by an enemy who did not mean to quit it, it +became a matter of hand-to-hand fighting, and the one who possessed some +weapon other than the rifle alone would gain an immense advantage, which +would carry him forward or stop his opponent. With this in view I was +determined, to the best of my limited power, to introduce the “Hale’s” +grenades into the Indian Army; but, as I shall show, I received little +or no encouragement from our conservative administration. + +At that time there were in England several officers of the Spanish Army +who were testing these grenades with a view to their use in North +Africa, and I was present when large numbers were being tried by them. +On my return to India from leave I took out a certain number which Mr. +Hale kindly placed at my disposal, and reported the fact to Army +Headquarters. I instructed squads of Sappers and Miners in my Command in +their use, and made a practical demonstration by myself firing several +rounds from one of our service rifles. Later I had them tested by squads +before the Chief of the General Staff in India, and it was obvious how +useful they would prove. + +But there the matter ended, and no further notice was taken of the +experiment so far as I ever knew. Again, one of the officers who had +served with me in Africa, Major A. L. McClintock, R.E., who was then in +command of Sappers and Miners in Madras, invented and made grenades of +his own pattern, and obtained permission to bring them up to Agra to be +used before me and other officers quartered there, but there his +experiment ended also. + +And now arrived in France I found the Army still practically unprovided +with them, except a few rifle-grenades, and I had no difficulty in +obtaining the small supply available; but of hand-grenades I could find +none. In those days it was a case of “God helps those who help +themselves,” and I immediately set the Sappers and Miners to work to +manufacture jam-tin hand-grenades, and gas and other pipe trench guns. +Black powder was at first used for the latter, but the smoke emitted +gave away their position, and later other devices were brought into +play. + +One of my R.E. officers was sent for by the War Office for consultation, +and the Indian Corps was one of the first to capture a German trench +mortar, which was at once sent home for examination. The Corps may well +claim some credit for helping to initiate the use of these weapons; a +fact easily forgotten later on when grenades and trench mortars were +perfected and supplied in abundance to all troops as they arrived in +France. + +Early in November we were able to start work with our primitive weapons, +but it gave confidence to the men and made a beginning. The devices used +by the Sapper officers were well worth seeing, and ranged from +century-old mortars to jam-tins propelled by indiarubber tubing. + +On the morning of the 9th November the 2nd Black Watch of the Bareilly +Brigade, with the object of getting rid of an enemy machine-gun which +was paying them particular attention, organised a small raid, and +Captain R. E. Forrester with about twenty men made a surprise attack, +killing ten Germans and returning with only two casualties, of which he +himself was one, being wounded. This famous Corps was destined to take +part in numerous fights, always emerging with honour, and finally +strewing the sands of Mesopotamia with its gallant officers and men. + +The 1st and 2nd Battalions of the 39th Garhwal Rifles of the Garhwal +Brigade, a regiment which was doing its first service in the field, were +the next to try their hand, this time not in defence, but in a small +raid on the German trenches. On the night of the 9th November Major G. +H. Taylor of the 2nd Battalion organised the affair and carried it +through, and considering it was a first attempt it may be described as +very useful, and certainly encouraged officers and men to further +similar enterprises. A trench only fifty yards distant was occupied and +partly filled in, with slight casualties, and then seeing he could not +complete the work in time Taylor retired, his party bringing back with +him six prisoners. The enemy kept up a hot fire, but our men had been +into a German trench and seen them run for dear life, and this in itself +was worth much on their first attempt. They had learned that if they +kept low and used their own tactics they could outwit the Hun. Jemadar +Khushal Singh Danu of the 2nd Battalion was specially commended by +Taylor. Rifleman Ganesh Singh Sajwan had on the same morning won the +Indian Order of Merit for a very gallant act whilst acting as scout. + +The two battalions of the 39th were commanded respectively by Colonels +Swiney and Drake-Brockman. Swiney, after being severely wounded at Neuve +Chapelle in March 1915, was drowned in the P. & O. _Persia_ when that +passenger vessel was torpedoed by our “gallant” enemies in the +Mediterranean. + +The Garhwalis are best described as more or less related to the Gurkhas +of Nepal; there were only these two battalions in the Army, and as a +Corps they were an untried element. From first to last they did splendid +work, proving themselves to be really gallant soldiers, and their very +heavy casualties attest to the fact that they bore a lion’s share in +Flanders. + +Whilst I have described in detail some of the scraps which went on +uninterruptedly, it must be borne in mind that the whole Corps was +engaged all along our front, and the daily task was one which took heavy +toll from all arms in proportion. On referring to the rolls, for +instance on the date up to which I have brought the narrative, the +Indian Corps and the battalions still attached to it to fill the gap +caused by the absence of the Sirhind Brigade in Egypt had suffered +casualties amongst all ranks amounting to 3880 or on an average of 190 +daily. It does not need much imagination to discover that losses at this +rate could hardly be replaced in the Indian ranks by reinforcements of +ten per cent per month, which is what the Indian authorities had +arranged to send to France. Moreover, the time was not far distant when +the numbers would jump up, first by 1200 casualties in a single night, +and by many times more in two days’ fighting a month later on. + +And later still the day arrived when, at a parade of an Indian battalion +in rest which attended to witness the promotion of a Naik to the rank of +Jemadar for gallant conduct, the total muster that could be collected +after detailing necessary billet duties was under 200 men. Not for a +long time did we receive any but small additions towards replacing +officers and men of the British battalions, which in the Corps numbered +at war strength only 850 of all ranks, though after November, in the +case of these battalions, the deficiencies were better met. + +At this stage it is of interest to explain briefly the methods of supply +by which the Indian troops were fed and clothed, and the wonderful +arrangements made for the care of sick and wounded; arrangements in both +cases so good as to astonish us all by the simplicity of their working +and the celerity of execution. Indeed in these, as in all branches of +general Administrative Staff work, India was ages behind the Home Army. +Staff work in India was only beginning to emerge from the bow and arrow +days; the Indian Staff College and improved status of Departmental +officers had in recent years given a good start to the new +organisations, but economy had kept them in leash, and there had not +been time or the experience of active service or really big +concentrations to put them to the test. Where ten motor lorries or fifty +motor-cars had been available at English manœuvres, in India we had to +put up with ten prehistoric bullock carts, and perhaps a few obsolete +hired motors. It was thought extravagant to waste money on telephones, +and luxurious even to mention wireless. It was not long, therefore, +before we learned the difference between campaigns as conducted on +economical Indian principles and the more up-to-date methods of the Home +Army. + +The Government of India had, however, been very wise in two things, and +these were, in always insisting on the Indian troops being rationed +strictly on Indian lines, and scrupulously observing every detail +relating to their religious customs, especially in as far as their food +was concerned. To some it may appear difficult to understand how it was +possible in the heart of Europe to observe these matters to the letter, +but we had with us officers who knew exactly what to do and how to do +it, and the names of Colonels R. H. Ewart, Hennessy, Moore, Lindsay, +Vaughan, to say nothing of many excellent junior officers, were a +guarantee all would go well with the Supply and Transport; whilst in the +Indian Medical Services we had Colonels Grayfoot, Bowle-Evans, Wall, +Hamilton, White, Moorhead, and Browse, who with their thorough knowledge +of Indian troops were prepared to look after the interests of the men, +and ably second the splendid work done by the Royal Army Medical Corps +officers, to whom (though here we are now dealing with Indians alone) +the Indian Corps owes a great debt of gratitude, and on whom fell the +main responsibilities in this European War. + +There were days when the ordinary chappati could not be kneaded or the +meat cooked with the ingredients dear to the sepoy’s heart, and there +were times when perhaps men were glad to eat their flour wetted and +mixed with gur (Indian sugar), but this was seldom, and as time went on +hardly ever; and after all when the enemy is only thirty, and never more +than two or three hundred yards away, and a lively tune is singing +overhead, the beginner at the game is not too squeamish whether his +dinner is served hot or cold nor whether it is up to Savoy standard. +These are the natural accompaniments of rough war, and the Indians are +the easiest soldiers in the world to feed when they understand it is +part of the game. + +The rations consisted of meat for those who ate it, several days in the +week according to the circumstances of the time; for non meat-eaters +extra gur (sugar), dall (lentils), ghee (clarified butter), potatoes, +tea, atta (flour), and five kinds of tasty ingredients; in addition +dried fruits such as raisins, etc., and various kinds of vegetables as +procurable. But this did not end their rations, for mixed sweetmeats +were frequently supplied by friends and retired British officers; +cigarettes in abundance for such classes as smoked them; European and +Indian tobacco and chillums (native clay pipes) were sent by some of the +Indian Princes. Rum was issued to those who were not prohibited from +taking alcohol, and extra tea to those who could not indulge in the +former. Goats were purchased from Southern Europe in large numbers; +slaughtered at fixed stations on the line of communications by men of +the various units; labelled with distinctive tapes and conveyed to +destination by men of the different denominations. Nothing could have +been more considerate than the details carried out to observe the +customs of the sepoy; and Indian officers and men have said to me over +and over again, “The British Government is wonderful; here in the midst +of the Mahabharat (great war) they even label our meat. Truly the +Badshah (King) is a Rustam and a Hatim (a hero and a just man).” + +As for clothing and necessaries; beginning with somewhat scanty +garments, the sepoys were gradually supplied with an outfit which it +became an impossibility to move; vests, balaclava caps, warm coats, +goatskin overcoats, extra flannel shirts, socks, drawers, woollen +mufflers, and gloves poured into their wardrobes or kit-bags until a man +could neither put on nor even stagger under the burden, but the cry was, +“Still they come.” Kindly ladies in England and Regimental Committees +continued to send gifts for the Indian soldiers, and I was obliged at +last to cry a halt and find storage room for all that could not be moved +forward from rest billets. + +There were occasional complaints of shortage of warm clothing from +units, chiefly Departmental ones; but though this may have been the case +during the first month or so in France, the exact contrary was the case +later on. + +It is impossible in writing of the Supply and Transport to omit mention +of the personnel. The British portion of the work was done with the +thoroughness which characterises the A.S.C., but the Indian rank and +file are a hardworking, patient body of men who do much and say little +about it. In every campaign in which they have served the Transport +driver is acknowledged as a very loyal servant of the State. Most of the +Indian Transport was transferred to Gallipoli early in the war and did +good work there. + +The Medical establishments from India soon fell into the routine of +trench warfare. The requirements of Frontier expeditions were of a +nature so different from anything in France that it practically meant a +fresh start as far as the transport and interior arrangements were +concerned. There is no need to go into the details of removing the +wounded from the firing-line to the Regimental Aid Posts and thence on +to the Field Ambulances, with their bearer and tent divisions, the +dressing stations and finally the clearing hospitals from which they are +conveyed by ambulance trains to the base. These things have become +familiar to all during the past war years; but the friends and relations +of the Indian soldier may rest assured that nothing was left undone by +the authorities to make the removal of the sick and wounded as easy as +it was possible to make it. + +The Indians received in due course a complement of the best ambulances, +and at all times every attention that was their due. The buildings +appropriated at St. Venant, Merville, etc., for their hospitals were +fitted with every comfort that could be expected on service; the French +authorities went out of their way to do all in their power to help “les +Hindous” as they always called them, and the Medical officers of both +Services worked with a devotion which can never be forgotten by the men. +From France they were speedily removed to the special hospitals in +England, and those for India left later for that country or Egypt, +according to orders. At Marseilles also, which was the great Indian Base +in France, the hospital arrangements were excellent, and when in July +1915 I visited that seaport I found a most perfect open-air hospital, +with large tents, known as E.P. or European Privates in India, +containing several hundred beds for patients, located on cliffs +overlooking the Mediterranean. I asked an Indian officer recovering from +a serious illness how he liked it and he said, “If there be a bhist +(paradise) before death it is this.” + +The Red Cross Association too, with all its million activities, was +blessed by none more than by the men who came from the far-off mountains +and plains of India. Indeed nothing made a more lasting impression on +them than the medical arrangements of the entire Army. + +Their Majesties’ gifts and thoughtfulness for their Eastern subjects +were appreciated in a manner difficult for Britishers who know not the +East to understand. One sepoy had wrapped up a small metal tobacco box +given him by a British soldier and showed it to me with much pride. +“General Sahib,” he said, “this once belonged to the King, and I am +going to carry it about as a charm; I shall get back safely enough to my +home.” + +Another man, very severely wounded, whom I was seeing off in the +ambulance, asked me for a “nishan” (souvenir) of the war, and I gave him +a handkerchief with blue edges, a part of one of Her Majesty’s gifts to +the Staff; he asked me to tie it round his arm as it would be a passport +at Bombay, and with a touch of humour he added, “When they see it the +Customs officers will not dare to examine my baggage.” This consisted of +a German helmet which he had tied on to his haversack. + +And whilst all these and other signs were not wanting to show the +interest taken by our people at home in the Indian soldiers, there had +started in England an association which has since rendered signal +service to the Indian Army in many theatres of war. The “Indian +Soldiers’ Fund” was inaugurated in October 1914 under the Chairmanship +of Sir John Hewett, late Lieutenant-Governor of the United Provinces of +Agra and Oudh. Many ladies and gentlemen connected with India became +members, and Lord Curzon of Kedleston very kindly lent his London +residence as a Headquarters. Sir C. McLeod, with whom I had played many +a game of polo when quartered with my battalion in Calcutta, was the +Chairman of the City Committee. He paid me a visit in France and very +generously gave some handsome prizes for competition amongst Indian +soldiers of all corps. + +Money and gifts of clothing, necessaries, and all kinds of comforts were +liberally supplied. Lady Sydenham, assisted by many others, including my +wife, helped to deal with the gifts, etc., and no one can appreciate or +understand better than myself the immense benefits the Indians derived +during the early days of the war from the gratuitous labours of all +those who so ungrudgingly gave their services. It was then a different +task from what it became afterwards when experience had perfected the +machine. + +It is not too much to say, that as far as the soldiers of India were +concerned, for nothing that was done for them were they more grateful +than the work of the “Indian Soldiers’ Fund.” + +Through Mrs. Morant the hospital at Brockenhurst Park was started and +named after the late Lady Hardinge of Penshurst. + +The Fund also assisted with gifts towards other smaller but similar +institutions and hospital ships, in England and abroad. Prisoners of war +were not forgotten, and indeed little that could at that time be done +was left undone. In the trenches, the billets, the hospitals, the +India-bound hospital ships, and lastly the homes of the brave men who +had come to share in the toils and glory of the Great War, there could +be but one opinion, viz. that the Fund so generously contributed and so +sympathetically administered would long be remembered with gratitude. + + + + + CHAPTER VIII + + +On the 9th November 1914 the right of the Indian Corps was still just +north of Givenchy and in touch with the French. On this day our Allies +projected some move, and I was asked if we could take over that village +and its front, but anxious as I always was to help them in every way, I +asked the Field-Marshal not to extend my front, as my strength was quite +insufficient for such an extension. Sir John French, who had come over +to see us, quite agreed and the matter was settled. I, however, sent one +of my battalions to Givenchy as a support to them for a couple of days. +Later on I was ordered to extend my front to include Givenchy and up to +the La Bassée Road south of it. The order was of course carried out, but +it was very unfortunate for us, as when, very shortly afterwards, we +were heavily attacked on that front my numbers were altogether too small +for the extended line, and, as I shall tell, the Indian Corps was very +roughly handled and Givenchy was temporarily lost to us; it was retaken +by the heroism of the 1st Manchesters of the Jalandar Brigade, and again +lost, and finally only saved by the arrival of a Division of the First +Army Corps which was in reserve behind the British positions. + +On this date I withdrew the 9th Bhopals from the trenches at the request +of their C.O. for a few days’ rest, as the battalion had been subjected +to a very severe shelling and had suffered losses which necessitated a +short change. + +In diary of November 10 I find, “Our fellows tried their hand on a mine +of sorts to-day. Half a German fell into the Bareilly Brigade trenches.” +This was the beginning of mining warfare for us; though in this case the +plant was only placed in a trench and fired by electricity. + +Lord Roberts had been appointed Colonel-in-Chief of the Indian Corps, +and we had the proud satisfaction of receiving the following telegram: + + To Sir James Willcocks, Indian Expeditionary Force.—Allow me to + welcome you and the Indian Expeditionary Force which has come to + fight in Europe shoulder to shoulder in the cause of liberty and + truth, and in upholding our great Empire. I am proud to be your + Colonel-in-Chief.—ROBERTS. + +I replied and said how rejoiced we all felt at such a message from the +Chief under whose command the Indian Army had so often been led to +victory. + +In another telegram, to Sir John French, Lord Roberts also expressed his +high appreciation of the “magnificent gallantry displayed by all ranks, +British and Indian.” Our great Hero, the victor of many fights, never +forgot his Indian comrades. God rest his soul! + +On November 12, Lord Roberts paid us his memorable visit. On the lawns, +now deep in slush, in front of the Château of Hinges and whilst the roar +of the guns shook the windows of the building, we drew up to receive the +great Field-Marshal. The Indian Corps was alone represented, and that +only by the Headquarters Staff and such other officers and men as were +not on duty in the trenches. Facing the entrance door was drawn up a +Guard of Honour of all available men, British and Indian. It was a mixed +body, but it was all I could muster at short notice; amongst them, +however, were two Indian officers who knew Lord Roberts personally, and +there was not a man in that small gathering who did not know the name +and the fame of India’s greatest “Jangi Lat” (War Lord). + +There are times in life, fortunately rare, when one feels as if some sad +moment was approaching and you cannot assign any reason for it. This was +one; the solemnity of it was in any case visible, for it was a great +occasion in itself for the Indian Army to have with it in the heart of +France the aged soldier who had long been its Idol; but there was some +other indefinable feeling, and most of us felt it, that whatever might +come this was to be the very last meeting in the Field of War of the +Army of India and its beloved Chief. We all knew that it was the +lion-heart of this great man which had determined him to come across the +sea just once more, and by his presence encourage the troops of which he +was the Chief in name and fact, and then, having done his Duty, which +was his life’s watchword, to return to England and have us in his +keeping. + +As the motor-car pulled up our Colonel-in-Chief stepped out, still with +that brisk step so well remembered by all who had ever served with him, +and we felt, as Tennyson has sung of another warrior: + + This is England’s greatest son, + He that gain’d a hundred fights, + Nor ever lost an English gun. + +It was a parade, but it was a duty every man present considered his +greatest privilege and honour to have attended; and who would have +missed it? + +After shaking hands with every officer, Lord Roberts inspected the +Guard, saying a word, with that charm he possessed, to each British and +Indian officer and old soldier; and finally giving a military salute +entered his car, bidding me also in, and we moved off to Headquarters of +the Meerut and Lahore Divisions. + +During his short visit the sky was clear but a biting cold wind chilled +us all, and no doubt this, combined with his insistence in pulling up +and alighting at each spot where representatives of every Indian +battalion and Cavalry regiment of the Corps (straight from the trenches) +were collected along the route, helped to bring on the fatal illness +which immediately followed. + +During the motor journey I was able to give him an account of our doings +and to answer numerous questions he put to me. I also had the great +benefit of his advice on some important disciplinary points, on which I +would have consulted no man except him, and on which no one else could +have formed so sound and just an opinion. + +At Locon he stopped about half an hour, talking to General Anderson and +his Staff and inspecting the few troops present. His pleasure was +manifest when he met his old comrade Sir Partab Singh and also the +Maharaja of Bikanir and the young Prince of Jodhpore and others from +India. Here he addressed the troops in a few words, bidding us do our +duty and saying he would keenly follow our fortunes. His last words +were, “The fame of your doings will live for ever in India.” + +Passing on to the Headquarters of the Lahore Division, he saw General +Watkis and his Staff drawn up in the Square at Estaires, and spoke for +some time to an Indian officer who had served with him. He also saw +General Wadeson and officers and men of the Secunderabad Cavalry +Brigade. + +Not the least touching part of his visit was the fact that he was +followed by another car, in which travelled one of his daughters, the +guardian angel of his last hours. The Indian officer to whom he had just +spoken said after he had left, “Sahib, the English are a great race. +Brave men, brave women. Peace or war they always hold fast together. The +victory is already yours.” + +As I gave him my last salute and the hurrahs of the troops ceased, I +felt the Indian Corps had a friend who was the lodestar which would +guide us on our path of duty and that his visit had increased our +strength. And only two days later the great Field-Marshal passed away. +An honoured guard of Indian soldiers watched over the house where rested +his body, and England had lost one of her most precious possessions and +the Army of India its truest friend. + +Most of the Indian Princes and Chiefs in France crossed to England and +attended the funeral, and, to show how heartfelt was the sorrow of our +Allies, I received letters the very next day from General de Maud’huy, +commanding the Xth Army, and General Maistre, commanding the XXIst Corps +d’Armée, who were on our right, deploring the great loss our country, +and more especially the Indian Corps, had suffered. + +He will not be forgotten “while memory holds a seat in this distracted +globe.” + +I was informed at this time that it was now possible to shorten the line +held by the Corps. I was naturally pleased when the change was carried +out on the night of 15th-16th November. The 8th British Division +relieved the two left brigades of the Corps, and our right then rested +on Givenchy and our left on the La Bassée-Estaires Road. On the 11th +November Captain H. Wicks, 1st Seaforth Highlanders, sent out a small +party of his battalion under command of Lieut. D. MacKenzie to destroy +three houses in his front. My chief recollection of this affair is, that +one of the party in describing it said when they got within ten yards of +the centre house the Germans shouted, “Allenmechty English,” and bolted. +It was told as if it was a huge joke, and somehow the story has always +been one I laugh over. The party split up and entered all three houses, +and were proceeding to set them on fire with the help of straw when the +Huns attacked and drove them out, and from the upper story of one a +machine-gun suddenly began to spit lead. The Germans had been surprised, +but now it was the turn of our men. Covered by our own fire from the +trenches the party got back without a scratch. Even such minor +skirmishes had their lessons. In this case it was found that the Boches +lived in cellars by day; and instead of wasting lives the houses were +demolished by shells shortly afterwards. + +During the night of 11th-12th November the Germans sapped up and dug a +short parallel within thirty-five yards of the left trenches of the +Connaught Rangers, and the next night the Irishmen attacked this new +trench; but the enemy anticipated the attack, which failed, and at dawn, +elated with his success, launched a counter-attack. This was carried out +with determination and succeeded in penetrating our trenches and +temporarily capturing a machine-gun. + +But this triumph was short-lived as the Connaughts immediately rushed +the lost position, recaptured the gun, bayoneting such Germans as were +found, and turned the Maxim on to the remainder. A German officer showed +great bravery on this occasion; he remained to the last at one end of a +trench and picked off three or four men with a rifle before he would +retire, and then managed to escape. Twenty of the enemy lay dead on or +near our parapet and two prisoners were taken. We suffered only eight +casualties, amongst them three men killed and one officer wounded, +Lieut. E. Morris. + +The Irishmen did not mean to allow the enemy to hold on to his new +parallel, and Colonel Ravenshaw arranged an assault for midnight, 14th +November, when sixty men under Lieut. A. G. Moutray silently rushed the +trench, supported by the cross-fire of two machine-guns. A few Germans +were in occupation, of whom Moutray shot two himself. Our casualties +numbered only five men. Sergt. Brown was commended for good work, and +the parallel ceased to trouble us. + +Daily small encounters were now the rule, with the more important of +which alone I shall deal. On 13th November General Keary, commanding the +Garhwal Brigade, ordered an attack on some German trenches which had +previously been assaulted but had reverted to the enemy. Lieut.-Colonel +W. R. Brakspear, 2/3rd Gurkhas, with six platoons of his own corps, and +about sixty men of the 2/39th Garhwalis under Major Taylor, who had been +in the previous attack on the same trench, carried out the assault. + +The troops to fill in the trench when captured were drawn from No. 4 +Company Sappers and Miners and 2/3rd Gurkhas. The assault was made at 9 +P.M., but was at once shattered on its left and centre, and only a party +on the right succeeded in reaching the enemy trenches, where Lieut. H. +F. McSwiney and his Gurkhas quickly accounted for twenty-five Huns and +made four prisoners. Brakspear, who had by this time himself come up, +worked along the trench to his left until held up by a party of Germans +behind a traverse. McSwiney tried to rush the enemy by climbing the +parapet but was severely wounded in the gallant attempt. + +Seeing that further help was necessary if the small party were to drive +them from their comparatively safe position, Brakspear himself went back +at considerable risk through a hot fire and, having organised a relief, +together with Major E. G. Drummond advanced towards his goal; but the +fire was very heavy and made doubly destructive by a searchlight which +played incessantly on our men. Drummond was killed as he left his own +trench; the advance, however, continued until a number of high-explosive +shells suddenly fell in succession all round the attackers, disjointing +their efforts and scattering all but a mere handful who, with Brakspear, +managed to regain their trench. + +Meantime the position opposite to the traverse was being splendidly +maintained by Subadar Dalkesar Gurung, but it was now past midnight and +time to return, as that hour had been fixed for the covering Artillery +fire to help our retirement, and this was already beginning. Finding +that no further object was to be gained by remaining, McSwiney and his +party moved back, but finding that Captain R. D. Alexander, who had been +severely wounded near the traverse, had not been brought in, as he +refused to be moved before the other wounded, McSwiney and his Subadar +with a few men went back to search for him, but finding no traces had +once more sorrowfully to retire, and on reaching our trenches, drenched +in blood, McSwiney fell in a swoon. + +Glorious fellows! Which was the braver, the gallant Captain who refused +to be moved lest one of his men might be left in the hands of the enemy; +or the equally gallant Subadar who, facing almost certain death, +returned, severely wounded as he was, to try and rescue his comrade? +Fine deeds, performed in company, by men of different birth, but as +Thomas Moore sings: + + Shall I ask the brave soldier who fights by my side + In the cause of mankind, if our creeds agree? + +The object of this attack was to destroy the trenches; it was not +achieved, as it did not come as a surprise to the enemy, and once +launched our men were heavily handicapped by the German searchlight, an +apparatus with which we were of course unprovided. Also the Huns had +considerably improved and re-aligned their trench by throwing back a +flank since our last assault on it and our scouts had not reported any +changes. Another cause was that some men in their excitement started +their rush with cheers contrary to orders. The prisoners also declared +that our shells were not exploding. But the best lesson learned from +this attack was, that it is easy enough to capture a small portion of a +trench; it is a very different matter to hold on to it, unless ample +provision has been made beforehand to ensure success. We were still +learning in those early days of the war. + +Colonel Brakspear behaved with great coolness, always being in the place +of greatest danger. Drummond also of the 3rd Gurkhas only arrived that +day, and I had wished him luck as he started for the trenches. McSwiney +(son of a very old friend) received the Military Cross for his +gallantry. Captain H. Bennett was missing. + +The following were brought to notice by the Division: Subadar Dalkesar +Gurung, Havildar Bahadur Thapa, Naik Rupdhan Dun, Lance-Naik Kabiram +Thapa, Rifleman Ganpati Thapa, all of the 3rd Gurkhas; and Lance-Naik +Jaman Singh Khatri, Rifleman Gajbir Bisht, and Ran Bahadur Saki, of the +1/9th Gurkhas. + +The Gurkhas had fifty-seven other casualties, including two Indian +officers. + +Major Taylor, who had twice attempted the attack of this same trench, +and Captain A. W. Robertson-Glasgow, both of the 2/39th Garhwalis, were +missing, and the remaining losses of this battalion amounted to +thirty-eight. + +The 3rd Gurkhas were raised as far back as 1815, so the regiment was +celebrating its 100th year of existence. Its name had undergone many +changes, but in its ranks was the same breed as had originally taken +service with the British Government after the fall of Malaun and Kumaon. +In 1891 a second battalion was added, and in 1908 the present title of +the 3rd Queen Alexandra’s Own Gurkha Rifles was conferred on the +regiment. They possess seven battle honours, from Delhi (1858) to Tirah +and the Punjab Frontiers. At the outbreak of war, the 2nd battalion, +with the Indian Corps, was commanded by Lieut.-Colonel V. A. Ormsby, who +was later promoted to a Companionship of the Bath. + +The Lahore Division had borne the first brunt of the fighting in France, +and now almost daily it was the turn of the sister Division to be +employed in some scrap or raid. No one who reads the records of the +Corps during its first two months in France can fail to be struck by the +energy and initiative of the Divisional Commanders, Brigadiers, and +C.O.’s of units; if it was not in attack, it was in defence of our own +trenches; but, one or other, the Corps was as incessantly employed as +any in Flanders. The numbers were being fast reduced and there were no +daily ships bringing the sorely needed reinforcements; whilst that +invaluable man, the British officer, was irreplaceable. + +On the night of the 16th November the 6th Jat Light Infantry had their +first experience of carrying out an attack on German trenches. +Associated with them in this well-conceived scheme was half of No. 3 +Company Sappers and Miners. The party consisted of 125 rifles of the +Jats under command of Major P. H. Dundas and sixty Sappers under Captain +E. H. Kelly, R.E., and I cannot do better than epitomise the report of +these two officers, written with a modesty that makes them very +readable. + +The Jat report states that they were ordered by the C.O. to advance at 9 +P.M. between two saps, made by the enemy towards the 107th Pioneers and +4th Cavalry, and to hold the portion of the German trench between these +saps till 9.45 P.M., by which time the Pioneers would have reconstructed +their trench (which had been partially destroyed by shell-fire), and the +Sappers and Miners filled in the saps. Instructions were also given re +the part to be played by our heavy and field guns. The Infantry were +extended, and advanced with orders not to fire until the objective was +reached. As they cleared the line of their own wire, the German saps on +both flanks opened a heavy fire and some casualties resulted. At sixty +yards they crossed a deep drain, and at 100 yards entered a trench +loopholed to the front and rear. (Ominous!) This trench was unoccupied, +but Germans were seen retiring. The mouth of one sap was closed and an +advance with the bayonet began, so as to protect the Sappers who had +begun work. Meantime the enemy who held the trench in prolongation of +the portion captured by the Jats opened a heavy but ineffective fire on +our men. The Jats replied vigorously, being rewarded by much groaning +and yells proceeding from the Hun trench. The same success attended our +men holding the right sap and a prisoner was captured. Lieut. Liptrott, +who was on the left, also butted against the enemy. Before 10 P.M. our +own guns and rifles in rear began to become troublesome, and the Jats, +very well handled, began their prearranged return, a party moving along +the top of the saps to finish off any enemy bottled up in them. Under a +considerable fire from both flanks the retirement was coolly carried +out, one of the Company officers being killed and another wounded, +whilst in among the dead was a frightened German prisoner; he clung to +Major Dundas rather than risk his skin in charge of what he deemed to be +the terrible sepoys. The casualties were reported as two Indian officers +and sixteen men wounded; and the only other Indian officer and ten men +were missing and certainly killed. Then followed a list of booty taken. + +The Sappers and Miners under Captain Kelly and Lieut. E. O. Wheeler +advanced towards both saps. The left sap was full of Germans, who +promptly ran. A large portion of the trench was filled in and Wheeler +then retired, bringing with him some German grenades and other articles +left behind by them. Kelly with the right party found Germans retiring, +and a few of them were bayoneted. The traverses were then destroyed and +booty collected before the time for retiring. The total losses of the +Sappers consisted of only three killed and one wounded. + +This ended a small enterprise which has been given in full as a sample +of how things should be done, and the manner in which our Indian troops +worked in those days, whilst the ranks still contained some of the fully +trained men with which the Corps arrived in France. + +Major Dundas received the D.S.O. and Kelly the Military Cross. Liptrott +was unfortunately killed shortly afterwards. The following were brought +to notice for good work: Jemadar Abdul Aziz and Colour-Havildar +Chagatta, both of them Sappers. The latter was awarded the I.D.S.M., +being already in possession of the Indian Order of Merit. I knew this +fine Indian soldier well. The Jemadar received the same decoration. + +In the 6th Jats Havildar Jailal received the I.O.M., and the following +won honourable mention: Jemadar Incha Ram, who, although seriously +wounded, continued with the attack; Havildar Badlu, also seriously +wounded; Sepoy Risal, and lastly four gallant fellows who stayed till it +was almost too late searching for the body of their Indian officer. + +The 6th Jats were originally raised in 1803, and, like other regiments +of the Bengal Army, had owned various names and numbers. In 1903 it +received its present designation, and is composed of eight companies of +Jats. Its colours bear, amongst others, such varied names as Ghazni and +Kabul 1842, Maharajpore, Sobraon, Afghanistan, and China. + +Lieut.-Colonel H. J. Roche was in command when the war began. He was +later given the C.B., and his battalion have good reason to be proud of +the part they played. + +During the month of November the weather was such as to test severely +the stamina of the Indians. Cold and wet accompanied frequently by +biting winds is a plain definition of the climatic conditions during the +first two weeks; then snow began and by the 20th the whole country was +clothed in a deep mantle. In the midst of the sea of mud, with scant +bedding for so bitter a climate, lying in foul and insanitary trenches, +often frozen hard, practically underground dwelt in thousands men, to +most of whom ice and snow were unknown, their only knowledge of it being +the distant views some had obtained of the mighty Himalayas, peopled +with a myriad gods, towering like Titan sentinels over their plains and +valleys. Imagine their feelings when now they found themselves in their +embrace, faced by every devilish device of murderous science, and all +from a sense of duty to an alien race. It is a subject for thought. It +is a great triumph of fellowship for the British race. A Gurkha officer +whom I asked one day what he thought of it all replied: “What can I say? +We live in a well and look up at God’s sky by day, and at German flares +by night, but we are going to win.” + +The subterfuges employed by the Indians were at times quite amusing, +though not perhaps very much so for the actors. A sepoy, native of +Rustam, was out on patrol duty in “No Man’s Land” when a German +searchlight caught and exposed him in a semi-kneeling position, and the +enemy only fifty yards distant. He had probably in his day taken part in +uninvited nocturnal visits but not in quite similar circumstances; +however, his native wit came to his rescue, and immediately rising up he +stood still and saluted his foes. Surprised by the apparition, the Huns +ceased firing and the Indian, now salaaming, moved on and entered their +trench. + +In the German lines facing the Indian Corps were one or two scoundrels +from India, types of traitors which are common to all countries, who, +finding Hindustan too hot for them, and preferring treachery to the +noose which awaited them if they returned, had taken service with the +Germans in pre-war days. What use was made of them it is difficult to +say, but probably such leaflets as were dropped over our lines from +aeroplanes were their production, as well as an occasional call from +their trenches shouted in Hindustani advising our men to desert and join +the generous Huns. + +Be this as it may, our sepoy, seeing he must now feign hatred of us or +go under, by signs and gestures soon assured his captors that his one +object in life was to cut the throats of the English, and to give +emphasis to his bloodthirsty proclivities he passed his hand across his +throat, repeating with angry looks, “English, English.” This was enough +to at once bring him a liberal supply of rations and other trench +luxuries. His next business was to discover some means of escape, and he +managed by counting on his fingers and saying, “_Beimān_” (unfaithful) +whilst pointing to our trenches, to impress his would-be friends that +other scoundrels as black as he were willing to desert. Coffee followed +this interesting bit of news, and after much palavering the sepoy was +allowed to leave on his mission. Creeping carefully he rejoined his +battalion and the Huns saw him no more. + +All ranks felt the bitter cold and there were a large number of +frost-bites and trench feet as they were called, but taken all round the +Indian troops stood it far better than I had ever believed possible. A +factor in their health was the extraordinarily good arrangements for +giving the men baths and providing them with hot water. Once out of the +trenches (such occasions were rare in those times) a man was certain to +get a hot tub of sorts. All kinds of contrivances were gradually +furnished by Government; heaters, clothes driers, fumigators, travelling +boilers were sent out by kind friends and by the “Indian Soldiers’ +Fund.” + +The Indian with water of any kind is like a child by the sea, he must at +once dabble in it. Now the sea is pure, but our sepoy has a bad habit of +entirely ignoring all sanitary laws where his _pani_ (water) is +concerned; so long as it is water he will drink from any pool or wash in +any gutter, and much as I admire and like him, I have in my time been +obliged to inflict very severe punishments to lead and keep him in the +path of sanitation. Hence when he found clean hot water was as easily +procured as muddy cold water, he naturally chose the former. + +Riding out one day I saw a shower of paper descending earthwards +evidently dropped from an aeroplane. They were leaflets printed in Hindi +calling on our Indian soldiers to rise against the British. Comically +enough the call was headed, “True information”! thereby proving the +Germans can sometimes perpetrate a joke. Here is the text: + + The Sheik Ul Islam has proclaimed a Jihad (Holy War) on the Id (a + festival day) at Mecca against the British, Russians, and French. The + Sultan of Turkey has started a war against the same oppressive people, + and he has been joined by the King of Afghanistan. + +But German humour is at best singular. Here was an incitement to Hindus +and Mahomedans alike to revolt, and yet only Mahomedans are named, and +to make it more ridiculous the language was Hindi, or the language of +Hindus alone. I took a copy to the trenches of one regiment of each +class and to one or two mixed Corps of both and read them out. The +message was greeted with loud laughter, and one humorous Punjabi +Musalman shouted out, “We now understand what ‘Made in Germany’ means!” + +On the 19th of November Prince Arthur of Connaught visited our +Headquarters, and I took him round the billets of the Secunderabad +Cavalry Brigade. He was much pleased with all he saw, and the Jodhpore +Lancers drawn up near a farmhouse looked weird, coated with snow, a +thing none of them had ever touched before. + +On the 20th November I was the guest of General de Maud’huy commanding +the Xth French Army at St. Pol. I always repeat that I have never served +with finer soldiers than the French, nor known better Generals and +Staffs than those of our great Allies. The Headquarters Staff were +located in the most ordinary house in the main street, but the general +order that prevailed all round showed the perfection to which a Command +Headquarters can be brought. It was certainly far simpler than anything +in our own Army. The General kindly furnished me with a very large scale +map of the whole Western Front, giving all details of the German Corps +from Nieuport to the Swiss Frontier. An ordinary Corps commander was not +allowed such luxuries with us. I still hear from him, and shall +certainly make a point of again going to see him wherever he may be. + +The next day H.R.H. the Prince of Wales honoured the Corps by coming +round and seeing all troops not in the trenches. The Indians were +specially delighted and cheered lustily. Just after he left I was +motoring to our Reserves to watch some newly manufactured trench mortars +fired, when I saw a new German Taube come down; it was the first in our +lines and the excitement of the sepoys was worth watching. The two +officers were taken prisoners and I saw them later at my Headquarters. + +Regarding the trench mortars mentioned above, this first attempt was +most successful. The Indian Sappers and Miners soon had the matter in +hand and before long we were using them with good results. Fancy in this +great war mortars made at first of wood and cast iron being employed and +considered a great adjunct to our means of defence. The old British Army +and the Indian Corps had to learn many a lesson before the days of +15-inch guns and unlimited ammunition. + +Every effort was made to alleviate the trials of the men in the +trenches. Braziers and other roughly constructed devices were +manufactured by our ubiquitous Sappers. Earthen vessels filled with +charcoal, when procurable, were distributed along the trenches; extra +socks were issued and straw was rolled under the puttees. A percentage +of gum boots were sent out by the “Indian Soldiers’ Fund,” and woollen +gloves were freely supplied. General Headquarters did all they could to +help us, and the Medical Officers and unit commanders were indefatigable +in their labours to keep the men fit during the severe ordeal of that +ghastly winter. + +In this war, when of necessity the Armies lay for so long opposite to +one another in the same positions, the public naturally associated the +Infantry soldier with the greatest hardships which had to be borne. He +lived in the trenches, he held the front line when attacked, or led the +assault when in advance, but behind him was the man with the big guns. +This latter had some advantages over his Infantry comrade: he was +farther from the rifle and machine-gun, and out of the range of the +grenade and trench mortar, but without him no front line could have been +held for an hour and no attack would ever have been possible. + +Moreover, he was the target most sought by the enemy; the prying +aeroplane could easily trace the trenches, but its chief prey was the +battery in rear, and once found it very soon received the concentrated +attention of the hostile guns. The men in front knew all this well. They +loved their field guns, their constant companions and always the nearest +to them. The howitzers were their closest allies when the Hun trench had +to be searched and knocked about; the biggest pieces behind them were +the loyal parents who closely supported them when necessity arose, and +watching over all farthest back were the monsters in those days still in +a state of manufacture, affectionately spoken of in later times as +Grandmothers. + +And so the gunners, like those farther forward, took their full, and +often more than full, share of the daily work. They lived in great +discomfort, for you cannot be constantly moving guns in concealed +positions; the labour is vast, and so long as you are undiscovered so +much the better to remain there. Hence when the pits and dug-outs filled +with water, they just made the best of it, and the confidence inspired +by these splendid soldiers and their guns was something they could not +help realising, however modest. + +The Indians, even more than their British comrades, put implicit faith +in the Artillery. So long as Jack Sepoy could hear the moan or the roar +of the missiles from his beloved guns speeding overhead towards the +enemy lines he rested assured that come what might all was well. + + + + + CHAPTER IX + + +The Army Corps was now on the eve of its first considerable fight. Signs +were not wanting that the Germans meant to break into, or through, a +portion of our line, and the fighting that followed was confined to the +Corps alone. It was in fact the only time during our stay in France that +we conducted a combined operation entirely on our own, so to speak. At +Givenchy in December, Neuve Chapelle in March, Ypres in April, Festubert +in May, and Mauquissart in September, our battles, though on a far +bigger scale, were fought in conjunction with and as part of combined +forces; but on this solitary occasion we had it all to ourselves, and +although it was a purely defensive action the results were highly +satisfactory. We regained all our lost trenches and the heavy losses +were more than repaid by the knowledge gained, viz. that the Indian +Corps as a fighting unit could carry out its own rôle in the war without +exterior assistance, so long as the ranks were not too far depleted to +permit of our holding the front assigned, and we could employ our own +guns as considered necessary. + +It was not an unreasonable request we made, that we should not be +expected to do more than our numbers warranted. Let us examine for a +moment the fighting strength of the Indian Corps at this time. It +amounted in rifles to 3500 British and 9500 Indian, and in Reserve about +1750 were available from the Secunderabad Cavalry Brigade, which might +mean 1000 rifles. The combined strength therefore was little more than a +British Division. + +There was always the argument raised that this number was far under the +“Ration strength,” _i.e._ the number of men for whom rations were drawn. +But without going into details which would not be understood by the +ordinary reader, it may at once be said that the actual troops available +for taking part in any fighting in or near the trenches was as stated +above, and no more could be found. + +The preliminary operations which preceded the German attack were +directed against the Bareilly Brigade of the Meerut Division, which was +commanded by Major-General Macbean. On the 21st November the Germans +started a succession of bomb attacks from trench guns against the +section held by the 6th Jats, causing many casualties and destroying the +trenches. This was followed next day by a still heavier bombardment on +the same trenches, and against those occupied by the 58th Vaughan’s +Rifles. + +On this night, 22nd-23rd November, in accordance with orders, the Meerut +Division was in process of relief by the Lahore Division, plus a portion +of the Secunderabad Cavalry Brigade. By the morning of the 23rd November +the relief had been partially completed, the result being that five +units of the Lahore Division and two battalions of the Meerut were now +in the line. The former from left to right were the 129th Baluchis and +57th Rifles composing the left section; one company Connaught Rangers, +34th Pioneers, and 9th Bhopals formed the centre section; and the 58th +Rifles and a half of the 2nd Black Watch the right section. The other +half of the Black Watch and the 41st Dogras were on their way to their +billets, whilst the 8th Gurkhas and 107th Pioneers were at Gorre, and +the 6th Jats at Festubert. + +Pending the completion of the relief by Ferozepore Brigade the command +remained under Major-General Macbean. In order to give a concise account +of what followed, I will describe as a whole the action of the troops +from the time of the first attack on the 23rd November until morning of +24th, when we had completely re-established our position, and then +endeavour to explain in greater detail the part taken by the various +Corps engaged. + +At 7.45 A.M. the O.C. centre section reported that the Germans had +broken his line, and a counter-attack was arranged. The 6th Jats were +moved up and the Gurkhas and Pioneers ordered to stand fast. By 9 A.M. +the enemy attack on this portion of the line appeared to be slackening, +but grenade and rifle fire was vigorously kept up. Meanwhile a great +part of the 34th Pioneers, who had been driven from their trenches, was +ordered to make a counter-attack for their recovery; but this attack +never came to anything. + +Half an hour later General Macbean was informed that part of the 58th +Rifles had also been driven from their trenches, and this repeated +retirement of our troops was rendering our hold precarious. The +situation was not relieved by the fact that the right of the Connaught +company was by this time being enfiladed owing to the 34th Pioneers’ +retirement. + +About 10 A.M. the G.O.C.’s Meerut and Lahore Divisions mutually arranged +that the latter’s troops, who would in any case have taken over the +front that night, should move up in support at once, and this was begun. +The trench mortar of the Garhwal Brigade which was helping the +Connaughts, after firing a few rounds, burst. Such were the engines of +war in our possession in those days! General Macbean by these moves +would have ample means to resist any likely attacks, and there was no +further report of the Germans increasing their effort. + +A counter-attack was being arranged, when General Egerton commanding the +Ferozepore Brigade arrived at Macbean’s Headquarters. As he was the +Brigadier to relieve him on this front, Macbean asked him to conduct the +operations of this attack, and the 8th Gurkhas and 107th Pioneers were +given him as a reinforcement. + +By noon the situation appeared more serious than might be inferred from +the above, as the 34th Pioneers and 9th Bhopals had been forced from all +their trenches, and this, added to the gap caused by portions of the +58th Rifles retiring, left a long line of front trenches in possession +of the enemy. A counter-attack by the 6th Jats was unsuccessful, being +checked by machine-gun fire. + +Our Artillery materially assisted in preventing any further enemy +advance, and General Anderson ordered the 1/39th Garhwalis to Gorre, and +the Leicesters and 3rd Gurkhas to be prepared to move from La Couture. +He also directed Macbean to recover the lost trenches and enemy +sap-heads, and the Garhwal Brigade Reserve to move up to the rear of +Macbean’s left. + +As the enemy increased in numbers and was plentifully supplied with +bombs, General Joubert in command of the French on our immediate right +was asked to co-operate if it became necessary, and the G.O.C. 8th +British Division offered his Artillery support, but neither of these +aids proved necessary. Whilst matters were thus shaping themselves, the +company of the Rangers had been obliged by the exposure of its right +flank to move to its left into the section held by the 57th Rifles and +129th Baluchis. + +The position when General Egerton arrived to take over the direction of +affairs was this. On our left the 57th Rifles and 129th Baluchis stood +firm, whilst the company of the Rangers had moved into this section also +and was defending itself with success. The section was commanded by +Lieut.-Colonel Southey of the 129th Baluchis, and he had, by occupying +some houses in rear of his exposed flank, completely held up the enemy, +and saved any chance of their further advance in this direction. + +The whole of the centre of our front trenches to the right, viz. those +formerly held by the 34th Pioneers, 9th Bhopals, and the greater part of +the 58th Rifles, were in German possession. The remainder of the 58th +held on, and the Black Watch on the right had not moved. Seeing how +matters stood I ordered the Secunderabad Cavalry Brigade up to close +billets in Essars, to be available as a reinforcement. + +Preceded by a heavy and most accurate Artillery fire directed by +Lieut.-Colonel E. J. Duffus and ably supported by two French batteries +which had been sent us by our ever-helpful allies, the Infantry attack +was launched at 4.30 P.M. Portions of the following formed the attacking +party, 8th Gurkhas, 6th Jats, Connaught Rangers, with 107th Pioneers in +support. Notwithstanding that the guns had inflicted heavy losses, as +evidenced by the numbers of dead Germans found in our trenches when we +recaptured them next morning, this counter-stroke was only partially +successful. The 107th Pioneers were now sent to support the right where +the 8th Gurkhas had succeeded in reoccupying a portion of the lost +trenches, whilst some of the 9th Bhopals had also recovered another +portion and the 58th, very materially helped by the Black Watch on their +right, had reoccupied part of their lost line. The Gurkhas assisted by a +detachment of the 6th Jats in this operation captured a few prisoners. + +Meantime part of the 107th Pioneers who, as previously stated, had moved +to the right were temporarily held up by a furious fire of bombs, and +were directed to hold on and gain touch with the 58th Rifles. + +Egerton also directed the 1/39th Garhwalis to move to the left flank of +the centre section, _i.e._ near where Colonel Southey was holding the +Germans. The plan of the Garhwal attack was formed by Colonel Swiney +after consultation with Colonel Southey and some other officers, and a +suggestion for bombing down the German trenches was first made by Lieut. +Robson, R.E. + +On receiving definite news of the situation, and being quite determined +that in this our first fight as a Corps no inch of ground should be +surrendered, I had instructed General Anderson that at all costs the +lost trenches were to be recovered. There was small need perhaps, as he +was not the man to give away anything for nothing in a fight, but my +message was sent through to the troops, and I felt those fine comrades +would uphold the honour of the Corps. Knowing this, Egerton, although he +had already sent off the 39th Garhwalis on their special mission but had +no information of their progress, launched a further attack from his +right flank. + +This attack consisted of two companies of the 2nd Leicesters and two of +the 107th Pioneers. The Leicesters effected a lodgment in the enemy’s +trenches but were hard pressed to retain it owing to heavy bombing, and +the 107th were repulsed, but their combined action without doubt +considerably disconcerted the Germans and assisted the 39th Garhwalis +who were advancing up the hostile trenches from the opposite direction. + +This was our first attempt on a large scale in clearing the enemy out of +his trenches by bombing along them from traverse to traverse. It has +long since become familiar to every soldier, but in those days at any +rate it was new; and considering the primitive instruments at our +disposal, some lighted with matches, some with port fires, some anyhow, +a large proportion having a tendency to prematurely explode or refuse to +light, and all this done on a freezing night with snow and ice in the +trenches and half a gale of wind blowing, it was no mean performance. + +The result of this long-drawn-out contest was that with the hold gained +on our right by the reoccupation of portions of our line by the 107th +Pioneers, 8th Gurkhas, 6th Jats, and a company of the Bhopals, and the +splendid advance of the 1/39th Garhwalis along the enemy’s trenches from +our left, the troops from both flanks joined hands and the entire +position was restored by 6 o’clock on the morning of the 24th November. +The trenches formerly held by the 34th Pioneers and 9th Bhopals were +taken over by the Leicesters and 1/39th Garhwalis. Our losses, however, +were very heavy. + +The enemy also suffered considerably, not only in his advance, but +whilst in occupation of our trenches and their vicinity and during our +counter-attack. He had many hours in which to evacuate his wounded and +remove his dead under cover of night, nevertheless he left behind him a +great many of both, showing the hasty nature of his final departure. The +recaptured trenches had been knocked to bits by our well-directed guns, +and the 1/39th Garhwalis secured two trench mortars, three machine-guns, +and a large number of rifles and other equipment, besides four officers +and 100 men taken prisoners. + + And thus was Corinth lost and won. + +It was our first fight within the Corps, and hence deserves to be told +in full. We learned many useful lessons which I shall try and epitomise, +but first I must tell the story of many gallant deeds by which the +results were obtained. Over forty British officers and 1150 other ranks, +chiefly Indians, was the price we paid that November day, but the +official despatch disposed of the fighting in a few lines and no names +were singled out. Few outside the Corps ever heard of it, but it was the +Indian soldiers’ own fight, and they will often tell of it in the years +to come. + +Here is the story. The 34th Pioneers had been the first to feel the +shock; and heavily attacked as they were by grenades, soon had their +left machine-gun out of action. The enemy broke into the trench but the +gun was saved by Havildar Nikka Singh, who, seeing the detachment +overwhelmed, picked up and carried the Maxim through a fierce fire into +the support trench. + +Captain Mackain, who commanded the company to the right, behaved most +gallantly. His trench was rushed, but he quickly collected a party and +from behind a traverse defied the enemy advance. From this position he +shot one German after another with his revolver, keeping them at bay +whilst his men maintained a sharp duel. Mackain was at last himself +mortally wounded and carried away by Sepoy Ishar Singh, who received a +reward, but alas the gallant officer did not live to reap his. This is +surely a case for a posthumous reward! Captain G. E. Wilson of this +battalion was prominently brought to notice for his gallantry. He was +wounded and taken prisoner, but eventually returned to England. + +The attack on the battalion drove the companies back from their trenches +partly to support trenches and partly towards and into the trench of the +Connaught Rangers on their left. An attempt to retake the lost positions +of the 34th’s trenches was unsuccessful, and eventually this battalion, +and along with them the 9th Bhopals, lost all their line and fell back +in some confusion. + +Subadar Natha Singh of the 34th behaved with great coolness and retired +his men skilfully, gaining the Indian Order of Merit. Lance-Naik Tota +Singh and Havildar Pala Singh also received the I.O.M. for bravery, and +the same award was given to Sub-Assistant Surgeon Harnam Singh for +devotion to duty at the regimental aid-post. Lieut.-Colonel G. Kelly was +killed whilst leading a counter-attack, and Captain A. Masters, the +Adjutant, shared his fate also. Subadars Natha Singh (No. 1), Ram Singh, +and Jemadar Sundar Singh and sixty other ranks were killed. Five British +and Indian officers and 140 other ranks were wounded and twenty-three +missing. + +The company of the Connaught Rangers now found themselves enfiladed from +their right, but fighting steadily moved along the trench towards the +57th Rifles and finally barricaded themselves and held on. I always +admire the short report of Captain G. F. Callaghan, their commander, who +merely says, “We resisted them traverse by traverse but suffered +considerable losses and could inflict comparatively no injury on them.” +Again, “Practically all the bombs were wet and useless.” True, it was +so. We had no provision in our army for such toys. Doubtless the result +of + + The cankers of a calm world and a long peace. + +This flank, as I have already told, was finally made impregnable by +Colonel Southey of the 129th Baluchis, who with the 57th and his own +battalion never gave the enemy an opportunity of further extending his +gains. + +On the right of the 34th Pioneers was the 9th Bhopal Infantry. Numbers 2 +and 4 double companies were heavily bombed, and with the retirement of +the 34th on the left, the Bhopals were temporarily isolated and the +battalion was unable to withstand the German rush. One company was +surrounded and the entire line of trenches lost. Later on, part of the +Bhopals under Captain E. H. Apthorpe joined in the counter-attack with +the 6th Jats and helped to recapture a portion of the trench. Their +losses were heavy, including two British officers wounded and three +missing. Indian officers: three killed, one wounded, and two missing; +other ranks, six killed and 208 wounded and missing. + +The 58th Rifles on the right of the Bhopals and left of the Black Watch, +as soon as it was reported that our line had been pierced, sent up bombs +and ammunition to the firing-line. Lieut. R. A. Reilly, who carried out +this duty, was on his way back when the covered way along which he was +moving became exposed owing to the retirement of the 9th Bhopals. He and +two of his seven men were killed. + +Captain H. L. Baldwin with his company held on to a ditch which +enfiladed the covered way; he was in a very trying position but +continued there throughout the day, and this good soldier then joined in +the counter-attack when he was unfortunately killed. His C.O. wrote of +him in the highest terms. + +Captain A. G. Lind and his company with its left flank thrown back held +on, but a machine-gun was brought to bear on them and with very heavy +losses they were forced back. Lind was wounded during a gallant struggle +to stem the enemy advance. About mid-day Captain Bull was sent up to +replace Captain Willis who had been severely wounded, but pluckily held +on to his command and refused to leave till later, when he was ordered +to do so. Bull rallied the right company and, assisted by a party of the +Black Watch who were on his immediate right, secured this, the last part +of the 58th’s trench still in our possession, until 4.30 P.M., when the +battalion joined in General Egerton’s counter-attack. Bull’s conduct +throughout the day was exemplary, and the Section commander brought him +prominently to notice for having held up the German attack on this +flank. With him were fifty men of the Black Watch under Sergeant-Major +Kennedy and of these I will tell farther on. + +This counter-attack led by Major Davidson-Houston, the C.O., was a +complete success and a great part of the 58th’s trenches were regained. +Lieut. L. Gaisford, a lad I knew well, was killed as he leaped into the +trench. Major Thomson and Captain Bull were invaluable in keeping the +men in hand during all this troubled fighting. It is worth quoting the +words of the C.O. 58th regarding their comrades of the Black Watch in +this attack, as serving to show the value of example set by the British +soldier. He says: + + I was also greatly assisted in this advance on the trench, which was + done without a halt or firing, by four men of the Black Watch, + Privates Venters, Boyd, M‘Intosh, and Stewart; these men came with me + in the final rush from the road, and by their example gave a fine lead + (mark the words) to my Dogra company in front of whom we were. There + being nobody at hand when we reached the trenches, I placed them to + hold a sap which had been cut right into our line, and although bombed + they held on till I could get the men together, after which they + helped me considerably, and by their _sang froid_ and cheeriness, + impressed those round them most favourably. + +No higher tribute could be paid to those four splendid Highlanders. They +all received the D.C.M. + +The 58th in the day’s fighting lost three British and one Indian officer +and fifty-three others killed; two British and one Indian officer and +sixty others wounded. Lieut. S. Gordon, Indian Medical Service, and +Lieut. J. Milligan were brought to notice for gallantry in rescuing with +the stretcher-bearers many wounded men. Havildar Indar Singh was +promoted to Jemadar. Jemadar Hawinda behaved with great gallantry in +carrying in under heavy fire his British officer. Both native officers +were awarded the Military Cross. + +Holding our extreme right was the Black Watch. You cannot move men of +this stamp, no matter who may be the enemy. Under ordinary circumstances +the battalion would have been more to its left, _i.e._ in between +battalions of Indian troops, but owing to the fact that our right +touched the French left, I had received orders to have a British +battalion next to them. Hence it was the case that the three battalions +on their left were all Indians and it was on these that the Germans +directed their attack. + +Such details may appear unimportant to those who count Army Corps by +Divisions and Brigades, but to us who had the task of holding a given +front, they meant much. My Generals and I had many things to think of +which needed no special consideration in other Corps. + +The Black Watch were not themselves directly attacked, but by their +assistance the 58th, as already described, reoccupied their lost +trenches. This right section was commanded by Major J. Harvey of the +Black Watch, a first-rate C.O., who was afterwards given a Brigade and +killed in command of it in Mesopotamia. Major A. G. Wauchope of his +battalion, always to the fore when fighting was going on, volunteered to +proceed to the trenches and find out the situation, and carried out his +mission most successfully. + +Company-Sergeant-Major J. Kennedy, with fifty N.C.O.’s and men, +accompanied the counter-attack of the 58th Rifles, and this N.C.O. was +one of the first to enter the recaptured trenches, ably seconded by +Sergeant Wilson, Lance-Corporal Melrose, and Private Swan. + +Wauchope proceeded with Lance-Corporal Gorrie, a gallant man who was +always volunteering for dangerous tasks, to the firing trench, and +thence to Captain Bull, who with his own men and a few of the Black +Watch was very hard pressed by Germans, who were hurling hand-grenades +amongst them from a distance of only fifteen yards, to which our men +could only oppose rifle fire; nevertheless this fire soon dominated the +enemy, who ceased their bomb-throwing. + +Wauchope, accompanied by Lieut. N. McMicking, also of the Black Watch, +and twenty of his men, immediately charged over the eighty yards which +separated them from a German sap, and entering it moved on another +hundred yards, the Huns rapidly retiring and leaving rifles, etc., +behind them. This small party then returned, and Wauchope made his way +to the O.C. 58th, who thought his whole trenches were reoccupied. It was +found, however, that there was still a gap of 300 yards on the left of +the 58th and between them and the right of the 8th Gurkhas, and this gap +was occupied by only four Highlanders, one of whom was lying wounded. +Many bombs were still falling and the party was withdrawn; this portion +of trench being soon after filled by the Indians from both flanks. +Kennedy, Drummond, and Private Swan received the D.C.M. + +Whilst these events were taking place on the right some fine deeds were +being done on our left, which finally regained us all our lost trenches. +Colonel Swiney with his 1/39th Garhwalis, discarding all idea of a +frontal attack over ground white with snow and which showed up every +movement, managed after much difficulty to pick a way through ditches +and bog and assemble immediately on the right of Colonel Southey’s +section, where the 57th Rifles joined the company of the Connaught +Rangers. Swiney was dead against a frontal attack, and General Egerton +left it to him as to how he should move. Present also was a very gallant +officer, Lieut. R. G. Robson, R.E., who suggested an advance along the +lost trenches with bombs. To prove his opinion, prior to the advance he +made a demonstration by moving close to some houses and clearing the +Germans out with bombs: an unselfish and gallant act. + +The occasion always finds the man, and this occasion found not only a +keen battalion but also a heroic figure in the person of Captain D. H. +Acworth of that good old Frontier regiment, the 55th Coke’s Rifles, and +then serving with the 57th Rifles. Robson and Acworth, with seven +Afridis of the 57th (one or two being 55th men attached), and one +Connaught Ranger, moved along the trench. The attack was entrusted to +two companies of the 1/39th Garhwalis, Major W. H. Wardell’s, with +Captain S. Orton; and Captain Lumb’s, a third being in support. Wardell +was to attack along the trench from left to right, Lumb moving level +with him on his right along a shallow depression some fifteen yards away +and roughly parallel with the trench. Robson and Acworth started their +bombing and continued it for some fifty yards, when owing to bombs +running out and for other causes the bombing ceased, and the attack +developed into a bayonet advance, pure and simple, by the Garhwalis. The +Germans meantime were using bombs very freely. + +Wardell’s fine attack, after pushing some distance along the enemy +trenches, began to lose weight; but here Lumb, finding his own shallow +ditch was gradually ending and knowing that his business was to help +Wardell, crossed over with a rush and was into the trenches in the midst +of Wardell’s men. The Garhwalis were now thoroughly blooded and could +not be stopped. Traverses fell in rapid succession and prisoners were +being gathered up at every turn. The opposition was severe, and time +after time as the men sprang up on the parapets or ran along both sides +of the trenches they came under heavy enfilade fire. + +When the advance was stayed by the reduction in numbers, Lieut. J. +Welchman joined in with more men, and the prisoners being quickly passed +to the rear, the Garhwalis under Lumb gallantly pushed on, clearing +everything in front of them with the bayonet, till they eventually +joined hands with the 107th Pioneers advancing from the right. Dawn +broke on our now victorious troops, and the Indians had the satisfaction +of knowing that although they had suffered grievously, although some of +their comrades had been forced from their trenches, and that no one +might ever hear of their work, yet it had been finally completed by the +Corps alone. + +When Swiney found that the advance was leaving the trenches but sparsely +held, he had sent up Captain J. Lane with reinforcements, and as they +reached a bend in the trench they were furiously attacked by Germans who +held a sap running right into our line. Lane faced this enfilade fire +unflinchingly and managed to close the sap with a barricade, thus +ensuring the safety of the main trench. The Huns left behind them +rifles, tools, and quantities of equipment, some trench mortars and +machine-guns in the hands of the 39th, whilst their dead were strewn +along both sides of and in the recaptured trench. When I heard it I +cheered as if I myself had done the job, although I was safe in a +château miles away with my ear to a telephone, but I could not conceal +my joy at the thought that my brave Indian troops had not lost an inch +of ground. + +The losses of the Garhwalis were comparatively light, but the reason was +that the work was swiftly and thoroughly done. The gallant Major Wardell +who had led the first advance was wounded and missing; Captain Orton was +severely wounded; Jemadar Daulat Rawat was killed, and two Indian +officers were wounded, whilst among other ranks eighteen were killed and +thirty-seven wounded. + +Captain Lumb and Subadar Dhan Sing Negi received the Military Cross. +Captain Acworth, 55th Rifles, was also given this decoration, and +Subadar Jagat Sing Rawat the Order of British India. The I.O.M. was the +reward of four of the seven men of the 57th Rifles who accompanied +Robson, and the others were given the I.D.S.M.; whilst in the ranks of +the Garhwalis several men received the I.O.M., amongst them a gallant +N.C.O., Havildar Alam Sing Negi, and others the I.D.S.M. + +The brave Robson was killed a month later, and hence did not live to +receive a well-merited honour. Colonel Swiney was promoted Brevet +Colonel for his initiative, gallantry, and skill. And last, but greatest +of all who fought that day, was Naik Darwan Sing Negi: first in the +advance and first to rush each traverse, wounded in the arm and twice in +the head, this heroic son of Garhwal continued to fight to the end, and +was the second recipient of the coveted Victoria Cross. How well earned! +In his village of Kabartir, north of the Pindar River, amid the wild +regions of the great Himalayas, often will be told the tale of how +Darwan Sing upheld the prestige of his race and gained fame for the +regiment in which he served. + +Colonel Swiney’s report is a document which will be preserved in the +regiment as a memento of many brave men and the brave deeds they +performed that night. Did space permit I would like to name them, but +the battalion will treasure them all. + +The 39th Garhwal Rifles was raised at Almora in 1887 as the 2nd +Battalion of the 3rd Gurkha regiment; became 39th (the Garhwali) +regiment of Bengal Infantry in 1890, and received its present name in +1901. A second battalion was added in 1901. + +A part of No. 3 Company Sappers and Miners was engaged in the centre +section repairing loopholes, etc. Captain E. H. Kelly, R.E., was in +command, and finding no officers he took charge of the troops in his +vicinity. He was severely wounded by hand-grenades, being hit in the +head, shoulders, hand, and leg, but was nevertheless able to reach the +support line. The Corps of Royal Engineers never says die. + +The Leicesters in their counter-attack with the 107th Pioneers lost +Captain H. Grant, killed whilst leading his company in the charge, and +2nd Lieut. M. Seton-Browne was also killed at the head of his platoon +just as he had reached the enemy trench. No. 8224 Lance-Corporal G. +Grey, Sergeant P. Forster, and three men were brought to notice for +their fine example. The latter received the D.C.M. Major H. Gordon was +in command of this attack and received the D.S.O. Throughout the time +the Leicesters served with me in France this splendid Corps shared the +brunt of every fight in which their Brigade was engaged. Its sterling +grit was recognised by none more than the Indian soldiers. + +As already described, one company of the Connaught Rangers was fighting +next to the 34th Pioneers, whilst six officers and 300 rifles were in +support of the 8th Gurkhas in the counter-attack. These latter were met +by a heavy cross-fire from machine-guns. Notwithstanding this a part of +them reached the objective. Major W. Hamilton, Captain R. G. Eyre, and +Lieut. J. Hume, the only officers with one company, were wounded, whilst +fifty-five men were killed or missing and fifty-three were wounded, and +the detachment had to withdraw. The three officers named above were +brought to notice. + +The 57th Rifles, who held fast to their trenches on our left, did right +good work though sharing none of the glory. The C.O. reported during the +fighting: “I am trying to improve my trenches, but have no large-sized +spades or shovels. A telephone is urgently needed. We want some +sandbags—most urgent. Also a lot of bombs. Without these and the +sandbags it is difficult sometimes.” Splendid fellow! What a commentary +on the state of affairs; little he dreamed his words would be repeated +for those to read who know nothing of how the fight was waged in the +snow-clad trenches of 1914. Ours were held, as a 57th man said to me +after the fight, “with our bare hands; we had nothing else.” Captain +Indajit Singh, the medical officer of the battalion, was killed while +coolly carrying out his duties behind the firing-line. A brother +officer, Major P. Atal, I.M.S., in medical charge of the 129th Baluchis, +was also killed with him. Both had gained the respect of their Corps by +the fearless discharge of their duty to the wounded. + +The 8th Gurkhas, who had suffered so heavily on 30th October and had +hardly a British officer of their own remaining, proved their grit on +this occasion of their counter-attack by recapturing a portion of the +lost trenches. Major K. Cassels, although himself wounded, managed to +hold on to his command and the battalion suffered the further following +losses: Lieut. D. S. Macpherson, son of a gallant soldier, was killed; +Major R. W. Elliott also lost his life; both of these officers belonged +to the 7th Gurkhas. Lieut. Peploe, 6th Gurkhas, was wounded and Lieut. +C. Maxwell of the 8th was missing. It is thus made clear how the +original officers of the battalion were fast disappearing. + +In this counter-attack the 6th Jats lost nearly 200 men. Captain Dudley +was killed; Lieut. Cockburn earned the Military Cross for his gallantry +in driving the Germans from traverses; Captain Moore and Major Dundas +were wounded. + +The 107th Pioneers had failed at first to reach the enemy trenches in +their attack with the Leicesters, but had eventually reached them and +were slowly moving north, where they met the Garhwalis coming from the +other side. During the fighting Major Bruce and seventeen men were +killed; Captains Davis, Mangin, Turnbull, and McLaughlin and Lieut. +Wallis were wounded, besides one Indian officer and forty men. Subadars +Hashmat Dad Khan, and Labh Singh received the I.D.S.M. + +There remains one splendid deed to be recorded, and that is how a very +gallant gentleman died, but left behind him an immortal name on the list +of heroes who have won the Victoria Cross. + +A detachment of the 34th Poona Horse, one of the regiments of the +Secunderabad Cavalry Brigade, had been sent up as a reinforcement on the +23rd November and was in the trenches of the Ferozepore Brigade. A +German sap ran right up to our line and exposed it to fire. Guarding the +junction was Lieut. F. A. de Pass with a small party. One of this party +volunteered to move along the sap and reconnoitre it. It was found that +at twelve paces away the sap turned and there was a loopholed traverse +guarded by Huns. From this coign of vantage they continued throughout +the day to fling hand-grenades into our trench: there were no grenades +to reply with, and de Pass and his men had to stick it out, losing +several wounded. + +He, however, was determined that the Germans should be turned out, and +at dawn next day, with two sowars, he crawled up the sap, inserted a +charge of gun-cotton against a loophole of the traverse, and the +explosion which followed wrecked the traverse and laid bare a wide gap, +exposing its site to fire from our trenches. A grenade hurled at his +small party was fortunately ineffective, and for twenty-four hours the +enemy was quiet. + +The very next day in broad daylight this gallant soul, accompanied by +Private C. Cook of the 7th Dragoon Guards, went out and carried in a +wounded sepoy under a heavy fire for a considerable distance. + + Unbounded courage and compassion joined. + +On the 26th November de Pass found that the Germans had repaired their +destroyed traverse, from which heavy bombing was again proceeding, and +our parapet was being knocked to bits; moving to the evil spot, he saw a +sniper behind the loophole of the traverse and at once tried to pick him +off, but was instantly shot dead. He was honoured in death and gazetted +to the Victoria Cross as a reward from the King he had so faithfully +served. The I.D.S.M. was conferred on his companions in peril, Sowars +Abdullah Khan, Firman Shah, and Fateh Khan of the 34th Poona Horse. +Private Cook received the Distinguished Conduct Medal. + +Colonel Grant, 8th Gurkhas, who commanded the centre section, had a very +difficult task as will be readily understood, but he carried it out with +resolution. + +Brigadier-General Egerton readily undertook the task he was asked to +perform by General Macbean. His two Staff officers, Major Sangster, 2nd +Indian Lancers, and Captain Stewart, Cameron Highlanders, well earned +the praise he gave them. + +The German attack was made by the three battalions of the 112th Regiment +of the Twenty-ninth Division, XIVth Army Corps, as evidenced by the +killed, wounded, and prisoners, with the 170th Regiment in support; and +although their numbers were inferior to the troops we eventually brought +against them before our line was re-established, they had the +superiority in guns and men on the front first attacked. + +During the fighting, although of course I had not been in the trenches +myself, I had followed, as far as this could be done from a distance, +the trend of the battle. In the grounds of my Headquarters was a tower, +built for purposes other than those to which it was put this freezing +night. It was on high ground, in fact the only high ground within range +of our front, and from this vantage point I watched from dusk till dawn +the progress of the fight, only varying my vigil by constant visits to +the telephone in the house to keep in touch with Divisional +Headquarters. I can remember no occasion in my life when I felt more +acutely the desire to succeed, for where my Corps was in the grips of +death was my entire world. + +Sir John French sent us his hearty congratulations on the results of the +fighting. + + + + + CHAPTER X + + +The fighting east of Festubert had been full of incidents which +furnished us with useful material for future operations. The German +strength directly opposite the Corps at this time may be taken at about +20,000 Infantry in addition to Pioneers, and an unknown number of guns +of all calibres. Ours should have been near that same number, but was, +owing to heavy casualties without replacements on any but a nominal +scale, very much less. What was found was that the enemy had already +achieved great skill in sapping up to our lines, and in this respect was +infinitely superior. Having completed his saps, and aided by grenades +and trench mortars, there was nothing to prevent his capturing our first +lines of trenches, nor for long after this time were we able to employ +his methods. The time came when the tables were turned; but you cannot +reach the skies while your feet are still on the earth, and ours were +deep in the Flanders mud. We also found that it makes for efficiency to +have British troops interspersed with the Indians. In this case only on +the extreme right was there half a Highland battalion, and on the +extreme left one company of an Irish regiment. + +But whatever we may have learned, the Huns discovered that the Indian +Corps could give back all and more than it got, and we braced ourselves +up in the certain belief that although England had been sadly behind in +providing us with the means of paying back the enemy in his own coin, +she would assuredly make up way, and then would come our turn. + +I often said all this to the Indian officers and men, and it cheered +them; they knew our real strength; they began to realise that we had +been caught tripping; and from surprise at first that this should ever +have been possible, they gradually became sarcastic at the expense of +the Huns. One Jawan (young fellow) even declared that if the Germans +would exchange weapons the war would be over in a week. “Not if we kept +them as clean as you do,” remarked a comrade, and all laughed. I +discovered our recruit had been reprimanded that morning for having a +dirty rifle on parade. + +On the 24th November I attended my first conference at General +Headquarters. All the Corps Commanders were present, and although I knew +some of them and had casually met others at manœuvres which I had +attended when on leave from India (and I may here add that every time I +came home on leave I never missed attending manœuvres, British or +foreign, as opportunity offered), I felt for the first time in France +that I was a stranger. I heard as I came into the hall, “Who is that?” +“He commands the Indians.” It was as if some foreign general had +suddenly dropped into the sacred haunts of Whitehall in pre-war days. +However, I was prepared for it. I knew that most of them would hold out +the hand of welcome to our Indian soldiers, and it was satisfactory that +at our first meeting I was able to tell the Commander-in-Chief the +results of our fighting that very morning. Sir John French and Sir +Horace Smith-Dorrien congratulated me on the conduct of all ranks, and I +was rather pleased than otherwise that I was not one of those present +who might be referred to as Tom, Dick, or Harry. + +On the 26th November I wrote to G.H.Q. giving a statement of the +strength of the Indian Corps which, including the Secunderabad Cavalry +Brigade, then numbered only 14,000 rifles or little over that of a +British Division, and was reducing at the rate of about eighty a day and +stating that I could receive no further reinforcements from India before +the 5th December, when the Sirhind Brigade should rejoin from Egypt. In +addition I pointed out that the British battalions averaged only 700 men +each, a pitifully low one for work in this Corps. I laid stress on the +fact that there were indications we might be again attacked, and that +one Brigade would, before the arrival of reinforcements, have done +forty-five days, and all the others thirty-five days actually in, or in +support of, the trenches, with only scraps of such rest as could be +arranged. I requested that under these conditions the Corps might be +given a complete rest of a few days when the reinforcements arrived; +gave full reasons why I considered it absolutely necessary, and +suggested remedies for our shortage in numbers and for increasing them. +One of these was the addition of Territorial battalions, and I may add +that, although G.H.Q. did not at first appear to approve of this, I did +get first two, and later a total of six, of these fine battalions, and +of them I shall have much to say as I progress. I said plainly that +unless my request was agreed to, the Corps would soon only be equivalent +to a single Division. + +The reply to my letter stated that the condition of the Indian Corps was +well known, and I was to exercise caution in its employment, and that +the Commander-in-Chief would give such assistance as was possible, and +this was outlined; but I was given no hope of a rest for the Corps as a +whole, except such as I could eke out after the reinforcements arrived. +I realised the immense difficulties of the Commander-in-Chief; but I am +now writing for those who, knowing nothing of our own difficulties, +passed hasty judgement and unfairly criticised men who were in truth +doing right good work. + +As a matter of fact no rest was given, but the Indian Corps held on to +its line for twenty-four days longer, reducing daily and being +eventually altogether too weak for its task. As if, however, to strain +the rope to the last strand, after the reinforcements arrived, instead +of deriving any benefit I was ordered to farther extend my front to +include Givenchy and up to the La Bassée-Bethune road. I knew how fatal +was such an order, but there was nothing to do but obey. The French +Brigadier whom we relieved was surprised at the smallness of the numbers +of the relieving troops, and told us his own outgoing strength, which +was very considerably higher. Shortly after that a heavy German attack +was launched at us, straining the tired-out troops to the limit of +endurance and entailing, after three days’ hard fighting, the assistance +of the First Army Corps from reserve to restore the position. All that +will be described in due course; but why I have gone into detail +regarding this matter is that, notwithstanding my having so strongly +urged a rest, and written as plainly as a Corps Commander could well do +in the field, yet in the despatch describing the operations of the 18th +and 19th December I am alluded to as having made an attack on the +Germans, because I deemed it to be “a favourable opportunity.” Nothing +could be farther from the facts. I considered it in truth a most +unfavourable opportunity; but my instructions as they read to me, and +which I will quote fully, were sufficiently clear to lay on me the +definite duty of using every endeavour to make one or more local pushes +to the front if I considered this reasonably feasible, and under those +conditions I chose what appeared to me to be the most favourable +opportunity that presented itself. + +I had once drawn attention to the long term of unrelieved duty in the +trenches, and again when my front was extended beyond the power of the +tired Corps to hold on, and I could do no more. + +On 28th November I had the honour of entertaining General de Maud’huy, +Commanding Xth French Army, at lunch. He and his Staff stayed till late +in the afternoon, and as usual I never enjoyed anything in France better +than visits to or from our Allied officers. + +During the rest of the month the usual trench warfare continued, but +there was one incident worth recording. On the night of the 27th +November a party of the Manchesters, commanded by 2nd Lieut. S. D. +Connell, accompanied by Lieut. F. E. Buller, R.E., advanced and entered +two German saps sixty yards away. The saps were filled in, but in the +subsequent retirement Connell was killed and there were eleven other +casualties. Buller was awarded the Military Cross for his gallantry in +returning to bring in a wounded man, during which attempt he himself was +wounded. The O.C. Manchesters after careful inquiry estimated the German +casualties as not under forty, including an officer who was bayoneted as +he emerged from his dug-out. + +On the 1st December His Majesty the King visited the Indian Corps, and +the honour was greatly appreciated by all ranks. There is nothing the +Indian soldier holds in comparison to a word from his Sovereign, and as +the King made frequent inquiries regarding individuals, these of course +were henceforth marked men. As soon as I knew that His Majesty meant to +start his tour from Corps Headquarters at Hinges, I telephoned to +General Maistre in command of the XXIst Corps d’Armée on my right and +asked him to attend. The French General had that morning an important +local duty in his trenches, but nevertheless he came. I had not been +able to tell him on the telephone the reason, as it was essential the +news of the King’s visit should be kept secret till the last moment; and +when he arrived and I explained it to him, he said, “No duty would have +kept me from paying my respects to your King. I am very pleased you let +me know.” His Majesty conversed with him for some time. + +The King had all the British and Indian officers introduced to him at +each place where they were collected along the route from Hinges to +Locon: through slush and mud he tramped, adding joy and strength to his +soldiers, and after seeing all the assembled troops who were not on duty +in the trenches, and the Divisional Commanders and Indian Princes and +Chiefs, I had the honour of motoring His Majesty to a battery in action, +where he examined the guns, the men and their dug-outs, and I believe I +must have been one of the first officers to have this honour. He has +since been among many Corps and batteries, but this was his first visit +to the Army in France. + +On 4th December I visited General Maistre, and with him went a long tour +of the trenches of the XXIst Corps d’Armée. What struck me most was the +extraordinarily well constructed communication trenches leading up to +the village of Fosse-Calonne. The country was chalky and rolling and as +different as a place could be from our own boggy front. I was also +struck by the perfection to which the French had brought their village +defences. The dug-outs were far more substantial and comfortable than +our own ever were at any time: electric power was available, and hence +many shelters were lighted with electricity, and every man appeared to +be hard at work improving the defences. The whole organisation was +excellent, and the nature of the soil and advantage of having a village +in the centre of the defensive line greatly assisted all their +protective measures. The men were full of humour and gave proof of this +in one room which was loopholed and only thirty yards away from another +held by the Germans. The roof had been damaged by a shell, and through +an opening one of the poilus proceeded to display a tricolour flag on +the end of a pole, his daily amusement. On this occasion, however, +Brother Boche was not to be drawn. On the table was a gramophone, and +another man at once turning it towards the loophole started the +“Marseillaise.” “If this will not fetch them,” he said, “I will try ‘God +save the King.’” But the Hun must have been in his mid-day sleep, as +nothing would move him, and all was quiet till we got outside, when they +started a lively fusillade at a chimney behind us, with what object I +could not surmise. + +After spending three very interesting hours we returned by another +trench, and at an opening near a mound I emerged to find a Guard of +Honour drawn up with a band. To my surprise I learnt this was in my +honour, and after being saluted, those fine soldiers marched past me. +Needless to say I was more than gratified by this compliment paid to me +by an Allied brother Corps Commander. It is actions like this that bind +peoples together, and it is only one of a hundred proofs that our +friendship is not on the surface, but deep. Personally, I shall always +look on France as a land where I saw more human nature in its truest +form than I have ever seen elsewhere, and like Alexander and Diogenes +shall feel that if I were not an Englishman I would be a Frenchman. + +On the return journey we went over the ruined village of Vermelle +recently taken by the French. I went through the German trenches and was +much surprised to find the comfortable dug-outs of the officers were +furnished with every kind of table, chair, and other luxuries. The walls +had pictures hung, and there were even good lamps and clocks in niches. +It all seemed so different from our own and gave me the impression that +the Huns looked after their comforts far too much. Shooting was going on +and numbers of shells lay unexploded, some of them being English. By +permission of the French Colonel I brought away two kinds of steel +loopholes out of German trenches, and eventually these were sent to +G.H.Q.; but I kept a periscope. These I had not till then seen in our +own Corps. The entire village was a mass of ruins, but a statuette of +the Virgin near a chapel still stood on its pedestal among the debris. + +The Sirhind Brigade, under command of Major-General Brunker, arrived +from Egypt on the 7th December, and thus at last the Lahore Division was +completed. With the arrival of this Brigade and considerable drafts from +India, I prepared a scheme for giving my troops as much rest as was +possible; but it was short-lived, for on the 9th December the Chief of +the Staff called and told me the Corps was to extend its front and take +over the village of Givenchy and about a mile to the south of it from +the French. I have already told what this meant to us; but there was no +option, and on the 11th December we took over the trenches at Givenchy, +and as far as the La Bassée-Bethune road. + +On the 8th December Sir John French had telegraphed thanking the Corps +for a message we had sent him, and said, “I owe them a deep debt of +gratitude for the splendid services they have rendered and which have +proved of great value in the conduct of the campaign.” Sir John never +failed to say a word at the right time. + +On 12th December I attended a conference at G.H.Q., and was then +informed of the intentions of the Commander-in-Chief to commence an +offensive on the 14th December with the Second and Third Corps in +conjunction with the French on the left, with the object of reaching the +line Le Touquet-Warneton-Hollebeke. The Fourth and Indian Corps, though +taking no direct part in this action, were ordered to “carry out active +local operations with a view to containing the enemy now in their +front.” At this time the French on our right, _i.e._ next to the Indian +Corps, also undertook offensive operations. + +This was the first of many orders received between this date and 20th +December, and, as I shall show, beginning with small injunctions they +increased in their scope; and the loyal endeavour on my part and that of +my Generals to comply with their spirit only ended when the enemy +launched a heavy attack against several parts of the Indian Corps. +Loyalty should claim no conditions, but it does not always meet with its +reward. As a matter of fact the offensives undertaken received the +commendation of the Commander-in-Chief at the time, as contained in his +own operation orders, and would under ordinary conditions have remained +at that, and no more would have been heard of them. It was the +long-premeditated attack delivered on the 20th December by the enemy +which alone brought us into prominence; and that it was carried out on +that date, just after our local efforts, was a mere coincidence, as the +German prisoners themselves stated the 20th was the day fixed for it. + +On the 16th December it was decided to capture two German saps opposite +to the trenches of the 15th Sikhs in the neighbourhood of Givenchy, and +then to extend the operation by securing a portion of the German main +trenches. The troops selected for this operation were taken from the +Ferozepore Brigade. + +The 129th Baluchis and 57th Rifles were ready to attack by 8.30 A.M.; +whilst the Connaught Rangers were detailed in support, and a Territorial +battalion (the 142nd), lent by the French General on our right, was held +in reserve. Major Potter with his company of the 129th was quickly +across the thirty yards which separated him from the left sap, and the +other company under Lieut. C. S. Browning also reached its objective; +the casualties in this first rush were not heavy, and both attacks +pushing up the sap were soon close to the enemy main trench. + +But (there was always a “but” in the trench operations of those days) +the difficulty now presented itself as to how to reinforce them, as it +was impossible to cross the open space swept by a hail of bullets which +soon destroyed the wounded who had fallen in the first rush. The +attackers were gradually bombed back towards the captured sap-heads. +Browning and all his Indian officers were wounded, and the men in the +right sap got jammed in on the sap-head but held on till dusk under a +heavy fire of grenades, whilst Potter and his men in the left sap also +held their position with splendid determination. + +A party of the 15th Sikhs who had accompanied each attack were meantime +working heart and soul to dig a trench back from the sap-head to our +main trench, and the 21st Company Sappers and Miners and working parties +of the 34th Pioneers were engaged in the same process to join up with +them from our own side. The right sap was the more difficult of the two, +and before connection could be established the remnants of our men in +the sap-head, fearing that relief would be late, made an attempt to +cross the open over the fifteen yards which still separated them from +their comrades: the distance was short but the devastating fire which +the enemy rained across it killed or wounded every man as he ran, and +the Hun had his revenge in the recapture of his lost ground. + +Potter in the left sap was more fortunate, the new communication trench +being completed by dark, when he and his men withdrew into our own line. +His cool bearing and gallantry were never more conspicuous than on this +day, and though he was missing a few days later during an attack, his +name will live in the history of his Corps. + +The casualties were heavy. In the Baluchis Captain Ussher, Subadar Adam +Khan, and fifty men were killed; Lieut. Browning, Captain Money, two +Indian officers, and seventy rank and file were wounded. + +Writing of the 129th Baluchis brings to mind one or two good stories of +that battalion. Early in November, for purposes of identifying enemy +corps on our front, C.O.’s were asked to secure a few prisoners. One +afternoon Sepoy Abdulla Jan, a Mahsud, asked permission of his section +commander to cross “No Man’s Land” and enter a German sap. This was +refused, but shortly after, no N.C.O. being near, Abdulla slipped over +the parapet, ran across to the sap and jumped in. There was a Hun in it +all right but, possessing no rifle, he promptly bolted. The section +commander, having meantime returned along our trench, looked over the +parapet and saw our gallant friend; he shouted to him to return, which +the man did very quietly, and on arrival, being asked what he was at, +replied that he was trying to get hold of a German rifle and did not +think it worth while bringing in a mere man without it. His native +instinct had got the better of his discretion, as a Mahsud in his own +hills will risk his life to steal or otherwise procure a good firearm. +On being told a rifle was as nothing in value compared to a man, he at +once volunteered to go out again and capture one, and was much disgusted +when his request was refused. + +These Mahsuds were on their first trial in our regular Corps, and in +some respects showed aptitude for trench warfare. As soon as our +roughly-made hand-grenades began to be issued they asked to be allowed +to use them, and the gallant Robson, R.E., of whom I told in the attack +by the 39th Garhwalis on November 23, gave them several lessons in their +use. The men were quite delighted, and parties often went out and bombed +German saps and entirely stopped the Huns working on that particular bit +of front. I have one more story of the 129th Baluchis. + +The C.O., being in need of a change in his menu, one morning sent his +Afridi orderly and a signaller to find a chicken; no special method of +procuring it was prescribed, except that the men were to leave by the +communication trench. Some hours later the signaller returned with the +chicken and reported that the orderly had been arrested by the +Provost-Marshal for looting an empty shop (mark the words). This was +followed by another report from the Staff Captain. Next morning, to the +C.O.’s surprise, the orderly turned up as usual. Asked by what means he +had returned he quietly said, “I told the officer that I was taking the +things for you”; and later a large bundle arrived from Brigade +Headquarters addressed to the C.O. and on it a label, “Herewith your +property.” The contents comprised a bedspread, two blankets, a box of +china basins, knives, forks, a lady’s parasol, and a pair of stays. When +asked what the stays were for he replied, “They make very good hockey +pads.” Such were some of the lighter sides of trench warfare. + +However, stern events were now ahead of us, and the Corps was about to +bear the brunt of a heavy German blow. On the 17th December, the +operation orders from Chief of Staff, G.H.Q., stated that it was the +intention of the Commander-in-Chief to “attack vigorously all along the +front” on the 18th, with the Second, Third, Fourth, and Indian Corps, +and a further paragraph directed that these Corps “will demonstrate and +seize any favourable opportunity which may offer to capture any enemy +trenches in their front.” + +It is hard to reconcile the two operations contained in the self-same +order. To “attack vigorously” is clear enough; to “demonstrate” is to +make only a show of doing so. How can you do both at the same time? + +This order was issued from G.H.Q. at 9 P.M. on the 17th December. My +orders based on it were timed 2.45 A.M. on the 18th, and the operations +planned were ordered to commence at 10 A.M. on the same day. At 10.15 +A.M. G.H.Q. issued instructions that the efforts of the Second, Fourth, +and Indian Corps should be concentrated only on such objectives as were +reasonably feasible. At the risk of going into technical details for a +moment, I must give the orders in their sequence so that military +readers may realise the difficult conditions under which I had to carry +on operations until the German attack came on us. On this same date +(December 18) another order from G.H.Q. issued at 4.15 P.M. said the +Second, Third, Fourth, and Indian Corps would continue to demonstrate on +the 19th December along the whole front and seize every favourable +opportunity which may offer to capture any of the enemy’s trenches. + +Now in order to capture enemy trenches it is necessary to make elaborate +and detailed arrangements. You cannot issue orders the same as you might +do in open warfare, and indeed it is the carefully-thought-out and +elaborate plans adopted since those early days that have turned this +trench warfare into an exact science, and why two years later even less +highly trained troops, assisted, it is true, by an overwhelming +Artillery fire, grenades, howitzers, etc., were able to carry out their +programme with something approaching mathematical exactitude. But all +this was different in 1914; we had then to do our best without these +aids and to take the consequences. + +I have often thought how different might have been the results of some +of the many attacks carried out by Indian troops had we arrived “After” +instead of “Before” unlimited ammunition and all the other helps to +victory had come to be looked on as part of the absolute necessaries for +any advance. + +A distinguished General said to me in 1917: “When _you_ were in France +it was a crime to say it was necessary to success to have a large gun +support; now any one volunteering to carry out an enterprise except with +an unlimited amount of shells would be looked on as a fool and take his +_congé_ at once.” What a pleasant change! + +On the 18th and 19th, operations were carried out by the Indian Corps as +will shortly be narrated, and G.H.Q. was of course kept fully informed. +On this latter date the Commander-in-Chief’s orders were as follows: + + Issued at 6 P.M. The operations conducted yesterday were attended in + several cases with marked success. Although the ground gained has not + in all cases been maintained the balance of advantage rests with us + and promises well for further progress. It is the intention of the + Commander-in-Chief that the Second, Third, Fourth, and Indian Corps + should continue until further orders to prosecute similar enterprises + under Corps arrangements, taking every possible measure to consolidate + and “extend” [my inverted commas] all successes achieved. + +Such were the orders received by me from the 12th to 19th December +inclusive, and it was in accordance with them that the operations of the +Corps, now about to be told, were carried out. As will be seen, we +succeeded in occupying a portion of enemy trenches and sap-heads, and +captured two machine-guns and some prisoners, and, as I said before, but +for the German attack on us the following day, our job would probably +have been considered as very successful. + +Details were, of course, left to Divisional Commanders, but the +responsibility was mine, for I could have altered or refused to sanction +them. In the case of the Meerut Division matters were allowed to stand +as proposed. In the case of the Lahore Division for their attack on +19th, General Watkis proposed an attack on a front of 1000 yards. I +reduced this to 300 yards, leaving the choice of the part to be attacked +to him. We had neither the men nor the guns for the larger attack, and +our orders limited us to distinctly minor operations. + +The Commander-in-Chief’s despatch on this battle stated that the losses +in the Meerut Division after the first attack on the 19th December and +subsequent return to its own trenches were “considerable,” but the total +casualties amounted to eighty-two, including officers. The Lahore +Division fought for several successive days before the German attack was +launched, and during this time lost very heavily, especially in +officers; but in both Divisions not a single regimental officer in the +Indian Army was “mentioned” in the body of the despatch, and only two in +the British Service. + +At this time our distribution was as under. The French on our right had +their extreme left on the Bethune-La Bassée road. From this road to the +canal was held by the Connaught Rangers of the Ferozepore Brigade, and +the remainder of this Brigade held the trenches as far as east of +Givenchy. The Sirhind Brigade was on their left and extended the line +keeping parallel to the Festubert road, up to within half a mile of the +cross-roads at La Quinque Rue. This completed the front of the Lahore +Division; and the Meerut Division, with the Seaforth Highlanders of the +Dehra Dun Brigade on their extreme right, was distributed as follows: +Remainder of this Brigade in position as far as the cross-roads on the +Rue du Bois, the line passing through what was commonly then known as +“The Orchard,” though this name later caused some confusion, owing to +the fact that several other orchards existed. The Garhwal Brigade was on +the left of the Corps, and held trenches as far as the cross-roads south +of Neuve Chapelle. + +Both the Lahore and Meerut Divisional Commanders had arranged local +offensive operations to give effect to the orders of the +Commander-in-Chief, and these were put into execution on the morning of +the 19th. The portion of German trench to be attacked by the Lahore +Division was just opposite the junction of the Ferozepore and Sirhind +Brigades, and the attacking troops consisted of one battalion from each +Brigade. + +The Meerut Division had selected as its objective the German trenches +near the “Orchard,” and opposite the 6th Jats on the left of the Dehra +Dun Brigade. The attacking troops consisted of one and a half battalions +of the Garhwal Brigade. + +Both attacks were accompanied by a complement of Sappers and Pioneers. A +biting cold wind blew over the trenches, making it impossible to get any +warmth into the body, as the Meerut Division party, which advanced +first, left its trenches. + +Half an hour after midnight the Leicesters moved to the salient whence +would start the attack, and by 3.30 A.M. deployed and began the advance. +The battalion was commanded by Lieut.-Colonel Blackader, and he had +under him a splendid body of officers and men. The remainder of his +troops consisted of half of the 2/3rd Gurkhas, a company of the 107th +Pioneers, and a party of Sappers. + +Immediately the advance began machine-guns swept the area, but, although +held up by barbed wire and a hedge, Captain Romilly, who was with his +company on the left, stopped at nothing until they had entered the Hun +trench and captured two machine-guns. The enemy, not caring to face this +class of men, had bolted as we neared the objective, but the Leicesters +once started are hard to stop, and into the hail of another gun which +had opened on them went the men from the Midland County. Again the bird +had flown, but a second trench was ours and was only abandoned when it +was seen that it was too far in advance and under our own Artillery +fire. The captors took up their position in the first trench and at once +put it into a proper state of defence. + +The right company of the Leicesters with equal determination had soon +made themselves masters over 100 yards of trench, but in bombing along +this found it led into the main trench, and when within only a few yards +of this, seven of the eight bombers were put out of action. A barricade +was erected and, being reinforced by their own men and some of the 3rd +Gurkhas, they held on. This, however, left a gap between the right and +left attacking companies, which Major Dundas and his Gurkhas, with +splendid élan, endeavoured to bridge. The enemy, however, held this +portion of the trench strongly, and although driven back with grenades +and bayonets, still remained in possession of a considerable part of it. +The Gurkhas suffered from a close enfilade fire, but consolidated their +gains. + +In the result the trenches captured by the Leicesters on the right were +lost, as the enemy employed machine-guns to cut away the barricades and +followed up with unlimited bombing. New barricades were constructed but +shared the same fate, and, as Dundas on the left found it impossible to +advance farther, and all ranks were under heavy minenwerfer fire, a +withdrawal of the right attack was carried out deliberately and in good +order. The left company held on all day to the captured trenches but was +withdrawn by 8.30 P.M., having done its duty well. + +Meantime General Anderson, commanding the Meerut Division, had with his +usual energy been doing all that was possible to enable the Leicesters +to hold on; an attack by portions of the Dehra Dun Brigade had been +arranged, but the Germans, now thoroughly roused and angry, and having +made their preparations for the attack they had planned for the next +day, the 20th, began a very heavy bombardment of our trenches, specially +selecting the “Orchard” portion of them, on which shell-fire was +concentrated, damaging everything in the vicinity, blowing men to bits, +and rendering any hold on them quite impossible. At the same time it was +reported by aviators that numbers of the enemy were concentrating on +this and other fronts, and everything pointed to a counter-attack. +During the fighting I had placed troops as necessitated from the Corps +Reserve at the disposal of the G.O.C. Meerut Division. + +It has always been a wonder to me how in these winter days of 1914 the +Indian troops did their work so well. If any man trusted them to fight, +I did: but I knew their limits. What surprises me as I look back on it +all is that they stood the strain as they did. It was in truth a +prolonged feat of arms. + +The result of this destructive fire was to render the “Orchard” +untenable, and a new line fifty yards farther to the west was taken up +and put into the best state of defence possible, but this was only done +late in the evening and after the Brigadier had reported the +impossibility of holding on any longer; a few Scouts still remained in +the destroyed trenches. Orders were got ready for a combined +counter-attack the next morning, but before this could be carried out +the prepared and due Hun attack was launched and a new phase in the +operations begun. + +The following are amongst those who were brought to special notice +during these operations: Colonel Blackader, who led his battalion and +withdrew it skilfully; Major Knatchbull, Captain Romilly, and Lieut. +Tooley, all of the Leicesters; No. 6275 Private Buckingham, for great +gallantry (and it is pleasant to record that this brave soldier later in +the war won the V.C.); Sergeant Sutherland, Lance-Corporal Brakes, and +Private Crisp; and if all the names of other brave Leicester officers +and men were recorded here and whenever the battalion was engaged they +would fill many pages. Captain Lodwick, 3rd Gurkhas, who with his +machine-gun team rendered good service; Rifleman Thaman Gharti and Major +Dundas of the same battalion came in for high praise; and Captain C. D. +Bamberger, R.E., who was killed, would have assuredly been rewarded had +he survived. + +We had on the left made our demonstration—or give it any other name. We +had certainly succeeded on this flank in holding the enemy to his ground +and prevented him sending away troops to other parts of his front. We +had captured a few prisoners and machine-guns, and now we were doing our +best to hold his attacks. + + + + + CHAPTER XI + + +Before beginning the story of the Lahore Division’s share in this +fighting, it is well to state that the Indian Corps had received +meantime two notable additions to its strength. The 4th Suffolks was the +first of the Territorial battalions to join us. I saw them on parade and +told them how glad I was to have them with us. I explained how it was +proposed to employ them, and particularly noticed their physique and +workmanlike appearance. I had but little acquaintance with the Force, +and had never soldiered with any but regular British troops in my life, +and hence I was able to take an impartial view. + +The next to join us was the 4th Seaforths, another of that wonderful +Army which leapt from the dim shadow of neglect into the fulness of the +shining light of war, and gave England immediate proof of the truth that +though we are the least military we are the most warlike race on earth. +This battalion was intended to learn its trench work from the sister +regular battalion of Highlanders, forming part of the Indian Corps. + +Immediately after their arrival I saw them at Vieille Chapelle, December +20. Even whilst I was going round and talking to the officers and +N.C.O.’s, the angry and increasing roar of guns was growing louder, and +just as I had finished explaining how they would at first be employed by +platoons in the trenches, an orderly arrived with a note to say the +German attacks were in full swing and my presence was required at my +Headquarters. These days of telephone warfare have destroyed the +glamour, such as is left of it, for Generals. It is difficult to get +away and see something of the fray oneself, but it amused me to think +after all my explanations and injunctions that this corps was in fact to +learn its lesson in the thick of the fighting without any preliminary +practice at all. Thus the 4th Seaforths, under their fine commander, +MacFarlane, marched away from the ground and their next halt was in the +second-line trenches running south from La Couture. The officers and men +all looked like fighters, and, as will be related later, they did not +belie their looks and rendered grand service throughout. + +In accordance with the general plans for the local offensives, +Lieut.-General Watkis, in command of the Lahore Division, had also +directed an attack, on December 19, against a front of 300 yards of +German trenches N.E. of Givenchy, as already stated. The attacking +companies were drawn from the Highland Light Infantry and the 4th +Gurkhas, the latter being on the right, and this formed the left of the +combined Divisional attack, and was commanded by Colonel Ronaldson, +H.L.I., a good soldier. The Ferozepore Brigade was on the right of the +Sirhinds, and the 129th Baluchis were to have furnished the companies to +complete the attack which was being delivered from the point of junction +of the two Brigades, but this battalion, after its hard fighting on the +16th instant, was not fit for another thrust and was replaced by the +59th Rifles of the Jalandar Brigade. + +The Sirhind attack was delivered at 5.34 A.M. after a very brief +Artillery preparation from field guns and howitzers. I have seen this +criticised in Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s most interesting book, _The +British Campaign in France and Flanders_, 1914, but it is necessary to +remember that our ammunition supply was very limited in those days and +commanders occasionally preferred a very short bombardment and a bigger +reserve to meet the counter-attacks, and to enable our men to hold on +and consolidate, or cover their retirement should such become necessary. +In any case the assault was completely successful, two lines of trenches +being taken. Though the distance was considerably over 150 yards, our +casualties in this first rush were few and over seventy prisoners fell +into our hands. The attack was made in four lines, the first being under +the command of Major B. U. Nicolay, 4th Gurkhas. He was wounded next +day, but commanded here with skill and behaved under trying +circumstances with the utmost coolness. He reported that the conduct of +the H.L.I. and 4th Gurkha detachment was admirable and described the +conditions, which, shortly explained, were these: The captured trenches +were about 200 yards long, straight and without traverses, and they were +found after some time to be under enfilade fire from the higher ground +on the right rear near Givenchy village. The trenches became overcrowded +and the saps between our own trenches and these were not finished. +Colonel Ronaldson reported that had it been possible to join these up +the gains would assuredly have been retained. Nicolay and his command +held on throughout a long and very trying day, and then, seeing the +hopelessness of the position, retired, with all the wounded, towards +dusk. The captures of the day were lost and we were once more back in +our own trenches. + +Captain Cramer-Roberts, 4th Gurkhas, behaved with splendid gallantry in +carrying back a message over the open; he was thrice wounded but +nevertheless persevered, and just managed to reach the trench and give +his information to Colonel Ronaldson. He received a D.S.O. The name of +Major Gardiner, R.E., was prominently brought to notice for good work. + +Our bombs had run out early in the day and the only others available +were a few found in the captured German trench, which Nicolay used with +good effect on their former owners. An incident occurred in front of the +H.L.I. advanced platoon which was already in those early days opening +our eyes to Hun methods. A German officer advanced with a white flag, +and his men, who had put on some of our Balaclava caps, under this +protection hoped to deceive us. They gained but a temporary advantage +and were soon found out, many being hit, and had thus added one more +deed to their scroll of shame. + +After dark over thirty machine-guns concentrated their fire on the +H.L.I. trenches, foreshadowing the preparations which were in the making +for the attack next day. + +In the H.L.I. Captain Pringle and Lieut. Anderson were missing and +Lieut. Kerr was killed. Sergeant Whitton, H.L.I., was strongly commended +by Major Nicolay, who also brought to notice the names of Subadar Durga +Gurung, Havildar Hara Sing Thapa, Naik Dharmraj Gurung, and Rifleman +Jangia Thapa, Cramer-Roberts’ orderly. Correspondence found in the +enemy’s trenches showed that we had been opposed chiefly by portions of +the 3rd, 13th, and 56th regiments, XIV. Division of Prussians. + +Captain Inglis, Adjutant of the 4th Gurkhas, had guided the troops to +their rendezvous, and had then insisted as a reward on accompanying them +in the assault, and was killed. A good specimen of those splendid +British officers of which the Indian Army can boast so many. + +Lieut. C. H. Anderson, H.L.I., one of those glorious spirits who are +well described in the Book of Job: “He saith unto the trumpets, Ha! Ha! +and he smelleth the battle afar off, the thunder of the Captains and the +shouting,” rushed on to the German Reserve trench, which he and his +Highlanders took in their stride, and shouting, “We are going to capture +Chapelle St. Roch,” those brave men went into the darkness, through the +pelting rain and storm, and were no more seen. + + From scenes like these old Scotia’s grandeur springs. + +The 59th Rifles, who attacked on the right, were only able to reach the +main German trench with a few men. Their task was a difficult one as +they had only just reached the front to relieve the 129th Baluchis, and +it was a wild stormy night with heavy rain and the ground was unknown to +them. It would have been better to have told off another corps for the +purpose, but the G.O.C. Division found it was the only way to carry out +his orders. + +One company joined with the H.L.I. on their left; a platoon of another +company lost direction and went away to its right. The result was that a +number of men eventually got into the two saps on the right and left of +those attacked and held on. These two saps ran almost the whole way +between the German lines and ours. A bit which was incomplete in the +right sap was eventually, after many hours, joined up by the Sappers and +Miners, thus enabling a party of the 129th Baluchis who were holding the +main trenches to relieve the 59th. In this affair Jemadar Mangal Singh +of the 59th behaved with great gallantry and received the I.D.S.M. + +After the first advance the fighting was of a very confused nature owing +to the darkness, rain, etc., and the reports that can be pieced together +are not sufficiently clear to enable me to form a connected story. This, +however, is certain, that considering the general mix up in the dark, +many deeds of bravery were performed, and although the attack did not +succeed in capturing any length of German trench, and thereby exposed +the right of the trench which had been captured to a flank attack by the +enemy, the 59th Rifles, well directed by their officers, made every +endeavour to accomplish their task. + +Captain B. Anderson of this battalion, whom I had once seen lead a +charge against a band of Ghazis across the Indian border, was here again +leading his men, but on this occasion, unlike the Ghazis, who died +fighting to a man, the Germans turned and ran. Lieut. J. G. Atkinson was +killed. Lieut. W. A. McCrae-Bruce by his personal disregard of danger +set a splendid example which kept his men together in the turmoil.[8] + +Havildar Dost Mahomed and Havildar Abdul Wahab were awarded the I.O.M., +and a small party of men whose names cannot be recorded, for they all +perished, behaved splendidly, refusing to retire because the body of +their officer, Lieut. Bruce, had not been recovered. + +Captain H. N. Lee and R. C. Gilchrist were killed during the attack on +and capture of the left sap, whilst Captain Scale was wounded and the +battalion had over 100 other casualties. Lieut. Scobie received the +Military Cross for his share in holding on to the left sap. Lieut. +Kisch, R.E., did excellent work under a heavy fire. + +An attack on a German sap-head by two platoons of the 1st Gurkhas had +been ordered to be carried out at 5.30 A.M. this same day, and the +officers to accompany it were Captain T. Burke and Lieut. L. B. Rundall. +The latter was the younger of two sons of Colonel Rundall, an old friend +and comrade of mine who had served on my Staff. I knew both boys, and +all three of these fighting soldiers belonged to Gurkha regiments. The +elder brother was a Captain in the 4th Gurkhas and both were killed on +this and the following day, behaving as British officers do when stern +work is in hand, and leaving a name which will be cherished in the +Gurkha Brigade. + +This attack could not be launched in time, owing to various causes, and +orders were issued cancelling it, but for some unknown reason the +assault was carried out at about 10 o’clock. As usual, the two brave +fellows rushed forward at the head of their men and were met by a hail +of fire and the leaden scythe mowed them down. About fifty took part in +the assault, of whom half were killed or wounded, both British officers +being among the former. + +This brings the story of the Lahore Division’s attempts on December 19 +to engage the enemy and help our other Army Corps and our French Allies +who were operating on our right to an end. As I said before, in +themselves, though described at length, they were only local offensives, +but they were unfortunate in as far as they had severely tried our +already tired troops on the very eve of the prepared German attack. In +war the man who can truly forecast events is of more value than many +legions of soldiers. All one can do is to endeavour by every means in +one’s power to carry out the Commander-in-Chief’s plans. Both Divisions +had done their duty. + +The Meerut Division after the fighting on the 19th December was disposed +as under: Garhwal Brigade back in its own trenches; to their right the +6th Jats, the left battalion of the Dehra Dun Brigade, held their line +with the right thrown back so as to connect with, and conform to, the +retired line of the 2nd Gurkhas behind the “Orchard”; the Seaforth +Highlanders formed the right of the Brigade to near the “Picquet” house, +from which point the Sirhind Brigade of the Lahore Division continued +farther still to the right. + +About 9 A.M., December 20, the attack on the Meerut Division was +started. The 2nd Gurkhas and the Seaforths—old and trusted comrades—were +singled out, and a heavy bombardment and Infantry advance told the +Division that a day which was to be an important one for the Indian +Corps had begun. Half an hour later word reached General Anderson that +the Seaforths’ right was in the air owing to the retirement of the left +of the Sirhind Brigade and that they were being heavily attacked from +this flank and at the same time bombed on their left owing to retirement +of part of the 2nd Gurkhas, which exposed them to the enemy’s bombers. + +The Seaforths never lose an inch of ground without making the attackers +pay a heavy toll, but they were now fighting against great odds, +hand-grenades, machine-guns, and trench mortars, with both their flanks +in the air. One company was driven from its trench, but not until fifty +per cent of the enemy lay dead in it. Captain the Hon. St. Clair was +killed just as he had skilfully withdrawn into and was holding a +communication trench. + +The 2nd Gurkhas were again put to a severe test this day; bombed and +overmatched, they were driven from their newly-occupied trenches; +followed up with hand-grenades and harried they retired, but always took +their toll in the retreat and finally drew up in a retired position +under Major Boileau, a soldier with an extraordinary personality. I +cannot better describe him than in the words of one of his own Gurkha +officers, “Asal Jangi Sahib” (a truly brave gentleman). With him was +Major Watt, another staunch fighter. During this fighting the Gurkhas +were pushed back a long way and were glad indeed to meet the 9th Gurkhas +coming up to their assistance. To do what is set you is of course the +best proof that you are competent to do it, but I have found in life +that sometimes though you may fail in the eyes of your judges, you may +nevertheless have done everything that was possible. Those gallant +Gurkhas deserved success, and I would as soon have them by me in a tight +place as any battalion I know. + +It is instructive to note that at this moment N Battery, R.H.A., from +the Secunderabad Cavalry Brigade, came into action and helped materially +by its fire across the front. This was the only calibre of gun +(18-pounders) for which we were not limited to a certain number of +rounds of ammunition, and the confidence this inspired, with the +excellence of the fire itself, was equal to many heavier batteries. +Think of it, the warriors of later times! An Army Corps was rejoiced at +the advent of six guns, manned by the pick of the Army, and instead of +wondering how it was going to be done, considered themselves fortunate +and bound to win. Unlimited ammunition! although only for six guns it is +true: but the surprise caused by the advance of the first six tanks in +later days was as nothing compared to that of the General who found +himself with six real guns and plenty of rounds for each. “Tempora +mutantur, nos et mutamur in illis.” + +To fill the gap between the Seaforths and the retired line of the +Gurkhas, the 58th Rifles were ordered up; half the 41st Dogras was also +placed at the disposal of the G.O.C. Dehra Dun Brigade, and half the +Black Watch to form a link between Seaforths and the retired left of +Sirhind Brigade. + +It was now 1 o’clock, December 20, and in order to retain the thread of +the story and make the movements of both Divisions coincide, I will +leave the Meerut Division and relate the occurrences which had taken +place in the Lahore Command. + +Simultaneously with the attacks already described on the Meerut +Division, the Germans started their operations against the Lahore +Division, and from the early morning of the 20th December the trenches +were subjected to a fierce fire from guns and mortars, and then followed +a series of mine explosions under the trenches occupied by the Sirhind +Brigade. Soaked with rain which had lasted through the night; wearied by +the previous day’s trials; standing in bog knee-deep with the mud +slipping in as fast as it could be shovelled out of the trenches, and +with numbers totally inadequate to the front held, the British and +Indian troops began the resistance which lasted for twenty-four hours +without any extraneous help, and continued it for another twenty-four +hours until in part relieved by fresh troops of the First Army Corps; +when first the Lahore and later the Meerut Divisions were withdrawn, +with difficulty lasting out the ordeal. The wonder is not that they were +literally done up but that they were able to hold out as they did. + +And the men who came to their relief, what of them? They were some of +the finest troops in our Army, the famous First Corps of Mons and Ypres +fame: with double our reduced numbers, fresh from a rest in reserve, +full of fight. Guards, Highlanders, Irish and English: neither Germans +nor anybody else could have withstood such a gathering; and as they +looked at our tired-out men, amongst them a few British battalions of +their own countrymen, as fine soldiers as themselves, battle-stained and +mud-grimed, I do not believe there was one amongst the brave new +arrivals who did not own that the Indian Corps had indeed had a hard +task and done its duty well. + +The fight that followed showed them that it was a determined foe they +had to deal with, and 2400 casualties in their own ranks before the line +was more or less restored was evidence of the hard fighting which had +taken toll of over 4000 British and Indian soldiers. + +However, to my story. The right of the Sirhind Brigade was the first to +bear the brunt, and here a half company of the H.L.I. and a double +company[9] of the 4th Gurkhas suffered very heavy losses, being buried +or blown up by the well-engineered explosions. The day had not then +arrived when we were able to detect and counter this underground +warfare; it was new to the Indian Corps at any rate, nor had we the +appliances to put it into use. + +Amongst the survivors of these first explosions was Colour-Sergeant +Brisbane, H.L.I., who had served with me in Ashanti fourteen years +previously. I had met him later in India, and on this day we were once +more separated, for after holding on to the last, he with his officer, +Lieut. D. Barry, and some others were captured by the enemy. May we meet +again! + +Another double company of the 4th Gurkhas made a stout resistance +against heavy odds, but were driven from their trenches, and at about 1 +P.M. these were occupied by the Germans, who were coming on in massed +formation. + +During this fighting, which ended in many hand-to-hand encounters, +Captain A. M. Rundall of the 4th Gurkhas, brother of the Lieutenant +whose death I described in the previous day’s fighting, led a bombing +party in a counter-attack, himself killed two Germans, and died fighting +at the head of his few men. + + A glorious tale indeed to tell, + ’Neath thousand blows one hero fell. + +The machine-gun detachment of the 125th (Napier’s) Rifles at this stage +rendered gallant service, and with that of the 4th Gurkhas was +practically destroyed. + +Captain R. C. Yates of the 4th Gurkhas with the greater part of his +company was also overwhelmed. It was reported to me after this action +that, whereas the Germans used hundreds of bombs which almost invariably +exploded and caused great damage, our own home-made articles constantly +failed to light or dropped harmless, being wet and unprotected from the +slush and rain. + +Farther to the left of the Sirhind Brigade was a double company of the +1st Gurkhas commanded by Major C. Bliss, and a company of the H.L.I. +under Major T. F. Murray, and they had between them four Maxims. +Following heavy mine explosions this section was also attacked by great +numbers of the enemy, who notwithstanding heavy losses, caused +especially by our machine-guns, rushed in and made themselves masters of +the trenches. + +Murray and Captain W. Cameron with their men made a fine stand and were +reported killed. Lieut. R. Guthrie-Smith, also of the H.L.I., was killed +and Lieut. C. Pitts-Tucker, whilst crossing the open with sorely needed +reinforcements, was wounded, and most of his party shared his fate or +were killed. Tucker was being carried in by two gallant comrades, +Corporal A. Barr and Private J. Carmichael, when he was again hit and +killed. Both men received the D.C.M. + +About 11 o’clock General Watkis ordered up his reserve, and two French +Territorial battalions which were at his disposal, to the neighbourhood +of Givenchy; the 47th Sikhs to move up in reserve of the Sirhind +Brigade, and General Carnegy, commanding the Jalandar Brigade, to make a +flank attack from Givenchy to retake the lost trenches of the Sirhind +Brigade. During the defence of the left section by H.L.I. and 1st +Gurkhas, just described, Lieut. W. Stewart, H.L.I., with seventy men and +two Maxims, held on in the support trench. His party was very much in +the air, but showed splendid grit, tired and overworked as they had been +for two days; but with the help of forty men who reached him at dusk he +held on for nearly twenty-four hours until relieved by troops from the +First British Division. He was awarded the D.S.O. + +The assistance rendered by our Artillery at this stage, and indeed +throughout these operations, was the theme of high praise from all ranks +of the Infantry, and well was it deserved, for without it the H.L.I. and +Gurkhas would have been destroyed by the advancing mass of troops. + +The 1st Gurkhas, like the H.L.I., were being severely handled and the +enemy had driven a wedge into their line. Major Bliss was mortally +wounded while leading a bayonet charge which succeeded in affording our +sorely-tried men a short respite; Captain H. Momey was killed; but +numbers prevailed, and the Germans having gained a footing on flanks and +centre, and using large numbers of grenades, forced the Gurkhas back +into their support trenches, and quickly following up established +themselves in all our advanced lines. Festubert was reached before the +retiring line could be thoroughly joined up, and some of the troops had +by this time become much disorganised. + +Seeing that General Watkis had his hands more than full, and being +apprehensive of further retirement, I had placed the Secunderabad +Cavalry Brigade and Jodhpore Lancers, acting as Infantry, and the 8th +Gurkhas from the Meerut Division, at his disposal, and to these was +added the 47th Sikhs; the whole under General Macbean. + +This brings the narrative up to an hour after mid-day of the 20th +December, at which time news was received that the left of the +Ferozepore Brigade had been driven back and that Givenchy was being +heavily attacked. + +The Artillery was working with a precision that spoke volumes for them, +and I felt assured that, come what might, the gunners, most of whom I +had known well in India, would answer to any call, and prove as ever +that their motto is well called “Ubique.” + +Of the Indian battalions of the newly-arrived Sirhind Brigade two were +Gurkhas and the third was the 125th Rifles. The 1st Gurkhas (King +George’s Own) was raised in 1815 from soldiers who took service with the +British after the fall of Malaun. It went through many changes of name +and shared in many campaigns from Bhurtpore and Aliwal to Tirah. In 1910 +it received its present title. A second battalion had been added in +1886. + +The 4th Gurkhas was raised in 1857 as the “Extra Gurkha Regiment.” Its +battle honours date from “Ali Musjid and Kabul, 1879,” to “China, 1900.” +A second battalion was added in 1886. + +The 125th (Napier’s) Rifles was raised in 1820, largely from men who had +served in the Peishwa’s Army. The battalion received several titles +connecting it with the old Bombay Army from time to time, until in 1903 +its present designation was conferred upon it. It had served under +Napier at Meanee and last seen service in Burmah 1885–87. + +My story of the action of the Meerut Division stopped at about this same +hour, and it is convenient to take a retrospect and see how the Army +Corps stood exactly at this time in order to better follow the battle. +Beginning with our right, the Ferozepore Brigade was next to and on the +left of the French XXIst Corps d’Armée, the Commander of which had +placed two Territorial battalions at the disposal of the Lahore +Division. The right battalion of the Ferozepore Brigade, the Connaught +Rangers, held the trenches south of the La Bassée Canal. On their left, +covering the east of Givenchy, were the greater part of the 57th Rifles +and part of the 9th Bhopals; these troops had not so far been attacked. +The 129th Baluchis was the left battalion of this Brigade and, as I +said, had just then been reported as retiring. Continuing to the left +stood the Sirhind Brigade, lately arrived from Egypt, and hence fresher +for work than others. The 4th and 1st Gurkhas and H.L.I. held the front; +companies of the Highlanders being interspersed in the Gurkha ranks. The +machine-guns of the 125th Rifles of this Brigade were also up in the +trenches. This ended the line held by the Lahore Division, and the +movements of the Divisional reserves have already been explained. As +will have been seen from the description of the fighting, this whole +Brigade had been driven back and held a now considerably retired line. + +Carrying on our line to the north, _i.e._ farther to the left, the +Meerut Division had on its right the Dehra Dun Brigade, of which the +Seaforths occupied their old position, near the Picquet House, and +though being severely attacked were holding on in the most gallant +manner. On their right rear was half of the Black Watch which had been +sent up to establish connection between the Seaforths and the now +retired Sirhind Brigade. To the left of the Seaforths were the 2nd +Gurkhas, considerably drawn back by their retirement; and as a +connecting link to fill the gap the 58th Rifles had been ordered up by +General Anderson. Still farther to the left were the 6th Jats, forming +the left battalion of the Brigade, with their right skilfully thrown +back so as to keep connection with the retired Gurkha line. Finally, the +Garhwal Brigade completed the Meerut Division and was holding its +original line. + +[Illustration: From a rough sketch made at the time.] + +To continue the story of the Meerut Division from 1 P.M. on the 20th, +where I left them. At this hour the 2nd Gurkhas were holding a line a +quarter of a mile south of La Quinque Rue, and the Seaforths had +recaptured a lost trench on their left, and were bombing the Huns out of +their right, greatly hampered by a heavy fire from the Picquet House, +from which the left of the Sirhind Brigade had been driven. The Germans +were in occupation of the old 2nd Gurkha trenches; the 41st Dogras were +in Brigade reserve, and the 107th Pioneers, half of the Black Watch, and +4th Indian Cavalry were in Divisional reserve at Le Touret. The Garhwal +Brigade was being heavily attacked by shell-fire and trench mortars, but +was holding its own well. All available machine-guns were sent up to +assist this Brigade. + +Lieut.-Colonel Roche, 6th Jats, as senior officer on the spot, was in +command of his own Corps and all neighbouring reinforcements, and took +prompt measures to consolidate his position, and held it throughout this +and the next day. + +The fighting Major Wauchope with half his Black Watch had succeeded by +11 P.M. in re-establishing touch with the Sirhind Brigade on his right +and the Seaforths on his left, and by this manœuvre completed the line +of the Meerut Division. The Germans had pushed in deep in front of the +2nd Gurkhas, but their triumph was only to be a temporary one. + +As the attacks all along our front had assumed big proportions by the +afternoon of the 20th December, and I was only too well aware that the +Corps was, after its long tour of trench work since the end of October, +quite unfit for a prolonged struggle, I had asked G.H.Q. for two +Brigades from the Indian Cavalry Corps, which on foot might furnish the +strength of two battalions, and also for a Brigade from the First Army +Corps then in Army reserve, and these were at once given me, and two +additional Brigades from this Corps also arrived and were all employed +the next day, thus making an extra Division. I informed the G.O.C. +Meerut Division that one of these Brigades would reach him next day. + +By 3 A.M. on the 21st, the Dehra Dun Brigade reported the enemy massing +on its front, and at 7.45 A.M. the G.O.C. Division learnt that a +counter-attack by the left Brigade of the Lahore Division had been +unsuccessful. At this stage General Keary, commanding the Garhwal +Brigade, suggested a counter-attack by the Dehra Dun Brigade, which he +would support from his side with his reserve battalion, the Leicesters; +this attack did not mature as the Dehra Dun Brigade was too exhausted to +carry it out. By this time the Seaforths on the right were being very +hard pressed, and half of the 107th Pioneers were sent to their +assistance, whilst the remainder of this battalion and the 4th Indian +Cavalry were called up and placed in a second line of trenches. + +This remained more or less the position until the arrival that evening +of General Westmacott’s Brigade from the First Army Corps. Owing to +unavoidable delays in bringing this Brigade up, its attack was not +commenced until late in the evening. One battalion of the Royal Sussex +regiment was to relieve the Seaforths whilst the Loyal North Lancashires +and Northamptons attacked the lost “Orchard” positions. + +By 10.30 P.M. on the 21st a report was received that this attack had +taken the supporting trenches west of the “Orchard” and was progressing +favourably, but the trenches about it were untenable and the attackers +eventually took position just west of it. + +The Dehra Dun Brigade and the other Corps assisting in this part of the +line had now been fighting without a break for seventy-two hours in rain +and mud, and were much reduced in numbers. They had lost the “Orchard,” +but by the action of the troops in that neighbourhood, especially of the +Seaforths, the pivot at the Picquet House was still retained and acted +as a hinge the flexibility of which meant that the Meerut Division’s +line, though deeply indented, was still intact. By 7 o’clock on the +morning of the 22nd December the bulk of the Dehra Dun Brigade, as also +the 58th Rifles and Black Watch, had been withdrawn for a well-earned +rest, and the newly-arrived British Brigade had occupied their places in +the trenches. + +At 10 A.M., 22nd December, after General Anderson had arranged for the +handing over of the right of his command to the First Army Corps, an +Artillery observing-officer reported that there was something wrong in +front of the “Orchard,” now held by the British troops, and that a +retirement was taking place there. If fresh Britishers found it +necessary to temporarily give way, it only shows the pressure that our +men had been faced with for two long days. + +Tired out as they were, orders were at once given for the still fit +Indian Corps battalions to move up again and the others to stand fast. +The _contretemps_ was put right by the G.O.C. 2nd British Brigade before +10.30 o’clock; and at this hour on the 22nd December, the second +shortest day of the year, but, like the 21st, the longest in a fighting +sense, the worn-out troops at last found some rest, although still +retained ready in case of need. The Divisional Commander in reporting +his positions wound up with the words: “The worn-out Seaforth +Highlanders and 58th Rifles are now in reserve.” + +At this point, 1 P.M., 22nd December, I will leave the Meerut Command +and describe the heavy fighting which was all this time going on in the +Lahore Division in and near that place of ill omen yclept Festubert. +Before doing so I will turn from the general story and record a few of +the names of those heroic soldiers who throughout these days had +maintained the traditions of the British and Indian Armies. I often +feel, and I say it in truth, that the rewards of Senior Generals are +seldom their own, but rather the work of subordinates of all ranks; and +if I had the power I would issue gazettes notifying them somewhat as +follows, taking as a sample an Army Corps: + + In recognition of the fine fighting qualities displayed by the —— Army + Corps during the battle of ——, the G.O.C. in Command is awarded, etc. + +I have received many honours from three Sovereigns. I should have +received none had it not been for the officers and men who had to carry +out orders at the risk of their lives, whilst I only issued them. It was +comparatively easy in this trench warfare to say “Promite vires,” when +you yourself were safe. He who has to make decisions under stress of +danger is the hero, and not the man FAR behind the guns. + +In writing this story I have relied chiefly on orders and reports I was +able to get copied in France, and on my own diary very carefully kept +from day to day, together with letters and information from friends +since, but I have not had access to all the War diaries of Brigades and +battalions, etc. I cannot therefore pretend to describe in any detail +the doings of all those whose work I saw daily, and can only record such +matters as I have some knowledge of. If, therefore, omissions occur I +can only regret it. + +Lieut.-Colonel Widdicombe, who commanded the 9th Gurkhas, did excellent +work; he arrived at a most opportune moment, reinforcing both the 2nd +Gurkhas and 6th Jats during the early fighting on 20th December. Captain +Laing of the Seaforths, leading a bombing party with great gallantry, +rushed and recaptured several traverses in a trench evacuated by the 2nd +Gurkhas, and in which the Huns left over twenty dead. Lieut. I. M. +Macandrew of the same regiment rallied some of the men of the British +Brigade as they retired from the “Orchard” on 22nd, led them in a +bombing attack, and after killing several of the enemy this gallant +young officer and ten of his men were themselves killed. Colonel +Ritchie, ever staunch and brave, Captain Wicks, a very fine soldier, and +Captain Laing, all of the Seaforths, received distinctions. In this +fighting the Seaforths suffered 175 casualties out of 700 engaged. + +Major A. Young of the 1st Gurkhas, Brigade Major of the Garhwal Brigade, +had died of wounds on the 14th—a great loss to the Service. Major +Wauchope, Black Watch, was again wounded, and the regiment had to record +severe casualties. + +In the 58th Rifles, Captain M. A. R. Bell, 54th Sikhs (attached), whom I +had known for many years, was killed, a very earnest soldier. Jemadar +Mardan Ali and twenty-five others were also killed and thirty-two were +wounded. The losses in killed, wounded, and missing throughout the +Divisions bore witness to the nature of the struggle in which they had +been engaged. + + + + + CHAPTER XII + + +The narrative of the Lahore Division brought us to after mid-day of the +20th December, at which hour the 129th Baluchis, on the left of the +Ferozepore Brigade covering Givenchy, were retiring and their trenches +were in occupation of the enemy, and the village was being attacked. In +consequence General Carnegy’s orders were cancelled, and he was directed +to secure this place; and two batteries from the Fifty-eighth Division +were placed at Watkis’s disposal by the French. + +By 3.30 P.M. on the 20th the Manchesters under Colonel Strickland, with +a company of the 4th Suffolks in support, started their attack for the +recovery of the lost Givenchy trenches. By 5 P.M. this gallant +battalion, fighting often with the bayonet, had cleared the Huns out of +the village and recaptured the trenches to the north-east; but they +still retained possession of those to the north of the village; whilst +to the east and southwards the company of the 9th Bhopals, the 57th +Rifles, a portion of the 4th Suffolks, and the Connaught Rangers held +their lines intact. + +On the Sirhind Brigade front the right section at 3.30 P.M. was holding +its reserve trenches; farther to the left, notwithstanding its +considerable retirement, touch had been more or less established with +the right of the Meerut Division, and the retired line of the Brigade +was intact, though somewhat disorganised. The enemy at this stage did +not appear to be making a further attack on this front. + +Meantime General Macbean, with the Secunderabad Cavalry Brigade, +consisting of the 7th Dragoon Guards, 20th Deccan Horse, 34th Poona +Horse, and Jodhpore Lancers, under Brigadier-General Wadeson, and in +addition the 8th Gurkhas and 47th Sikhs, had been ordered to move to a +position near Marais and counter-attack. This movement was delayed from +various causes, and it was not till midnight that the advance was +actually carried out by the 7th Dragoon Guards and 47th Sikhs. + +It was a hopeless attempt; the ground was deep in mud and a network of +ditches, and the enemy’s fire very heavy. Nevertheless these gallant +troops actually reached and entered our abandoned trenches, but were +then subjected to a heavy flanking fire and occasionally to that of our +own guns. Under such conditions it was no wonder they were driven back +to their starting-point and suffered severely. Amongst the killed was +Colonel H. Lempriere, commanding 7th Dragoon Guards, a very gallant +gentleman and hard to replace. Captain J. L. Mansel was killed leading a +rush on enemy machine-guns. Lieutenants R. L. Mann and S. Bryce were +missing. The total casualties of the 7th Dragoon Guards during the short +time they served with the Indian Corps amounted to twenty-six killed or +missing and forty wounded. Sergeant R. Snelling and Private J. Crackett +received the D.C.M. + +Another counter-attack was carried out about 5 A.M. on the 21st +December, under command of Colonel Grant, 8th Gurkhas. The troops under +his command now consisted of the 8th Gurkhas, 47th Sikhs, 7th Dragoon +Guards, and Jodhpore Lancers. Stumbling under a pitiless rain, over the +ditches and through mire, this attempt, like the first, was unable to +achieve its object, and eventually a retirement had to be carried out. + +To return to Givenchy, where the Manchesters had retaken a great part of +the village, General Watkis had sent the 59th Rifles to reinforce +Carnegy, who had already despatched a company of the 4th Suffolks and +one company of the 142nd French Territorials to Givenchy, as a support +to Strickland in the attack he was about to make on our advanced +abandoned trenches to the north of that village. + +This attack was launched about half-past six on the morning of the 21st +December, and carried out with the _élan_ which distinguished that fine +corps, the 1st Manchesters. All that men could do was done, but the hail +of fire from machine-guns, etc., made it impossible to advance far. By +11 o’clock the enemy, after a severe bombardment with shell, pushed home +an Infantry attack which forced us back from the village. Still the +Manchesters again and again made vigorous counter-attacks, though +enfiladed and gradually becoming enveloped, until at length after severe +bayonet fighting the battalion was pushed back and Givenchy practically +lost. Their heroic conduct had, however, saved the position in this part +of our line, and held the enemy at bay just long enough to enable the +fresh troops of a Brigade from the now arriving First Army Corps to stem +and turn the tide. As the Manchesters met the Cameron Highlanders coming +up, they must indeed have been thankful that their stubborn fight had +enabled their Army Corps to still maintain its front and an almost lost +local battle to be turned into a glorious episode. + +The battalion in this fighting had two officers (Captain L. Creagh and +Lieut. S. Norman) and sixty-four men killed, and forty-six missing, +whilst three officers and 124 men were wounded. I have known many +splendid Corps in the Army but not one to beat the 1st Manchesters, and +I felt that a brilliant future awaited Strickland. He has since risen to +Major-General and is a K.C.B. + +At dawn on this morning I had ridden from Hinges, my Headquarters, to +see one of my Generals, and on my way back I met a brigade of the First +Army Corps now arriving to help us; it was marching towards Givenchy. I +can never forget my feelings as these splendid battalions moved +along—young, vigorous, fresh from a rest in reserve: 1000 strong each, +eager for the battle, they were the very embodiment of certain victory, +and I could not but feel proud of my own brave Corps, many of whom I had +just seen, literally caked in mud and slime, worn out after long weeks +of vigil and toil in the trenches, sadly needing some sleep and rest; +battalions worn to mere skeletons in strength, a few with no more than a +full company in the fight. + +But notwithstanding all this they were still holding on, still keeping +the flag flying and doing their duty. I would fain have wished the +addition of some of the newcomers to my own Army Corps; they were my own +flesh and blood, with great traditions and a great cause which all +understood; but I would not have changed places with any living man. It +was enough for me that I was Commander of the Indian Corps, and that +that Corps was so nobly acquitting itself under extraordinary +difficulties. + +As stated before, the trenches to the south and east of Givenchy had +during the battle been held by the Connaught Rangers, the 57th Rifles, +and a company of the 9th Bhopal Infantry. During the 20th December the +57th and 9th were subjected to attacks which succeeded in laying the +flank of the 57th open to enfilade fire and obliging the left to retire. +Here my old friend Subadar Arsla Khan of the 57th was again to the fore, +and by a plucky reconnaissance obtained useful information regarding the +German barricades, and surprised and shot several Huns. Later, on the +22nd December, this fine Indian officer, a Malikdin Khel Afridi, led a +charge on a party of the enemy, killing two officers and a number of +men. He has many orders and distinctions for various campaigns. + +After the Manchesters were forced back from Givenchy, on the afternoon +of the 21st December, the pressure on this portion of our trenches +increased very considerably and was only relieved by the arrival of a +Brigade of the First Army Corps, and by nightfall the position was +secured. On the 22nd December the whole of the trenches east and south +of Givenchy were taken over by the First Corps, and our troops, at last +relieved from their long vigil, were able to gain some urgently-needed +rest. + +My story left the Meerut Division at 2 P.M. on the same date, and just +after it had been relieved by the First Army Corps, and although the +Meerut troops remained at the disposal of that Corps for a few days +longer until a new alignment had been taken up, they were not called on +to make further efforts, and eventually, like the Lahore Division, were +able to get back to billets and enjoy a sorely needed rest and to +re-equip themselves. + +By 1 P.M. on the 22nd December one Division of the First Army Corps had +arrived and taken over a great part of our trenches, and the Second +Division was in process of relieving the remainder of my Corps, and the +responsibility was gradually becoming involved, hence I asked the G.O.C. +First Army Corps to assume the command whilst I withdrew all the +relieved battalions and Artillery. This he agreed to, and the Indian +Corps was withdrawn. + +During this long-drawn-out battle the losses of some battalions had been +very severe. In the Sirhind Brigade alone, on which fell the main German +onslaught, the H.L.I. had lost ten officers and fifty-four men killed, +276 men missing (mostly killed), and sixty wounded, and the total +casualties numbered 400, about fifty per cent of those in action. + + Such monuments shall last when Egypt’s fall. + +The 1st Gurkhas suffered well over 200 casualties, including six British +and Indian officers, and the 4th Gurkhas had seventeen British and +Indian officers and a total of 300 of all ranks. In the 4th, Jemadar +Lachman Sing Thapa, the Gurkha Adjutant, was amongst the killed, and +Captain M. Wylie was missing. + +To suffer such losses and be again ready for battle within a few weeks +needs discipline of a high order, and I was lost in admiration of those +gallant corps, which I had inspected only a few days previously in their +full war strength, and saw again after their arrival in billets. The +ranks were sadly thinned, but there was no sign of despondency and only +determination on their faces. “Give us their hand-grenades and trench +mortars,” said a Gurkha havildar to me, “and you will see some fun.” + +During the attack by the Secunderabad Cavalry Brigade Captain Alan Ross, +20th Deccan Horse, performed a very gallant action, which in any other +war would have been rewarded with a Victoria Cross; but I was informed +that in France it could not be given to officers for saving life alone. +Ross was one of the hardest men I ever knew: a brilliant polo player and +a strong rider all round. He had been my own A.D.C. years before in +India. Seeing an Indian officer was wounded and lying in the open, he +with two of his N.C.O.’s, Duffadars Shankar Rao and Sardar Singh, ran +under a terrific fire and carried him back. On reaching a ditch they lay +down, and seeing the Indian officer was too badly hit to be moved +further, Ross ran back, still under heavy fire, and fetched up a +stretcher, in which they placed the wounded officer and got him away. +Ross received a D.S.O. and his two companions the Indian Order of Merit. + +Captain W. H. Padday, 47th Sikhs, was killed whilst bombing up a trench +with some of his men. The 20th Deccan Horse, a Corps which I had known +in years past when I commanded the Secunderabad Division, suffered over +eighty casualties, including Captain J. S. McEuan and Risaldar Mir +Hidayat Ali killed; Captain C. A. Mackenzie, Risaldar-Major Jharmal +Singh, and one other Indian officer and thirty-five other ranks killed +and missing; besides these, five officers and thirty-seven men were +wounded. The 47th Sikhs, of whom I shall often have to write, had 130; +the 34th Poona Horse fifty, including Major C. Loring, 37th Lancers, +attached. The Jodhpore Lancers in this, their first fight as a unit on +the Western Front, suffered eleven casualties. In the 8th Gurkhas one +Indian officer was killed, and there were twenty-two other losses. + +Generals Watkis and Anderson, in admirably written and concise reports, +gave a very clear summary of the events which had been crowded into the +four days’ fighting, and it is interesting to note the chief points +brought out. After giving full credit to all who deserved it and not +concealing faults such as must occur in all battles, in the Lahore +Division Watkis brought specially to notice Major-General Carnegy, +commanding the Jalandar Brigade, for his thorough grasp of the +situation; General Brunker, Sirhind Brigade; and General Egerton, +Ferozepore Brigade. He gave the greatest praise to Colonel Strickland +and his fine battalion the Manchesters. Colonel Cauteau of the 142nd +French Territorial regiment was reported as rendering valuable and +noteworthy service; and Capitaine Salles, also of the 142nd, for +gallantly leading a counter-attack, although twice wounded. + +Anderson specially commended the Seaforths and 58th Rifles, whose +“action, sustained over a period of three days and nights under +extremely difficult conditions, was worthy of the highest possible +commendation and reflects the greatest credit on officers, N.C.O.’s, and +men of both regiments.” + +The Ambala and Sialkote Cavalry Brigades had been brought up as +reinforcements late during the battle; the former suffered thirty +casualties. I had known both these splendid Brigades when commanding the +Northern Army in India, and only regretted that this trench warfare gave +them no opportunity of riding down the Huns, who assuredly would have +had cause to remember that the Cavalry arm in India has a sword even +sharper than the boasted German weapon. + +It is one of my cherished recollections that our gallant French Allies +did not fail to place on record their great regret at the departure of +the Indian Corps from their immediate vicinity. For two months we had +been able to afford each other assistance in men and guns on many +occasions, and our relations had been those of friends and comrades. +General de Maud’huy, commanding the Tenth French Army, and General +Maistre, commanding the XXIst Corps d’Armée, wrote most cordial letters, +wishing us every success as the war progressed and congratulating the +men on their having so long victoriously sustained the “particularly +difficult” conditions, especially of terrain, under which they had +fought. + +It would be impossible to serve with finer soldiers and gentlemen than +composed the Army of France. + +The battle was over, India had paid her dues, and this is what the +Commander-in-Chief recorded: + + The Indian troops have fought with the greatest steadfastness and + gallantry whenever they have been called upon. + +In these words Field-Marshal Sir John French summed up in his despatch +of the 2nd February 1915 his opinion of the conduct of the Indian +soldiers from the time they joined the Army in France until the close of +the battle of Givenchy. + +In his admirable book, “1914,” the great Field-Marshal has written on +page 196: + + Much has been said and written about the work of the Indian troops in + France, and various opinions have been expressed. For my part I can + only say that, from first to last, so long as they were under my + command, they maintained and probably surpassed even the magnificent + traditions of the Indian Army. In a country and climate to which they + were totally unaccustomed, the exigencies of the moment required that + they should be thrown into action successively by smaller or greater + units before they could be properly concentrated. + + I shall always gratefully remember the invaluable assistance they and + their Commander, Sir James Willcocks, rendered under these difficult + conditions in the most critical hours of the First Battle of Ypres, + especially the Lahore Division, commanded by General Watkis. + +This finally disposes of any criticisms of the Indians by lesser +luminaries. No one had better opportunities of realising the +difficulties connected with their employment in Europe during a +very trying winter. No one was more generous in his public +utterances and despatches to the soldiers of India. There was, it +is true, another side to this picture, but I will refrain from the +narration of such incidents, for I realise the enormous +difficulties the Commander-in-Chief had to face and the +unflinching courage and steadfastness with which he faced them; +and I am convinced that no other soldier in our Army would have +succeeded, to the same degree, in those tempestuous times. + +The Indians were but a small unit in his complicated command, and that +he has for all time plainly recorded his opinion is sufficient to +disprove the criticisms of any others who are not possessed of his +soldierly instincts. + +This story of the Indian Corps is only a personal narrative and the +opinions expressed in it may not be convincing to all who read it; +however, it has one merit, and that is, it is compiled from notes and +diaries kept by me from day to day, and in which I recorded the opinions +and doings of the principal actors as I observed them at the time, and +not from hearsay or memory alone. + +We were now billeted in and about Lillers, and the first change in the +reconstruction of the Army came at this time. Sir Douglas Haig had just +received his well-merited promotion to General for his fine work as a +Corps Commander during the retreat from Mons and the First Battle of +Ypres. Two Armies were created, and he was appointed to command the +First Army. I had up to then been senior to him, but now found myself +junior and under his immediate command, as under the reorganisation the +Indian Corps was attached to the First Army. + +To the British soldier such supersession is a natural consequence of +promotion for distinguished service in the field. To the Indian soldier +it means something very different, when suddenly thrust on him in the +field, and so it was in this case. To him his commander is everything, +and he looks to him as at any rate his local commander-in-chief, and +when he learns one morning that another, till then his junior, has been +placed over him, he concludes something is wrong. Had the Corps gone to +the Second Army, the Indians would have neither known nor cared what +promotion had taken place, for Sir Horace Smith-Dorrien in command of it +was already senior to me, but as it was I can best describe how they +took it, in the words of an Indian officer who said to me, “Now we know +the Government is displeased with our conduct in the recent battle.” +They have very strong opinions in some matters which cannot easily be +shaken. + +Putting aside any personal feeling, in this case it was a pity it +happened, for it wrongly gave them to understand that it had been done +with a purpose. Of course the necessities of the Army as a whole were +far superior to any personal considerations, but I should have been glad +if it could have been otherwise arranged. However, it was now an +accomplished fact, and from that day to the day I left France no man +ever rendered more loyal or wholehearted service and support to his +superior officer. + +The first duty, now we were in billets, was to overhaul thoroughly, +refit, and practically reconstitute the entire Corps. Our numbers had +fallen very considerably below war strength, but this was partly +remedied by adding Territorial battalions; these were brought on to the +strength as they became available, until eventually five of our Brigades +consisted of one Regular British, one Territorial, and three Indian +battalions, and the sixth Brigade had a battalion of the Special +Reserve; but even with these additions, owing to the limited +reinforcements from India, the shortage in the Regular British +battalions, and the weakness of the Territorial units, which +occasionally amounted to no more than half war strength, the total of +the Indian Corps, consisting of thirty-two battalions of infantry, was +under 21,000 rifles when we again took over our trenches on the 15th +January. + +I have already told of the arrival of some of these Territorial +battalions, but I would again repeat that they were to us all the +surprise of the war—splendid officers and men suddenly transferred from +civilians into veteran soldiers. They will enter frequently into this +story. + +Great changes took place in the commands of the Brigades, which will be +seen by reference to the lists farther on, and I was indeed sorry to bid +farewell to gallant comrades with most of whom I had served in India and +for whom I had the greatest respect as soldiers. I have already +explained the reasons for this, and so will not repeat myself. + +Lieut.-General Watkis, who had commanded the Lahore Division throughout +the past trying months and had borne the chief responsibility during the +battle of Givenchy, was given the K.C.B., a well-merited honour. + +The weather during January 1915 was very trying, being a succession of +rain, storm, and snow, but this did not prevent us from carrying on +systematic training of every kind—attack, defence, trench work, practice +with grenades and mortars, then still in their infancy, and night +operations. Route marching was done daily, gradually increasing until +the men’s feet had recovered somewhat from the results of immersion in +mud and snow. It was a real pleasure to watch the transformation taking +place; limbs long dormant in the trenches were restored to their natural +functions, and the knowledge that the worst was over and a warmer season +would come at its own proper time, cheered all ranks. It was a very busy +time for us all, but there is nothing like hard work to keep men fit and +happy, and the absence of it kills all joy. + +Personally I have seldom been more busy in my life; rain or storm I +invariably rode from ten to fifteen miles a day, and often a lot more; +and although this may not appear much it was a great deal through those +bogs and along those cobbled and slippery roads. By the middle of +January two Brigades had returned to the trenches, and before the 24th +of the month the whole Corps was finally re-established once more about +our old haunt, Neuve Chapelle. The arms, clothing, and necessaries had +been thoroughly overhauled, boots refitted and extras issued, and when +we again entered the trenches I do not think there were many individuals +either in units, departments, or even among the followers, whom I had +not seen. It gave us a fresh start, and the many new officers who had +joined got to know something of their men. + +On the last day of 1914 I gathered together nearly all the British and +Indian officers in the Army Corps; it was a damp, misty day, but they +came to my headquarters at Lillers by motor, lorry, or on horseback. It +was a pleasant gathering, full of interest to us all. Amongst those +present were a large percentage who had served with me in the field, a +few in the Soudan and West Africa, and a great many on the Indian +frontiers, and practically all had been under my command at one time or +another as Brigadier, Divisional and Army Commander. Many a time also +had I had the pleasure of entertaining them as my guests in other +climes, and now they were assembled under one roof and under such +different circumstances. It was for me a solemn occasion, for since we +had last met at Orleans many had gone for ever, and I knew before we +could meet again their ranks would be still further thinned. But no such +passing thoughts prevented us from being a cheery party, and all Corps +were enabled to exchange greetings, and fight their battles over again. +I also took the opportunity of explaining to many of the Indians, who +asked me about the recent changes, that the Indian Corps now formed part +of a larger Army, and was under the command of a very distinguished +soldier, who would assuredly lead us to victory. I am sure they felt +relieved, for the notion had got abroad that they had fallen in the +estimation of the Commander-in-Chief. + +Any exotic when first transplanted must in its new soil be watched if it +is to be a success; this was our task with the Indians, and it was +succeeding by degrees, and at this gathering this was evident. They had +been plunged into Europe, but Asia was assimilating itself with its new +surroundings. It was a far more difficult task, however, than was +realised by some of our superiors, who merely issued orders and expected +them to be carried out. They did not realise that the pawns in the game +had peculiarities and characteristics which must be respected, if they +were to continue as a tangible entity. These matters were left to those +of us who understood the material we had to deal with, and it is +fortunate in some ways that it was so; for as time went on nothing was +more evident than the fact that in the First Army the Indians were +merely looked on as so many thousand men, who must just take their place +in a certain portion of the line and carry on irrespective of their +constitution or the changes which time was working in their ranks. But +it was absolutely necessary for us in the Corps not to forget these +things, and to so arrange that the machine would work smoothly and prove +efficient on the day of battle. + +It was a fine test of the value of the British officer and he came well +out of it, and proved that the officers of the Indian Army are second to +none in positions of responsibility and trust. + + + + + CHAPTER XIII + + +When I look back on those winter days of 1914–15 I recall the names of +many of our great Indian soldiers, and it comes home vividly how much +they had done for our power in the East, and how they had gained the +confidence of the Indians. It was men like John Nicholson, Edwards, +Outram, Hodson, and Lord Roberts who had won the devotion of the men and +tempered the steel they used, and it was their example that in this +twentieth century had enabled England to call to her aid thousands of +loyal men from far across the seas, to fight her battles within a few +hours’ journey and within gun-sound of her own shores. It is an +extraordinary story, and one which we will do well to ponder. Here was a +great country with 48,000,000 of inhabitants, and yet it was found +necessary to summon a few thousands from Asia to defend our cause at our +own gates. I have heard it said that the Indian Corps was only sent to +France to give India a chance of taking her part in our Empire war; +maybe that was partly the idea of those who first originated it, but the +fact remains that the arrival of the Army Corps, just when it did come, +was the respite so sadly needed by the brave men who had wrought deeds +of almost superhuman devotion, but were then outnumbered and all but +overwhelmed by the German hordes. + +Be that as it may, what has our country to say to the fact that whilst +our Indian soldiers were playing the part they did, millions in this +island were waiting on events? Lord Kitchener’s call had rung like a +trumpet through the land, but there had not yet been time for the New +Armies to be trained. Who then could be sent to stem the tide of steel +that was rolling in billows against the battered granite wall in +Flanders? There were none, save those few thousand British and those +loyal Indian soldiers just arrived from the East. There are always +critics enough to say that what was done might have been done better, +but these stay-at-home strategists and tacticians must answer the +question, why they were doing nothing themselves to help in the +trenches, and why did so many hundreds of thousands continue to do +nothing but talk, until they found themselves forced by conscription to +do their duty? And meantime who was helping (even though it was only in +small numbers) to defend their country for them? Helping with ungrudging +valour, and as recompense but a few hard-earned shillings a month. + +When the tongues of controversy are lulled, and we can look back on +facts without bitterness, there will be but one verdict as to the fine +spirit and loyal devotion to duty displayed by the Indians in the hour +of England’s need. + +It was my proud privilege to command these men, and it is my highest +reward that I had their confidence; I ask no other. It was palpable to +me after the formation of the New Armies that whatever might be the +outcome of our doings in France, my own days as Commander were assuredly +numbered. It would in my belief have been the case with any man in +command; that it fell to me was chiefly because I happened to be the +man. + +It is of interest to note here that Lord Roberts, during his visit to +the Corps, had given me some very valuable advice, and promised that he +would bear me out in anything I did acting on that advice. I followed it +out, for it was the only way in which the best could be got from the +Indians. Alas! he did not live to help, when his help was sadly needed; +and though it eventually led to my being relieved of my command ten +months later on, I do not regret it for a moment, for it was my duty; +and in the consciousness of having done that lies a man’s greatest +reward. I will quote some of what he said from my diary of the same day. +He told me that it was absolutely necessary to remember that the Indians +must be used with discretion and not flung into battle indiscriminately. +He gave me his reasons fully, and told me it was my duty to keep those +in higher command reminded of this, and that even if it was an +unpleasant task, it still must be done. He added very positively that it +was only fair to the Army, to the Indians themselves, and, above all, to +the British battalions in the Brigades, who, he added, “will have to +bear a heavy burden in any case.” + +No words of mine could possibly sum up so truthfully and exactly just +what was necessary, and to those who know the trials they endured, it +will be clear that these were the only conditions on which the Indian +soldiers could be asked to give of their best in Europe. + +I write this four years after the event, and hence any spirit of +personal recrimination has, I hope, disappeared; but what can never +disappear is the sense of wrong done by the public to the men who served +under me, and served so well. + +For, what were the facts? Whilst the British forces were daily improving +in man-power, we were going downhill; whilst the type of British +recruits was daily getting better and the best manhood of these islands +was gradually being drafted into their ranks, ours were deteriorating. +Whilst in England the whole country was watching and encouraging her men +to join up, India was kept in the dark regarding the doings of her +soldiers and we had to take whatever was sent us. The whole conditions +were different. + +So long as we remained an Army Corps under the Commander-in-Chief, Sir +John French, he frequently saw the men and spoke to them in words of +warm praise, and even after the Armies were formed he still came more +than once and inspected the Brigades on parade; but as a part of the +First Army the rank and file never saw their Army Commander, except in +company with the Commander-in-Chief, and on more than one occasion the +Army Corps was omitted from any share in the credit it had earned in +hard-fought actions. Indians are very quick to grasp such facts, and +many of their British officers strongly resented but loyally accepted +the situation. As this story proceeds, it will be seen that what I have +stated above is the simple truth, and it will be readily understood that +under such conditions service in the field loses much of the glamour +which all soldiers associate with it, and which even the muddy trenches +of Flanders could not obliterate; and men naturally keen to do their +utmost become by degrees less zealous in the cause. + +On 6th January I was informed that Lord Kitchener hoped to be able to +send us three fresh battalions from Egypt, but this he was unable to +carry out until much later. On 7th January Sir John French inspected two +of our Brigades; it was a stormy day with heavy rain, but the +Field-Marshal said a few words to each battalion, which I translated to +the men, and their pleasure was manifest. Lord French is a very eloquent +speaker to soldiers; he knows what to say and how to say it, and it is +easy to translate it into the language of the East. + +It is a special pleasure to tell of the intense interest taken by Lord +Kitchener in the Indian Corps; from start to finish as Secretary of +State it is not too much to say that without his guiding hand and his +determination we could never have been kept going so long in France. +Nothing was too small for him personally to look into; nothing we wanted +and which he considered necessary was overlooked. His one great idea, as +far as the Indians were concerned, was that as he had initiated their +employment in Europe, so he would see it through. As I shall tell in +this book, at different times he brought his great personality into +play, and insisted on the Indian Corps being recognised and kept up. +Notwithstanding any opinions that may already have been or may in the +future be formed as to his keeping the reins of office in his own hands, +I maintain in our case, no other man could have conducted the business +as he did, and no other man could have more staunchly upheld the name of +India and its Army. + +I had served under him as a Brigadier and a Divisional Commander during +the whole of his seven years as Commander-in-Chief in India, and twice +commanded frontier expeditions during that time, besides frequently +having been his guest; but I never realised until we came to France how +deep-rooted was his affection for our great Eastern possession, and how +wide was his sympathy with its people and Army. Many times during the +first year of the war I was sent for, and every possible aspect of our +employment was discussed by him, and it will probably surprise some as I +tell of the opinions he had formed, and his plans for employing the +Indian troops as an Army Corps. After the lamented death of our +Colonel-in-Chief, Lord Roberts, it became evident that Lord Kitchener +meant to take his place as our special friend. + +During the rest we enjoyed after Givenchy I find many notes made by me, +some of which may prove of interest to those connected with the Indian +Army. + +Campaigning as we were in a friendly country I was altogether against +allowing punishments to be inflicted on either British or Indians, which +might give a false impression to our Allies, or make it appear that +there was a difference in our methods of treating different classes of +our soldiers. Whatever may be thought of field punishment or of +flogging, I am convinced that to administer the former to Britishers, +and thus make them a mark of contempt to the Indians, is altogether +wrong. In the same way to flog Indians (which was permissible under the +Indian Articles of War) in France could only bring unmerited disgrace on +them as a race. There are of course crimes for which flogging is a very +suitable punishment, but this should, like a death sentence, be +inflicted only in very rare cases. + +However, the law was laid down, and all a commander could do was to +mitigate sentences which he considered harsh. With this in view I very +early stopped field punishment being carried out in or near any public +place, and reserved all sentences of flogging, which could by law be +inflicted by junior commanders, for my own confirmation, and except for +most disgraceful conduct this punishment was in abeyance in the Corps in +France. + +Some of the Indians, contrary to my expectations, developed a taste for +learning French. Their efforts frequently led to amusing incidents. On +one occasion I was passing an officer’s private servant, who was +ordinarily a strict Musalman, and would of course never eat meat that +had not been _hallaled_, _i.e._ killed in the orthodox style by having +its throat cut. I observed that his platter contained some beef, which +was not then part of the Indian ration, and asked him how he came by it. +“Oh, I bought it at a French butcher’s.” “But,” I said, “it has not been +_hallaled_; how can you eat it?” My friend, however, explained that he +had picked up some French, and that the “Miss Sahib” (young lady) in the +shop had told him it was, and proceeded to repeat the conversation. “I +went into the shop and said, ‘Beef, Miss,’ and she said, ‘Oui.’ I then +put my finger to my throat and ran it across to explain that it must be +_hallal_, and she at once said, ‘Oh, oui, oui,’ so you see it has been +properly killed.” That Indian was not for being too orthodox in a +foreign land, and that young lady had evidently learned something of +Oriental customs; but the story got about and less meat was purchased +from the stall after that. + +At first the Indians found it very difficult to distinguish between +French and the German deserters, or prisoners captured. A story is told, +which I believe is absolutely true, of a German deserter who managed to +crawl through our front line, and finding himself among Indians, lay +hidden till dusk and then warily proceeded along a path towards our rear +in the hope of coming across a Britisher. He was afraid the Indians +would, according to what he had been taught by his own officers, soon +make mincemeat of him; however, his luck, as he explained, was all out, +and as he walked along he saw two Gurkhas coming from the opposite +direction. Bracing himself up for the tragedy he imagined was on the +point of being enacted, he approached with as much _sang froid_ as he +could muster, but to his surprise the two men, taking no notice whatever +of him, passed on. Our friend breathed once more and felt sure the next +man he met would be a Britisher; but no, his luck was still out, and he +beheld to his dismay a solitary Gurkha, by whose side hung the terrible +_kukry_, the weapon with which according to German ideas these lusty +inhabitants of Nepal were wont to carve up their victims, or decapitate +them with a single stroke. + +Nothing could save the Hun now, and he advanced trembling from head to +foot, for surely the other two had only left him alive through being +engrossed in conversation and hence not having noticed him. He moved on +saying his last prayer, when the little Gurkha suddenly realising his +position pulled himself together and came to attention. The last hour of +the deserter had at last come; the hand of the man from Nepal went first +to his side; it must be the terrible _kukry_ he was about to draw, but +instead of ending the career of the German our Gurkha gave him a smart +salute. The deserter, wondering whether he was indeed face to face with +his brutal and ferocious foe or in a dream, breathed freely and went on +his way. + +At last to his great relief appeared a British soldier, and he now +thought all was well. Imagine his final surprise when he was hailed +with, “What the something are you doing here?” and at the same time he +felt a bayonet point unpleasantly close to his hinder parts. He went +calmly to the guard-room; he had changed his mind about the bloodthirsty +Indians. + +One more story of Indians and Germans. One night a British officer was +out scouting in front of his Corps in “No Man’s Land,” accompanied by +his Indian orderly. The pair had very stealthily approached the enemy +trench and were within a few yards of it, when a German, who had been +watching unknown of course to them, covered the officer with his rifle +and said, “You are a brave man and I do not wish to shoot you; go back.” +They went back; but this time it was the sepoy’s turn to wonder why he +had been told that the Boches were such fiends. + +On the 14th January 1915 two of our Brigades, as I said before, again +took over trenches, and by the 24th the whole Corps was once more +holding a front which extended from a point west of Neuve Chapelle on +the north to the vicinity of Givenchy on the south, connecting there +with the First Army Corps. + +At this time our strength was close on 21,000 rifles, 900 sabres, and +120 guns. During February I learned that it was the intention of Sir +John French at an early date to carry out a big operation in the +vicinity of Neuve Chapelle, and that it was to be the good fortune of +the Indian Corps to take a prominent part in it. The battle of Neuve +Chapelle is what resulted, and that I shall shortly describe. But before +doing so I will deal with certain matters which affected the Indian +Corps, and which may be of interest to my readers. + +The enormous amount of correspondence which had to be carried on not +only gave me an insight into the complications which attended this +somewhat intricate command, but as I look back on it all I see more +plainly than I could at the time that my work as Indian Corps Commander +was doubled as compared with other Corps Generals. In this connection I +remember well the remark of one of them, who was paying me a visit, and +seeing the pile of letters already written and still to be answered, on +my table, said, “I would not change places with you for anything; you +appear to have one enemy in front and God knows how many behind you.” He +was not so far from the truth. Still I would not have changed places +with him, for although the writing work was onerous and generally kept +me up till all hours, it was very interesting; and one felt it was all +so new. + +Amongst the officials with whom I had to carry on a correspondence, or +to whom I sent personal accounts of the Indians, were the Secretary of +State for War, Secretary of State for India, the Viceroy of India, and +the Military Secretary, India Office. These were high officials, but as +I recall the piles of other letters I received and answered, it +surprises me how many people took an interest in or wished to ascertain +a hundred things concerning the Indians in France. The command was a +military one, but the amount of semi-political work combined with it +could seldom before have fallen to the lot of a soldier in a +comparatively junior position in the field in Europe. + +One of the points that up to this time had most disconcerted people in +India, both British and Indian, but chiefly the latter, was that they +received no news of their people. High officials in India, and some of +them in this country, constantly wrote urging me to let something be +known of the doings of the Corps, but those were the days of secrecy, +and recruiting in India was much hampered. It was not common sense to +imagine that India would rush to furnish the large number of recruits +necessary to maintain her contingents, unless the people were at least +told whether Sikh, Dogra, Gurkha or whoever it might be was in Europe or +in some other continent. You cannot describe troops from that country as +“Midland” or “Highland,” and thus give a clue; for the battalions were +largely composed of men of several nationalities and religions, formed +in companies or double companies, and without mentioning the number of +the unit no one could tell what a man belonged to. Yet it was looked on +as criminal to name a corps in any of our communications; whilst the +Germans knew exactly to a man what we had in France. + +Should Indian troops again be employed in Europe, which I hope may never +be the case, the authorities concerned will have enough to go on, to +avoid the blunders made during the war in the matter of reinforcements, +drafts, and reserves. From the first weeks onwards these questions were +a puzzle. + +Imagine a cold winter’s day in Flanders; a biting wind, perhaps snow +falling, and a hundred odd, unwilling and unfit reservists from the +tropics, standing shivering. The sound of the guns was more or less +incessant; overhead passed one or more aeroplanes; an occasional burst +from an anti-aircraft gun gave colour to the scene, and you have a +picture of more than one inspection of reservists I carried out. It was +unfair to the men themselves, still more to the Corps, and most unfair +to those who had to include them in their ranks and show a battle +strength of so many hundred men on paper. + +Of course these remarks apply chiefly to reservists, and some other +drafts; there was the other side of the picture. Whole double companies +occasionally arrived from other battalions, splendid fighting material +and glad to be with us; and although this meant weakening the units they +came from, that was another story with which we could not concern +ourselves. As time wore on, India found it necessary to fill our gaps as +far as was possible from all classes and parts of the country. There +were at times in a single battalion men collected from nine to eleven +different units, and to those who know the Army, its composition and its +regimental system, it will be very evident how impossible it became to +keep battalions to a proper standard. Had this been the case with the +Indian ranks alone, the British and Indian officers could have worked +great changes, but these had themselves disappeared in large numbers and +been replaced by newcomers, some with a little and many without any +experience whatever of the classes they were posted to. + +Towards the end of January a question was raised as to the reduction of +British officers in Indian battalions. I was surprised to receive a +letter through G.H.Q. asking if this could not be done. Considering our +losses in officers and the absolute necessity of keeping these up to at +least the number then fixed, viz. twelve combatants per unit, I found no +difficulty in proving that not only was no reduction possible, but if +efficiency was to be maintained an increase was necessary. I presume the +suggestion was only made owing to the great shortage that then existed +and the difficulty of finding replacements, but there was no question as +to the answer, more especially as I was well aware that a great number +of Indian Army officers were being employed on Staff duties in England +or with the New Armies then in course of formation. + +During the winter months I received several letters from General Sir +Dighton Probyn. He of course took the greatest interest in the Indians, +and in one he said to me, “I wish I could reverse the figures of my age +and make myself twenty-eight instead of eighty-two. I would then beg of +you to take me as anything, trooper or mounted orderly,” and added that +the shirkers would have a miserable existence to the end of their days, +after the war. + +During January and February 1915 hardly a day passed without my seeing +one or more units, or sometimes a whole Brigade. Often did I enter the +billets and barns, to be greeted by a chorus of cheers and shouts, and +the Indians would gather round and ask how the war was getting on. I +frequently took with me some of the presents received from friends in +England or India, and the varied class of these sometimes caused great +amusement. One kind lady had sent several coloured waistcoats for “the +dear Sikhs,” as she styled them. Amongst these ornate articles was one +made up of patches of every hue under the sun; it was an extraordinary +garment and was trimmed with gold lace. Seeing a party of Sikhs in front +of a barn, I stopped and asked them if they would like some presents +from England, and if so to come to the car and receive them. All but one +sulky-looking fellow came up and I asked why he did not come. They all +said, “Oh, he is a pessimist; he thinks the war will never end; of what +use is anything to him?” I at once took the coloured garment in my hand, +and went up to the man and in his own language asked him, as a favour, +to accept it at the hands of his General. The sepoy took it in a rather +surly manner and opened it, but even his torpor gave way when he saw the +gorgeous coat. All the others roared with laughter, in which he joined +heartily, and putting it on said, “General Sahib, you have altered my +ideas of the war, for this proves that people must still be full of +humour in England, and not as I have heard despondent. I will send it +home to my village, and attach a card to it: ‘Taken by me —— Singh in +single combat with the German Emperor and presented to me on a +full-dress parade by the Commander-in-Chief in France.’” They told me +afterwards that he had become an optimist and very keen all round. + +Against 12th February I find in my diary: “General Robertson came to see +me and stayed an hour—he is a genius.” I do not think I was far wrong. I +only wish I had got to know him years before, for what I found was that +I was a stranger in my surroundings, and nothing more brought home to me +the position of the Indian soldiers. They too were strangers, and far +more of course than I could ever be, for even their language was a +different one. In those days the New Armies had not begun to arrive; the +old traditions still survived, and many of the _élite_ in the higher +ranks still looked on any innovation, such as the introduction into +their ranks of a bushman from Asia, as something which must perforce be +tolerated but not encouraged. + + + + + CHAPTER XIV + + +On the 27th February 1915 I arrived in England on ten days’ leave, my +first from France, and as I had not been home for over two years it was +a pleasant prospect. I did not, however, get my full leave, as I was +recalled on the fourth day, but I could well afford to give it up for it +was in order to receive the decoration of “Grand Officer of the Legion +of Honour” which the French Government had conferred on me. It was very +good of Sir John French to recommend me for this, which I prize as one +of my highest rewards. My four days were very busy ones, and I had the +honour of being summoned to see His Majesty, who made inquiries +regarding his Indian soldiers, and sent them a most encouraging message. +Lord Crewe, then Secretary of State for India, asked my views on many +matters connected with Indians, amongst others the question of granting +them commissions on the same footing as British officers. I have already +written of this. I had the pleasure of a long talk with Mr. Lloyd George +whom I met for the first time. When I left I had, like vast numbers of +his countrymen, no other opinion than that I had conversed with one of +the greatest living men. His assurance that all would be well, and his +magnetic manner, sent me away more convinced than ever that he would be +the man who would eventually guide us to a victorious peace. + +Next day I dined with Neil Primrose, who had been serving on my Staff in +France, and there met Colonel Winston Churchill and many others +prominent in politics. Much of the talk turned on the Indians, and all +were most enthusiastic in their admiration of their loyalty. What, +however, struck me most was the note of something approaching pity more +than one of them manifested at their hard lot. Now there were no grounds +for such; the men were, of course, undergoing great hardships, but so +were others, and if the ordeal was harder for them to bear it was only +the luck of war. What I and many others of the seniors in the Corps felt +was that people in England believed that the Indians could not stand the +severe climate. They, like other mortals, were open to criticism, but +did not ask for pity and resented it, and I was always very careful to +keep my lips closed as to this phase of the situation when the native +officers and men asked me (as they always did) what I had heard about +them in England. + +The following day I lunched with Winston Churchill, and later had him as +my guest for half a day in France. I had first made his acquaintance +after my return from Ashanti in 1901, and every time I have met him +since I like him better. There is something very taking in his +character; he always appears to be quite sure that whatever he is doing +is the best that can be done, and I think he is generally right. I have +met many others who claim to be like this, but are in reality anything +but sure. It is a treat to talk to him, and if I were a young man with +life before me I would sooner serve with him than almost any one I know. + +On the 2nd March I dined with Lord Kitchener; the only other person +present was Colonel FitzGerald and he left immediately dinner was +finished. I had the benefit of a very long talk with the great +Field-Marshal, and some of this I will relate for it is of great +interest. The chief point he dealt with was the shortage of shells and +the necessity for economising ammunition in the field. He urged me to +let it be quietly known to my senior officers that it was criminal to +waste a single round; he said all would be well in due course but at +that time he could not possibly supply the wants. He particularly +pointed out that what we called “registering” and what he called +“shooting into the mist” must be limited to absolute necessity alone. I +was much impressed by this insistence on economy of gun power, and his +clear assurance that we might find ourselves without shells unless this +warning was observed. He made no mystery of it, and as I was leaving +urged me once more to do all in my power to keep down the expenditure +both of ammunition and money. “Each individual can help in his own +degree,” were his parting words. I knew, of course, we were very short +of shells, but after what he said I was more than surprised long +afterwards when I read that he had not let this be understood. + +Another subject which Lord Kitchener discussed was the question of +compulsory service. He was entirely in favour of it, but said his great +difficulty lay in the fact that he knew he would never get a fair +chance. “They will exempt hundreds of thousands in what are called +indispensable positions and will only leave me the chaff.” I suggested +that if he once told the country he must have the men, would he not get +them; and he replied, “You little know all I shall have to fight +against. I do.” Judging by all the wrangling that went on before +compulsory service became a reality, his words sound prophetic now. + +Regarding the Indians he spoke very fully. He did not say it in so many +words, but his meaning was quite clear, and that was that whoever might +try and get rid of them, he meant to keep an Indian Corps in France in +name at least, if not in numbers, but that he would entirely relieve +units as they dwindled, and replace them from Egypt and elsewhere. At a +subsequent interview I had with him four months later he put this very +forcibly and gave his reasons, as I shall tell. + +The months of January and February had passed in what were called quiet +conditions, and during the first days of March we were full of +preparations for the coming battle before Neuve Chapelle. Previous to +this battle, in conjunction with all my Generals and my own Staff, I had +very carefully considered the question of man-power in the Indian Corps, +and I feel justified in stating at some length the conclusions we had +arrived at, and the many battles royal that they raised. I am convinced +I was right, but I was accused by the highest authorities at the time of +a lack of appreciation of the situation as it existed. + +In order to explain myself I will not only state what actually occurred +early in March but will carry on the story to its final solution in +August 1915, when, to my surprise, I was summoned to England only to be +told that certain propositions were before the Government, which I found +if adopted would entirely coincide with my own made five months +previously, and would in point of time be exactly what I had +recommended. I am writing from my diary kept up daily and make no error +in details. To those who were associated with me in the task of +commanding the Corps it will be as plain as it was at that time, that it +indeed needed patience of a degree with which nature had perhaps +insufficiently endowed me, but which perforce I had to adopt; and a +spirit that refused to be subdued even when opposed to the highest +military and political authorities in the field and at home. Even if I +am considered egoistic, I must again say that I had one great advantage, +and that was I knew what I was talking about. + +Armageddon has shown up the impossibility of attempting to rule the East +under purely Western methods, and has plainly manifested the need of +first acquiring some knowledge of what you are undertaking, before you +rush things to a hopeless standstill. + +The many causes I have stated had by March 1915 told so severely on the +Corps that on 8th March I summoned a Conference of all my Generals and +their senior Staff officers as well as my own Army Corps Staff. On this +occasion the whole question was gone into and discussed, and it was +unanimously agreed that I should represent to the Commander-in-Chief +that it would be wise to relieve the Indian battalions then in France as +soon as this could be conveniently done, but in any case before another +winter set in. I knew that our reinforcements would dwindle, and later +on I had it on the authority of the Government of India itself that +there might be a considerable break in our receiving any at all. + +Accordingly I made my recommendations, and at the same time told the +Brigadiers to inform their C.O.’s that I had done so. It was the eve of +Neuve Chapelle, and from many trusted Indian officers I learned that +they had been much impressed by the news that they were anxious to join +in the coming battle and ready to remain on, but they plainly saw they +would lose their good repute unless reinforcements were sent in large +numbers, and one officer put it, “These miserable reservists were sent +away from India so as not to frighten the young recruits.” The truth was +that every officer and man saw clearly that the Corps would soon dwindle +to a mere handful of men, and they also knew that, under the system then +prevailing, it was impossible to maintain their numbers at anything +approaching efficient fighting strength. + +All kinds of remedies were already being adopted, and occasionally +complete companies from other battalions in India were sent to us and +these were generally good. Of course I knew the times were pressing, the +need great, and the arrangements for reinforcing us _nil_, but that is +just why I felt convinced the game would very soon not be worth the +candle. We had held our trenches for five months, we were on the eve of +a big battle in which I was sure the Indians would give a good account +of themselves, and our Territorial and New Armies were lining up and +would, by the time we could be relieved, have arrived in thousands, with +more ready to follow. Then, again, it was plain that the Indians would +be sadly needed in other parts of the world, where they would prove +invaluable and be nearer their own natural bases. Moreover, in France +there could be no chance of leave or relaxation for them under any +circumstances, whereas in Egypt they could quickly be re-formed, +strengthened, and again made fit for service under more congenial skies, +and at the same time others who had not then had the good fortune to see +fighting would welcome the opportunity. + +It was also an important consideration they should be given to +understand that the transfer was in no way intended as a slight on them, +but was being carried out on sound principles and with the object of +making the best use of them in the many theatres of war. A hint that +this was the intention of Government would have been welcomed by all +ranks, whereas to do it suddenly for any cause would rankle in their +minds and never be understood. Everything pointed to the wisdom of +allowing them to leave France as soon as the gap they had filled was +completed by Britishers. This was my conviction and is stronger to-day +than it even then was. + +However that may be, I had indeed fallen on a hornet’s nest. G.H.Q., of +course, had other expert advisers to assist them in their decisions, but +experience gained in India was somewhat discounted when the game was +being played for the first time in Europe, and only those who were +actually playing it could give practical advice. + +My papers teem with suggestions for remedying the shortage of men in the +Indian battalions. Over and over again did I adjust the Brigades, mix up +units, reduce the strength of Brigades, and use every device to still +retain the name of the Corps as “The Indian Corps.” In June I received +an order by telegram to proceed to London where I again saw Lord +Kitchener. On this occasion he said to me, “I will never allow the +Indian Corps to lose its designation; it would be a disgrace to India.” + +Time soothes all things, and as the months passed the battles of Second +Ypres, April 1915, and Festubert, 15th May, were fought, and in both the +Indian Divisions largely shared. I had made up my mind that the same +Army Corps was to remain in France. I had no illusion as to my own +future; after 8th June I saw it must come to an end, how or when I could +not guess, but I believed I had the confidence of Lord Kitchener and +that was my bulwark. To my surprise, in August I was summoned to London +and told to go straight to see him before seeing several other +notabilities. He informed me that the Cabinet had decided to send the +whole Indian Corps to Egypt and elsewhere and that he did not wish it. +He asked me my opinion and I reiterated my previous recommendation, but +added that if he could replace our old units by fresh ones and complete +our numbers the Indians could certainly remain. He again impressed on me +the necessity of keeping an Indian Corps in Europe; said that India +would never forgive us if we removed the Corps as a body, and asked me +to state my opinions to all whom I interviewed. + +Now if there was one man for whom I would do anything in my capacity as +Corps Commander that man was Lord Kitchener. In any circumstances, +moreover, it was better to stick to a decision once made than to go on +vacillating and thus disconcerting and needlessly annoying brave men, +who cannot understand being made the shuttlecock of politicians. I will +not go into further details. I had several other interviews during my +short stay. I was once more in the Maelstrom of Scylla and Charybdis and +went back impressed by two things: one was that if the Indian Corps +remained it would be at Lord Kitchener’s wish alone; and if it left it +would be for reasons other than those I had gathered at my various +interviews. However events followed rapidly; Mesopotamia, Palestine, and +East Africa swallowed up the two Divisions, but not before my own tenure +of command had abruptly terminated. + + + + + CHAPTER XV + + +At the end of February 1915 Sir John French had come to a happy decision +and that was to attack the enemy at some selected point. I cannot enter +here into the reasons, or discuss the general military situation; +suffice it to say that the centre of the objective was to be the village +of Neuve Chapelle, and that it was the good fortune of the Indian Corps +to be in this line, with its left or northern flank resting opposite to +it. Amongst the reasons assigned by him was one which was particularly +apposite to the occasion, viz. “the need of fostering the offensive +spirit in the troops after the trying and possibly enervating +experiences which they had gone through of a severe winter in the +trenches.” + +This, in itself, was indeed a very weighty reason for giving all ranks +an opportunity of stretching their limbs. For over five months on and +off we had lived a tedious life. Our reveille was the morning hate; our +weary day, a long-drawn-out and slow process of avoiding shells, which +we could seldom reply to for there was little ammunition to do it with; +our evenings, an interminable gloom lighted up by German Véry lights and +other fireworks, and our nights a long vigil of tired men, waiting in +muddy trenches for the dawn. No wonder then that the prospect of an +advance, preceded by what we knew must be a sharp fight, cheered all +ranks and revived their spirits. Nothing struck me more during my year +in France than their evident delight when they became aware that the +inertia of the trenches was to give place to something more active. As a +Sikh native officer said to me on the day preceding the battle, “Sahib, +we shall have a chance of proving that the Indian Army can fight and not +only do sentry-go in the _khandak_ (trenches). We shall again be able to +cry, _Fateh_ (victory).” + +Our left rested on the right of Rawlinson’s Fourth Corps, on the La +Bassée-Estaires road, and our right on the Chocolat Menier Corner, from +which point the line was carried on by the First Corps past Givenchy. + +Since those early days of the war so many attacks have been made on a +colossal scale, and such detailed accounts of them have been published, +illustrated, and placed on the stage, that it would be superfluous to +describe what was done by way of preparation. But it is an erroneous +idea to imagine that in those days details were neglected or only +cursorily gone into. Nothing could have been more minutely arranged to +the very smallest item; no Staffs ever more thoroughly studied, checked, +and elaborated essentials than did those of the Corps. From the big guns +down to the men’s boots nothing was neglected by the Staff, commanders, +and other regimental officers. Indeed, as I now study the orders issued +I realise that, although frequently making bricks with but scanty straw, +each blade of that straw was utilised to the greatest advantage. + +Times gradually changed, until the British Army was equipped as no army +ever was before or probably will be again, but the improvements were +gradual, the Staff work enlarged with the experience gained, time was +given officers and men to go into the battle-line after a thorough +training in the requirements of trench or open warfare, and everything +improved until there was little room for improvement left. In the Neuve +Chapelle days, with all our shortage of shells, grenades, etc., there +was no shortage of endeavour, and in that respect indeed there was even +more need to husband our resources and make the best use of them. Even +so, and considering that we had been at war for seven months, it reads +strangely in the official reports of the Indian Corps that in the case +of two Territorial battalions attached to our brigades, and both of whom +fought splendidly, “Owing to the —— and —— battalions having only just +arrived, and not being in possession of any telephone equipment or +trained signallers, communication during the battle had to be carried on +by messengers alone.” + +Yes, times indeed changed, but there never was any difference in the +fighting spirit of the officers and men; they remained as they were from +Mons to the Marne, from Ypres to La Bassée; the same immortal souls, if +anything, even braver, in the hour of sore trial, outnumbered and +outgunned, than in the later days of triumph when the Huns at last began +to realise that + + This England never did, nor never shall, + Lie at the proud foot of a conqueror. + +The object of the operations, as laid down in the First Army operation +orders, was “to force the enemy’s lines in the vicinity of Neuve +Chapelle, and drive back any hostile forces from the line +Aubers-Ligny-le-Grand, with the object of cutting off the enemy’s troops +which are now holding the front between Neuve Chapelle and La Bassée.” +The orders of the First Army were always clear and distinct, and I never +experienced any difficulty in thoroughly recognising their object. It +was sometimes the execution, with the very limited number of guns and +ammunition, that was the difficulty. At Neuve Chapelle, however, we were +locally and temporarily superior in both guns and men, and had we +succeeded in gaining more than our first objective we could have +advanced our line to the Aubers Ridge. Suppose we had done this, the +question arises, was it possible to retain the advantage? Judging from +what immediately followed the battle we certainly could not have done +so. + +Events have since proved that, given sufficient gun power and good +troops, it is always possible to capture the enemy’s first and +supporting lines, but subsequently you must have unlimited munitions to +hold your gains or push on farther. We had not got the munitions, and +did not receive them till long after, and hence any advance up to or +beyond the Aubers Ridge would have resulted in a Pyrrhic victory. In +this connection it makes one think how different were our ideas in those +days, compared with those formed after two years of war, and when +experience had proved that bravery without munitions may enable an Army +to hold its own even against immense odds, but it cannot turn defence +into the offensive, except on a local and minute scale. As I write this +three years have elapsed since the battle of Neuve Chapelle, but our +trenches are still on the very same spot we gained that day, and our +gallant fellows, though but few, if any, of those who fought are still +there, look out on the very same ridge and the remnants of that same +Bois du Biez which cost us dear to attack but which we never reached. +Nevertheless it will ever remain a great day and a great memory, for if +we did not get as far as we had hoped to do, we taught the Huns a very +sharp lesson, and, as far as the Indians were concerned, they learned +that alongside the British soldier they could enter the jaws of death +and triumph. + +The objective assigned to us was the Bois du Biez, a wood of +considerable size, lying just beyond and to the south-east of Neuve +Chapelle, whilst Rawlinson’s Fourth Corps was directed on Aubers and La +Cliqueterie Farm. Farther to the south the First Corps was to assault +the enemy’s lines north-east of Givenchy, and the Canadian Division was +to co-operate by a fire attack along the entire front. The map will show +how the river Des Layes formed a considerable obstacle between the +village and the Bois du Biez, being from six to ten feet wide and from +three to five feet deep, and along this stream the Germans had +constructed strong bridge-heads and trenches. + +At Neuve Chapelle we were to experience for the first time the +scientific employment of 18-pounders for wire cutting, and three +Brigades were detailed for this purpose. The success achieved by the +guns in demolishing these obstacles was in those days a revelation to +us; nothing could have been better done, and wherever the Infantry took +the right line as laid down, the attack succeeded up to all expectation. +The G.O.C. First Army had frequently impressed this on me and he was +right. The pioneers and sappers and miners had done their work very +thoroughly under the direction of Brigadier-General Nanton and every +preparation had been completed before the battle opened. + +Surgeon-General Treherne, who had served with me on the Indian +Frontiers, had arranged the medical side of the operations with a +thoroughness that could not have been exceeded, and which earned the +gratitude of the Indian soldiers; and last, but not least, my Chief of +Staff, General Hudson, had worked out all plans and orders with such +scrupulous care that when the battle commenced I felt it was already +half over, for each and all knew what was to be their share in it. + +A readjustment of our line had been carried out during the night of 28th +February/1st March, whereby the front of the Corps extended from +Chocolat Menier Corner through Port Arthur to the La Bassée-Estaires +road. This front was occupied by the Meerut Division with one Brigade, +the two others being in reserve. The Lahore Division, less one Brigade +in Army reserve, was in Corps reserve. + +About this time the heavy artillery of the Indian Corps (excepting the +2nd Siege Battery, 6-inch howitzers), and with certain additions, was +grouped under Brigadier-General Franks, R.A., as No. 1 Group G.H.Q. +Artillery. This group was ordered to support the operations of the +Indian Corps. The remainder of the Artillery of both Divisions was +gradually brought into action into positions selected by +Brigadier-General Scott, R.A., attached to Corps Headquarters. The moves +were completed by the evening of 7th March. + +The system under which the artillery was disposed was as follows: + + 3 18-pr. Brigades to cut wire on front to be assaulted. + + 2 18-pr. Brigades to cover the southern section, which was not + attacking. + + 1 18-pr. Brigade partly building curtain of fire on roads and + approaches from the Bois du Biez, and partly in observation. + + 1 Brigade 4·5-inch Howitzers destroying enemy trenches. + + 1 Brigade 6-inch Howitzer destroying enemy trenches. + + Siege Battery destroying enemy trenches. + + 1 Section 2·75 inch actually in fire trenches for close support of + Infantry attack. + +The above were the objectives for necessarily the first phase, but the +subsequent objectives laid down did not involve a change of position for +the batteries. + +Considerable engineering preparations had been made in advance, such as +provision of cover for the assaulting Brigade to form up in, +improvements to communications, and provision of light bridges, etc., +for crossing obstacles. + +The Lahore Division had moved forward on 7th March and concentrated in +the area Calonne-Lestrem-Robecq, the Meerut Division concentrating its +troops still farther forward in order to provide the necessary +accommodation. + +By the morning of 9th March the Corps was disposed as follows: + + CORPS HEADQUARTERS. Report Centre, La Cix Marmuse. + + MEERUT DIVISION. Report Centre, Vieille Chapelle. + Dehra Dun Brigade, La Couture. + Garhwal Brigade, Richebourg St. Vaast. + Bareilly Brigade, Holding front line. + + LAHORE DIVISION. Report Centre, Lestrem. + Ferozepore, Farther back. + Jalandar, Farther back. + and Sirhind Brigades. Farther back. + +The Artillery of both Divisions was in action under the orders of the +Meerut Division. The Cavalry, Sappers, and Pioneers were with their +respective Divisions. + +The 125th Rifles and 1 Company 34th Pioneers had been placed temporarily +at the disposal of the Fourth Corps for the road work which would be +necessitated by an advance. The recent addition of some battalions of +the Territorial Force had necessitated a reconstitution of Infantry +Brigades. + +On the 10th March the composition was as under: + + LAHORE DIVISION + + Major-General KEARY (Indian Army). + + SIRHIND BRIGADE.—Brigadier-General Walker, V.C. (Indian Army) + 1st Highland Light Infantry. + 4th Liverpools (Special Reserve). + 15th Sikhs. + 1/1st Gurkhas. + 1/4th Gurkhas. + + JALANDAR BRIGADE.—Brigadier-General Strickland, Manchester Regiment. + 1st Manchesters. + 4th Suffolks (Territorials). + 47th Sikhs. + 59th Rifles (Frontier Force). + + FEROZEPORE BRIGADE.—Brigadier-General Egerton (Indian Army). + 1st and 2nd Connaught Rangers (one unit). + 4th Londons (Territorials). + 9th Bhopal Infantry. + 57th Rifles (Frontier Force). + 129th Baluchis. + + DIVISIONAL TROOPS.— + 15th Lancers. + 34th Sikh Pioneers. + 20th and 21st Companies Sappers and Miners. + + MEERUT DIVISION + + Lieut.-General ANDERSON, late R.A. + + GARHWAL BRIGADE.—Brigadier-General Blackader, Leicestershire Regiment. + 2nd Leicesters. + 3rd Londons (Territorials). + 1st and 2nd Battalions 39th Garhwal Rifles (one unit). + 2/3rd Gurkhas. + 2/8th Gurkhas. + + BAREILLY BRIGADE.—Brigadier-General Southey (Indian Army). + 2nd Black Watch. + 4th Black Watch (Territorials). + 41st Dogras. + 58th Rifles. + 125th Rifles. + + DEHRA DUN BRIGADE.—Brigadier-General Jacob (Indian Army). + 1st Seaforths. + 4th Seaforths (Territorials). + 6th Jats. + 2/2nd Gurkhas. + 1/9th Gurkhas. + + DIVISIONAL TROOPS.— + 4th Cavalry. + 107th Pioneers. + Nos. 3 and 4 Companies Sappers and Miners. + +Aeroplanes and flying machines in general were few and far between in +those days as compared with later times; nevertheless our airmen had +even then shown what these neoteric implements could achieve in the +hands of brave men in war. The Germans were completely taken by surprise +when our attack began, and this was in a very great measure due to the +fearless daring and persistence of our aviators, who had left nothing to +chance. Although I have little to tell in this book of the Air Service +as it then was, it is a fact that the Sepoys, when they first realised +the objects and witnessed the extraordinary daring of aeroplanes, felt +that their epic of the Mahabharat (Great War) was about to be repeated. + +And so the Indian soldiers were, for the first time in history, on the +eve of an offensive battle against the most highly trained and organised +army of Europe. + +For those who merely looked on an attack in force as an incident of the +Great War, the coming battle may have been only a new phase in the +struggle; for me as Commander of the Corps it meant much more. I was +standing on the brink of an experiment which might have momentous +consequences. I was responsible, in my own way, for important issues; I +was, on a very small scale it is true, but nevertheless in a somewhat +similar position to the first Japanese General who met and overthrew his +Russian opponents. It was a question of the East versus the West, and +although I felt sure of my brave men, it remained to be proved how the +East would take it. + +The night of 9th March 1915 will ever remain one of my most inspiriting +recollections. I can recall every moment of it; I did not sleep long, +but I thought a lot; I did not doubt, but the thing had to be made good. + +Many beside myself thought much that night, but I wonder if one felt a +greater joy than I did as I realised that a life’s work was to be +tested. That life had been mostly spent in India, amongst Indian +soldiers, and when dawn proclaimed that the supreme moment was at hand, +I walked into the small garden of my dwelling and felt with Thomas +Jefferson + + That all men are created equal. + +Although the night of the 9th March had been cloudless up till about +midnight, the morning broke cold, damp, and misty. I stood in the +drizzle with my friend Khwaja Mahomed Khan, A.D.C., and as the watch +marked the hour for the intense bombardment, I said to him, “This is a +great hour in Indian history. Praise be to Allah.” And he replied, +“Allah is with us, the Germans’ turn for a thrashing has arrived.” + +The Lahore Division during the early morning of the 10th March moved up +to Vieille Chapelle-La Couture and the area La Tombe Willot-Les +Lobes-Zelobes, the Ferozepore Brigade remaining in Army reserve at +Calonne. + +After some preliminary registration the previously arranged Artillery +bombardment commenced at 7.30 A.M. For the first ten minutes three +Brigades of 18-pounders fired at the enemy’s wire entanglements, which +they succeeded in demolishing pretty completely, as we afterwards found. +For the remaining twenty-five minutes of the first phase of the +bombardment the 18-pounders (eighteen batteries) were covering the area +held by the enemy and the southern flank, so as to prevent the arrival +of reinforcements. During this same period of twenty-five minutes the +4·5-inch and 6-inch howitzers shelled the trenches which were to be +assaulted. + +The frontage attacked was 600 yards, the obstacles being _chevaux de +frise_, thickly wired, generally in one but sometimes in two rows, and a +certain amount of low wire entanglement. The depth of the obstacles +varied from 6 to 15 yards, but owing to their being opposite one side of +a salient only a limited number of batteries could be brought into +action, so that the line of fire was direct. The 9th and 13th Brigades +took position at ranges averaging 1800 yards. The 4th Brigade was +disposed at an average range of 2500 yards, the line of fire being +oblique. + +The method of attack was that in each battery of the 9th and 13th +Brigades fire was concentrated on numbers 2 and 5 guns, whereby two +lanes per battery, or twelve in all, were to be formed. + +The 4th Brigade concentrated three guns on each alternate lane position. + +The allowance of ammunition was 50 rounds per gun, and was fired in ten +minutes. + +Thus twelve lanes were formed, six by having 150 rounds and six by +having 300 rounds expended on them. + +The Garhwal Brigade, which had the honour of being detailed to carry out +the first assault, was commanded by a fine soldier, Brigadier-General +Blackader. I had first met him when he commanded his battalion of +Leicesters in India, and from that day onwards I had learned to respect +him and to trust in his judgement. The manner in which he handled his +Brigade at Neuve Chapelle was good to see, and his report on the three +days’ fighting is concise, and written as brave and modest men write. + +In support of the Garhwal was the Dehra Dun Brigade, commanded by +Brigadier-General Jacob. + +The Bareilly Brigade continued to hold the original trenches, and in +command of it was Brigadier-General Southey, Indian Army, in whom I +reposed the utmost confidence. + +Whatever the qualifications of other brigade commanders in France, I +certainly was fortunate in those who directed their brigades at Neuve +Chapelle. + +And all is now ready for the great attack. In such moments men think and +act according to their own peculiar natures; the Oriental’s thoughts are +generally quite different from our own. I asked a sepoy I had known for +years, and who came out of the battle scatheless, how he felt just +before the assault. This was his reply: “My right-hand comrade had been +looking at a rough map with the names of the villages and trenches +marked in Hindustani. I could read the names, but did not understand the +map; so just before we started I made up my mind to go to my British +officer after the battle and get him to teach me. I had no time to think +of anything else, for just then we advanced.” Splendid fellow! I am glad +I was not the first German who came across his path; but his simple +story impressed me much. He was not wondering what was going to happen; +he was just going to death, if Ishwar so ordained, and if he lived he +was going to improve his military value. + +The half-ruined village of Neuve Chapelle, about to be turned into a +shambles for the third time, lay but a few hundred yards to the front; +boggy fields, torn hedges, and numerous ditches blocked the passages of +the attackers, and the Aubers Ridge beyond looked down on the dead level +country, so soon to mark the triumph of the Asiatic over the Teuton. + +At 8.5 A.M. precisely the Garhwal Brigade rushed to the assault of the +enemy’s trenches opposite the front he had been holding along the La +Bassée road. The order of battalions from right to left was: + + 1/39th Garhwal Rifles (Colonel Swiney). + 2nd Battalion Leicesters (Lieut.-Colonel Gordon). + 2/3rd Gurkha Rifles (Lieut.-Colonel Ormsby). + 2/39th Garhwal Rifles (Lieut.-Colonel Drake-Brockman). + +The 3rd London Regiment was in Brigade reserve. + +The assaulting infantry (except the 1/39th Garhwalis) reached their +first objective without a check, and by 8.30 had pushed through to the +east side of the road joining Port Arthur with Neuve Chapelle. + +The 2/39th, the left battalion of the Brigade, and therefore the one +nearest the right of the 8th British Division, which was attacking on +our left, was met by some rifle and machine-gun fire but had soon +reached the fourth German trench. Scouts were at once sent forward, and +the consolidation of the position commenced. Simultaneously the advance +was continued to the outskirts of Neuve Chapelle, where three +machine-guns and 300 prisoners fell into their hands. + +In this advance Naik Jaman Sing Bisht won the Indian Order of Merit by +fine leading, and Havildar Buta Sing Negi was awarded the same +decoration. Rifleman Gobar Sing Negi received the Victoria Cross for +conspicuous bravery and under circumstances so similar to those which +had won it for his Garhwal comrade of the 1st battalion, viz. Naik +Darwan Sing Negi, on the 23rd November 1914, near Festubert, that it +would appear the soldiers from Garhwal firmly believe that the bayonet +is the best weapon for use in the trenches. He was the leading man of +the bayonet detachment which accompanied the bombing party; was first to +rush each traverse, and besides himself bayoneting several Germans drove +back many more who finally all surrendered. Death claimed him before he +could receive the Cross which he had so bravely won, but it was awarded +posthumously, and his family get the monetary award; whilst his name +will remain a beacon to attract for years his fellow hillmen to the +2/39th Garhwal Rifles. + +Jemadar Ghantu Sing Negi was killed and over 130 casualties were +suffered by the battalion. + +The 2/3rd Gurkhas carried the trenches to their front and secured two +machine-guns. Having arranged for one company each from the 2/39th and +Londons to consolidate the line gained, the Gurkhas pushed on, wheeled +to the right, crossed the Rue du Bois and reached the old British trench +east of Neuve Chapelle. Quickly entrenching they gained touch with the +Rifle Brigade of the Fourth Corps on their left. Major A. Tillard on his +own initiative carried the attack still farther forward towards the +brewery and captured several prisoners. The Indian Order of Merit was +conferred on Subadar Bhim Sing Thapa, Lance-Naik Harak Sing Gharti, +Subadar Major Gambhir, Sing Gurung, Havildar Bahadur Thapa, and Rifleman +Gane Gurung. This latter gallant fellow was the hero of a melodramatic +affair. The 2nd Rifle Brigade from the Fourth Army Corps met the Gurkhas +in the village, and the first thing seen was my friend Gane Gurung, with +his bayonet very close to the stern of a German, who with seven others +were being driven off as prisoners, having surrendered _en bloc_ in a +house to the little Gurkha. Lieut.-Colonel Ormsby was made a C.B. + +The 2nd Leicesters also advanced without a check and by 8.30 A.M. had +gained the road parallel to and east of the Estaires-La Bassée road, +where the battalion began to entrench itself. It was found, for reasons +which will be related, that between their right and the left of the +1/39th a considerable gap existed. Captain Romilly, using his revolver +freely and followed by a platoon of the Leicesters, bombed back the Huns +for over a hundred yards of trench and then with the assistance of +Captain Hobart, R.E., and some sappers who came up opportunely, erected +a barricade. Hobart was awarded the Military Cross, Sapper Sheikh Abdul +Rahman the I.O.M., and Colour-Havildar Chagatta, who had previously won +the I.O.M., was given the Russian Cross of St. George. + +Romilly received a well-earned D.S.O., and Captain D. L. Weir, also of +the same battalion, a Military Cross. The Leicesters are all brave, but +conspicuous amongst them on this day was Private William Buckingham, +who, regardless of an inferno of fire, carried in several badly wounded +men. In doing this he received two severe wounds himself but escaped +with his life and was awarded the Victoria Cross. Poor fellow! he no +longer lives to enjoy his reward; he has added one more to the immortal +dead along the Somme. Several D.C.M.’s were also awarded to N.C.O.’s and +men of this fine fighting Corps. + +In none of these assaults so far had any serious check been caused by +the enemy’s wire entanglements, these obstacles having been destroyed by +the artillery, and only in the case of the 2/39th had any considerable +fire been met before the first trench was reached. + +The 1/39th Garhwalis did not fare so well; their assault unfortunately +took a wrong initial direction, and instead of keeping their left as +ordered on the Rivière des Layes, swung away to the right. Nevertheless, +in face of a heavy rifle and machine-gun fire they reached close up to +the German trenches, but the obstacles had not been destroyed by our +artillery, as they were not included in the marked zone, and +consequently the impetus of the rush was broken. + +During this check the battalion suffered considerable casualties in +British officers and Indian ranks. But although the initial error cost +them dear, it was the occasion for proving the grand material of which +these fine Garhwal Rifles are made. On no occasion in the history of the +Indian Corps in France was it better proved what Indians led by British +officers will assuredly achieve, provided the men have been properly +trained. The capture of the enemy’s trenches here became a terrible +struggle, but the 39th would take no denial. Captains Owen, J. E. +Murray, R. J. Clarke, and Sparrow were killed, whilst Captain Kenny and +Lieut. Welchman actually reached and entered the trenches before they +also shared the same fate. Six out of the total of twelve British +officers gave their lives in a few short moments, and Major MacTier of +the 2nd Battalion, who had been sent to replace Colonel Swiney +(wounded), was also killed later on. + + Faithful unto death. + +The check created a gap between the left of the 1/39th and the right of +the Leicesters. In this gap the Germans held out, and it took much time +and was not without considerable losses that their trenches were finally +captured. + +The Leicesters seeing how matters stood immediately set to work to clear +up the situation, and a party under Captain Romilly, as already related, +using bayonets and hand-grenades, gradually forced the enemy back along +his trenches. Lieut. G. A. Cammell, R.F.A., on forward observation duty, +seeing the British officers were being mown down and that some +hesitation was occurring in the advance, and his telephone communication +having been destroyed, dashed forward and headed the charge, with some +Garhwalis by his side; he and a few of the Riflemen were almost +immediately wounded, and fell, but here again another gallant soldier, +Corporal V. Thompson, 2nd Black Watch, was quickly on the scene to save +the officer, and carried him back, being himself wounded while doing so. +It is pleasant to record that the D.S.O. and D.C.M. were promptly +bestowed. + +Colonel Swiney, the Commander of the 1/39th, who himself related to me +the doings of his Corps on this day, a brave and modest gentleman, was +also severely wounded during the morning; but what he did not tell me +was that he remained on for many long and weary hours, till loss of +blood forced him to leave his command. Subadar Kedar Sing Rawat and +other Garhwali officers did very fine work after the British officers +had been killed and wounded. + +Further help was needed before the end could be attained, and this came +from the Dehra Dun Brigade, whose G.O.C. placed two companies of the 1st +Seaforths at the disposal of the Garhwal Brigade, and these, together +with two companies of the 3rd Londons and one company of the 1/39th from +Port Arthur, finally succeeded in carrying the trenches. + +The Seaforth advance was brilliantly seconded by the 3rd Londons and a +company of the 39th, who carried out a frontal attack with the bayonet +in a most dashing style, but of course with heavy loss. The 3rd Londons, +especially in this their first fight, literally covered themselves with +honour, and I never heard their name mentioned thereafter except in +terms of the highest praise by all ranks of the Army Corps. + +The 1st Seaforths carried out its advance, as it always did, with the +_élan_ and thoroughness of the pick of the “Old Contemptibles.” Captain +Wicks, once on my Staff in India, was wounded, one of the very best +all-round men I ever knew. Captain R. Murray was wounded and died the +next day. 2nd Lieut. C. H. Kirkaldy was killed, and in this short attack +the battalion suffered over seventy casualties. Three N.C.O.’s and men +received the D.C.M. + +I recall a story of the Seaforths during one of my expeditions on the +North-West frontiers of India in 1908. A brigade, after carrying out +some punitive measures on a large village, was retiring over an open +plain scored by deep nullahs. The Seaforths formed the rearguard. The +Afridis, as usual, were following and firing whenever opportunity +offered, but on such ground they had no chance and were kept at a +respectful distance. After the expedition was over the chiefs all came +in to hear the terms of our Government. I asked an old warrior why they +had not followed us more closely on that day. His answer was: “We did +not like those Highlanders; they looked as if they wanted us to come on, +and we had no intention of obliging them.” He was right; the Seaforths +moved deliberately throughout as if they were spoiling for a fight. It +was on this same day that my gallant friend Major Hon. Forbes Sempill, +their C.O., was killed, and the battalion would have given a good deal +to have had its revenge. + +The assault of the 3rd Londons was, as I have already said, a “most +dashing” one. Officers and men vied with one another to be first into +the German trenches. Wherever they all came from I cannot say, but +blessed indeed is the city that can pour forth such men at the call of +their country. 170 casualties marked their share in the battle. Captain +Moore received the Military Cross, and a few N.C.O.’s were awarded the +D.C.M. + +The result of all these operations was that the gap in our advance was +closed, and many wounded Germans surrendered. + +The 1/39th Garhwalis paid dearly on this day. By the time they had +reached the objective assigned to them in the assault the battalion had +been severely mauled, and its subsequent losses brought its total +casualties to 330 out of a strength which did not exceed 600 all told. +Every British officer was either killed or wounded before the fighting +at Neuve Chapelle ended. + +Captain J. Taylor, I.M.S., in medical charge of the battalion, was +awarded the D.S.O. on Colonel Swiney’s special recommendation for +gallant conduct and devotion to duty. + +During the attack of the Garhwal Brigade the Dehra Dun Brigade had moved +up in close support. At 10.45 A.M. the Jalandar Brigade also was ordered +to move to Richebourg St. Vaast, and later, at 2.30 P.M., the Sirhind +Brigade was ordered to Vieille Chapelle and La Couture. + +By 11 A.M. the Dehra Dun Brigade (less 1st Seaforths, detailed to assist +the 1/39th Garhwalis’ advance) was ready to issue from the trenches +along the La Bassée road and to advance to the attack of the Bois du +Biez. Since, however, at that hour the enemy was still holding out in +the trenches between the Leicesters and the 1/39th Garhwalis (who were +isolated) this attack was postponed. The delay was most unfortunate, as +had it been carried out on the heels of the first assault, great results +might have been achieved. + +As will be seen later, even as it was the Bois du Biez might have fallen +to us, but the inability of the British Brigade of the Eighth Division, +on our left, to advance prevented it, and on this and the following days +for the same cause an advance into the Bois du Biez became an +impossibility, as our left flank was entirely enfiladed. + +As I stood that morning expectantly by the telephone, awaiting the first +news of the results of our assault, it seemed as if ages were rolling +by, but when the news came, it was one of the moments I often live +again. “Practically all our first objectives captured.” “Hurrah!” I +shouted, and with such energy that, as the French women at the back of +the house afterwards told me, they thought a bomb had burst inside. And +so it had! The bomb was the birth of a new life for India; the story +that the cables would bear throughout the world, viz. that the Indians, +led by British officers, could drive Germans from their own deliberately +selected entrenchments. That the men who had fought against us from +Seringapatam to Assaye, at Moodkee and Chillianwala, at Delhi, Lucknow, +and Tirah, all classes, creeds, and clans, had banded together under the +Union Jack, and trusting in the inviolable word of England’s King and +the proven valour of their white leaders, had inaugurated a new era in +the history of Hindustan. + +At 3.15 P.M. orders were received from the First Army to push on to the +Bois du Biez, and instructions were issued for the Dehra Dun Brigade to +advance, supported by two battalions of the Jalandar Brigade (the 1st +Manchesters and 47th Sikhs), which had now come under the orders of the +Meerut Division. The deployment for attack along the road running +south-west from Neuve Chapelle was not completed until 4.30 P.M., and it +was nearly dark by the time the troops reached the line of the river +Layes. By 6.30 P.M. a portion of the Brigade had reached the western +edge of the wood, guided in the pitch darkness by a burning house on its +extreme north-west corner. + +The leading companies of the 2nd Gurkhas under Major Watt and Captain +Dallas Smith crossed the road, occupied some houses, and commenced to +dig in at the edge of the wood. Major H. Nicolay was killed during this +operation. A portion of the 9th Gurkhas on the left of the 2nd Gurkhas +also reached the wood. In this advance both battalions moved with the +greatest steadiness under rifle and machine-gun fire from both flanks, +but although suffering casualties, had soon placed portable bridges +across the Layes river and reached the farthest limit attained during +the battle. Subadar Mehar Sing Khattri, 9th Gurkhas, was awarded the +I.O.M. for his daring leading, and Major Watt was gazetted a D.S.O. Of +the conduct of the 4th Seaforths, who were in support of the Gurkhas, +General Jacob wrote: “The 4th Seaforths (Territorials) showed itself to +be the equal of any Regular Regiment.” + +The Germans, realising the position, now made a special effort to turn +our left flank, but the 9th Gurkhas were equally determined that the +attempt should fail, and Lieut. Murray, with a machine-gun, very +opportunely stopped the movement. He received the Military Cross for his +gallant conduct on this and subsequent days. + +At 8.7 P.M., 10th March, Jacob, after a consultation with his Battalion +Commanders, decided to withdraw from the wood to the line of the Layes. +This operation was rendered necessary by the fact that the British +Brigade on our left was unable to make any further advance beyond the +line of the old British trench, which they had captured earlier in the +day. The left flank of the Dehra Dun Brigade was therefore entirely in +the air and exposed to machine-gun fire, and to have held on to the wood +would only have meant being cut off and adding another long list to the +“missing.” + +The First Army Commander considered that Jacob should have held on, but +he was not in a position to judge, and the decision to get back to the +Layes was, in the opinion of all those cognisant of the real state of +affairs, a correct one. + +The position was in fact somewhat similar to that of the 8th Gurkhas six +months later at the fight near Mauquissart during the battle of Loos. In +this case the 8th gallantly held on till it was too late to retire, and +paid a terribly heavy toll. + +During the move back from the wood the following riflemen of the 2nd +Gurkhas behaved with great courage and received the I.O.M.: Hastobir +Roka, Partiman Gurung, Ujir Sing Gurung, Manjit Gurung, and Jagtia Pun. + +At the time the point regarding the position in the wood was much +discussed, and it is only fair to the battalions concerned to say that +they did all they were asked to do. If any man could have remained, +without quite needlessly undue risk, that man was General Jacob. I quote +from his report: “If the Eighth Division had been able to co-operate +with me, I would have been able to maintain myself on the edge of the +wood. As it was I found myself with my left flank enfiladed. The right +flank of the Brigade was also in the air. My information showed me that +the wood was held by the enemy.” He then states that he intended to +continue the advance next morning and had issued his orders for this +advance, but that it was impracticable unless the Brigade on his left +also co-operated. + +The situation at 9 P.M., 10th March, was as follows: + + MEERUT DIVISION + + _Dehra Dun Brigade_ (less 1st Seaforths).—On line of river Layes + south-east of the village of Neuve Chapelle. Both flanks in the air. + + _Garhwal Brigade_ (plus 1st Seaforths).—Holding and strengthening a + line parallel to and about 200 yards east of the road running from + Neuve Chapelle to Port Arthur, with the right practically on the La + Bassée road. + + _Bareilly Brigade._—In original trenches along the Rue du Bois. + + LAHORE DIVISION + + _Jalandar Brigade_ (temporarily at the disposal of Meerut + Division).—In and about the Rue des Berceaux and in Neuve Chapelle. + + _Sirhind Brigade._—Vieille Chapelle and La Couture. + + _Ferozepore Brigade._—Calonne. + +The night of 10th March passed without any particular incident, but work +went on incessantly in strengthening all positions gained. + +The Garhwal Brigade, divided into three sections, had its left in touch +with the Rifle Brigade on our left, which battalion was, however, some +200 yards farther to the rear. The left section was commanded by +Lieut.-Colonel Ormsby, 2/3rd Gurkhas, a soldier who loved his battalion +but had the great virtue of never concealing any faults of his men, and +from him I often obtained the greatest assistance in matters of +discipline. + +Lieut.-Colonel Gordon, 2nd Leicesters, had charge of the centre section, +and where that Corps was stationed there was never any chance for the +enemy. + +Lieut.-Colonel Ritchie, 1st Seaforths, commanded the right section, +consisting of his own battalion, the 3rd Londons, and the 1/39th Garhwal +Rifles. Ritchie was a most reliable officer, and in a short report +written on the spot, the Brigadier had added: “I am much indebted to +Colonel Ritchie for the efficient organisation and command of his +section.” + +Orders had been issued from First Army at 3.45 P.M. placing one +battalion of the First Corps at our disposal. This battalion was to be +employed in working down the enemy’s trenches, parallel to the Rue du +Bois, starting from near Port Arthur, but for various reasons this order +was cancelled at 12.45 A.M. on the 11th. + + + + + CHAPTER XVI + + +The attack of the Dehra Dun Brigade was to have been renewed at 7 A.M. +on the 11th March and all orders had been issued. By 6.30 A.M. the +Jalandar Brigade had commenced to arrive at Neuve Chapelle in support of +Dehra Dun, but there was still no sign of any advance by the British +Brigade on our left. + +At 8 A.M. General Jacob himself visited the Rifle Brigade, but was +informed by the C.O. that “he had distinct orders not to attack without +further orders.” The 2/39th Garhwalis, who had been detailed to move to +the right to protect the flank of the Brigade as it advanced, reported +themselves in position, and that the enemy was crowding into the +trenches straight to their front, whilst the houses and edge of the wood +were manned with machine-guns and men. + +The 2nd Gurkhas were being enfiladed from their left, and the 9th +Gurkhas facing the Germans at 100 yards with the river between them, +were held up. The mist during the morning made observation very +difficult, and it was not possible to bring artillery fire to bear on +the points whence the attack was being retained. + +During the morning of 11th March Jemadar Shibdhoj Mal of the 1/9th +Gurkhas won the Indian Order of Merit for bringing in, with the help of +some of his men, several wounded, under very heavy fire. + +By 12 noon on the 11th it was found that the attack of the Dehra Dun +Brigade could not continue under the conditions, and I issued orders for +it to be renewed on the Bois du Biez at 2.15 P.M., with the Jalandar +Brigade in support. Both Brigades got into preparatory formation, but +the same causes prevented an advance. As it gradually became apparent +that nothing further could be done that afternoon, fresh orders were +issued for the relief of the Dehra Dun Brigade and for the attack to be +renewed on 12th; the Sirhind Brigade of the Lahore Division being placed +at the disposal of the Meerut Division for the purpose. This Brigade had +been ordered up at 7.45 A.M. to Richebourg St. Vaast. + +The Dehra Dun Brigade eventually moved back after nightfall to the +vicinity of Lestrem, in Army reserve, and the Ferozepore Brigade was +directed on Richebourg, to arrive there on morning of 12th. The First +Army had sent a message saying that the Indian Corps should keep in +touch with Eighth Division, but this had, as already explained, been +done all along, the 9th Gurkhas being in touch with the right of the +Rifle Brigade, which corps was directly behind their left. Some +confusion existed as to the dividing line between them, the two attacks +overlapping, both Brigades having been given two common objectives. + +Throughout this day the Dehra Dun Brigade had been subjected to constant +shell-fire and suffered considerably. Whilst this delay was being +caused, some platoons of the 4th Seaforths rose up and doubled forward, +and in doing so had to pass through a heavy machine-gun fire, but +nothing ever dismayed that gallant Corps, which was reported by the +Brigadier as advancing during the battle “with a confidence and +self-reliance that left little to be desired.” + +The C.O., Lieut.-Colonel MacFarlane, and the Second in Command, Major +Cuthbert, were both severely wounded. I can see them now as I first saw +them in France: two gallant gentlemen who at once gave me the impression +of being real “cool-headed Scots,” who would enjoy nothing more than a +tough scrap with a good few Boches. + +I will revert to the Bareilly Brigade, which, as already narrated, was +holding our original front trenches, and had divided their line into two +sub-sections. Before the opening of the battle, advanced picquets had +been withdrawn and all houses in the Rue du Bois evacuated, in case they +should be shelled by the enemy. The main line of defences had been fully +manned, and Brigade reserves were in position by 4 A.M. on the morning +of 10th March. + +Port Arthur was evacuated by the garrison for the period of our obstacle +and wire-cutting bombardment, but rifle and machine-gun fire was +maintained. A German aeroplane which had made an early trip over our +lines had spotted the gathering of troops, and shortly after a rain of +shells was poured into the redoubt, and caused many casualties. The +Leicesters and 1/39th suffered somewhat severely, and the 2nd Black +Watch also had over thirty. + +Communication trenches to connect our own line with the captured German +works had been pushed forward, and three companies of the 4th Black +Watch moved up to take over the _points d’appui_ which were being +established. Shortly afterwards this battalion was withdrawn, but it +reads strangely, in the light of after events, that “it was found +difficult to keep proper communication with this unit as it had no +telephone equipment.” + +I must digress a moment. “No telephone equipment!” Think of it, those +who later on fought so bravely but under what different conditions. The +Indian battalions at least had their ordinary equipment, though at first +on a very meagre scale, and if we owed nothing else to the parsimony of +the Indian Government in connection with all things militant, we +nevertheless owed them one debt of gratitude, and that was, that perhaps +of all the troops in the field in France during the winter of 1914–15, +the Indian Corps felt least the lack of necessaries, simply because it +never realised that a shortage existed; for when things were at their +very lowest ebb they still were in excess of anything we had been +accustomed to in India, even in our palmiest and most festal Durbar +days. + +Before this war I never discussed with Indian officers the policy of the +Government of India in regard to the Army. They knew the position fairly +well, but with an inborn good feeling they seldom ventured to do +anything more than touch casually on what was notoriously the intense +stinginess practised towards the soldiery. If any of those high +dignitaries yclept Members of Council should read anything I write, they +may perhaps feel a passing shame in the thought that whilst they +themselves, to use a slang phrase, always “did themselves well,” +soldiers of all ranks below at any rate that of Major-General were +treated as outcasts in a financial point of view, at all and every large +political or social gathering, at which the civilians lived in luxury, +sometimes casting an eye of patronage on their military “brethren,” +whilst the latter, who had perhaps been undergoing very severe training +at manœuvres, and had only arrived in Durbar camps at the eleventh hour +(in order to make a show in scarlet and gold for the glorification of +the aforesaid civilians), were consigned to some outlying sandhills and +told to shift for themselves: no water supply prepared, no wood at hand +for fires, and no preparations for sanitation. + +Yes, I have in my mind some very vivid recollections of many such +scenes, and they are recalled to me by the remembrance of incidents at +Neuve Chapelle. On this occasion the fault lay not with India, but that +it passed almost unnoticed in the Corps was, as I have said, because the +members of that Corps had been bred in an atmosphere of civilian +selfishness so abysmal that they failed to realise they were no longer +in the shiny East, but were actually considered as good as their +fellows, and would be so treated. + +During the fighting, 10th to 11th March, the Dehra Dun Brigade sustained +over 570 casualties. General Jacob and Colonel Widdicombe, 1/9th +Gurkhas, were given the C.B., and Major Boileau, 2/2nd Gurkhas, was +promoted to Brevet Lieut.-Colonel. + +The attack on 11th March was to have been supported by the Jalandar +Brigade, but, as already described, it could not be carried out, and the +Jalandars in consequence remained out in the preparatory positions they +had assumed for the advance, under a heavy shell and rifle fire. Brigade +Headquarters here had no luck: three different tumbledown houses +selected were shelled in turn, till at last four of the signalling +section were wounded by one projectile which plumped into the room they +were working in. + +This Brigade underwent a two days’ fiery ordeal, both in support and in +moving up to Neuve Chapelle. They had been very exposed and subjected to +a ceaseless fire from big and light guns, in addition to machine-guns +and rifles, and nearly 600 casualties resulted. Some of the units became +much disorganised and broken up, but in Brigadier-General Strickland +they fortunately possessed a commander whom no losses could deter. I +remember well his quiet verbal description of the whole incidents, and +his unfaltering faith in his Brigade, happen what might. Included in +this was his own battalion of Manchesters, a model Corps. + +At 8.30 P.M., 11th March, the situation was as follows: + + MEERUT DIVISION.—At original Report Centre at Vieille Chapelle. + _Dehra Dun Brigade._—Marching back to La Couture. + _Garhwal Brigade._—Holding line gained on the first day. + _Bareilly Brigade._—Holding original line on the Rue du Bois. + + LAHORE DIVISION.—Headquarters at La Couture. + _Ferozepore Brigade._—South of Lestrem. + _Jalandar Brigade._—Vicinity of Rue des Berceaux. + _Sirhind Brigade._—In Neuve Chapelle. + +During the night Neuve Chapelle was heavily bombarded by the enemy. + +The Jalandar Brigade did not long remain in their new situation, as at +midnight they were warned to be in position by 7 A.M. on 12th March, to +carry out a fresh attack in conjunction with the Sirhind Brigade. + +Before relating the story of this advance I must tell of a great +counter-attack made by the enemy. About 5.30 A.M. on the morning of 12th +March, as darkness began to give place to light, the Germans launched an +attack, which covered the whole front of the Garhwal Brigade and +partially enveloped its right. Preceded by a heavy shell-fire on Roomes +trench and almost immediately after on the Crescent and Port Arthur, the +massed enemy came on. The 5th and 18th Brigades R.F.A. soon found their +targets, and masses of Germans were literally mown down by their fire +and that of every rifle and machine-gun in the vicinity. The garrison of +the “Orchard” also opened fire. The waves came on until within 100 yards +of our trenches, when they melted away, leaving many hundreds of dead +and more wounded strewing the ground in front of the Brigade. On this +day the Indian troops had a real taste of killing, and a sepoy said to +me, “It was like a hot-weather dust storm in India and looked as if it +must pass over us; but at the very moment of reaching us it was as if a +fierce rain had suddenly extinguished it.” + +Captain Lodwick, 2/3rd Gurkhas, the machine-gun officer of the Garhwal +Brigade, was awarded the D.S.O. for personal bravery and the manner in +which he had used his massed guns. + +On the right of the 1/39th the Germans tried to work up the trenches and +eventually came into the open; here they again met with a tempest of +fire and were literally wiped out. Lieut. Mankelow, machine-gun +commander of this battalion, was in great measure responsible for their +repulse. He was awarded the Military Cross. + +The enemy consisted of various units of the 6th Bavarian Reserve +Division and troops from the XIXth Corps, who had been rushed up from +Roubaix and hastily pushed into the counter-attack. Another attempt made +by them about 9 A.M. was also repulsed. + +At 7.15 A.M., 12th March, Captain J. Inglis, 2nd Black Watch, had by a +very smart local attack from the Crescent rushed and captured seventy +prisoners. + +During the 11th-12th March, the 2/8th Gurkhas were employed in carrying +ammunition from the Brigade reserve to forward depots in close proximity +to the trenches. General Blackader reported that this duty was admirably +performed under heavy shell-fire. I am glad to record this here, as this +battalion had met with very ill-luck immediately it entered the war zone +in October 1914, and was again in September to go through a thrilling +experience, one which practically destroyed it but has perpetuated its +name. + +Another instance of the shortage of war material in those days I can +recall. The 4th Londons, when pushed up on one occasion to replace the +41st Dogras, had to move up into the trenches without telephones or +operators, and communications had to be maintained by orderlies alone. + +By 6.10 A.M., 12th March, headquarters of the Jalandar Brigade were +established in Neuve Chapelle, and units gradually arrived there. As +already told, they had suffered very heavy losses, and it speaks well +for these gallant officers and men that, with nearly 600 killed and +wounded out of 2600 actually engaged, and having had to take their +punishment whilst in a semi-passive state themselves, they were ready, +nay eager, for the attack which was now at hand. + +The final orders to the Meerut Division had been issued at 3 A.M. on +12th, directing the attack on the Bois du Biez to be resumed at 11 A.M.; +the Jalandar and Sirhind Brigades of the Lahore Division being placed at +the disposal of General Anderson. + +It will be readily understood by all soldiers that in a battle of this +nature the mixing up of brigades and their transfer temporarily from one +division to another, was unavoidable. The objective remained almost +always the same; the Divisional Headquarters were more or less fixed, +and the necessity of relieving tired units was imperative, and so long +as the objective had not been obtained it was essential that unity of +command should not be broken. Later in the battle, as will be seen, the +main attack was placed under General Keary’s orders, who by that time +had his whole Division (Lahore) under his own command. + +The combined attack of these two Brigades was made under the orders of +Brigadier-General Walker, V.C., Indian Army, then in command of the +Sirhind Brigade. He was an old 4th Gurkha officer, had served his life +with that race of men, and wore the Victoria Cross for conspicuous +gallantry in Somaliland. + +The formations ordered were as follows. The attack was to be made on a +two-brigade front, Sirhind on the right, with the 1st Highland Light +Infantry and the 1/4th Gurkhas in front line, and the 1/1st Gurkhas and +15th Sikhs in support. The Jalandar Brigade on the left of the Sirhind +had on its own left the 1st Manchesters, in touch with the 25th Brigade, +8th Division, Fourth Army Corps; next on the right was the 47th Sikhs, +fine fighters always; and on the right of all, the remnants of the +Suffolks and 59th Rifles; leaving no troops to form a Brigade reserve. +The frontage allotted to the Brigade made a total of about 900 yards. + +The hour for the attack had been fixed for 11 A.M., but an order from +the First Army postponed it for two hours, on account of the +difficulties of registration due to the misty atmosphere. + +Bavarian prisoners of the 16th and 21st Regiments who had surrendered, +stated that the enemy in the Bois du Biez had been strongly reinforced +that morning; however, Germans kept coming in all day and surrendering +in small parties; they stated they had had no food, and looked cold and +hungry. + +I several times personally interviewed German prisoners during my year +in France, but I seldom came across the truculent specimens one reads +of; most of those I saw appeared very glad to be on the British side of +the trenches, and of one, at least, after this battle, I have an amusing +story to tell. + +About 11 A.M., 12th March, the Brigadier received a report from one of +his battalions, the 4th Suffolks, that this unit then consisted of but +140 rank and file, and at the same time the 59th Rifles reported a total +strength of 125 men. The shortage had been caused largely by the +casualties both battalions had suffered, but also by the fact that many +of the men were wandering about dazed by the intense shell-fire, and +unable to follow their units. Some gradually rejoined, but meantime, as +the hour for the attack was nearing, Strickland was obliged to readjust +his formations, reducing frontage and bringing his reserve battalion, +the 59th Rifles, into the first line, thus dispensing with a Brigade +reserve altogether. + +No reserve! and two battalions numbering 270 men between them: the Corps +was often expected to make bricks without straw. This reminds me of a +native of India who once explained to me, that the reason why the old +Mogul emperors used very small bricks for all the monuments round Delhi, +was that they cost less than large ones. Perhaps he was thinking of the +Government of modern India. + +At 1 P.M., 12th March, it was reported that the attack of the 25th +British Brigade on our left had progressed 100 yards. Just previously +about a hundred Germans hurried across from their lines and surrendered. +By 2.10 P.M. the Jalandar Brigade was held up, as it found itself in +advance of the British Brigade on its left, and was now under a severe +enfilade and oblique fire from machine-guns and rifles. + +Nevertheless, some 200 yards had been gained, but any further advance +became impossible, as the left flank was entirely exposed to a hail of +bullets. The right of the Brigade made slightly more progress, but to no +appreciable extent. In two lines the Manchesters pushed through a heavy +fire and reached our most advanced positions, losing considerably _en +route_. + +The 47th Sikhs, next on the right, advanced with their usual stoicism. +Six British officers were wounded in quick succession, but the officers +of this good Khalsa regiment feared nothing; perhaps more caution was +needed (?) but praise be to God, such men are not uncommon in the Indian +Army. Subadar Harnam Singh and Captain A. M. Brown were killed. The +I.O.M. was the award of two gallant men, Sepoy Rur Singh and Havildar +Gajjan Singh. The Subadar was posthumously awarded the Order of British +India. + +In the 59th Rifles the C.O., Lieut.-Colonel Eliott-Lockhart, was wounded +whilst moving up to the trenches, and died of his wounds. He had done +his service in that fine corps the Guides, and had only recently got his +new command. He was one of the most refined, gallant, and attractive men +you could meet. In him we lost a tower of strength, and his battalion +deeply felt the blow. Captains P. Hore and T. Reed shared the fate of +their colonel. The first-class Order of Merit (a very rare decoration) +was conferred on Sepoy Zarif Khan. I knew Zarif well. + +The 4th Suffolks on the two days 11th and 12th March lost Captain S. +Garrett, Lieut. H. Row, and twenty-six men killed, while four officers +and 174 other ranks were wounded. When I first saw the Territorial +battalions which were sent to the Corps, I wondered how they would get +on with Indians. After their very first fights, wherever they took +place, I ceased to wonder. I then knew very well, for there is no one +the sepoy more quickly likes than a fighting Englishman, and he found +them in plenty. + +The attack of the Sirhind Brigade was made with two battalions in front +line, 1/4th Gurkhas and 1st Highland Light Infantry, supported by 15th +Sikhs and 1/1st Gurkhas, the last in reserve. The 4th Liverpools were +held in hand for any special work. + +The H.L.I. swept over the open ground, nor stayed their advance until +they were in the German trenches after a sharp bayonet duel, capturing +nearly 200 prisoners. The losses of this battalion at Neuve Chapelle +were very heavy. Of the officers eight were killed, five wounded, and +among other ranks there were 240 casualties. Sergeant-Major A. G. House +and a few N.C.O.’s and men were awarded Distinguished Conduct Medals, +and they were indeed well earned. I mentioned six officers in my +despatch, but was unfortunate in not being able to procure any rewards +to mark their gallantry, although I made every effort to do so. Of these +Captain W. Stewart had already been awarded the D.S.O. at Givenchy in +December 1914. + +The 4th Gurkhas did not have full opportunity on this occasion of +showing their mettle, but in the performance of very gallant deeds Major +D. Young was killed, and Rifleman Wazir Sing Burathoki and Jemadar +Gangabir Gurung earned the I.O.M. Captain Collins was awarded the D.S.O. +for conspicuous bravery, when with his company he rushed a German +trench, accounting for a large number of prisoners, besides many killed. + +The 1/1st Gurkhas lost their Adjutant, Captain G. S. Kennedy, and +suffered a total of seventy casualties. + +In the 15th Sikhs an old comrade of mine, Subadar Gajjan Singh, was +killed. + +In writing the story of any action in which one has been in command of a +part of the attacking troops, it is only natural to try and confine +criticism to one’s own restricted front; but in order to explain matters +it is also necessary to refer to those who were co-actors in the drama. +In this battle there is no sort of doubt that the advance of the Indian +Corps, after the initial success in rushing our objectives in Neuve +Chapelle, was severely handicapped by the inability of the Eighth +British Division of the Fourth Corps to make more rapid progress. All I +know is that the most gallant attempts to advance of the Brigade on our +immediate left, after the capture of the ground gained in their first +assault, proved unavailing; and in consequence, for long hours, running +even into days, we were unable to push our advantage. + +This is not the opinion of one person, but the verdict of every +Brigadier of the Indian Corps engaged in this part of the battlefield; +explicit reports which I have in my possession give the exact hours in +explanation of my statement. + +It was a pity it was so, for had the troops on our left been able to +push on, the First Army might have made a greater success of Neuve +Chapelle than it turned out to be, and it is well to point out that the +Indian Corps, during its year in France, did occasionally carry out its +instructions, but did not always receive the credit in its own Army. +Read the remarks of First Army attached to the Order of the Day issued +by the Commander-in-Chief after Neuve Chapelle, and compare it with +similar Orders of later times. But the Indian Corps had not come from +the Dominions! Did the words “British soldiers” include Indians? I +wonder. + +It was different with the Commander-in-Chief, who did us the honour of +specifically mentioning the “Indian Corps” by name in his despatch of +5th April 1915. + +The only comment made to me by the First Army Commander regarding the +battle was, that if the Brigadier in front of the Bois du Biez had been +a tactician, he would never have left the wood once he had gained a +footing in it. Perhaps his vast experience since those early days may +make him take a more lenient view of our shortcomings in 1915. In any +case that same Brigadier rose to the rank of Lieutenant-General in +France. + +To resume my story. At 4.40 P.M. on the 12th March General Strickland +was informed by Walker that there would be another artillery bombardment +from 5 to 5.15 P.M., at which hour the infantry would again attack. + +During this period the O.C. 47th Sikhs reported that his unit then +consisted of but five British and seven Indian officers, and about 130 +men “as far as he could ascertain”; whilst the Manchesters reported the +battalion as “very much reduced.” + +By 5.45 P.M. on the 12th it was rumoured that the Sirhind Brigade had +reached the Layes river, and it was enjoined on all units that the +attack should be carried out “vigorously,” as the British Brigade on our +left was to assault at the same hour. For various reasons the +bombardment did not take place, in fact, till later, and at 6.5 P.M. the +Jalandar and Sirhind Brigades made their attempt to advance. Meantime, +General Keary, commanding the Lahore Division, had taken over all the +troops of his Division, and issued orders for the capture of the Bois du +Biez “at all costs.” Still no advance was made on our left, and after +covering a very short distance the forward rush was again stayed by the +deadly oblique and machine-gun fire from the German trenches. Casualties +were accumulating, and the wearied troops were getting done up after +their trials of two whole days without rest. + +However, I received fresh orders at 7.20 P.M. for an attack by the whole +of the Lahore Division. Without going into details which would interest +no one, these orders were found to be impracticable during the hours of +darkness, over unknown ground, and I most reluctantly felt obliged to +hold them in abeyance. I feel sure the G.O.C. First Army when he found +what the situation really was, agreed with my decision. At 10 P.M. +orders were received to suspend further forward operations and to +consolidate our gains. The Jalandar Brigade was withdrawn to the Rue de +Berceaux, where it had already once moved back the previous day. + +The battle was fought and won. We had not done all that was hoped for; +we had not captured the Aubers Ridge (nor did we succeed in doing so +until three years later), but as far as the Corps was concerned we had +shown that Indians will face any enemy. + +How changed are some of our notions regarding the enemy, and how +different became our orders as the war went on, from those which +prevailed before Neuve Chapelle. I recall how, after a conference held +before the battle, I left with the impression that Army Headquarters +would shortly, in all probability, be advanced some miles. Places were +named; the _moral_ of the Germans was placed at a low ebb; and perhaps +to encourage all ranks, perhaps because the higher authorities really +believed it, the general impression left on me was that the Hun was on +the eve of receiving a blow so severe that it would be with difficulty +he could recover. Second Ypres, Loos, the Somme, Verdun, Amiens, and +other mighty battles had not then been fought. + +As an indication I will quote only one message received by me during the +battle. It was issued at 3.6 P.M., 12th March, by the First Army: + + Information indicates that enemy in our front are much demoralised. + Fourth Corps and Indian Corps must push forward at once regardless of + the enemy’s fire, using reserves as may be required. Fifth Cavalry + Brigade has been ordered on Piètre. Second Cavalry Division has been + ordered up. + +How often was that splendid cavalry “ordered up”; but although always +ready to do or die, the day was still far distant when the sabre and +lance could be used to destroy the “much demoralised” enemy. + +Neuve Chapelle was the biggest battle up to that time in which Indians, +as a body, had ever taken a share. It marks the beginning of a new era +in the history of that wondrous land; it proved the solidarity of our +Empire in the East; it opened new fields to the peoples of Hindustan, +and it was a living proof of the genius of our race to weld into one +Imperial whole, people so diverse in colour, race, and creed. Are we on +the eve of undoing our own great work? Are we, in our desire to grant +equality to all and every race, rushing towards the goal of an ultimate +dissolution? In the words of the African proverb I would say, + + Softly, softly, catchee monkey. + +The total casualties of the British Army in the battle amounted to +nearly 13,000 officers and men; of which the Indian Corps sustained a +loss in killed of forty-one British and twenty-two Indian officers, 364 +British and 408 Indian other ranks. Wounded, ninety-one British and +thirty-six Indian officers, 1461 British and 1495 Indian soldiers; +whilst the total reported as “Missing” numbered 315. When the actual +numbers engaged are calculated it will be seen that the Indian Corps +bore its full share of the losses. + +The net result of the operations was to advance the line held by the +Indian Corps by about 1000 yards at its northern extremity, and to +straighten out the dangerous salient known as Port Arthur—a point which +had always been a considerable source of anxiety to the various Corps +who had been responsible for holding it. The losses inflicted on the +enemy by the Indian Corps amounted to five machine-guns captured, twelve +officers and 617 men prisoners. Their losses in dead amounted to 2000 on +the front captured by the Indian Corps. After the battle I viewed the +ground to our immediate front, from a ruined tower near the trenches, +and in places it was thick with bodies. + +Every Brigadier engaged brought prominently to notice the excellent +spirit that had prevailed throughout all ranks, and it was a great +pleasure to me to visit every unit, combatant and non-combatant, that +had in any degree shared in winning our first Indian offensive victory. +The delight of the men was very visible, and the toils and hardships of +the long weary winter were soon effaced. + +Of the units engaged, some I have not so far in this book +particularised. The 41st Dogras was serving its maiden campaign. Raised +at Jalandar in 1900, by an old brother officer of my own, as the 41st +(Dogra) Regiment of Bengal Infantry, the battalion received its present +title in 1903. It was a class regiment, and suffered very heavy losses +only eight weeks after Neuve Chapelle. + +The 107th Pioneers was originally raised in 1788, as the 4th Battalion +of Bombay Sepoys. In 1900 it was turned into a Pioneer Corps and became +the 107th Pioneers in 1903. Mysore, Seringapatam, and other famous names +record its war services. + +The 9th Gurkhas was raised in 1817. Till 1894 it bore the name of the +Bengal Infantry in one shape or form, but in that year became Gurkha +Rifles, and its present designation dates from 1904, in which year also +a second battalion was added. Amongst their battle honours are Bhurtpore +and Sobraon. + +The 15th Lancers (Cureton’s Multanis), the Lahore Divisional Cavalry +regiment, was raised in 1858 by Captain Cureton and was then known as +the “Multani Regiment of Cavalry,” and received its present designation +in 1903. It was composed of four squadrons of Musalmans from the Derajat +and Cis-Indus. The regiment fought in Afghanistan 1878–80. + +During the fighting many acts of distinguished bravery besides those I +have described could be recorded had I space, but a few must be +mentioned. Naik Khan Zaman of the Lahore Divisional Signalling Company +was brought to notice for his extraordinary coolness in repairing +telephone lines under very heavy fire. Lieutenant Steven, 4th Black +Watch, most gallantly headed a successful charge on a German redoubt. He +received the Military Cross. Corporal W. Gurdon of the Calcutta +Volunteer Rifles proved himself a very gallant soldier. He was doing +duty with the Meerut Signal Company and was awarded the D.C.M. Private +Duffy of the Highland Light Infantry brought in several wounded under a +very galling fire, and received the D.C.M. + +The Fourth Army Corps, which with the Indian Corps carried out the +attack on Neuve Chapelle, was then commanded by Lieut.-General Sir Henry +Rawlinson. Of all the Corps Commanders I knew him best, and working with +him was a real pleasure. He is so straight and fearless, two unsurpassed +qualities in a great leader, and such he has indeed proved himself in +the Great War. + +[Illustration: NEUVE CHAPELLE 10^{th} TO 13^{th} MARCH 1915.] + + + + + CHAPTER XVII + + +Neuve Chapelle will always remain a great name with Indians, for they +fought right gallantly; they fought as a Corps, with a definite +objective, and they gained a decided victory over the highly trained +army of Germany. We were superior in numbers on the actual front +attacked; we had, it is true, a superiority in guns, and the attack came +as a complete surprise to the Huns; nevertheless, theirs was at that +time the most efficient army in the world, flushed with success, +believing itself invincible, and professing to despise the Indian +soldier. The German race, no matter what its writers may say in the +years to come, will, so far from despising, respect the soldiers of +India, who have established for all time on the sodden plains of +Flanders and in many other theatres of the Great War a reputation that +cannot die. + +On the 14th March Sir John French sent me the following telegram: + + I have cabled following to Viceroy of India. Begins. “I am glad to be + able to inform Your Excellency that the Indian troops under Sir James + Willcocks fought with great gallantry and marked success in the + capture of Neuve Chapelle and subsequent fighting, which took place on + the 10th, 11th, 12th and 13th of this month. The fighting was very + severe and the losses heavy, but nothing daunted them; their tenacity, + courage, and endurance were admirable and worthy of the best + traditions of the soldiers of India. Message ends.” Please make this + known to the Corps under your command. Accept yourself, and repeat to + all troops, my warm and hearty appreciation of their services and my + gratitude for the help they have rendered, which has so much conduced + to the success of the operations. + +Such a generous tribute to the Indian Corps coming from the great +Field-Marshal immediately after the battle was equal to a strong +reinforcement, and his appreciation of my own efforts was not only the +highest reward I could have received, but determined me to hold fast to +my command under any circumstances. + +On the 15th March I received the following telegram from Lord Hardinge, +Viceroy of India: + + “I have just received from Field-Marshal Sir John French a telegram + informing me of the great gallantry and marked success with which the + Indian troops under your command fought in the capture of Neuve + Chapelle and subsequent operations which took place on the 10th, 11th, + 12th, and 13th of this month. Stop.” I shall be glad if you will be so + good as to convey to the Indian troops on behalf of myself, the + Commander-in-Chief, the Government, and the people of India, our warm + admiration of their gallant behaviour and our confidence that they + will ever maintain before the enemy the best traditions of the Indian + Army. Viceroy. + +Naturally all ranks were very pleased, and the Indian officers +especially so. + +During the battle I had ridden into the village of Richebourg St. Vaast, +and came on a company of my old friends the Guides, just arrived as a +reinforcement from India. The village was at the time being shelled, but +our meeting was all the more opportune. I spoke to the men and had a +handshake with the Indian officers. One of the sepoys, who had once +served as my orderly in the Peshawar Division, said as I rode down the +ranks, “General Sahib, if you are in need of an orderly I am with you, +but I must just see one _pukka larai_ (real fight) first, then I am +ready to come.” The Connaught Rangers were also in the village, and as I +passed them they raised a loud yell; it was splendid seeing the gallant +Irishmen just spoiling for a fight. + +On 21st March I visited the trenches in Neuve Chapelle and returned +_via_ Richebourg. The high tower of the church had always been a great +landmark for the Corps, and as I passed it I remarked, “I wonder how +much longer it will stand.” I had not long to wait, as a few moments +later an 8-inch shell struck it fair, and our well-known landmark +disappeared. + +On the 24th I was riding out to make some inspections, when I came on a +party of Japanese officers going round the 4th Gurkhas drawn up on the +side of a road. I watched for some time, and could not but notice the +similarity of build and stature of the two races. A few days later the +veteran General Sir Partab Singh came to see me. His visits were always +most welcome, and his advice _re_ matters connected with the Indians +most valuable. He always kept a few hog spears, much the same as cavalry +lances, and used to assure me he would never be happy until he had used +one on the Boches. His wish was probably gratified when the Jodhpore +Lancers charged the flying Turks and Germans in Palestine in 1918. + +On 28th March I inspected a motor machine-gun battery which had been +sent to the Corps. It looked smart and workmanlike, and I felt as if +England was really waking up and meant business in earnest. My thoughts +wandered away to the very early days of the war, and that night I +earnestly prayed to God I might be allowed to remain in the field and +see the day when the British Army would be equipped as well as and even +better than our enemies; and then, and then, alas! my diary for this day +notes: “Was on horseback all day.” I can recall every hour of that day, +for I saw a great many units, and each one gave me signal proof of its +respect. What more could a General wish? + +My horses were my great delight, and were kept fully employed. “Arabi” +and “Guide” were old Indian friends, and recently I had added a remount. +He was a fine jumper, and if by any chance I was not using one or all of +them, my son, who was one of my A.D.C.’s, was always ready to take them +on, as well as his own. The constant work kept us all fit, and I seldom +had one sick or sorry. + +My brother, who was a retired Colonel in the Indian Medical Service and +had rejoined for the war, paid me a visit in April. He came on +sanitation duty, and we visited several of the field hospitals and +billets together. He had a very wide experience in his profession, and I +was glad to learn that he considered our sanitary arrangements +admirable. He made many valuable suggestions, and his short stay did a +lot to enliven me. + +On 9th April I saw the 40th Pathans, just arrived from China. The +battalion looked splendid. The rain came down in buckets, but I was +never in happier mood; for here was a whole battalion ready for the fray +and up to war strength: a rarity in the Corps and enough to rejoice the +heart. A fortnight later they received their baptism of fire at the +second battle of Ypres. Colonel Rennick, their commander, fell mortally +wounded, and his last request was that his orderly might be with him +when he died. Brave man! his wish was gratified a few hours later. 320 +casualties out of a total strength of 750 made up the debt paid by the +Pathans in three days’ fighting within a month of their joining the Army +Corps. + +The 40th Pathans were originally raised in 1858, and underwent many +changes of name and constitution. In 1890 they were named the 40th +(Baluch) Regiment of Bengal Infantry, and later again designated as +“Pathan.” The Corps received its present title of “40th Pathans” in +1903, and was composed of Orakzais, Afridis, Yeusafzais, +Punjabi-Musalmans, and Dogras. + +Six days of peace were spent in England, and on 16th April I was back at +my headquarters in Lestrem. Sir John French inspected two of our +Brigades and Divisional troops on the 17th and 19th April, and spoke to +the men in his usual chivalrous manner. I translated his speeches to all +ranks, and the men were very pleased. After he had left an Indian +officer said to me: “The _jangi_ (war) Lord is an _asal_ (real) bahadur. +We cannot understand what he says, but we can tell what he means; and +when you translate it we feel as if we had understood all his words as +he spoke.” Sir John certainly possesses the diction which appeals to +Indian soldiers, and they always appreciated his visits. + +Lieut.-Colonel Merewether, who was replacing Sir Frederick Smith as +Recording Officer with the Indian Corps, joined us on the 21st April and +we had a very enjoyable evening. It was sad losing F. E., who had always +been a most cheery companion, and for whom I had established a high +regard, but we were fortunate in having had him with us so long, for he +is a man who will always bear witness to the tenacity of the Indian +soldiers, and at his hands their reputation can never suffer. + +After the battle of Neuve Chapelle the Indian Corps front was assigned +to the Meerut Division. On 24th March we were moved farther north, +having Neuve Chapelle on our extreme right, and took over the frontage +of the 8th British Division; and the Meerut was relieved at the end of +the month by the Lahore Division. + +Prior to this, once again, in order to make the most of our weak Indian +battalions, the Brigades of both Divisions were readjusted as under: + + MEERUT DIVISION + + GARHWAL BRIGADE.— + 2nd Leicesters. + 3rd Londons. + 2/3rd Gurkhas. + 2/8th Gurkhas. + The Garhwal Rifles (both battalions of the 39th having been + amalgamated owing to shortage of men). + + BAREILLY BRIGADE.— + 2nd Black Watch. + 4th Black Watch. + 41st Dogras. + 58th Rifles. + 125th Rifles. + + DEHRA DUN BRIGADE.— + 1st Seaforths. + 4th Seaforths. + 2/2nd Gurkhas. + 1/9th Gurkhas. + 6th Jats. + + DIVISIONAL TROOPS.— + 4th Cavalry. + 107th Pioneers. + Sappers and Miners as before. + + LAHORE DIVISION + + SIRHIND BRIGADE.— + 1st Highland Light Infantry. + 4th King’s Liverpools. + 1/1st Gurkhas. + 1/4th Gurkhas. + 15th Sikhs. + + JALANDAR BRIGADE.— + 1st Manchesters. + 4th Suffolks. + 40th Pathans. + 47th Sikhs. + 59th Rifles. + + FEROZEPORE BRIGADE.— + Connaught Rangers (1st and 2nd battalions amalgamated). + 4th Londons. + 9th Bhopals. + 57th Rifles. + 129th Baluchis. + + DIVISIONAL TROOPS.— + 15th Lancers. + 34th Sikh Pioneers. + Sappers and Miners as before. + +On 28th April I was up in the aid posts of several units then in the +trenches. The Boche, as was his usual custom, had selected one +particular spot to shell, and was dropping them at regular intervals of +time. Naturally I avoided this particular spot, but in passing a short +distance from it I saw a sepoy carrying a load of trench props. He +appeared quite oblivious of danger, as he deliberately walked into the +ruined house that was chiefly receiving the attention of the German +gunners. As he did so, a cloud of dust and smoke rose, timbers flew into +the air, and I thought our sepoy had taken his _congé_ from this world. +I took out my glasses and watched till the atmosphere was clear, when I +saw my gallant friend, apparently not in the least disconcerted, quietly +picking up his props, which he presently shouldered again, and went on +his way. I envied that man his cool contempt of danger. + +The Highland Division, commanded by Major-General Bannatine-Allason, was +posted to the Indian Corps and joined us on the 2nd May. This fine +Division afterwards became the famous “Fifty-first Highland,” commonly +referred to as the “Fighting Fifty-first.” My son in the Black Watch was +with me the day I first inspected them, and two years later was sent to +them as G.S.O., and shared in their glory at the battles near Rheims, +where the Division was sent to assist the French during the big German +push in 1918, and in the final phases of the war. + +Allason had been one of my Brigade commanders in the Peshawar Division, +and it was a great joy getting so fine a unit with us. This Division was +transferred to the Fifth Army Corps on the 31st May, but once more +rejoined us in June and remained as one of my Divisions till 24th July. +Changes of Divisions were of course inevitable, but it was always a blow +when just as we were getting to know them they were taken away. + +In the same way the Eighth Division, which had fought so fiercely on our +immediate left at Neuve Chapelle, joined the Corps on 1st June, and was +again transferred, this time to the Third Corps, on the 26th. +Major-General F. Davies was in command, and I was extremely sorry when +he was transferred to Gallipoli, where, however, he got his chance and +took it, as I knew he would do. Likewise the 49th West Riding Division +(New Army) joined us on 31st May and left us again on 26th June. + +The last Division to join the Corps was the Nineteenth (New Army), +commanded by Major-General Fasken of the Indian Army. They arrived on +the 24th July—strength, 13,400 bayonets, with their war proportion of +officers, sabres, and guns. How Great Britain was awaking to realities! +The Infantry of the entire Indian Army Corps in November 1914 did not +number more than this one Division; and as for the equipment it was an +education to look on it. The Nineteenth stayed on with the Corps and +took part in the battle near Mauquissart in September 1915. + +Amongst many notes and stories sent to me I extract a few giving some +experiences of officers of the Indian Army. On one occasion a medical +officer was extracting a tooth when a small mine exploded under the +trench. He and his patient were both blown sky-high, and on his again +alighting on mother earth he was so dazed that, holding his forceps, he +ran round in circles and finally into a brother officer’s dug-out. With +the greatest indignation he demanded: “What do you call this? War?” +“No,” replied the officer, “a joke.”—Laughter. + +An officer, who had a great friend in a Gurkha regiment, could get no +news of him. One day, whilst kicking a football it went over a low wall; +he jumped over to fetch it and landed on a grave, the cross on which +showed it was that of his friend. + +During my year in France I nearly always found that the French people +were not only willing, but glad, to have officers of the Indian Army +billeted on them. One Vicomte ——, who was at first quite annoyed when he +was told that British officers of an Indian unit were to be quartered in +his château, could not do enough for them after a few days’ stay. With +true French politeness he followed the fortunes of the unit after they +had left, and frequently sent his card up to the trenches with enquiries +as to their welfare. Later on he sent a formal request that all British +officers who came to that neighbourhood might be sent to him. + +For cool pluck a story I was told in France of Captain Wardell, 21st +Punjabis (attached 58th Rifles), is hard to beat. He was one day in the +trenches, which were being heavily shelled, and the men were getting +somewhat jumpy under the ordeal. He was writing, when he suddenly +discovered that his seat consisted of a bunch of fifty bombs. Some of +the men knew this, but Wardell, in order to set a good example, +pretended to make light of it and went on writing. Such examples are +worth a lot in war. + +I often recall the story of a sergeant in the Connaught Rangers, who was +so determined to let the Huns know that that gallant Irish Corps had no +respect for them, that he crawled up one night close to their trench and +shouted: “Ye’ll not lie there and die in peace of old age as long as I +live.” What waste of energy, but what a plucky fellow! + +An officer who had been severely wounded in the head, and carried away +unconscious, woke to find himself in a large hall with Germans, all +talking. Hearing no English he concluded he was a prisoner and proceeded +to try and crawl away, when he was relieved to hear in broad Cockney, +“Where is that officer with the ’ole in ’is ’ed?” The Boches were +prisoners. + +During the battle of Neuve Chapelle a batch of German prisoners, under +escort of a few Gurkhas and Garhwalis, were suddenly caught by the +German guns; the prisoners all lay down flat, but the escort, determined +to set them an example, stood strictly at attention. This is an +authentic story and a very good sample of legitimate pride and good +discipline. + +An amusing incident occurred during the same battle. Lieut.-Colonel Sir +F. E. Smith (now Lord Chancellor), our Recording Officer, had pulled up +his horse by a roadside and was watching some German prisoners pass +escorted by Indians. Suddenly one of the Boches rushed out of the ranks, +and going up to F. E. said: “Mr. Smeeth, oh, Mr. Smeeth, I am so glad to +see you again.” F. E., not recognising him, asked who he was. “Oh, Mr. +Smeeth, do you not remember you saved me in (naming the law case) in +London. Well, a few days ago I was sleeping quietly in my house when I +received the order to come to the war, and before I could realise where +I was I found myself near this horrible place, and suddenly we were +fighting, and I saw Indian soldiers right over our trench, and when I +looked back more Indian soldiers behind us; and I looked along our +trench and saw all our soldiers throwing away their arms, and so, Mr. +Smeeth, not wishing to be in any way peculiar, I also threw down my +arms, and so, Mr. Smeeth, here I am. Oh! save me again.” Lucky fellow to +have been taken prisoner so early in the war. Saved him a lot of trouble +and discomfort. + +The craze for souvenirs in the early days of the war was remarkable. +After Neuve Chapelle, German helmets could be had for the asking, but +shortly after ridiculous prices were being demanded for them. An officer +of an Indian unit relates how he saw a big British soldier with a +horribly smashed leg come crawling round the end of the trench on +threes, with a German helmet hanging from his mouth by its strap. As he +neared the officer the wounded man yapped at him, “Got my souvenir, +sir.” + +The 39th Garhwal Rifles was a remarkably smart and clean regiment. An +officer of another Indian battalion told me that the most impressive +sight he saw at Neuve Chapelle was a dying British officer being carried +by four Garhwali soldiers through all the turmoil, confusion, and firing +with a quietness and tenderness that astonished him. He added, “and they +looked so smart and clean.” + +The Indians at this battle were much impressed by the dash and bearing +of the 3rd Londons. One of them said to me: “What is this they are +saying, that untrained regiments can fight as well as trained ones. You +always told us in India that without long and hard training we should be +of no use in battle. Why is it that this London _paltan_ (regiment) can +fight so well.” I said, trying to look wise: “They come from London and +you from Lahore; there lies the difference. Think it out, my friend.” + +I know no one who is more susceptible to good example than the Indian +soldier. At one time we were billeted in the same village with the +Guards Brigade. In my opinion there is no body of troops in the world to +beat the Guards at anything. One day I noticed a company of one of my +Indian battalions being inspected. It was turned out as cleanly as in +pre-war days, and I said to the Indian officers, “Your men look very +smart to-day.” They replied, “Yes, but we have been quartered near the +Guards Brigade, and although we have seen many of your best regiments we +never saw men so well dressed and drilled, and we are following their +example.” + +I wrote to Lord Cavan who was in command, adding my own testimony, and +he told me he would let it be known to all ranks. + + + + + CHAPTER XVIII + + +On the 22nd April 1915 I visited the town of Ypres, as a guest of +General Alderson, commanding the Canadian Division. From his +Headquarters I went on to Potijze, and from a tower close by scanned the +country towards the German lines. From that same tower six days later +the G.O.C. Lahore Division was (after a forced march northwards to help +our imperilled line) directing the operations of his Division against +the first German gas attack. I had long hoped that the Indian Corps +might be moved north from the slimy dead level flats opposite Neuve +Chapelle, and as this day I surveyed the rolling country north of +Wieltje, and on my return journey about St. Eloi, I determined to make a +request to Sir John French to give us a much-needed change. Had I +succeeded I feel quite sure all ranks would have been delighted at the +prospect, more especially the Gurkhas and Pathans. For here were real +hills, valleys, and woods, and not only pestiferous bogs and almost +treeless fields; but fate ordained otherwise. We were to remain on in +our old hateful haunts to the end. At one time the Commander-in-Chief +actually asked me if I would like a change up towards Nieuport, but it +came to nothing for some reason. + +And yet in a degree my wish was to be gratified, for even as I gazed on +the German lines the Boche was preparing for an immediate attack, the +first with his loathsome gas; and whilst I was motoring round this +attack had begun, over the same ground I had looked across. Next day I +received orders to hold the Lahore Division in readiness to move, and on +the following morning General Keary and his troops were _en route_ to +take part in the second bloody battle of Ypres. + +As I look over my diary the names of numerous places, which had become +as familiar to me as London streets, recur again and again, and when in +1918 the Huns made their great attack on the Lys and as far as the +Nieppe forest, there was little need to refer to the map; I felt as if I +was back in my old haunts, nor could any map have helped me to take in +the situation, so clear did it all appear. But I was not there. Alack! I +was home on a month’s leave in 1919 and spent two days in going over all +the old haunts—two happy, sad days. + +Next day I applied to the First Army to be allowed to run north during +the battle and see my absent Division, but permission was refused. My +Corps was now entirely split up and I could easily have been spared for +a few hours, but of course I could not go, and the remarks in my diary +are not fit for publication. + +After a very fatiguing march of thirty-one miles, the Lahore Division +arrived at Ouderdom on the 25th April. It is as usual not my intention +to describe the events which led up to this battle. The Germans trusted +to the use of gas, a new feature in war, to break through our line and +to capture Ypres. So unexpected was any such method of attack that the +French Colonial Division, on which the brunt fell, was perforce obliged +to abandon its front, and in so doing exposed the left flank of the +Canadian Division on its right. The Canadians drew back their left, +retiring on St. Julien with extraordinary steadiness and gallantry. The +Huns meantime rushed over the vacated ground, killing and slaughtering +the helpless victims of their devilish devices. After heavy fighting and +attempts at counter-attack, by the evening of 24th April our advanced +lines had retired to between St. Julien and Fortuin. Notwithstanding +every effort on our part, the effect of the gas had done its work, but +there was one thing the Germans had not as usual calculated on, as far +as the Canadian Division was concerned, and that was that their foe +consisted of men of the Anglo-Saxon race, and Canadian soldiers cannot +be defeated by any enemy. The Huns had had their turn, the day was not +far distant when they would be hoist with their own petard. + +By the 25th April the attack had been checked in some degree in the +vicinity of St. Julien, and the following day brings us to the date on +which the Lahore Division joined in to help stem the tide. Shortly the +orders of the Second Army (under which the Division now found itself) +were, that it was to be used in co-operation with the French, and on +their right, in an attack in a north or north-east direction from about +St. Jean. The actual time was to depend on that fixed by the French to +deliver their attack. + +The following extract from a letter from the Chief of Staff, Second +Army, to Major-General Keary will explain the situation: + + 25th April. The Army Commander is determined not to commit your + Division to the area east of Ypres until he is sure that the French + plans have matured.... You will only be able to make an attack on a + front of two Brigades with a Brigade in support.... Sir Horace + (Smith-Dorrien) would not wish the Division to press forward unless + the French on your left had already done so. + +These directions were clear and left no room for doubt and uncertainty. +The Ypres-Langemarck road was to be the dividing line between the French +right and the Lahore Division’s left; whilst the Lahore right would be +in touch with the Fifth Corps to the east. + +On the 26th April the Division marched as ordered: two batteries of +Artillery and the Ferozepore and Sirhind Brigades by the road north of +Ypres, and the Jalandar Brigade by the railway south of Ypres. A certain +number of casualties occurred from shell-fire during the march, +especially in the 40th Pathans, who lost 25 men from a single shell. It +is on record that in this their first experience of shell-fire the +Battalion showed no signs of uneasiness, but closed ranks and moved on +steadily. The head of the Jalandar Brigade reached a position of +readiness just south of Wieltje at 10.30 A.M. The Ferozepore Brigade, +finding better cover at La Brique than south-east of St. Jean, went into +a position of assembly there, arriving about 9.45 A.M. The Sirhind +Brigade arrived north-west of Potijze about 11 A.M. + +It had been arranged that the C.R.A., Fifth Corps, would support the +advance with all the batteries west of the canal; and as the enemy’s +defensive line could only be conjectured, two Canadian 18-pounder and +one howitzer battery, in addition to one howitzer and one 18-pounder +battery of the Lahore Division, were assigned to the two attacking +Brigades: a very useful support. The advance of the Lahore Division, +which was echeloned a little in rear, was ordered for 2 P.M., in order +to come level with the French, who were to move five minutes later. + +On the march to La Brique of the Ferozepore Brigade (General Egerton), +Captain Acworth, 55th Rifles (the same officer who had assisted the +1/39th Garhwalis in their night attack on 23rd November 1914), was +wounded, as also was Lieut.-Colonel Murray, Connaught Rangers—a man who +was justly proud of his regiment. In the 4th King’s Liverpools 2nd +Lieutenant Lydden was mortally wounded. + +In order to reach a point from which the assault could be delivered the +Brigades had to cross some 1500 yards of open shell-swept ground. They +were therefore deployed on an east and west line through Wieltje, the +right resting on a farm and the left on the Ypres-Langemarck road. The +Division was to cover 1000 yards of front. + +From the position of deployment the Brigades were to advance under cover +of a bombardment by all the guns available. The order of advance was as +under: + + Right attack.—Jalandar Brigade. Frontage, 500 yards. 1st Manchesters, + 40th Pathans, with 47th Sikhs on the left. Second line—59th Rifles, + 4th Suffolks, following right and left battalions. + + Left attack.—Ferozepore Brigade. 129th Baluchis, 57th Rifles with + Connaught Rangers on the left and nearest the French. Behind the + Connaughts the 4th Londons were in support, and the 9th Bhopals were + in reserve. + +The attack started punctually and moved forward unchecked, but losing +heavily from shell-fire. During the advance the Jalandar Brigade +inclined to its left, and pressed the left of the Ferozepore Brigade +across the Langemarck road. After crossing a crest north of the road the +troops came under a very heavy rifle and machine-gun fire, and there was +a tendency for units to bunch behind farm buildings or other cover. But +the line held on, and the Manchesters on the right, together with +portions of three battalions of the Ferozepore front line (Connaught +Rangers, 129th Baluchis, 57th Rifles), all reached the close proximity +of the German trenches about 2.15 P.M.; the 40th Pathans and the 47th +Sikhs on the left of the Manchesters getting within fifty yards of the +trenches also. + +In the Manchesters Lieutenant G. B. Roberts was mortally wounded. In +this battalion the casualties were heavy, as indeed was inevitable from +the nature of the country and the fiery zeal with which they always +advanced. Before midnight they included Lieut.-Colonel Hitchins, the +gallant C.O., killed, of whom it may fairly be said, he lived for his +regiment. + +The Victoria Cross was awarded to Corporal Issy Smith for his +conspicuous bravery in advancing towards the enemy in the face of heavy +rifle and machine-gun fire to help a severely wounded comrade. He +managed to carry and drag him in, a distance of 250 yards, under a hail +of bullets. Not content with this he later assisted in bringing in +several other wounded men. An Indian officer in telling the story said: +“Issy Smith has a V.C. face.” Their remarks are sometimes very apposite. +Several Distinguished Conduct Medals were also won by N.C.O.’s and men. + +The Manchesters at Ypres had just under 300 casualties. The casualties +of the 59th Rifles, in support of the Manchesters, totalled 4 British +officers and 60 others. + +The 40th Pathans advanced rapidly. Lieut.-Colonel Rennick, the C.O., was +mortally wounded and died the same evening. I had known him for many +years; his military life was centred in his officers and men. How fast +the old Indian “Contemptibles” were disappearing! + +The story of the 40th Pathans is the story of the oft-repeated bravery +of the various units composing the Army Corps. I would that I could find +space to tell them all, it would be a joy to do so, but each battalion, +battery, and other formation would need a pamphlet to itself. Through +the leaden tornado officers and men ploughed their way, ever nearing the +goal; whilst on the right, on the left, and centre were being performed +deeds which will oft be told in far-off Hindustan. When the historian of +future Russia describes what the Russian Medal of St. George was awarded +for in the days of the now defunct Czar, he will have cause to feel that +it was never better bestowed than on a heroic sepoy, by name Muktiara, +who, scorning all danger, brought up his machine-gun over 250 yards, +after all his comrades had been mown down. + +Captain Christopher was killed, as also was Major Perkins, when almost +in the German trenches. Captain Dalmahoy with six wounds fought to the +very last, and brave Lieutenant Adams, in the attempt to save him, was +himself badly wounded. Captain Waters was dangerously wounded. Twenty +British and Indian officers in all were killed and wounded. Subadar +Jahandad Khan (killed) and Jemadar Lehna Singh were awarded the I.O.M. +The Pathans recorded a casualty list of 320 of all ranks. + +The 47th Sikhs on the left of the 40th once again dyed red the banner of +the Khalsa. Of 420 bayonets all told who started the fight but 92 +unwounded remained when the carnage of second Ypres was over. Every +British officer save one, Lieutenant A. E. Drysdale, was killed or +wounded during the early stages of the battle. Major Talbot, Captains +Scott and Cook, and Lieutenant Allardice were killed. Drysdale received +the Military Cross. + +The 4th Suffolks, who advanced in rear of the 47th Sikhs, suffered a +loss during the battle of 3 killed, whilst 6 officers and 20 other ranks +were wounded and missing. + +And whilst the right Brigade was doing its part the Ferozepore Brigade +on the left was grimly endeavouring to reach the same goal. The 129th +Baluchis pushed up to within 300 yards of the Hun trenches, with a +casualty list of 230 of all ranks. Major Hannyngton, the C.O., was +awarded the D.S.O.; Sepoy Raji Khan gained the I.O.M., and Sepoy Ghulam +Hussein of the 124th Baluchis (attached) won the I.D.S.M. for bringing +Major Holbrooke, who was lying wounded, into safety through a heavy fire +and gas fumes. + +The 57th Rifles, under the cheery Major Willans, the centre battalion of +the Brigade, with the dogged determination of that distinguished Corps, +reached to within ninety yards of the German defence. Willans was +wounded during the advance, together with two officers, whilst Major +Duhan, Captain Mackie, Subadar Badawa Singh, and Jemadar Kirpa Singh +were killed near the enemy trenches. + +Here too fell Captain P. d’A. Banks of the Guides (attached 57th), an +officer of particular and varied attainments, and one who was marked out +for distinction. His orderly, Bhan Singh, to whom I was talking four +days previously, notwithstanding a severe wound he had received, carried +Banks through a storm of bullets until he fell from overstrain, but some +mark of his officer he must retain, and being unable to do more, he took +off his accoutrements and brought them back. Just like the Guides! + + A glorious tale indeed to tell, their children sing to-day. + For each recruit the Guides e’er need, full ten are on the way, + To join the ranks, to don the drab, to bear the arms of pride, + To march behind the Surnai’s wail, or listen to the battle tale, + To stand erect at tap of drum, and breathe the air the bagpipes hum, + And say, “I am a Guide.” + +Bhan Singh received the I.D.S.M. and later the Russian medal of St. +George. Willans received a D.S.O., and Lieutenant Deedes (gassed) the +M.C. Naik Atma Singh gained the I.O.M. + +Lieutenant Mein of the 55th Rifles (attached) received a Military Cross +for his gallant work. This officer throughout the year of my command +rendered most valuable service. The 55th Coke’s Rifles of the old +Frontier Force added a still greater laurel to their records on this +day. A great friend of mine, Jemadar Mir Dast, who had won the I.O.M. +with me in the Mohmand expedition of 1908, and was now serving with the +57th Rifles, finding that his British officers were all killed or +wounded, refused to leave his trench when the gas forced a retirement, +and there he remained, rallying every one round him and encouraging them +to hold on. After dark, distinct orders reached him to retire, but he +only did so slowly, collecting any stray men he could find. In assisting +to bring in a number of disabled officers he was himself wounded, but +lived to wear the Victoria Cross. The I.O.M. was conferred on Havildar +Mangal Singh of the 57th Rifles. + +The 57th at Ypres suffered a total of 270 casualties, including 3 +British and 3 Indian officers killed. + +The Connaught Rangers, who were on the extreme left, and hence next to +the French Division (as they had been on the extreme right at Givenchy +in December 1914), came under a fierce fire as they topped the ridge, +but pushed on to within 120 yards of the German lines. Corporal Flynn +gained the Médaille Militaire. Sergeant Coldwell, who had already won +the D.C.M., was awarded the Russian Cross of St. George, whilst several +N.C.O.’s and men were gazetted for the Medal of St. George. Fifteen out +of twenty officers present and 350 out of 900 other ranks were returned +on the casualty roll; three officers were killed. + +I have a vivid recollection of my good friends the Connaught Rangers on +many occasions during my year of command. Not the least pleasant was one +at Orleans on the way up to the Flanders front when I had occasion to +speak to the battalion somewhat roughly regarding a certain matter. +Having exhausted my wrath, I was leaving the parade when I heard, “Three +cheers for the ‘Giniral,’” and then followed three such lusty cheers as +I shall never forget. The French liaison officer who had been waiting on +his horse a short distance away said to my A.D.C., “I suppose the +General has been telling them something they like.” Irish soldiers are +the salt of the earth, and they never resent anything so long as it is +fair and square. + +The 4th Londons, who had followed the Rangers, lost two men killed and +an officer and ten men wounded. + +About this time the Huns turned on asphyxiating gas in great quantities. +It was of a yellowish colour, and was distinctly seen in large jets +coming over the German parapet. The gas struck the right of the French +and the left of the Ferozepore Brigade attack, which gave way. The +greater part of our line was affected by this retirement, but the +Manchesters with about 100 Connaught Rangers and parties of other +Infantry regiments, held on to their trenches. At 2.25 P.M. the Germans +counter-attacked these detachments, which were forced back some eighty +yards, where they succeeded in again entrenching themselves. The first +news received at Divisional Headquarters was a telephone message from +the Jalandar Brigade that the attack had failed, and that troops were +falling back everywhere, together with the French. Shortly afterwards +the Ferozepore Brigade reported that the attack was held up, that the +centre of the Brigade was well up, but the French were retiring. At 2.35 +P.M., in consequence of these reports, the Sirhind Brigade was ordered +to move to La Brique to be ready for any emergency in that direction. + +When the gas first caught our bewildered troops, totally unprepared for +such devices, and forced them to retire rapidly, such was the confusion +amongst units, British, Indian, and French, that an Indian havildar +shouted out, “_Khabardar, Jehannam pahunche_” (“Look out, we’ve arrived +in Hell”). + +But even so the gates of Hell can be held by brave men, and of such were +Major Deacon of the Connaughts and Lieutenant Henderson of the +Manchesters, with many of their own men and small parties of Indians, +who held out for many hours, unconquerable! Major Deacon as well as +Captain Ingham of the same regiment won the D.S.O., and Henderson +received a Military Cross. They were eventually relieved by Captain +Tarrant and a detachment of the Highland Light Infantry next day, and +this detachment also held on until itself relieved on the 28th. An +heroic episode! Tarrant’s name always brings home to me the fact that, +notwithstanding the earnest endeavour of the higher authorities to do +justice to all, failure must sometimes occur. He had served with +distinction at Givenchy and Neuve Chapelle, and at Ypres he paid the +supreme penalty, dying a glorious death. I had mentioned him in previous +despatches, and always feel how well he (and many others) had deserved a +reward. + +About 3 P.M., 26th April, General Keary ordered the Sirhind Brigade to +send up the Highland Light Infantry and 4th Gurkhas to the Jalandar +Brigade, in order to carry that Brigade forward. Meanwhile the +Ferozepore Brigade was ordered to hold on as best they could to support +the movement and if possible to gain ground. At 3.30 P.M. the Ferozepore +Brigade reported that the French line was restored. This was confirmed +later by a message from the Second Army, which said that though the +French attack had failed at first, it was now pressing forward. The +Ferozepore Brigade was then ordered to push up reinforcements to assist +the two companies Connaught Rangers who were near the German trenches. + +The G.O.C. Jalandar Brigade reported that the shell and rifle fire, +especially the former, was still so heavy that he considered it would be +a useless loss of life to push forward the Highland Light Infantry and +4th Gurkhas, and the orders were cancelled. + +News was received after 6 P.M. from the Canadian Division that the +Northumberland Brigade had taken the trenches in front of St. Julien, +and that the French had taken Lizerne. The 15th Sikhs and 4th Gurkhas +were ordered up from the Sirhind Brigade to the Ferozepore Brigade to +allow of a fresh attack being organised. At 7.45 P.M. these two +battalions, supported by the 9th Bhopal Infantry, advanced under the +orders of Lieut.-Colonel Hill, 15th Sikhs, their left resting on the +Langemarck road. They reached a point about 300 yards in front of old +British trenches, discovered Major Deacon and his gallant band, and +established touch with the Manchesters on their right and the French on +their left; but as the position of the German trenches was still +uncertain, and as no other troops showed signs of advancing, they halted +and entrenched themselves. + +It is pleasant to record that amongst the D.C.M.’s earned during this +battle was one given to Sergeant F. Birley of the Madras Volunteer +Rifles, attached Motor Cycle Corps, for sustained gallantry extending +over several days. + +At 12.30 A.M. on 27th April General Keary ordered the relief of the +Jalandar Brigade by the Sirhind Brigade in the front line. On the +completion of this by 3 A.M. the Ferozepore and Jalandar Brigades moved +back to La Brique, whilst the Sirhind Brigade, assisted by the 34th +Pioneers and 3rd Sappers and Miners, set to work to strengthen the +position. + +Major W. Maxwell, R.E., received a D.S.O. for his continued gallantry as +C.O. of the Divisional Signal Company. He was spoken of in terms of the +very highest praise by all who had observed his work. Four others, +N.C.O.’s and men (two British and two Indian), received rewards for +their gallant work with the same company. + +On this day none of the exact locations of the German defences were +known. The Divisional Artillery had not had time to register, nor to +find good observation stations. In consequence, the artillery fire was +not sufficiently accurate to subdue the musketry, to the degree +necessary to enable a successful attack to be carried out over the very +open ground which was the scene of the contest. The German position ran +along a ridge at the top of a gentle slope, and the attack was fully +exposed to a frontal and enfilade fire. In addition it was subjected to +the unchecked fire of a numerous and powerful Artillery. Under the +circumstances, and notwithstanding the utmost efforts of the gunners, +the resistance could not be overcome. + +Owing to the difficulty of gaining any information of the enemy +trenches, it was imperative that reconnaissances should somehow be made +by night, and whenever daring is necessary the British officer only +needs the word. The corps of Royal Engineers keeps a large reserve of +this indispensable article in hand ready for use, and in the persons of +Captain Kisch and Nosworthy, young in years but by this time experienced +campaigners, two volunteers were found to undertake this task. It was +well carried out, under conditions of imminent danger, and a very +satisfactory report and sketch of a large part of the German front +trenches was obtained. Kisch was wounded during his reconnaissance, but +got back safely, and for his services in France and later in Mesopotamia +was awarded the D.S.O. Nosworthy, who was already suffering from gas +poison, was severely wounded the following day and well earned the +Military Cross he received. The information furnished by these two +officers proved of great assistance in carrying out the operations on +the following days. + + + + + CHAPTER XIX + + +At 9.30 A.M., 27th April, a copy of the French Operation Orders was +received from Second Army. From these it became apparent that the French +were to continue the offensive both from the west and the south. From +this latter direction the Moroccan Brigade of Colonel Savy was to +attack, as before, along the west of the Langemarck road. Arrangements +for co-operating with this Brigade were therefore put in hand. The +Artillery bombardment was timed by the French to begin at 12.30 P.M. and +the assault at 1.15 P.M. + +At 11.20 a message was received from the Second Army, giving the +intentions of the Army commander as regards the action to be taken by +the Lahore Division. In this it was made clear that the Division was to +be prepared to take advantage at once of any advance made by the French +to gain ground; but that it was not to be committed to the attack until +the advance of the French had assured the safety of its left flank. The +Artillery of the Fifth Corps and Lahore Division, which bore on the line +of advance, were to co-operate. The Headquarters of the 27th and +Canadian Divisional Artillery were in dug-outs close beside that +occupied by Lahore Division Headquarters at Potijze. The following were +the dispositions: Sirhind Brigade to attack with their right on an +oblong farm, and the left along the Langemarck road. 1/4th Gurkhas on +the right, 1/1st Gurkhas on the left. In support were a part of the +Highland Light Infantry and the 15th Sikhs and 4th King’s Liverpools. +The Ferozepore Brigade was to prolong the Sirhind Brigade’s right and to +move forward under cover of the bombardment, so as to be up in line with +Sirhind Brigade at 1.15 P.M. 9th Bhopals on the right, 4th Londons on +the left, in touch with Sirhind’s right. The Connaught Rangers in +support, with the 57th Rifles and 129th Baluchis in reserve. + +As has already been stated, not only were many of these units very weak +before the battle, but had after the previous day’s losses dwindled to +shadows of battalions. + +At 12.20 P.M., 27th April, the Ferozepore Brigade started and their +advance was systematically reported. The Sirhind Brigade advanced before +the time fixed and by 1.15 P.M., when the bombardment ceased, the +leading battalions of this Brigade had reached the edge of some enclosed +ground on the slope towards the valley. The heavy enfilade fire caused +the 1/1st Gurkhas to swing north-north-west to face it. The 4th Gurkhas +maintained their direction but were held up. At 1.30 P.M. it was +reported to the Divisional commander that the French were attacking to +the north-west of an adjoining farm, and though losing heavily were +continuing to form a firing-line. Our own front line was also reported +as being checked and suffering heavy loss. + +In its advance the Sirhind Brigade had to pass through heavy machine-gun +and rifle fire, and casualties came fast. Before a party of the 4th +Gurkhas had reached an old farmhouse, which they tenaciously held, the +C.O., Major Brodhurst, had been killed, and his Adjutant, Captain +Hartwell, wounded. Two other officers, Captain E. C. Lentaigne and +Lieut. C. F. Moore, were also hit. The Gurkhas, however, held on to the +farm. A Gurkha officer, Jemadar Nain Singh Rana, was amongst the killed. + +Meantime, the 1st Gurkhas rushed another farm 250 yards from the enemy +trench, which was held by a company till dark. The greater part of the +battalion, however, was held up at some hundred yards farther back. The +Adjutant, Lieutenant St. George, was mortally wounded, and nearly all +the other British officers present were wounded. Rifleman Ramkishan +Thapa won the I.O.M. for a particularly plucky act. + +A fire fight now ensued, which continued till 4 P.M., at which time the +O.C. 4th King’s, seeing that the 4th Gurkhas could make no progress, +decided to reinforce them with part of his battalion. The King’s +advanced with great gallantry, and, although suffering severe losses, +carried the line forward for some distance. A party under Major Beall +got to within 200 yards of the German trenches. + +The advance of the 4th King’s was a very fine feat of arms. Straight +from home they had joined in the tumult of Neuve Chapelle, and this day +by their valour, which would take no denial, had already established +themselves as a veteran battalion. Lieut.-Colonel Allen, the C.O., was +awarded the C.M.G., and Major Beall the D.S.O. A few N.C.O.’s and men +won the D.C.M. The casualties, as was to be expected, were very heavy, +380 of all ranks, including 2nd Lieut. Lloyd (killed), besides eight +other officers wounded. + +The Ferozepore Brigade as it advanced lost heavily from Artillery, and +later from rifle fire. The attack of this Brigade was also eventually +checked. + +It was at this time that Major Jamieson, 9th Bhopals, of whom I had much +to say in describing the fight before Neuve Chapelle in the autumn of +1914, was wounded. He was later killed in Mesopotamia. This battalion +suffered 120 casualties, including Captain Etlinger, the Adjutant, +killed. The 9th Bhopals had in India paid me a very special compliment +by making me a life honorary member of their mess, and I hope I may one +day again avail myself of the privilege. + +The 4th Londons on the left of the Bhopals, keeping touch with the +advance on both flanks, moved on until the general line of both Brigades +was assimilated, when like the others they were brought to a halt. +Captain Saunders was mortally wounded whilst engaged in reinforcing with +his company. Lieut. Coates was also killed in the extreme front of the +advance. Two N.C.O.’s who behaved most gallantly were awarded the +D.C.M., and the M.C. was the reward of 2nd Lieut. Pyper. + +The 1st Gurkhas of the Sirhind Brigade established their line beyond +four heavy French guns, which had been abandoned, and which were thus +enabled to be withdrawn at night. + +An order from the Second Army directing the attack to be pressed +vigorously was received by the G.O.C. Lahore Division at 2.40 P.M., and +in order to give weight to this, the Composite Brigade, consisting of +battalions of the Cornwall Light Infantry, York and Lancasters, West +Ridings, and Royal Lancasters, but numbering less than 1300 all told, +was placed at General Keary’s disposal. This Brigade was commanded by +Colonel Tuson, and left Potijze with orders to push forward and +establish connection with the Sirhind Brigade. If the position +permitted, a heavy bombardment was then to be carried out, prior to a +fresh assault. + +At 4.25 P.M., 27th April, a report was received from the Sirhind Brigade +that their front lines were far enough from the enemy to permit of a +fresh bombardment. This was accordingly arranged as soon as possible, +and all guns opened fire. It began at 5.30 P.M., and under its cover the +Highland Light Infantry (except a detachment who were facing +north-north-west, 100 yards from the German trenches) and the 15th Sikhs +pushed forward, but were temporarily checked, as there was nothing +behind them to give the necessary support. + +The Highland Light Infantry, however, moved on, and eventually in order +to hold its ground, when the French Colonials on the left were once more +forced back by renewed gas attacks, the battalion entrenched itself as +best it could and held on to its position. Captain Tarrant, of whom I +have already written, and his immortal detachment were found still +occupying their isolated trench only 100 yards from the German line. +Allied, British, and Indian soldiers had been driven before the terrible +gas; shells and bullets had swept in tornadoes over them, but nothing +could discourage that noble band. The brave commander paid for his +valour with his life, but the Highlands will long re-echo his name and +treasure the memory of those true sons of Scotland. If posthumous +rewards cannot be given under present rules, the sooner such rules are +changed to meet the exigencies of this great war the better. Is it too +late? + +With Tarrant was his Company Sergeant-Major, R. Bell, who, when a party +of carriers coming up with ammunition were literally swept away by fire, +went out with a few brave men and returned, to wear the Distinguished +Conduct Medal he so well merited. + +The 15th Sikhs, the other battalion in the front line of the Brigade, +was met by severe shrapnel fire, whilst the incessant rain of bullets of +course never varied. Lieut.-Colonel C. A. Vivian was killed. In the +pages of _The Indian Corps in France_ will be found a story of this +officer’s gallantry during the very early days of the war, which I can +supplement by another instance of his keen courage. One night in +December 1914 he asked to see me and did not wish any one else to be +present. He then unfolded a plan to disguise himself and wander into the +German lines. His intention was to gain certain information which he +knew was badly needed. He felt sure of success and said it was well +worth risking, and it was only because of the shortage of British +officers with Indian battalions that he had come to ask permission +instead of going off on his own. He begged me not to mention the matter +to any one, which, of course, I only do now that he is no more. I had to +refuse his unselfish offer, but a few days later his restless spirit +prompted him to go through the adventure related in the book above +mentioned. + +Sepoy Bakshi Singh during the advance repeatedly performed acts of +signal bravery and was awarded the I.O.M. Major Carden, the next senior +officer to Vivian, was killed while endeavouring to save a brother +officer, Captain A. H. Muir, who had been wounded. The 15th Sikhs during +the second battle of Ypres suffered a total of 100 casualties. + +The commander of the Moroccan Brigade, who was in close touch with the +G.O.C. Sirhind Brigade, now informed him that he would assault again at +7 P.M., 28th April. The arrival of the Composite Brigade was expected +before that time, and arrangements for a combined assault were carried +out. + +The French assault commenced punctually under cover of heavy Artillery +fire and the Sirhind Brigade moved forward once more. Shortly after, the +Moroccans were observed streaming to the rear, but observation was +difficult, owing to the clouds of smoke and asphyxiating gas. Suspecting +a counter-attack on the left of the Brigade, the 15th Sikhs wheeled +round to cover the left flank. Two battalions of the Composite Brigade +were also deployed in the same direction, and the Brigade was then +ordered to consolidate its position. The Highland Light Infantry and +15th Sikhs took over the front line, and the two Gurkha battalions and +the 4th King’s Liverpools were withdrawn to reorganise. The 34th +Pioneers and Sappers and Miners were sent up to assist and the Composite +Brigade was withdrawn into reserve. By 9 P.M. our Allies had gone +forward again and touch had been re-established with the Moroccans. The +deployment and advance of the Brigade had been carried out in full view +of the enemy, and during the whole day the troops were subjected to a +heavy enfilade and Artillery fire. They had behaved with the greatest +firmness and done all that was possible to attain their object. + +The Brigadier brought to special notice the dashing advance of the 4th +King’s, and the gallantry of the company 1st Highland Light Infantry +under Captain Tarrant. At noon on 28th April the Division was placed +under the orders of Plumer’s Force, which had just been formed. + +During the 28th and 29th April, various plans for an attack by the +French were arranged and the rôle of our troops was laid down and +communicated to Brigadiers, but the attacks did not take place. By this +time it was known that the German position was a continuous line of +trenches of great strength with strong points here and there at farms +and other houses. During the night of 29th April, the Ferozepore and +Jalandar Brigades were withdrawn to Ouderdom huts under orders from +Plumer’s Force. No attack took place on the 30th April, but a continuous +bombardment was carried on, in which the co-operation of the Canadian +Artillery was specially acknowledged by General Keary. + +At 6 P.M. on 30th April Colonel Savy, commanding the Moroccan Brigade, +was asked to state his intention, and informed the G.O.C. Division that +his losses had been very heavy and that he could not attack without +reinforcements. During the early hours of the morning of 1st May a +message was received from Plumer’s Force giving the substance of a +communication sent to General Plutz, commanding the French Army of +Belgium, in which it was explained to him that the Sirhind Brigade, the +only one available, could be utilised to support the French right in an +attack on the German trench line on Hill 29, and orders for the +Artillery were issued to suit the particular form the attack was to +take, and instructions allotting their objectives were sent to the +Artillery of the Canadian and Twenty-seventh Divisions, which were to +co-operate. + +A message from Plumer’s Force made it clear that General Plutz +understood that the Sirhind Brigade would only advance to the attack in +conjunction with the French, and that their attack would not be +converging. The Brigadier reported that he would move off twenty minutes +before the French, so as to bring him level with the latter when the +assault began. The Artillery was ordered to support this movement with a +heavy fire, and at 2.50 P.M. the Brigade advanced in the following +formation: + + Right battalion—1/4th Gurkhas. In support 1st Highland Light Infantry. + + Left battalion—1/1st Gurkhas; with King’s Liverpools in support. The + 15th Sikhs to hold the advanced trenches. + +It is on record that the Gurkhas were so overjoyed at finding themselves +for once out of a bog that they literally tore over the rolling country +until within 300 yards of the German lines. An officer who was present, +and who afterwards went to Gallipoli, wrote to say that when his men saw +the barren hills there, they shouted, “Hurrah! at last we shall be able +to shoot on a hillside—no more snipe _jheels_ for us.” Oh! if some one +who knew what many of our Indian battalions could do (outside of eternal +mire) had given us a chance in France, even for a short spell, what an +opportunity it would have been of proving once for all that the hillmen +of India with British officers cannot be beaten in hilly country no +matter who the foe. But the depression caused by existence in the same +fetid morass for fourteen long and blood-stained months, without any +change, was enough to turn sour the cheeriest mortal that ever +shouldered a rifle. I make bold to say that no other Corps, Division, +Brigade, or unit in France was ever kept as long on such a narrow, +cheerless front as was the Indian Corps, nor, had they been, would they +have stuck it out any better. + +The right battalion, 1/4th Gurkhas, in its rush arrived near the farm, +the vicinity of which had been the scene of Captain Tarrant’s exploit. +Here they were joined by their supporting battalion, the Highland Light +Infantry. In this operation the rapidity of the Gurkha advance served +them well, as only some fifty casualties were recorded. The Highlanders +had eighty casualties, including 2nd Lieut. McIntosh of the Indian Army +attached to the battalion, killed. + +The 1st Gurkhas only finished their rush when but 200 yards severed them +from the German trenches—that fateful “No Man’s Land,” so familiar to +every soldier, so dreaded by every mother and wife, the Lethean zone +which alone separated civilisation from modern barbarism; that 200 yards +which was more difficult to cross than the 600 leagues over which +Xenophon retreated, or the vast expanses Marco Polo explored. But in the +ranks of the army of Great Britain’s King the occasion always finds the +man. + +Close by the German front was a trench: Who was in it—friend or foe? +Havildar Bhakat Sing Rana of the 2/4th Gurkhas, attached to the 1st +battalion, offered to solve the riddle. With a small chosen band he +crept out and, cheating death, discovered it was held by our Allies. The +Indian Order of Merit could not have been better won. + +The 1st Gurkhas had about seventy casualties in this attack, and the +supporting battalion, the 4th King’s Liverpools, added forty-five, +including Captain Lumsden killed, and Major Beall, who had led so well a +few days previously, wounded. + +I will quote from General Keary’s report, which concisely explains the +movements of the Brigade: + + The leading battalions, moving rapidly forward, advanced without + serious loss, and had passed before the enemy had formed a belt of + Artillery fire on the crest of the ridge on our side of the valley, + through which it subsequently became impossible to advance. Owing to + the German line being better known by this time, and owing to the more + detailed instructions as to Artillery support, the hostile rifle fire + was more effectively kept down on this day. + + The troops advanced into the front French and British trenches. The + ground between them and the German trenches was a glacis slope, and by + 5 P.M. it became apparent that the wire entanglement in front, some + four yards deep, had not been cut. + + At 7 P.M. the officer commanding 4th Moroccan Brigade sent a message + to say that he had decided not to attack. + + Accordingly orders were issued to the Sirhind Brigade to withdraw to + the huts at Ouderdom. Ends. + +During the last four days of the operations the Lahore Divisional +Artillery was chiefly employed in assisting the French. It earned the +thanks of the French Commander for the accuracy and effectiveness of its +fire. General Keary specially brought to notice the great assistance he +had received from Brigadier-General Burstall and the Staff of the +Canadian Divisional Artillery; throughout the operations they had +co-operated with the utmost zeal and cordiality. He also acknowledged +the great help Brigadier-General Stokes and the Artillery of the +Twenty-seventh Division had rendered. + +Of 16,000 combatants of all arms detached from the Indian Army Corps to +take part in the second battle of Ypres, over 24 per cent were returned +as casualties. General Keary, in forwarding his report on the battle, +wrote: + + In conclusion, I consider that the troops did all that it was humanly + possible to do under most trying circumstances. They had to pass along + some miles of road and narrow streets under a hail of shell-fire, + advance to a position of assembly over open ground and from thence to + a position of deployment under the same conditions. + + The Germans had prepared a position which required the most accurate + and intense gun fire to reduce it. Owing to the hurried nature of the + attack it was impossible to reconnoitre sufficiently to ensure such a + fire; nor were the guns registered. During the first two days the + Infantry advanced against a position on an open glacis which was + virtually unshaken. After the first two days only one Brigade was in + action, and its action depended on that of the French, whose right was + unable to advance to the attack. + + In spite of all these disabilities the carrying of the position by the + French and British was only prevented by the use of asphyxiating + gases. + + I think the following regiments deserve special mention for the + gallantry shown by them: + + 1st Manchesters. + Connaught Rangers. + 1st Highland Light Infantry. + 4th King’s (Liverpool Regiment). + 47th Sikhs. + 57th Rifles. + 40th Pathans. + +The following letter was received from the Second Army: + + SECOND ARMY. + + G.O.C. LAHORE DIVISION—Having read the very complete and excellent + report on the work of the Lahore Division in the heavy fighting near + Ypres on the 26th and 27th April 1915, the Commander of the Second + Army is confirmed in the views he formed at the time, that the + Division had been handled with great skill and determination by + Major-General Keary. + + Sir Horace Smith-Dorrien fully realises the disadvantages under which + the attack was made, insufficient Artillery preparation on our side + and an open glacis-like slope to advance over in the face of + overwhelming shell, rifle, and machine-gun fire, and the employment of + poisonous gases on the enemy’s side; and that, in spite of these + disadvantages, the troops, although only partially successful in + wrenching ground from the enemy, effectually prevented his further + advance and thus ensured the safety of the town of Ypres. + + Sir Horace, whilst deploring the heavy casualties, wishes to thank the + Divisional General, Brigadiers, and Commanding Officers and all ranks + of the several Arms employed, for the great service they performed for + the Second Army on those eventful two days. + +[Illustration: LAHORE DIVISION deployed for attack, April 26. ] + + In this respect he would specially mention the following regiments: + + [The corps named by General Keary are then enumerated.] + + (Sd.) GEO. F. MILNE, Maj.-Gen., G.S., Second Army. + _7th May 1915._ + +General Sir Herbert Plumer also wrote us follows: + + G.O.C. LAHORE DIVISION—Will you please convey to the Brigadiers, + Commanding Officers, and all Officers, Non-Commissioned Officers and + Men of your Division my thanks for the assistance they have rendered + in the recent severe fighting, and my appreciation of the way in which + they have carried out the very arduous duties entrusted to them while + under my command. + + I deeply regret the very heavy casualties they have suffered. + +By 5th May the Lahore Division had rejoined the Corps, and immediately +proceeded to take its share in the severe fighting round Festubert. + +I took the opportunity to see as many units as possible during the short +interval, and it was a great pleasure to talk with Keary, and many +others of all ranks, British and Indian. The universal note was +satisfaction that they had tried to do their duty. General Keary again +commanded his Division at the battles near Festubert and Mauquissart, in +May and September 1915, but it was not till he had been in command of a +Division in Mesopotamia, much later on, that he was given any reward for +his distinguished services. + + + + + CHAPTER XX + + +On every occasion the Corps had so far been called on to take part in +any definite operation, I had felt sure it would acquit itself well, and +had cause for satisfaction. But by this time the numbers and composition +of the Indian Infantry units had been so reduced that it became a +question how to allocate the duties in any offensive movement which +might be ordered. At the end of March my recommendation for reorganising +the Army Corps had been approved, and the two Divisions had been +practically reconstituted. Each of the six Infantry Brigades was now +composed of one Regular, one Territorial, and three Indian battalions. +In a later chapter I shall give some figures which will show that, +notwithstanding a battalion having been added, the strength per Brigade +was in most cases so far short of war establishment as to amount to a +nominal figure. But still the orders came for a Division to do this and +a Brigade something else. + +Stern business was before us, and immediately the Lahore Division +returned from Ypres it again took its place in the old trenches before +Neuve Chapelle, whilst the Meerut Division got ready for the operations +about to be undertaken for the capture of the Aubers Ridge and +neighbouring villages and farms. The fighting for these lasted, as far +as we were concerned, from the 9th to the 22nd of May, and during this +period it was almost incessant. One attack succeeded another in +monotonous sequence; if it was not on a farm it was on a strong point, +or a distillery, or some position in a map square. Anyhow, it was the +most unsatisfactory job that fell to our lot in France, and we were not +alone in this respect, for the Fourth Corps on our left and the First on +our right, as well as the Canadians, were to expend a great many lives +and much effort with little gain to any of them. + +The French were making an offensive between the right of the British +line and Arras, and Sir John French, in pursuance of a promise to +support the Allied Commander-in-Chief, directed the First Army to carry +out an attack on the German trenches in the neighbourhood of Rouges +Banes by the Fourth Corps, and between Neuve Chapelle and Givenchy by +the First and Indian Corps. A reason which we all thoroughly +appreciated. + +What, however, apparently was not appreciated was that we were unlikely +to find the Germans napping again as we had at Neuve Chapelle in March, +and that the defences of those days had probably been quadrupled in +strength. This, in fact, we very soon learned to our cost, and the +cheery optimism which named Don and other places we were likely to reach +was about to receive a severe shock. But, after all, this is far better +than being pessimistic, and even the modern Attila in the very early +days of the war probably got more out of his Huns by telling them they +would be in Paris before the autumn leaves had fallen, than he would +have done by only naming, say, Verdun and Rheims. + +The share of the Indian Corps in these operations was to attack between +the First Corps on our right and the Fourth Corps on our left. Our +immediate objective was the Ferme du Biez, after which we were to direct +our advance on Ligny-le-Grand-La Cliqueterie Farm. The Fourth Corps, +after carrying out its rôle on our left, was also to advance on +Cliqueterie and effect a junction with the Indian Corps. I remember +well, in imagination, picturing our Indian soldiers on the Aubers Ridge, +the huge delight of the Gurkhas and Pathans at being actually high above +a flat bog, and looking down on something instead of always looking up +from a fetid trench. When I again visit India to see my friends, many +will flatly maintain that the war was fought on a dead plain and the +only mountain near it was the poor little Aubers Ridge. + +However, to my story. The Meerut Division was detailed for the attack; +the Lahore Division to hold the line, and the guns of both Divisions, +supplemented by others, were to support the attack. The assault was to +be delivered by the Dehra Dun Brigade, the Bareilly Brigade being in +support and three battalions of the Garhwal Brigade in reserve. The +first attempt was carried out on 9th May on a front of 650 yards. The +objectives were successively: + + (_a_) Enemy’s front and support trenches. + + (_b_) La Tourelle and houses near three named points. + + (_c_) The Distillery, Ferme du Biez, S.W. edge of the Bois du Biez. + + (_d_) Ligny-le-Petit. + + (_e_) Ligny-le-Grand-La Cliqueterie Ferme. The Bois du Biez was to be + engaged simultaneously with the advance on Ligny-le-Petit by a special + body of troops consisting of the Garhwal Rifles and 2/8th Gurkhas with + two trench guns, under the command of Lieut.-Colonel Drake-Brockman, + 39th Garhwalis. + +General Anderson, commanding the Meerut Division, had made every +preparation. He, his Staff, his Brigadiers, and his Commanding officers +had each and all studied every possible situation that could be +imagined, and at dawn I felt that if success did not attend their +efforts, they certainly deserved it. As I read the Corps and Divisional +Orders now, I do not believe any better could have been written at the +time. + +All troops were in position as ordered with but trifling casualties and +the night of 8th-9th May passed quietly. Our own wire had been cut and +bridges laid as directed. The bombardment commenced punctually at 5 A.M. +and the enemy’s wire was cut satisfactorily, but many of our rounds were +reported as falling short. + +At the appointed hour, the battalions of the Dehra Dun Brigade, the +2/2nd Gurkhas, 1/4th Seaforths, 1st Seaforths (6th Jats and 1/9th +Gurkhas in support) went over the top preparatory to the assault. Even +with the certainty of being met by an inferno of fire within a few +seconds, one young officer was heard to ask another if he knew the +Report Centre of his Brigade, and on his replying that he was not sure, +a laugh was raised by the questioner saying, “Why, you have often been +there, it is 96 Piccadilly”; and in fact it was so, but situated for the +time being in the Rue du Bois. + +The morning was bright, and from all appearances the Germans appeared +quite unaware of our concentration and proposed attack. However, +immediately the Infantry crossed over the parapet to form up preparatory +to the assault, heavy machine-gun fire was opened on them from guns +sited almost on the ground level. The enemy’s Infantry also manned the +trenches. + +The 2nd Gurkhas as they started their rush met a terrific fire, and all +the officers who had crossed the parapet were shot down. Lieut. Collins +and Captain C. M. Mullaly were killed at this time, and Captain Kenneth +Park, a nephew of mine, who had insisted on joining in the battle +although in very poor health, was mortally wounded. The men from Nepal, +notwithstanding every effort, were literally cut down and unable to +advance beyond a ditch in their front. + +The 4th Seaforths and 1st Seaforths advanced with their usual bravery +but met with the same fate and lay for hours under a leaden sheet, +getting back as best they could after dark. In the 4th Seaforths, +Lieutenants Tennant, Railton, and Bastian were killed. + +Notwithstanding the most gallant efforts to cross the fire-swept ground, +by 6 A.M. it was definitely known our attack had failed to reach its +first objective. One company 6th Jats, which had been directed between +the left of First Corps and our right was practically annihilated, and +Captain Dudley and Subadar Lekh Ram were killed. The hostile guns, which +up to now had not done much firing, opened a searching and heavy fire on +our trenches and the Rue du Bois, in consequence of which the Dehra Dun +and Bareilly Brigades suffered numerous casualties; the 41st Dogras +being particularly unfortunate in this respect. + +Howitzer fire was accordingly turned on to the German trenches, and +preparatory arrangements for a fresh assault were commenced. At 6.35 +A.M., the G.O.C. 1st Division on our right informed General Anderson +that the first assault of that Division had also failed. An hour later +the 1st Seaforths made a second attempt to assault, but like the first +this attempt also met with little success, and they too had to lie in +the open with the other battalions unable to advance or retire. A +special Howitzer bombardment of enemy trenches was arranged to commence +at 7.45 A.M. and to last for twenty-five minutes, under cover of which +it was hoped that the 2nd Gurkhas and 4th Seaforths would be able to +advance. + +The O.C. 4th Seaforths at this time reported that the enemy was being +reinforced and was of opinion they would counter-attack. The G.O.C. +Dehra Dun Brigade accordingly sent up two companies 9th Gurkhas to +assist the 1st Seaforths, who had suffered very heavy losses, and +ordered the O.C. 9th Gurkhas to support the 4th Seaforths with the +remainder of his battalion, but owing to the congested state of the +communication trenches only 200 men were able to move forward. At 8 A.M. +the First British Division informed the G.O.C. Meerut Division that the +attack of the 2nd and 3rd Brigades had failed, and that the 1st Brigade +would hold the line while they were withdrawn. + +At 8.20 A.M. I sent an order directing the further attempt at attack by +the Dehra Dun Brigade fixed for 8.45 A.M. to be stayed, and that another +assault should be organised to coincide with that of the First Division, +which could not be ready for another two hours. The assault was +consequently stopped. + +As the attack by the 2nd and 3rd Brigades on our right had failed owing +to the enemy’s wire not being sufficiently cut, instructions were +received from the Army commander to recommence operations at 12 noon +after a further bombardment with H.E. 18-pr., by which it was hoped to +break down the enemy’s parapets and knock out his machine-guns. + +On the urgent representation of the G.O.C. Dehra Dun Brigade, the hour +for a fresh attack had been altered to 2.40 P.M. on this same date, 9th +May. The Bareilly Brigade was also warned that it would have to relieve +the Dehra Dun Brigade, and carry out the next assault. This assault was +to be delivered by the 2nd Black Watch on the right, 58th Rifles in the +centre, and 41st Dogras on the left, the 1/4th Black Watch and +machine-guns of the 125th Rifles being in Brigade reserve. Meanwhile the +Germans were reported by G.O.C. 1st Group H.A.R. to be strongly +reinforcing their second line, which appeared to be held in strength. + +At 10 A.M. the G.O.C. Seventh British Division reported that the Eighth +Division on our left was unable to make much headway beyond the front +line of German trenches owing to fortified posts in rear, which were +being bombarded afresh. The Garhwal Brigade was placed in support of the +Bareilly Brigade. The 9th Gurkhas, which so far had not been seriously +engaged, was ordered to join the Garhwal Brigade, which was short of +Lieut.-Colonel Drake-Brockman’s detachment. The relief of the Dehra Dun +by the Bareilly Brigade was commenced and carried out with considerable +difficulty as the communication trenches were full of dead and wounded, +and the movement being observed by the enemy, a heavy shell-fire was +kept up by them. Owing to the destruction of our trenches it was found +impossible to carry out the fresh attack, even at the altered hour, and +the First Army directed that both the Meerut and First Divisions should +assault at 4 P.M. + +At 12 noon the G.O.C. Bareilly Brigade reported to General Anderson that +in the opinion of the G.O.C. Dehra Dun Brigade (the morning attacking +Brigade) the enemy’s position had been in no way weakened and that the +machine-gun fire which had caused the check of all efforts of the Dehra +Dun Brigade was as heavy as ever. He added that the parapets were +somewhat battered by our artillery, but that this was compensated for by +the German reinforcements which had since come up; that three of his +battalions had been exposed to heavy shell-fire, and that he wished the +above situation to be known before the assault commenced. + +On receipt of this report General Anderson considered it advisable to +inform me, but instructed the G.O.C. Bareilly Brigade that meantime the +attack would take place as ordered. Whatever the circumstances, I +considered it imperative to carry out this assault, and sent +instructions that it was to be pressed at all costs, and the Divisional +Commander added to this that it was to be carried on into the night if +necessary. The orders of the First Army were distinct, and the movements +of the First Division on my right depended on ours. I therefore felt +bound to do all in my power to comply with the Army orders. + +By 4 P.M. the 2nd Black Watch had relieved the 2/2nd Gurkhas on the +right, the 41st Dogras the 1st Seaforths on the left, and the 58th +Rifles had taken the place of the 1/4th Seaforths in the centre. The +1/4th Black Watch was in reserve. + +The 1st Seaforths, on this 9th May 1915, had, if possible, beaten all +their records for dogged valour. Nothing in war could exceed the +determination to win through displayed by all ranks, and where they +failed no other Corps could have succeeded. When I received their +casualty roll I could have wept and felt no sense of weakness: seven +officers and 130 other ranks killed or missing; ten officers and 350 +other ranks wounded, and mostly within a few short moments. + + Gashed with honourable scars, + Low in glory’s lap they lie; + Though they fell, they fell like stars, + Streaming splendours through the sky. + +The bombardment commenced punctually at 3.20 P.M., 9th May, and at 3.40 +P.M. the assaulting troops crossed the parapet and formed up prior to +the assault. Each battalion was formed in two lines, two companies in +each line. The right battalion (2nd Black Watch) and right company of +centre battalion (58th Rifles) were met by a heavy, well-directed +machine-gun and rifle fire from their front, left front, and left flank +directly they showed over the parapets, and but few men succeeded in +crossing the ditch to their front, the majority being disabled before +reaching it. The left company of the 58th Rifles succeeded in advancing +about 100 yards; but when our guns lifted they were at once exposed to a +heavy fire and were unable to advance farther. The 41st Dogras on the +left, in particular, had been exposed to an extremely heavy shelling +from H.E. and shrapnel, both while getting forward and whilst waiting in +the front line. In consequence, one company consisted of only +twenty-eight men. The companies (what remained of them) crossed the +parapet and aligned themselves with the 58th Rifles; but rifle and +machine-gun fire brought them to a halt. Further attempts to advance by +bringing up men from the rear companies did not help them, as in +crossing the parapet most of them were shot down. + +Our artillery bombardment at this stage was quite ineffective and short, +and the Germans were not appreciably shaken by it. Their infantry was +lining the parapets from the time we commenced to assemble in front of +our own trenches, and the situation was for the time being entirely in +their favour. About 4 P.M. orders were issued for battalions to +reorganise, and be prepared for a fresh assault if ordered. + +A good instance of the _camaraderie_ between British and Indian soldiers +was shown on this day. A Seaforth Highlander, who was badly wounded in +the first attack in the morning, was lying out unable to be got in. A +Dogra sepoy was wounded in the second assault during the afternoon and +was lying near him. Hearing the Highlander groaning, he dragged himself +up to him, patted his arm, and said he would stay by him and take him in +later on. When darkness came on the Dogra dragged himself back and +reported to his own battalion that he wanted some men to come and bring +in the wounded Highlander. The officer commanding the company he went to +said he would see about it and ordered him to get back to the +dressing-station. He refused to go, as he said he had promised the +_ghāgra_ (kilted man) to save him, and intended to do that first and +then go to hospital. The Highlander was rescued. + + Then cease all ye who, in your pride, the creed of others would deride. + The Hindu idol; crescent’s sign; the Shinto doctrine, laws divine. + Confucius made and Christ decreed, all to one common substance lead, + No matter by what faith enthralled; ’tis what men _do_ not what they’re + called. + +In the ranks of the 2nd Black Watch was a Lance-Corporal, David Finlay +by name, a fine specimen of a fine Corps. As he topped the parapet a +shell exploding near him knocked him flat, but quickly recovering +himself he rushed on with his bombing party of a dozen men, defying +death. Ten out of his twelve gallant comrades were killed or +incapacitated before he cried a halt, but then only to add to his +daring, for seeing a badly wounded man he carried him for 100 yards +through a whirl of fire and brought him into our own trenches safely. +David Finlay did not live long to wear the Victoria Cross he was +awarded. Such brave souls never rest as ordinary men can. He lies ’neath +the desert sands of Mesopotamia. And of the battalion whose fame he so +much enhanced, three officers—Lieutenants W. Brownlow, the Hon. K. +Stewart, and Sinclair—and seventy others gave their lives; whilst the +total casualties numbered 265, or fifty per cent of the strength which +fought that day. + +The 41st Dogras, who were engaged in their first offensive battle as a +complete battalion, suffered very heavy losses. Lieut.-Colonel +Hutchinson, whilst leading a double company, received three wounds, and +his company officer, Lieutenant Vaughan, was totally disabled. At one +time the only unwounded officer was a Dogra subadar, Jai Singh (attached +from 37th Dogras). He behaved splendidly, but was himself twice wounded +before the share of the battalion in this day of carnage had ended. The +C.O., Colonel Tribe, received a shell-wound and Major Milne (82nd +Punjabis), whom I had known well in the Peshawar Division, was severely +wounded in the advance. In fact the Dogras were almost broken up as a +unit. Five of the ten British officers present and seven of the Indian +officers were rendered _hors de combat_; and the battalion suffered in +all over 400 casualties out of a muster roll of 650. I well know the +hills and vales from which most of these gallant soldiers came. I can +hear ethereal voices, wafted on the warm summer breezes as they top the +ridges of the sub-Himalayan hills, soughing, “Well done, loyal Dogras!” + +The 58th Rifles had a total of 250 killed, missing, and wounded, +including Lieutenant Mackmillan, who died of wounds. + +By 5 P.M., 9th May, it was clear from reports received from G.O.C. +Bareilly Brigade, Artillery observation-officers, and the First British +Division that all attacks, both of the First and Meerut Divisions had +failed. After a telephonic conversation with the G.O.C. Meerut Division +the Garhwal Brigade was ordered to take over the front line from +Bareilly, and this was finally effected by 1 A.M. midnight of the +9th-10th May. The failure of the attacks on this day were due to the +insufficient effect produced by the Artillery bombardment and to the +great volume of extremely accurate machine-gun fire from front and +flanks. As regards the insufficient effect of the Artillery bombardment, +it must be remembered that, after their experience in front of Neuve +Chapelle on 10th to 13th March, the Germans realised that breastworks of +exceptional strength were required, and had accordingly devoted their +energies to the construction of improved parapets of great thickness, +especially on both sides of the Estaires-La Bassée road, as to the +safety of which they were anxious. They had also largely increased the +number of machine-guns employed in their front line, locating them in +dug-outs heavily strutted with timber, which admitted of the +machine-guns being fired just above ground level, and ensured the safety +of the detachments during the bombardment. The light shell of our field +guns appeared to produce but small results on these improved parapets, +and even high-explosive shell had only very local effects. A very +considerable proportion of our H.E. shell also failed to detonate +satisfactorily. The fire of our 18-pounder guns was accurate enough, as +proved by the manner in which the enemy’s wire entanglements had been +cut, but owing to some defect in the construction of the shell there +were, and continued to be, a very unduly large number of prematures. As +regards the fire of our howitzers, both those of 4·5-inch and those of +6·0-inch calibre, the extreme accuracy which we had become accustomed to +obtain with them had fallen off considerably as the guns became worn by +the large number of rounds fired. In the various intensive bombardments, +too, it was reported by the Infantry that a large proportion of our +shell had fallen short of the enemy’s front line parapets. This was +largely accounted for by the error of the gun, which at the ranges fired +at hardly ensured more than twenty-five per cent of shell actually +hitting the point aimed at. + +The endeavour displayed by the Infantry in the various assaults left +nothing to be desired. The successive attempts to reach the enemy +trenches were brought to a standstill by the disablement of all but a +small percentage of the assaulting columns, and by machine-gun and rifle +fire. This fire started from the moment the first of our men showed +above our breastworks, and numbers were put out of action within a few +yards of our own front line. Of those who succeeded, in spite of the +heaviest losses, in getting out half-way between our lines and the +Germans, the small number of unwounded men found themselves pinned to +the ground, unable to advance or retire in face of the enemy’s fire. + +The casualties suffered on the 9th and 10th May were heavy, amounting to +sixty-eight British officers, thirty Indian officers, and a total of all +ranks, British and Indian, of over 2000, or about thirty-six per cent of +strength. + +On the 10th May General Anderson came to my Headquarters, and I +communicated to him an order I had received, and which stated that it +was vitally important not a round of gun ammunition should be wasted. At +this interview I told him that no attack would take place on the 10th or +night 10th-11th, but that one might take place on the night 11th-12th. +That evening the Garhwal Brigade took over some 230 yards’ extra front +from the British Division on our right in anticipation of the attack. +The Sirhind Brigade was ordered back from Croix Barbée, and again came +under the orders of the Lahore Division, while the Dehra Dun Brigade was +replaced at the disposal of the Meerut Division. + +On the morning of 12th May the situation was as follows: the Garhwal +Brigade held the line, the Bareilly Brigade was in support with +Headquarters at Lansdowne Post, and the Dehra Dun Brigade in Divisional +reserve at La Couture and Vieille Chapelle. I informed the G.O.C. Meerut +Division that his Division, less the Dehra Dun Brigade and with the +Sirhind Brigade added, would probably attack on a 300 yards’ front on +the night 13th-14th May, in co-operation with the First Corps on its +right, the front of attack being between two points designated V 5 and V +6, well known to us all. + +I have since I first wrote this visited (1919) this bit of ground and +located my friends V 5 and V 6, and I touched my hat not only to the +brave men who died for us, but also to the German dead who held them so +tenaciously and died like gentlemen. + +At 4 P.M. this day, 12th May, the Meerut Division was ordered to be +prepared to take over the Rue du Bois front, to Chocolat Menier Corner +inclusive, during the night. At night I proceeded to Meerut Divisional +Headquarters and discussed the arrangements for the attack with +Anderson; but next morning, 13th May, I was informed that the proposed +night operations were postponed for twenty-four hours, viz. till the +night 14th-15th May. Orders were therefore issued directing the +bombardment of the enemy’s position which was to be attacked. It was to +be deliberate and continuous till the assault was made. This bombardment +commenced at 12 noon and was maintained till the attack was delivered, +and it drew in reply a strong continuous fire on the trenches held by +the Meerut Division. + +The general outlines of the operations were as follows: + +The First and Indian Corps were to renew the attack and to press +forwards towards Violaines and Beau Puits, and to establish a defensive +flank along the La Bassée road on the left, maintaining the right at +Givenchy. The line to be established in the first instance was the +general line of the road Festubert-La Quinque Rue-La Tourelle +cross-roads-Port Arthur, which position was to be consolidated. The +First Corps was to assault with the Second Division on the right of the +Meerut Division, and the assault of both Divisions was to be +simultaneous. The subsequent advance was to be with the object of +securing the Ferme d’Avoué and certain named roads. + +The Seventh Division on our left was to deliver an assault in the early +hours of the 15th May. + +The Meerut Division, less Dehra Dun Brigade and one Brigade R.F.A., with +the Sirhind Brigade added, was ordered to make the attack of the Indian +Corps. The assault was to be made against named front-line trenches, all +details being given. Should the first two objectives be attained, as the +attack of the Second Division progressed our own was to push on and +secure the road from Port Arthur to La Tourelle cross-roads inclusive, +and consolidate itself thereon. + +A deliberate Artillery bombardment was to precede the assault and was to +be maintained for thirty-six hours. Owing, however, to the further +postponement of the attack for twenty-four hours it was actually +maintained for sixty hours. + +No. 4 Trench howitzer battery was placed at the disposal of the Garhwal +Brigade for the operations, and this Brigade was detailed to carry out +the assault on the enemy’s front-line trenches on a two-battalion front. + +The Sirhind Brigade was in support of the Garhwal Brigade. The Bareilly +Brigade was in Divisional reserve at Croix Barbée, and the Dehra Dun +Brigade was in Corps reserve. + +The 4th Indian Cavalry rendezvoused on 15th May in fields and orchards +between Vieille Chapelle and La Couture. Nos. 3 and 4 Companies Sappers +and Miners and the 107th Pioneers rendezvoused at St. Vaast on the +evening of the 14th May. All assaulting troops wore masks soaked in +solution. These were the early days of gas, and some of the devices to +ward off this poisonous innovation were grotesque. Fond parents, wives, +and relations had sent out every form of anti-gas invention. A Hindu +sepoy best explained what the Indians thought of it all when he said: “I +believe the British have been converted to our religion and are trying +to imitate our many Gods. I have already seen many ‘Hunumans,’ and +‘Ganesh’ will shortly follow.” + +At 3.30 P.M. on the 14th May orders were received from First Army +directing the assault to be delayed for another twenty-four hours, as +the effect of the bombardment was not considered to have been +sufficient; the weather also was wet and the ground was soft and +holding. + +The night of the 14th-15th passed without any special incident. At 3.30 +P.M. on the 15th May I sent the following instructions to the G.O.C. +Meerut Division: + + (_a_) If the night attack succeeds, hold on to V 6 at all costs, even + if the Second Division on your right fails. + + (_b_) If the night attack fails, you will not persist in it, unless + the Second Division on the right has succeeded, when use every + endeavour to connect with its left. + + (_c_) If the attack of both the Meerut and Second Divisions fail, make + a fresh attack at 3.15 A.M., to synchronise with that of the Seventh + Division; this attack is to be preceded by a fresh bombardment, + commencing at 2.45 A.M. and lasting till 3.15 A.M. + + (_d_) If you fail again, re-form and prepare for another attack, which + should be preceded by a further bombardment, probably six hours later, + but further instructions will be issued as to the hour and class of + this bombardment. + +At 10.50 P.M., 15th May, all troops were in position. The 2nd Leicesters +with six machine-guns were to assault with the right in the ditch +passing through V 5, and were ordered to get into touch with the Second +Division on their right. The Garhwal Rifles, with six machine-guns, were +on the left, with their right in touch with the left of the Leicesters. +The 3rd Londons and two companies 2/3rd Gurkha Rifles were in support of +the Garhwal Rifles and 2nd Leicesters respectively. The remainder of the +3rd Gurkha Rifles was in Brigade reserve. The 2/8th Gurkha Rifles were +holding the line in rear. The units of the Sirhind Brigade were disposed +as follows: + + 1st Highland Light Infantry, and 1/1st Gurkha Rifles in assembly + trenches east of Garhwal Brigade Reserve. + + 15th Sikhs in trenches east of Lansdowne Post. + + 1/4th King’s Liverpools in trenches about Lansdowne Post. + + 1/4th Gurkha Rifles in Lansdowne Post. + +Immediately the bridges were in position the Leicesters and Garhwal +Rifles commenced to move out, and by 11.25 P.M. were in position. + +The assault started at 11.30 P.M., and at once the German machine-gun +and rifle fire commenced, while their trenches appeared full of men. The +enemy front was lit, not only by the ordinary flares but also by bombs +thrown over the parapet, which burned on the ground. In spite of +repeated efforts to reach the German trenches, the advance of both +battalions was brought to a standstill, and each successive attempt was +similarly stopped. + +At 12.30 A.M., 16th May, the G.O.C. Garhwal Brigade reported that the +Leicesters were held up and that the Garhwal Rifles had been unable to +get forward more than thirty yards owing to heavy machine-gun fire. At +this time General Anderson became aware that, though the battalion of +the British Division on his immediate right had also not succeeded in +reaching the German trenches, others of the 5th and 6th Infantry +Brigades had done so. This proved that strong-point V 6 and its vicinity +assigned to us were, as I had understood all along, one of the most +formidable obstacles on our whole front. The Leicesters and the Garhwal +Rifles were accordingly withdrawn and replaced by the 3rd Gurkhas and +1/3rd Londons, and the G.O.C. Brigade was directed to make a further +effort at 3.15 A.M. + +In the meanwhile touch was maintained with the left of the Second +Division, and the G.O.C. was informed that the Garhwal Brigade would +again attack at 3.15 A.M. In reply, he stated that his left would +simultaneously make another attack. An intense bombardment commenced at +2.45 A.M., 16th May, and at 3 A.M. the battalions detailed to attack +were in position with their leading platoons in the firing-trenches. It +was impossible, owing to the light, to launch the assault from the +enemy’s side of the ditch, as the troops could not reach that position +unseen. + +At 3.15 A.M. the assault was commenced, but the moment the men showed +the enemy opened a heavy rifle, machine-gun, and artillery fire. The +majority of them were shot down as they crossed our parapet, and this +assault also was entirely held up. + +In both advances a certain number of officers and men arrived within a +few yards of the German wire before they were shot, but none were able +to reach the parapets. The battalions were now ordered to reorganise, +and it was decided that no further attempts to break through on this +front were to be made, but that troops should be pushed in through the +opening already made on our right. + +In these assaults the German machine-guns again succeeded, in spite of +the previous heavy bombardment by Artillery and bomb-guns, in +maintaining themselves in their covered positions and in coming into +immediate action on our assault being launched. Both assaults were thus +met by heavy fire from the front and from right and left flanks, and +were brought to a standstill just as those on the 9th May had been. + +The casualties, owing to the smaller front attacked, were not so +numerous as those experienced on the 9th, but they were regrettably +heavy, namely, twenty-one British officers, five Indian officers, 300 +other British ranks, and 590 other ranks Indian, or about thirty per +cent of the strength of the Brigade engaged. + +In these difficult operations the Garhwal Rifles suffered 150 +casualties, and the Leicesters lost in killed four subalterns, viz. +Tayler, Brown, Gandy, and Crosse, besides twenty other ranks, and the +wounded and missing, including five officers, numbered over 200. It is a +sad tale to tell, this continuous long roll of dead and wounded, but it +is necessary in order to explain the difficulties we had to encounter +and the heroism of the troops, British and Indian, who, notwithstanding +the hopelessness of the task, never hesitated to go manfully forward. + +The 3rd Londons suffered over 100 casualties, and the 3rd Gurkhas over +seventy, including two British officers killed. Lieutenant Nott-Bower +was shot whilst bravely trying to save a wounded man of the Leicesters +and a brother officer, Captain Grigg, was hit by a splinter of shell. +Captain F. Hodgson of the 84th Punjabis, a personal friend, was another +gallant soul who passed away in honour this day. + +By 4.30 A.M., 16th May, the 6th British Brigade had taken the Orchard +and the 5th Brigade had been able to continue its advance, but the +battalion on our immediate right had again been unable to get on, as its +flank was exposed. The G.O.C. Bareilly Brigade was now directed to be +prepared to take over the front held by the Garhwal Brigade. The Army +commander had meantime decided to form a flank where the left of the +Second Division had got through, and I received orders to hold our +trenches as a defensive front. + +At 8 A.M., 16th May, the situation was as follows: + +Garhwal Brigade was holding the line as a defensive front. The Meerut, +Lahore, and Heavy Artillery were shelling the area V 6 and other +re-entrant objectives. The Bareilly Brigade was _en route_ to Lansdowne +Post. The Sirhind Brigade and 107th Pioneers were under orders of the +G.O.C. Second Division. Both companies Sappers and Miners and 125th +Rifles were at St. Vaast and Croix Barbée. 4th Indian Cavalry was in its +rendezvous at Vieille Chapelle; whilst the left battalion of the Second +Division, which could not advance, was still holding its old front line +in continuation of our right. + +At 11.30 P.M. the Bareilly Brigade relieved the Garhwal Brigade on the +front line, with Headquarters at Lansdowne Post. + +Before dawn on 17th May I received First Army Operation orders, which +directed the Indian Corps to remain in occupation of its line. + +At 10 A.M. on 17th May, after a telephonic conversation with General +Anderson, it was arranged that we should seize any opportunity of +advancing into the enemy trenches. The Sirhind Brigade was again placed +at my disposal, for the purpose of ensuring touch being kept with the +left of Second Division in any advance which the latter might make. + +At 11 A.M. the First Army directed that the duty of gradually +establishing a defensive flank on the left as the attack proceeded, was +assigned to the Indian Corps, and that as the attack of the Second +Division progressed we were to gradually extend to the right and relieve +troops of the Second Division as opportunity offered. The Bareilly and +Sirhind Brigades were detailed for this duty. + +At 3.30 A.M. on 18th May the Germans attempted an attack on one company +of the 15th Sikhs, but were bombed and driven back. During the progress +of reliefs of certain battalions of the British Brigade on our right the +1st Highland Light Infantry had five officers and seventy other ranks +made casualties, including Lieutenant H. S. Davidson killed. It is +interesting to note here that the 1st battalion which belonged to the +Indian Corps actually relieved their own 2nd battalion which belonged to +the British Brigade fighting by our side. A chance meeting under such +conditions is rare, even under the varied circumstances in which the +British Army serves. + +This 18th day of May was to witness a deed of heroism which for +sustained gallantry can surely not be surpassed. A British officer and +ten men of the 15th Sikhs were those who added a brilliant page to the +history of the Indian Army. Of the ten one Lance-Naik Mangal Singh and +three sepoys belonged to the battalion, whilst four of the others were +attached from the 19th Punjabis and two from the 45th Sikhs. + +An isolated trench was held by a company of the 15th Sikhs, opposed to +an ever-increasing number of the enemy, who showed signs of an immediate +attack. Having expended all his bombs, the officer in command was in +urgent need of more, and Lieutenant J. Smyth offered to make the attempt +over the 250 yards which intervened. Ten Sikhs volunteered to accompany +him, carrying a hundred bombs in boxes between them. Moving for sixty +yards under cover, the party diverged, and at once came under heavy +fire. Crawling over dead and wounded, through such cover as battered +ditches and trenches could afford, they advanced under a galling and +aimed fire. Man after man was shot down, and by the time Smyth had got +to within thirty yards of his objective there were only three others +besides himself unwounded, but the precious boxes were still intact. The +Germans had seen and understood the object of this movement, and the +ground here was swept by a tornado of bullets, and to carry the boxes +any farther was absolutely impossible. Breaking them open, Smyth +distributed as many bombs as possible between the survivors. One of the +three gallant Sikhs was at the same time killed; and this splendid young +officer, with now but two others—a Naik and a sepoy—crawling on through +mire and water, reached their goal. Smyth, who is one of the most +modest, as he certainly is one of the bravest, of men, received the +Victoria Cross, and the Naik the Indian Order of Merit, whilst the +Indian Distinguished Service Medal was given to all who lived of that +glorious band. The Gurus of the Khalsa could have wished for no greater +proof of the right of the Sikh to style himself a Singh (lion). + +On 18th May orders were received for the Indian Corps to attack the +Ferme du Bois at the same time as attacks were delivered by the Seventh +Division and the Guards Brigade more to the south. + +The outlines of the operation were as follows: Meerut Division, +reinforced by Sirhind Brigade, was to attack the Ferme du Bois at 4.30 +P.M., in conjunction with an attack by the Guards Brigade on Cour +d’Avoué, with the intention of obtaining possession of the Ferme du Bois +and of three trenches up to the La Tourelle-Quinque Rue road. Touch was +to be obtained with the Guards at a point marked Q 12. + +The Artillery bombardment commenced at 2 P.M. The Sirhind Brigade was +directed on the Ferme du Bois and certain other points, and after +establishing itself at the Ferme, was to push forward in conjunction +with the progress of the attack by the Guards Brigade. The Bareilly +Brigade was to assist this attack by fire. The orders of the Sirhind +Brigade directed the bombing parties to be supported by half a company +1st Highland Light Infantry; and as the attack progressed the 4th King’s +had orders as to the part to be played by them. + +At 4.20 P.M., 18th May, the Sirhind Brigade reported that, owing to the +heavy German Artillery fire, the bombing parties and troops intended for +the attack were being held up in their original trenches, and shortly +after communication with the front became very difficult owing to all +wires being cut. + +By 5.40 P.M., 18th May, it was ascertained that the Guards Brigade were +getting forward by short rushes, and the G.O.C. Sirhind Brigade was +directed to use every possible endeavour to try and get his own attack +forward also. + +At 6 P.M. he reported that the bombing parties had made three attempts +to cross, but had so far failed. As the attack appeared quite unable to +advance, I telephoned that if it could not attain its object by day it +must do so by night, and further Artillery support was promised. + +As the troops of the Second Division on our right were being relieved +during the night 18th-19th May, I sent instructions that no attack +should be made till this relief was completed, but added that it must +then be made. + +At 10 P.M. General Walker, V.C., in command of the Sirhind Brigade, +represented that he considered the German position round the Ferme du +Bois was such that the success of an attack was very doubtful, and that +the probable loss of life would be great until our present position +could be consolidated, and a front from which to advance was assured. +While again reminding the Division that it was most desirable the attack +should be made, I left it to the judgement of General Walker, an +experienced officer, on the spot, to decide. + +At 11.10 P.M. it was definitely decided that the attack should not be +made. Throughout the night the Sirhind Brigade was in close touch with +the Germans to its front. + +The 15th Sikhs had been undergoing many vicissitudes during all the +confused fighting of the past days, and as already related they had +given a fine example of the stuff of which the Khalsa is made. Attached +to the battalion was Captain F. C. Waterfield, 45th Sikhs, whom I had +known for years. This promising officer was killed. His own regiment of +Rattray’s Sikhs was the one Corps of the Indian Army which in my young +days I had most admired and had served alongside in Afghanistan. It was +always a fine battalion, and has on the plains of Mesopotamia added +still more to its reputation. As I said earlier in this book, if any +Sikh battalions are to remain as Class Corps, none is more worthy of +this honour than Rattray’s Sikhs. + +On the 19th May the 15th Sikhs lost the services of two officers, +Captain Crozier and Lieutenant Thomson. + +At dawn on 19th May I received orders to the effect that the Second and +Seventh Divisions were consolidating their gains and that operations +would continue on that day. The Artillery of the Indian Corps was to +assist by firing on the Ferme du Bois and certain named communication +trenches. + +At 10.5 A.M. the G.O.C. Sirhind Brigade reported that owing to rain the +trenches were full of water and the parapets much damaged, and that in +consequence of reliefs of Second Division his men had been on the move +all night, and that his casualties during the past twenty-four hours had +been severe. He added that his battalions in the front line were +somewhat shaken, and he considered it essential to relieve the 15th +Sikhs by the 1st Gurkhas that night, as they were now reduced to about +250 men. He also recommended that the King’s should be relieved, and +stated that he hardly thought an attack could be got out of his men that +night. + +At 6 P.M. the Germans made another attempt to bomb the left flank of +Sirhind Brigade, but this attack was stopped. On the top of all this +orders were received from the First Army that the Indian Corps was, at +all costs, to capture certain named trenches and points by the morning +of 22nd May. During the night 19th-20th the Garhwal Brigade relieved +Bareilly Brigade, and certain interbattalion reliefs desired by G.O.C. +Sirhind Brigade were also carried out. The situation remained normal +during the night. + +On the morning of the 20th May I visited General Anderson’s Headquarters +and discussed the operations for the capture of the Ferme du Bois which +had been ordered by First Army. This was to co-ordinate with the general +plan, viz. that the Canadian and Highland Divisions should work +southwards and secure the group of houses south of the Ferme Cour +d’Avoué, and that the Indian Corps was to carry on active hostilities +continuously, with a view to harassing the enemy and wearing down his +resistance. + +The orders issued by the Meerut Division were to the effect that the +Sirhind Brigade as a first objective was to secure named localities +about the Ferme du Bois before the morning of 22nd May, and that every +endeavour was to be made to carry out this order. The G.O.C. Sirhind +Brigade accordingly arranged that the 1st Gurkhas should establish +themselves in a named trench overnight, and that patrols were to push on +to the Ferme du Bois. Special patrols were also to be sent out to +ascertain the nature of obstacles parallel to our front; forming-up +trenches were to be dug for the assaulting battalions, and the 4th +King’s were to be relieved. + +During the night a thorough reconnaissance of the position was carried +out and a picquet was established by the Sirhind Brigade 200 yards west +of the Ferme du Bois. Operation orders were telephoned to the Meerut +Division. The arrangements were as follows: + + General Alderson’s force (Canadians, etc.) was to co-operate by + carrying out an intensive bombardment on Cour d’Avoué on 22nd May. + + The Garhwal Brigade was to detail a bombing party, supported by one + company of infantry, and support the attack by bombing along trench V + 1 to V 2 with a view to establishing themselves there. This party was + not to commence operations until ten minutes after the Sirhind Brigade + attack had started, unless the enemy opened fire on our attacking + troops, in which case it was to act at once. + + A detailed artillery bombardment, which commenced at 1 P.M. on the + 21st and was to continue till 5 A.M. on the 22nd, was arranged, on + trenches and area in and near the localities to be attacked, and to + form barrages to prevent arrival of reinforcements. + + The Sirhind Brigade was to attack at 1 A.M. on 22nd May in the + following formation: + + On the left the Highland Light Infantry had as objectives two named + trenches. In the centre were the 1st Gurkhas, and on the right the 4th + Gurkhas. + + The 4th King’s were in support, and 15th Sikhs in reserve. + +All columns were in position correctly, and the attacks were launched at +1 A.M. as arranged, and advanced without at first being fired on. The +right attack was checked by a ditch about twenty yards from the enemy’s +trenches, and here came under rifle and machine-gun fire from the +trenches in front, while the rear and right rear were also heavily fired +on; the south-east corner of the Ferme du Bois Orchard, in particular, +was under a severe fire, presumably from Cour d’Avoué. This ditch was +about six feet deep with three feet of water in it, and the ground +between it and the enemy’s trenches was wired. At this obstacle the +leading company of the 4th Gurkhas was checked, but Major Moule and +Captain Robinson with a detachment broke through the wire and were soon +at the German trenches. They had nobly carried out their task and never +returned to tell the tale. The battalion had 100 casualties. + +Lieutenant Ballinger, 4th King’s, commanding the two machine-guns of his +battalion, had been detailed to follow the 4th Gurkhas. In his haste to +join in the fight he moved on sooner than his instructions had allowed, +and he and many of his men were killed close by the wire adjoining the +German trench—another brave set of Englishmen who died as so many others +did in the over-zealous discharge of duty. + +The attack did not progress beyond this ditch, which perhaps seemed a +greater obstacle in the night than it really was. The only remaining +British officer with the attacking companies returned at 1.50 A.M. to +take up reinforcements, but at 2.20 A.M., the senior officers with the +three attacking columns having consulted, decided that as the attack was +held up all along, it was inadvisable to send up more troops, and the +attackers were ordered to withdraw. + +The centre attack reached the Ferme du Bois with but little loss, owing +to the protection afforded by the farm and ridge. A ditch was reached, +and the assault at once came under heavy fire from the front and right +flank. The leading company of the 1st Gurkhas, reinforced by a second, +assaulted and captured a line of trench some thirty yards beyond the +ditch. This trench had been covered by wire which had been cut by our +artillery, whose support had been most effective. About fifteen Germans +were killed here and the rest retired to a second trench twenty yards in +rear. By this time all the British officers with the attacking companies +had been killed or wounded, and Subadar Jit Sing Gurung, 1st Gurkhas, +assumed command but was shortly afterwards ordered to retire, an order +he carried out with coolness and judgement. + +Lieutenant Heyland was killed while endeavouring to alter the +configuration of a captured trench in which his men were being mown +down. Three other British officers shared the same fate, Lieutenants +Fry, Herbert, and Gamble all bravely seconding his efforts. This +battalion paid dearly for its short but fierce fight, the total +casualties amounting to 120. Subadar Jit Sing Gurung was awarded the +Indian Order of Merit, and Captain Mellis earned the Military Cross. + +The advance of the Highland Light Infantry on the left of the combined +attacks was also held up by the ditch and by machine-gun fire taking the +ditch in enfilade from the right and in the rear from the Cour d’Avoué. +This battalion was faced by the impossible, but with its proven valour +did all that could be done under the conditions, and in the attempt to +carry out its task paid with a loss of over 120 of all ranks, including +Lieut. J. Agnew killed, four officers wounded, and one wounded and +missing, Lieut. B. Ivy. + +Communication with the Sirhind Brigade Headquarters was interrupted till +3 A.M., when from all reports that he could receive, the G.O.C. decided +that a second attack was impracticable. He directed the original +dispositions to be resumed and the trenches to be held, up to where they +had been barricaded, and this order was carried out. + +In telling the story of incessant attacks or defensive actions in those +days the infantry soldier naturally looms large, whilst the less +conspicuous units sometimes escape notice. The corps of Indian Sappers +and Miners has furnished unlimited material for tales of daring, and on +this 22nd day of May 1915 a chivalrous gentleman, Captain Francis Douie +of the Royal Engineers, and his equally gallant orderly, Jiwa Khan of +No. 3 Company, 1st Sappers and Miners, did what one is proud to record. +In broad daylight they noticed a wounded man lying only eighty yards +from a German trench from which proceeded a heavy rifle fire, whilst our +own guns were shelling the self-same trench: but for such men death has +no terrors. They were soon over the parapet, and by sheer pluck and luck +combined reached and brought in their helpless comrade. Jiwa Khan may +well be proud of the Indian Order of Merit he wears, and Captain Douie +of the D.S.O. he that day added to the Military Cross he had already +won. I may add that it was only after very searching inquiry I was +enabled to get full details of these acts of bravery, as apparently both +actors appeared to be unconscious of having done anything beyond their +ordinary duty. + +The attack failed owing to excessive casualties in British officers of +the attacking companies when these companies were held up. Of those with +the assault all became casualties except two subalterns. Also the +hindrance of a deep ditch in front of the objective under close rifle +and machine-gun fire was a very serious obstacle at night, and broke the +momentum of the advance. Issue from it would have involved facing +frontal rifle fire at very close range, while men in it were taken in +enfilade and reverse by machine-guns from south-east of Ferme du Bois +and from Cour d’Avoué. The fact that no simultaneous attack was being +made on the Cour d’Avoué left the enemy in that direction at liberty to +concentrate his fire on our assault at close ranges. Reconnaissance had +been unable to ascertain with accuracy where the German trenches and +machine-guns were located. Owing to the fact that the advance to the +point of attack was carried out deliberately and in complete silence, no +fire had opened on it until thirty-five minutes after the start, and the +officer commanding the party which was to bomb along the trench in +support of the attack, hearing nothing more than general heavy firing, +was in doubt whether the attack had actually started. Inquiry from the +nearest officer of the neighbouring battalion elicited the reply that it +had not done so, and he accordingly delayed starting his operations so +as to synchronise the two attacks. + +It was now broad daylight and, of course, futile to order this attack to +recommence. The officers commanding units on the spot decided that with +the situation as it was known to them any further attempt, while the +enemy was in undisturbed occupation of the vicinity of Cour d’Avoué, +offered no chance of success, and would only have led to greatly +enhanced losses, and that withdrawal before it became too late was the +best course to pursue. It would, perhaps, have been better to have +ordered the attack at an earlier hour of the night, even though the +Germans would probably have been found more on the alert than they were. +The casualties in this assault were heavy: nine companies were engaged, +in which sixteen British officers, two Indian officers, 137 British +other ranks, and 173 Indian other ranks were returned as casualties. + +Although the British Division on our right had, like ourselves, been +unable to make any advance during the early days of these prolonged +attacks, there is no doubt that once they got a forward move on, they +were severely handicapped by the inability of the Indian Corps to keep +up with them, and the left battalion of that Division in consequence +could not keep in touch with those farther to the right. The situation, +in fact, closely resembled that of our left Brigade at Neuve Chapelle, +where we originally reached as far as the Bois du Biez but were obliged +to again move back owing to the British Brigade of the Eighth Division +on our immediate left finding it impossible to overcome the German +defence to its front. + +In the case now under review, we did all in our power to keep up with +the advance, but the strong point V 6 baffled our efforts. It might +possibly have been better if the dividing line between the British and +Indian Corps had not run just past this redoubt, but that is a matter of +opinion only. Be that as it may, it must be owned that notwithstanding +many gallant attempts we could not get on at all, and thus hampered the +later attacks of the British Division after it had captured its first +objective. + + + + + CHAPTER XXI + + +If for no other reason than for the sake of being alive to read the +monumental history of Armageddon, I wish I were young again. How atomic +appears one’s own humble share in the great conflict. To Britishers who +looked on manœuvres at Aldershot or Salisbury Plain as something to +record, as Napoleonic military feats of arms which were an insurance +against all aggression, how different do matters now appear. “The +Contemptible Little Army” of those days is no more, but even so, it will +ever remain the lodestar for the armies to come, and the historian of +the five years’ clash of the world’s arms will have material to work on +such as never fell to the lot of man. What an opportunity for still +closer welding together the divers races and peoples that combine to +make the Empire of Great Britain. + +I will here cease for a while recording facts, and deal with matters +which are of interest to those who look on the Indian Corps (minute as +it was in comparison) as something else besides mere congeries of +soldiers to feed the guns. There are some details which may not prove +uninteresting to the student of psychology. + +By the end of May it was plain that the Indians needed a complete rest +and sorting out, if they were to continue as a Corps. The losses in +France after the May fighting had totalled up to: + + Killed. Wounded. Missing. + British Officers 213 501 58 + Indian Officers 88 260 53 + Other Units, British 1,376 6,073 1,724 + Other Units, Indian 1,943 10,650 2,504 + ————— —————— ————— + 3,620 17,484 4,321 + +In addition, 450 Indians had died from various causes. (Taken from _The +Indian Corps in France_.) + +The above included the Territorial battalions forming part of the Corps, +but not the losses of Divisions or Brigades temporarily attached. + +In my opinion it was useless to retain two Divisions in name without the +substance, and I recommended that one strong Division with Brigades +averaging 4000 rifles each should be formed, the weakest and some other +named Indian battalions being turned into a Reserve Brigade from which +casualties could be replaced. Also, should reinforcements prove larger +than I anticipated, complete battalions could replace others, and thus +give all an opportunity of sharing in the fighting. The Highland +Division had just been allotted to us also, and the two combined +Divisions would have formed a fine Army Corps. + +I explained that as matters then stood the British battalions were doing +more than their share of work in the various fights. The quality of our +Indian troops had deteriorated, as we received drafts of all sorts and +kinds, and the old and tried British and Indian officers had been +reduced to a minimum; but with that spirit that animates the sons of +Britain, the British units, without complaint, continued to give of +their best (and it was of the very best). Not that I did not +occasionally receive hints from the officers of both British and Indian +regiments that this process could not be indefinitely continued, and +they had good reason too; and although I mostly kept my counsel I never +failed to impress strongly on those in higher authority, that some +drastic change was absolutely necessary. + +I recommended three Indian battalions being transferred from France, and +gave my reasons in full. The two Divisional Commanders were in complete +accord with me in these suggestions, and as a proof that they were +necessary I will give a few instances of the composition of units, which +those who know the Indian Army will appreciate. + +The 57th Rifles (one of the best Corps in India) was at this time made +up from six different units—total strength 446; the 129th Baluchis, of +seven different units—total strength 263 rifles. The 9th Bhopals +consisted of men from eleven different units—strength 409. I recommended +that the 57th and 59th Rifles should be combined, the total strength of +the latter then being 271 rifles with seven officers all told. + +The 15th Sikhs, with a total strength of only 250, was suggested for +combination with the 47th Sikhs; the two battalions would then have +numbered 701. Think of it, after over eight months of war. The 1st +Gurkhas had only three Regular officers; the 4th Gurkhas only four. In +the 6th Jats only 160 of the original battalion remained. + +The two battalions of the 39th Garhwal Rifles had already been +amalgamated. They had both done most gallant service and proved +themselves to be second to none in India. This combined corps was now +short of ten Indian officers and 64 N.C.O.’s. The C.O. reported that he +had “only four N.C.O.’s fit for promotion,” and “hardly a single +rifleman whose education would enable him to keep a company roll!” What +would some of our Solomons who came to judgement on the Indian Corps +have said to this, if it had been possible to find similar conditions in +two combined British battalions? + +On 26th May the First Army informed me that my recommendations had met +with the approval both of the G.O.C. and the Commander-in-Chief. Some +alterations regarding Staff officers and others had been made, but +amongst them was one, that the appointment of Officer for Press Work +(Lieut.-Colonel Merewether) might be abolished when the Indian element +was reduced. Now if there was one person who should certainly not be got +rid of, it was this officer. India had long enough been kept in the dark +regarding the doings of her soldiers, and to have abolished him would +not only have finally severed all connection with that country, as far +as news was concerned, but would have made it impossible to compile any +detailed history of the Corps for the benefit of future generations. I +strongly protested against this on behalf of the Army and people of +India, and pointed out that after the loyalty shown, that country would +never forgive us if any such radical step was taken. India, in point of +fact, during the war sent to France alone 86,300 combatants and 48,500 +non-combatants; whilst the numbers of both sent to all theatres of war +totalled one million and forty thousand men. Nothing came of it, as Lord +Kitchener was then arranging to replace several of the battalions by +others from Egypt and elsewhere, and had telegraphed to the Government +of India regarding this. Finally, before any great changes could be +made, the Indian Army Corps had left France. + +There is no need to string out many other modifications I proposed, and +some I carried out, in the various Brigades. From this time till I left +the Corps it was one continuous effort to keep things going. It was +necessary to carry out tasks with the best grace we could muster, and at +the same time try and satisfy the powers that were. + +I began this chapter with a remark that a student of psychology might +find something of interest in it. Put yourself in the place of a sepoy, +say of the 9th Bhopal Infantry. He had been brought up in a regiment +composed of four classes of Indians: Sikhs, Rajputs, Brahmins, and +Musalmans. He had been bred to the idea that his regiment was his +military home and that it was the best in the army. He had understood +that no man could be compulsorily transferred to another corps. He had +firmly believed that our Army was not only the best trained but best +equipped in the world, and he trusted his British officers as only +Indians can trust them, _i.e._ absolutely, implicitly. Any recruit or +trained soldier who joined his battalion he knew came there of his own +free will, and he could not for a moment imagine that all sorts and +conditions of men, out of all sorts of outlandish districts from Cape +Comorin to Peshawar and from Quetta to Assam, talking different dialects +and with entirely different ideals, might one fine morning arrive with +shoulder badges denoting anything from police to Raj troops, and claim, +not only acquaintance, but close comradeship with him as one of the 9th +Bhopals. + +And yet, dumped down in the heart of Europe mid ice and snow, shot, +mangled, and torn day after day, many of these things, of which he was +so sanguine, were suddenly directly reversed. His old battalion and his +officers still stood to him in the same relation, but he awoke to the +truth that ours was by no means the best equipped Army for war; far from +it. The exigencies of the time had shattered his dream. All kinds of +strangers entered the ranks almost daily; all kinds of officers who did +not understand him took command of his company. The promotion he had +looked for in his battalion was going to outsiders; his own officers +were being wiped out week by week, and his periods of leave home were +_nil_. + +He was indeed a derelict! but he still stood in his trench, his rifle +ready and his loyalty unimpaired. Only one belief had not been +shattered, and that was, that his family would regularly receive the +small dole that was his due, and that if he died this would still +continue. In this knowledge lay his contentment. + +Is there not material here to ponder, for those who issued battle orders +as if the whole Army was of Anglo-Saxon blood? + + Man is not cast in common mould; as iron is to unwrought gold, + So is one man, ne’er mind his faith, distinct as love is far from hate, + From all his fellow-men. + +It was Lord Kitchener who wisely made the appointment of “Recording +Officer with the Indian Corps,” and it must have been he who refused to +consider his abolition under any circumstances. + +On 2nd May, as on numerous other occasions, I had spent the whole day in +the trenches. There alone could one understand the real life the men +lived, and appreciate what they were doing. Besides, a big attack was +pending, and a thorough survey of the ground to our front was necessary. +The particular battalions I saw in the most advanced line this day were +the 9th Gurkhas and 6th Jats. I chatted freely with the men and was +struck by their eagerness to ask questions. One _jawan_ of the Jats +said: “We have been arguing as to whether there is a hill in this +country: why, we had one even in my own village near Hissar (it was +probably an old disused brick kiln), but although the troops who fought +near Ypres in April tell me that they saw hills and valleys, I can +scarcely believe it.” I told him there were plenty of high mountains on +some parts of the Allied front. He said: “Then send us for a motor bus +trip, and if it turns out to be so, I will give a banquet to my company +when we again get a rest.” Another young Jat quickly added: “You are too +generous. You need not trouble about the banquet, for that time will +never arrive.” This raised a general laugh, and as I passed on I said: +“You see we cannot spare the 6th Jats because the Germans are afraid to +attack as long as you are up in the front trenches.” “Well said, General +Sahib! now we understand,” came from several men. + +The G.O.C. First Army was a very frequent visitor to our Corps +Headquarters. I see in my diary over and over again how often he came to +see me and discussed operations past or future. This was a great help in +carrying them out, and his intimate knowledge of the maps showing our +trenches, defensive posts, and situation generally, was quite +astonishing. It was only one of his many fronts, but you had to be +pretty quick with him, and I do not doubt that he knew as much of the +front he was eventually responsible for as he did of our own short line. +He has since made a world-wide name as a soldier. I wonder if he +sometimes recalls the days when the Corps yclept “Indian” was under his +command. + +In my diary of 10th May, the day after our severe fighting at Festubert, +there is an entry, “Nice letter from Viceroy.” As I have often said +before in this book, Lord Hardinge never failed to write fully regarding +the Indian Army. I have a big file of his letters, which as I re-read +them show plainly that no man could possibly have done more to help the +Corps in France. + +On the 2nd June I inspected a company of the Hazaras of the 106th +Pioneers, who had just arrived as a reinforcement for the 107th +Pioneers. It was worth a lot to see these honest-looking men, for simple +faith in the Government they served was written on their faces. A +havildar whom I asked what he thought of the country said, “Every +country to which the Government sends us is good.” A somewhat Oriental +reply, but he looked as if he meant what he said, though he was probably +wondering where he really was. + +On the 7th and 8th June I saw the 69th and 89th Punjabis, just arrived +from the East to replace corps leaving France. The last time I had seen +the 69th was on the Malakand Pass on the road to Chitral; it was a +different scene now, although the ugly village they were billeted in +bore the somewhat ridiculous name of “Paradise.” They had justified +their regimental motto, “By sea and land,” and they rendered good +service in Flanders. This battalion was originally raised in 1764 at +Madura as the 10th Battalion of Coast Sepoys, and after undergoing many +changes in name and constitution, received its present designation in +1903. Ill fortune attended their arrival, for the day following, both +the Second in Command, Major Copeland, and the Adjutant, Lieut. J. R. +Dill, who had gone up to visit the trenches, were killed by a shell. +Dill was a brother of Captain R. F. Dill, 129th Baluchis, who had +behaved with such distinguished gallantry at the first battle of Ypres, +and received one of the first D.S.O.’s awarded to the Indian Army in +this war. They were sons of the Very Reverend Dr. Marcus Dill of Alloway +Manse, Ayr, who sent four sons to the war. + +The 69th bears on its colours the battle honours, amongst others, of +Mysore, Ava, and Pegu. + +The 89th Punjabis was raised in 1798 as the 3rd Battalion of Madras +Native Infantry, and like the 69th underwent many changes of +constitution until 1903, when it received its present title. The +battalion served in six different theatres of the Great War. One Naik +Shahmad Khan won the Victoria Cross in Mesopotamia. + +Another battalion which joined the Corps later on was the 33rd Punjabis. +They were raised during the Indian Mutiny of 1857 as the “Allahabad +Levy,” and received various designations as Bengal Infantry. In 1903 it +became the 33rd Punjabis. On its colours is shown “Burma, 1885–87.” + +On the 22nd June I visited the trenches and spent the night there with +the 57th Rifles. How quickly one realises in the darkness the chances of +being knocked out. Even though nothing unusual occurred, so many bullets +were flying about, ricochetting on every side, clattering on the tin +roof of the dug-out, etc., that it was made plain at any moment any man +might meet his end. And the men took it so much as a matter of fact and +appeared so unconcerned. It was only the experience hundreds of +thousands were going through every night, but it may be of some interest +to write what I, as one humble individual of that great host, myself +went through, for it just describes what occurred every day, more or +less. Towards dusk it began to rain, and seeing a young officer who had +to proceed to Divisional Headquarters on duty, starting without a +waterproof, I offered him mine. The La Bassée-Estaires road was his +shortest way, and although this was always kept under fire by the +Germans, it was still a fairly possible bicycle route if you did not +mind an occasional toss into a shell-hole, and was used by everybody who +had urgent business. The officer returned before dawn, and in handing me +back my coat said, “General, I am so sorry I have damaged it,” and on +examination I found two bullet-hole marks. Small thing, no doubt, but it +showed the kind of life those lived who spent their nights on that +Godforsaken road. + +As the evening wore on a ration party assembled outside the C.O.’s +dug-out, where I was then standing. Just as they were collected, a +machine-gun, evidently fired on the signal of some watcher, pumped a +shower of lead into them; no one was hit, but in an instant that ration +party had disappeared. Evidently it was unsafe to show a head anywhere. + +About midnight I lay down for an hour’s sleep as I hoped, but hardly had +I closed my eyes than a huge rat walked over my face. I jumped as if +shot, with the result that I knocked my head against the supporting +timber and remembered it for some days. I was fast appreciating the +luxuries enjoyed by those millions of brave men who spent, not one, but +hundreds of nights in this kind of inferno. But my experiences were by +no means ended; the most interesting was to come. + +After a night in which I saw much of my old comrades of the 57th Rifles, +I proceeded at dawn to return to my headquarters, and remembering my +steel-bound leg, I took the La Bassée-Estaires road, instead of the +longer route by a communication trench. Not being one of those who do +not mind bullets whizzing about, I soon had cause to regret it, for the +Germans had apparently chosen the self-same hour to search this road +with a machine-gun. My orderly, Birbal, a Naik in the 69th Punjabis and +a very old friend of mine, was with me, and as we moved along for over +1000 yards we were under a most unpleasant fire which swept past us in +gusts. Birbal evidently thought “out of sight out of danger,” for he +insisted on opening his greatcoat wide and remaining on my weather side. +I ordered him to cease his folly, but, brave fellow, he replied, “They +will never see you as long as I keep this open.” None of the party of +four of us either had the time or inclination to argue, and our pace, to +say the least of it, was exceedingly rapid, and Birbal had his way. + +At last we reached the waiting motor-car and were soon out of +machine-gun range; but as we spun along towards Headquarters, I could +not but realise how strange must have been the feelings of thousands of +Indians who underwent similar experiences daily and did it only because +they had sworn loyalty to England’s King. I also reflected for the +hundredth time, how safe, ordinarily speaking, was the lot of a Corps +Commander in comparison with those brave juniors who really won the war. + +Sir John French, by his actions at different times during our year in +France, proved his strong sympathy, even in trivial matters, with +soldiers as a class. He could say a thing just in the right way to win +the regard of all ranks. When he found that one of our few periods of +rest behind the firing-line coincided with the Mahomedan Ramazan, he +immediately let me know that he was very pleased our men had this +opportunity of observing a religious duty. In the same way, when I was +gazetted G.C.M.G., the Commander-in-Chief did not fail to write and +congratulate me. I hope, should the great Field-Marshal ever come across +this book, he will believe that whatever I may have said in no way +reduces the very high esteem in which I bear him. The Indian Corps owes +him a debt of gratitude for his remarks in his book, “1914.” + +Several French Generals also frequently sent their congratulations and +best wishes to me and the Indian Corps. The _camaraderie_ between the +French and the Indians will ever remain a precious remembrance. + + + + + CHAPTER XXII + + +From the finish of the battle of Festubert until the Indian Corps took +part in the subsidiary attack in front of Mauquissart on the opening day +of the battle of Loos in September 1915, was for us what was called in +France a quiet time. No big attack was undertaken and no special +features marked this period. The troops, however, had plenty of hard +work, and a few incidents are worth recording. Some of our old +battalions left us, and a few others arrived from Egypt, etc. Among the +departures were the 15th Sikhs, 6th Jats, 9th Bhopals, 41st Dogras, and +125th Rifles. I was sorry to miss the old numbers, but after being +refitted, brought up to strength, and re-equipped, they again joined one +or other of our numerous forces operating in the many theatres of war, +and shared in the toils and triumphs of Great Britain’s armies. + +After the Indian Corps had left France, I wrote, as part of a story for +a magazine, a tale of one Naik Ayub Khan of the 124th, attached to the +129th Baluchis. This was not allowed to be printed by the Censor, but +all the same long before the war ended it appeared in full in _The +Indian Corps in France_. I suppose if the Germans had found out that it +was written by a former Commander of the Indian Corps it might have +altered the whole course of events in Europe, so I presume it was that +Solomonic Censor (and not Marshal Foch) who ended the war! + +Here is the story, and I will give it in his own words: + + “At 10 P.M. on 21st June I started with one other man to patrol the + ground in front of our own trenches. The grass for about 100 yards + this side of the German trenches has been cut. Their wire is about + fifteen yards wide, and is composed of high wire entanglements (3 feet + to 3 feet 6 inches high) outside, and _chevaux de frise_ inside. It + commences about five yards outside the German trenches. + + I arrived at the ditch on the left of the road close to the barricade + on the road near Point 63 one hour before dawn. I waited until it was + light, and till the Germans stood to arms, and then stood up and held + up my hands, saying, “Germany, I am an Indian Musalman.” The Germans + immediately called an officer, who signalled to me to put down my + rifle by the barricade. I then gave up my bayonet and ammunition and + climbed over the barricade. The time was about 2 to 2.30 A.M. + + There were many Germans in the trench, all wearing the number “15” on + their shoulders. They wore grey uniform and soft forage caps, with a + stiff and black shining band, apparently made of the same material as + the German helmet. They had no pack on their backs, only a belt with + several ammunition pouches and a bayonet. + + The trench was very deep and strong, and is revetted entirely with + boards held up with stakes. The floor of the trench is boarded and is + kept dry by means of pumps. + + Traverses are frequent, I cannot say at what intervals, but about six + to eight men between each traverse. Dug-outs are well built and + covered with sandbags. Some have doors and windows; these probably + belong to the officers. + + The parapet is very strong. There are a few loopholes in it for + sentries and (perhaps) snipers, but in the case of attack the men + would, I think, all fire over the top of the parapet (probably + standing) on steps or sandbags. The German trenches appear to be + considerably stronger and better built than ours. + + About five yards behind their front trench and parallel to it runs a + communication trench, connected with the firing-line in every + traverse. It is dry and in good condition and I was taken along part + of it. + + Until the sun rose I stayed with the officer who called me in, and + then he took me along the trench to a senior officer about 500 yards + towards the German right. + + During my walk through the trenches I saw some iron loopholes, + probably for day sentries, also some wooden loopholes which may be + used at night. There are more men in the German front-line trenches + than in ours, perhaps in the proportion of three to two. + + The senior officer had a shoulder-strap covered with silver braid, and + the number “15”: I could see no other marks. I was sent off in charge + of one N.C.O. and two soldiers. I was treated well and the men in the + trenches gave me cigarettes. + + The support trench was about 100 yards behind the firing-line. There + were no dug-outs, and the trench was absolutely unoccupied. I saw no + third line of trenches. + + The course I followed seems to have been _via_ (here he described it + in detail). I then entered a wood, and went through it by a _kacha_ + road. (He emerged at Point 72 or 73, and turned sharp to the left, + going for about 200–300 yards with the wood on his left.) I was then + taken to the second of two houses on the right, quite close to the + turning. The first of these houses is half destroyed and is used as a + telegraph and telephone office. A trolley line runs along behind the + wood and turns to the right by these two bungalows. + + I was taken into the second house and saw two officers. The younger + had no coat on; the senior, who saluted me (mark the salute) and gave + me cigarettes, had silver braid on his shoulder and a brass crown and + a number which I cannot remember. I think they must have been the C.O. + and Adjutant. + + I stayed there only about five minutes. + + I started off along the trolley line, which continued till it reached + a main road, probably the Aubers road. (From here the description is + vague. Apparently he went past the factory west of Illies church, on + to the main La Bassée-Lille road, and thence to Wicres.) + + After crossing a railway line, some five minutes afterwards we came to + a small village, well built and with only a few houses damaged. There + were French women and children in the village. I passed straight + through the village, seeing on the right an unmetalled road on which + were horse-drawn artillery wagons. I was taken to a house amidst trees + in the fork of two main roads. + + An officer who spoke a little Hindustani and had been in India came + out with a senior officer (whom I took to be a General), white-haired + and with a grey moustache, whose shoulder-strap carried thick silver + braid as thick as my finger. The Interpreter brought a map and asked + me what trenches I knew. I told him that I could not read. + + He asked me why the —— Regiment had left. I said they had been engaged + for a long time and had lost heavily. Other questions and answers were + as follows: + + _Question._—Were you in the attack at Ypres? + + _Answer._—Yes. + + _Q._—How many men did your Brigade lose? + + _A._—About 300 killed and 200 wounded. + + _Q._—Is your Brigade very weak now? + + _A._—No, a new battalion of 1100 rifles has just arrived. + + _Q._—What is this battalion? + + _A._—The 89th Punjabis. (The Interpreter then produced a book and + wrote this down.) + + _Q._—Have the 124th (Ayub Khan’s proper battalion) come to this + country? It is not in my book. (He saw an old shoulder badge of the + 124th in my pocket.) + + _A._—No. When the 129th had lost 300 men, 400 more came from the 124th + to bring them up to strength. When we returned from Belgium drafts + arrived from other regiments. We are now 100 under strength but there + is a draft of 600 men waiting for us (a good lie) when we are relieved + from the trenches. I told him that the present strength of our + companies is about ninety men. (Indian battalions formerly had eight + companies.) + + _Q._—Do you have plenty of rifle ammunition? + + _A._—Each sentry is given a box and can fire what he likes. + + _Q._—Have the guns plenty of ammunition? + + _A._—Each battery has a dug-out full of ammunition, and they can fire + what they like. (Good lie!) + + _Q._—What rations do you get? + + _A._—In the morning, tea, milk, and biscuits. In the evening, meat, + bread, and vegetables. + + _Q._—Do you get pay? + + _A._—We are fed and clothed and get soap from Government. We get ten + francs monthly in the field, and the rest accumulates at the depot. + + _Q._—Why did you, a non-commissioned officer, desert? + + _A._—My section is tired of the war, but dare not come over in case + they get fired on. We discussed the matter and I decided to go alone + and arrange for the others to come over. There are fifteen men in my + section who want to desert, and I can find five more in the battalion. + + The senior officer then said that, if I would come over to the + Germans, I should get very good pay, and that he would give me Rs. 300 + if I brought over twenty men. + + These questions were asked at about 12 noon on the 22nd. + + I was then sent to sit in an orchard. They brought me milk and bread + on three occasions. A number of soldiers came to look at me. I saw + about eight men with the number “55” on their shoulder-strap, and + about ten men with the number “13.” + + I sat in the orchard until 9 P.M. with some German soldiers. They all + had a crown on their shoulder-straps and another mark I could not + understand. They wore an ordinary black German helmet, with a black + board on the top, raised up a little. One man took the grey cover off + and showed me his helmet. It had a big white badge in front. + (N.B.—This appears to be the 16th Uhlans.) + + At about 9 P.M. the Interpreter, one of the officers, and I returned + to the trenches in a motor-car. The officers in the trenches did not + want to let me go. However, it was arranged that at dawn I should + bring over the twenty men and call out my own name. The men were to + bring rifles with them but leave them in the grass. I then left the + German trench and arrived back in our own trenches about midnight the + 22nd-23rd instant. + + I brought back my rifle, belt, and bandolier. They took my ammunition + and bayonet. + + As regards the distance of the place of interrogation from the German + trenches I cannot remember, but was walking for about two hours on the + morning of the 22nd. My motor-car ride the same evening was about five + or six miles.” Ends. + +The story is a remarkable one and its general correctness was proved by +subsequent events. Ayub Khan carried his life in his hand, for had his +actions caused one doubt of any kind among his captors he would +assuredly have been shot. One spot indicated by him as an ammunition +dump was subjected to a heavy fire two days later and a very +considerable explosion occurred which we at the time attributed solely +to the information gained. The Hun was notified by unmistakable signs +that the naik’s treachery had been discovered and rewarded, as such +conduct in war should be. + +Meantime I had the pleasure of presenting Ayub Khan with a larger sum of +money than he had been promised by the Germans, promoting him to a +higher grade of N.C.O., and getting him the Indian Order of Merit. +Promotion to the commissioned rank of jemadar soon followed his other +rewards. + +Towards the end of June 1915 I wrote to G.H.Q. through the First Army on +the subject of the depots, convalescent camps, and drafts at Marseilles. +I have before me reports of a Committee of experienced senior officers, +also separate reports of other officers concerned. Those who only judge +Army Corps by the number of rifles and guns available might receive a +shock on reading these documents, and incidentally gather therefrom some +of the difficulties that had to be faced by the Commander of the Indian +Corps in France. The truth is that Marseilles proved to be the most +unsuitable place that could have been selected as the Indian Base. When +we first arrived it was intended to move it farther north, Havre or +elsewhere, as soon as the main body of the Corps had reached the front; +but once established, Marseilles remained our Base to the end. Its +geographical position and the shortage of shipping, of course, had much +to say to this. + +The Committee did not shirk responsibility. On the contrary, its report +is a document that should be valuable to those who may ever again be +called on to select bases in Europe for Indian troops, and assist them +to avoid the stupid blunders that were made and the chaotic conditions +that prevailed. The Commandant, Colonel G. F. Tinley, did all a man +could do. He worked all and every day, but he could not refashion a +rotten system nor cleanse the Augean stable. Some of the reservists and +drafts that were sent from India were a humiliation to our name. Some of +the officers who passed them as fit should have been removed from the +Army. + +For what did it all mean? Merely this, that from reasons either of +laziness or stupidity they did not hesitate to send men marked as fit +for service in the field who were absolutely unfit, and who they must +have known were unfit. They themselves were safe enough in India; if +anything went wrong, well! their comrades in France and not they would +suffer. As I look back on it all I cannot but hope that in most cases it +was only ignorance, but of what use are such officers in the Indian +Army? + +It is difficult to write calmly on such a subject, for on 15th July I +myself went down to Marseilles and remained there four days. I saw all +that was being done, inspected every hospital, depot, and draft, and +returned to Flanders, only realising fully for the first time that the +authorities in India knew as much about the requirements of a European +war as I did about a Zeppelin. + +Talk of the mentality of the East: I truly learned more of it in those +four days in Marseilles than I had in a lifetime. The mind of India was +laid bare. The ignorance of the West, when endeavouring to understand +the viewpoint of the East, suddenly stood naked before me. I thought I +knew something of Indians; I left Marseilles knowing a little more, but +still very far from all. + +A few details may amuse the reader; they certainly afford material for +amusement, though little comfort was it at that time. I will quote from +the official reports. One lot of reservists was classed as “utterly +valueless.” Of nineteen men of one regiment “three are fit for service.” +Another small draft was classed together as “particularly poor,” of +another out of thirty-five men sent “ten are plague convalescents who +have not even yet recovered their full vigour.” One boy was referred to +as fourteen years of age, and another as a “mere child.” Of a draft of +sixty-seven reservists nine were of “indifferent physique” and +fifty-eight “unfit.” India appeared anxious to fill up sorely needed +shipping with trash of this sort. One draft of thirty Hindus was sent +for the 129th Baluchis, a Class Mahomedan regiment that had not had a +Hindu in it for thirty years, and of the thirty, twenty-two were +pronounced unfit on arrival at Marseilles. + +Finally this particular Committee closed its proceedings with the +remark: “Of 212 men inspected only five or six—who (also) are +temporarily unfit—are suitable for service in France.” + +G.H.Q. was shouting to us, “Promite vires,” on the battle front, but we +were fast reaching the Ultima Thule of our resources in the rear. + +Attached to the Indian Corps was Captain P. J. G. Pipon of the Indian +Civil Service. He had volunteered for active service and in addition to +his military duties did much work of a political nature. His assistance +in all matters connected with religion, interior economy, etc., always +proved most valuable, and his inquiries at Marseilles unearthed many +details which make strange reading. He received the Military Cross and +C.I.E. for his services in the war. My Indian A.D.C., Risaldar Khwaja +Mahomed Khan, I.D.S.M., accompanied him on one occasion, and then, as +always, rendered invaluable service. Of course in the doing of this he +made many enemies, and those who understand the East will know what this +means. His loyalty and zeal deserve strong recognition, and I feel +certain that should the Viceroy or Commander-in-Chief ever hear of these +remarks they would not fail to inquire, and would assuredly see that +this distinguished Indian officer was honoured by those who owe him a +debt of gratitude. Captain E. B. Howell (I.C.S.), Censor with the Indian +troops, rendered valuable service and received a C.I.E. + +In March 1915 I had recommended to G.H.Q. that wounded Indians should +not be sent back to the front, and the Adjutant-General had issued +orders to this effect. They still continued, however, to be sent, and in +May the G.O.C. First Army himself made similar recommendations, to which +the A.G. replied that only those who volunteered would be returned. It +was a great mistake keeping wounded men at Marseilles. They did little +good and much harm, and they should either have been kept in England or +returned to India. It was folly to mix them up with fresh drafts, who +were not cheered on first arrival by meeting a lot of bandaged men. The +Indian is not built that way. + +However, it was eventually decided that all recovered wounded, as well +as sick, should as soon as pronounced fit be sent back to the front. On +this I made fresh recommendations for forming a working battalion behind +our lines, which could be utilised, at any rate for military working +parties. This project had taken shape before I left France. It was +indeed the only way out of the difficulty, and served as a means of +partially clearing that focus of discontent, Marseilles. + +On 2nd July I attended the regimental sports of the 4th Cavalry. A big +French crowd had gathered, and the proceedings recalled many happy days +in India. The tent-pegging was quite good, and the jumping showed that +the horses were in good fettle and well trained. + +The 4th Cavalry, the Divisional Cavalry Regiment of the Meerut Division, +was originally raised in 1838 as the “Cavalry Regiment of the Oudh +Auxiliary Force,” and received its present title in 1904. It was granted +an honorary standard for service in Scinde in 1844, and served in +Afghanistan (1879–80). + +On 8th July Lord Kitchener visited us. He told me the Indians were to +have a rest and also said very decidedly that he meant to keep them in +France to the end of the war. He informed me that they would be formed +into ONE Division, and not kept as two, which was the opposite of what +he had sturdily maintained when I last saw him, so I presume the +pressure brought to bear on him had been too much even for his +determination. The G.O.C. First Army also informed me that the Indians +were to have three weeks’ rest, and that the British battalions were to +be formed into two Brigades and have a third added whilst the Indians’ +rest lasted. By the 16th July this reorganisation had been completed, +but was of short duration, as only a week later we were again ordered to +change our front, and 3000 rifles of those in rest were sent to the +Lahore Division, which had been detailed to hold the line whilst all the +Indian units had been temporarily turned into the Meerut Division. Lord +Kitchener on this visit was in peculiarly happy vein and made light of +all his difficulties. + +On 11th July the pipers of the 40th Pathans played in the square of the +village where our Headquarters was located and a large crowd of French +people gathered to listen. It was a very cheerful sight, and an old +Frenchman who was bent double came up to me and said, “Your Indians are +just like the British, you are a wonderful race of people.” + +My own old battalion, the 1st Leinsters, was at this time quartered at +Armentières not far from us, and I went over to see them. Unfortunately +I had selected the 14th July for my visit, not remembering that it was a +great date in France, and that, in consequence, the Boches would +certainly select it as a special day of hate. Before I reached the town +this was forcibly brought home to me by the heavy shelling it was being +subjected to. However, I had fixed an hour and I knew the battalion +would be on parade waiting for me, shells or no shells. With some +difficulty I wended my way in a motor-car by back streets full of +debris, and arrived in time. I carried out a formal inspection while the +big shells were falling in the Square quite close by; but the men were +in high spirits, and I believe had a shell burst in our midst, not a +Leinster would have budged even to pick up his comrade. I could not but +compare it with the very last occasion on which I had met my old Corps +in India and had the high honour of presenting it with new colours, a +distinction that does not often fall to the lot of an ordinary officer. + +We had lunch to the accompaniment of a chorus of projectiles, and I left +after the Hun had poured out the vials of his wrath. The Irishmen looked +grand. Would that we could enrol many Army Corps of such fine soldiers. + +On 18th July Sir John Hewett, late Lieutenant-Governor of the United +Provinces of Agra and Oudh, paid us a visit. He came on duty in +connection with the “Indian Soldiers’ Fund,” for which he had done so +much and which I have written of elsewhere. Sir John was one of the +greatest of modern India’s Proconsuls—a man full of saving common sense, +strong in character, quick in decision, just in dealing, such an one, in +fact, as Indians respect and love, and his visit was much appreciated by +us. + +Towards the end of July we received a very fine draft of 900 men from +India. I saw them on parade and was very pleased with their physique and +general appearance. They were nearly all highly trained and keen to see +fighting, and I saw that the authorities had at last begun to realise +that what we needed were soldiers and not useless reservists. + +Hudson, by this time promoted Major-General, my Chief of Staff, left us +to command the Eighth British Division. I was truly sorry to lose so +excellent a Staff officer and so good a friend. His knowledge and advice +had been invaluable from the day we landed in France. Captain Langhorne, +R.A., also rejoined his own Army, and I felt his loss much. Hudson was +succeeded by Brigadier-General Charles, R.E., and Captain Forbes, 57th +Rifles, relieved Langhorne. + +It is of interest to record that at the beginning of July the casualties +of the Indian Corps had reached a total of over 26,000, exclusive of +nearly 500 other deaths among the Indians. + + + + + CHAPTER XXIII + + +During July very few interesting events had occurred in the Corps, and +although there is nothing spectacular to record, it was just such +incidents that kept up the spirits of the men and gave opportunities for +individual distinction combined with very useful work. Of such was a +reconnaissance made by Captain Roe, 4th Gurkhas. Starting by daylight, +this gallant officer, accompanied by Lieut. C. C. Manson of the Indian +Army Reserve of Officers attached to the battalion, and his acting +Subadar-Major, Senbir Gurung, spent five hours reconnoitring the enemy +trenches from “No Man’s Land.” In the doing of this they all ran very +considerable risks, but certain information was much needed and they did +not hesitate to run every risk to gain it. I will not go into the +details: suffice it to say they not only discovered and sketched many +German traps, trenches fitted with armoured loopholes, dummy +machine-guns, barricades, and other unpleasant accessories of trench +warfare, but killed a German officer and another man, and returned with +their information and a useful sketch. + +Not content with this the same trio, accompanied now by eighteen +N.C.O.’s and men, sallied out on 4th July and in three groups repeated +the performance on a larger scale. Covering parties were told off and +other necessary preparations made. Roe and his group were subjected to a +sharp bombing which temporarily knocked them out, but quickly regaining +their feet they outmatched the Huns in the bombing game, killing five of +them. Senbir was very severely wounded, but refused to be moved and +continued to exercise his command. Manson here got his chance, and with +his covering party just caught the Germans at the moment they were +gaining a decided advantage. They were utterly surprised and as they +very hurriedly retired a fortunate shell from one of our field batteries +which was assisting the operation burst over them. This ended all +opposition and the grand little Gurkhas returned full of themselves. + +Roe received the D.S.O., Manson the Military Cross, and Senbir Gurung +the Indian Order of Merit. Others who were awarded the I.D.S.M. will be +found in the Appendix. + +The Bishop of Nagpore visited us towards the end of July and accompanied +me to several of our advanced posts and batteries. He gave us a very +impressive service in the French schoolroom of the town, and we were +glad indeed to have had one of our Indian Bishops in our midst. In this +Corps we of course had less Christian chaplains than was naturally the +case with others, but those we had have left a splendid record of +devotion and will ever be remembered by all who served with them. +Witness one name alone, Ronald Irwin, Indian Ecclesiastical Department, +Chaplain of the Leicesters, who during the war won the D.S.O. and M.C. +with bar. + +I had a very pleasant duty to perform during July when on comparing +statistics of all Brigades in the Corps I was able to report to First +Army that for the two previous months the 1st and 2nd Battalions of the +Connaught Rangers, who as I said before had been amalgamated into one +unit, had not a single court-martial, and showed the lowest average of +sick (1·37) amongst the British troops of the original Army Corps. All +of these battalions could not be beaten in the Army, but it always +rejoices me to see Irishmen setting the example, and they generally will +set it if they are taken in the right way. + +Sir John French, with that soldierly instinct he possesses in so high a +degree, at once directed that an expression of his appreciation of the +efforts of the C.O. and all other ranks of the Connaughts to raise the +Corps to such a high state of discipline was to be conveyed to the +battalion. + +[Illustration] + +[Illustration] + +Major-General Lambton, the Military Secretary at G.H.Q., had a difficult +task. Considering the numerous details he had to deal with and the +difficulty of following the ramifications of promotions and rewards in +the Indian Corps, it was wonderful how successfully he managed. His +fairness in apportioning them, and his desire to do justice to the +Indians, were very apparent. In comparing the awards with those of other +Indian Expeditionary forces, up to the time I left France, I think we +perhaps suffered in proportion to our numbers and the conditions we +lived in. There can be no question as to which force of Indians had the +hardest task and the most trying conditions to contend with during the +first months of the war, but the number of rewards for Indians were in +some cases less than their more fortunate comrades received in other +theatres. Writing of rewards I may add that Lieut.-General Sir Charles +Anderson, who commanded the Meerut Division for eleven months and +succeeded me in command of the Indian Corps, was perhaps the only Corps +Commander who never received a French decoration. He later commanded a +British Army Corps for many months, but he is still without anything to +show that he served in France. + +Lieut.-Colonel S. Barry of the Northamptonshire Regiment, A.D.C. to the +Commander-in-Chief, was an officer who invariably exercised a tact that +made visits to G.H.Q. a pleasure whenever he was on duty. + +General Macready, Adjutant-General, G.H.Q., was always most anxious to +help the Indian Corps, and we owe him a debt of gratitude for many +actions taken by him to keep our house in order. + +It will interest those who sympathise with the complications of this +command to glance at the accompanying short extract from our “Summary of +News,” 1st to 5th June 1915. It was taken haphazard from many in my +possession. In order to convey to the Indians some idea of what was +going on in all theatres of war it was of course necessary to publish +such news in their own language. This meant, first, translation of the +ordinary summary issued to the Army into Hindustani, and then the local +presentation of it in the Persian and the Hindi character. It was all +done rapidly and regularly, with a result that the sepoy in the trenches +was enabled to learn frequently what his comrades and the Allied Armies +were doing. Without it he would have known nothing of either. + + _Summary of News, 1st June to 5th June 1915._ + + WESTERN THEATRE + + _British Front._—The British troops have captured the Château of + Hooge, about 2–1/2 miles from Ypres on the Menin road. + + On the night of the 4th-5th June the British on the right of the + Indian Corps captured forty-eight German prisoners of the 56th + Regiment, Seventh Corps. These are mostly men between thirty-five and + forty years of age, who have only recently been called up for service. + From their statements it appears that in this neighbourhood the enemy + has at present no apparatus for asphyxiating gas. + + _French Front._—The French continue to advance near Notre Dame de + Lorette and Souchez, fifteen to twenty miles south of the Indian + Corps. On the 31st May they captured the front German trenches of the + large work known as the “Labyrinth,” taking four officers and 146 men. + The “Labyrinth” was composed of subterranean chambers believed by the + enemy to be impregnable. The French also captured the Souchez Sugar + Factory, a large and strongly defended building. During the night the + Germans recaptured it, but were driven out again by our Allies at + daybreak on the 1st June. During this battle the French captured over + 800 prisoners, including nine officers, fifty N.C.O.’s and two + machine-guns. They are now in firm possession of the building and of + the trenches all round it. + + The following particulars of the results of the fighting in this + neighbourhood are issued officially by the French authorities: + + “Between the 9th May and 1st June 3100 German prisoners, including + sixty-four officers, were captured, and 2600 German corpses buried, + all by one French Division.” This probably represents a loss of at + least 10,000 killed, wounded, and prisoners. “The losses of this + French Division were about 3200 in all, of which two-thirds were only + slightly wounded.” Ends. + +A month before I left France Lieutenant E. Bullard, of the Indian Postal +Service, attached to the Corps, was killed by a shell whilst in his +motor-car on duty well behind the advanced posts. Poor lad, he had done +excellent service, and this will readily be understood when it is +remembered that he was responsible for the distribution of letters, +packages, post cards, and a hundred forms of correspondence and gifts +written in innumerable dialects or wrapped in the most impossible +covers, and despatched in a manner that no Westerner can conceive. +Notwithstanding this, like other exceptional matters, there was always +an officer ready and capable of carrying them out. Indian training in +this respect is difficult to beat. + +[Illustration: TRENCHES. INDIAN CORPS. 27–8–1915.] + +During August a company of Bhutias from the Darjeeling district of +Bengal joined us for ambulance work. Great Britain was indeed gathering +her hosts from all parts of the world. I inspected them and never +remember to have seen a more cheery detachment. They were accommodated +in tents and plainly showed that they had come to enjoy the show, for +they had no hesitation in calling the war a regular _tamasha_ (sport, +fun). They changed their mind as to the _tamasha_ part of it, but were +always in good spirits. + +The 12th August was a proud day for me, for I had the honour of +receiving from His Majesty’s hands the G.C.M.G. he had been pleased to +confer on me, and at the same time my son in the Black Watch was +honoured by receiving the Military Cross. The King was kind enough to +tell the boy that he was glad to see both father and son together, and +after the Investiture I was summoned to an interview, when His Majesty +told me he had heard good reports of the Corps and directed me to convey +to the officers, N.C.O.’s, and men his good wishes. Of course this was +speedily done, and little did I then realise that only three weeks later +I was to leave my beloved Army Corps and field service for ever. + +I again saw Lord Kitchener and he asked me if I had any objection to +releasing a thousand Gurkhas from the Corps for service in Gallipoli. He +wished four companies to be taken from four different battalions, but I +suggested one whole battalion being sent and made up to a thousand rank +and file. He agreed to this and I selected the 4th Gurkhas. It was a +blow losing them, but necessity demanded it, I suppose. + +Only a week later Lord Kitchener again visited us in France and saw all +Corps Commanders of the First Army at St. Venant. On this occasion he +informed me that it had been suggested to him to relieve the Indians, +but he was determined they should stay on in France, and he said he was +arranging reliefs of units. + +For few perhaps in the British Forces in France has the 3rd September +1915 any special significance, but for me, without any kind of immediate +warning, it was the last day of soldiering. For thirty-seven years the +thought of suddenly ending my career had never entered my head, and I +still hoped that if my Corps could be transferred to Egypt, Mesopotamia, +or anywhere from France, I should have the satisfaction of seeing the +war through. If we remained on in France, I knew it was only a matter of +time when I should be forced myself to ask for a move. However, we were +on the eve of the great attack at Loos; the Indian Corps was in as good +fettle as was then possible; every kind of preparation was in process of +completion for the attack; and as far as I was concerned there was no +immediate reason for any foreboding of evil. We had just received some +excellent drafts from India and everything seemed to be going well. + +But it is the unexpected that often happens in war, and in justice to +myself and the Indians then in France, I say plainly that at a time of +comparatively profound calm on the battle front, I was for very good +reasons obliged to suggest to the G.O.C. First Army that as my services +apparently no longer met with his approval I considered it best for the +Army that I might be relieved of my command. + +The war is over, I am only one humble individual, my staying or leaving +could have no bearing on events, but justice is a thing we expect in our +Army. + +On the 2nd September 1915, with my old and valued friend, Colonel Sir +Frederick Lugard, Governor-General of Nigeria, who was home on leave and +paying a short visit to France, I went round almost the whole of our +front trenches. It was a murky day and nothing beyond the usual shelling +and firing was happening, but the Indians were glad to see me, as usual. + +One section was held by Pathans, and some of them were singing to a +_sitar_ (guitar). My knowledge of Pashtu is limited, but I had years ago +learned their favourite song, “Zakhmi Dil” (The Wounded Heart), so I +joined in and gave them a verse. Men from other parts of the trenches +came running over, and presently to dance and music we were having an +improvised concert. I did not know it was to be my last with my brave +comrades of many campaigns. + +After a long day’s tramp, and having personally inspected the various +new trench positions for guns which were to be brought up to the very +front, etc., we got home late, and for some reason I was in particularly +good spirits. Loos was about to be fought, and the Indian Corps had been +detailed to make a subsidiary attack from near Mauquissart and we had +been preparing everything for many days. + +Early on the 3rd September there was a conference of the First Army at +Hinges Château; it was the first Headquarters I had been in when I took +over our front in October 1914, and I found myself back in the old +familiar room and seated at the same spot where we had begun our great +adventure. How much had passed since those early days; how few of my old +comrades of the Staff, or indeed of any kind, still remained with us! + +My thoughts could interest nobody but myself, but to me as I look back +they were the last I should ever reflect, as a fighting soldier; for +within an hour I was no longer Commander of the Indian Corps. Discipline +is the marrow of an army; silence, when it is imperative that one should +uphold the authority which the King has placed over us, is sometimes +hard to endure. + +An hour later, on my way back to my Headquarters, I told my Staff +officer that I had seen the Army Commander and my end had come. He was +not surprised; who that was present could be? Only twenty days +previously I had had the honour of receiving the G.C.M.G. at the hands +of His Majesty, and had been summoned afterwards to his presence, as I +have already told, when he graciously congratulated me and praised the +work of the Indian Corps, and within three weeks I was forced to leave +the Corps in which I had served with a loyalty that no man could exceed. +_Nemo repente fit turpissimus._ + +I had gone to the Conference in high spirits; I was leaving it, little +caring whither I went. I should have to depart before even I could shake +the hand of many brave Indians, officers and men, my lifelong friends. I +felt I must perforce go without saying a word, lest any spark of +ill-feeling should be revealed. The enemy was before us; individuals had +to go under, rightly or wrongly, but, above all, no Indian soldier +should know from me that his commander was leaving for such a reason. +They would, of course, not understand it, and so I knew the bitter pill +must be swallowed. I had long foreseen what must come; that it came with +a greater suddenness than even I had imagined possible is another story. + +In my Diary under 5th September I find: + + This day last year I was appointed to command the Indian Corps and the + self-same day a year later I got my orders to go. The only order in + fact I have received is, that I may proceed on leave, and that was + given me verbally by the Military Secretary. It is war time and so I + must hold my peace for the foe is at the gates, but if this is justice + then chivalry has indeed departed. + +From that day to this I have never received any orders. ARGUMENTUM +BACULINUM. + +Even the India Office was not informed, and my own intimation some days +later, that I had left, was the first they heard of the fact. Would this +have been possible in any other Army Corps? + +Lord Kitchener saw me on 16th September, or ten days after my return, +and informed me that he had heard verbally, but had no official report +and had telegraphed for it. + +I was the third senior officer in France; what must have been the fate +of many junior to me? + +Had Lord Kitchener lived, I think I may safely say I should not have +been cast on the scrap-heap; with his death vanished the last hope of +re-employment in the war, and what other employment was worth having? + +I have a sufficient sense of discipline to refrain from further probing +this story. I am still on the “Active List” of the Army and it is my +duty to hold my peace; but I retain the right to tell my own tale when I +am no longer employed, and I shall then do so. Even had I been totally +deficient in “initiative and tactical skill,” there are ways of doing +things. I had during my thirty-seven years’ soldiering served in +fourteen campaigns; had received the Freedom of the City of London and a +sword of honour, and the unique distinction of being mentioned by name +in King Edward’s first Speech from the Throne. Had I not the right to +expect ordinary courtesy?—but I belonged to the Indian Corps!—that +explains much. + +The story of my own share in the work of the Corps in France is +finished. I have endeavoured faithfully to record, to the best of my +ability, the brave doings of brave men, British and Indian. I have tried +to repay in some small measure the heavy debt I owe to them, but +especially to the soldiers of India, my faithful friends and comrades in +many campaigns, through whose loyalty, courage, and devotion I have +risen from Subaltern to General. The memories of the long years spent in +India are, at least, a possession of which I cannot be deprived. + + Ille terrarum mihi praeter omnes angulus ridet. + +The following numbers of casualties, up to within a week of the date I +left France, will give some idea of the part played by the Army Corps in +the fighting and of the debt which England owes to her own sons and +brothers from overseas; but still more to those chivalrous men, +Mahomedans and Hindus, for they came from a sense of loyalty to their +King-Emperor alone, although they had no personal bias in the quarrel, +except to uphold Great Britain’s righteous cause. + + British officers 850 + „ other ranks 10,300 + Indian officers 420 + „ other ranks 17,230 + —————— + Total 28,800 + + + + + CHAPTER XXIV + + +My own part in the Great War ended early in September 1915, and the +share taken by the Indian Corps as part of the Army which attacked at +and north of Loos (prior to its final departure from France) can only be +told as I have gathered it from records and letters received by me; but +my information is derived from the most authentic sources and may be +taken as absolutely correct. I should not consider this book complete +without giving in some detail an account of the last, but by no means +the least, of the fights waged by the Indians in Flanders. More +especially do I deem it an honour to do this, as the command had +devolved, on my own recommendation, on my friend, Lieut.-General Sir +Charles Anderson, K.C.B., one of the most earnest fighting soldiers. + +Moreover, certain Indian battalions took part in it which had joined +just prior to, or immediately after, my departure. Like every other unit +of the Corps, I had known and served with them in India, and it is a +source of pleasure to record, as far as I can in a bald statement of +facts, the part they played in the closing scenes of the drama of the +soldiers of Hindustan. I had been partly instrumental in making the +preliminary preparations for this battle, and therefore am in a position +to understand thoroughly what occurred. + +The events as they actually took place have convinced those who knew +what was being done that the task assigned to the Indian Corps was, +under the circumstances, a hopeless one, unless the wind and weather +were both favourable for the use of gas, of which we understood but +little at that time. + +I had originally selected as the objective of the Corps the very same +front it finally attacked, and had laid my plans before the Army +Commander. A German deserter had, however, come in and stated that his +own side was preparing a gas attack on the self-same front, and I had +been ordered to select another portion of the German line on which to +direct our assault. Later, a heavy fire had been kept up to detect if +possible whether there was any collection of gas cylinders or apparatus +in the vicinity; the deserter’s report had been found to be untrue and I +had been ordered to hold to my original plan again; but as the operation +depended mainly on the successful use of gas, I had made certain +suggestions in case of a failure of cylinders, or an ill turn of luck in +wind and weather at the last moment. + +Those who may read this story will at least see that my ideas were not +only not groundless, but that, as I had deemed possible, the supply of +gas was eventually merely a trifle of what had been planned—160 +cylinders instead of the 1100 calculated—and of the 160 in the trenches +only 30 could be discharged before the wind veered. The gas, moreover, +had no effect on the enemy, as was proved after our first advance, +whilst it very seriously hampered our own troops. + +The end of a year of trench warfare, and the deterioration of Indian +units as compared with our original battalions, was not the time to call +on them to carry out such an attack, unless they were to be amply +supported by guns, and of these I was very short. Given these and +favourable conditions for the use of gas, much might have been done +which the shortage of the former and handicap (as it turned out) of the +latter made an impossible task. It is true that the push was only a +subsidiary one, and designed to hold the enemy in its front and thus +prevent him from sending assistance farther south; but distinct +objectives had been assigned; and, even so, there is reason in all +things, and in my opinion, as originally designed and as we were +supposed to carry it out, there was not the slightest chance of our +gaining our objective or retaining it if gained, whilst there was the +certainty of very heavy losses amongst men who had already cheerfully +made immense sacrifices for Great Britain. + +I will not enter into the operations of the British Army as a whole; +suffice it to say that the First Army assumed the offensive on September +the 25th, and the orders for the attack of the Indian Corps, amongst +others, were based on the following instructions: + + The Army Corps south of the La Bassée Canal were to advance eastward + to the line Pont-à-Vendin-Bauvin. The Corps north of the Canal were to + engage the enemy vigorously and to prevent him from withdrawing troops + for a counter-attack. Wherever the enemy gave ground he was to be + followed up with the greatest energy. + + The Second Division was to assault the enemy’s trenches at Givenchy + and to attack Canteleux; the Third Corps to assault the enemy’s line + near Bridoux with a view to eventually effecting a junction on the + Aubers Ridge with the Indian Corps. + + The Indian Corps was to capture the enemy’s trenches in the vicinity + of the Moulin du Piètre and to take advantage of any weakening of the + enemy on its front, so as to secure the high ground about Haut + Pommereau and La Cliqueterie Ferme. The attack was to be made by the + Meerut Division, then commanded by Major-General Jacob, promoted from + Brigadier Dehra Dun Brigade. The first objective was to secure and + consolidate a line of a road which ran through Mauquissart to an enemy + salient. Every opportunity was to be seized of pushing farther forward + to gain the high ground about La Cliqueterie Ferme. + + + Detailed orders were also issued for the Lahore and Nineteenth + Divisions. + + In the event of the enemy showing signs of weakening, the Lahore + Division was to attack and capture the Bois du Biez. Similarly, the + Nineteenth Division was to be prepared to extend any success gained by + the Second Division by advancing against the southern end of the Rue + d’Ouvert. The Artillery bombardment was ordered to commence on + September 21st, and continue day and night under instructions issued. + + If the wind was favourable the attacks of the Second Division and of + the Meerut Division were to be preceded by gas and smoke. The Lahore + and Nineteenth Divisions were to assist with smoke barrages. + + The Lahore Division was directed to put up a smoke barrage on the + southern flank of the Meerut Division. + + The Meerut Division was to arrange a similar barrage on its northern + flank. + + A mine was to be exploded under a designated enemy salient two minutes + before gas was turned on. + + The attack was to be preceded by a four days’ deliberate bombardment + by the Meerut Divisional Artillery, reinforced by No. 4 Group, H.A.R., + one Brigade R.F.A., from Lahore Division, one 3-pr. Hotchkiss gun on + trailer, and an armoured train. The assault was to be supported by the + above Artillery, and was to be carried out by the Garhwal Brigade on + the right, with the Bareilly Brigade on the left; the Dehra Dun + Brigade in Divisional reserve. + + The troops were to be formed up by midnight 24th-25th September. + + _Garhwal Brigade._—Three assaulting battalions (3rd Gurkha Rifles on + the right, Leicesters in the centre, and 8th Gurkha Rifles on the + left) from Sunken Street to sixty yards north of South Moated + Grange Street. + + One battalion (1/3rd Londons) on the front line from Duck’s Bill + to Sunken Street. + + Garhwal Rifles in the Home Counties Trench. + + _Bareilly Brigade._—Three assaulting battalions (1/4th Black Watch + on the right, 69th Punjabis in the centre, and 2nd Black Watch on + the left) from sixty yards north of South Moated Grange Street to + Winchester Street. + + The 33rd Punjabis were in the Home Counties Trench, etc. + + The 58th Rifles were in Tilleloy trench. + + _Dehra Dun Brigade._—In Divisional reserve. + + One battalion (2nd Gurkha Rifles) south of Moated Grange Street. + + The 1st Seaforths north of Moated Grange Street. + + 1/4th Seaforths in Rouge Croix East Post, etc. + + The 9th Gurkhas in Min and Rugby Posts and in Bacquerot Street. + + The 93rd Burma Infantry in Carter’s Post. + + Owing to the uncertainty whether atmospheric conditions would admit of + gas being used, two programmes for the assault were drawn up. + + _Programme “A.”_—To be followed if gas and smoke were to be employed. + + _Programme “B.”_—To be followed if gas and smoke were not to be + employed. + + In both programmes the first objective of all assaulting battalions + was the enemy’s front and support lines. + + As soon as the assault began, troops were to move up to replace those + who had gone forward, the Divisional reserve going to Home Counties + Trench, etc. This reserve was not to move farther forward without the + orders of the Division. + + Three companies 34th Pioneers and half of the 20th Company Sappers and + Miners were placed at the disposal of Meerut Division for the first + day of the operations. + + Our wire entanglement was cleared by the assaulting Brigades during + the days prior to the attack, the outer fringe being left till the + night of the 24th-25th September. + + Each man of the attacking Infantry carried two sandbags and two gas + helmets. + + The Lahore Division on the right and the Twentieth British Division on + the left were to cover the flanks of our advance by fire, and after + the front trenches were taken these Divisions were to send troops to + hold the trenches opposite their respective fronts, and so protect our + flanks in the advance beyond the German support line. + +The deliberate Artillery bombardment commenced on the 21st September, +and the results proved generally satisfactory. By the evening of the +24th the enemy’s wire entanglements in front of their front line were +reported to have been cut, with the exceptions where this could not be +done owing to trees. This bombardment was accompanied by rifle, +rifle-grenade, machine-gun, and trench-mortar fire from the front line, +and by indirect machine-gun fire from points in rear of the front line. +This fire was kept up day and night in order to prevent the enemy +effecting any repairs. There was not much retaliation on the part of the +Germans during the period of bombardment, and what there was did little +damage and caused few casualties. + +Special instructions were issued to the Dehra Dun Brigade, which was in +Divisional reserve. The object aimed at was to ensure this Brigade being +concentrated and ready to move quickly in any direction required. + +From 6 P.M., 23rd September, when the Brigades commenced to move to +their positions of assembly, the weather became wet and inclement. This +made the trenches difficult, and by the evening of the 25th September a +foot of water was standing in many of them. + +Part of the Brigades got into position during the day of the 24th. The +smoke and gas detachments were in their places by 6 P.M., and all troops +were in their positions of assembly before midnight. + +At 10.15 P.M. orders were received by the Meerut Division that Programme +“A” was to be followed, _i.e._ the employment of gas and smoke. + +During the night the wind was changeable, veering round from south to +south-west. + +About 4.40 A.M., 25th September, an enemy bomb burst in the Duck’s Bill, +smashing two gas cylinders, and the officer in charge of the operations +there and several of his detachment were gassed. A considerable number +of men of the 1/3rd Londons, who formed the garrison of the Duck’s Bill, +were also incapacitated. + +The mine exploded to time, and it was ascertained later that the crater +formed was 92 feet across. The charge was one ton of gun-cotton. + +At 5.50 A.M. the gas should have commenced, but at that hour it was +practically calm, and what wind there was made it unsafe to let it off +in certain bays. In these bays the men of the detachments, on their own +initiative, did not turn it on. Soon after the first cocks were turned +on, a gust of wind from the south-east turned the gas into our own +trenches. All gas was immediately turned off, the detachments doing this +on their own initiative, but considerable quantities entered our own +trenches and caused many casualties in the 2nd Black Watch on the +leeward of our front. + +The intensive bombardment commenced at 5.50 A.M. and was satisfactory, +the field guns and the Hotchkiss gun in the front parapet participating. + +The Infantry began to cross the parapet just before the assault, under +cover of the smoke and of the Artillery bombardment, the Artillery +lifting 100 yards and increasing their rate of fire, so as to conceal +the increase of range and prevent the enemy realising that the assault +was about to commence. This, combined with the smoke, had the desired +effect, as the enemy was not expecting the assault at the moment it was +delivered, and there was practically no hostile fire while the +assaulting troops crossed the ground between the two front lines. + +At 6 A.M. the assault commenced. Dense clouds of smoke, the result of +the barrage on the right or south flank, travelling in a north-easterly +direction made observation difficult, and caused some confusion and +mistakes in direction. The Garhwal Brigade got up to the German wire, +which was found to be impassable opposite the 3rd Gurkha Rifles and the +right of the Leicesters. There the lanes cut by our Artillery had been +filled up during the night with rolls of French wire. This stopped the +assault sufficiently to give the enemy time to man his parapets and +prevent these troops making good the attack. The left of the Leicesters +and the 2/8th Gurkhas, however, found the wire destroyed and penetrated +into the enemy’s line. + +In front of the Bareilly Brigade the wire had been destroyed by our +Artillery and all three battalions got into the enemy’s trenches with +slight opposition. On the left, the Black Watch had to go through our +own gas, which the wind had not been strong enough to disperse, and +suffered more casualties. This battalion was not free from the vapour +until it got into the enemy’s lines. The smoke clouds, which the +calmness and dampness of the day had turned into thick fog, prevented +observation and hid guiding landmarks, and considerable intermingling of +units occurred after the assault. Communication also was difficult, as +the lines laid in advance of our front parapet by the assaulting +Infantry and the R.A. officers accompanying them were continually being +cut. This was especially the case with the Infantry communications, and +the earliest information was obtained from Artillery Observation +officers, which proved generally reliable. + +Writing as I am for the first time of a battle when I was not in command +of my Corps, I am tempted to describe from reports the gallantry of +units and individuals well known to me, but I will refrain, and refer +the reader to that interesting book, _The Indian Corps in France_, +wherein he will find recorded the deeds of officers and men who on this +day, although unsuccessful in completing the impossible task assigned to +them, added brilliant pages to their regimental records. + +The names of such officers as Colonel Brakspear, Lieutenants +Bagot-Chester, Tyson, and Wood, of the 2/3rd Gurkhas, form a roll of +honour not to be forgotten, and greatest of all in that fine battalion +stands out Rifleman Kulbir Thapa, who on this day added the fifth and +last Victoria Cross won in France by the men from Hindustan. + + Palmam qui meruit ferat. + +And what of the 8th Gurkhas who had begun the war on that bleak 30th day +of October 1914 before Festubert? The old battalion had practically +disappeared, but although no longer the Corps that had suffered so +terribly in those early days, it was determined to leave its mark deep +cut on the soil of Flanders. Colonel Morris, the C.O., already severely +wounded nearly a year previously, paid with his life. Add to his the +names of Lieutenant Ryall of his own battalion and of the following +attached officers: Lieutenants Taylor (1st Brahmins), Inglis, and +Meldrum, of the Indian Army Reserve of officers, all of whom were +killed, as well as four others wounded and eight Indian officers and 460 +rank and file killed, wounded, and missing, and one may well pronounce +that the 8th Gurkhas indeed did their duty and found their Valhalla. + +I had left France; I knew of the “mentions in despatches,” but I +searched in vain for any rewards given to the British officers of this +and many other Indian battalions who fought round Mauquissart on that +day. + +The 2nd Leicesters, as they had ever done, fought with the stubborn +pride of race they had so often displayed; no need to say more. Over +seventy were killed, including Captain Romilly, of whom I told at Neuve +Chapelle, and Lieutenant Browne. Here, too, fell a good soldier, of that +brave but merciful band the Royal Army Medical Corps, Captain Deane, +attached for duty. He had already earned the Military Cross, and died as +he had lived, “going about doing good.” I hope I shall not be accused of +aiding our next enemy when I give them my advice, viz. “Keep out of the +way of the Leicesters.” + +Second Lieutenant Gedge of the 3rd Londons, one of the battalions in +Brigade reserve, was killed. Another of these units, the Garhwal Rifles, +had seventy casualties. The Garhwalis had established a grand +reputation, but were by this time unrecognisable in their old form, and +in finally passing out of this record I can say without fear of +contradiction that they left a name which will be held in high esteem by +all who ever knew them in France, and not least by the Germans. The last +name mentioned to me after the Indians had left France was that of +Lieutenant Rama Jodha Jang, who behaved right well on this day and was +awarded the Military Cross. + +By 6.30 A.M. our Infantry were reported to have penetrated into the +enemy’s position as far as the support line all along the front +attacked; the Germans were reported to be surrendering freely, and there +was little hostile Infantry or Artillery fire. + +Shortly after, the Twentieth British Division informed Meerut Division +that the Sixtieth Brigade had been ordered to advance at once to protect +the left flank of the Indian attack. + +From all indications it appeared now as if we had captured the German +front and support trenches along the whole of the front attacked, and +that the left of the Bareilly Brigade was pushing forward towards the +German second line, but subsequently it was found that the situation was +actually as follows: + +On the right the Garhwal Brigade was held up by wire, but the 8th +Gurkhas and one company Leicesters on the left had penetrated the German +position. + +Of the Bareilly Brigade, the 1/4th Black Watch had gone through the +enemy’s front system and had moved forward considerably beyond the line +assigned to them as their first objective, and were digging themselves +in opposite the enemy second line. The 69th Punjabis were pressing +forward mixed up with the 58th Rifles and the 2nd Black Watch. One +company, together with one from each of the 58th Rifles and 33rd +Punjabis, were consolidating the position gained. The Black Watch, less +two companies, which were blocking the trenches to the north, were +advancing against the German second line of trenches, about the Moulin +du Piètre. The 58th Rifles were pressing forward with the Black Watch +and 69th Punjabis. The 33rd Punjabis were in our proper front line. The +Garhwal Rifles had been delayed in their advance to our front line owing +to congestion in the trenches, caused principally by the number of men +suffering from the effects of our gas, and were still in their original +position. Lastly, the Dehra Dun Brigade had commenced to concentrate +forward. + +The enemy’s guns were active at this hour, and there was much +intermixture of units, loss of direction, and confusion. + +The consolidation of the captured trenches was not sufficiently +considered, in the anxiety of all ranks to take advantage of the +weakness of the opposition where we had penetrated the position. The +Bareilly Brigade had passed over its first objective, and the flanks +were dangerously exposed, especially as the attack of the Garhwal +Brigade on its right had been held up. The natural anxiety to press our +advantage led the 58th Rifles to advance on its own initiative, but I +will later on more fully refer to this incident. + +By 8 A.M. the Divisional Commander had learned that the Garhwal Brigade +had been unable to enter the enemy’s front trenches, and the following +was the situation: + +In this Brigade there was no correct information of the 3rd Gurkhas. The +Leicesters were held up by wire, but one company had penetrated the +German line and half of the 8th Gurkhas were in the German trenches. The +other half had lost direction and were intermingled with the right of +the Bareilly Brigade. + +The Bareilly Brigade was making rapid progress. The 69th Punjabis and +4th Black Watch had taken the German first-line and support trenches. On +the left of the attack the 2nd Black Watch had passed all the advanced +trenches and were moving on the Moulin du Piètre. In support of this +battalion the 58th Rifles were also moving forward. In fact, the entire +Brigade had advanced so rapidly that their position was not fully +realised. Unfortunately, the captured support line was not consolidated, +owing to the companies detailed for this work having joined in the +general advance and left the work uncompleted. Except in officers, +however, the casualties so far had not been heavy. + +Shortly after this hour it was reported that the enemy was massing in +front of the Black Watch, and our guns were immediately turned on to the +Moulin du Piètre. At the same time two companies of the 33rd Punjabis +were moved forward to support the 69th Punjabis, and six machine-guns +were sent to support the Black Watch and 58th Rifles in the mine +salient. + +At 8.15 A.M. this same day, 25th September, the Dehra Dun Brigade was +ordered to move up one battalion in close support of the Garhwal +Brigade. This battalion was to remain under the orders of the Dehra Dun +Brigade. + +About 9 A.M. the Corps Commander directed the Dehra Dun Brigade to be +pushed through the gap made in the German line and attack towards the +high ground between Haut Pommereau and La Cliqueterie Ferme. Half an +hour later five field batteries from rearward positions commenced to +move forward to the east of the Rue du Bacquerot, and at the same time +the Bareilly Brigade confirmed the report that the Black Watch and the +58th Rifles had captured portions of the German second line but that the +enemy still held the Moulin du Piètre. Casualties were reported as +slight, and the O.C. 58th Rifles was of opinion that the Haut Pommereau +Ridge could be won if fresh units were pushed through. + +By 9 A.M. the Pioneers had commenced work on communication trenches +under considerable machine-gun and rifle fire. Before this work had to +be discontinued about 100 yards of fire trench had been completed. The +party at work on No. 2 trench also suffered considerably from hostile +fire and hand-grenades, but it had completed about 130 yards of +traversed trench before it had to retire. No work was possible on two +other communication trenches; whilst the party on No. 4 trench continued +work till 1.15 P.M. under constant fire. + +The Garhwal Rifles could not carry out the fresh attack as planned for +them, as they were unable to get forward out of the communication +trenches, which had become very congested in their neighbourhood. + +The general situation of the Bareilly Brigade remained as before. The +few officers left were endeavouring to reorganise the units and to guard +their flanks. On the right flank the 4th Black Watch were being +echeloned back towards the left of the Garhwal Brigade in order to +protect the right flank of the Bareilly Brigade. + +Major Wauchope, commanding the 2nd Black Watch, made over to the 12th +Rifle Brigade of the 60th British Brigade on our left the trenches which +the two companies of the Black Watch had been consolidating, and +arranged for the party to extend along a ditch to join up with the 58th +Rifles. The remainder of the Bareilly Brigade gradually collected in the +German second line, where there seem to have been great congestion and +heavy losses, owing to the dense target offered to the enemy. It is +impossible to establish the hour at which these various actions took +place, as most of the officers responsible for them were killed or +wounded. + +Captain Hewett of the 41st Dogras, on the Staff of the Bareilly Brigade, +was killed during the fighting. Like nearly every officer of the Indian +Army who served on the Staff in France, he had won his own way by sheer +merit. + +But now a change came over the hitherto successful operations. After +mid-day, Artillery Observation officers reported that a good many men +were to be seen coming back, and being rallied in an old German trench; +and by 1 P.M. all our troops had fallen back to their original line. + +The enemy’s counter-attacks had developed at about 11.30 A.M. and were +pressed home strongly and methodically against the front and both +flanks. The front was able to hold its ground without difficulty, but on +the flanks the enemy established a decided ascendancy in bombing. On our +right flank the Germans outlasted our various parties with their +grenade-throwing, and successively obtained the mastery of one point +after another. The blocking of the trenches was ineffective after our +supply of bombs was finished, and, although the men made a series of +stands during the retirement, they were unable to maintain any position +for long, as the Germans came bombing up from trenches on either flank. + +On our left the Rifle Brigade (British Division) was unable to hold the +“blocks” made by the 2nd Black Watch, as their supply of bombs also ran +short very quickly. + +With both flanks turned, the whole of the Bareilly Brigade had to fall +back. + +In the rapidity of their advance our troops had not systematically +searched the enemy front-line dug-outs, and a considerable number of +Germans remained in them and fired into the backs of our men, evidently +singling out officers in particular, as the loss in officers was very +heavy. + +When it was established that the Bareilly Brigade had fallen back, the +attack by the Dehra Dun Brigade, which was to have been directed against +Haut Pommereau, was cancelled, and that Brigade was ordered to gain +touch with the troops who were believed to be still holding out in the +German trenches. Accordingly, the G.O.C. Bareilly and Dehra Dun Brigades +proceeded to Winchester Road to discover whether the report was true, +and to determine the best line on which the Dehra Dun Brigade should +carry out its advance. One company of the 2nd Gurkhas and two companies +of the Garhwal Rifles which attempted to cross to the German line were +driven back by heavy fire from all parts of that line, and this showed +that the German front line was held in strength, and that none of our +troops were now holding any part of it. + +At 4.45 P.M. the G.O.C. Indian Corps issued definite orders cancelling +the attack being organised by the Dehra Dun Brigade. The fighting along +our front practically ceased, and for the last time the Indian Corps had +borne its share in one of the many fierce battles on the Western Front. + +As I said before, I am writing this chapter from reports and letters in +my possession, and hence it is not the same thing as describing events +in which one has borne a part, but in many instances the records of +battalions and even individuals have become almost public property, and +of such I feel I may justly give some account. + +The 2nd Battalion of the Black Watch was well known to me and had served +under my orders as a Brigadier, Divisional and Army Commander in India +and for a year during the war. I was well acquainted with the Commanding +Officer, Colonel Harvey, who was now in command of the Dehra Dun +Brigade. The actual Commander on this day was Major Wauchope, D.S.O., +who had served with them for years, and who afterwards commanded a +Brigade in Mesopotamia. Where Wauchope rules all is well, and on the +25th September he and his Highlanders well sustained the name of that +famous corps before Mauquissart. + +Many had been disabled at the very commencement of the attack by our own +gas, but the spirit which never acknowledges difficulties permeated all +ranks, and the Royal Highlanders, as they had done from Seringapatam to +Waterloo, and from the Alma to Lucknow and Tel-el-Kebir, sweeping away +all opposition, were almost into the Moulin du Piètre before they +realised that they had not only gained their objective but were far (too +far) beyond it. Not finding the necessary support to enable them to +advance, the Battalion held on to its gains, but eventually had to +retire. Bombed, mangled, and attacked on both flanks they moved back, +but only over the bodies of their comrades did the Huns advance; only +after paying a heavy toll could the enemy regain his ground, and only +after desperate fighting would the Scots quit each yard of trench. It +had to be done, but the name Moulin du Piètre is worthy to be added to +the other twenty-eight borne on the colours which commemorate gallant +deeds performed from Guadeloupe, 1759, to Paardeberg 140 years later. +The losses suffered amounted to 360 killed, wounded, and missing, +including sixteen officers out of the twenty with which the Battalion +went into battle, and of these five were killed, viz. Captain Denison, a +young officer of quite exceptional promise; Lieutenants Sotheby, +Henderson, Balfour-Melville, and MacLeod. + +The halo of the 2nd Battalion had also encircled its sister Battalion of +the Brigade, viz. the 4th Black Watch—Territorials to start with, but +veterans in September 1915. I can see the C.O., Lieut.-Colonel Walker, +leading on his men, for this he literally did. Major Tosh was near him +and fell; a sergeant quickly tried to save him, but in vain. The bayonet +avenged his and many other losses, and the 4th Black Watch, like the 2nd +Battalion, looking only forward, pushed on regardless of all but the +Mill before them. Dearly they paid, but the glory they won will +assuredly live when the Moulin du Piètre will remain only a spot marked +on old maps of the Great War. The Commander, Lieut.-Colonel Walker, his +Second in Command, and a young officer, 2nd Lieut. Anderson, were +killed, seventeen other officers were reported as wounded or missing, or +a total of twenty out of twenty-one officers present that day; and 420 +other ranks completed the casualty roll. + +Like the Highlanders, the 69th Punjabis never stayed their rush till the +prize, the Moulin, was almost within their grasp, but they too were to +earn renown alone. When the fate of war overtook the others, the 69th +also retired fighting. The Commander, Major Stansfeld (attached from the +74th Punjabis), was killed, and Captain Nelson, Lieutenants Moberly and +Fraser also gave their lives; whilst three Indian officers and seventy +others were killed or missing. Amongst the wounded were four British and +six Indian officers and 260 others, or a total of over 50 per cent of +strength present. + +Captain Nelson was attached from the 3rd Brahmins. We had spent three +very good days together shooting and fishing on the Ganges Canal +eighteen months previously, and I had been much struck by his keenness +and zeal in whatever he put his hand to. Major Bingham behaved with +great coolness throughout this day, but I could find no record of +rewards for the officers. + + +Of my good friend, Colonel Davidson-Houston, 58th Rifles (Frontier +Force), I have written elsewhere. His battalion, in support of the Black +Watch, cared for naught, like its comrades, save the fatal Moulin. On +that all eyes were bent, and it must be won at any cost. The +oft-repeated injunctions of the First Army to push on regardless of side +issues had burnt into the souls of men who had for a whole year tasted +the fruits of success and failure in varying degrees. + +The 58th pushed on, and a part found themselves close up to the Mill; +the remainder met with the same counter-attacks as the rest of the +advance; they held on to their gains and consolidated as much as +possible, but eventually were forced to retire to our own original line. +Amongst the killed or missing were Colonel Davidson-Houston, Captains +Flagg, Harcourt, McKenzie, and Lieutenants Nicolls, Deane-Spread (Indian +Army Reserve of Officers, attached), and Milligan. Captain C. G. Wardell +(21st Punjabis, attached) was severely wounded. Five Indian officers and +240 other ranks completed the roll of casualties. + +As an example of the inferno through which the troops went on this day, +I will instance the doings of Captain Wardell above mentioned. At the +very start he was knocked over by the explosion of a shell close by; +almost immediately a bullet smashed his water-bottle and a second one +cut away the straps. In moving up to form a defensive flank in the +second German line captured trenches he lost a good many men getting +through uncut wire. Units in the front line were by this time +indescribably mixed up; there were too many men, and very few officers +left. An hour later a bullet cut the strap of his field-glasses and +another smashed the glasses in his hand. A third passed through his +lung, injuring several ribs and emerging through his coat pocket, but +such was the situation that each and every British officer must perforce +fight on, so a fresh pair of glasses was got, and whilst he was +observing as best he could another bullet passed through his shoulder. +Bleeding and sorely hurt as he was, I have been told on good authority +that this brave officer remained with his command until sent back on a +stretcher by his Colonel. + +I looked for any rewards to British officers of this battalion, but I +could find none. + + +The last of the Indian battalions to join the Corps in France, and the +last of which I shall write here, was the 33rd Punjabis. They had +arrived the very day after I left, and were not long before, in their +reconstituted form, they too had received their baptism of fire. The +same goal was theirs, the same vicinity of the Moulin was to be the last +resting-place of many of the men from the land of the Five Rivers, and +as their comrades had fought, so now did they share in the glory and +carnage of the strife. + +As a Captain and Staff-Officer at Delhi I had been present when the old +33rd Regiment of “Bengal Infantry” was mustered out, and the “33rd +Punjabi Mahomedans” took their place. I had again seen them at Delhi, +when commanding the Northern Army, and I only missed them by a day in +Flanders. They may rest content in the knowledge that although the last +to join the Corps they were not the least in the share they took on 25th +September 1915, before Mauquissart, and to this fact their long list of +casualties attests. Killed and missing—Major Kelly, Captains Price and +MacCall, Lieutenant Grasett (attached from 28th Punjabis). The +Commanding Officer, Colonel Ridgway, and Captain Vincent were wounded. +Five Indian officers were also killed or missing and three were wounded, +a total of fourteen officers all told. Of other ranks eighty-seven were +killed or missing and 160 wounded. The senior Indian officer, +Subadar-Major Bahadur Khan, and the senior Jemadar, Akbar Ali, were +among the killed. + +General Jacob in his report on these operations made the following +remarks, which explain some of the reasons for the failure of the Indian +Corps to retain the ground it had won. He says: + + It was unfortunate that the wind, changing at the last moment, blew + the gas back on to our own trenches, ... men under the influence of + gas seemed to lose all sense of direction, and some are said to have + charged down between the German and our own front lines until stopped + by the Duck’s Bill. + +After highly praising the keenness, spirit, _élan_, and dash shown by +all units, he adds: + + The charge made by the 2/8th Gurkhas and the 2nd Leicesters of the + Garhwal Brigade and by the 2nd Black Watch, 69th Punjabis, and 1/4th + Black Watch of the Bareilly Brigade could not have been finer. + +He explains how some of the attacking battalions in their eagerness to +move on exceeded the limits of ordinary prudence and went too far, with +the result that they were cut off and many valuable lives lost, and +attributes the immediate success of the German counter-attack largely to +their superiority in bombs and to our own supply entirely running out. + +Regarding the action of the 58th Rifles; from the information now +available, it would appear that the opinions formed by both the +Divisional and Brigade Commanders at the time are quite open to +explanation. These officers considered that the advance of the 58th was +premature, but in _The Indian Corps in France_, on page 451 (second +edition), is given Brigadier-General Wauchope’s (then a Major in the 2nd +Black Watch) opinion, and I have no doubt that both Generals Jacob and +Norie agree with it. + +In any case, it is to all of us who knew Colonel Davidson-Houston, the +Commander of the 58th Vaughan’s Rifles, a certainty, that in giving his +orders for the battalion to advance, he acted either on some information +which we shall never know, or because he considered it imperative he +should do so, even if contrary to his instructions. Such faults, if +faults they be, are a credit to those who will take the responsibility, +and I can well imagine my friend as he took it on this day. He was a +C.O. so devoted to the men he commanded and so absorbed in his regiment +that more than once his actions were misunderstood whilst in France. On +one occasion it was my good fortune to stand by him, when some very high +personages differed from us both on a question of vital interest to the +Indians. We went to, and left the stormy meeting together, and somehow I +felt we had “learned them” something they did not know before. +Davidson-Houston was indeed “a veray parfit gentil Knight.” His +character partook of manly physical bravery, tempered with a fine +discretion when he had to consider others. He never asked any man to do +what he was not ready to do himself if necessary. + +Both the Corps and Divisional Commanders mentioned in terms of high +praise the work and devotion to duty of the Technical troops, the +Pioneers, and Sappers and Miners. The medical branch of the Corps +received the credit which all ranks had well earned, as did the Staff, +each and every one of whom was known to me. + +It was pleasant to read in the report on this battle mention made for +the first time in France, by the Army Commander, of the “Indian Corps” +by name. + +Shortly after this battle, rumours were rife, that the Corps would not +remain another winter in France, and before the end of November the +entire Indian personnel had left this theatre of war. + +[Illustration: Mauquissart.] + + + + + CONCLUSION + + +Thus ended for the sepoy the “Great Adventure” on the plains of +Flanders. What memories it brings back! what future possibilities it has +in store! Some of them may arise sooner than the most imaginative can +foreshadow. + +I have throughout this book endeavoured to do full justice to the Indian +Army, both to its British officers and all Indian ranks, but I venture +to offer one final word of advice to those in whose hands may lie the +future destinies of that Army. This advice has at least one merit, it is +based on a very wide and lifelong experience of India, its people, its +Provinces, its Frontiers in every direction, and, above all, of its +Army. + +It is this. Whatever you do as regards the inhabitants of India, +whatever form of Government they may eventually possess, so long as the +Union Jack floats over Hindustan do not reduce the present status of the +British officer. You will find Indians as brave, loyal gentlemen and +splendid comrades, and hence you may find it difficult to refuse +equality of command; but you must make this a cardinal principle, for no +argument decked in rhetoric will alter the fact, that you can NEVER +replace the British officer in the Indian Army. + + + + + EPILOGUE + + +In 1919 I was home on short leave, and it happened that the Indian +Contingent was in London for the Peace celebrations. I was a spectator +when they marched to Buckingham Palace to be reviewed by their beloved +King-Emperor, and as they passed on their return from the Palace, +although I was in plain clothes, some of the Indian officers and men +recognised me amongst the crowd. One of them shouted the Sikh war-cry of +“FATEH,” and a number ran out of the marching ranks, saying, “Here is +our General.” It was a very short greeting, but it was none the less +both moving and splendid. + +A few days later I visited their Camp at Hampton Court. I will not +attempt to describe what took place, but when I left in my motor-car, +this at least I clearly knew, that those faithful comrades would never +forget their old Commander. It is my final and highest reward. + + + + + APPENDIX + + + PROMOTIONS AND REWARDS OF OFFICERS, NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS, AND MEN + OF THE INDIAN ARMY AND DEPARTMENTS WHO SERVED WITH THE ARMY CORPS OR + OTHER INDIAN TROOPS OR BRITISH UNITS IN FRANCE PRIOR TO 1916, AND + WERE GAZETTED BEFORE 20TH FEBRUARY 1916. + + _Extracted from Official Lists, “London” and “Indian” Gazettes, + etc._ + + + =Victoria Cross= + + Sepoy KHUDADAD KHAN, 129th Baluchis (severely wounded). + + Naik DARWAN SING NEGI, 1/39th Garhwal Rifles (severely wounded). + + Lieutenant F. A. DE PASS, 34th Poona Horse (killed). + + Lance-Corporal DAVID FINLAY, 2nd Black Watch (killed). + + Rifleman GOBAR SING NEGI, 2/39th Garhwal Rifles (killed). + + Private WILLIAM BUCKINGHAM, 2nd Leicestershire Regiment (killed). + + Rifleman KULBIR THAPA, 2/3rd Gurkha Rifles. + + Lieutenant J. G. SMYTH, 15th Sikhs. + + Subadar MIR DAST, I.O.M., 55th Coke’s Rifles (F.F.), attached 57th + Rifles (F.F.) (wounded). + + Corporal ISSY SMITH, 1st Manchester Regiment. + + Lieutenant W. A. M‘CRAE BRUCE, 59th Scinde Rifles (F.F.) (killed). + + + STAFF + + _Knight Commander of the Bath_ + + Lieut.-General H. B. B. Watkis, C.B., Indian Army. + + _Companion of the Bath_ + + Colonel (temporary Brigadier-General) F. W. G. Wadeson, Indian Army. + + Colonel (temporary Brigadier-General) C. W. Jacob, Indian Army. + + Colonel (temporary Brigadier-General) A. S. C. Cobbe, V.C., D.S.O., + A.D.C., 32nd Pioneers. + + Lieut.-Colonel (temporary Brigadier-General) G. de S. Barrow, 35th + Horse. + + Colonel R. H. Ewart, C.I.E., D.S.O., A.D.C., Supply and Transport + Corps. + + Lieut.-Colonel J. S. M. Shea, D.S.O., 35th Horse. + + Major-General C. P. W. Pirie, I.A. + + Colonel (temporary Brigadier-General) C. A. Fowler, D.S.O., I.A. + + Colonel (temporary Brigadier-General) W. H. Fasken, I.A. + + _Companion of St. Michael and St. George_ + + Lieut.-Colonel J. P. C. Hennessy, Supply and Transport Corps. + + Lieut.-Colonel H. A. P. Lindsay, Supply and Transport Corps. + + Lieut.-Colonel C. H. G. Moore, D.S.O., Supply and Transport Corps. + + Major (temporary Lieut.-Colonel) H. E. Rhys Pryce, 18th Infantry. + + Lieut.-Colonel (temporary Colonel) G. S. Sheppard, Military Accounts + Department. + + Major and Brevet Lieut.-Colonel H. C. Holman, D.S.O., 16th Cavalry. + + Colonel F. C. Muspratt, I.A. + + _Distinguished Service Order_ + + Major H. B. D. Baird, 12th Cavalry. + + Major R. C. W. Lukin, 9th Horse. + + Major J. H. K. Stewart, 39th Garhwalis. + + Major A. Strong, 10th Lancers. + + Major (temporary Lieut.-Colonel) L. R. Vaughan, 7th Gurkha Rifles. + + Captain J. P. Villiers-Stuart, 55th Rifles. + + Major G. D. Bruce, 61st K.G.O. Pioneers. + + Major W. F. S. Casson, 27th Light Cavalry. + + Major C. J. B. Hay, Q.V.O. Corps of Guides (F.F.). + + Major F. S. Keen, 45th Rattray’s Sikhs. + + Captain D. G. Robinson, 40th Punjabis. + + _Military Cross_ + + Captain B. de L. Brock, 126th Baluchistan Infantry. + + Captain M. A. Hamer, 129th Baluchis. + + Captain H. L. Watkis, 31st Punjabis. + + Captain R. G. Alexander, 11th K.E.O. Lancers. + + Captain H. L. Dyce, 9th Hudson’s Horse. + + Captain E. St. C. Gray, 34th Poona Horse. + + Captain E. D. Raymond, 30th Lancers. + + Captain H. R. B. Reed, 39th Garhwal Rifles. + + Captain H. L. Scott, 1/1st Gurkha Rifles. + + Captain S. R. Shirley, 54th Sikhs (F.F.). + + Captain W. L. O. Twiss, 9th Gurkha Rifles. + + Lieutenant O. Gough, 12th Cavalry. + + _Order of British India, 1st Class, with title of “Sardar Bahadur”_ + + Risaldar Khwaja Muhammad Khan, I.D.S.M., A.D.C., Queen’s Own Corps of + Guides. + + _French Order of the Legion of Honour, Croix de Commandeur_ + + Lieut.-General Sir E. Locke Elliot, K.C.B., D.S.O. (retired), I.A. + + _Russian Order of St. Vladimir, 4th Class, with Swords_ + + Colonel (temporary Brigadier-General) C. W. Jacob, C.B., Indian Army. + + _Major-General_ + + Colonel (temporary Brigadier-General) H. Hudson, C.B., C.I.E., Indian + Army. + + Colonel (temporary Brigadier-General) C. W. Jacob, C.B., I.A. + + Colonel (temporary Brigadier-General) W. G. Walker, V.C., C.B., I.A. + + _Brevet Colonel_ + + Lieut.-Colonel (temporary Brigadier-General) W. B. James, C.I.E., + M.V.O., 21st Cavalry. + + Lieut.-Colonel (temporary Brigadier-General) H. J. M. Macandrew, + D.S.O., 5th Cavalry. + + Lieut.-Colonel (temporary Brigadier-General) W. M. Southey, C.M.G., + 129th Baluchis. + + Lieut.-Colonel R. E. Vaughan, D.S.O., Supply and Transport Corps. + + Major and Brevet Lieut.-Colonel A. Skeen, 24th Punjabis. + + Major and Brevet Lieut.-Colonel H. C. Holman, C.M.G., D.S.O., 16th + Cavalry. + + Lieut.-Colonel (temporary Brigadier-General) J. S. M. Shea, C.B., + D.S.O., 35th Scinde Horse. + + _Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel_ + + Major A. G. Stuart, 40th Pathans. + + Major H. L. Tomkins, D.S.O., 28th Punjabis. + + Major A. W. Peck, 25th Cavalry. + + Major J. A. Longridge, 43rd Erinpura Regiment. + + Major (temporary Lieut.-Colonel) C. A. C. Godwin, 23rd Cavalry (F.F.). + + Major (temporary Lieut.-Colonel) C. C. Newnham, 6th K.E.O. Cavalry. + + _Brevet Major_ + + Captain H. R. A. Hunt, 25th Punjabis. + + + CAVALRY + + 4TH CAVALRY + + _Companion of St. Michael and St. George_ + + Lieut.-Colonel H. G. Stainforth. + + _Military Cross_ + + Captain G. Howson. + + _Order of British India, 2nd Class, with title of “Bahadur”_ + + Risaldar-Major Awal Khan. + + Risaldar Saddha Singh. + + _Indian Distinguished Service Medal_ + + Ressaidar Udmi Ram. + + No. 333 Dafadar Karam Singh. + + _Russian Medal of St. George, 1st Class_ + + No. 2210 Dafadar Amanatullah Khan. + + _Honorary Rank of Jemadar_ + + No. 322 Dafadar and Head Salutri Lachman Singh. + + 9TH HODSON’S HORSE + + _Military Cross_ + + Captain F. H. M. Moody (13th Lancers, attached). + + _Indian Order of Merit, 2nd Class_ + + No. 2889 Lance-Dafadar Jit Singh (11th King Edward’s Own Lancers, + attached). + + 2614 Acting Lance-Dafadar Ganga Singh (11th K.E.O. Lancers attached). + + 11TH KING EDWARD’S OWN LANCERS + + _Military Cross_ + + Lieutenant R. V. Sherston (attached 4th Queen’s Own Hussars). + + Lieutenant (temporary Captain) H. G. A. Fellowes (attached 1st + Battalion Prince Albert’s Somerset Light Infantry). + + 13TH DUKE OF CONNAUGHT’S LANCERS + + _Military Cross_ + + Lieutenant D. Pott. + + 15TH LANCERS (CURETON’S MULTANIS) + + _Military Cross_ + + Captain A. C. K. S. Clarke. + + _Indian Order of Merit, 2nd Class_ + + Jemadar Malik Mihr Khan. + + _Indian Distinguished Service Medal_ + + No. 346 Dafadar Ibrahim Khan. + + No. 2176 Lance-Dafadar Alladad Khan. + + 20TH DECCAN HORSE + + _Distinguished Service Order_ + + Captain A. C. Ross. + + _Military Cross_ + + Lieutenant G. F. Tinley. + + _Indian Order of Merit, 2nd Class_ + + No. 295 Dafadar Sardar Singh. + + No. 255 Dafadar Shankar Rao. + + _Indian Distinguished Service Medal_ + + No. 830 Sowar Gokul Singh. + + 25TH CAVALRY (FRONTIER FORCE) + + _Military Cross_ + + Lieutenant J. Nethersole (attached 2nd Life Guards). + + 28TH LIGHT CAVALRY + + _Distinguished Service Order_ + + Captain A. Marshall (attached Royal Flying Corps). + + 29TH LANCERS (DECCAN HORSE) + + _Indian Order of Merit, 2nd Class_ + + Jemadar Hayat Ali Beg. + + 31ST DUKE OF CONNAUGHT’S OWN LANCERS + + _Russian Order of St. Stanislas, 3rd Class, with Swords_ + + Major A. F. C. Williams, D.S.O. + + 34TH PRINCE ALBERT VICTOR’S OWN POONA HORSE + + =Victoria Cross= + + Lieutenant F. A. de Pass (killed in action). + + _Indian Order of Merit, 2nd Class_ + + No. 2743 Sowar Madhu. + + _Indian Distinguished Service Medal_ + + Ressaidar Badan Singh. + + No. 3027 Sowar Abdulla Khan. + + No. 3250 Sowar Fateh Khan. + + No. 3154 Sowar Firman Shah. + + _Russian Cross of the Order of St. George, 4th Class_ + + No. 2085 Kot-Dafadar (now Jemadar) Abdul Ghafur Khan. + + 39TH CENTRAL INDIA HORSE + + _Military Cross_ + + Captain W. A. K. F. Fraser (attached 16th Lancers). + + ROYAL FIELD ARTILLERY + + _Indian Distinguished Conduct Medal_ + + No. 4079 Naik Ilm Din, 5th Brigade, Ammunition Column. + + No. 9483 Driver Fateh Khan, 18th Brigade, Ammunition Column. + + SAPPERS AND MINERS + + _Distinguished Service Order_ + + Captain A. J. G. Bird, R.E., No. 4 Company, 1st Sappers and Miners. + + Captain F. M‘C. Douie, R.E., No. 3 Company, 1st (K.G.O.) Sappers and + Miners. + + Captain F. H. Kisch, R.E., 3rd Sappers and Miners. + + Captain J. C. Wickham, R.E., 2nd Sappers and Miners. + + _Distinguished Service Order and Military Cross_ + + Lieutenant F. M‘C. Douie, R.E., 3rd Company Sappers and Miners. + + _Military Cross_ + + Captain E. H. Kelly, R.E., 1st Sappers and Miners. + + Captain E. F. J. Hill, R.E., 1st Sappers and Miners. + + Captain P. C. S. Hobart, R.E., 1st Sappers and Miners. + + Captain F. P. Nosworthy, R.E., 3rd Sappers and Miners. + + Captain E. K. Squires, R.E., No. 21 Company, 3rd Sappers and Miners. + + Lieutenant F. E. Buller, R.E., 3rd Sappers and Miners. + + Subadar Malla Singh, R.E., 3rd Sappers and Miners. + + Subadar Gaurishankar Dube, 1st Sappers and Miners. + + Lieutenant H. W. R. Hamilton, R.E., 3rd Sappers and Miners. + + Lieutenant A. Mason, R.E., 3rd Sappers and Miners. + + Second Lieutenant H. M. Hance (I.A.R.O.), 176th Mining Company, R.E. + + _Order of British India, 2nd Class, with title of “Bahadur”_ + + Subadar Sundar Singh, 1st Sappers and Miners. + + Subadar Gaurishankar Dube, 1st Sappers and Miners. + + Subadar Ganpat Mahadeo, 3rd Sappers and Miners. + + Subadar Ismail Khan, 3rd Sappers and Miners. + + Jemadar Sada Singh, 1st Sappers and Miners. + + _Indian Order of Merit, 2nd Class_ + + Subadar Malla Singh, 3rd Sappers and Miners. + + Jemadar Ram Rup Singh, No. 3 Company, 1st Sappers and Miners. + + No. 2479 Havildar Muhammad Khan, No. 20 Company, 3rd Sappers and + Miners. + + No. 3795 Sapper Dalip Singh, No. 20 Company, 3rd Sappers and Miners. + + No. 2192 Sapper Shaikh Abdul Rahman, 1st Sappers and Miners. + + No. 1694 Sapper Jiwa Khan, 1st Sappers and Miners. + + Jemadar Uttam Singh, 20th Company, 3rd Sappers and Miners. + + Jemadar Liyakat Ali, 21st Company, 3rd Sappers and Miners. + + No. 3144 Driver Havildar Muhammad Baksh, 21st Company, 3rd Sappers and + Miners. + + No. 3108 Naik Gurmukh Singh, 21st Company, 3rd Sappers and Miners. + + _Indian Distinguished Service Medal_ + + Subadar Sundar Singh, No. 4 Company, 1st Sappers and Miners. + + Jemadar Abdul Aziz, 1st Sappers and Miners. + + Jemadar Mehar Baksh, 1st Sappers and Miners. + + Jemadar Niamutullah, No. 4 Company, 1st Sappers and Miners. + + Jemadar Gangacharan Dikshit, 3rd Sappers and Miners (deceased). + + Jemadar Ismail Khan, 3rd Sappers and Miners. + + Jemadar Nur Alam, 20th Company, 3rd Sappers and Miners. + + Colour-Havildar Chagatta, I.O.M., 1st Sappers and Miners. + + No. 322 Havildar Sucha Singh, 1st Sappers and Miners. + + No. 3144 Driver Havildar Mahamed Baksh, 21st Company, 3rd Sappers and + Miners. + + Sapper Suba Singh, 1st Sappers and Miners. + + Jemadar Ali Bahadur, No. 20 Company, 3rd Sappers and Miners. + + Jemadar Data Din Badhai, No. 21 Company, 3rd Sappers and Miners. + + No. 4052 Sapper Indar Singh, 20th Company, 3rd Sappers and Miners. + + No. 708 Sapper Basant Singh, No. 2 Field Squadron. + + No. 312 Havildar Basant Singh, No. 4 Company, 1st (K.G.O.) Sappers and + Miners. + + No. 1910 Lance-Naik Hari Singh, No. 4 Company, 1st (K.G.O.) Sappers + and Miners. + + Subadar Fazl Shah, No. 3 Company, 1st Sappers and Miners. + + No. 859 Naik Magh Singh, No. 4 Company, 1st Sappers and Miners. + + No. 1029 Lance-Naik Bhawani Dutt, No. 3 Company, 1st Sappers and + Miners. + + No. 3348 Havildar Maraoti Jadhao, 21st Company, 3rd Sappers and + Miners. + + No. 2720 Naik Harnam Singh, 20th Company, 3rd Sappers and Miners. + + No. 2869 Lance-Naik Shaikh Ramzan, 21st Company, 3rd Sappers and + Miners. + + No. 3450 Sapper Saleh Muhammad, 21st Company, 3rd Sappers and Miners. + + _Russian Cross of the Order of St. George, 4th Class_ + + Jemadar Chagatta, I.O.M., 1st Sappers and Miners. + + Subadar Ismail Khan, 3rd Sappers and Miners. + + No. 3795 Naik Dalip Singh, 3rd Sappers and Miners. + + _Russian Medal of St. George, 2nd Class_ + + No. 1007 Havildar Nowsher Khan, 1st Sappers and Miners. + + _Russian Medal of St. George, 3rd Class_ + + No. 1773 Sapper Channan Singh, 1st Sappers and Miners. + + SPECIAL PROMOTIONS IN THE FIELD + + _To be Havildar_ + + No. 2779 Naik Liyakat Ali, 3rd Sappers and Miners. + + _To be Naik_ + + No. 3056 Lance-Naik Fazl Din, 3rd Sappers and Miners. + + No. 3132 Lance-Naik Narayan Ranowde, 3rd Sappers and Miners. + + No. 3134 Lance-Naik Bhan Ranowde, 3rd Sappers and Miners. + + SIGNAL COMPANIES + + _Distinguished Service Order_ + + Major W. F. Maxwell, R.E., Lahore Divisional Signal Company. + + Captain C. J. Torrie, 30th Punjabis, 35th Signal Company. + + Major H. S. E. Franklin, 15th Sikhs, 31st Divisional Signal Company. + + _Military Cross_ + + Lieutenant F. C. de Butts, 55th Rifles, 31st Divisional Signal + Company. + + _Order of British India, 2nd Class, with title of “Bahadur”_ + + Subadar Qasim Ali, 31st Divisional Signal Company. + + _Indian Order of Merit, 2nd Class_ + + Jemadar Alah Rakkha Khan, Lahore Divisional Signal Company. + + _Indian Distinguished Service Medal_ + + No. 91 Sapper Bawani Singh, Lahore Signal Company. + + No. 13 Naik Bari Sher, 62nd Punjabis, Meerut Signal Company. + + No. 44 Naik Khan Zaman, Lahore Signal Company. + + No. 23 Lance-Naik Mushtak Husain, Lahore Signal Company. + + No. 45 Sapper Ghulam Ayud Din, Lahore Signal Company. + + No. 1209 Naik Imam Shah, 62nd Punjabis, Meerut Signal Company. + + No. 2616 Sepoy Mihan Singh, 93rd Burma Infantry, Meerut Signal + Company. + + No. 42 Sapper Jai Singh, “A” Section, Indian Signal Company. + + No. 4204 Sapper Changa, “C” Section, Lahore Divisional Signal Company. + + No. 7 Sapper Gujar Singh, “C” Section, Lahore Divisional Signal + Company. + + Dafadar Mangal Singh, 33rd Light Cavalry (attached Meerut Signal + Company). + + No. 1776 Sepoy Bhagat Singh, 90th Punjabis (attached Meerut Signal + Company). + + No. 2636 Sepoy Sucha Singh, 92nd Punjabis (attached Meerut Signal + Company). + + No. 3475 Sepoy Jetta Singh, 107th Pioneers (attached Meerut Signal + Company). + + INFANTRY + + 6TH JAT LIGHT INFANTRY + + _Companion of the Bath_ + + Lieut.-Colonel H. J. Roche. + + _Distinguished Service Order_ + + Major P. H. Dundas. + + Captain R. C. Ross. + + _Military Cross_ + + Lieutenant C. J. Cockburn. + + Captain J. de la H. Gordon. + + Captain A. B. Macpherson. + + Jemadar Incha Ram. + + Jemadar Lakhi Ram. + + _Order of British India, 2nd Class, with title of “Bahadur”_ + + Subadar Shib Lal. + + Subadar Inchha Ram. + + _Indian Order of Merit, 2nd Class_ + + No. 1821 Havildar Jai Lal. + + _Indian Distinguished Service Medal_ + + Subadar Parshadi Singh (118th Infantry, attached). + + Jemadar Lakhi Ram. + + No. 1548 Havildar Badlu. + + No. 3426 Sepoy Risal. + + No. 1696 Havildar Harpul. + + No. 2685 Lance-Naik Maru. + + No. 1004 Sepoy Bagmal. + + No. 1574 Havildar Mula. + + No. 2960 Sepoy Rambhagat. + + Subadar Ratna. + + No. 1757 Havildar Har Lal. + + No. 2822 Naik Hardwari. + + No. 3106 Bugler Bhup Singh. + + No. 3415 Sepoy Lehri. + + _Russian Cross of the Order of St. George, 4th Class_ + + No. 2693 Havildar Debi Sahai. + + 9TH BHOPAL INFANTRY + + _Military Cross_ + + Captain G. D. Martin. + + _Indian Distinguished Service Medal_ + + Subadar-Major Bhure Singh. + + No. 2206 Havildar Amur Singh. + + No. 2069 Sepoy Abdul Latif. + + No. 2867 Naik Angad Pande. + + _Russian Medal of St. George, 2nd Class_ + + Subadar Nazir Khan. + + _Brevet Major_ + + Captain C. H. Jardine (96th Berar Infantry, attached). + + 15TH LUDHIANA SIKHS + + =Victoria Cross= + + Lieutenant J. G. Smyth. + + _Distinguished Service Order_ + + Captain J. A. S. Daniell (14th Sikhs, attached). + + Major H. S. E. Franklin. + + _Military Cross_ + + Lieutenant A. E. Barstow. + + Captain R. J. MacBrayne. + + Jemadar Bir Singh. + + _Indian Order of Merit, 2nd Class_ + + No. 4011 Havildar Bishan Singh. + + No. 698 Sepoy Bakshi Singh. + + No. 529 Sepoy Tilok Singh. + + No. 131 Lance-Naik Mangal Singh. + + No. 4727 Havildar Mahan Singh. + + _Indian Distinguished Service Medal_ + + Jemadar Wazir Singh (died of wounds). + + Jemadar Bir Singh. + + No. 4576 Naik Bishn Singh. + + No. 702 Sepoy Lal Singh. + + No. 638 Sepoy Sucha Singh. + + No. 962 Sepoy Sapuran Singh. + + No. 1255 Sepoy Sarain Singh (19th Punjabis, attached). + + No. 1036 Sepoy Fateh Singh (45th Sikhs, attached). + + No. 1001 Sepoy Ujagar Singh (45th Sikhs, attached). + + No. 1249 Sepoy Sundar Singh (19th Punjabis, attached). + + No. 1339 Sepoy Ganda Singh (19th Punjabis, attached). + + No. 1360 Sepoy Harnam Singh (19th Punjabis, attached). + + No. 4474 Lance-Naik Kesar Singh. + + No. 53 Lance-Naik Bhagwan Singh. + + No. 219 Sepoy Diwan Singh. + + No. 435 Sepoy Dan Singh. + + No. 4095 Sepoy Lal Singh. + + _Russian Order of St. George, 4th Class_ + + Lieutenant J. G. Smyth, V.C. + + _Russian Medal of St. George, 1st Class_ + + No. 4727 Havildar Mahan Singh. + + _Brevet Colonel_ + + Lieut.-Colonel J. Hill, D.S.O. + + _Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel_ + + Major C. A. Vivian (killed in action). + + 26TH PUNJABIS + + + _Distinguished Service Order_ + + Captain (temporary Major) G. O. Turnbull (attached 6th Service + Battalion Royal Scots Fusiliers). + + 29TH PUNJABIS + + _Brevet Major_ + + Captain (temporary Major) S. D. Massy (attached Royal Flying Corps). + + 30TH PUNJABIS + + _Order of British India, 2nd Class, with title of “Bahadur”_ + + Subadar Diwan Singh. + + 34TH SIKH PIONEERS + + _Companion of St. Michael and St. George_ + + Lieut.-Colonel E. H. S. Cullen, M.V.O., D.S.O. + + _Military Cross_ + + Captain C. E. Hunt. + + Captain G. F. J. Paterson. + + Subadar Sant Singh. + + _Order of British India, 2nd Class, with title of “Bahadur”_ + + Subadar Natha Singh (II.), I.O.M. + + _Indian Order of Merit, 2nd Class_ + + Subadar Natha Singh (II.). + + No. 1871 Havildar Nikka Singh. + + No. 1148 Havildar Pala Singh. + + No. 4563 Sepoy Mastan Singh. + + No. 2775 Lance-Naik Tota Singh. + + No. 2071 Naik Bir Singh. + + Subadar-Major Jwala Singh, “Sardar Bahadur.” + + No. 1907 Naik Guja Singh. + + Jemadar Kharak Singh (32nd Sikh Pioneers, attached). + + No. 3623 Havildar Mangal Singh (32nd Sikh Pioneers, attached). + + Jemadar Maingha Singh (12th Pioneers, attached). + + _Indian Distinguished Service Medal_ + + Subadar Sher Singh. + + Subadar Wasawa Singh (32nd Pioneers, attached). + + No. 1452 Havildar Narayan Singh. + + No. 2578 Sepoy Ishar Singh. + + No. 3063 Sepoy Sant Singh. + + No. 3013 Sepoy Gopal Singh. + + No. 2398 Sepoy Katha Singh. + + No. 1576 Havildar Prem Singh. + + _Russian Medal of St. George, 3rd Class_ + + No. 4563 Sepoy Mastan Singh (32nd Pioneers, attached). + + _Russian Medal of St. George, 4th Class_ + + No. 1804 Lance-Naik Teja Singh (12th Pioneers, attached). + + _Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel_ + + Major E. N. Heale (121st Pioneers, attached). + + 1ST BATTALION 39TH GARHWAL RIFLES + + =Victoria Cross= + + No. 1909 Naik Darwan Sing Negi. + + _Military Cross_ + + Captain F. G. E. Lumb. + + Captain J. T. H. Lane. + + Lieutenant A. H. Mankelow (killed in action). + + Second Lieutenant Rama Jodha Jang Bahadur (Indian Native Land Forces, + attached). + + Subadar Dhan Sing Negi. + + Subadar Bishan Sing Rawat. + + _Order of British India, 2nd Class, with title of “Bahadur”_ + + Subadar Jagat Sing Rawat, I.O.M. + + Subadar Baij Sing Rawat. + + Subadar Bije Sing Kandari. + + _Indian Order of Merit, 2nd Class_ + + Jemadar Prem Sing Negi (killed in action). + + No. 1810 Havildar Alam Sing Negi. + + No. 2408 Lance-Naik Sankaru Gusain. + + No. 2605 Lance-Naik Kiyali Gusain. + + No. 1674 Rifleman Kalamu Bisht. + + No. 2172 Rifleman Ghantu Rawat. + + No. 1715 Rifleman Dhan Sing Negi. + + No. 2417 Rifleman Partab Rana. + + No. 2480 Rifleman Banchu Negi. + + No. 2285 Rifleman Jawarihu Negi. + + No. 4423 Sepoy Beli Ram (30th Punjabis, attached). + + _Indian Distinguished Service Medal_ + + Subadar Kedar Sing Rawat. + + Subadar Dan Sing Negi. + + Jemadar Goman Sing Negi. + + No. 1321 Lance-Naik Dangwa Ramola. + + No. 1085 Rifleman Raichand Negi. + + No. 1760 Rifleman Kutalu Bisht. + + No. 2854 Rifleman Keshi Bisht. + + No. 2697 Bugler Bhola Bisht. + + _Russian Cross of the Order of St. George, 4th Class_ + + No. 1729 Havildar Padam Sing Rawat. + + _Russian Medal of St. George, 4th Class_ + + No. 2103 Lance-Naik Jit Sing Negi. + + _Brevet Colonel_ + + Lieut.-Colonel E. R. Swiney. + + 2ND BATTALION 39TH GARHWAL RIFLES + + =Victoria Cross= + + No. 1685 Rifleman Gobar Sing Negi (deceased). + + _Companion of St. Michael and St. George_ + + Lieut.-Colonel D. H. Drake-Brockman. + + _Distinguished Service Order_ + + Captain G. W. Burton (killed in action). + + _Military Cross_ + + Subadar Nain Sing Chinwarh. + + Jemadar Pancham Sing Mahar. + + Jemadar Sangram Sing Negi. + + _Order of British India, 2nd Class, with title of “Bahadur”_ + + Subadar Nain Sing Chinwar. + + Subadar Makhar Sing Kawar. + + _Indian Order of Merit, 2nd Class_ + + No. 762 Havildar Butha Sing Negi. + + No. 463 Naik Baktwar Sing Bisht. + + No. 1283 Naik Jaman Sing Bisht. + + No. 541 Rifleman Madan Sing Rawat. + + No. 1342 Rifleman Ganesh Sing Sajwan. + + _Indian Distinguished Service Medal_ + + Jemadar Lachman Sing Rawat. + + No. 617 Havildar Bir Sing Danu. + + No. —— Havildar Ranjir Sing Pandir. + + No. —— Havildar Diwan Sing Padhujar. + + No. 1480 Naik Kedar Sing Mahar. + + No. 289 Rifleman Kesar Sing Rana. + + No. 870 Rifleman Nain Sing Rawat. + + No. 1598 Rifleman Chandar Sing Negi. + + No. 1465 Rifleman Gopal Sing Pharswan. + + _Russian Medal of St. George, 3rd Class_ + + No. 1211 Rifleman Man Sing Bisht. + + _Russian Medal of St. George, 4th Class_ + + No. 1448 Rifleman Karam Sing Rithal. + + 40TH PATHANS + + _Military Cross_ + + Lieutenant F. C. G. Campbell. + + Lieutenant F. L. R. Munn (46th Punjabis, attached). + + _Indian Order of Merit, 2nd Class_ + + Jemadar Lehna Singh. + + Subadar Jahandad Khan, “Bahadur.” + + No. 4551 Havildar Abas Khan. + + _Indian Distinguished Service Medal_ + + No. 3435 Sepoy Haidar Ali. + + No. 3362 Colour-Havildar Shiraz. + + _Russian Medal of St. George, 4th Class_ + + No. 3893 Sepoy Muktiara. + + 41ST DOGRAS + + _Companion of St. Michael and St. George_ + + Lieut.-Colonel C. W. Tribe. + + _Distinguished Service Order_ + + Lieut.-Colonel H. W. Cruddas. + + Major and Brevet Lieut.-Colonel C. A. R. Hutchinson. + + _Military Cross_ + + Captain W. E. Fleming. + + Lieutenant E. L. E. Lindop. + + Captain R. M. F. Patrick (42nd Deoli Regiment, attached). + + Captain R. M. Brind (37th Dogras, attached). + + _Order of British India, 2nd Class, with title of “Bahadur”_ + + Subadar Mehar Singh. + + Subadar Sundar Singh. + + _Indian Order of Merit, 2nd Class_ + + No. 1011 Havildar Gujar Singh (38th Dogras, attached). + + _Indian Distinguished Service Medal_ + + No. 409 Havildar Saudagar Singh. + + No. 1090 Lance-Naik Jamit Singh. + + No. 306 Sepoy Sidhu. + + Subadar Mehar Singh, “Bahadur.” + + Jemadar Gujar Singh, I.O.M. + + No. 547 Naik Surjan Singh. + + No. 1389 Lance-Naik Dhiyan Singh. + + No. 4902 Sepoy Albel Singh (29th Punjabis, attached). + + No. 2061 Sepoy Thakur Diyal. + + _Russian Cross of the Order of St. George, 3rd Class_ + + Subadar Jai Singh. + + _Russian Medal of St. George, 4th Class_ + + No. 1033 Lance-Naik Devi Singh. + + 47TH SIKHS + + _Companion of St. Michael and St. George_ + + Lieut.-Colonel O. G. Gunning (35th Sikhs, attached). + + _Military Cross_ + + Captain A. M. Brown (killed in action). + + Lieutenant G. S. Brunskill. + + Lieutenant A. E. Drysdale. + + Captain S. B. Combe. + + Captain R. F. Francis. + + Captain W. H. Ralston. + + Subadar Thakur Singh. + + _Order of British India, 2nd Class, with title of “Bahadur”_ + + Subadar Saudagar Singh. + + _Indian Order of Merit, 2nd Class_ + + Subadar Bakshi Singh. + + Subadar Harnam Singh (killed in action). + + Jemadar Sucha Singh. + + No. 231 Havildar (now Jemadar) Narain Singh. + + No. 337 Havildar Lachman Singh. + + No. 514 Havildar Gajjan Singh. + + No. 2270 Sepoy Rur Singh. + + No. 2277 Sepoy Bhagwan Singh (36th Sikhs, attached). + + No. 2103 Havildar Bir Singh (35th Sikhs, attached). + + No. 2479 Lance-Havildar Lal Singh (35th Sikhs, attached). + + Subadar Mota Singh (killed in action). + + _Indian Distinguished Service Medal_ + + No. 355 Naik Jagat Singh. + + No. 1336 Naik Mota Singh. + + No. 1189 Naik Mit Singh. + + No. 1791 Sepoy Waryam Singh. + + No. 3201 Sepoy Asa Singh (35th Sikhs, attached). + + No. 228 Havildar Bhola Singh. + + No. 1410 Sepoy Kesar Singh. + + No. 2266 Sepoy Buta Singh. + + No. 482 Havildar Bhagat Singh. + + No. 1308 Sepoy Kehr Singh. + + No. 337 Havildar Lachman Singh. + + No. 2116 Naik Kishen Singh. + + No. 2882 Havildar Mula Singh (35th Sikhs, attached). + + _Russian Cross of the Order of St. George, 3rd Class_ + + No. 337 Havildar Lachman Singh. + + _Russian Cross of the Order of St. George, 4th Class_ + + Jemadar Mota Singh. + + _Brevet Colonel_ + + Lieut.-Colonel H. L. Richardson. + + _Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel_ + + Major S. R. Davidson. + + SPECIAL PROMOTION IN THE FIELD + + _To be Havildar_ + + Naik Bhagat Singh. + + 57TH (WILDE’S) RIFLES (FRONTIER FORCE) + + + =Victoria Cross= + + Jemadar Mir Dast, I.O.M. (55th Coke’s Rifles, F.F., attached). + + _Companion of St. Michael and St. George_ + + Lieut.-Colonel F. W. B. Gray, D.S.O. + + _Distinguished Service Order_ + + Major T. J. Willans. + + _Military Cross_ + + Captain D. H. Acworth (55th Rifles, attached). + + Lieutenant E. K. Fowler. + + Lieutenant D. B. Mein (55th Rifles, attached). + + Lieutenant D. Bainbridge. + + Lieutenant R. B. Deedes (31st Punjabis, attached). + + Subadar Arsla Khan, I.O.M. + + _Order of British India, 2nd Class, with title of “Bahadur”_ + + Subadar Arsla Khan, I.O.M. + + Subadar Imam Ali. + + _Indian Order of Merit, 2nd Class_ + + Jemadar Mangal Singh. + + No. 2584 Havildar Yakub Khan. + + No. 2630 Havildar Ganga. + + No. 2718 Lance-Naik Said Akbar. + + No. 2554 Lance-Naik Lalak. + + No. 3576 Sepoy Daulat Khan. + + No. 1695 Sepoy Usman Khan (55th Rifles, attached). + + No. 2609 Naik Atma Singh. + + No. 2632 Sepoy Palla Ram. + + _Indian Distinguished Service Medal_ + + Subadar Fateh Jang (died of wounds). + + No. 1991 Havildar (now Jemadar) Bur Singh. + + No. 2595 Havildar Karim Khan. + + No. 2583 Naik Narayan. + + No. 2760 Naik Sahib Sher. + + No. 2063 Naik Sohan Singh. + + No. 2589 Sepoy Bahadur Khan. + + No. 2702 Sepoy Ram Saran. + + No. 3484 Sepoy Alvas Khan. + + No. 2108 Sepoy Mir Badshah. + + No. 3119 Sepoy Mir Badshah. + + No. 3223 Sepoy Mir Baz. + + No. 2625 Sepoy Mehr Khan (55th Rifles, attached). + + No. 2540 Havildar Sar Mast. + + No. 5510 Sepoy Bhan Singh (Q.O. Corps of Guides, attached). + + _Russian Cross of the Order of St. George, 3rd Class_ + + Subadar Mir Dast, V.C., I.O.M. (55th Rifles, attached). + + _Russian Cross of the Order of St. George, 4th Class_ + + No. 2630 Havildar Ganga. + + _Russian Medal of St. George, 3rd Class_ + + No. 5510 Sepoy Bhan Singh (Q.O. Corps of Guides, attached). + + _Russian Medal of St. George, 4th Class_ + + No. 3361 Sepoy Sahib Jan. + + SPECIAL PROMOTION + + _To be Naik_ + + No. 3028 Lance-Naik Gul Hasham. + + 58TH (VAUGHAN’S) RIFLES (FRONTIER FORCE) + + _Distinguished Service Order_ + + Major C. E. D. Davidson-Houston (killed in action). + + Major A. G. Thomson. + + _Military Cross_ + + Captain G. S. Bull. + + Jemadar Indar Singh. + + Jemadar Hawinda. + + _Order of British India, 2nd Class, with title of “Bahadur”_ + + Subadar Abdul Ali. + + Subadar Raj Talab. + + _Indian Order of Merit, 1st Class_ + + Subadar Suhel Singh. + + _Indian Order of Merit, 2nd Class_ + + Jemadar Harchand Singh. + + Jemadar Suhel Singh. + + Jemadar Muhammad Arabi. + + No. 1811 Havildar Karam Singh. + + No. 1848 Havildar Roshan Khan. + + No. 3572 Havildar Saidak. + + No. 3032 Lance-Naik Lal Badshah. + + No. 2834 Lance-Naik Sher Khan. + + No. 2742 Sepoy Isar Singh. + + No. 1925 Havildar Santa Singh. + + No. 2830 Naik Kashmir Singh. + + No. 3131 Lance-Naik Phangan Singh. + + _Indian Distinguished Service Medal_ + + Subadar Raj Talab. + + Subadar Phuman Singh (died of wounds). + + Jemadar Indar Singh. + + No. 2008 Havildar (now Jemadar) Hawinda. + + No. 2763 Havildar Arjun. + + No. 3136 Havildar Sarfaraz. + + No. 2164 Havildar Sundar Singh. + + No. 3212 Havildar Lashkar. + + No. 2198 Havildar Fazl Dad. + + No. 2758 Naik Dewa Singh. + + No. 2634 Naik Zargun Shah. + + No. 3404 Naik Baidullah. + + No. 3066 Naik Sardar. + + No. 3080 Naik Zar Baz. + + No. 3567 Lance-Naik Said Asghar. + + No. 3374 Sepoy Dewa Singh. + + No. 3133 Sepoy Maluk Singh. + + _Russian Cross of the Order of St. George, 4th Class_ + + No. 3080 Naik Zar Baz. + + _Russian Medal of St. George, 3rd Class_ + + No. 3457 Naik Safirullah. + + _Russian Medal of St. George, 4th Class_ + + No. 3156 Sepoy Banta Singh. + + 59TH SCINDE RIFLES (FRONTIER FORCE) + + _Military Cross_ + + Lieutenant J. A. M. Scobie. + + Captain R. D. Inskip. + + Subadar Parbat Chand. + + _Order of British India, 1st Class, with title of “Sardar Bahadur”_ + + Subadar-Major Nasir Khan. + + _Indian Order of Merit, 1st Class_ + + No. 27 Sepoy Zarif Khan. + + _Indian Order of Merit, 2nd Class_ + + No. 3063 Havildar Abdul Wahab. + + No. 3191 Havildar Dost Muhammad. + + No. 3638 Havildar Muhammad Jan. + + No. 3663 Havildar Muzaffar Khan. + + No. 3705 Lance-Naik Buta Singh. + + No. 3902 Lance-Naik Biaz Gul. + + No. 27 Sepoy Zarif Khan. + + Subadar-Major Nasir Khan, “Sardar Bahadur.” + + _Indian Distinguished Service Medal_ + + Subadar-Major Muhammad Khan. + + Jemadar Zaman Ali. + + No. 4264 Havildar Niaz Gul. + + No. 3529 Naik Amir Ali. + + No. 3581 Naik Ghammai Khan. + + No. 2520–1/2 Lance-Naik Chur Khan (52nd Sikhs, F.F., attached). + + No. 4845 Sepoy Akbar Khan. + + No. 4731 Sepoy Lal Khan. + + Subadar Bishan Singh. + + Jemadar Mangal Singh (52nd Sikhs, F.F., attached). + + _Russian Medal of St. George, 1st Class_ + + Subadar-Major Nasir Khan. + + _Russian Medal of St. George, 2nd Class_ + + No. 3063 Havildar Abdul Wahab, I.O.M. + + _Russian Medal of St. George, 4th Class_ + + No. 3890 Sepoy (Ward Orderly) Sadardin (attached 112th Indian Field + Ambulance). + + _Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel_ + + Major (temporary Lieut.-Colonel) T. L. Leeds. + + _Brevet Major_ + + Captain B. E. Anderson. + + 89TH PUNJABIS + + _Military Cross_ + + Captain R. F. D. Burnett (42nd Deoli Regiment, attached). + + _Indian Order of Merit, 2nd Class_ + + No. 2316 Sepoy Indar Singh. + + No. 3275 Sepoy Suleiman. + + No. 1088 Colour-Havildar Hira Tiwari. + + _Indian Distinguished Service Medal_ + + No. 1528 Havildar Harnam Singh. + + No. 2352 Naik Muhammad Sadik. + + No. 2029 Naik Ramji Misr. + + No. 1485 Naik Karam Dad. + + No. 2102 Sepoy Muhammad Khan. + + 107TH PIONEERS + + _Companion of St. Michael and St. George_ + + Lieut.-Colonel N. M. C. Stevens. + + _Distinguished Service Order_ + + Captain A. T. Sheringham (121st Pioneers, attached). + + _Military Cross_ + + Captain E. B. Mangin. + + Lieutenant F. H. F. Hornor. + + Lieutenant B. H. Wallis. + + _Order of British India, 2nd Class, with title of “Bahadur”_ + + Subadar-Major Labh Singh. + + Subadar Hashmat Dad Khan. + + _Indian Order of Merit, 2nd Class_ + + Subadar Khan Zaman. + + No. 4050 Bugler Nathu Singh. + + _Indian Distinguished Service Medal_ + + Subadar Labh Singh. + + Subadar Hashmat Dad Khan. + + No. 3417 Havildar Bhagat Singh. + + No. 2980 Naik Achar Singh. + + No. 3991 Sepoy Phaga Singh. + + Subadar Fateh Muhammad Khan. + + No. 1027 Havildar Dal Khan (121st Pioneers, attached). + + _Russian Cross of the Order of St. George, 4th Class_ + + No. 2762 Sepoy Sundar Singh. + + 125TH (NAPIER’S) RIFLES + + _Military Cross_ + + Captain W. F. Odell (123rd Rifles, attached). + + _Order of British India, 2nd Class, with title of “Bahadur”_ + + Subadar-Major Umar Din. + + _Indian Distinguished Service Medal_ + + No. 2602 Sepoy Gul Sher. + + 129TH (DUKE OF CONNAUGHT’S OWN) BALUCHIS + + =Victoria Cross= + + No. 4050 Sepoy Khudadad. + + _Companion of St. Michael and St. George_ + + Lieut.-Colonel W. M. Southey. + + _Distinguished Service Order_ + + Major J. A. Hannyngton, C.M.G. + + Captain R. F. Dill (killed in action). + + Major H. Hulseberg (127th Baluch Light Infantry, attached). + + _Military Cross_ + + Lieutenant F. M. Griffith-Griffin. + + Lieutenant H. V. Lewis. + + Captain C. M. Thornhill (24th Punjabis, attached). + + Subadar Zaman Khan. + + _Order of British India, 2nd Class, with title of “Bahadur”_ + + Subadar Zaman Khan. + + Subadar Makmad Azam, I.O.M. + + _Indian Order of Merit, 2nd Class_ + + Subadar Makmad Azam. + + Jemadar Mir Badshah. + + Jemadar Ayub Khan (124th Baluchis, attached). + + No. 4280 Naik Sar Nir. + + No. 118 Lance-Naik Nek Amal. + + No. 3814 Lance-Naik Hobab Gul. + + No. 453 Sepoy Sahib Jan. + + No. 250 Sepoy Saiday Khan. + + No. 4333 Sepoy Redi Gul. + + No. 2524 Colour-Havildar Ghulam Muhammad. + + No. 471 Sepoy Raji Khan. + + No. 3836 Havildar Fateh Haidar. + + _Indian Distinguished Service Medal_ + + No. 2268 Havildar Nur Khan. + + No. 105 Sepoy Kassib. + + No. 2813 Sepoy Lal Sher. + + No. 3600 Sepoy Lafar Khan. + + No. 4182 Sepoy Said Ahmad. + + No. 2102 Sepoy Aulia Khan. + + No. 4267 Sepoy Mehrab Gul. + + No. 4231 Sepoy Ghulam Hussein (124th Baluchistan Infantry, attached). + + No. 4305 Sepoy Mistakin. + + No. 246 Sepoy Dad Khan (127th Baluchis, attached). + + _Russian Cross of the Order of St. George, 4th Class_ + + No. 118 Sepoy Nek Amal, I.O.M. + + _Russian Medal of St. George, 1st Class_ + + No. 4355 Havildar Wasim Khan. + + _Russian Medal of St. George, 4th Class_ + + No. 3836 Sepoy Fateh Haidar. + + SPECIAL PROMOTION IN THE FIELD + + _To be Naik_ + + No. 3640 Lance-Naik Ayub Khan (124th Baluchis, attached). + + 1ST BATTALION 1ST KING GEORGE’S OWN GURKHA RIFLES + + _Companion of St. Michael and St. George_ + + Lieut.-Colonel W. C. Anderson. + + _Military Cross_ + + Captain A. R. Mellis (Indian Army Reserve of Officers, attached). + + _Indian Order of Merit, 2nd Class_ + + Jemadar Sasidhar Thapa. + + No. 1843 Naik Ramkishan Thapa. + + No. 2205 Rifleman Balbir Thapa. + + No. 2719 Rifleman Jitman Thapa. + + Subadar Jit Sing Gurung (2nd Battalion 3rd Gurkha Rifles, attached). + + Subadar Autbir Thapa (2nd Battalion 4th Gurkha Rifles, attached). + + Jemadar Kharakbir Thapa (2nd Battalion 4th Gurkha Rifles, attached). + + _Indian Distinguished Service Medal_ + + No. 2814 Rifleman Baliram Thapa. + + No. 2515 Rifleman Kansi Gurung. + + No. 2734 Rifleman Khamba Sing Gurung. + + No. 2397 Rifleman Phalman Gurung. + + No. 1946 Rifleman Lalbir Thapa. + + No. 2650 Rifleman Chitabir Thapa. + + _Russian Cross of the Order of St. George, 4th Class_ + + Subadar Puran Sing Gurung. + + No. 2719 Rifleman Jitman Thapa, I.O.M. + + _Russian Medal of St. George, 3rd Class_ + + No. 2205 Rifleman Balbir Thapa. + + 2ND BATTALION 2ND KING EDWARD’S OWN GURKHA RIFLES + + _Distinguished Service Order_ + + Major D. M. Watt. + + Major F. H. Norie (Indian Army retired, attached). + + _Military Cross_ + + Captain A. D. Smith (1st Battalion 2nd Gurkha Rifles, attached). + + Lieutenant E. J. Corse-Scott. + + Lieutenant G. A. P. Scoones. + + Subadar Kharak Sing Rana. + + _Order of British India, 2nd Class, with title of “Bahadur”_ + + Subadar-Major Fateh Sing Newar. + + Subadar Sarabjit Gurung, I.O.M. (1st Battalion, attached). + + _Indian Order of Merit, 2nd Class_ + + Subadar Dan Sing Lama. + + Jemadar Arjun Rana. + + No. 1618 Naik Padamdhoj Gurung. + + No. 1959 Rifleman Bhagat Bahadur Gurung. + + No. 2265 Rifleman Tula Gurung. + + No. 2515 Rifleman Hastobir Roka. + + No. 3266 Rifleman Jagtea Pun. + + No. 4024 Rifleman Manjit Gurung. + + No. 2447 Rifleman Partiman Gurung. + + No. 1599 Rifleman Ujir Sing Gurung. + + No. 1597 Naik Bum Bahadur Gurung. + + No. 2693 Rifleman Anarupe Rana. + + _Indian Distinguished Service Medal_ + + No. 1222 Havildar Ran Patti Gurung. + + No. 1280 Havildar Judhia Sarki. + + No. 1432 Havildar Janglai Gurung. + + No. 1628 Havildar Bag Sing Thapa. + + No. 1473 Naik Ramparshad Thapa. + + No. 1517 Naik Bhimbahadur Thapa. + + No. 1679 Naik Gamer Sing Bura. + + No. 1593 Naik Patiram Thapa. + + No. 2153 Lance-Naik Sher Sing Ghale. + + No. 2392 Lance-Naik Amar Sing Pun. + + No. 2618 Rifleman Kalu Gurung. + + _Russian Cross of the Order of St. George, 4th Class_ + + No. 3184 Havildar Sarabjit Gurung. + + _Brevet Colonel_ + + Lieut.-Colonel C. E. de M. Norie, D.S.O. + + _Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel_ + + Major S. B. Boileau (1st Battalion 2nd Gurkha Rifles, attached). + + 2ND BATTALION 3RD QUEEN ALEXANDRA’S OWN GURKHA RIFLES + + =Victoria Cross= + + No. 2129 Rifleman Kulbir Thapa. + + _Companion of the Bath_ + + Lieut.-Colonel V. A. Ormsby. + + _Distinguished Service Order_ + + Captain J. T. Lodwick. + + _Military Cross_ + + Lieutenant H. C. F. McSwiney. + + _Order of British India, 2nd Class, with title of “Bahadur”_ + + Subadar-Major Gambhir Sing Gurung. + + Subadar Kharak Bahadur Thapa. + + _Indian Order of Merit, 2nd Class_ + + Subadar-Major Gambhir Sing Gurung. + + Subadar Bhim Sing Thapa. + + Jemadar Harak Bahadur Thapa (deceased). + + No. 1569 Havildar Bahadur Thapa. + + No. 1805 Lance-Naik Hark Sing Gharti. + + No. 1757 Lance-Naik Jhaman Sing Thapa. + + No. 1749 Rifleman Gane Gurung. + + No. 2252 Bugler Kharak Bahadur Alc. + + _Indian Distinguished Service Medal_ + + Subadar Baru Sing Thapa. + + Jemadar Puran Sing Thapa. + + No. 1313 Havildar Motilal Gurung. + + No. 2118 Rifleman Ganpati Thapa. + + _Russian Cross of the Order of St. George, 4th Class_ + + Subadar Dalkesar Gurung. + + _Russian Medal of St. George, 2nd Class_ + + No. 1760 Naik Rupdan Pun. + + _Russian Medal of St. George, 3rd Class_ + + No. 3530 Rifleman Kharkbir Pun. + + 1ST BATTALION 4TH GURKHA RIFLES + + _Distinguished Service Order_ + + Captain L. P. Collins. + + Captain A. T. Cramer-Roberts. + + Captain C. D. Roe. + + _Military Cross_ + + Lieutenant C. F. F. Moore (123rd Outram’s Rifles, attached). + + Second Lieutenant C. C. E. Manson (I.A.R.O., attached). + + _Order of British India, 2nd Class, with title of “Bahadur”_ + + Subadar Senbir Gurung (2nd Battalion, attached). + + _Indian Order of Merit, 2nd Class_ + + Subadar Senbir Gurung. + + Jemadar Gangabir Gurung. + + No. 4252 Naik Diwan Sing Gurung. + + No. 4015 Rifleman Khamba Sing Gurung. + + No. 4509 Rifleman Parbir Gurung. + + No. 4578 Rifleman Wazir Singh Burathoki. + + No. 1840 Havildar Bhakat Sing Rana (2nd Battalion 4th Gurkha Rifles, + attached). + + No. 2417 Rifleman Bhandoj Rai. + + _Indian Distinguished Service Medal_ + + No. 4203 Rifleman Deotinarain Newar. + + No. 3994 Rifleman Patiram Kunwar. + + No. 798 Lance-Naik Asbir Rana. + + No. 4945 Lance-Naik Lachman Gurung. + + No. 1074 Rifleman Garbha Sing Gurung. + + _Russian Medal of St. George, 3rd Class_ + + No. 4578 Rifleman Wazir Sing Burathoki. + + 2ND BATTALION 8TH GURKHA RIFLES + + _Distinguished Service Order_ + + Captain G. C. Buckland. + + _Order of British India, 2nd Class, with title of “Bahadur”_ + + Subadar Shamsher Gurung. + + _Indian Order of Merit, 2nd Class_ + + No. 3110 Havildar Hari Parshad Thapa. + + Subadar Sarabjit Gurung. + + No. 1632 Rifleman Narbahadur Gurung (Naga Hills Military Police + Battalion, attached). + + No. 1348 Rifleman Budhiman Thapa (Chin Hills Military Police + Battalion, attached). + + _Russian Medal of St. George, 4th Class_ + + No. 4078 Rifleman Dhamraj Thapa. + + 1ST BATTALION 9TH GURKHA RIFLES + + _Companion of the Bath_ + + Lieut.-Colonel G. T. Widdicombe. + + _Military Cross_ + + Captain J. R. L. Heyland (killed in action). + + Captain G. D. Pike. + + Lieutenant L. C. C. Rogers (1st Battalion 7th Gurkha Rifles, attached; + died of wounds). + + Lieutenant R. G. H. Murray. + + Subadar Haridhoj Khattri. + + Subadar Bakht Bahadur Adhikari. + + _Order of British India, 2nd Class, with title of “Bahadur”_ + + Subadar Balbahadar Khattri. + + Subadar Chandrabir Thapa. + + _Indian Order of Merit, 2nd Class_ + + Subadar Mehar Sing Khattri. + + Jemadar Shibdhoj Mal. + + No. 2016 Lance-Naik Jhaman Sing Khattri (2nd Battalion, attached). + + No. 2721 Rifleman Panchbir Mal (2nd Battalion, attached). + + No. 2589 Rifleman Tika Ram Kunwar. + + _Indian Distinguished Service Medal_ + + Subadar Chandrabir Thapa. + + Subadar Haridhoj Khattri. + + Jemadar Damodhar Khattri. + + No. 1922 Havildar Gambhir Sing Bohra. + + No. 1515 Havildar Lalit Bahadur Mal. + + No. 2017 Naik Kharak Bahadur Basnet. + + No. 2027 Naik Kulman Khattri. + + No. 2096 Lance-Naik Jowar Sing Khattri. + + No. 2118 Lance-Naik Samar Bahadur Mal. + + No. 2814 Lance-Naik Sirikisan Khattri. + + No. 2772 Rifleman Manbahadur Sahi. + + No. 2799 Rifleman Kharak Bahadur Bhandari. + + No. 2588 Rifleman Dhan Bahadur. + + No. 2492 Rifleman Gajbir Bisht. + + No. 2885 Rifleman Balbahadur Khattri. + + No. 3055 Rifleman Ranbahadur Sahi. + + No. 3075 Rifleman Dinbahadur Kunwar. + + _Russian Cross of the Order of St. George, 4th Class_ + + Subadar Bakht Bahadur Adhikari. + + _Russian Medal of St. George, 3rd Class_ + + No. 2589 Rifleman Tika Ram Kunwar. + + SPECIAL PROMOTION IN THE FIELD + + _To be Havildar_ + + No. 2721 Rifleman Panchbir Mal, 2nd Battalion 9th Gurkha Rifles + (attached to 1st Battalion). + + UNATTACHED LIST, INDIAN ARMY + + _Military Cross_ + + Second Lieutenant A. C. Curtis (attached 1st Bedfordshire Regiment). + + Second Lieutenant C. S. Searle (attached 1st Royal Berkshire + Regiment). + + Second Lieutenant (temporary Lieutenant) A. F. Logan (attached 2nd + Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment). + + Lieutenant (temporary Captain) T. Layng (attached Durham Light + Infantry). + + Second Lieutenant (temporary Lieutenant) C. H. H. Eales (attached 2nd + Battalion Royal Irish Rifles). + + Second Lieutenant (temporary Lieutenant) F. Powell (attached + Bedfordshire Regiment). + + MEDICAL SERVICES + + _Companion of the Bath_ + + Colonel B. B. Grayfoot, M.D., I.M.S. + + _Companion of St. Michael and St. George_ + + Lieut.-Colonel C. H. Bowle-Evans, M.B., I.M.S. (attached 8th Gurkha + Rifles). + + Lieut.-Colonel F. Wall, I.M.S. (attached 3rd Gurkha Rifles). + + Major H. M. Cruddas, I.M.S. + + Lieut.-Colonel J. A. Hamilton, M.B., F.R.C.S. + + Major W. W. Jeudwine, M.D. + + _Distinguished Service Order_ + + Captain J. Taylor (attached 1st Battalion 89th Garhwal Rifles). + + Major G. C. L. Kerans, I.M.S. + + Major R. A. Needham, M.B. + + _Military Cross_ + + Captain Kunwar Indarjit Singh (attached 57th Rifles; killed in + action). + + Captain J. S. O’Neill, M.B., I.M.S. + + Third Class Assistant Surgeon F. B. A. Braganza, Indian Subordinate + Medical Department. + + Assistant Surgeon E. B. Messinier, Indian Subordinate Medical + Department. + + No. 298 Second Class Sub-Assistant Surgeon Ram Krishna Ganpat Shinde + (attached 1st Battalion 39th Garhwal Rifles). + + Captain H. S. C. Cormack, M.B., F.R.C.S., I.M.S. + + Captain C. A. Wood, M.B., I.M.S. + + First Class Assistant Surgeon W. J. S. Maine, I.S.M.D. + + Third Class Assistant Surgeon E. H. Boilard, I.S.M.D. + + _Distinguished Conduct Medal_ + + Third Class Assistant Surgeon K. P. Elloy, Indian Subordinate Medical + Department, No. 7 British Field Ambulance. + + _Royal Red Cross Decoration, 1st Class_ + + Miss H. A. M. Rait, Queen Alexandra’s Military Nursing Service for + India. + + Miss P. F. Watt, Queen Alexandra’s Military Nursing Service for India. + + _Royal Red Cross Decoration, 2nd Class_ + + Miss M. D. Knapp, Queen Alexandra’s Military Nursing Service for + India. + + _Indian Order of Merit, 2nd Class_ + + No. 1116 First Class Sub-Assistant Surgeon Nagindar Singh, Indian + Subordinate Medical Department. + + No. 128 Field Ambulance, No. 1124 First Class Sub-Assistant Surgeon + Maula Baksh. + + No. 111 Field Ambulance, No. 988 First Class Sub-Assistant Surgeon Tek + Chand. + + Third Class Sub-Assistant Surgeon G. K. R. Rane (attached 21st Company + 3rd Sappers and Miners). + + Sub-Assistant Surgeon Harnam Singh (attached 34th Sikh Pioneers). + + Senior Sub-Assistant Surgeon Pandit Shankar Das (attached 47th Sikhs). + + No. 111 Field Ambulance, No. 2421 Stretcher-bearer Jaganaut. + + No. 8 Company Army Bearer Corps, No. 8001 Havildar Bihari. + + No. 862 First Class Sub-Assistant Surgeon Ram Singh, I.S.M.D. + (attached 1/4th Gurkha Rifles). + + No. 1230 Second Class Sub-Assistant Surgeon Pargan Singh, I.S.M.D. + (attached 6th Jat Light Infantry). + + _Indian Distinguished Service Medal_ + + No. 7 Company Army Bearer Corps, No. 7032 Lance-Naik Surjoo. + + No. 8 Company Army Bearer Corps, No. 8316 Bearer Ram Sabatu. + + No. 8 Company Army Bearer Corps, No. 937 First Class Sub-Assistant + Surgeon Muhammad Umar. + + No. 8 Company Army Bearer Corps, No. 3039 Naik Achroo. + + 112th Indian Field Ambulance, First Class Senior Sub-Assistant Surgeon + Gaure Shankar. + + 129th Indian Field Ambulance, No. 1171 2nd Class Sub-Assistant Surgeon + Zafar Husain. + + 112th Indian Field Ambulance, No. 4009 Naik Wadhawa. + + 19th British Field Ambulance Army Bearer Corps, No. 7017 Naik + Khushali. + + 20th British Field Ambulance Army Bearer Corps, No. 11018 Lance-Naik + Surjoo. + + 1st Class Sub-Assistant Surgeon Narayan Parshad Sukal, 112th Field + Ambulance. + + 2nd Class Senior Sub-Assistant Surgeon Mahadeo Parshad, attached 1st + Battalion 1st Gurkha Rifles. + + No. 8037 Lance-Naik Mangli, No. 8 Company, 113th Field Ambulance. + + No. 772, 1st Class Sub-Assistant Surgeon Pohlo Ram, I.S.M.D. (attached + 1/9th Gurkha Rifles). + + No. 1246, 2nd Class Sub-Assistant Surgeon Kishan Singh, I.S.M.D. + (attached 113th Indian Field Ambulance). + + No. 1360, 3rd Class Sub-Assistant Surgeon Mathura Parshad Sarswit, + I.S.M.D. (attached 57th Wilde’s Rifles (F.F.)). + + No. 3000 Havildar Nikka, No. 7 British Field Ambulance (Army Bearer + Corps). + + No. 7034 Lance-Naik Kundan, No. 19 British Field Ambulance (Army + Bearer Corps). + + No. 7052 Bearer Bhujjoo, No. 19 British Field Ambulance (Army Bearer + Corps). + + No. 7455 Bearer Mulloo, No. 19 British Field Ambulance (Army Bearer + Corps). + + No. 7339 Bearer Narian, No. 19 British Field Ambulance (Army Bearer + Corps). + + No. 4349 Bearer Madan Singh, No. 112 Indian Field Ambulance (Army + Bearer Corps). + + No. 4397 Bearer Mastan Singh, No. 112 Indian Field Ambulance (Army + Bearer Corps). + + No. 7074 Lance-Naik Ram Charan, No. 128 Indian Field Ambulance (Army + Bearer Corps). + + No. 7204 Bearer Beni, No. 128 Indian Field Ambulance (Army Bearer + Corps). + + No. 7259 Bearer Chabi, No. 128 Indian Field Ambulance (Army Bearer + Corps). + + _Russian Cross of the Order of St. George, 4th Class_ + + 3rd Class Assistant Surgeon K. P. Elloy, I.S.M.D., No. 7 British Field + Ambulance. + + _Russian Medal of St. George, 2nd Class_ + + 3rd Class Sub-Assistant Surgeon Gopinath Agarwal, 128th Indian Field + Ambulance. + + _Brevet Colonel_ + + Lieut.-Colonel W. W. White, M.D., I.M.S. + + Lieut.-Colonel A. H. Moorhead, M.B., I.M.S. + + _Brevet Lieut.-Colonel_ + + Major H. Boulton, M.B., I.M.S. + + Major G. Browse, M.B., I.M.S. + + _Senior Assistant Surgeon with Honorary Rank of Lieutenant_ + + 1st Class Assistant Surgeon W. J. S. Maine, I.S.M.D. + + _3rd Class Assistant Surgeon_ + + 4th Class Assistant Surgeon E. R. Hill, I.S.M.D. + + _French Croix de Guerre_ + + 7204 Bearer Beni, 128th Field Ambulance. + + SUPPLY AND TRANSPORT CORPS + + _Distinguished Service Order_ + + Major A. K. Heyland. + + _Order of British India, 2nd Class, with title of “Bahadur”_ + + Ressaidar Amir Khan, 2nd Mule Corps. + + _Indian Order of Merit, 2nd Class_ + + 31st Mule Corps, No. 1357 Driver Sayad Abdulla. + + _Indian Distinguished Service Medal_ + + 11th Mule Corps, No. 904 Naik Miram Baksh. + + 11th Mule Corps, No. 831 Naik Painda Khan. + + 11th Mule Corps, No. 1526 Lance-Naik Rafiuddin. + + 11th Mule Corps, No. 605 Driver Chedu Beg. + + 11th Mule Corps, No. 1315 Driver Fakir Muhammad. + + 11th Mule Corps, No. 986 Driver Shubrati. + + No. 1406 Driver Abdullah Shah, 2nd Mule Corps. + + No. 182 Kot-Dafadar Fetch Khan, 9th Mule Corps. + + No. 82 Kot-Dafadar Bahawal Din, 9th Mule Corps. + + No. 694 Naik Khan Gul, 9th Mule Corps. + + No. 843 Naik Mahomed Khan, 9th Mule Corps. + + No. 862 Driver Rup Singh, 27th Mule Corps. + + No. 319 Lance-Naik Sundar Singh, 38th Mule Corps. + + _Brevet Lieut.-Colonel_ + + Major W. F. Smith, Meerut Divisional Train. + + Major W. N. Lushington. + + _Honorary Major_ + + Commissary and Honorary Captain E. J. Goodhall. + + INDIAN ORDNANCE DEPARTMENT + + _Military Cross_ + + Sub-Conductor J. L. N. M‘Dougall. + + _Distinguished Conduct Medal_ + + Sub-Conductor E. V. Johnson. + + REMOUNT DEPARTMENT + + _Companion of St. Michael and St. George_ + + Lieut.-Colonel C. F. Templer, I.A. + + INDIAN MISCELLANEOUS LIST + + _Assistant Commissary with Honorary Rank of Lieutenant_ + + Sub-Conductor W. Forsyth. + + Sub-Conductor F. C. Marks. + + Sub-Conductor C. G. Jackson. + + INDIAN VOLUNTEER CORPS + + _Distinguished Conduct Medal_ + + Corporal W. Gurdon, Calcutta Volunteer Rifles. + + Sergeant F. Birley, Madras Volunteer Rifles. + + MILITARY WORKS SERVICES + + _Distinguished Conduct Medal_ + + Sub-Conductor P. J. Fitzpatrick. + + ROYAL INDIAN MARINE + + _Companion of St. Michael and St. George_ + + Commander (retired) G. E. Holland, C.I.E., D.S.O. (temporary Colonel + R.E.). + + SPECIAL LIST + + _Companion of the Indian Empire_ + + Temporary Captain P. J. G. Pipon, I.C.S. + + Temporary Captain E. B. Howell (Indian Civil Service), Censor of + Indian Mails with the Indian Expeditionary Force in France. + + _Military Cross_ + + Rev. R. J. B. Irwin, M.A., Indian Ecclesiastical Department. + + Temporary Captain P. J. G. Pipon, I.C.S. + + Temporary Lieutenant A. H. Parker (Indian Civil Service), Punjab + Volunteer Rifles (attached Royal Flying Corps). + + + + + INDEX[10] + + + Abdulla, No. 1357 Driver Sayad, I.O.M., 381 + + Adair, Capt. W. F., 44 + + Adams, Lieut., 250 + + Adhikari, Subadar Bakht Bahadur, M.C., Russian Cross of the Order of + St. George, 4th Class, 376, 377 + + Afghan War (1880), 11, 87 + + Afghanistan, 1, 3, 9, 72, 87, 113, 312 + + Afghans, 16 + + Africa, East, 52, 109 + North, 98 + South, 28, 53, 92, 94 + West, 1, 180 + + Afridi Hills, 20 + + Afridis, 16, 214, 238 + + Agarwal, 3rd Class Sub-Assist. Surgeon Gopinath, Russian Medal of St. + George, 2nd Class, 380 + + Agnew, Lieut. J., 291 + + Agra, 94, 101 + + Ahmad, No. 4182 Sepoy Said, I.D.S.M., 43, 371 + + Aisne River, 28, 24, 32 + + Akbar, No. 2718 Lance-Naik Said, I.O.M., 365 + + Alam, Jemadar Nur, I.D.S.M., 354 + + Aldershot, 294 + + Alderson, General, 245, 280 + + Ale, No. 2252 Bugler Kharak Bahadur, I.O.M., 374 + + Alexander, Capt. R. D., 100 + + Alexander, Capt. R. G., M.C., 349 + + Alexandra’s (Queen) Own Gurkha Rifles, 3rd, 110 + + Ali, Subadar Abdul, Bahadur, 367 + + Ali, Jemadar Akbar, 341 + + Ali, No. 3529 Naik Amir, I.D.S.M., 368 + + Ali, Jemadar Bahadur, I.D.S.M., 354 + + Ali, No. 3435 Sepoy Haidar, I.D.S.M., 362 + + Ali, No. 2770 Naik Liyakat, afterwards Havildar, 355 + + Ali, Jemadar Liyakat, I.O.M., 353 + + Ali, Jemadar Mardan, 169 + + Ali, Risaldar Mir Hidayat, 175 + + Ali Musjid, 164 + + Ali, Subadar Qasim, Bahadur, 355 + + Ali, Jemadar Zaman, I.D.S.M., 368 + + Aliwal, 87, 164 + + “Allahabad Levy,” 300 + + Allardice, Lieut., 250 + + Allen, Lieut.-Col., 259 + + Almond, Lieut., 70 + + Amal, No. 118 Lance-Naik Nek, I.O.M., Russian Cross of the Order of St. + George, 4th Class, 371 + + Ambala Cavalry Brigade, 176 + + Amiens, 232 + + Ammunition Columns, 19, 20 + + Anderson, Lieut.-Col., 72 + + Anderson, Lieut., 155–6, 339 + + Anderson, Capt. B. E., afterwards Brevet Major, 157, 369 + + Anderson, Lieut.-General Sir C. A., C.B., 19, 52, 68, 85, 105, 121, + 123, 151, 159, 165, 167, 175, 176, 206, 226, 270, 271, 273, 278, + 279, 282, 284, 288, 317, 325 + + Anderson, Lieut.-Col. W. C., C.M.G., 372 + + Apthorpe, Capt. E. H., 126 + + Arabi, Jemadar Muhammad, I.O.M., 367 + + Arjun, No. 2763 Havildar, I.D.S.M., 367 + + Armentières, 313 + + Army Corps, British, 1st, 39, 166–7, 172–4, 209, 279 + 3rd, 241 + 4th, 232, 234, 268, 269 + 5th, 241 + + Army Service Corps, 99 + + Arras, 269 + + Asghar, No. 3567 Lance-Naik Said, I.D.S.M., 367 + + Ashanti, 1, 90, 161, 194 + + Asia, 29 + + Assam, 297 + + Assaye, 216 + + Atal, Major P., 133 + + Atkinson, Lieut. J. G., 157 + + Aubers Ridge, 60, 81, 202, 203, 210, 231, 267, 269, 306, 327 + + Ava, 300 + + Avoué, Ferme d’, 279 + + Azam, Subadar Makmad Bahadur, I.O.M., 371 + + Aziz, Jemadar Abdul, I.D.S.M., 112, 354 + + + Bacquerot, Rue du, 335 + + Badhai, Jemadar Data Din, I.D.S.M., 354 + + Badlu, No. 1548 Havildar, I.D.S.M., 113, 357 + + Badshah, No. 3032 Lance-Naik Lal, I.O.M., 367 + + Badshah, Jemadar Mir, I.O.M., 371 + + Badshah, No. 3119 Sepoy Mir, I.D.S.M., 366 + + Badshah, No. 2108 Sepoy Mir, I.D.S.M., 366 + + Bagmal, No. 1004 Sepoy, I.D.S.M., 357 + + Bagot-Chester, Lieut., 332 + + Baidullah, No. 3404 Naik, I.D.S.M., 367 + + Bainbridge, Lieut. D., M.C., 365 + + Baird, Major, H. B. D., D.S.O., 348 + + Baksh, No. 1124 1st Class Sub-Assist. Surgeon Maula, I.O.M., 379 + + Baksh, Jemadar Mehar, I.D.S.M., 354 + + Baksh, No. 904 Naik Miram, I.D.S.M., 331 + + Baksh, No. 3144 Driver Havildar Muhammad, I.O.M., I.D.S.M., 354 + + Baldwin, Capt. H. L., 127 + + Balfour-Melville, Lieut., 338 + + Ballinger, Lieut., 290 + + Baluchis, 129th, 18, 33, 34, 35, 36, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, + 46, 120, 122, 123, 126, 133, 144, 145, 146, 154, 156, 157, 164, 170, + 206, 240, 248, 249, 250, 258, 295, 300, 304, 310 + 124th, 251, 304 + + Bamberger, Capt. C. D., R.E., 152 + + Banks, Capt. P. d’A., 251 + + Bannatine-Allason, Major-General, 241 + + Bareilly Brigade, 19, 22, 53, 75, 76, 95, 103, 120, 205, 206, 209, 218, + 221, 224, 239, 270, 276, 277, 280, 283, 284, 286, 288, 328, 331, + 333, 341 + + Barlow, Major, 76 + + Barr, Corporal A., 162 + + Barrow, Lieut.-Col. (temp. Brig.-General) G. de S., C.B., 343 + + Barry, Lieut. D., 161 + + Barry, Lieut.-Col. S., 317 + + Barstow, Lieut. A. E., M.C., 358 + + Barton, Capt. F., 85 + + Barwell, Major, E. E., 87 + + Basnet, No. 2017 Naik Kharak Bahadur, I.D.S.M., 376 + + Bassée, La, 24, 44, 48, 49, 60, 103, 107, 139, 143, 149, 164, 201, 202, + 204, 210, 211, 215, 218, 277, 279, 301, 302, 306, 327 + + Bastian, Lieut., 271 + + Bauvin, 327 + + Bavarian Reserve Division, 6th, 225 + Regiments, 16th and 21st, 227 + + Baz, No. 3223 Sepoy Mir, I.D.S.M., 366 + + Baz, No. 3030 Naik Zar, I.D.S.M., Russian Cross of the Order of St. + George, 4th Class, 367 + + Beall, Major, 259, 264 + + Beau Puits, 279 + + Beauchamp-Duff, Capt., 92 + + Becher, Major, H. S., 85 + + Bedford Regiment, 78 + + Beg, No. 605 Driver Chedu, I.D.S.M., 381 + + Beg, Jemadar Hayat Ali, I.O.M., 352 + + Beg, Capt. Shah Mirza, 22 + + Belgium, 307 + + Bell, Capt. M. A. R., 169 + + Bell, Serjeant-Major R., 260–61 + + Bengal, 319 + + Bengal Infantry, 233, 234, 239, 300, 341 + + Beni, No. 7204 Bearer, I.D.S.M., French Croix de Guerre, 380, 381 + + Bennett, Capt. H., 110 + + Berceaux, Rue des, 218, 224, 231 + + Bethune, 60, 74, 139, 143, 149 + + Bhandari, No. 2799 Rifleman Kharak Bahadur, I.D.S.M., 377 + + Bhopal Infantry, 9th, 18, 66–8, 71, 72, 103, 120–23, 125, 126, 164, + 170, 173, 200, 240, 248, 254, 258, 259, 296, 297, 304 + + Bhujjoo, No. 7052 Bearer, I.D.S.M., 380 + + Bhurtpore, 87, 164, 284 + + Bhutias, 319 + + Biez, Ferme du, 269, 270 + + Bihari, No. 8001 Havildar, I.O.M., 379 + + Bingham, Major, 330 + + Birbal, Naik, 302 + + Bird, Capt. A. J. G., D.S.O., 352 + + Birley, Sergeant F., D.C.M., 255, 382 + + Bisht, No. 463 Naik Baktwar Sing, I.O.M., 362 + + Bisht, No. 2697 Bugler Bhola, I.D.S.M., 361 + + Bisht, No. 2492 Rifleman Gajbir, I.D.S.M., 110, 377 + + Bisht, No. 1283, Naik Jaman Sing, I.O.M., 210, 362 + + Bisht, No. 1674 Rifleman Kalamu, I.O.M., 360 + + Bisht, No. 2854 Rifleman Keshi, I.D.S.M., 361 + + Bisht, No. 1760 Rifleman Kutalu, I.D.S.M., 361 + + Bisht, No. 1211 Rifleman Man Sing, Russian Medal of St. George, 3rd + Class, 362 + + Black, Capt. W., 78–9 + + Black Watch Regiment, 2nd, 19, 55, 94, 120, 122–3, 126–9, 160, 165–167, + 169, 206, 213, 222, 225, 239, 241, 272, 274–5, 330–31, 334–9, 341–2 + 4th, 222, 234, 239, 272, 274, 328, 333–4, 336, 339, 341 + + Blackader, Brig.-General, 150, 152, 206, 209, 225 + + Bliss, Major C., 162, 163 + + Bohra, No. 1922 Havildar Gambhir Sing, I.D.S.M., 376 + + Bohra, Subadar-Major Man Singh, 85 + + Boilard, 3rd Class Assist. Surgeon E. H., M.C., 378 + + Boileau, Major S. B., afterwards Brevet Lieut.-Col., 159, 223, 374 + + Bois du Biez, 80, 203, 204, 215, 216, 220, 226, 227, 230, 231, 270, + 298, 327 + + Bois, Ferme du, 286, 287, 288, 289, 290, 292 + + Bois, Rue du, 149, 211, 219, 221, 224, 271, 279 + + Bombay, 4, 100 + + Bombay Sepoys, 233 + + Boulogne, 48 + + Boulton, Major H. M. B., afterwards Brevet Lieut.-Col., 380 + + Boyd, Private, 127 + + Bowes, Brig.-General, 85, 89, 90 + + Bowle-Evans, Lieut.-Col. C. H., C.M.G., 97, 377 + + Braganza, 3rd Class Assist. Surgeon F. B. A., M.C., 378 + + Brahmin Regiment, 1st, 332 3rd, 330 + + Brahmins, 72, 297 + + Brakes, Lance-Corporal, 152 + + Brakspear, Lieut.-Col. W. K., 108, 109, 110, 332 + + Bridoux, 327 + + Brigade (British), 2nd, 168 + 5th, 283 + 6th, 283 + 7th, 65 + 8th, 85, 89, 90 + 9th, 65 + 60th, 333, 336 + + Brind, Capt. R. M., M.C., 368 + + Brique, La, 247, 248, 253, 255 + + Brisbane, Colour-Sergeant, 161 + + Brock, Capt. B. de L., M.C., 349 + + Brodhurst, Major, 258 + + Brown, Lieut., 283 + + Brown, Capt. A. M., M.C., 228, 368 + + Browne, Lieut., 332 + + Browne, Major H. E., 66 + + Browning, Lieut. C. S., 144, 145 + + Brownlow, Lieut. W., 276 + + Browse, Major G., M.B., afterwards Brevet Lieut.-Col., 97, 380 + + Bruce, Major, 184 + + Bruce, Major G. D., D.S.O., 348 + + Bruce, Lieut. W. A. M‘Crae, V.C., 347 + + Brunker, Major-General J. M. S., 19, 51, 148, 175 + + Brunskill, Lieut. G. S., M.C., 88, 364 + + Bryce, Lieut. S., 171 + + Buckingham, Private William, V.C., 152, 212, 347 + + Buckland, Capt. G. C., D.S.O., 77, 375 + + Bull, Capt. G. S., M.C., 127, 129, 366 + + Bullard, Lieut. E., 318–19 + + Buller, Lieut. F. E., R.E., M.C., 140, 353 + + Buner Hills, 22 + + Bura, No. 1679 Naik Gamer Sing, I.D.S.M., 373 + + Burathoki, No. 4578 Rifleman Bhakat Sing, I.O.M., Russian Medal of St. + George, 3rd Class, 375 + + Burathoki, Rifleman Wazir Sing, 229 + + Burke, Capt. T., 157 + + Burmah, 1, 53, 79, 164, 300 + + Burma Infantry, 93rd, 328 + + Burnett, Capt. R. F. D., M.C., 369 + + Burstall, Brig.-General, 265 + + Burton, Capt. G. W., D.S.O., 361 + + Butts, Lieut. F. C. de, M.C., 355 + + + Calais, 48 + + Calcutta, 101 + + Calcutta Volunteer Rifles, 234 + + Callaghan, Capt. G. F., 126 + + Calonne, 205, 208, 218 + + Camberley, 50 + + Cameron, Capt. W., 162 + + Cameron Highlanders, 135, 172 + + Cammell, Lieut. G. A. (R.F.A.), 213 + + Campbell, Colin, 28 + + Campbell, Lieut. F. C. G., M.C., 362 + + Canadian Division, 203, 245, 246, 254, 257, 269, 288, 289 + Royal Artillery, 248, 262, 263, 265 + + Canteloux, 327 + + Carden, Major, 201 + + Carmichael, Corporal J., 162 + + Carnegy, Major-General P. M., C.B., 10, 51, 163, 170, 171, 175 + + Carter’s Post, 328 + + Cassels, Major K., 77, 133, 134 + + Casson, Major W. F. S., D.S.O., 348 + + Cauteau, Colonel, 175 + + Cavalry Division, 1st, 33 + Division, 2nd, 33, 34, 232 + Division, 4th, 20, 240 + Brigade, 3rd, 36 + Brigade, 4th, 36, 38, 111 + Brigade, 5th, 36 + Brigade, 6th, 232 + + Ceylon, 42 + + Chabi, No. 7259 Bearer, I.D.S.M., 380 + + Chagatta, Colour-Havildar, I.O.M., I.D.S.M., Russian Cross of the Order + of St. George, 4th Class, 112, 212, 354, 355 + + Chakdara, 11 + + Chakwal, 43 + + Chand, Subadar Parbat, M.C., 368 + + Chand, No. 988 1st Class Sub-Assist. Surgeon Tek, I.O.M., 379 + + Changa, No. 4204 Sapper, I.D.S.M., 356 + + Chapelle St. Roch, 150 + + Charan, No. 7074 Lance-Naik Ram, I.D.S.M., 380 + + Charles, Brig.-General (R.E.), 314 + + Charles, Major J. R., 49 + + Chenwar, Subadar Nain Sing Bahadur, 361 + + _Chevaux de frise_, 208 + + Chillianwala, 216 + + China, 34, 63, 113, 164, 238 + + Chindwin, 1 + + Chinwarh, Subadar Nain Sing, M.C., 361 + + Chitral, 11, 63, 300 + + Chocolat Menier Corner, 201, 204, 279 + + Christopher, Capt., 250 + + Churchill, the Rt. Hon. Winston, 103, 194 + + Cis-Indus, 234 + + Cix Marmuse, La, 205 + + Clarke, Capt. A. C. K. S., M.C., 351 + + Clarke, Lieut. I. H., 37 + + Clarke, Capt. R. J., 213 + + Cliqueterie, La, Farm, 203, 209, 270, 327, 335 + + Coast Sepoys, 10th Battalion of, 300 + + Coates, Lieut., 259 + + Cobbe, Col. (temp. Brig.-General), A.S.C., V.C., D.S.O., C.B., 50, 348 + + Cockburn, Lieut. C. J., M.C., 134, 356 + + Coffin, Lieut.-Col. C., 53 + + Coldwell, Sergeant, 254 + + Collins, Capt. L. P., D.S.O., 229, 375 + + Collins, Lieut., 271 + + Combe, Capt. S. B., M.C., 364 + + Comorin, Cape, 297 + + Connaught, Duke of, 39 Prince Arthur of, 116 + + Connaught Rangers, 1st and 2nd, 2, 33, 34, 55, 83, 85, 86, 90, 107, + 120, 121, 122, 125, 126, 130, 133, 144, 149, 164, 170, 178, 200, + 236, 240, 242, 248, 249, 252, 253, 254, 258, 266, 316 + 1st, 18, 89 + + Conneau, General, 61 + + Connell, Lieut. S. D., 140 + + Cook, Capt., 250 + + Cook, Private C., 135 + + Copeland, Major, 300 + + Cormack, Capt. H. S. C., M.B., F.R.C.S., M.C., 378 + + Cornwall Light Infantry, 260 + + Corps d’Armée, XXIst, 106, 141, 164, 170 + + Corse-Scott, Lieut. E. J., M.C., 373 + + Cour d’Avoué, 280, 288, 289, 290, 291, 292, 293 + + Couture, La, 122, 154, 205, 208, 215, 218, 224, 278, 280 + + Crackett, Private J., 171 + + Craig, Lieut. J. M., 78 + + Cramer-Roberts, Capt. A. T., D.S.O., 155–6, 375 + + Creagh, Sir O’Moore, 11, 12, 14 + + Creagh, Capt. L., 172 + + Crescent, the, 224 + + Crewe, Lord, 193 + + Crisp, Private, 152 + + Croix Barbée, 278, 280, 284 + + Crosse, Lieut., 283 + + Crozier, Capt., 287 + + Cruddas, Major H. M., C.M.G., 378 + + Cruddas, Lieut.-Col. H. W., D.S.O., 363 + + Cullen, Lieut.-Col. E. H. S., M.V.O., D.S.O., C.M.G., 63, 359 + + Cureton, Capt., 234 + + Curtis, 2nd Lieut. A. C., M.C., 377 + + Curzon, Lord, of Kedleston, 101 + + Cuthbert, Major, 221 + + + Dad, No. 2198 Havildar Fazl, I.D.S.M., 367 + + Dad, No. 1485 Naik Karam, I.D.S.M., 369 + + Dalmahoy, Capt., 250 + + Daniell, Capt. J. A. S., D.S.O., 357 + + Danu, No. 617 Havildar Bir Sing, I.D.S.M., 362 + + Danu, Jemadar Khushal Singh, 95 + + Darjeeling, 319 + + Das, Senior Sub-Assist. Surgeon Pandit Shankar, I.O.M., 379 + + Dast, Jemadar Mir, I.O.M., V.C., 251, 365 + + Dast, Subadar Mir, V.C., I.O.M., Russian Cross of the Order of St. + George, 3rd Class, 347, 366 + + Davidson, Capt., 77 + + Davidson, Lieut. H. S., 285 + + Davidson, Major S. R., afterwards Brevet Lieut.-Col., 66, 69, 70, 365 + + Davidson-Houston, Major C. E. D., D.S.O., 79, 127, 339, 340, 342, 366 + + Davies, Major-General F., 241 + + Davis, Capt., 134 + + Deacon, Major, 253, 254 + + Deane, Capt., 332–3 + + Deane-Spread, Lieut., 340 + + Deccan Horse, 20th, 20, 171, 174, 175 + Plains, 29 + + Deedes, Lieut. R. B., M.C., 251, 365 + + Dehra Dun Brigade, 19, 22, 53, 75, 149, 150, 151, 158, 160, 165, 166, + 167, 205, 209, 214, 215, 216, 217, 218, 220, 221, 223, 224, 239, + 270, 271, 272, 273, 278, 279, 280, 327, 328, 329, 334, 335, 337, 338 + + Delhi, 6, 8, 14, 15, 23, 33, 46, 51, 87, 110, 216, 227, 341 + + Denison, Capt., 338 + + Derajat, 284 + + Devon Regiment, 76 + + Dhan, No. 2588 Rifleman, Bahadur, I.D.S.M., 377 + + Diejal, No. 2061 Sepoy Thakur, I.D.S.M., 363 + + Dikshit, Jemadar Gangacharan, I.D.S.M., 354 + + Dill, Lieut. J. R., 300 + + Dill, Very Rev. Dr. Marcus, 300 + + Dill, Capt. R. F., D.S.O., 43, 46, 300, 370 + + Din, Ahmed, 40, 41 + + Din, No. 82 Kot-Dafadar Bahawal, I.D.S.M., 381 + + Din, No. 3056 Lance-Naik, afterwards Naik, Fazl, 355 + + Din, No. 45 Sapper Ghulam Ayud, I.D.S.M., 356 + + Din, No. 4079 Naik Ilm, I.D.S.M., 352 + + Din, Subadar-Major Umar Din, Bahadur, 370 + + Distillery, the, 270 + + Divisions (British), 1st, 163, 274, 276 + 2nd, 279–81, 284, 287–8 + 7th, 273, 279, 281, 286–7 + 8th, 107, 122, 210, 216, 218, 226, 227, 228, 230, 239, 241, 273, 293, + 314 + 19th, 241, 327 + 20th, 329, 333 + 27th (Artillery of), 263, 265 (and _see_ Cavalry) + (French) 58th, 170 + + Dixit, Ganga Charn, 70 + + Dogras, 7, 34, 56, 63, 79, 239 + 37th Regiment, 276 + 41st Regiment, 19, 120, 160, 166, 206, 225, 233, 239, 271, 272, 274, + 276, 304, 336 + + Don, 269 + + Dorset Regiment, 33 + + Douie, Lieut. F. M‘C., D.S.O., M.C., 291–2, 353 + + Dover, 29 + + Doyle, Sir Arthur Conan, _The British Campaign in France and Flanders, + 1914_, 154 + + Dragoon Guards, 7th, 20, 84, 135, 170, 171 + + Drake-Brockman, Lieut.-Col. D. H., C.M.G., 95, 210, 270, 273, 361 + + Drummond, Major E. G., 108, 109, 110 + + Drysdale, Lieut. A. E., M.C., 250, 364 + + Dube, Subadar Gaurishankar, Bahadur, M.C., 353 + + Duck’s Bill, 328, 330, 341 + + Dudley, Capt., 134, 271 + + Duffus, Lieut.-Col. E. J., 122 + + Duffy, Private, 234 + + Duhan, Major, 251 + + Dun, Naik Rupdhan, 110 + + Dundas, Major, 151, 152 + + Dundas, Major P. H., D.S.O., 111, 112, 134, 356 + + Dutt, No. 1029 Lance-Naik Bhawani, I.D.S.M., 354 + + Dyce, Capt. H. L., M.C., 349 + + + Eales, 2nd Lieut. (temp. Lieut.), C. H. H., M.C., 377 + + Edward VII., King of England, 323 + + Edward, H.R.H. Prince of Wales, 116 + + Edwards, 182 + + Egerton, Brig.-General R. M., C.B., 18, 51, 121, 122, 123, 127, 130, + 135, 175, 206, 248 + + Egypt, 20, 28, 39, 51, 52, 63, 65, 73, 96, 100, 138, 143, 164, 185, + 195, 197, 198, 297, 304, 320 + + Elliot, Lieut.-General Sir E. Locke, K.C.B., D.S.O., French Legion of + Honour, Croix de Commandeur, 349 + + Eliott-Lockhart, Lieut.-Col., 228 + + Elliott, Major R. W., 134 + + Elloy, 3rd Class Assistant Surgeon K. P., D.C.M., Russian Cross of the + Order of St. George, 4th Class, 378, 380 + + England, 4, 17, 25, 45, 48, 100, 101, 106, 137, 153, 182, 183, 184, + 192, 193, 194, 196, 237, 238, 311, 323 + + Essars, 122 + + Essex Regiment, 33 + + Estaires, 106, 107, 201, 204, 211, 277, 301, 302 + + Etlinger, Capt., 259 + + Ewart, Colonel R. H., D.S.O., C.B., 97, 348 + + Eyre, Capt. K. G., 133 + + + Fasken, Colonel (temp. Brig.-General) W. H., C.B., 241, 348 + + Fellowes, Lieut. (temp. Capt.) H. G. A., M.C., 351 + + Fenner, Colonel C., 62 + + Ferozepore Brigade, 18, 21, 33, 51, 60, 61, 65, 73, 89, 120, 121, 134, + 144, 149, 150, 154, 163, 164, 170, 175, 205, 206, 208, 218, 221, + 224, 240, 247, 248, 249, 250, 253, 254, 255, 257, 258, 259, 262 + + Ferronays, Capt. de la, 32 + + Festubert, 22, 39, 52, 57, 75, 119, 120, 137, 149, 163, 168, 211, 267, + 279, 299, 304, 332 + + Finlay, Lance-Corporal David, V.C., 275–6, 347 + + Fitzgerald, Colonel, 194 + + Fitzmaurice, Lieut., 70 + + Fitzpatrick, Sub-Conductor P. J., D.C.M., 382 + + Flagg, Capt., 340 + + Flanders, 1, 5, 7, 20, 21, 23, 24, 27, 29, 46, 48, 56, 77, 80, 82, 85, + 96, 137, 183, 185, 190, 235, 252, 300, 310, 325, 332, 341, 344 + + Fleming, Capt. W. E., M.C., 363 + + Flynn, Corporal, 252 + + Foch, Marshal, 304 + + Forbes, Capt., 36, 38, 314 + + Forrester, Capt. R. E., 95 + + Forster, Sergeant P., 132 + + Forsyth, Sub-Conductor W. (afterwards Assist. Commissary and Hon. + Lieut.), 382 + + Fortuin, 246 + + Fosse-Calonne, 141 + + Fowler, Colonel (temp. Brig.-General), D.S.O., C.B., 348 + + Fowler, Lieut. E. K., M.C., 38, 46, 365 + + France, 2, 4, 5, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 18, 20, 22, 23, 25, 26, 27, 28, 31, + 32, 34, 41, 49, 52, 53, 55, 56, 63, 67, 72, 75, 79, 82, 91, 93, 94, + 96, 99, 100, 104, 106, 110, 111, 119, 138, 140, 142, 148, 169, 174, + 177, 178, 182, 183, 185, 186, 189, 190, 192, 193, 194, 195, 196, + 197, 198, 200, 209, 218, 221, 222, 227, 230, 255, 263, 264, 268, + 294, 295, 297, 299, 300, 302, 304, 309, 310, 311, 312, 313, 314, + 317, 318, 320, 321, 323, 325, 332, 333, 336, 340, 342, 343 + + Francis, Capt. R. F., M.C., 364 + + Franklin, Capt., 74 + + Franklin, Major H. S. E., D.S.O., 355, 357 + + Franks, Brig.-General (R.A.), 204 + + Fraser, Lieut., 339 + + Fraser, Capt. W. A. K. F., M.C., 352 + + French, Sir John, 7, 24, 30, 45, 50, 63, 65, 71, 72, 73, 75, 85, 103, + 104, 136, 138, 143, 176, 184, 185, 188, 193, 200, 235, 236, 238, + 245, 269, 302, 316 + “1914” quoted, 177; + ref., 303 + + French Colonial Division, 246, 260 + Territorials, 142nd, 171, 175, 176 + + Frontier Expeditions (1908), 10 + + Fry, Lieut., 291 + + Fyzabad, 72 + + + Ganga, No. 2630 Havildar, I.O.M., Russian Cross of the Order of St. + George, 4th Class, 45, 365, 366 + + Gaisford, Lieut. L., 127 + + Gallipoli, 23, 51, 99, 241, 263, 319 + + Gambhir, Subadar-Major, 211 + + Gamble, Lieut., 291 + + Gandy, Lieut., 283 + + Ganges River, 3, 23, 29 + Canal, 339 + + Gapaard, 33, 34, 35 + + Gardiner, Major (R.E.), 155 + + Garhwal Brigade, 19, 53, 95, 108, 121, 122, 149, 150, 158, 165, 166, + 169, 205, 206, 209, 210, 214, 218, 219, 224, 225, 239, 270, 273, + 277, 278, 280–84, 288, 289, 328, 331, 333–6, 341 + Rifles, 39th, 1st and 2nd Batt., 19, 57, 75, 95, 108, 121, 123, 124, + 129–32, 134, 136, 206, 210–215, 219, 220, 222, 225, 239, 244, 248, + 270, 281–3, 296, 328, 333, 334, 336, 337 + + Garhwalis, 7, 57 + + Garrett, Capt. S., 228 + + Gedge, 2nd Lieut., 333 + + George V., King of England, 14, 46, 141, 193, 319 + + George, the Rt. Hon. David Lloyd, 193 + + George, Lieut. F., 89, 90 + + Germany, 235 + + Ghale, Jemadar Bahadur, 84 + + Ghale, No. 2153 Lance-Naik Sher Sing, I.D.S.M., 373 + + Gharti, Lance-Naik Harak Sing, I.O.M., 211, 374 + + Gharti, Rifleman Thaman, 152 + + Ghazis, the, 157 + + Ghazni (1839), 87, 113 + + Gilchrist, Capt. R. C., 157 + + Givenchy, 22, 39, 43, 47, 50, 51, 52, 60, 75, 82, 103, 119, 139, 143, + 144, 149, 155, 162, 163, 164, 170, 171, 172, 173, 177, 179, 186, + 188, 201, 203, 229, 253, 254, 269, 279, 327 + + Godwin, Major (temp. Lieut.-Col.), afterwards Brevet Lieut.-Col., C. A. + C., 350 + + Goodhall, Commissary and Hon. Capt., afterwards Hon. Major, 381 + + Gordon, Major H., 133 + + Gordon, Capt. J. de la H., M.C., 356 + + Gordon, Lieut.-Col. J. L., 64 + + Gordon, Lieut.-Col. L. A., 53, 210, 219 + + Gordon, Colonel L. F. G., 53 + + Gordon, Capt. R. S., 37 + + Gordon, Lieut. S., 128 + + Gordon Highlanders, 53 + + Gorre, 120, 121 + + Gorrie, Lance-Corporal, 129 + + Gough, Lieut. O., M.C., 349 + + Govind, Guru, 20 + + Grant, Colonel, 135, 171 + + Grant, Major, 46 + + Grant, Capt. H., 132 + + Grasett, Lieut., 341 + + Gray, Capt. E. St. C., M.C., 349 + + Gray, Lieut.-Colonel F. W. B., C.M.G., 34, 38, 365 + + Grayfoot, Colonel B. B., M.D., C.B., 97, 377 + + Grey, Lance-Corporal G., 132 + + Griffith-Griffin, Lieut. F. M., M.C., 371 + + Grigg, Capt., 283 + + Guadeloupe, 338 + + Guards Brigade, 286 + + Guides, 57–8, 228, 236, 251 + + Guides Cavalry, 22 + + Gul, No. 3902 Lance-Naik Biaz, I.O.M., 368 + + Gul, No. 3814 Lance-Naik Hobab, I.O.M., 43, 371 + + Gul, No. 694 Naik Khan, I.D.S.M., 381 + + Gul, No. 4267 Sepoy Mehrab, I.D.S.M., 371 + + Gul, No. 4264 Havildar Niaz, I.D.S.M., 368 + + Gul, No. 4333 Sepoy Redi, I.O.M., 43, 371 + + Gunning, Lieut.-Col. O. G., C.M.G., 363 + + Gurdon, Corporal W., D.C.M., 234, 382 + + Gurkha Light Infantry, 43rd, 79 + + Gurkhas, 2, 7, 30, 56–8, 85, 86, 92, 96, 245, 269, 319 + 1st (1st Batt.), 19, 79, 157, 162–4, 169, 174, 205, 226, 229, 240, + 257–9, 263, 264, 281, 288–90, 296 + 2nd (2nd Batt.), 19, 82–6, 90–92, 108, 150, 158–60, 165–6, 169, 206, + 216, 218, 220, 223, 238, 270–72, 274, 328, 337 + 3rd (2nd Batt.), 19, 108, 110, 121–122, 150–52, 206, 210, 211, 219, + 225, 238, 281–3, 328, 331–2, 334 + 4th (1st Batt.), 19, 154–7, 161, 162, 164, 174, 205, 226, 229, 237, + 240, 254, 257, 258, 263, 264, 281, 289, 290, 296, 315, 320 + 6th, 134 + 7th, 134 + 8th (2nd Batt.), 19, 75–9, 120–24, 129, 133–5, 163, 171, 175, 206, + 217, 218, 225, 238, 270, 281, 328, 331–3, 341 + 9th (1st Batt.), 19, 84, 159, 169, 206, 217, 220, 221, 223, 234, 238, + 270, 272, 273, 298 + + Gurung, No. 1959 Rifleman Bhagat Bahadur, I.O.M., 373 + + Gurung, No. 1597 Naik Bum Bahadur, I.O.M., 373 + + Gurung, Subadar Dalkesar, Russian Cross of the Order of St. George, 4th + Class, 109, 110, 374 + + Gurung, Naik Dharmraj, 156 + + Gurung, No. 4252 Naik Diwan Sing, I.O.M., 375 + + Gurung, Subadar Durga, 156 + + Gurung, Subadar-Major Gambhir Sing, Bahadur, I.O.M., 374 + + Gurung, No. 1749 Rifleman Gane, I.O.M., 374 + + Gurung, Jemadar Gangabir, I.O.M., 229, 375 + + Gurung, No. 1074 Rifleman Garbha Sing, I.D.S.M., 375 + + Gurung, No. 1432 Havildar Janglai, I.D.S.M., 373 + + Gurung, Subadar Jit Sing, I.O.M., 290–91, 372 + + Gurung, No. 2618 Rifleman Kalu, I.D.S.M., 373 + + Gurung, No. 2515 Rifleman Kansi, I.D.S.M., 372 + + Gurung, No. 2734 Rifleman Khamba Sing, I.D.S.M., 372 + + Gurung, No. 4015 Rifleman Khamba Sing, I.O.M., 375 + + Gurung, Jemadar Kharak Bahadur, 84 + + Gurung, No. 4945 Lance-Naik Lachman, I.D.S.M., 375 + + Gurung, No. 4024 Rifleman Manjit, I.O.M., 218, 373 + + Gurung, No. 1313 Havildar Motilal, I.D.S.M., 374 + + Gurung, No. 1632 Rifleman Narbahadur, I.O.M., 376 + + Gurung, No. 1618 Naik Padamdhoj, I.O.M., 86, 373 + + Gurung, No. 4509 Rifleman Parbir, I.O.M., 375 + + Gurung, No. 2447 Rifleman Partiman, I.O.M., 218, 373 + + Gurung, No. 2397 Rifleman Phalman, I.D.S.M., 372 + + Gurung, Subadar Puran Sing, Russian Cross of the Order of St. George, + 4th Class, 372 + + Gurung, No. 1222 Havildar Ran Patti, I.D.S.M., 373 + + Gurung, No. 3184 Havildar Sarabjit, Russian Cross of the Order of St. + George, 4th Class, 373 + + Gurung, Subadar Sarabjit, I.O.M., Bahadur, 373 + + Gurung, Subadar Sarabjit, I.O.M., 375 + + Gurung, Subadar Senbir, Bahadur, I.O.M., 316, 375 + + Gurung, Subadar Shamsher, Bahadur, 375 + + Gurung, Sing, 211 + + Gurung, Jemadar Suba Singh, 84 + + Gurung, Subadar Tekhbahadur, 85 + + Gurung, Jemadar Tirthe, 84 + + Gurung, No. 2265 Rifleman Tula, I.O.M., 373 + + Gurung, No. 1599 Rifleman Ujir Sing, I.O.M., 218, 373 + + Gusain, No. 2605 Lance-Naik Kiyali, I.O.M., 360 + + Gusain, No. 2408 Lance-Naik Sankaru, I.O.M., 360 + + Guthrie-Smith, Lieut. R., 162 + + + Hack, Capt. C., 89, 90 + + Haidar, No. 3836 Havildar Fateh, I.O.M., Russian Medal of St. George, + 1st Class, 371, 372 + + Haig, Sir Douglas, 178 + + Hale, Mr., 94 + + “Hale’s” hand-grenades, 93 + + Hamer, Capt. M. A., M.C., 349 + + Hamid, Jemadar, I.D.S.M., 367 + + Hamilton, Lieut. H. W. R., M.C., 353 + + Hamilton, Lieut.-Col. J. A., M.B., F.R.C.S., C.M.G., 97, 378 + + Hamilton, Major W., 133 + + Hampe-Vincent, Capt., 35 + + Hamza Kot, 22 + + Hance, 2nd Lieut. H. M., M.C., 353 + + Hannyngton, Major J. A., C.M.G., D.S.O., 42, 251, 370 + + Harcourt, Capt., 340 + + Hardinge, Lord, and the Indian Army, 15, 16, 235, 236, 299 + + Hardinge, Lady, of Penshurst, 101 + + Hardwari, No. 2822 Naik, I.D.S.M., 357 + + Harpul, No. 1696 Havildar, I.D.S.M., 357 + + Hartwell, Capt., 258 + + Hartwell, Capt. B., 76 + + Harvey, Colonel, 338 + + Harvey, Major J., 128 + + Hasham, No. 3028 Lance-Naik Gul, afterwards Naik, 366 + + Haut Pommereau, 327, 335, 337 + + Havelock, 28 + + Havre, 309 + + Hawinda, Jemadar, M.C., 128, 366 + + Hawinda, No. 2008 Havildar, afterwards Jemadar, I.D.S.M., 367 + + Hay, Major C. J. B., D.S.O., 348 + + Hayes-Sadler, Lieut. E., 71, 76 + + Heall, Major E. N., afterwards Brevet Lieut.-Col., 360 + + Heavy Battery, 109th, 19 + 110th, 20 + + Henderson, Lieut., 253 + + Henderson, Lieut., 338 + + Hennessy, Lieut.-Col. J. P. C., C.M.G., 97, 348 + + Herbert, Lieut., 291 + + Hewett, Sir John, 101, 313 + + Hewett, Capt., 336 + + Hewitt, Lieut., 86 + + Heyland, Lieut., 291 + + Heyland, Major A. K., D.S.O., 381 + + Heyland, Capt. J. R. L., M.C., 376 + + Highland Division, “Fighting Fifty-first,” 241 + + Highland Light Infantry, 1st, 19, 56, 205, 226, 229, 262, 263, 265, + 281, 284, 286 + 2nd, 154–6, 161–4, 174, 234, 240, 253–4, 257, 260, 262, 264, 285, 291 + + Hill, Capt. E. F. J., M.C., 353 + + Hill, 4th Class Assist. Surgeon E. R., afterwards 3rd Class, 381 + + Hill, Major Hugh, 51 + + Hill, John, 63 + + Hill, Lieut.-Col. J., D.S.O., afterwards Brevet Colonel, 254, 358 + + Hill 29, 263 + + Himalayas, 25, 30, 113, 132 + + Hinges, 74, 104, 141, 172 + Château, 321 + + Hissar, 298 + + Hitchins, Lieut.-Col., 249 + + Hobart, Capt. P. C. S., M.C., 212, 353 + + Hodgson, Capt. F., 283 + + Hodson, 182 + + Hodson, Colonel G., 51 + + Holbrooke, Major, 251 + + Holland, Commander (retired) G. E., C.I.E., D.S.O. (temp. Colonel, + R.E.), C.M.G., 382 + + Hollebeke, 39, 143 + + Holman, Major and Brevet Colonel (afterwards Brevet Col.) H. C., + D.S.O., C.M.G., 348, 350 + + Home Counties Trench, 328, 329 + + Hore, Capt. P., 228 + + Hornor, Lieut. F. H. F., M.C., 369 + + House, Sergeant-Major A. G., 229 + + Howell (temp. Capt.), E. B., C.I.E., 311, 382 + + Howson, Capt. G., M.C., 350 + + Hudson, General Sir John, 49 + + Hudson, Col. (temp. Brig.-General), afterwards Major-General H., C.B., + 49, 313–14, 349 + + Hulseberg, Major H., D.S.O., 370 + + Humayun’s tomb, 51 + + Hume, Lieut. J., 133 + + Humphreys, Major G. G. P., 44 + + Hunt, Capt. C. E., M.C., 359 + + Hunt, Capt., afterwards Brevet Major, H. R. A., 350 + + Husain, No. 23 Lance-Naik Mushtak, I.D.S.M., 356 + + Husain, No. 1171 2nd Class Sub-Assist. Surgeon Zafar, I.D.S.M., 379 + + Hussars, 3rd, 38 + + Hussein, No. 4231 Sepoy Ghulam, I.D.S.M., 251, 371 + + Hutchinson, Major and Brevet Lieut.-Col. C. A. R., D.S.O., 276, 363 + + + Illies, 306 + + India, Army of, 2–17, 55; + Field Artillery of, 26–7; + class system in, 57–8; + Corps in France, methods of supply, 96–102, 115, 117; + strength of units, 138–9; + casualties, 294–5, 314, 324; + proposed changes in, 295–7; + the Indian soldier’s viewpoint, 297 _seq._; + reservists, 309–10; + work of, 326 _seq._ + + Indian Cavalry Corps, 20 + 4th, 166, 167, 206, 280, 284, 312 + + _Indian Corps in France_, 304, 332, 342 + + Indian Lancers, 2nd, 185 + 15th, 63 + + Indian Signalling Company, 74 + + Indus River, 3, 25 + + Infantry Brigade (British), 5th, 32, 282 + 6th, 282 + 8th, 61 + 19th, 61 + + Ingham, Capt., 253 + + Inglis, Lieut., 332 + + Inglis, Capt. J., 156, 225 + + Innes, Lieut. I., 85 + + Inniskilling Dragoons, 6th, 50 + + Inskip, Capt. R. D., M.C., 368 + + Irriwaddy, 1, 53 + + Irvine, Capt. G., 72 + + Irwin, Rev. R. J. B., M.C., 316, 382 + + Ivy, Lieut. B., 291 + + + Jackson, Sub-Conductor C. G., afterwards Assist. Commissary and Hon. + Lieut., 382 + + Jacob, Col. (temp. Brig.-General), afterwards Major-General C. W., + C.B., Russian Order of St. Vladimir, 4th Class with swords, 53, 209, + 217, 218, 220, 223, 327, 341, 342, 348, 349 + + Jadhao, No. 3348 Havildar Maraoti, I.D.S.M., 354 + + Jaganaut, No. 2421 Stretcher-Bearer, I.O.M., 379 + + Jailal, Havildar, 113 + + Jalandar, 233 + + Jalandar Brigade, 19, 51, 61, 63, 65, 75, 103, 154, 163, 175, 205, 206, + 215, 216, 218, 220, 223, 224, 226, 228, 231, 240, 247, 248, 249, + 253, 254, 255, 262 + + James, Lieut.-Col. (temporary Brig.-General), afterwards Brevet Col. W. + B., C.I.E., M.V.O., 349 + + Jamieson, Major G. A., 68, 71, 259 + + Jan, Sepoy Abdullah, 145–6 + + Jan, No. 5510 Sepoy Bhan, Russian Medal of St. George, 4th Class, 366 + + Jan, No. 3638 Havildar Muhammad, I.O.M., 368 + + Jan, No. 453 Sepoy Sahib, I.O.M., 371 + + Jang, Subadar Fateh, I.D.S.M., 366 + + Jang, 2nd Lieut., Rama Jodha, Bahadur, M.C., 333, 360 + + Jardine, Capt. C. H., afterwards Brevet Major, 357 + + Jat Light Infantry, 6th, 19, 84, 111, 112, 113, 120, 122, 123, 124, + 134, 150, 158, 165, 166, 169, 206, 239, 270, 271, 296, 298, 299, 304 + + Jats, 7, 57 + + Jefferson, Thomas, quoted, 208 + + Jeudwine, Major W. W., M.D., C.M.G., 378 + + Jhelum River, 43 + + Joan of Arc, 25 + + Jodhpore, Maharaja of, 21 + Prince of, 106 + + Jodhpore Imperial Service Lancers, 20, 22, 27, 73, 116, 163, 171, 237 + + Joffre, Marshal, 20 + + Johnson, Brigadier C. E., 53, 85 + + Johnson, Sub-Conductor E. V., D.C.M., 381 + + Johnson, Brig.-General F. E., 51 + + Jones, Capt. L. J., 72 + + Joubert, General, 122 + + + Kabartir, 132 + + Kabul, 53, 87, 113, 164 + + Kaimkhanis, 87 + + Kam Dakka, 11 + + Kandari, Subadar Bije Sing, Bahadur, 360 + + Karachi, 4 + + Kashi, 23 + + Kassib, No. 105 Sepoy, I.D.S.M., 43, 371 + + Kawar, Subadar Makhar Sing, Bahadur, 361 + + Keary, Major-General H. D’U., C.B., D.S.O., 19, 53, 108, 166, 205, 226, + 231, 246, 247, 254, 255, 260, 262, 264, 265, 266, 267 + + Keen, Major F. S., D.S.O., 348 + + Kelly, Major, 341 + + Kelly, Capt. E. H., M.C., 111, 112, 132, 353 + + Kelly, Lieut.-Col. G., 125 + + Kelly, Lance-Corporal T., 89 + + Kemmel, 38 + + Kennedy, Sergeant-Major, 127, 129 + + Kennedy, Capt. G. S., 229 + + Kenny, Capt., 213 + + Kerans, Major G. C. L., D.S.O., 378 + + Kerr, Lieut., 157 + + Khalsa, 250, 286, 287 + + Khan, No. 4551 Havildar Abas, I.O.M., 362 + + Khan, No. 2085 Kot-Dafadar, afterwards Jemadar, Abdul Ghafur, Russian + Cross of the Order of St. George, 4th Class, 352 + + Khan, No. 3027 Sowar Abdullah, I.D.S.M., 135, 352 + + Khan, Subadar Adam, 41, 145 + + Khan, Sepoy Afsar, 43 + + Khan, No. 4845 Sepoy Akbar, I.D.S.M., 368 + + Khan, Jemadar Alah Rakkha, I.O.M., 355 + + Khan, No. 2176 Lance-Dafadar Alladad, I.D.S.M., 351 + + Khan, No. 3480 Sepoy Alvas, I.D.S.M., 366 + + Khan, No. 2210 Dafadar Amanatullah, Russian Medal of St. George, 1st + Class, 350 + + Khan, Ressaidar Amir, Bahadur, 381 + + Khan, Subadar Arsla, Bahadur, I.O.M., M.C., 37, 38, 173, 365 + + Khan, No. 2102 Sepoy Aulia, I.D.S.M., 371 + + Khan, Risaldar-Major Awal, Bahadur, 350 + + Khan, Jemadar Ayub, I.O.M., 371 + + Khan, No. 3640 Lance-Naik Ayub, afterwards Naik, 304–9, 372 + + Khan, Subadar-Major Bahadur, 341 + + Khan, No. 2589 Sepoy Bahadur, I.D.S.M., 366 + + Khan, No. 246 Sepoy Dad, I.D.S.M., 371 + + Khan, No. 1027 Havildar Dal, I.D.S.M., 370 + + Khan, No. 3576 Sepoy Daulat, I.O.M., 365 + + Khan, No. 9483 Driver Fateh, I.D.S.M., 352 + + Khan, No. 182 Kot-Dafadar Fateh, I.D.S.M., 381 + + Khan, No. 3250 Sowar Fateh, I.D.S.M., 135, 352 + + Khan, Subadar Fateh Muhammad, I.D.S.M., 370 + + Khan, No. 3581 Naik Ghammai, I.D.S.M., 368 + + Khan, Subadar Hashmat Dad, Bahadur, I.D.S.M., 134, 370 + + Khan, No. 346 Dafadar Ibrahim, I.D.S.M., 351 + + Khan, Subadar Ismail, Bahadur, I.D.S.M., Russian Cross of the Order of + St. George, 3rd Class, 70, 353, 354 + + Khan, Subadar Jahandad, Bahadur, I.O.M., 250, 362 + + Khan, No. 1694 Sapper Jiwa, I.O.M., 291–2, 353 + + Khan, No. 2595 Havildar Karim, I.D.S.M., 366 + + Khan, Sepoy Khudadad, V.C., 347 + + Khan, Risaldar Khwaja Mahomed, Sirdar Bahadur, I.D.S.M., 22, 208, 311, + 349 + + Khan, No. 3600 Sepoy Lafar, I.D.S.M., 371 + + Khan, No. 4731 Sepoy Lal, I.D.S.M., 368 + + Khan, No. 843 Naik Mahomed, I.D.S.M., 381 + + Khan, Jemadar Malik Mihi, I.O.M., 351 + + Khan, Lieut. Malik Mumtaz Mahomet, 22 + + Khan, No. 3663 Havildar Muzaffar, I.O.M., 368 + + Khan, No. 2625 Sepoy Mehr, I.D.S.M., 366 + + Khan, Subadar-Major Muhammad, I.D.S.M., 368 + + Khan, No. 2479 Havildar Muhammad, I.O.M., 353 + + Khan, No. 2102 Sepoy Muhammad, I.D.S.M., 369 + + Khan, Subadar-Major Nasir, Sardar Bahadur, I.O.M., Russian Medal of St. + George, 1st Class, 368, 369 + + Khan, Subadar Nazir, Russian Medal of St. George, 2nd Class, 357 + + Khan, No. 1007 Havildar Nowsher, Russian Medal of St. George, 2nd + Class, 355 + + Khan, No. 2268 Havildar Nur, I.D.S.M., 371 + + Khan, No. 831 Naik Painda, I.D.S.M., 381 + + Khan, No. 471 Sepoy Raji, I.O.M., 251, 371 + + Khan, No. 1848 Havildar Roshan, I.O.M., 367 + + Khan, Havildar Sobat, 45 + + Khan, No. 250 Sepoy Saiday, I.O.M., 371 + + Khan, Naik Shahmad, 300 + + Khan, No. 2834 Lance-Naik Sher, I.O.M., 367 + + Khan, No. 1695 Sepoy Usman, I.O.M., 34, 365 + + Khan, No. 4355 Havildar Wasim, Russian Medal of St. George, 1st Class, + 371 + + Khan, No. 2584 Havildar Yakub, I.O.M., 365 + + Khan, Subadar Zaman, Bahadur, M.C., 45, 371 + + Khan, No. 27 Sepoy Zarif, I.O.M., 229, 368 + + Khans, 16 + + Khattri, No. 2885 Rifleman Balbahadur, I.D.S.M., 377 + + Khattri, Subadar Balbahadar, Bahadur, 376 + + Khattri, Jemadar Damodhar, I.D.S.M., 376 + + Khattri, Subadar Haridhoj, M.C., I.D.S.M., 376 + + Khattri, No. 2016 Lance-Naik Jhaman Sing, I.O.M., 110, 376 + + Khattri, No. 2096 Lance-Naik Jowar Sing, I.D.S.M., 376 + + Khattri, No. 2027 Naik Kulman, I.D.S.M., 376 + + Khattri, Subadar Mehar Sing, I.O.M., 217, 376 + + Khattri, No. 2314 Lance-Naik Sirikisan, I.D.S.M., 377 + + Khudadad, No. 4050 Sepoy, V.C., 43, 46, 370 + + Khushali, No. 7017 Naik, I.D.S.M., 379 + + Khyber, 11 + + Khyber Rifles, 16 + + Kirkaldy, 2nd Lieut. C. H., 214 + + Kisch, Lieut. (R.E.), 157 + + Kisch, Capt. F. H., D.S.O., 255, 256, 353 + + Kitchener, Lord, and the Indian Army, 3, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 15, 22, 25, + 28, 45, 54, 182, 185, 186, 194, 195, 198, 199, 297, 298, 312, 319, + 320, 322, 323 + + Klein Hollebeke, 39 + + Knapp, Miss M. D., Royal Red Cross Decoration, 2nd Class, 376 + + Knatchbull, Major, 152 + + Kumaon, 110 + + Kumassi, 1 + + Kundan, No. 7034 Lance-Naik, I.D.S.M., 380 + + Kunwar, No. 3075 Rifleman Dinbahadur, I.D.S.M., 377 + + Kunwar, No. 3994 Rifleman Partiram, I.D.S.M., 375 + + Kunwar, No. 2589 Rifleman Tika Ram, I.O.M., Russian Medal of St. + George, 3rd Class, 376 + + Kushab, 87 + + + Lahore, 244 + + Lahore Division, 18–20, 24, 27, 33, 46, 49, 53, 60, 65, 67, 75, 105, + 106, 110, 120, 121, 143, 149, 150, 153, 154, 157, 160, 164, 165, + 166, 168, 170, 173, 174, 175, 177, 179, 204, 205, 208, 218, 221, + 224, 226, 231, 239, 245, 246, 247, 248, 257, 260, 266, 267, 268, + 269, 278, 284, 312, 327, 328, 329 + Division Artillery, 265 + Division, Signalling Company, 234 + + Laing, Capt., 169 + + Lal, No. 1757 Havildar Har, I.D.S.M., 357 + + Lal, No. 1821 Havildar Jai, I.O.M., 356 + + Lal, Subadar Shib, Bahadur, 356 + + Lalak, No. 2554 Lance-Naik, I.O.M., 365 + + Lama, Subadar Dan Sing, I.O.M., 373 + + Lambton, Major-General, 316–17 + + Lancashire (Royal) Regiment, 66, 260 + (Loyal North) Regiment, 167 + + Lancers, 15th (Cureton’s Multani), 19, 65, 206, 234, 240 + + Lane, Capt. J. H. T., M.C., 181, 360 + + Langemarck, 247, 248, 249, 254, 257 + + Langhorne, Capt. A. P. Y., 54, 55, 314 + + Lansdowne Post, 278, 281, 284 + + Lashkar, No. 3212 Havildar, I.D.S.M., 367 + + Latif, No. 2069 Sepoy Abdul, I.D.S.M., 357 + + Laventie, 60 + + Layes, Des, river, 203, 212, 216–18, 230 + + Layng, Lieut. (temp. Capt.) T., M.C., 377 + + Lee, Capt. H. N., 157 + + Leeds, Major (temp. Lieut.-Col.), afterwards Brevet Lieut.-Col., 369 + + Lehri, No. 3415 Sepoy, I.D.S.M., 357 + + Leicester Regiment, 2nd, 19, 55, 121, 123, 124, 132, 133, 134, 150, + 151, 152, 206, 209, 210, 211, 212, 213, 215, 219, 222, 239, 281, + 282, 283, 328, 331, 332, 333, 334, 341 + + Leinster Regiment, 1st Battalion, 2, 313, 316 + + Lentaigne, Capt. E. C., 258 + + Lempriere, Colonel H., 171 + + Lestrem, 205, 221, 224, 238 + + Lewis, Lieut. H. V., M.C., 41–3, 371 + + Ligny-le-Grand, 202, 269, 270 + + Ligny-le-Petit, 270 + + Lille, 60, 306 + + Lillers, 178, 180 + + Lincoln Regiment, 66 + + Lind, Capt. A. G., 127 + + Lindop, Lieut. E. L. E., M.C., 363 + + Lindsay, Lieut.-Col. H. A. P., C.M.G., 97, 348 + + Liptrott, Lieut., 112 + + Liverpool Regiment (King’s), 4th, 205, 229, 240, 248, 257, 258, 259, + 262, 263, 264, 266, 281, 286, 288, 289, 290 + + Lizerne, 254 + + Lloyd, Lieut., 259 + + Lobes, Les, 208 + + Locke-Elliott, Lieut.-General Sir, 53, 54 + + Locon, 105, 141 + + Lodwick, Capt. J. T., D.S.O., 152, 225, 374 + + Logan, 2nd Lieut. (temp. Lieut.) A. F., M.C., 377 + + Loire River, 26 + + London, 74, 198, 244, 246 + + _London Gazette_ (Sept. 14, 1919), 157 _n._ + + London Regiment, 4th (Territorials), 206, 225, 240, 248, 252, 259 + 3rd (Territorials), 206, 210, 211, 214, 215, 239, 244, 281, 282, 283, + 328, 330, 333 + + Longridge, Major J. A., afterwards Brevet Lieut.-Col., 49, 350 + + Loos, 52, 77, 218, 232, 304, 320, 321, 325 + + Loring, Major C., 175 + + Lucas, Lieut., 85 + + Lucknow, 33, 51, 216, 338 + + “Ludhiana,” 63 + + Lugard, Colonel Sir Frederick, 320 + + Lukin, Major R. C. W., D.S.O., 348 + + Lumb, Capt. F. G. E., M.C., 130, 131, 360 + + Lushington, Major W. N., afterwards Brevet Lieut.-Col., 381 + + Lydden, 2nd Lieut., 248 + + Lys, 246 + + + Macandrew, Lieut.-Col. (temp. Brig.-General), afterwards Brevet Col., + H. J. M., D.S.O., 349 + + Macandrew, 2nd Lieut. I., 92 + + Macandrew, Lieut. I. M., 169 + + Macbean, Major-General F., C.V.O., C.B., 19, 53, 76, 120, 121, 122, + 135, 163, 170 + + MacBrayne, Capt. R. J., M.C., 358 + + MacCall, Capt., 341 + + McCleverty, Capt. G., 86 + + M‘Cleverty, Capt. R. J., 66, 69 + + McClintock, Major A. L., 94 + + McCrae-Bruce, Lieut. W. A., 157 + + M‘Dougall, Sub-Conductor J. L. N., M.C., 381 + + McEwan, Capt. J. S., 175 + + MacFarlane, Lieut.-Col., 154, 221 + + McIntosh, 2nd Lieut., 264 + + M‘Intosh, Private, 127 + + Mackain, Capt., 125 + + McKenzie, Capt., 340 + + Mackenzie, Capt. C. A., 175 + + MacKenzie, Lieut. D., 107 + + Mackie, Capt., 251 + + Mackmillan, Lieut., 276 + + McLaughlin, Capt., 134 + + MacLean, Lieut., 77 + + McLeod, Sir C., 101 + + MacLeod, Lieut., 338 + + McMicking, Lieut. N., 129 + + McNeill, Chaplain Rev., 92 + + Macpherson, Capt. A. B., M.C., 356 + + Macpherson, Lieut. D. S., 134 + + Macpherson, Major N., 85 + + Macready, General, 317 + + McSwiney, Lieut. H. C. F., M.C., 108–10, 374 + + MacTier, Major, 213 + + Madhu, No. 2743 Sowar, I.O.M., 86, 352 + + Madras, 94 + + Madras Native Infantry, 3rd Batt., 300 + Sappers and Miners, 7, 9 + Volunteer Rifles, 255 + + Madura, 300 + + Mahadeo, Subadar Ganpat, Bahadur, 71, 353 + + Mahar, No. 1480 Naik Kedar Sing, I.D.S.M., 362 + + Mahar, Jemadar Pancham Sing, M.C., 361 + + Maharajpore, 113 + + Mahomed, Havildar Dost, 157 + + Mahomed, Colour-Havildar Ghulam, 43 + + Mahsuds, 39, 146 + + Maine, 1st Class Assist. Surgeon W. J. S., afterwards Assistant Surgeon + Lieut., M.C., 378, 380 + + Maistre, General, 32, 106, 141, 176 + + Mal, No. 1515 Havildar Lalit, Bahadur, I.D.S.M., 376 + + Mal, No. 2721 Rifleman Panchbir, afterwards Havildar, I.O.M., 376, 377 + + Mal, No. 2118 Lance-Naik Samar Bahadur, I.D.S.M., 376 + + Mal, Jemadar Shibdhoj, I.O.M., 220, 376 + + Malakand Pass, 11, 300 + + Malaun, 110, 164 + + Maliks, 11, 16 + + Malony, Lieut., 37 + + Manchesters, 1st, 19, 55, 61, 63, 65, 108, 140, 170, 171, 172, 173, + 175, 206, 216, 224, 226, 228, 231, 240, 248, 249, 253, 254, 266 + + Mangin, Capt. E. B., M.C., 184, 369 + + Mangli, No. 8037 Lance-Naik, I.D.S.M., 379 + + Manipore, 46 + + Mankelow, Lieut. A. H., M.C., 225, 360 + + Mann, Lieut. R. L., 171 + + Mansel, Capt. J. L., 171 + + Manson, 2nd Lieut. C. C. E., M.C., 315–16, 375 + + Marais, 171 + + Mardan, 58 + + Marks, Sub-Conductor F. C., afterwards Assist. Commissary and Hon. + Lieut., 382 + + Marne River, 33, 202 + + Marseilles, 3, 4, 10, 20, 22, 23, 25, 32, 54, 62, 100, 309–12 + + Marshall, Capt. A., D.S.O., 352 + + Martin, Capt. G. D., M.C., 357 + + Maru, No. 2685 Lance-Naik, I.D.S.M., 357 + + Mason, Lieut. A., M.C., 353 + + Massy, Capt. (temp. Major), afterwards Brevet Major, S. D., 359 + + Masters, Capt. A., 125 + + Maud’huy, General de, 92, 106, 116, 140, 176 + + Mauquissart, 60, 75, 79, 119, 218, 241, 267, 304, 321, 327, 332, 338, + 341 + + Maxwell, Colonel, 53 + + Maxwell, Lieut. C., 134 + + Maxwell, Major W. F., D.S.O., 255, 355 + + Mazbi Sikhs, 57, 68 + + Meanee, 33 + + Mediterranean, 95, 100 + Eastern, 34 + + Meeanee, 87, 164 + + Meerut Division, 19–20, 52, 53, 65, 73, 75, 85, 92, 105, 120, 121, 149, + 150, 151, 152, 158, 160, 163, 164, 165, 166, 167, 168, 170, 173, + 204, 205, 206, 216, 218, 221, 224, 226, 239, 268, 269, 270, 272, + 273, 277, 278, 279, 281, 284, 288, 289, 312, 317, 327, 328, 329, + 330, 333 + Signal Company, 234 + + Mein, Lieut. D. B., M.C., 251, 365 + + Meldrum, Lieut., 332 + + Mellis, Capt. A. R., M.C., 291, 372 + + Melrose, Lance-Corporal, 129 + + Mercer, Brig.-General, 49 + + Merewether, Lieut.-Col. J. W. B., _The Indian Corps in France_, 55, + 239, 296 + + Merville, 31, 64, 100 + + Mesopotamia, 28, 51, 52, 58, 68, 72, 128, 199, 255, 259, 267, 276, 300, + 320, 338 + + Messines, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 89, 91 + + Messinier, Assist. Surgeon E. B., M.C., 378 + + Mexico, 23 + + Middlesex Regiment, 89 + + Milligan, Lieut., 340 + + Milligan, Lieut. J., 128 + + Milne, Major, 276 + + Milne, Major-General Geo. F., 267 + + Min Post, 328 + + Minto, Lord, 10, 11 + + Minto, Lady, 11 + + Mir, Naik Sar, 48 + + Misr, No. 2029 Naik Ramji, I.D.S.M., 369 + + Mistakin, No. 4305 Sepoy, I.D.S.M., 371 + + Moated Grange Street, 328 + + Moberly, Lieut., 339 + + Mohmand Expedition, 9, 252 + + Mohmands, 39, 40 + + Molloy, Major G., 86 + + Morney, Capt. H., 163 + + Money, Capt., 145 + + Mons, 25, 27, 32, 77, 161, 178, 202 + + Moodkee, 216 + + Moody, Capt. F. H. M., M.C., 350 + + Moore, Thomas, quotation from, 109 + + Moore, Capt., 184 + + Moore, Capt., 215 + + Moore, Lieut. C. F. F., M.C., 258, 375 + + Moore, Lieut.-Col. C. H. G., D.S.O., C.M.G., 97, 348 + + Moorhead, Lieut.-Col. A. H., M.B., afterwards Brevet Col., 97, 380 + + Morant, Mrs., 101 + + Moroccan Brigade, 257, 261, 262 + 4th, 265 + + Morris, Colonel, 76, 332 + + Morris, Lieut. E., 108 + + Motor Cycle Corps, 255 + + Moule, Major, 290 + + Moulin du Piètre, 327, 334, 335, 338, 339, 340, 341 + + Moutray, Lieut. A. G., 108 + + Muhammad, No. 3191 Havildar Dost, I.O.M., 368 + + Muhammad, No. 1815 Driver Fakir, I.D.S.M., 381 + + Muhammad, No. 2524 Colour-Havildar Ghulam, I.O.M., 371 + + Muhammad, No. 3450 Sapper Saleh, I.D.S.M., 354 + + Muir, Capt. A. H., 261 + + Muktiara, No. 3893 Sepoy, Russian Medal of St. George, 4th Class, 362 + + Mula, No. 1574 Havildar, I.D.S.M., 357 + + Mullaly, Capt. C. M., 271 + + Mullaly, Lieut. J. C., 68, 72 + + Mulloo, No. 7455 Bearer, I.D.S.M., 380 + + Munipoor, 1 + + Munn, Lieut. F. L. R., M.C., 302 + + Murray, Lieut.-Col., 248 + + Murray, Major, 33 + + Murray, Capt. K. D., 64 + + Murray, Capt. Owen J. E., 213 + + Murray, Capt. R., 214 + + Murray, Lieut. R. G. H., M.C., 217, 376 + + Murray, Major T. F., 162 + + Murree, 1 + + Musalmans, 72, 234, 297 + + Muspratt, Colonel F. C., C.M.G., 348 + + Mysore, 92, 233, 300 + + + Nagpore, Bishop of, 316 + + Nanton, Colonel H. C., afterwards Brig.-General, 204 + + Napier, 164 + + Narayan, Lieut. Maharaja Kumar Hitandra, of Kuch Behar, 22 + + Narayan, No. 2583 Naik, I.D.S.M., 366 + + Narian, No. 7330 Bearer, I.D.S.M., 380 + + Neale, Major E. B. afterwards Brevet Lieut.-Col., 360 + + Needham, Major R. A., D.S.O., 378 + + Negi, No. 1810 Havildar Alam Sing, I.O.M., 182, 360 + + Negi, No. 2480 Rifleman Banchu, I.O.M., 361 + + Negi, Havildar Buta Sing, 210 + + Negi, No. 762 Havildar Butha Sing, I.O.M., 362 + + Negi, No. 1598 Rifleman Chandar Sing, I.D.S.M., 362 + + Negi, Subadar Dan Sing, I.D.S.M., 361 + + Negi, No. 1909 Naik Darwan Sing, V.C., 132, 211, 347, 360 + + Negi, Subadar Dhan Sing, M.C., 131, 360 + + Negi, No. 1715 Rifleman Dhan Sing, I.O.M., 360 + + Negi, Jemadar Ghantu Sing, 211 + + Negi, No. 1085 Rifleman Gobar Sing, V.C., 210, 347, 361 + + Negi, Jemadar Goman Sing, I.D.S.M., 361 + + Negi, No. 2285 Rifleman Jawarihu, I.O.M., 361 + + Negi, No. 2103 Lance-Naik Jit Sing, Russian Medal of St. George, 4th + Class, 361 + + Negi, Jemadar Prem Sing, I.O.M., 300 + + Negi, No. 1085 Rifleman Raichand, I.D.S.M., 361 + + Negi, Jemadar Sangram Sing, M.C., 361 + + Nelson, Capt., 339 + + Nepal, 3, 30, 56, 76, 85, 96, 187, 271 + + Nethersole, Lieut. J., M.C., 351 + + Neuve Chapelle, 3, 22, 46, 49, 52, 54, 57, 60, 63, 64, 65, 67, 68, 69, + 70, 71, 75, 82, 91, 95, 119, 150, 180, 188, 189, 195, 196, 200, 201, + 202, 203, 209, 210, 211, 215, 216, 218, 220, 222, 223, 224, 226, + 229, 230, 232, 233, 234, 235, 236, 239, 241, 243, 244, 245, 254, + 259, 268, 269, 277, 293, 332 + + Newar, No. 4203 Rifleman Deotinarain, I.D.S.M., 375 + + Newar, Subadar-Major Fateh Sing, Bahadur, 84, 378 + + Newnham, Major (temp. Lieut.-Col.), afterwards Brevet Lieut.-Col., C. + C., 350 + + Niamutullah, Jemadar, I.D.S.M., 354 + + Nicholson, John, 28, 182 + + Nicolay, Major B. A., 155, 156 + + Nicolay, Major H., 217 + + Nicolls, Lieut., 340 + + Nieppe Forest, 246 + + Nieuport, 116, 245 + + Nijni Novgorod Fair, 26 + + Nikka, No. 3000 Havildar, I.D.S.M., 380 + + Nir, No. 4280 Naik Sar, I.O.M., 371 + + Norfolk Regiment, 78 + + Norie, Lieut.-Col. C. E. de M., D.S.O., afterwards Brevet Col., 84–6, + 342, 378 + + Norie, Major F. H., D.S.O., 372 + + Norman, Lieut. S., 172 + + Northamptonshire Regiment, 167, 317 + + Northumberland Brigade, 254 + + Nosworthy, Lieut., 76 + + Nosworthy, Capt. J. P., M.C., 255, 353 + + Nott-Bower, Lieut., 283 + + + Odell, Capt. W. F., M.C., 370 + + O’Neill, Capt. J. S., M.C., 378 + + Oost Taverne, 34 + + Orakzais, 238 + + Orchard, the, 149, 150, 151, 152, 158, 167, 169, 224, 283 + + Orleans, 4, 17, 20, 25, 26, 27, 180, 252 + + Ormsby, Lieut.-Col. V. A., C.B., 110, 210, 211, 219, 374 + + Orton, Capt. S., 130, 131 + + Ouderdom, 246, 262, 265 + + Oudh, 101 + + Oudh Auxiliary Force, Cavalry Regiment of the, 312 + + Ouseley, Colonel, 53 + + Outram, General, 182 + + Ouvert, Rue d’, 327 + + Ovens, Lieut. J., 89 + + + Paardeberg, 338 + + Padday, Capt. W. H., 175 + + Padhujar, Havildar Diwan Sing, I.D.S.M., 362 + + Palestine, 199, 237 + + Pande, No. 2867 Naik Angad, I.D.S.M., 357 + + Pandir, Havildar Ranjir Sing, I.D.S.M., 362 + + Paris, 23, 269 + + Paris, Capt., 71 + + Park, Capt. Kenneth, 271 + + Parker, temp. Lieut. A. H., M.C., 382 + + Parshad, 2nd Class Sen. Sub-Assist. Surgeon Mahadeo, I.D.S.M., 379 + + Pass, Lieut. F. A. de, V.C., 134–5, 347, 352 + + Paterson, Capt. G. F. J., M.C., 359 + + Pathans, 7, 10, 34, 39, 57, 62, 79, 245, 269, 321 + 40th, 238, 240, 247–50, 266, 312 + + Patrick, Capt. R. M. F., M.C., 363 + + Payne, Capt., 33, 89, 90 + + Peck, Major, afterwards Brevet Lieut.-Col., A. W., 50, 350 + + Pegu, 300 + + Peishwa, 164 + + Peploe, Lieut., 134 + + Perkins, Major, 250 + + _Persia_, 39 + + Persia, s.s., 95 + + Peru, 23 + + Peshawar, 41, 74, 230, 297 + + Peshawar Division, 12, 93, 241, 270 + + Pharswan, No. 1465 Rifleman Gopal Sing, I.D.S.M., 362 + + Phillips, Major E. H., 90 + + Picquet House, 165, 166, 167 + + Piètre, 232 + + Pike, Capt. G. D., M.C., 376 + + Pindar River, 132 + + Pioneers, 106th, 299 + 107th, 20, 27, 78, 111, 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 131, 132, 134, 150, + 166, 167, 206, 233, 240, 284, 299, 342 + + Pipon, temp. Capt. P. J. G., C.I.E., M.C., 311, 382 + + Pirie, Major-General C. P. W., C.B., 348 + + Pitts-Tucker, Lieut. C., 162 + + Plumer, General Sir Herbert, 267 + + Plumer’s Force, 202, 263 + + Plutz, General, 263 + + Polo, Marco, 264 + + Pont-à-Vendin, 327 + + Pont Logy, 82 + + Poona Horse, 84th, 20, 84, 86, 87, 134, 135, 171, 175 + + Port Arthur, 204, 210, 214, 218, 219, 222, 224, 233, 279, 280 + + Potijze, 245, 257, 260 + + Pott, Lieut. D., M.C., 351 + + Potter, Major H. W., 42, 144, 145 + + Potts, Colonel, 53 + + Powell, 2nd Lieut, (temp. Lieut.) F., M.C., 377 + + Price, Capt., 341 + + Primrose, Capt. the Hon. Neil, 54, 193 + + Pringle, Capt., 155 + + Probyn, Sir Dighton, 191 + + Pryce, Major (temp. Lieut.-Col.) H. E. Rhys, C.M.G., 348 + + Pun, No. 2392 Lance-Naik Amar Sing, I.D.S.M., 373 + + Pun, No. 3266 Rifleman Jagtea, I.O.M., 218, 373 + + Pun, No. 3530 Rifleman Kharkbir, Russian Medal of St. George, 3rd + Class, 374 + + Pun, No. 1760 Naik Rupdan, Russian Medal of St. George, 2nd Class, 374 + + Punjab, 1, 12, 63, 110 + + Punjabi Infantry, 5th, 79 + Mahomedans, 7, 57 + Musalmans, 34, 39, 63, 79, 87, 238 + Regiment, 19th, 285 + Regiment, 21st, 242 + Regiment, 28th, 77 + Regiment, 33rd, 300, 328, 334, 335, 340, 341 + Regiment, 69th, 300, 302, 333, 334, 335, 339, 341 + Regiment, 74th, 339 + Regiment, 82nd, 276 + Regiment, 84th, 283 + Regiment, 89th, 300, 307 + + Pyper, 2nd Lieut., 259 + + + Quetta, 297 + Indian Staff College at, 12 + + Quinque, La, Rue, 149, 165, 279, 286 + + + Rafiuddin, No. 1526 Lance-Naik, I.D.S.M., 381 + + Rahman, No. 2192 Sapper Shaikh Abdul, I.O.M., 212, 353 + + Rai, No. 2417 Rifleman Bhandoj, I.O.M., 375 + + Railton, Lieut., 271 + + Rait, Miss H. A. M., Royal Red Cross Decoration, 1st Class, 378 + + Rait-Kerr, Lieut., 71 + + Rajputs, 7, 72, 297 + + Ralston, Capt. W. H., M.C., 364 + + Ram, No. 4423 Sepoy Beli, I.O.M., 361 + + Ram, Jemadar Incha, M.C., 118, 356 + + Ram, Subadar Inchha, Bahadur, 356 + + Ram, Jemadar Lakhi, M.C., I.D.S.M., 356, 357 + + Ram, Subadar Lekh, 271 + + Ram, No. 2632 Sepoy Palla, I.O.M., 365 + + Ram, No. 772 1st Class Sub-Assist. Surgeon Pohlo, I.D.S.M., 379 + + Ram, Ressaidar Udmi, I.D.S.M., 350 + + Rambhagat, No. 2960 Sepoy, I.D.S.M., 357 + + Ramdasia, 63 + + Ramzan, No. 2869 Lance-Naik Shaikh, I.D.S.M., 354 + + Rana, No. 2698 Rifleman Anarupe, I.O.M., 378 + + Rana, Jemadar Arjun, I.O.M., 378 + + Rana, No. 798 Lance-Naik Asbir, I.D.S.M., 375 + + Rana, No. 1840 Havildar Bhakat Sing, I.O.M., 264, 375 + + Rana, Subadar Dalbahadur, 84 + + Rana, No. 289 Rifleman Kesar Sing, I.D.S.M., 362 + + Rana, Subadar Kharak Sing, M.C., 378 + + Rana, Jemadar Nain Sing, 258 + + Rana, No. 2417 Rifleman Partab, I.O.M., 361 + + Rane, 3rd Class Sub-Assist. Surgeon, G. R. R., I.O.M., 379 + + Ranowde, No. 3134 Lance-Naik Bhan, afterwards Naik, 355 + + Ranowde, No. 3132 Lance-Naik Narayan, afterwards Naik, 355 + + Rao, No. 255 Dafadar Shankar, I.O.M., 175, 351 + + Rathore Rajputs, 87 + + Ratna, Subadar, I.D.S.M., 357 + + Ravenshaw, Lieut.-Col. H., 33, 89, 108 + + Rawat, Subadar Baij Sing, Bahadur, 360 + + Rawat, Subadar Bishan Sing, M.C., 360 + + Rawat, Jemadar Daulat, 181 + + Rawat, No. 2172 Rifleman Ghantu, I.O.M., 360 + + Rawat, Gopal Singh, 85 + + Rawat, Subadar Jagat Sing, Bahadur, 181, 360 + + Rawat, Subadar Kedar Sing, I.D.S.M., 214, 361 + + Rawat, Jemadar Lachman Sing, I.D.S.M., 362 + + Rawat, No. 541 Rifleman Madan Sing, I.O.M., 362 + + Rawat, No. 870 Rifleman Nain Sing, I.D.S.M., 362 + + Rawat, No. 1729 Havildar Padam Sing, Russian Order of St. George, 4th + Class, 361 + + Rawlinson, Lieut.-Gen. Sir Henry, 284 + + Rawlinson’s 14th Corps, 201, 203 + + Raymond, Capt. E. D., M.C., 349 + + Reardon, Lieut., 38 + + Red Cross Association, 100 + + Reed, Capt. H. R. B., M.C., 349 + + Reed, Capt. T., 228 + + Reid, Lieut. J., 83, 85 + + Reilly, Lieut. R. A., 128 + + Rennick, Lieut.-Col., 238, 249 + + Rheims, 241, 289 + + Richardson, Lieut.-Col. H. L., afterwards Brevet Col., 365 + + Richardson, Captain J. S., 70 + + Richebourg l’Avoué, 75 + + Richebourg St. Vaast, 205, 215, 221, 238 + + Ridgway, Colonel, 341 + + Rifle Brigade (British), 12th, 336 + + Rifles, 55th (Coke’s), 34, 130, 131, 248, 251 + 57th (Wilde’s, Frontier Force), 19, 33–6, 39, 44, 48, 78, 120, 122, + 126, 129–31, 133, 144, 164, 170, 173, 206, 240, 248–9, 251–2, 258, + 288, 295–6, 300–302, 314 + 58th (Vaughan’s, Frontier Force), 79, 120–23, 128–9, 160, 165, + 167–169, 176, 208, 239, 242 + 59th (Frontier Force), 19, 61–2, 64, 154, 156–7, 171, 206, 226–8, + 240, 248–9, 298 + 125th (Napier’s), 19, 162, 164, 165, 205–6, 239, 272, 284, 304 + + Risal, No. 3426 Sepoy, I.D.S.M., 118, 357 + + Ritchie, Lieut.-Col., 169, 219 + + Rithal, No. 1448 Rifleman Karam Sing, Russian Medal of St. George, 4th + Class, 362 + + Robecq, 205 + + Roberts, Field-Marshal Lord, 1, 28, 48, 103–6 + and the Indian Army, 8, 182, 183, 188 + + Roberts, Lieut. G. B., 249 + + Robertson, General, 192 + + Robertson-Glasgow, Capt. A. W., 110 + + Robinson, Capt., 290 + + Robinson, Capt. D. G., D.S.O., 348 + + Robson, Lieut. R. E., 123–30, 131, 132, 148 + + Roche, Lieut.-Col. H. J., C.B., 113, 166, 356 + + Roe, Capt. C. D., D.S.O., 315–16, 375 + + Rogers, Lieut. L. C. C., M.C., 376 + + Rohde, Lieut., 70 + + Roka, No. 2515 Rifleman Hastobir, I.O.M., 218, 373 + + Romilly, Captain, 150, 152, 212, 213, 332 + + Romola, No. 1321 Lance-Naik Dangwa, I.D.S.M., 361 + + Ronaldson, Colonel, 154–5 + + Roomes trench, 224 + + Roos-Keppel, Colonel Sir George, 16, 17 + + Ross, Major, 85 + + Ross, Capt. Alan, 174, 175 + + Ross, Capt. A. C., D.S.O., 351 + + Ross, Capt. R. C., D.S.O., 356 + + Roubaix, 225 + + Rouge Croix, 67 + + Rouge Croix East Post, 328 + + Rouges Bancs, 75, 260 + + Row, Lieut. H., 228 + + Royal Field Artillery, 5th, 11th, and 18th Brigades, 19, 224 + 4th, 9th, and 13th Brigades, 20 + 9th, 28th Battery, 90 + + Royal Horse Artillery, N Battery, 20 + + Royal Scots Fusiliers, 84, 89 + + Royal Scots Regiment, the, 68 + + Rugby Post, 328 + + Rundall, Colonel, 158 + + Rundall, Capt. A. M., 162 + + Rundall, Lieut. L. B., 157–8 + + Rustam, 114 + + Ryall, Lieut., 332 + + + Sabatu, No. 8910 Bearer Ram, I.D.S.M., 379 + + Sadardin, No. 3890 Sepoy, Russian Medal of St. George, 4th Class, 369 + + Sadik, No. 2352 Naik Muhammad, I.D.S.M., 369 + + Safirullah, No. 3457 Naik, Russian Medal of St. George, 3rd Class, 308 + + Sahai, No. 2093 Havildar Debi, Russian Cross of the Order of St. + George, 4th Class, 357 + + Sahi, No. 2772 Rifleman Manbahadur, I.D.S.M., 377 + + Sahi, No. 3055 Rifleman Ranbahadur, I.D.S.M., 377 + + Saidak, No. 3572 Havildar, I.O.M., 367 + + St. Clair, Capt. the Hon., 150 + + St. Eloi, 245 + + St. George, Lieut., 258 + + St. Jean, 247, 248 + + St. Julien, 246, 247, 254 + + St. Omer, 20 + + St. Pol, 116 + + St. Vaast, 280, 284 + + St. Venant, 100, 320 + + Sajwan, No. 1342 Rifleman Ganesh Sing, I.O.M., 95, 362 + + Saki, Ran Bahadur, 110 + + Salisbury, 75, 204 + + Salles, Capitaine, 176 + + Sandhurst, 1 + + Sangster, Major, 185 + + Sappers and Miners, 20th and 21st Companies, 19, 27, 61, 65, 67, 68, + 69, 70, 71, 94, 108, 116, 206, 240, 284, 291–2, 329, 342 + 3rd and 4th Companies, 20, 27, 65, 111, 112, 116, 132, 206, 240, 255, + 262, 280, 284, 291–2, 342 + + Saran, No. 2702 Sepoy Ram, I.D.S.M., 366 + + Sardar, No. 3866 Naik, I.D.S.M., 367 + + Sarfaraz, No. 3136 Havildar, I.D.S.M., 367 + + Sarki, No. 1280 Havildar Judhia, I.D.S.M., 378 + + Sarewit, No. 1360 3rd Class Sub-Assist. Surgeon Mathura Parshad, + I.D.S.M., 380 + + Saunders, Capt., 259 + + Savy, Colonel, 257, 261, 262 + + Scale, Capt., 157 + + Scinde, 312 + + Scinde Camel Corps, 62, 63 + + Scobie, Lieut. J. A. M., M.C., 157, 368 + + Scoones, Lieut. G. A. P., M.C., 373 + + Scott, Capt., 250 + + Scott, Brig.-General A. B., 53, 204 + + Scott, Capt. H. L., M.C., 349 + + Scott, Capt. W. F., 64 + + Seaforth Highlanders, 1st, 19, 55, 92, 107, 140, 206, 214, 215, 218, + 219, 230, 270, 271, 272, 274, 328 + 4th, 153, 154, 158, 159, 160, 165, 166, 167, 168, 169, 176, 206, 217, + 221, 230, 270, 271, 272, 274, 328 + + Searle, 2nd Lieut. C. S., M.C., 377 + + Sebastopol, 92 + + Secunderabad Cavalry Brigade, 20, 22, 27, 72, 73, 82, 106, 116, 119, + 120, 122, 134, 138, 159, 163, 170, 174, 175 + + Seine River, 23 + + Sempill, Major the Hon. Forbes, 215 + + Seringapatam, 216, 233, 338 + + Seton-Browne, 2nd Lieut. M., 132 + + Shah, No. 1406 Driver Abdullah, I.D.S.M., 381 + + Shah, Subadar Fazl, I.D.S.M., 354 + + Shah, No. 3154 Sowar Firman, I.D.S.M., 135, 352 + + Shah, No. 1209 Naik Imam, I.D.S.M., 356 + + Shah, No. 2634 Naik Zargun, I.D.S.M., 367 + + Shankar, 1st Class Sub-Assist. Surgeon Game, I.D.S.M., 379 + + Shea, Lieut.-Col., afterwards Brevet Col., J. S. M., D.S.O., C.B., 348, + 350 + + Sheppard, Lieut.-Col. (temp. Col.), G. S., C.M.G., 246 + + Sher, No. 13 Naik Bari, I.D.S.M., 355 + + Sher, No. 2602 Sepoy Gul, I.D.S.M., 318 + + Sher, No. 2813 Sepoy Lal, I.D.S.M., 49, 371 + + Sher, No. 2760 Naik Sahab, I.D.S.M., 366 + + Sheringham, Capt. A. T., D.S.O., 369 + + Sherston, Lieut. R. V., M.C., 351 + + Shinde, No. 298 2nd Class Sub-Assist. Surgeon Ram Krishna Ganpat, M.C., + 378 + + Shiraz, No. 3362 Colour-Havildar, I.D.S.M., 362 + + Shubrati, No. 986 Driver, I.D.S.M., 381 + + Sialkote, 70 + + Sialkote Cavalry Brigade, 176 + + Sidhu, No. 306 Sepoy, I.D.S.M., 363 + + Signal Company, 19, 20 + + Sikhs, 2, 7, 15, 34, 38, 56–7, 63, 65, 72, 79, 297 + 9th, 68 + 15th, 19, 61, 63–5, 91, 144–5, 205, 226, 229, 240, 254, 257, 260–63, + 281, 284–5, 287–9, 296, 304 + 34th (Pioneers), 19, 61, 63–5, 120–122, 124–6, 133, 145, 205–6, 240, + 255, 262, 329 + 45th, 285, 287 + 47th, 19, 61–70, 88, 162–3, 171, 175, 206, 216, 226, 228, 231, 240, + 248–50, 266, 296 + 54th, 169 + Rattray’s, 287 + + Simla, 6, 18 + + Sinclair, Lieut., 276 + + Singh, Colonel Sir Ganga, Bahadur, Maharajah of Bikanir, 21, 106 + + Singh, Major Sir Madan, Bahadur, Maharaja Dhiraj of Kishengarh, 21 + + Singh, Lieut.-General Sir Partab, Bahadur, 21, 87, 106, 237 + + Singh, Lieut. Maharaja Kumar Gopal Saran Narain, of Tikari, 22 + + Singh, Lieut. Raj-Kumar Hira of Panna, 22 + + Singh, No. 2980 Naik Achar, I.D.S.M., 370 + + Singh, No. 4902 Sepoy Albel, I.D.S.M., 363 + + Singh, No. 2206 Havildar Amar, I.D.S.M., 357 + + Singh, No. 8201 Sepoy Asa, I.D.S.M., 364 + + Singh, No. 2609 Naik Atma, I.O.M., 251, 365 + + Singh, Ressaidar Badan, I.D.S.M., 352 + + Singh, Subadar Badawa, 251 + + Singh, Subadar Bakshi, I.O.M., 364 + + Singh, No. 698 Sepoy Bakshi, I.O.M., 261, 358 + + Singh, No. 3156 Sepoy Banta, Russian Medal of St. George, 4th Class, + 368 + + Singh, No. 312 Havildar Basant, I.D.S.M., 354 + + Singh, No. 708 Sapper Basant, I.D.S.M., 354 + + Singh, No. 91 Sapper Bawani, I.D.S.M., 355 + + Singh, No. 3417 Havildar Bhagat, I.D.S.M., 370 + + Singh, No. 482 Havildar Bhagat, I.D.S.M., 364 + + Singh, No. 1776 Sepoy Bhagat, I.D.S.M., 356 + + Singh, Naik Bhagat, afterwards Havildar, 365 + + Singh, No. 53, Lance-Naik Bhagwan, I.D.S.M., 358 + + Singh, No. 2277 Sepoy Bhagwan, I.O.M., 364 + + Singh, No. 5510 Sepoy Bhan, I.D.S.M., Russian Medal of St. George, 3rd + Class, 25, 366 + + Singh, No. 228 Havildar Bhola, I.D.S.M., 364 + + Singh, No. 3106 Bugler Bhup, I.D.S.M., 357 + + Singh, Subadar-Major Bhure, I.D.S.M., 357 + + Singh, No. 2103 Havildar Bir, I.O.M., 364 + + Singh, Jemadar Bir, M.C., I.D.S.M., 358 + + Singh, No. 2071 Naik Bir, I.O.M., 359 + + Singh, Subadar Bishan, I.D.S.M., 368 + + Singh, No. 4011 Havildar Bishan, I.O.M., 358 + + Singh, No. 4576 Naik Bishn, I.D.S.M., 358 + + Singh, No. 1991 Havildar, afterwards Jemadar, Bur, I.D.S.M., 366 + + Singh, No. 3705 Lance-Naik Buta, I.O.M., 368 + + Singh, No. 2266 Sepoy Buta, I.D.S.M., 364 + + Singh, No. 1773 Sapper Channan, Russian Medal of St. George, 3rd Class, + 355 + + Singh, Subadar Chet, 85 + + Singh, No. 3795 Sapper Dalip, I.O.M., Russian Cross of the Order of St. + George, 4th Class, 353, 355 + + Singh, No. 435 Sepoy Dan, I.D.S.M., 358 + + Singh, No. 1033 Lance-Naik Devi, Russian Medal of St. George, 4th + Class, 363 + + Singh, No. 2758 Naik Dewa, I.D.S.M., 367 + + Singh, No. 3374 Sepoy Dewa, I.D.S.M., 367 + + Singh, No. 1389 Lance-Naik Dhiyan, I.D.S.M., 363 + + Singh, Subadar Diwan, Bahadur, 359 + + Singh, No. 219 Sepoy Diwan, I.D.S.M., 358 + + Singh, No. 1036 Sepoy Fateh, I.D.S.M., 358 + + Singh, No. 514 Havildar Gajjan, I.O.M., 228–9, 364 + + Singh, No. 1339 Sepoy Ganda, I.D.S.M., 358 + + Singh, No. 2614 Acting Lance-Dafadar Ganga, I.O.M., 351 + + Singh, No. 830 Sowar Gokul, I.D.S.M., 351 + + Singh, No. 3013 Sepoy Gopal, I.D.S.M., 360 + + Singh, No. 1907 Naik Guja, I.O.M., 359 + + Singh, Jemadar Gujar, I.O.M., I.D.S.M., 363 + + Singh, No. 1011 Havildar Gujar, I.O.M., 363 + + Singh, No. 7 Sapper Gujar, I.D.S.M., 356 + + Singh, No. 3108 Naik Gurmukh, I.O.M., 354 + + Singh, Jemadar Harchand, I.O.M., 367 + + Singh, No. 1910 Lance-Naik Hari, 354 + + Singh, Subadar Harnam, I.O.M., 228, 364 + + Singh, Sub-Assist. Surgeon Harnam, I.O.M., 125, 379 + + Singh, No. 2720 Naik Harnam, I.D.S.M., 354 + + Singh, No. 1528 Havildar Harnam, I.D.S.M., 369 + + Singh, No. 1360 Sepoy Harnam, I.D.S.M., 358 + + Singh, Capt. Indajit, 133 + + Singh, Havildar Indar, 128 + + Singh, Jemadar Indar, M.C., I.D.S.M., 365, 366 + + Singh, No. 4052 Sapper Indar, I.D.S.M., 354 + + Singh, No. 2316 Sepoy Indar, I.O.M., 369 + + Singh, Capt. Kunwar Indarjit, M.C., 378 + + Singh, No. 2742 Sepoy Isar, I.O.M., 125, 367 + + Singh, No. 2578 Sepoy Ishar, I.D.S.M., 360 + + Singh, No. 355 Naik Jagat, I.D.S.M., 364 + + Singh, Subadar Jai, I.D.S.M., Russian Cross of the Order of St. George, + 3rd Class, 276, 363 + + Singh, No. 42 Sapper Jai, I.D.S.M., 356 + + Singh, No. 1090 Lance-Naik Jamit, I.D.S.M., 363 + + Singh, No. 3475 Sepoy Jetta, I.D.S.M., 356 + + Singh, Risaldar-Major Jharmal, 175 + + Singh, No. 2889 Lance-Dafadar Jit, I.O.M., 351 + + Singh, Subadar-Major Jwala, Sardar Bahadur, I.O.M., 359 + + Singh, Jemadar Kapur, 38 + + Singh, No. 1811 Havildar Karam, I.O.M., 79, 367 + + Singh, No. 333 Dafadar Karam, I.D.S.M., 350 + + Singh, No. 2830 Naik Kashmir, I.O.M., 367 + + Singh, No. 2398 Sepoy Katha, I.D.S.M., 360 + + Singh, No. 1308 Sepoy Kehr, I.D.S.M., 364 + + Singh, No. 4474 Lance-Naik Kesar, I.D.S.M., 358 + + Singh, No. 1410 Sepoy Kesar, I.D.S.M., 364 + + Singh, Jemadar Kharak, I.O.M., 359 + + Singh, Jemadar Kirpa, 251 + + Singh, No. 1246, 2nd Class Sub-Assist. Surgeon Kishan, I.D.S.M., 380 + + Singh, No. 2116 Naik Kishen, I.D.S.M., 364 + + Singh, Subadar-Major Labh, Bahadur, 370 + + Singh, Subadar Labh, I.D.S.M., 134, 370 + + Singh, No. 337 Havildar Lachman, I.D.S.M., I.O.M., Russian Cross of the + Order of St. George, 3rd Class, 364 + + Singh, No. 322 Dafadar and Head Salutri Lachman, afterwards Jemadar, + 350 + + Singh, No. 2479 Lance-Havildar Lal, I.O.M., 364 + + Singh, No. 702 Sepoy Lal, I.D.S.M., 358 + + Singh, No. 4095 Sepoy Lal, I.D.S.M., 358 + + Singh, Jemadar Lehna, I.O.M., 250, 362 + + Singh, No. 4349 Bearer Madan, I.D.S.M., 380 + + Singh, No. 859 Naik Magh, I.D.S.M., 354 + + Singh, No. 4727 Havildar Mahan, I.O.M., Russian Medal of St. George, + 1st Class, 358 + + Singh, Subadar Malla, M.C., I.O.M., 71, 353 + + Singh, No. 3133 Sepoy Maluk, I.D.S.M., 367 + + Singh, Dafadar Mangal, I.D.S.M., 356 + + Singh, Jemadar Mangal, I.D.S.M., 368 + + Singh, Jemadar Mangal, I.O.M., 157, 365 + + Singh, No. 3623 Havildar Mangal, I.O.M., 252, 359 + + Singh, No. 131 Lance-Naik Mangal, I.O.M., 285, 358 + + Singh, Jemadar Maingha, I.O.M., 359 + + Singh, No. 4397 Bearer Mastan, I.D.S.M., 380 + + Singh, No. 4563 Sepoy Mastan, I.O.M., Russian Medal of St. George, 3rd + Class, 359, 360 + + Singh, Subadar Mehar, Bahadur, I.D.S.M., 363 + + Singh, No. 2616 Sepoy Mihan, I.D.S.M., 356 + + Singh, No. 1189 Naik Mit, I.D.S.M., 364 + + Singh, Subadar Mota, I.O.M., 364 + + Singh, Jemadar Mota, Russian Cross of the Order of St. George, 4th + Class, 364 + + Singh, No. 1336 Naik Mota, I.D.S.M., 364 + + Singh, No. 2882 Havildar Mula, I.D.S.M., 364 + + Singh, No. 1116 1st Class Sub-Assist. Surgeon Nagindar, I.O.M., 378 + + Singh, No. 231 Havildar, afterwards Jemadar, Narain, I.O.M., 364 + + Singh, No. 1452 Havildar Narayan, I.D.S.M., 360 + + Singh, Subadar Natha, I.O.M., Bahadur, 64, 125, 359 + + Singh, No. 1871 Havildar Nikka, I.O.M., 125, 359 + + Singh, No. 1148 Havildar Pala, I.O.M., 125, 359 + + Singh, No. 1230 2nd Class Sub-Assist. Surgeon Pargan, I.O.M., 379 + + Singh, Subadar Parshada, I.D.S.M., 357 + + Singh, No. 3991 Sepoy Phaga, I.D.S.M., 370 + + Singh, No. 3131 Lance-Naik Phangan, I.O.M., 367 + + Singh, Subadar Phuman, I.D.S.M., 367 + + Singh, No. 1576 Havildar Prem, I.D.S.M., 360 + + Singh, Subadar Ram, 125 + + Singh, No. 862 1st Class Sub-Assist. Surgeon Ram, I.O.M., 379 + + Singh, Jemadar Ram Rup, I.O.M., 353 + + Singh, No. 862 Driver Rup, I.D.S.M., 381 + + Singh, No. 2270 Sepoy Rur, I.O.M., 228, 364 + + Singh, Jemadar Sada Bahadur, 353 + + Singh, Risaldar Saddha Bahadur, 350 + + Singh, Subadar Sant, M.C., 359 + + Singh, No. 3063 Sepoy Sant, I.D.S.M., 360 + + Singh, No. 1025 Havildar Santa, I.O.M., 367 + + Singh, No. 962 Sepoy Sapuran, I.D.S.M., 358 + + Singh, No. 1255 Sepoy Sarain, I.D.S.M., 358 + + Singh, No. 295 Dafadar Sardar, I.O.M., 175, 351 + + Singh, No. 409 Havildar Saudagar, I.D.S.M., 363 + + Singh, Subadar Saudagar, Bahadur, 364 + + Singh, Subadar Sher, I.D.S.M., 359 + + Singh, No. 2063 Naik Sohan, I.D.S.M., 366 + + Singh, Sapper Suba, I.D.S.M., 354 + + Singh, Jemadar Sucha, I.O.M., 364 + + Singh, No. 322 Havildar Sucha, I.D.S.M., 354 + + Singh, No. 638 Sepoy Sucha, I.D.S.M., 358 + + Singh, No. 2636 Sepoy Sucha, I.D.S.M., 356 + + Singh, Subadar Suhel, I.O.M., 367 + + Singh, Jemadar Suhel, I.O.M., 367 + + Singh, Subadar Sundar, I.D.S.M., 354 + + Singh, Subadar Sundar, Bahadur, 353 + + Singh, Subadar Sundar, Bahadur, 368 + + Singh, Jemadar Sundar, 125 + + Singh, No. 2164 Havildar Sundar, I.D.S.M., 367 + + Singh, No. 319 Lance-Naik Sundar, I.D.S.M., 381 + + Singh, No. 1249 Sepoy Sundar, I.D.S.M., 358 + + Singh, No. 2762 Sepoy Sundar, Russian Cross of the Order of St. George, + 4th Class, 370 + + Singh, No. 547 Naik Surjan, I.D.S.M., 363 + + Singh, Sepoy Tawand, 88 + + Singh, No. 1804 Lance-Naik Teja Singh, Russian Medal of St. George, 4th + Class, 360 + + Singh, Subadar Thakur, M.C., 364 + + Singh, No. 529 Sepoy Tilok, I.O.M., 358 + + Singh, No. 2775 Lance-Naik Tota, I.O.M., 125, 359 + + Singh, No. 1001 Sepoy Ujagar, I.D.S.M., 358 + + Singh, Jemadar Uttam, I.O.M., 353 + + Singh, No. 1791 Sepoy Waryam, I.D.S.M., 364 + + Singh, Subadar Wasawa, I.D.S.M., 389 + + Singh, Jemadar Wazir, I.D.S.M., 358 + + Sirhind Brigade, 19, 20, 51, 61, 65, 78, 96, 138, 143, 149, 150, 154, + 158, 159, 160, 161, 162, 164, 165, 166, 170, 174, 175, 205, 215, + 218, 221, 224, 226, 229, 231, 240, 247, 248, 253, 254, 255, 257, + 258, 259, 260, 261, 263, 265, 278, 279, 280, 281, 284, 286, 287, + 288, 289, 291 + + Skeen, Major and Brevet Lieut.-Col., afterwards Brevet Col., A., 349 + + Smith, Capt. A. D., M.C., 373 + + Smith, Capt. Dallas, 217 + + Smith, Major the Hon. F. E., K.C., M.P., afterwards Lieut.-Col., + afterwards Lord Birkenhead, 54, 55, 239, 243 + + Smith, Corporal Issy, V.C., 249, 347 + + Smith, Major W. F., afterwards Brevet Lieut.-Col., 381 + + Smith-Dorrien, General Sir Horace, 53, 60, 69, 74, 75, 78, 138, 178, + 247, 266 + + Smyth, Lieut. J. G., V.C., Russian Order of St. George, 4th Class, + 285–6, 347, 357, 358 + + Snelling, Sergeant R., 171 + + Sobraon, 87, 118, 234 + + Somaliland, 50, 226 + + Somme River, 212, 232 + + Soneput, 12 + + Sotheby, Lieut., 338 + + Soudan, 1, 180 + + Southey, Lieut.-Col, (temp. Brig.-General), afterwards Brevet Col., W. + M., C.M.G., 39, 41, 42, 45, 122, 123, 126, 129, 206, 209, 349, 370 + + Sparrow, Capt., 213 + + Squires, Capt. E. K., M.C., 353 + + Stack, Capt. E., 76 + + Stainforth, Lieut.-Col. H. G., C.M.G., 350 + + Stansfield, Major, 339 + + Steele, Major St. G., 54 + + Steven, Lieut., 234 + + Stevens, Lieut.-Col. N. M. C., C.M.G., 369 + + Stewart, Private, 127 + + Stewart, Major J. H. K., D.S.O., 348 + + Stewart, Lieut, the Hon. K., 276 + + Stewart, Capt. W., D.S.O., 185, 220 + + Stewart, Lieut. W., 163 + + Stokes, Brig.-General, 265 + + Strickland, Colonel, afterwards Brigadier· General, 170, 171, 175, 206, + 224, 227, 230 + + Strong, Major A., D.S.O., 348 + + Stuart, Major, afterwards Brevet Lieut.-Col., A. G., 350 + + Sturdee, Lieut., 86 + + Suffolk Regiment, 4th, 153, 170, 171, 206, 220, 228, 240, 248, 250 + + Sukal, 1st Class Sub-Assist. Surgeon Narayan Parshad, I.D.S.M., 379 + + Suleiman, No. 3275 Sepoy, I.O.M., 369 + + _Summary of News Extract_, 1st-5th June 1915, 318 + + Sunken Street, 328 + + Surjoo, No. 7032 Lance-Naik, I.D.S.M., 379 + + Surjoo, No. 11018 Lance-Naik, I.D.S.M., 379 + + Sussex, (Royal) Regiment, 167 + + Sutherland, Sergeant, 152 + + Swan, Private, 129 + + Swanston, Lieut.-Col. C. O., 86 + + Swifte, Major, 38 + + Swiney, Lieut.-Col. E. R., afterwards Brevet Col., 95, 123, 129–32, + 210, 213, 215, 361 + + Sydenham, Lady, 101 + + + Talab, Subadar Raj, D.S.O., I.D.S.M., 367 + + Talbot, Major, 250 + + Tarrant, Capt., 253, 260, 262, 264 + + Tayler, Lieut., 283 + + Taylor, Lieut., 332 + + Taylor, Major G. H., 95, 108, 110 + + Taylor, Capt. J., D.S.O., 215, 378 + + Tel-el-Kebir, 338 + + Templer, Lieut.-Col. C. F., C.M.G., 382 + + Tennant, Lieut., 271 + + Tennyson, Alfred Lord, quoted, 105 + + Territorial Battalion, 142nd, 144 + + Thapa, Subadar Autbir, I.O.M., 372 + + Thapa, No. 1628 Havildar Bag Sing, I.D.S.M., 373 + + Thapa, Havildar Bahadur, I.O.M., 110, 211, 374 + + Thapa, No. 2205 Rifleman Balbir, I.O.M., Russian Medal of St. George, + 3rd Class, 372 + + Thapa, No. 2814 Rifleman Baliram, I.D.S.M., 372 + + Thapa, Subadar Bara Sing, I.D.S.M., 374 + + Thapa, Subadar Bhim Sing, I.O.M., 211, 374 + + Thapa, No. 1517 Naik Bhimbahadur, I.D.S.M., 373 + + Thapa, No. 1348 Rifleman Budhiman, I.O.M., 376 + + Thapa, Subadar Chandrabir, Bahadur, I.D.S.M., 376 + + Thapa, No. 2650 Rifleman Chitabir, I.D.S.M., 372 + + Thapa, No. 4078 Rifleman Dhamraj, Russian Medal of St. George, 4th + Class, 376 + + Thapa, No. 2118 Rifleman Ganpati, I.D.S.M., 110, 374 + + Thapa, Havildar Hara Sing, 156 + + Thapa, Jemadar Harak Bahadur, I.O.M., 374 + + Thapa, No. 3110 Havildar Hari Parshad, I.O.M., 375 + + Thapa, Rifleman Jangia, 156 + + Thapa, No. 1757 Lance-Naik Jhaman Sing, I.O.M., 374 + + Thapa, No. 2719 Rifleman Jilman, I.O.M., Russian Cross of the Order of + St. George, 4th Class, 372 + + Thapa, Lance-Naik Kabiram, 110 + + Thapa, Subadar Kharak Bahadur, Bahadur, 374 + + Thapa, Jemadar Kharakbir, I.O.M., 372 + + Thapa, No. 2129 Rifleman Kulbir, V.C., 332, 347 + + Thapa, Jemadar Lachman Sing, 174 + + Thapa, No. 1946 Rifleman Lalbir, I.D.S.M., 372 + + Thapa, No. 1593 Naik Patiram, I.D.S.M., 373 + + Thapa, Jemadar Puran Sing, I.D.S.M., 374 + + Thapa, No. 1843 Naik Ramkishan, I.O.M., 258, 374 + + Thapa, No. 1473 Naik Ramparshad, I.D.S.M., 373 + + Thapa, Jemadar Sasidhar, I.O.M., 374 + + Thobal, 46 + + Thompson, Corporal N., 213 + + Thomson, Lieut., 287 + + Thomson, Major A. G., D.S.O., 127, 366 + + Thornhill, Capt. C. M., M.C., 371 + + Tillard, Major A., 211 + + Tilleloy, Trench, 328 + + Timour, 29, 37 + + Tinley, Colonel G. F., 309 + + Tinley, Lieut. G. F., M.C., 351 + + Tirah, 53, 63, 85, 87, 110, 164, 216 + + Tiwana, Capt. the Hon. Malik Sir Umar Hayat Khan, 21 + + Tiwari, No. 1088 Colour-Havildar Hira, I.O.M., 369 + + Tombe Willot, La, 208 + + Tomkins, Major, afterwards Brevet Col., H. L., 50, 77, 350 + + Tooley, Lieut., 152 + + Torrie, Capt. C. J., D.S.O., 355 + + Tosh, Major, 339 + + Touquet, le, 143 + + Tourelle, La, 270, 279, 280, 286 + + Touret, Le, 166 + + Trail, Capt. W. S., 46 + + Treherne, Surgeon-General, 50, 204 + + Tribe, Lieut.-Col. C. W., C.M.G., 276, 363 + + Tulloch, Lieut. D., 80, 90 + + Turnbull, Capt., 134 + + Turnbull, Capt. (temp. Major) G. O., D.S.O., 359 + + Tuson, Colonel, 260 + + Twining, Lieut.-Col. P., 53 + + Twiss, Major W. L., 50 + + Twiss, Capt. W. L. O., M.C., 349 + + Tyler, Colonel, 53 + + Tyson, Lieut., 332 + + + Uhlans, 16th, 308 + + Umar, No. 937 1st Class Sub-Assist. Surgeon Muhammad, I.D.S.M., 379 + + Ussher, Capt., 145 + + + Vaughan, Lieut., 276 + + Vaughan, Major (temp. Lieut.-Col.) L. R., D.S.O., 348 + + Vaughan, Lieut.-Col., afterwards Brevet Col., R. E., D.S.O., 97, 349 + + Vaughan-Sawyer, Capt. G. H., 64 + + Venour, Colonel W. E., 78, 79 + + Venters, Private, 127 + + Verdun, 232, 269 + + Vermelle, 142–3 + + Vieille Chapelle, 67, 153, 205, 208, 215, 218, 224, 278, 280, 284 + + Villiers-Stuart, Capt. J. P., D.S.O., 348 + + Vincent, Capt., 341 + + Vincent, Major Barclay, 50 + + Violaines, 279 + + Vivian, Major C. A., afterwards Brevet Lieut.-Col., 261, 358 + + + Wade, Lieut. H., 72 + + Wadeson, Col. (temp. Brig.-General) F. W. G., C.B., 20, 106, 171 + + Wadhawa, No. 4009 Naik, I.D.S.M., 379 + + Wahab, No. 3063 Havildar Abdul, I.O.M., Russian Medal of St. George, + 2nd Class, 157, 368, 369 + + Wake, Major, 76 + + Walcott, Lieut. J. H., 85 + + Walker, Col. (temp. Brig.-General), afterwards Major-General, W. G., + V.C., C.B., 205, 226, 230, 287, 349 + + Walker, Lieut.-Col., 339 + + Wall, Lieut.-Col. F., C.M.G., 97, 378 + + Wallis, Lieut. B. H., M.C., 134, 369 + + War Office, the, and the Indian Army, 13, 14 + + Wardell, Capt. C. G., 242, 340 + + Wardell, Major W. H., 130, 131 + + Warneton, 143 + + Waterfield, Capt. F. C., 287 + + Waterloo, 29, 338 + + Waters, Capt., 250 + + Watkis, Lieut.-General H. B. B., K.C.B., 18, 50, 64, 106, 149, 154, + 162, 163, 170, 171, 175, 177, 179, 347 + + Watkis, Capt. H. L., M.C., 349 + + Watt, Major D., D.S.O., 159, 217, 372 + + Watt, Miss P. F., Royal Red Cross Decoration, 1st Class, 378 + + Wauchope, Major A. G., afterwards Brig.-General, 128–9, 166, 169, 336, + 338, 342 + + Weir, Capt. D. L., 212 + + Welchman, Lieut. J., 131, 213 + + Welsh (Royal) Fusiliers, 51 + + West Kent Regiment, 66, 68 + + West Riding Regiment, 78, 260 + + West Riding Regiment, 49th, 241 + + Westmacott, General, 167 + + Wheeler, Lieut. E. O., 112 + + White, Lieut.-Col. W. W., afterwards Brevet Col., 97, 380 + + Whitton, Sergeant, 156 + + Wickham, Capt. J. C., D.S.O., 353 + + Wicks, Capt. H., 107, 169, 214 + + Wicres, 306 + + Widdicombe, Lieut.-Col. G. T., C.B., 169, 223, 376 + + Wieltje, 245, 247, 248 + + Willans, Major T. J., D.S.O., 37, 38, 46, 251, 365 + + Willcocks, Lieut. J. L., 54, 55, 177, 235 + + Williams, Major A. F. C., D.S.O., Russian Order of St. Stanislas, 3rd + Class, with Swords, 352 + + Wilson, Sergeant, 129 + + Wilson, Capt. G. E., 125, 127 + + Wilson, Capt. R. S., 92 + + Wiltshire Regiment, 66, 67 + + Winchester Road, 337 + Street, 328 + + Wood, Lieut., 332 + + Wood, Capt. C. A., M.B., M.C., 378 + + Wright, Capt. H., 76 + + Wulverghem, 33 + + Wylie, Captain M., 174 + + Wytschaete, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38 + + + Xenophon, 264 + + + Yates, Capt. R. C., 162 + + Yeusafzais, 238 + + York and Lancaster Regiment, 260 + + Young, Major A., 169 + + Young, Major D., 229 + + Yousafzai, 22 + + Ypres, 24, 35, 44, 46, 48, 53, 61, 67, 73, 119, 161, 177, 178, 202, + 232, 244, 246, 247, 248, 249, 250, 252, 254, 261, 265, 266, 268, + 298, 300, 307 + + + Zakka Khel Expedition, 9 + + Zaman, Subadar Khan, I.O.M., 370 + + Zaman, No. 44 Naik Khan, I.D.S.M., 234, 355 + + Zelobes, 208 + + + _Printed in Great Britain by_ R. & R. CLARK, LIMITED, _Edinburgh_. + +----- + +Footnote 1: + + General name for Sikhs = chosen people. + +Footnote 2: + + Black; a term applied to the sea. + +Footnote 3: + + Mahabharut or “Great War”; the great epic poem of India. + +Footnote 4: + + The Sikh war-cry. + +Footnote 5: + + Mother India. + +Footnote 6: + + War-cries of Hindus, Sikhs, Mahomedans, and Gurkhas. + +Footnote 7: + + God. + +Footnote 8: + + I was rejoiced to see in the _London Gazette_ of 4th September 1919 + that this very gallant officer had been given the Victoria Cross. + +Footnote 9: + + Indian battalions were in these days formed in eight companies. + +Footnote 10: + + In indexing the many Indian names the indexer has followed the method + used in the India Office _English_ catalogues. + +------------------------------------------------------------------------ + + + + + THE WAR IN MESOPOTAMIA AND PALESTINE + + + THE LIFE OF LIEUT.-GENERAL + + SIR STANLEY MAUDE + + K.C.B., C.M.G., D.S.O. + + By Major-General Sir C. E. CALLWELL, K.C.B., Author of “The + Dardanelles,” etc. Illustrations and Maps. Demy 8vo. + +This important book is the authorised memorial biography of the famous +soldier who in Mesopotamia was in command of the gallant effort to +relieve Kut, who conquered Baghdad, and died of cholera in November +1917. Major-General Callwell has had access to every family and official +record, and his book contains, in their own words, the estimates of +Maude as a man and a soldier formed by the officers and others most +closely associated with him during his career. + +_Contents_:—Ancestry and Early Years—From 1884 to 1899—The South African +War—The Time in Canada—From 1905 to 1914—1914: On the Staff of the Third +Corps in France—In Command of the 14th Infantry Brigade—The +Dardanelles—The Move from Egypt to Mesopotamia—The Effort to relieve +Kut—From Divisional to Army Commander—Preparations for an Offensive +Campaign—The Campaign of Baghdad—Consolidating the Conquest—The Death of +Maude—An Appreciation—Index. + + + HOW JERUSALEM WAS WON + + By W. T. MASSEY, C.B.E. Illustrated. + + + ALLENBY’S FINAL TRIUMPH + + By W. T. MASSEY, C.B.E. Illustrated. + +These two volumes by the Official Correspondent of the London newspapers +with the E.E.F. from a comprehensive record of Allenby’s victorious +campaigns in Palestine. + + + THE NAVY IN MESOPOTAMIA + + THE NAVY EVERYWHERE + + By CONRAD CATO. Maps and Illustrations. + +Two volumes of brilliant description of naval operations in the more +remote theatres of war. + +CONSTABLE & CO. LTD. 10–12 ORANGE STREET LONDON W.C.2. + + + + + ❧ THE WAR IN FRANCE ❧ + + + 1914 + + By Field-Marshal Lord FRENCH of Ypres, K.P., O.M., etc. With a Preface + by Marshal FOCH. Second Edition, with a Preface by the Author. + Maps. Demy 8vo. + + + YPRES 1914 + + An official account published by order of the German General Staff. + With Introduction and Note by the Historical Section (Military + Section) of the Committee of Imperial Defence. + + + R.A.M.C. AND THE GREAT WAR + + MONS: THE MARNE: THE AISNE + + By Lt.-Col. F. E. BRERETON, R.A.M.C. Maps. Demy 8vo. + + + NOTES OF A CAMP-FOLLOWER ON THE WESTERN FRONT + + A picture of the work of the Y.M.C.A. Huts by E. W. HORNUNG. + + + THE ROMANCE OF THE BATTLE LINE IN FRANCE + + An Historical Guide to the Invaded Regions. + + By J. E. C. BODLEY, Author of “France.” Maps. + + + ENGLAND IN FRANCE + + Mainly with the 59th Division. + + Illustrations by SYDNEY A. JONES. Text by CHARLES VINCE. + + CONSTABLE & CO. LTD. 10–12 ORANGE STREET LONDON W.C.2. + +------------------------------------------------------------------------ + + + + + TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES + + + Page Changed from Changed to + + 2nd 154–6, 161–4, 174, 234, 240, 2nd, 154–6, 161–4, 174, 234, + 253–4, 257, 260, 262, 264, 285, 240, 253–4, 257, 260, 262, 264, + 291 285, 291 + + 6th Brigade, 5th, 232 Brigade, 6th, 232 + + ● Typos fixed; non-standard spelling and dialect retained. + ● Used numbers for footnotes, placing them all at the end of the last + chapter. + ● Enclosed italics font in _underscores_. + ● Enclosed blackletter font in =equals=. + ● The caret (^) serves as a superscript indicator, applicable to + individual characters (like 2^d) and even entire phrases (like + 1^{st}). + + + +*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 77003 *** diff --git a/77003-h/77003-h.htm b/77003-h/77003-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..afbc340 --- /dev/null +++ b/77003-h/77003-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,21207 @@ +<!DOCTYPE html> +<html lang="en"> + 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.blackletter {font-family: 'Old English Text MT', serif; font-weight:bold; + font-style: normal; } + .x-ebookmaker p.dropcap:first-letter { float: left; } + </style> + </head> + <body> +<div style='text-align:center'>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 77003 ***</div> + +<div class='tnotes covernote'> + +<p class='c000'><strong>Transcriber’s Note:</strong></p> + +<p class='c000'>New original cover art included with this eBook is granted to the public domain.</p> + +</div> + +<div class='titlepage'> + +<div> + <h1 class='c001'>WITH THE INDIANS IN FRANCE</h1> +</div> + +<div class='nf-center-c0'> +<div class='nf-center c002'> + <div><span class='small'>By</span></div> + <div class='c003'><span class='xlarge'><span class='sc'>General Sir</span> JAMES WILLCOCKS</span></div> + <div class='c003'><span class='small'>G.C.M.G., K.C.B., K.C.S.L., D.S.O., LL.D.</span></div> + <div class='c002'>LONDON</div> + <div class='c003'>CONSTABLE AND COMPANY LTD.</div> + <div class='c003'>1920</div> + </div> +</div> + +</div> + +<div class='nf-center-c0'> +<div class='nf-center c004'> + <div>TO MY BRAVE COMRADES OF ALL RANKS OF THE INDIAN ARMY I DEDICATE THIS BOOK WHICH IS AN EARNEST ENDEAVOUR TO RECORD THEIR LOYALTY AND UNPERISHABLE VALOUR ON THE BATTLEFIELDS OF FRANCE AND BELGIUM</div> + </div> +</div> + +<div class='lg-container-l c002'> + <div class='linegroup'> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'><span class='pageno' id='Page_vii'>vii</span><i>From BLACKWOOD’S MAGAZINE</i></div> + <div class='line in8'><i>December 1917.</i></div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<div class='chapter ph2'> + +<div class='nf-center-c0'> +<div class='nf-center c005'> + <div>HURNāM-SINGH</div> + <div class='c002'><span class='sc'>By General Sir</span> JAMES WILLCOCKS</div> + </div> +</div> + +</div> + +<div class='lg-container-b c006'> + <div class='linegroup'> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in32'>I</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Beneath an ancient pipal-tree, fast by the Jhelum’s tide,</div> + <div class='line in10'>In silent thought sat Hurnām-Singh,</div> + <div class='line in10'>A Khalsa<a id='r1'></a><a href='#f1' class='c007'><sup>[1]</sup></a> soldier of the King:</div> + <div class='line in10'>He mused on things now done and past,</div> + <div class='line in10'>For he had reached his home at last,</div> + <div class='line in16'>His empty sleeve his pride.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in32 c002'>II</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Five years before a village lout, beneath the self-same tree,</div> + <div class='line in10'>He met the Havildar, who’d come</div> + <div class='line in10'>With honeyed words and beat of drum,</div> + <div class='line in10'>Cajoling all who glory sought,</div> + <div class='line in10'>And telling how the regiment fought</div> + <div class='line in10'>The Zakha and the Mohmand clans,</div> + <div class='line in16'>With shouts of victory.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in32 c002'>III</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Wah Guru Ji! rang in his ears, the famous battle cry,</div> + <div class='line in10'>And since those days Hurnām had seen,</div> + <div class='line in10'>On Flanders plains, from fierce Messines,</div> + <div class='line in10'>To Festubert and Neuve Chapelle,</div> + <div class='line in10'>’Mid festering bogs and scenes of hell,</div> + <div class='line in16'>How Khalsa soldiers die.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in32 c002'><span class='pageno' id='Page_viii'>viii</span>IV</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>The village yokels round him flocked to hearken to his tales,</div> + <div class='line in12'>How he had crossed the Kala<a id='r2'></a><a href='#f2' class='c007'><sup>[2]</sup></a> sea,</div> + <div class='line in12'>From India’s strand past Araby,</div> + <div class='line in12'>Thro’ Egypt’s sands to Europe’s shores,</div> + <div class='line in12'>Where the wild stormy mistral roars,</div> + <div class='line in18'>And anchor’d in Marseilles.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in32 c002'>V</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>“Is it the truth,” said one more bold than village yokels be,</div> + <div class='line in12'>“That men with wings ascend on high</div> + <div class='line in12'>And fight with Gods in yonder sky?</div> + <div class='line in12'>That iron monsters belching wrath,</div> + <div class='line in12'>Beneath their wheels of Juggernaut,</div> + <div class='line in18'>Claim victims for Kali?”</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in32 c002'>VI</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>“Now list all ye,” said Hurnām-Singh, “the aged and the youth,</div> + <div class='line in12'>The tales they told in bygone days,</div> + <div class='line in12'>Of Gods and Ghouls in ancient lays,</div> + <div class='line in12'>Are true, not false; mine eyes descried,</div> + <div class='line in12'>Mine ears have heard as heroes died,</div> + <div class='line in18'>The Mahabharut’s<a id='r3'></a><a href='#f3' class='c007'><sup>[3]</sup></a> truth.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in32 c002'>VII</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>“The land of France is wide and fair, the people brave and free,</div> + <div class='line in12'>I fain would tell, but orders came,</div> + <div class='line in12'>‘Push on, the foe awaits the game’—</div> + <div class='line in12'>The game of death; the Khalsa cry,</div> + <div class='line in12'>The warriors’ slogan, rent the sky,</div> + <div class='line in18'>Fateh Wah Guru Ji!<a id='r4'></a><a href='#f4' class='c007'><sup>[4]</sup></a></div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in32 c002'><span class='pageno' id='Page_ix'>ix</span>VIII</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>“The Sahibs’ faces told their tale; no craven thought or sloth</div> + <div class='line in12'>In those brave hearts, as we had learned</div> + <div class='line in12'>When Gujerat the tide had turned,</div> + <div class='line in12'>And left the names of Aliwal</div> + <div class='line in12'>And Chillianwala as a pall</div> + <div class='line in18'>Of glory to us both.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in32 c002'>IX</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>“And thus the sons of Hindustan, from Himalaya to Scinde,</div> + <div class='line in12'>From Hindu Kush to Deccan plains,</div> + <div class='line in12'>Rent in a day the ancient chains</div> + <div class='line in12'>Which isolated class from clan,</div> + <div class='line in12'>And joined in battle as one man,</div> + <div class='line in18'>To die for Mata Hind.<a id='r5'></a><a href='#f5' class='c007'><sup>[5]</sup></a>.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in32 c002'>X</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>“Hur Mahadeo! Guru Ji! and Allah’s sacred name,</div> + <div class='line in12'>Shri Gunga Jai!<a id='r6'></a><a href='#f6' class='c007'><sup>[6]</sup></a> from brave Nepal,</div> + <div class='line in12'>Re-echoed loud through wild Garhwal;</div> + <div class='line in12'>From Dogra vale, Afridi clan,</div> + <div class='line in12'>To the proud homes of Rajistan,</div> + <div class='line in18'>Was lit the martial flame.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in32 c002'>XI</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>“As pitiless the bullets rained, ’mid angry storm and flood,</div> + <div class='line in12'>Khudadad Khan! immortal name,</div> + <div class='line in12'>Stood by his gun, for India’s fame</div> + <div class='line in12'>Was in his hands; the Huns advance,</div> + <div class='line in12'>Recoil; Retire; the soil of France</div> + <div class='line in18'>Is richer with his blood.”</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in32 c002'><span class='pageno' id='Page_x'>x</span>XII</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>And Hurnām paused as he recalled, one dark November morn,</div> + <div class='line in12'>When twice three thousand foes had rushed</div> + <div class='line in12'>Our trenches, powdered into dust,</div> + <div class='line in12'>And bayonet point and Kukry blade</div> + <div class='line in12'>Avenging retribution made,</div> + <div class='line in18'>Before the break of dawn.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in32 c002'>XIII</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>“Garhwal will tell,” he said, “with pride her children oft recite,</div> + <div class='line in12'>How Durwan Negi, lion-heart!</div> + <div class='line in12'>Was first and foremost from the start;</div> + <div class='line in12'>He led the charge which won the day,—</div> + <div class='line in12'>Oh, brothers, ’twas a glorious fray,</div> + <div class='line in18'>For victory came with light.”</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in32 c002'>XIV</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Shābāsh! Shābāsh! from every tongue, and mothers’ hearts stood still,</div> + <div class='line in12'>As sons stepped forth and made demand</div> + <div class='line in12'>They too should join the glorious band,</div> + <div class='line in12'>They too should hear the battle’s din,</div> + <div class='line in12'>Or purge the soul of every sin,</div> + <div class='line in18'>If such were Ishwar’s<a id='r7'></a><a href='#f7' class='c007'><sup>[7]</sup></a> will.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in32 c002'>XV</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Hurnām went on: “At Neuve Chapelle, at Festubert, we bled,</div> + <div class='line in12'>On Wipers field, at Moulin Piètre,</div> + <div class='line in12'>We heard the German hymn of hate;</div> + <div class='line in12'>Above our lines the war-ships soared,</div> + <div class='line in12'>Our trenches rocked while cannon roared</div> + <div class='line in18'>The requiem of the dead.”</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in32 c002'><span class='pageno' id='Page_xi'>xi</span>XVI</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>The Jhelum’s banks had witnessed oft her waters stained with gore,</div> + <div class='line in12'>Had heard the tramp of countless feet,</div> + <div class='line in12'>Had known both triumph and defeat,</div> + <div class='line in12'>But never had her waters swirled</div> + <div class='line in12'>A prouder message to the world</div> + <div class='line in18'>Than Hurnām’s story bore.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in32 c002'>XVII</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>For India’s sons had sealed their oath, according to their laws;</div> + <div class='line in12'>Sealed it with blood across the sea,</div> + <div class='line in12'>From Flanders to Gallipoli,</div> + <div class='line in12'>On Tigris’ banks, on Egypt’s sands,</div> + <div class='line in12'>’Mid Afric’s swamps and hinterlands,</div> + <div class='line in18'>And died in England’s cause.</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in32 c002'>XVIII</div> + </div> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>For ages long the Mullah’s cry, the temple bells shall wile,</div> + <div class='line in12'>And call to prayer for those who died,</div> + <div class='line in12'>The father, mother, son, and bride,</div> + <div class='line in12'>Descendants of the loyal brave</div> + <div class='line in12'>Who rest in warriors’ simple grave,</div> + <div class='line in18'>And need no marble pile.</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<div class='chapter'> + <span class='pageno' id='Page_xiii'>xiii</span> + <h2 class='c008'>CONTENTS</h2> +</div> + +<table class='table0'> + <tr> + <th class='c009'></th> + <th class='c010'>PAGE</th> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class='c009'><span class='sc'>Chapter I.</span></td> + <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_1'>1</a></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class='c009'><span class='sc'>Chapter II.</span></td> + <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_18'>18</a></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class='c009'><span class='sc'>Chapter III.</span></td> + <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_31'>31</a></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class='c009'><span class='sc'>Chapter IV.</span></td> + <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_49'>49</a></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class='c009'><span class='sc'>Chapter V.</span></td> + <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_60'>60</a></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class='c009'><span class='sc'>Chapter VI.</span></td> + <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_73'>73</a></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class='c009'><span class='sc'>Chapter VII.</span></td> + <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_88'>88</a></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class='c009'><span class='sc'>Chapter VIII.</span></td> + <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_103'>103</a></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class='c009'><span class='sc'>Chapter IX.</span></td> + <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_119'>119</a></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class='c009'><span class='sc'>Chapter X.</span></td> + <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_137'>137</a></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class='c009'><span class='sc'>Chapter XI.</span></td> + <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_153'>153</a></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class='c009'><span class='sc'>Chapter XII.</span></td> + <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_170'>170</a></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class='c009'><span class='sc'>Chapter XIII.</span></td> + <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_182'>182</a></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class='c009'><span class='sc'>Chapter XIV.</span></td> + <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_193'>193</a></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class='c009'><span class='sc'>Chapter XV.</span></td> + <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_200'>200</a></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class='c009'><span class='sc'>Chapter XVI.</span></td> + <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_220'>220</a></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class='c009'><span class='sc'>Chapter XVII.</span></td> + <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_235'>235</a></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class='c009'><span class='sc'>Chapter XVIII.</span></td> + <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_245'>245</a></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class='c009'><span class='sc'>Chapter XIX.</span></td> + <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_257'>257</a></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class='c009'><span class='pageno' id='Page_xiv'>xiv</span><span class='sc'>Chapter XX.</span></td> + <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_268'>268</a></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class='c009'><span class='sc'>Chapter XXI.</span></td> + <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_294'>294</a></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class='c009'><span class='sc'>Chapter XXII.</span></td> + <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_304'>304</a></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class='c009'><span class='sc'>Chapter XXIII.</span></td> + <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_315'>315</a></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class='c009'><span class='sc'>Chapter XXIV.</span></td> + <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_325'>325</a></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class='c009'><span class='sc'>Conclusion</span></td> + <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_344'>344</a></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class='c009'><span class='sc'>Epilogue</span></td> + <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_345'>345</a></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class='c009'><span class='sc'>Appendix</span></td> + <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_347'>347</a></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class='c009'><span class='sc'>Index</span></td> + <td class='c010'><a href='#Page_383'>383</a></td> + </tr> +</table> + +<div class='chapter'> + <span class='pageno' id='Page_xv'>xv</span> + <h2 class='c008'>MAPS</h2> +</div> + +<table class='table0'> + <tr> + <th class='c009'></th> + <th class='c011'>FACING PAGE</th> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class='c009'>Country adjoining Indian Corps Front</td> + <td class='c011'><a href='#Page_75'>75</a></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class='c009'>Dispositions of Meerut Division near Givenchy</td> + <td class='c011'><i>Page</i> <a href='#Page_165'>165</a></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class='c009'>Neuve Chapelle, March 10–13, 1915</td> + <td class='c011'><a href='#Page_234'>234</a></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class='c009'>Movements of Lahore Division before and after Attacks of April 26–27, 1915</td> + <td class='c011'><a href='#Page_267'>267</a></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class='c009'>Trenches of Indian Corps, August 27, 1915</td> + <td class='c011'><a href='#Page_319'>319</a></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class='bbt c009'>Mauquissart</td> + <td class='bbt c011'><i>Page</i> <a href='#Page_343'>343</a></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class='c009'>Facsimile of “Summary of News” in Persian and Hindi character</td> + <td class='c011'><a href='#Page_317'>317</a></td> + </tr> +</table> + +<div class='chapter'> + <span class='pageno' id='Page_xvii'>xvii</span> + <h2 class='c008'>INTRODUCTION</h2> +</div> + +<p class='c012'>I have not attempted to write a Military History of the +Indian Army Corps in France. I lay no claim to describing +the course of events on the British Front, as a whole, +during 1914–15, except in as far as they concern the +Corps. The excellent account written by Lieut.-Colonel +Merewether, C.I.E., Indian Army, and Sir Frederick Smith, +Bart. (<i>The Indian Corps in France</i>, published by John +Murray), both of whom served on my Staff as Recording +Officers on behalf of the India and War Offices, and who +have had at their disposal all the official records, furnishes +ample details of the movements and the doings of the +Corps as forming an integral part of the British Army in +Flanders.</p> + +<p class='c013'>I have not had the advantages of papers of reference, +nor have I seen all the diaries of the various Commanders +and others, and have had the handicap of writing most of +my story far removed from England; but it must be +borne in mind that a great part of their information was +naturally derived from my own reports and correspondence, +and of nearly all such I kept copies, and have used them. +If, therefore, in some cases our descriptions of military +events appear somewhat similar the reason will be readily +understood. Also I kept a very careful Diary from day +to day which has enabled me to write with certainty of +the events recorded.</p> + +<p class='c013'>My object has been to deal with the Corps alone, only +bringing in outside movements sufficiently to describe the +<span class='pageno' id='Page_xviii'>xviii</span>operations it took part in. I have tried to bring before +the public, and more especially my numerous friends in +India, the inside of the story as opposed to its general +aspect. Books on the war are already numerous, and will +increase in large numbers, and to attempt to enter into +competition with many brilliant writers would be foolish. +I therefore only deal with the small portion of the war as +it appeared to me, and as few if any have a better knowledge +of the brave Indian soldiers and the deeds they performed +than I have, I hope I may succeed in bringing before my +readers a true statement of facts.</p> + +<p class='c013'>It must not be imagined that I have any illusions as +to the part played by the Indians, as will be made clear +throughout this book. No one knows better than I do +how utterly impossible it would have been for them to do +what they did, without the help and example of their +illustrious comrades of the Scotch, Irish, and English +battalions which formed part of each Brigade, or of the +splendid Territorial units which later joined us, and the +superb British Artillery which paved the way for all our +efforts.</p> + +<p class='c013'>But of these History will assuredly furnish a brilliant +account. It is not always so of Indian troops; their +raconteurs are few and far between; the chief actors in +the play, still living, will probably be counted by tens not +thousands. The rank and file will furnish no writers to +thrill the generations to come; they will just pass with +the great masses of India, content that they have done +their duty and been faithful to their salt.</p> + +<p class='c013'>It has not been possible to record all, or even many, +of the deathless deeds performed by both British and +Indian officers and men, but I have added an Appendix +extracted from the official list of Promotions and Rewards +of Officers, N.C.O.’s, and Men of all Arms of the Indian +Army who served with the Army Corps or with other +<span class='pageno' id='Page_xix'>xix</span>Indian troops or with British Corps in France prior to +1916; and there will be found under the heading of Staff, +Units of all Arms and Departments, etc., what I presume +is a complete roll of rewards.</p> + +<p class='c013'>It will be observed that the early fighting prior to the +battle of Neuve Chapelle is described in far greater detail +than the operations which took place subsequently. For +this there are two reasons. First, I was able to keep very +full notes of all occurrences as they took place, and for the +first three months indeed all ordinary papers went no +farther than my own Army Corps. But on the formation +of the First and Second Armies the Indian Corps passed +under the orders of the First Army, and the same opportunities +did not offer as previously; hence it became +much more difficult to retain copies of all correspondence. +Secondly, I consider it far more interesting to record even +the smallest fights, in which the Indians bore a share +whilst they were still new to the game and had not become +versed and seasoned in the intricacies of trench warfare.</p> + +<p class='c013'>I have considered it a sacred duty, and to the best of +my ability I have endeavoured to place on record the +loyalty, courage, and devotion of the King’s soldiers from +Hindustan.</p> + +<p class='c013'>It has been impossible to write a book of this kind +without entering into personal matters, but so intimately +connected is a Commander of Indian troops with the whole +being of his officers and men, that the doings of the one +cannot be separated from the other, if their combined +efforts are to be intelligently described. But putting this +aside, so erroneous are many of the opinions and so ill-natured +have been some of the criticisms of the part +taken by the Indian Corps in Flanders, that it has been +impracticable to avoid writing strongly when I considered +it necessary, and hence I have not hesitated to do so. +Moreover, it is due to India to be told the facts. The day +<span class='pageno' id='Page_xx'>xx</span>is past when that great portion of our Empire could be +kept in comparative darkness; the light is dawning, and +the Great War has opened to her an opportunity which +she never had before. Her sons have shared the glory of +the Empire. From the boggy fields and trenches of +Flanders and the desert sands of Egypt; from the immortal +heights of Gallipoli; from the burning plains of Mesopotamia +and the impenetrable jungles of East Africa, +comes up with one voice, from the thousands who fought +and bled for England:</p> + +<div class='lg-container-b c014'> + <div class='linegroup'> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>India has taken a new birth; the heavens above, the sea, the earth</div> + <div class='line'>Have changed for aye, the darkness dies, light has illumined all men’s eyes,</div> + <div class='line'>Since Armageddon’s day.</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c013'>I am indebted to many officers of the Army Corps +for short stories and some details regarding their units, but +I have avoided asking any of them for information which +might raise controversial matters, and for anything contained +in this book I take full responsibility. My thanks +are due to Professor John Wardell, late Professor Modern +History and Lecturer Military History, Trinity College, +Dublin, for having furnished me with some interesting +diaries of deceased and other officers as well as extracts +of letters written from France.</p> + +<p class='c013'>In a few instances I have taken the liberty of copying +the numbers of casualties suffered by the Corps, as well +as the names of certain officers and men rewarded, from +the semi-official history quoted above—<i>The Indian Corps +in France</i>. Unfortunately many very useful manuscripts, +notes, and returns on the way to me in Bermuda were +lost in the <i>Adana</i> when that ship was torpedoed in the +Atlantic.</p> + +<div class='lg-container-l'> + <div class='linegroup'> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in4'><span class='sc'>Bermuda</span>,</div> + <div class='line'><i>20th October 1919</i>.</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<div class='chapter'> + <span class='pageno' id='Page_1'>1</span> + <h2 class='c008'>CHAPTER I</h2> +</div> + +<p class='c012'>On the 5th September 1914 I was quartered at Murree in +the Punjab, and within a few days of finishing my four +years’ tenure of command of the Northern Army in India, +when the good news reached me that I was to proceed to +France in command of the Indian Army Corps, then already +on its way to take part in the Great War. My luck was +once more “In.” I say “once more,” for I had had the +good fortune to serve in fourteen campaigns or expeditions, +and in all but two of these had been associated with or +in command of British and Indian troops combined.</p> + +<p class='c013'>From Sandhurst I had passed on to Afghanistan in +1879 and had served under that grand soldier Lord Roberts. +The Indian Frontiers from the North-West to Burmah +were all familiar to me. I had shared the bivouac and +the camp for thirty-six years with my brave and loyal +Indian troops, on Afghan hills and in the dense jungles of +the Irriwaddy and Chindwin, in Munipoor in the far +North-East of India, in Ashanti and blood-stained Kumassi +in distant West Africa. I had sheltered with them in the +living squares of man and beast in the deserts of the +Soudan, and now I was about to participate in their trials +on the plains of Flanders. It had been my good fortune +to command brigades and divisions in peace, and twice to +be in chief command of expeditions on the North-West +Frontier in 1908; and finally the Northern Army of India +for four years.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Dull indeed must be the man who with all this experience +did not know the Indian soldier, did not appreciate +his great worth, or recognise his limits. I never joined +the Indian Army, but did all my regimental duty with an +<span class='pageno' id='Page_2'>2</span>Irish Corps, the 1st Battalion Leinster Regiment. To +Irish soldiers I owe much; from them I first imbibed that +spirit of camaraderie which is worth more in war than all +book discipline; the spirit which recognises common sense +to be one of the greatest of gifts, and which willingly +renders loyal service, so long as no attempt is made to +exact it by misplaced force.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The Irish soldier is unsurpassed in the field, but you +must trust him as an Irishman. He has a right to a distinct +nationality, and is justly proud of it. No man could serve +with cheerier, better comrades than the 1st and 2nd +Connaught Rangers, which belonged to my Army Corps +in France; but of them more anon.</p> + +<p class='c013'>A word more as to myself; for in writing of Indian +troops it is absolutely necessary that a man should +thoroughly understand his subject, or his story would be +worthless. I need only say that their religion, habits, +castes, and language (Hindustani, the lingua franca of +India) are as familiar to me as my own religion and language, +and that from long and sometimes perhaps weary toil I +had acquired a knowledge of many of the dialects of the +Native Army. Thus equipped I found myself the fortunate +commander of an Indian Army Corps, for the first time in +history to be employed in Europe.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The Army of India was little understood in Great +Britain. At the commencement of the war I read, not +with any surprise but with considerable amusement, +accounts of the composition of the Army Corps. A great +part of the public appeared to think that Indian brigades +and divisions were composed of Sikhs and Gurkhas alone, +and did not trouble about any of the many other races of +India; nor were they aware that in each brigade was a +British battalion. As for cavalry, of course the “Bengal +Lancers” were the only specimens known to them; a +Sikh squadron being described by one correspondent as +“fierce turbaned Moslems on fiery Arab steeds.” The +artillery, which was composed of the finest British batteries +in the Army, superbly horsed, was reported by one paper +as consisting of “mountain guns borne on Abyssinian +mules”; and a foreign paper, writing of the arrival of the +<span class='pageno' id='Page_3'>3</span>Corps at Marseilles, solemnly announced that “this Corps +has been raised and equipped entirely at the expense of +three great Indian Princes, who are now occupying the +finest hotels in Marseilles. Their names are Prince Sikya +(evidently a corruption of Sikh); Prince Gorok (Gurkhas); +and Prince Balukin (meant for Baluchis).”</p> + +<p class='c013'>The Germans at any rate were to be rudely awakened. +The shell-torn trenches and blood-stained fields of Neuve +Chapelle were to prove to them that, given a fair chance +and a sufficient artillery support, the men from the banks +of the Ganges and Indus, from the plains lying to the south, +and the Highlanders of Nepal and North-West Frontiers, +could take as fierce a toll on the day of battle as their +white comrades.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The Army of India in 1914 was trained for a Frontier +war or minor oversea expeditions, and for these purposes +was to a certain extent sufficiently well armed and equipped, +but by no means fully so. The training had been improved +out of all recognition since Lord Kitchener formed a +General Staff and instituted his “Test”; at the time a +much debated innovation, but one which, in my opinion +and that of many of those best qualified to judge, was a +turning point in the field training of the Army. It had +at least set up emulation and given a chance to all classes +of which that Army is composed, so that even Corps in +outlying unknown stations were brought into the competition, +and the spurt thus given to military training had far-reaching +effects.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The Army had had no opportunities for the higher +training which was required for European warfare. The +parsimony of the Indian Government had put a heavy +clog on the military wheel. Money could be had for +everything except preparation for war. It was far easier +to get thousands of pounds for some perfectly useless +scheme which might possibly benefit some local cause, +than to extract a hundred pounds for anything to which +attached the aroma of the Army. Indeed, so extraordinary +was the antipathy to spending a farthing on anything +savouring of gunpowder that officers and men, British +and Indian, had accepted it as a cardinal principle that +<span class='pageno' id='Page_4'>4</span>expenditure on the Army, however necessary or urgent, +was a matter of small concern to the Government, and +that, sink or swim, nothing but unforeseen upheaval or +disaster, would ever worm a rupee from the civilian rulers +in whose hands rested the decision.</p> + +<p class='c013'>In England there was at least our Expeditionary Force +(or a great part of it) ready for war; its transport and +equipment could be completed at the shortest notice, and +its Reserves could be quickly called up. But in India, +where, if anywhere in the Empire, it was essential that +several divisions should be able to take the field at any +moment, no such organisation existed. True it is that +many thousands of men stood armed and ready to quell +local disturbances or Frontier forays, but the mobilisation +of a force consisting of even two divisions could not be +completed in all its details for weeks. It is no answer to +say that India was able to despatch two divisions to +Europe at short notice. Two divisions certainly sailed +from Karachi and Bombay, but their equipment had to +be completed at Marseilles, at Orleans, and actually in the +battle area itself, whilst the artillery was only made up +by denuding other divisions of their guns. The rifles +were of a pattern which did not suit the latest class of +ammunition with which the Army at home was supplied, +and both rifles and ammunition had actually to be handed +into store at Marseilles and fresh arms issued. To any +one acquainted with the science of musketry, and that in +the days when our infantry had to depend on this arm +alone; when hand-grenades and trench mortars were +unknown; it will readily be understood that the handicap +of going into action with brand new arms was a very real +one. Even the machine-guns, which in some cases were +much worn, had to be refitted with new tripods as best it +could be managed at Orleans. Further, there were no +howitzers, no mechanical transport, a scant supply of +medical equipment and signalling apparatus, and innumerable +other shortages which were essential to a force +suddenly dumped down from railhead into the trenches. +All these were supplied in abundance in France as soon +as it was possible; indeed the excellence and rapidity +<span class='pageno' id='Page_5'>5</span>with which this was done was astonishing to us who +remembered the cheese-paring days in India, but it proved +what a fool’s paradise we had been bred in, and on what +sandy foundations the structure of the Indian Army rested.</p> + +<p class='c013'>I have no desire unnecessarily to string out the manifest +disadvantages the Indian Corps laboured under, but I +have heard too much the criticisms of our Indian troops +by soldiers and civilians, who are without the faintest +knowledge of what they talk about, and it is only right +that the truth should be known. There is a growing +body of Indians who have every desire but no means of +ascertaining the facts, and if this book can be of any use +in helping to explain to my numberless friends and acquaintances +in India the splendid deeds of their brethren who +fought and bled on the sodden plains of Flanders under +handicaps which must have been seen and felt to be understood, +I shall be more than rewarded. Moreover, as +commander of those troops during a year of the war I had +opportunities of knowing many details unknown to others, +and now that the war is over I am free to write the truth +which for years has been of necessity suppressed.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Whatever may have been the shortcomings of the +Indian Army it possessed one asset which never stood it +in better stead than in France; its British officers, although +far too small in number, were the salt of the earth. As +leaders of men, comrades and friends of their Indian +officers, sepoys, and sowars, as loyal and brave gentlemen, +they could not be surpassed. I always believed in them, +but in France my belief was heightened to profound +admiration, and as death took its heavy toll day by day +I knew that by no means could they be replaced; for the +great essential was that they should know their men and +their language, and this became impossible as India sent +more and more troops to the various theatres of war.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Next to the British were the Indian officers, most of +them men who had earned their commissions by brave +and loyal service, of fighting stock, with martial traditions, +ready to give their lives for their King-Emperor, proud +of the profession of arms; they formed the essential +link between the British officers and men. In ordinary +<span class='pageno' id='Page_6'>6</span>circumstances in the Field they were well fitted to fill +temporarily the place of their lost British leaders, and +many instances of this I shall relate.</p> + +<p class='c013'>I tread perhaps on thorny ground, but after a life spent +with them in many lands, I do not consider they can +replace the British officer in the field. I have discussed +this with numerous Indian officers and soldiers of all +classes, but I never met one who did not practically agree +with me. There no doubt are in India some who will lay +claim to this, but I firmly believe the British officers, +who are the truest friends of the Indian soldier, will +unanimously agree with me. If bravery and self-sacrifice +were alone to be considered then by all means the Indian +can take his place in any rank, but training and temperament +at present stand in his way.</p> + +<p class='c013'>What is now being wisely done is to increase the pay +of the Indian officers and men. The pay of Indian officers +especially was almost an insult to a class so loyal and +devoted, and it must be very largely increased; they +should be given rank corresponding to their British +comrades, and precedence equal to, if not above, their +civilian confrères.</p> + +<p class='c013'>This was one of the sorest points with Indian officers. +To the ordinary observer like myself, at Durbars and +public gatherings it was plain that they never received +their proper share of <i>Izzat</i> (honour). No doubt I shall +be told this was all thought out and arranged by the +Government, but I speak from practical experience, not +from the edicts of Simla and Delhi. The Indian officer +was not treated with the respect which was his due and +which he has earned in arduous service on many fields of +war. It was a feeling very strongly held by them and +must be set right. <i>Izzat</i> is a thing little understood by +any but Indians, but it is a great driving force; it raises +men in the estimation of their fellows, whilst the loss of +it debases them.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Public opinion as understood in this country was nonexistent +in India. It was a one-man country; if the man +was a strong personality he could do much; if he was +undecided his share became a small one, and good old +<span class='pageno' id='Page_7'>7</span>Indian <i>dustoor</i> (custom) settled the question in the prehistoric +fashion.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Under the Indian officers are the N.C.O.’s and men. +I have soldiered with Rajputs and Jats, Pathans, Sikhs, +Gurkhas, Punjabi Mahomedans, Madras Sappers and +Miners, Dogras, Garhwalis and other races. Each has +its characteristics, and these must be recognised by any +one entrusted with the command of Indian troops. You +cannot place them in one mould; you will not get from +them their best, unless they recognise that they are +understood.</p> + +<p class='c013'>One of my chief difficulties at the beginning of this +war was to make it understood that the Indians cannot be +treated as pure machines, and that they possess national +characteristics as varied as those between Scandinavians +and Italians. I own that Sir John French and his Staff +generally made every allowance for these facts, but there +were others who made none; an Army Corps (no matter +its fighting strength in numbers) was an Army Corps and +nothing else. An Army Corps was supposed to be able +to occupy so many thousand yards of trenches, and the +orders were issued by this routine rule.</p> + +<p class='c013'>It might be said the Indian Corps was sent as a Corps +and times were too pressing to go into such details; this +is perhaps true, and we all recognised it at the beginning +of the Flanders fighting; but as time went on and the +German attack was beaten off, I saw plainly that you +cannot expect a ship to keep up full steam when the +engineers and stokers are lying shattered in the hold. +And yet those brave men not only filled a big gap in our +battered line, but, helped and encouraged by their comrades +of the British battalions of the Indian Corps, held it +against incessant attack. Minenwerfers, hand-grenades, +and high explosives tore through them and flattened out +their trenches; blood flowed freely; but as often as they +were driven back from their front defences they managed +to return to them again. India has reason to be proud +of her sons, and their children may well tell with pride of +the deeds of their fathers.</p> + +<p class='c013'>I can look back to the time when the Indian Army +<span class='pageno' id='Page_8'>8</span>was commanded by Lord Roberts, and he paid two visits +to Delhi whilst I was Staff-Officer there. Whoever may +follow him as Commander-in-Chief, one thing is sure; no +individual will ever be as closely connected in the minds +of Indian soldiers with the name of Chief as he was. It +was truly surprising how he was beloved by all ranks. It +is no uncommon thing to hear of Viceroys or Commanders-in-Chief +who were well known to and liked by Indians, +but no sooner do they vanish from the scene than they are +practically forgotten for all time. Perhaps it is human +nature, perhaps it is common to all countries, but one +thing is sure, viz. that Lord Roberts’ name has, and will +have, an abiding place in many an Indian home for years +to come. He had the nature which earns confidence, +the open mind which breeds loyalty, the fearless character +that binds men to their leaders with hoops of steel. An +Indian Army led by Lord Roberts was doubled in its +fighting capacity by his presence, which to them was the +sure presage of victory. Without that affection which he +had established, neither to-day nor in the times to come, +will the soldiers of India give of their best on the field of +battle. May be it is a fault, and in the eyes of some +reduces their value as fighting units, but if the Empire +calls on all its sons to fight in one field, it must not forget +that human nature is stronger than Service Regulations, +and that blood is thicker than water.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Lord Roberts left an indelible mark on the Indian +Army and one which has proved invaluable to all who +have since served in India.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Another great soldier who left his mark, but in a +different way, was Lord Kitchener. His reforms were +sweeping. The training of the Army received at his hands +an impetus which will stamp his rule as remarkable so +long as we remain in India. His re-grouping of brigades +and divisions, the creation of a General Staff, the erection +of new barracks and cantonments, quite upset the slow +calculations of those who looked on and wondered. And +yet if analysed his work was only a putting into force of +principles which had long been recognised as necessary +but which others had not had the power to carry out. +<span class='pageno' id='Page_9'>9</span>Lord Kitchener with a master eye saw what was needed +and did it; he rode rough shod over <i>dustoor</i> or custom; +he was a mighty organiser and the civilians were afraid +of him. He never bothered himself over minor details in +India; he left them to his subordinates. He chose them +himself and trusted them. The inside life of Indians was +unknown to him, he went to India too late in life to learn; +he was too busy with big tasks to attend to what he did +not consider an essential for a Commander-in-Chief.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Among his many reforms were some which I venture +to say have not been beneficial. The terms of service +which passed men to the Reserve after a short period in +the ranks proved a veritable stumbling-block, and created +a Reserve which proved not only useless but a danger in +war time. The Reservists sent to the Indian Corps in +France were of this type, largely worn out, hating the +very idea of war, many physically unfit and incapable +of a single day’s work.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Even Lord Kitchener had found it hard to get sanction +for sufficient British officers for Indian regiments and +battalions. The numbers eventually sanctioned were +sufficient for frontier work, but altogether inadequate to +meet the requirements of European warfare, and this +very soon made itself manifest.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The reduction of ambulance <i>kahars</i> (trained bearers) +was another very serious drawback, but in this case it +reacted worse on the Frontiers than in Europe, for in +France, of course, a totally different system prevailed. In +1908, during the Zakka Khel and Mohmand Expeditions, +in order to equip even one division and an extra brigade, +bearers had to be collected from all the divisions in India +as far as Madras; an impossible system in an Army +supposed to stand ready for Frontier wars.</p> + +<p class='c013'>During Lord Kitchener’s rule, manœuvres or large +gatherings of troops were few and far between; all the +money available was spent on reorganisation; nevertheless +the battalion training reached a far higher scale of +efficiency than had ever previously been the case. In +order to increase the numbers of brigades and divisions, +to meet the requirements of his scheme for mobilisation, +<span class='pageno' id='Page_10'>10</span>Lord Kitchener reduced the number of British battalions +in a brigade from two to one. This for European warfare +proved a great mistake, as I shall endeavour to show.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Lord Kitchener’s name will, in India for all time, stand +as a landmark of great changes long needed. He has +been described as a hard man; this he may in a sense +have been, but underlying his hardness, to those who +were privileged to know him well, was the very kindest +heart that ever beat in a soldier. He set himself a definite +task and allowed nothing to stand in his way, and yet I +never knew a man who was more ready to listen to reasonable +suggestions, more ready to acknowledge that there +were two sides to all arguments, and when you had +convinced him on any point he was always prepared to +give your views a chance. As I shall show later he had +an intense wish to do justice to the Indian Army and was +the best friend of the Indian Corps from the day we landed +at Marseilles to the day the Corps left France. The first +telegram I received in Europe was from him.</p> + +<p class='c015'>I am glad to hear that the Indian troops are <i>razi</i> +(happy), give them my salaams and tell them I feel sure they +will maintain their records of the past when they meet the +Germans.</p> + +<p class='c013'>If there had been a few more in authority who knew +how to deal with Indian soldiers, and who understood +that a word spoken at the right moment is worth a volume +on paper, it would have been of inestimable advantage +to the Corps in France.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The first Viceroy with whom I had any direct dealings +was Lord Minto. A soldier by instinct, a gentleman by +nature, and the kindest of friends: he was very much +liked by the Indian officers. He always made a point of +having them all introduced to him after any parade at +which he was present.</p> + +<p class='c013'>During the Frontier expeditions of 1908, from the +inception of the operations to the last day when we recrossed +the Frontiers, Lord Minto never failed to bear +the troops, British and Indian, in mind; and his advice +on the political questions involved and his desire to spare +<span class='pageno' id='Page_11'>11</span>the enemy once he had been well beaten and submitted, +at once showed his nature. During his Viceroyalty the +Indian soldiers learned that the representative of the +King-Emperor had a heart of gold, and having been a +soldier himself was anxious, as far as his high position +would allow, to meet them as comrades.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Such men leave behind them traditions which in India +far outlive those established during their comparatively +short periods of high office by some others who place +Western attainments on a higher plane than human nature. +In the East this never pays; India is very susceptible of +influence but it must be based on common sense.</p> + +<p class='c013'>On the Frontiers amid the wild hillmen, Lord Minto +at once established himself as a soldier by appearing on +his first parade in uniform, with the badges of a brigadier-general +(which in military life he was), and I well remember +the surprise and pleasure of the Indian soldiers who told +me (then a Brigadier myself), that now they understood +that Brigadier was in reality a very high rank, and that in +the next expedition they hoped the Viceroy would himself +command troops.</p> + +<p class='c013'>On this his first visit to the Frontiers he was accompanied +by Lady Minto, who attended the parade and later +went over the Malakand Pass. She spoke to all the +Indian officers and many of the wild transborder chiefs, +and years afterwards the memory of her visit was still a +theme of conversation amongst the Maliks beyond Chakdara +and <i>en route</i> to distant Chitral. You can do much in the +East by personal example, you can do little without it.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Lord Kitchener was followed as Commander-in-Chief +by Sir O’Moore Creagh. As a very young subaltern I +had first met him after the Afghan War in 1880, when he +was a Captain and had just won the V.C. at Kam Dakka +in the Khyber. His cheery character had impressed me, +and I instinctively felt I had met a soldier I might meet +again in a higher sphere. His intimate knowledge of +India, its people and languages, and his early promise +marked him for distinction, and in 1910 he left the India +Office, where he was Military Secretary, and assumed +command of the Indian Army.</p> + +<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' id='Page_12'>12</span>Sir O’Moore Creagh had to follow a difficult man. +Lord Kitchener had dragged out of the Government what +in India is spoken of as a colossal sum of money. In +truth it was nothing of the kind, but it has in the past +pleased that country to call anything a waste of money +which is required for military purposes.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The military are the very root of our rule in the East, +and if you refuse sustenance to that root the tree will +wither. Time has proved the truth of this, and in 1914, +when the trumpet of Death resounded all over the world, +the Government of India awoke to the fact that there +are other things than education and law on which to spend +the revenues of an Empire.</p> + +<p class='c013'>During Sir O’Moore Creagh’s tenure of command, the +Northern Army, which I commanded, was given many +opportunities of holding manœuvres on a much bigger +scale than usual. Comparatively large concentrations +took place in the Peshawar Division and near Soneput in +the Punjab, which offered scope for working entire war +divisions against one another and also allowed many +Corps of Imperial Service troops to share in the work. +The Chief was present at some of these operations, which +he thoroughly enjoyed.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The Indian Staff College at Quetta, which has proved +so beneficial to the Army at large, was founded during +his regime, and the General Staff was permanently established +on a modern basis. He, however, like his predecessors +found himself handicapped by the difficulty of getting +sufficient funds to keep the Army efficient for war. The +shortage of ammunition; the deficiency of a reserve of +rifles; the totally inadequate numbers of Field Artillery; +the absence of howitzer batteries properly armed; the +inadequate pay of all ranks of the Indian Army, and a +hundred other most important items had to remain in +abeyance, and very soon after he left the Great War came +to test the machine.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The test has proved the fine fighting spirit of officers +and men and the dire need that existed for modern equipment. +The aeroplanes, the howitzers, the reserve materials +were <i>non est</i>, and although I do not know whether the +<span class='pageno' id='Page_13'>13</span>Indian or Home Governments found the cash, whoever it +is has had to pay pretty heavily for the failure to provide +it in time.</p> + +<p class='c013'>During my tenure of command of the Northern Army +nothing struck me more than the hopelessness of the +system adopted both by the War Office and the Government +of India in fixing the age for the higher Commands, +such as divisions and brigades, and in the Indian Army of +regimental and battalion commanders. The Indian rules +were hopeless; promotion was given by length of service +and selection had to take a back seat. Money was saved +by keeping on officers, long after many of them had ceased +to be fitted for command, as it kept down the pension lists, +and when money could be saved on anything connected +with the Army, there was no doubt it would be done +readily. The consequence was that in a country like +India, where youth and vigour should rank first in apportioning +work, exactly the contrary was the case. Merit +had to subordinate itself to rules and customs, and far too +old a race of officers were frequently placed in positions +for which they were unfitted. In themselves mostly good +and gallant soldiers in their day, it was no fault of theirs +but of the pernicious system under which they served.</p> + +<p class='c013'>But if this was the case in the Indian Army, encrusted +in obsolete traditions, what excuse can be offered for the +methods adopted by the War Office in selecting officers of +the Home service for higher commands in India? Here +at least was an opportunity for sending out young brigadiers +and generals, but nothing of the kind was done. On the +contrary, although good soldiers with good records were +frequently selected, they were generally long past the age +for brigade commands and would not have been given +them in England. In fact the War Office used India as +the dumping ground for senior officers whom they wished +to reward, but for whom they did not mean to find a place +in this country.</p> + +<p class='c013'>No one can deny these facts; they are to be found in +the Army lists of the period. It was very hard on the +many gallant officers themselves, but still harder on the +Army of India. Any one anxious to examine the matter +<span class='pageno' id='Page_14'>14</span>need only consult the comparative ages of Brigade +commanders at the beginning of the war in France. In +the Indian Corps drastic changes had to be carried out in +the field in the first months, as, to quote one instance only, +it was at once discovered that in combined operations +the Indian Brigade and Divisional commanders became +senior to Divisional and Corps commanders of the other +Army Corps. Such a state of affairs could not long +continue, and if for no other reasons, for this alone, the +changes became imperative. How unfair on the Army of +India was such a state of things! How unjust to those +brave and loyal officers themselves, who after long years +spent in gallant service for their country were pushed out +of their places in presence of the enemy—the great goal +they had lived for. And yet it was looked on as quite the +usual thing, and no one at the War Office ever seemed to +have troubled themselves where India was concerned. +Such remarks may be called vindictive, but call them +what you will the Army Council of those days is to blame, +and secure as that body may feel itself when confronted +with one whose experience has not been acquired in +Whitehall, the Army of India of 1914 will support me in +what I say.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The most important event in Sir O’Moore’s Chiefship +was the great Delhi Durbar, when His Majesty the King +was present. No need to write of this, except to say that +knowing India, its Army and people, as I do, whatever +may have been the impression left on the millions of the +King’s subjects, speaking of the Army I can say that his +presence among them has left an impression which no +other occasion in the history of that wondrous land could +ever have equalled. Men who had never dreamed of seeing +their Emperor in person, saw him with their own eyes, +knew him to be a living entity, and went away feeling +themselves sharers in an unequalled Empire. It is not +too much to say that the King’s visit did more to bind to +the Throne in loyal bonds the Indian Army than any +triumphs won by the greatest of India’s former Emperors. +Only those who know India and its people, and know them +well, can understand the magnitude of the event.</p> + +<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' id='Page_15'>15</span>The last of the Viceroys in my day in India was Lord +Hardinge. I had the honour of knowing him sufficiently +well to appreciate thoroughly the very great interest he +took in the Army. In fact I go so far as to say that none +of the high officials I ever knew in India felt a keener sense +of his duty towards the Indian soldier than he did. +Grandson of a great soldier-Viceroy who had fought the +Sikhs, his sympathies were equally with the men who had +fought for and against us on many a fierce battlefield, and +from the day I first met Lord Hardinge to the last day I +commanded the Indian Army Corps in France, I never +failed to enlist his unflagging interest in the men I commanded. +He attended the big Delhi manœuvres of 1912 +and camped near the troops. Up at dawn and till evening +in the saddle, the Viceroy imparted his own enthusiasm to +the men. He rode over every part of the large manœuvre +area, enquired into everything, and during the final phase +on the last day was like a boy in spirits, thoroughly enjoying +the spectacle, which turned out to be as realistic as mimic +warfare can well be made.</p> + +<p class='c013'>It was Lord Hardinge who urged the employment of +Indian troops in France. He and Lord Kitchener were +the two moving spirits in the scheme, and from the day +I left India he never failed at once to answer all my long +letters; never failed to give me not only his advice on all +matters connected with the semi-political aspect of affairs, +as far as they concerned my Corps, but used his great +powers to meet every request regarding the classes of +troops, the terms of service, changes in the system of +enlistment and Reserves, and in short nothing was more +noticeable than the determination, throughout the first +year of the war, which he evinced, to make the employment +of Indians in Europe a success.</p> + +<p class='c013'>I write plainly, as the Indian Army should know the +facts. The work of Viceroys, although frequently performed +in the glare of publicity, has two sides. Much of +what Lord Hardinge did for the Indians in France is the +other, or unknown side, of the picture. What was done in +India no doubt was put down as the work of the Indian +Government, but much of it was originated by him personally, +<span class='pageno' id='Page_16'>16</span>because he took the pains to enquire and knew the +facts, and more still because he sympathised with the +difficulties which attended the steering of the ship in +uncharted waters.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Of one more official I must write before I proceed with +my story, for not only were we much thrown together in +peace and on active service, but his name is so intimately +connected with the North-West Frontiers of India and the +personnel of an important part of our best fighting material, +that for many years past one had naturally associated the +name of Roos-Keppel with that of the Pathans and other +border clans.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Fifty-three years of age, Roos-Keppel had lived on the +Frontiers for over twenty years. In many political +appointments, as Commandant of the Khyber Rifles, and +since 1909 as Chief Commissioner of the North-West +Frontier Province, he has learned all there is to learn of the +tribesmen, and has taught them, if not all, then most of +what is necessary for them to understand. His life has +been a romance of the wild border land; his success has +been achieved by manly and just conduct in the face of +semi-barbarism. His fearless nature, fine personal appearance, +and intimate knowledge of the habits and language +of the clans, stamp Roos-Keppel as a Paladin of the +Frontiers. You must know the man and his task to +understand what he has done for India. Governors and +generals come and go, Maliks and Khans change or disappear, +but for many long years Roos-Keppel has been +the true Warden of the Marches.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The Afridis and Afghans know the white man came +decades ago and planted himself firmly on his borders, +and means to remain there; but the white man to the +present generation of these wild warriors is Colonel Sir +George Roos-Keppel and no other. His influence has won +their admiration, his stern justice tempered with mercy +has won their fear, and his belief in himself has made them +believe in him also.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Often in France, in the dark days of 1914, have I +quoted to the Pathans things he had said, and it always +acted with them like a trumpet call to duty. Still more +<span class='pageno' id='Page_17'>17</span>often did I wish I had had him with me, but it was not to +be. He happened to be on leave in England when war +broke out and came to Orleans to meet the Corps, and +although I tried to secure his services, he was wanted back +at his post in India, and I lost the aid of a good soldier +and a remarkable man, which I deeply regretted.</p> + +<div class='chapter'> + <span class='pageno' id='Page_18'>18</span> + <h2 class='c008'>CHAPTER II</h2> +</div> + +<p class='c012'>The decision to send Indian troops to France was at first +limited to sending two Divisions with their artillery and +other arms, and it was not till these had actually begun +to leave that orders were issued constituting them into +an Army Corps with its full Staff. I was selected for the +command, and most of my limited Northern Army Staff +were attached. The remaining officers required to complete +were appointed direct from Army Headquarters at Simla, +but I was allowed to nominate the personal Staff. Of +course it was a drawback not having a Staff with whom +I had worked in peace time, but such an organisation had +not been contemplated, and in any case I had nothing to +complain of, as no General could have found a more loyal +and devoted body of officers; many with very high attainments +and experience in the field, and all with a knowledge +of British and Indian troops. I very soon found that +notwithstanding the fact we were all new to the peculiar +warfare and unversed in the details of Army Corps +organisation, the common-sense training which India gives +men enabled us to quickly gather up the threads of the +work.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The following was the composition of the corps which +left India:</p> + +<ul class='index'> + <li class='c016'>LAHORE DIVISION</li> + <li class='c016'>Lieut.-General <span class='sc'>H. B. Watkis</span>, C.B. (Indian Army).</li> + <li class='c016'><span class='sc'>Ferozepore Brigade.</span>—Brig.-General R. M. Egerton, C.B. (Indian Army). + <ul> + <li>1st Connaught Rangers.</li> + <li>57th Rifles (Frontier Force).</li> + <li>9th Bhopal Infantry.</li> + <li>120th Baluchis.</li> + </ul> + </li> + <li class='c016'><span class='pageno' id='Page_19'>19</span><span class='sc'>Jalandar Brigade.</span>—Major-General P. M. Carnegy, C.B. (Indian Army). + <ul> + <li>1st Manchesters.</li> + <li>15th Sikhs.</li> + <li>47th Sikhs.</li> + <li>59th Rifles (Frontier Force).</li> + </ul> + </li> + <li class='c016'><span class='sc'>Sirhind Brigade.</span>—Major-General J. M. S. Brunker (late R.A.). + <ul> + <li>1st Highland Light Infantry.</li> + <li>1st Battalion 1st Gurkhas.</li> + <li>1st Battalion 4th Gurkhas.</li> + <li>125th Rifles.</li> + </ul> + </li> + <li class='c016'><span class='sc'>Divisional Troops.</span> + <ul> + <li>15th Lancers.</li> + <li>Headquarters Divisional Engineers.</li> + <li>20th and 21st Companies Sappers and Miners.</li> + <li>Signal Company.</li> + <li>34th Sikh Pioneers.</li> + <li>Headquarters Divisional Artillery.</li> + </ul> + </li> + <li class='c016'><span class='sc'>Artillery.</span> + <ul> + <li>5th, 11th and 18th Brigades R.F.A.</li> + <li>Ammunition Columns.</li> + <li>109th Heavy Battery.</li> + </ul> + </li> +</ul> + +<ul class='index'> + <li class='c016'>MEERUT DIVISION</li> + <li class='c016'>Lieut.-General <span class='sc'>C. A. Anderson</span>, C.B. (late R.A.)</li> + <li class='c016'><span class='sc'>Dehra Dun Brigade.</span>—Brig.-General C. E. Johnson (Indian Army). + <ul> + <li>1st Seaforth Highlanders.</li> + <li>1st Battalion 9th Gurkhas.</li> + <li>2nd Battalion 2nd Gurkhas.</li> + <li>6th Jat Light Infantry.</li> + </ul> + </li> + <li class='c016'><span class='sc'>Garhwal Brigade.</span>—Major-General H. D’U. Keary, C.B., D.S.O. (Indian Army). + <ul> + <li>2nd Leicesters.</li> + <li>2nd Battalion 3rd Gurkhas.</li> + <li>1st Battalion 39th Garhwal Rifles.</li> + <li>2nd Battalion 39th Garhwal Rifles.</li> + </ul> + </li> + <li class='c016'><span class='sc'>Bareilly Brigade.</span>—Major-General F. Macbean, C.V.O., C.B. (late Gordon Highlanders). + <ul> + <li>2nd Black Watch.</li> + <li>41st Dogras.</li> + <li>58th Rifles (Frontier Force).</li> + <li>2nd Battalion 8th Gurkhas.</li> + </ul> + </li> + <li class='c016'><span class='pageno' id='Page_20'>20</span><span class='sc'>Divisional Troops.</span> + <ul> + <li>4th Cavalry.</li> + <li>3rd and 4th Companies Sappers and Miners.</li> + <li>107th Pioneers.</li> + <li>Headquarters Divisional Engineers.</li> + <li>Signal Company.</li> + </ul> + </li> + <li class='c016'><span class='sc'>Artillery.</span> + <ul> + <li>Headquarters Divisional Artillery.</li> + <li>4th, 9th and 13th Brigades R.F.A.</li> + <li>Ammunition Columns.</li> + <li>110th Heavy Battery.</li> + </ul> + </li> +</ul> + +<p class='c013'>By 26th September 1914, or a little over seven weeks +after the declaration of war, two Brigades of the Lahore +Division had arrived at Marseilles. The Sirhind Brigade +had been detained in Egypt to reinforce the garrison and +did not reach France till the end of November, its place +in the Corps being filled, on and off, by a British Brigade +from the Expeditionary Force.</p> + +<p class='c013'>I myself with the Corps Staff reached Marseilles by +ordinary P. and O. mail on 30th September. I was met by +the General in Command and an A.D.C. sent by General +Joffre, and in a moment grasped the reality of our alliance. +I was only an Army Corps Commander, but the honour +thus conferred on us was a token of the unequalled tact +and politeness of the French people. Every day I served +in France I learned more, that with all our <i>esprit de corps</i> +we are not in the same street with their army in <i>camaraderie</i>.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The Meerut Division was disembarking by 11th October. +The Secunderabad Cavalry Brigade also arrived in +Marseilles before I finally left for Orleans, and later was +attached to the Indian Corps in Flanders, until the arrival +of the remainder of the Indian Cavalry Corps. This fine +Brigade was commanded by Brig.-General F. Wadeson, +Indian Army, and consisted of</p> + +<div class='lg-container-b c014'> + <div class='linegroup'> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>7th Dragoon Guards,</div> + <div class='line'>34th Poona Horse,</div> + <div class='line'>20th Deccan Horse,</div> + <div class='line'>“N” Battery R.H.A.;</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c017'>and with it came the Jodhpore Imperial Service Lancers, +under command of that fine old veteran chief, Major-General +<span class='pageno' id='Page_21'>21</span>Sir Partab Singh. His name is too familiar even +in England to need any description here; suffice it to say +he has, by his glorious personal example throughout the +war, earned a prominent niche in the temple of fame, and +as long as India endures the Rathore and other Indians +will treasure the name of Maharaja Sir Partab Singh, +Bahadur.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Amongst Indian princes and chiefs who came to +Europe, the following were attached on various duties to +the Indian Army Corps, and by their loyalty and devotion +well maintained the fame of their ancestors. Indeed, as I +look back on those stormy days and recall many rides +over execrable roads and fields deep in mire, from one end +of our line to the other, I conjure up these scions of noble +and great houses, sodden and mud-stained, and cease to +wonder why Great Britain had gained so firm a hold over +the millions of Hindustan.</p> + +<p class='c013'>It is something which our race may well be proud of. +On many a bitter field their powerful ancestors had fought +against one another; some had disputed with us our +sovereignty over the peninsula now called India, and all +were of different race, creed and religion to ourselves; +and yet here on the plains of Flanders they were intent +on one thing alone, and that was to share our toils and our +honours, and give if necessary their lives for their King-Emperor.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Lieut. His Highness the Maharaja of Jodhpore was +serving with Sir Partab Singh in his own regiment of +Lancers.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Colonel His Highness Sir Ganga Singh, Bahadur, +Maharaja of Bikanir, was attached to the Meerut Division. +I have long known this Indian prince; his devotion to +the British and his readiness to be always doing something +were conspicuous in France. His own Camel Corps was +serving in Egypt, and later on he went and joined it for a +time.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Major His Highness Sir Madan Singh, Bahadur, +Maharaja Dhiraj of Kishengarh.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Captain the Hon. Malik Sir Umar Hayat Khan Tiwana +was attached to the Ferozepore Brigade. A lithe, active +<span class='pageno' id='Page_22'>22</span>man, he was the chief Mahomedan representative with the +corps.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Lieut. Raj-Kumar Hira Singh of Panna was with the +Bareilly Brigade; and Lieut. Maharaja Kumar Hitandra +Narayan of Kuch Behar was attached to the Dehra Dun +Brigade.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Lieut. Maharaja Kumar Gopal Saran Narain Singh of +Tikari served with the Corps Signal Company and was a +most versatile man, always ready to turn his hand to any +job. Cheery and energetic, I had many opportunities of +observing his work.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Lieut. Malik Mumtaz Mahomed Khan, Native Indian +Land Forces, was with the Staff of the Secunderabad +Cavalry Brigade; and Captain Shah Mirza Beg, Jodhpore +Lancers, was an A.D.C. in the same Brigade.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Last, but by no means least, was one of the best soldiers +I ever met, Risaldar Khwaja Mahomed Khan, Sirdar +Bahadur, I.D.S.M., of the Guides Cavalry, my Indian +A.D.C. He had served as A.D.C. to Lord Kitchener when +he was Commander-in-Chief, and twice with me on frontier +expeditions in 1908. Brave, loyal to the core; hard as +nails; always cheerful and very hard working, it was a +pleasure to serve with such a real gentleman. He was +invaluable in France, for although he knew but little +English and very little French he was liked by all, British +and Allies. He was the connecting link between me and +all our Indian officers, and by his tact arranged many +matters of considerable local importance to us. The +Indian Government owes him a debt of gratitude; I hope +they will not forget it.</p> + +<p class='c013'>No one who knew <i>The Khwaja</i>, as he was familiarly +known, could fail to see in him the best type of Indian +officer; and in his remote village of Hamza Kot in the +Yousafzai plain beneath the shadow of the Buner hills, he +will often recall the bleak but stirring days we worked +together from Givenchy and Festubert to Neuve Chapelle.</p> + +<p class='c013'>At Marseilles the Indian troops were camped in various +localities either in or within a few miles of the town. We +had our field service tents, and except for the surroundings +and the awful state of the ground from incessant rain, +<span class='pageno' id='Page_23'>23</span>one might have been back in Northern India. But in +those early days of the war everything was new to all +ranks, and no matter what the discomforts it was a sudden +drop into dreamland.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Take a look at the race-course by the sea. Leaning on +the rails are twenty or thirty French, men, women, and +children, watching our Indian soldiers cooking their +evening meal; these have doffed their khaki uniform and +are now clothed in the scantiest of garments. They +exchange words, French and Hindustani; a French child +offers one of them a sweet, the Indian gives a chapatty in +return; cigarettes are offered by a passer-by; a Mahomedan +pulls out from his haversack a bamboo flute and plays a +ditty; all laugh heartily. The West has already conquered +the East; the East has sown a seed which gradually +grew until within a few months Indians in Flanders were +entering shops, bargaining and buying as if they were to +the manner born, and the vendors were even more civil to +them than to Europeans, and that is saying much for those +fine people the French.</p> + +<p class='c013'>What may eventually be the result of all the friendliness +and <i>camaraderie</i> between the French and Indians is hard +to say. It will have its advantages; it will assuredly have +its disadvantages. “East is East and West is West”: +the Ganges and the Seine flow in different directions; the +artificial meeting of these waters may not be an unmixed +blessing. The Hindu on his return to Kashi (Benares) or +the Mahomedan at his prayers at the Jumma Musjid at +Delhi may think differently of the white races across the +sea to what he thought before the transports bore him +across the <i>kala-pani</i>, the black water.</p> + +<p class='c013'>However, although everything may be changed after +this war, personally I believe the East will return to its +own ways, and very rightly so, and that the next generation +of ordinary Indians will talk of France, Gallipoli, and +Mesopotamia much as we do of the conquest of Mexico +or of Peru.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Whilst the Corps was collecting and getting re-equipped +with new rifles, etc., I was summoned to General Headquarters, +on the Aisne, and travelled <i>via</i> Paris and thence +<span class='pageno' id='Page_24'>24</span>by motor-car. At General Headquarters I saw Sir John +French, and learnt from him that our Army was very +shortly to be transferred from the Aisne to Flanders, and +that the Indian Corps was to hasten its departure and +join them there; he indicated the region of La Bassée, +and although heavy fighting went on before we actually +took our place in the trenches, it was immediately west of +La Bassée that we eventually did so. He asked me many +questions, and whether I had anything particular to point +out. My only request was that I hoped my Corps would +not be split up before we could be more or less concentrated, +for I had a very shrewd idea we should find ourselves in +trenches in Flanders and that the days of normal past +European warfare were near their end on the Western +front. I was not far wrong, but, as I shall show later, +the situation was such when the Lahore Division arrived, +that several battalions were at once taken from their +brigades and thrown in anyhow with cavalry and infantry +to help stem the German rush between Ypres and La +Bassée.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The times were abnormal and the necessity was great, +but it was very unfortunate for the Indian troops that +before they had time to realise their position, or gather +whether they were facing east or west, they were separated +from their own British battalions and broken up into half +battalions and even companies, and rushed into the whirlwind +of Ypres amidst those who were strangers to them.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Then came realistically home to them the shortage of +British officers. Twelve was the total war complement +per battalion—twelve marked white men; nobly these +and the gallant Indians did their duty, but the tempest +was on them and the British officers were practically +blotted out. The Indian officers and men fought fiercely, +but notwithstanding that the other British troops of all +classes around them were setting a deathless example of +glory, the fact remained that the Indians were fast losing +the officers who knew them and whom they trusted beyond +all things; and of the strangers there were none who +could talk their language or understand them.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Those who take up the pen to criticise should first put +<span class='pageno' id='Page_25'>25</span>themselves in the place of these men, who had crossed +the seas to fight for England, without any personal cause +in the quarrel, and inspired alone by the duty they owed +their King-Emperor because they had eaten his salt. It +is a story of loyalty never surpassed in the annals of history, +but the narration of these events will follow in the next +chapter.</p> + +<p class='c013'>I returned to Marseilles, and was in Orleans a few days +later; here the two Divisions and all their belongings were +being concentrated and moved on, as equipped with +mechanical and horse transport. The French General in +Command of the District was greatly interested in the +troops and witnessed a march past after an inspection +parade.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The Indians were much impressed by the statue of +Joan of Arc, which stands in a large square of the town; +they had just heard the story of the Maid, and I saw them +assembled in groups round the statue, and some companies +which happened to be passing came to attention and turned +their faces towards it. Could the Maid have ever dreamed +that the Aryans from the far waters of the Indus and the +slopes of the great Himalayas would one day learn to +honour her as her own countrymen would do? But every +day in France in 1914–15 was a lesson in psychology.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The mechanical transport handed over to us at Orleans +was a revelation. The great retreat from Mons had taken +its terrible toll, England was being called on to face +difficulties of sea and land transport undreamed of but +a few months previously; our armies were fighting for +dear life, and these must needs of course be supplied first, +and yet that great organiser Lord Kitchener had found +it possible to send us motor transport sufficient for our +immediate needs, and all up to time. Indeed it was we +who had to hurry to keep pace with the urgent call from +the trenches.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Had the mechanical transport been the sole difficulty, +that had already been solved, but with the horse vehicles +it was a totally different affair. No need to dilate on this; +we knew they were doing their best for us and we meant +to do our best with what was given us; but in truth the +<span class='pageno' id='Page_26'>26</span>medley of carts of every description that met my eye the +first morning at Orleans was enough to turn one’s hair grey.</p> + +<p class='c013'>A vast plain, now converted into a bog, was literally +strewn with vehicles and horses; every species of conveyance +found a place, and the fair at Nijni Novgorod +could not have shown greater variety; the char-a-banc +and the baker’s cart; structures on prehistoric springs; +pole and draught harness; horses in hundreds without +collars, head or heel ropes—in fact, just loose. It might +have appeared grave if it had not been so amusing. But +the cart horses and harness were all as nothing to the +drivers. Good fellows, who a month later had become +useful soldiers, to-day they were indeed a sore trial. I +went round to one diminutive man and said, “Do you +know anything about horses?” “I do not,” was his +reply. “How many days have you been a soldier?” +“Thirteen days.” He was doing his best to find his horses, +which in company with many others were taking a stroll +along the banks of the Loire anywhere within five miles +of the camp. I liked that man.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Such were some of our first trials, but what minute +ones in comparison to the real ones we should soon be +facing. The Indian soldiers could not understand all +these things! The motor lorries were new to them, and +they simply took it for granted that in a European war +everything was going to be new. But to see hundreds of +magnificent horses wandering about because there was +nothing to fasten them with, and drivers who were very +much at sea, with a force going into the field, they did +not understand. They have learned a good many things +since.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Of all arms of the Indian Corps there was one not +surpassed in any army—the Field Artillery. True, that +to furnish the British equivalent of a corps in guns many +other divisions in India had lost their brigades, but the +artillery as it stood was near perfection. Superbly horsed; +with officers and men who had been trained on excellent +and varied manœuvre grounds; comparatively old, and +in every respect highly disciplined soldiers; the field +artillery I had in France was a thing any General might +<span class='pageno' id='Page_27'>27</span>well envy. And moreover, as it was put to no such test +as the Mons retreat it went into action fully equipped, +and remained throughout the year the Corps was in France +a fine fighting machine. Officers and men disappeared as +in other brigades of the Expeditionary Force, but the +nucleus remained, and improved as time went on.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The Indian Divisions had each an entire regiment of +cavalry attached as Divisional troops, and in addition a +battalion of Pioneers, and in this respect were ahead of +British troops in organisation. These Pioneer battalions +proved of inestimable value, being trained in various +kinds of technical work as well as all ordinary fighting +duties. In addition each Division had two companies of +Sappers and Miners; acknowledged by all who have ever +seen them in the field to be some of the finest engineer +troops in our army.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The Indian <i>kahars</i> or stretcher-bearers attached to +the field ambulances are a peculiarity of India. In +France they did most excellent work; purely non-fighting +men, they are callously brave under fire, going about their +duty with a calm air which appears to say, “I am not a +fighting but a healing man, therefore they will never shoot +me”—for this in fact is what one of them said to me. +The <i>kahar</i> of course takes his chance, but I doubt if that +man had ever heard of the Huns.</p> + +<p class='c013'>On the 18th October two Brigades of the Lahore +Division left Orleans and were on the Flanders front by +the 21st, and the Meerut Division following them reached +St. Omer by the 29th of the month. These were followed +by the Secunderabad Cavalry Brigade and Jodhpore +Lancers, and thus the whole of the Corps that had so far +arrived in France was at last facing the Germans.</p> + +<p class='c013'>A great surprise to me, once we found ourselves in +Flanders, was the ease with which everything worked. +The Indian troops, as is well known, have their own peculiar +customs. Their religious scruples and their feeding have +to be arranged for on lines entirely different to British +soldiers. All these details might reasonably have been +expected to cause considerable difficulties, but we had been +preceded by Staff Officers conversant with all the requirements, +<span class='pageno' id='Page_28'>28</span>and General Headquarters gave such a free hand +in these matters and so readily fell in with every suggestion +which they felt was necessary, that in a very few days +things were working more smoothly than in India itself, +where unfortunately red tape, Babus, and Returns clog +the wheels to such an extent as to render the machinery +frequently almost immovable.</p> + +<p class='c013'>India was now to be put to the test. Thirty, and +even twenty, years previously it had been looked upon as +the best training ground for the army. Indian campaigns +had produced many distinguished soldiers. Names like +those of Nicholson, Colin Campbell, Havelock, Roberts, +had immortalised its army; and only recently Lord +Kitchener had reorganised it, but the years of desert +warfare in Egypt and the war in South Africa had shorn +India of many of its attractions. It was no longer looked +on by many good soldiers as the best, or even as a good +school. I had known some who had refused high commands; +others who felt European war was in the air and +had no intention of cutting themselves adrift from home, +where lay the best chance of being employed. For me +personally there was the ever-present knowledge that but +few of those directing the great military machine in France +knew anything about the Indians, and yet the very nature +and composition of the corps must be thoroughly recognised +if the fullest advantage was to be taken of it. We did +know, fortunately, that His Majesty the King not only +had his Indian soldiers’ welfare at heart, but also that we +should always have his earnest support, and this was a +tower of strength to us. We knew also that Lord Kitchener +would watch our progress and back up our needs.</p> + +<p class='c013'>So far so good, but something more was needed. Did +our immediate commanders grasp the fact that our strength +in bare numbers as compared with a British Army Corps +was 5400 bayonets short? Did they realise that our +reinforcements were precarious, and had to come thousands +of miles across the seas? They could not know what I +did, viz. that a very large proportion of our reservists, +which must form a great part of such reinforcements, +were quite useless for European warfare, owing to the +<span class='pageno' id='Page_29'>29</span>pernicious reserve system then prevailing in India. Could +they tell that the drafts, before many months had gone by, +would begin to consist of recruits enlisted immediately +before or during the war?</p> + +<p class='c013'>A former War Minister in England had once told me +that in four months Britishers could be turned into good +soldiers, fit to fight in Europe. Perhaps he was right; +perhaps this great war has proved it; but “East is East +and West is West,” and notwithstanding my admiration +for the Indians and believing them to be first-class fighting +material, I can positively assert that it is impossible to +make good soldiers of them in four months or even in a +much longer period. Education, temperament, the difference +between having and not having a cause in the quarrel, +must perforce be considered. From the day I left India +I had revolved all these matters in my mind, and now the +time had come when we must put our whole soul into the +battle.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The day of my arrival at St. Omer, the British Headquarters, +was indeed one to be remembered. Asia had +dropped into Europe; the descendants of Timour, of +Guru Govind, of the ancient Hindus, had come to fight +the Huns on the historic plains of Flanders. Seventy +miles in a direct line from us lay the immortal field of +Waterloo; seventy-five miles away were the cliffs of +Dover. The man must have been carved out of wood +who would not have rejoiced at his good fortune; the +heart atrophied that did not beat the faster at the thought +that he was given a chance, however humble, of taking +his share in the greatest conflict of all times.</p> + +<p class='c013'>As I motored to General Headquarters, methought +the temple bells on Ganges banks were ringing, and the +millions of devotees offering their prayers for their loved +ones so far away, in a land which none could conjure up +even in imagination. The voices of the muezzins were +ascending from thousands of mosques, from the Afridi +hills to the Deccan plains and away beyond, calling on +Allah to protect their kith and kin and give them victory. +The Golden Temple of Amritsar was sending up its call +to Ishwar, with <i>fatehs</i> for the soldiers of the Khalsa. On +<span class='pageno' id='Page_30'>30</span>the mighty Himalayas, the home of the Highlanders of +Nepal, the sturdy little Gurkhas, I could see many +thousands who knew nothing of Europe or any land beyond +their own, but who did know that their kinsfolk could die +like men, and they were calling in their simple faith on +the Creator to watch those who from loyalty to their +King-Emperor had crossed the great unknown sea. And +then the car stopped, and my vision faded, for I was at +General Headquarters, and on a large table covered with +small flags was the map of the British trenches, and +standing beside it was the Field-Marshal Commander-in-Chief.</p> + +<p class='c013'>I had only met Sir John French three times in my life, +but even had I never met him before I would have been +glad to serve under his command, for he spoke so directly +and with a manner that proved his sincerity and his confidence +in himself and his army. There was no bluster, +but just a man in high authority speaking to another, +who, he recognised, had a difficult task before him and +meant to do his level best. I went away happy.</p> + +<p class='c013'>I once asked one of my African soldiers, “Who is the +greatest man in the world?” He promptly answered, +“You are.” I asked him why, and he replied, “Because +you are my Commander-in-Chief.” Simple fellow, but I +felt rather like him for the moment.</p> + +<div class='chapter'> + <span class='pageno' id='Page_31'>31</span> + <h2 class='c008'>CHAPTER III</h2> +</div> + +<p class='c012'>From General Headquarters I proceeded to my billet at +Merville for the night, and was met by the Frenchman, +his wife and children, in whose house I was quartered. +The room had only been vacated by another occupant an +hour previously, and the hall and drawing-room bore the +marks of hurry and scurry everywhere. I was often in +the year to come to be the uninvited guest of other French +people, but these were enough to show me the great heart +of France; a heart so true and brave that it at first set +one wondering what manner of people is this.</p> + +<p class='c013'>When I got to know them better I ceased to wonder; +I ceased to doubt what might be the end of it all; this +glorious race in its dire trial was indeed setting an example +to the whole world. My hosts could not do enough to +help me; tea was served: the children ran up and down +stairs carrying something, anything, so long as they could +show they were anxious to make me welcome. I thought +perhaps they imagined the Indian General was some +peculiar class of animal, but no! I soon discovered it was +because I was an ordinary Englishman and they were +typical French, that their kindness was lavished on me. +And as months went on and we mixed more and more +with them, we all discovered that high as had always been +our opinion of our neighbours across the Channel, we had +known but little of them after all. The unselfishness of +their race is to my thinking unique; and from civilians, +men and women alike, I never received anything but the +greatest courtesy. For two months my corps held the +trenches next to the French, and during that time I +conceived a liking for their soldiers, and an admiration +<span class='pageno' id='Page_32'>32</span>for their brave and courteous Generals and Staffs that I +had never thought possible to entertain towards any other +than our own army.</p> + +<p class='c013'>There was never any kind of difficulty in working +with a French General; one was only too glad to meet +his wishes, for they were always expressed with courtesy, +a natural gift with them, sometimes sadly lacking with us.</p> + +<p class='c013'>I had the honour of knowing and working with General +de Maud’huy, Commanding the Xth Corps, and General +Maistre, Commanding the XXIst Corps d’Armée, both +splendid comrades in the field. Many others, too, I had +dealings with; and amongst Staff Officers attached to +the Indian Corps none could have been a greater favourite +with British and Indians alike than Captain de la Ferronays. +He joined us at Marseilles, and remained for some months +until transferred to the French General Staff.</p> + +<p class='c013'>One of my saddest days in France was when we had +to part from our French comrades for our first period of +rest, and we did not serve next to them again except for +short periods.</p> + +<p class='c013'>My great hope had been that the Indian Corps would +not be split up as it arrived but be given a few days wherein +to pull themselves together and form some idea of what +was before them. This later on became the policy, and +troops new to the country and form of warfare were not +only kept behind the trenches but were instructed in all +that was necessary, so that when their turn came they +did not walk blindly into the hurricane.</p> + +<p class='c013'>It was, however, impossible in these days; every man +as he arrived was wanted, and wanted badly, and hence +some of the first arrivals were just pushed into the firing-line +and took their chance. The Indians had one disadvantage: +their Generals and officers had no previous +training in this novel form of fighting. The British forces, +even though composed of men of all kinds, had most of +them a nucleus of officers and soldiers who had already +seen the backs of the Germans. The retreat from Mons +was fresh in their memories, but the advance to the Aisne +was a retort that no retreat could dim, and with these to +their credit they felt that no matter how strong the foe, +<span class='pageno' id='Page_33'>33</span>they were the same men who had turned to bay on the +Marne and driven the Prussian Eagles away from their goal.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The orders however were given, and with that spirit +which they had shown on many a field from Meanee to +Delhi and Lucknow the soldiers of India entered into battle.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The 1st Connaught Rangers, forming part of the Ferozepore +Brigade, was the first battalion of the Army Corps +engaged, and the 57th Rifles and 129th Baluchis were the +first Indian regiments. As the Dorsets rightly carry on +their colours the motto, “Primus in Indis,” so surely +should each of these two battalions be given “Primus in +Europa,” a fitting reward for their good fortune. On the +22nd October 1914 the Connaughts arrived at Wulverghem +by motor buses, a new form of battle transport, and on +the 23rd a portion of them took the place of the Essex +regiment in the trenches in front of Messines. The +remainder of the battalion next day relieved cavalry on +the same front.</p> + +<p class='c013'>On the 26th October they were again relieved by +cavalry, during which operation they suffered some +casualties. Rendezvousing near Wytschaete they shortly +afterwards received orders to attack the German trenches +near Gapaard in conjunction with the 57th Rifles, both +then being under the orders of the First Cavalry Division. +The 129th Baluchis attached to the 3rd Brigade of the +Second Cavalry Division operated on their left.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The Connaughts’ attack was led by Lieut.-Colonel H. +Ravenshaw, Major Murray being in command of the +firing supports. Owing to darkness it was found impossible +to keep touch with the 57th, but eventually Captain +Payne’s company, after passing through a fairly heavy fire, +rushed three German trenches, taking an officer and some +men prisoners, and skilfully withdrew. Ravenshaw +specially commended Major Murray and Captain Payne +on this the first occasion of an attack by the battalion. +The total casualties were seventeen men.</p> + +<p class='c013'>On the 29th October the Connaught Rangers rejoined +the Lahore Division. This fine battalion, which did +excellent work on many occasions, was the only Irish +corps then under my command; six weeks later the 2nd +<span class='pageno' id='Page_34'>34</span>battalion, which had originally formed part of the 5th +Infantry Brigade of the Second Division, was also sent to +me to supplement its sister battalion; it arrived in a very +depleted state, and with only one of its original officers, +but soon recovered its condition and rendered splendid +service.</p> + +<p class='c013'>I have the greatest affection for Irishmen and have +done all my regimental soldiering with them and was +proud to have so distinguished a regiment under my command. +To those who know how to treat them they are +indeed impossible to beat in any Army, and I shall hope +again some day to meet my comrades, such as may be +left of them.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The 57th (Wilde’s) Rifles on arrival at the advanced +scene of operations found themselves in occupation of +trenches near Oost Taverne and between Wytschaete and +Messines. Sepoy Usman Khan of the 55th (Coke’s) +Rifles (commonly known as “Cookies” on the Frontier) +on this occasion won the Indian Distinguished Service +Medal. I believe he was the first Indian to gain a decoration +in France.</p> + +<p class='c013'>As stated before, the 57th took part with the Connaught +Rangers in the attack on Gapaard. Lieut.-Colonel Gray, +the Commanding Officer, was unfortunately wounded early +in the day by shrapnel. He had served with me on +Frontier expeditions, and his wild fighting spirit and +cheery manner made him a typical leader of Indian troops. +It was not long after before he was back in France with +his beloved regiment and later went on to the Eastern +Mediterranean as a Brigadier-General.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The 57th was composed of exceptionally good officers +and a fine class of Indian officers and men all round. In +this affair they did not have a chance of doing much and +their casualties were slight. The composition of this unit +was two companies of each of the following classes, Sikhs, +Dogras, Punjabi-Musalmans, and Pathans, and their last +active service had been in China, 1900.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Meantime the 129th Baluchis who were attached to +the 3rd Cavalry Brigade and were operating on the left +of the Indian battalion had to advance over very bad +<span class='pageno' id='Page_35'>35</span>ground and made but small progress. This battalion had +taken over trenches already prepared by the cavalry on +the 23rd October, and came under rifle and machine-gun +fire for the first time, and as the Commanding Officer +reported, “they stood it well.”</p> + +<p class='c013'>In the attack on Gapaard a company of the Baluchis +got to within 300 yards of the German trenches and were +quite annoyed on receiving orders to retire, but it was +necessary as the enemy machine-guns were skilfully posted. +Captain Hampe-Vincent was killed, and besides there +were forty-six other casualties. The battalion carried +out various duties between this date and the 30th, losing +another twelve men.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The movements and duties of the 57th Rifles and 129th +Baluchis, during their detachment from their own Brigade, +read strangely to any one who was not in the area at the +time. Here were two Indian battalions, suddenly dumped +down in a maelstrom, depending for guidance entirely on +their few British officers, split up into half companies, +attached to various British corps in turn, cavalry, infantry, +guns; hurried from one trench to another, from one +front to another, hardly realising the meaning or object +of it all; and then comes the hardest trial; their gallant +leaders are everywhere, encouraging and guiding with a +spirit of unselfish bravery that will live for all time, when +the hand of death strikes them down; others fall sorely +wounded; Indian officers share their fate; the sepoys +bewildered but faithful still fight on. They may be driven +(they were driven) time after time from their trenches but +such a retreat is glory, and they shared it to the full with +their newly found British comrades in those few but +stormy days of Ypres.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The difficulty of recording these events may be gathered +from the Commanding Officer’s report on the actions +round Wytschaete and Messines, which he begins with the +remark: “It is not possible to submit a detailed report or +make special mention of individuals, owing to the fact +that six out of seven British officers employed with my +companies were killed or wounded.” With the help of +the Indian officers later on, all that could be discovered +<span class='pageno' id='Page_36'>36</span>was noted, and as many rewards were given by the +Commander-in-Chief as there was evidence to prove had +been earned.</p> + +<p class='c013'>As a record of the kaleidoscopic movements of the +57th Rifles the following orders are interesting: On the +evening of 28th October the Commanding Officer was +directed to place one company at the disposal of the G.O.C. +4th Cavalry Brigade, and another at that of the G.O.C. 5th +Cavalry Brigade; these two companies relieved portions +of their British comrades in the trenches. Later the same +evening he was ordered to send his two remaining companies +to report to 3rd Cavalry Brigade at Messines by 5 <span class='fss'>A.M.</span> +next morning. Headquarters of the battalion were +ordered to remain at Wytschaete; and to complete the +break up, the machine-gun section was sent to the 4th +Cavalry Brigade. Of course the situation was such as to +render even such extraordinary orders necessary, but my +object in quoting them is to show the immense difficulties +the battalions had to face under most abnormal conditions, +and the fact that notwithstanding the shortage of British +officers, and hence the absence of any one who could speak +their language, these gallant men of the 57th and 129th +put up and sustained so good a fight as to earn the high +encomium and thanks of leaders as distinguished as +Generals Hugh Gough and Allenby, no mean judges of +human nature.</p> + +<p class='c013'>During the 29th, the 57th Rifles suffered only a few +casualties, but on the morning of 30th October the Germans +plastered the trenches of the 4th and 5th Cavalry Brigades +with shrapnel and high explosive and attacked with +infantry. About 2 <span class='fss'>P.M.</span> a portion of the troops north of +the 5th Cavalry Brigade was compelled to fall back, thus +exposing the trenches to the south to enfilade fire, and the +Brigade commenced a retirement from its left flank.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Captain Forbes of the 57th, with No. 3 Company, by +some mischance did not receive the orders to retire in time +and became isolated. The enemy was soon on both his +flanks, but Forbes is made of the stuff that never acknowledges +danger. He was severely wounded a day or two +after and invalided, but I was glad to have an opportunity +<span class='pageno' id='Page_37'>37</span>on his rejoining, of placing him on the Corps Staff as +Camp Commandant. As the company retired, a half of +it with its leader, Lieut. I. H. Clarke, was mown down by +machine-gun fire, only a few getting away. As the Commanding +Officer put it tersely but with how much pathos—“They +did not return.” The survivors moved back to +Wytschaete.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Major Willans, a sturdy soldier, with No. 1 Company +farther to the right had fared slightly better and was able +to withdraw with his machine-gun to the east of the +Wytschaete-Messines Road. The bombardment of the +trenches and Wytschaete continued during the 30th and +31st October, and on this latter night, between 3 and 4 <span class='fss'>A.M.</span>, +the Germans made an infantry attack in overwhelming +numbers. The supports were commanded by Major E. E. +Barwell, and on hearing the burst of musketry he pushed +forward but was killed as he advanced. A personal +friend and a brave gentleman, he died as he once told me +he hoped he might.</p> + +<p class='c013'>No. 4 Company of the 57th was bearing the weight of +a strong attack at the same time, and Captain R. S. +Gordon commanding No. 2 Company at once led them to +its assistance. As the Highlander leaped from his trench +he was killed; and thus passed away an ideal soldier. +“Jock” Gordon was a very uncommon man, loved by +all who knew him, of a nature that knew no guile, literally +worshipped by his men, on that cold October morn he +found his place in the Valhalla of his northern land.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Lieut. Malony, notwithstanding that he was opposed +to vastly superior advancing numbers, kept up so heavy +a fire that the enemy began to cry a halt and endeavour +to dig themselves in. He held on as long as his ammunition +lasted but was then himself severely wounded and incapacitated.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Meantime half of No. 4 Company was nearly surrounded, +and the detachment was left without a single British +officer; but the occasion generally discovers the man, +and he was there in the person of Subadar Arsla Khan, +one of those legendary heroes of the days of Timour. I +had known him for years in peace and war; he had won +<span class='pageno' id='Page_38'>38</span>his Order of Merit with me on the North-West Frontiers +of India, and has since added the Military Cross to his +numerous decorations. Leading a counter-attack with +the bayonet he gained sufficient time to pull his men +together, and then, although vastly outnumbered, skilfully +withdrew both companies to Messines; here the men +became separated in the streets and were eventually taken +in charge by Lieut. Reardon, the British interpreter +attached to the battalion. In the counter-attack Jemadar +Kapur Singh, a Dogra, was killed after all his men had +been placed <i>hors de combat</i>.</p> + +<p class='c013'>It is instructive to read in the reports that some of the +men in Messines “had the good fortune” to come across +an officer who spoke Hindustani, and was thus able to +direct them to rejoin their Headquarters; and the report +concludes with, “and some of them did arrive at Kemmel.”</p> + +<p class='c013'>Necessity may know no law, but you cannot expect a +dweller of these islands to ask his way of a Chinaman of +the Yangtse, especially should both have the misfortune of +being under a heavy fire of high explosive shell at the time. +You may perhaps expect it, but one often expects too much.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Captain Forbes, of whom I wrote above, was severely +wounded whilst conducting his men back from the north +of Wytschaete, where the Germans had gained a footing. +A withdrawal also became necessary from other portions +of our trenches, and Major Willans, finding his position +untenable, had retired his Sikhs on to a battery near a +windmill south-west of Wytschaete. Lieut. Fowler, who +commanded the regimental machine-guns, was severely +wounded. He had exercised his command with great +coolness.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Major Swifte, who had succeeded to the command of +the 57th when Lieut.-Colonel Gray was wounded, collected +all the men he could and on the morning of 1st November +was ordered to report to G.O.C. 4th Cavalry Brigade, +who directed him to take up a position on the right of +the 3rd Hussars. Here he was joined by Major Willans +with his own company and what remained of the companies +from Messines, and late that night was ordered to report +himself to O.C. 129th Baluchis.</p> + +<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' id='Page_39'>39</span>This battalion had, like the 57th Rifles, been doing its +share in another place. After its first experience in the +trenches it had a rest in billets on 27th October, and was +at work again on the 29th entrenching a position. Whilst +at this duty, at 11 <span class='fss'>A.M.</span> on the 29th, two companies received +orders to proceed to a bridge over the Canal north-west of +Hollebeke to support the cavalry in the château there, +but at 1.10 <span class='fss'>P.M.</span> it was moved to Klein Hollebeke to form +part of the reserve to the 1st Army Corps, and at 7 <span class='fss'>P.M.</span> +marched back to its billets. The casualties only amounted +to twelve killed and wounded.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Orders for relief had been issued for 7 <span class='fss'>A.M.</span> on 30th +October, but at 6.30 <span class='fss'>A.M.</span> the enemy opened a heavy fire +which continued throughout the morning. Lieut.-Colonel +W. M. Southey was in command of the 129th. His was one +of the few battalions of the Indian Corps that I did not then +know well, but I had seen them for a few days and made +as thorough an inspection as was possible. It had in its +ranks Mahsuds and some Mohmands, good fighters in their +own Frontier hills; the Mohmands were now being for +the first time tested in our regular Army. In consequence +these were of necessity young soldiers, but under Southey +all soldiers will fight, and notwithstanding their youth the +new classes gradually acquired the discipline which is so +essential for any military body. Southey soon after this +got command of a brigade and at once justified his selection.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The 129th was originally raised in 1846 and has always +been known as a “Baluchi” battalion. It consisted in +1914 of two companies of Punjabi-Musalmans, three of +Mahsuds, and three of other Pathans, and had seen service +in Persia, Afghanistan, and Egypt, 1882. The Duke of +Connaught is their Colonel-in-Chief.</p> + +<p class='c013'>A story is told of Southey during the heavy fighting +near Givenchy and Festubert in December 1914. When +commanding his battalion in the advanced trenches he +received a message from some higher authority directing +him to hold on at all costs to his somewhat precarious +position—“Never mind about holding on, I will of course +do that, but where are my rations?”</p> + +<p class='c013'>In this battalion was an Indian officer of whom also I +<span class='pageno' id='Page_40'>40</span>must tell a story. Six years previously I was in command +of an expedition on the North-West Frontier of India, +when one day the tribesmen had gathered in force and +held a very strong Pass. All arrangements were completed +and our attack was just beginning when suddenly, 800 +yards directly in front of my own position, a single man +carrying a large white flag appeared on a knoll and +deliberately began walking towards us. Had there been +no firing, or had the tribesmen ceased firing, the flag would +of course have been respected, but on the contrary as he +advanced the Martinis of the Mohmands began to crack +louder than ever, and presently casualties occurred here +and there in our ranks. Of course such conduct could not +be tolerated, and it appeared as if one fanatic had adopted +this ruse to put us off our guard. However on came the +flag, now at the double, and I do not think I exaggerate +when I say scores of shots were aimed at it. The man +kept tacking from side to side, appearing and disappearing +in the holes and hollows and behind rocks, but remaining +scatheless, until he was less than 400 yards from us, when +as if from a chivalry inborn every one ceased to fire at him, +and only stared at what they thought was a madman. +The firing went on steadily elsewhere. At last he arrived +where I was standing, and saluting delivered himself of +the following speech: “General, my name is Ahmed Din, +I am a native officer of the 129th Baluchis. I am on +leave from my regiment. This is my home and these +people on the hills are fools and do not know the power +of the British Government. I ask you to cease firing and +they will at once surrender. I have only one request and +that is that you spare the large village just the other side +of the Pass and we will pay any fine you impose.” Whatever +else he was he certainly did not fear death, for he had +faced it as coolly as man could do. I sounded the “Cease +fire,” and in five minutes all firing had ceased and white +flags floated all along the ridges and peaks. We marched +over the Pass and occupied the village but every precaution +was of course taken and picquets posted. Ahmed Din +remained with me as a hostage and guest combined.</p> + +<p class='c013'>No sooner was it dark than from every side bullets +<span class='pageno' id='Page_41'>41</span>came raining into our camps, and for that form of warfare +we had quite a number of men, horses, and mules hit. I +told my gallant friend that if I was killed (he winced) +the sepoys would certainly see that he followed suit. He +took me aside and said, “Remember, General, this is not +my village, mine is farther on.” “All right,” I answered, +“I will burn yours to-morrow,” and he believed I would, +but of course I did not.</p> + +<p class='c013'>We left next morning but not before the rearguard +had left the village in ashes, and Ahmed Din smiled as he +looked back on the smoke being borne towards his own +untouched belongings. The climax was reached when +later he came to me in Peshawar and asked to be given +the medal for the expedition; he got it, but thought it +rather hard luck that he was not given the field allowance +as well. Poor fellow, I met him again in France and we +laughed over the incident. He will see his native hills +no more.</p> + +<div class='lg-container-b c014'> + <div class='linegroup'> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Amid the sloughs of Festubert, where India’s heroes sleep and share</div> + <div class='line'>With England’s sons a common grave; when Azrael’s trump shall call the brave,</div> + <div class='line'>And ranks fall in and stand to arms, to answer God, not war’s alarms,</div> + <div class='line'>A tomb with crescent marked in green shall yield the soul of Ahmed Din.</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c013'>The 129th experienced varying fortunes during the +30th October; after reinforcing the firing-line with all +available men, they were pushed back by a strong German +attack. One company held on to a farm where it was +reinforced by Colonel Southey himself but eventually had +to retire. The demoralising effect of continued retirement +was beginning to tell on the men, many of whom were +very young soldiers, and it was necessary to pull them +together. Detaching a portion of them to hold a wood +to the right, the remainder were rallied in the vicinity of +a château which was held by Lieut. H. Lewis and Subadar +Adam Khan. Evening saw them still holding the wood +and some trenches north of the château, and later +three companies moved to billets near the canal bank, +leaving one company to hold the trenches north of the +château.</p> + +<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' id='Page_42'>42</span>On 31st October further moves took place, resulting in +three companies taking over some cavalry trenches, with +one company in support and forty men in reserve. Firing +by the enemy continued till 11 <span class='fss'>P.M.</span>, when it increased, +and news was received through some French officers that +a farm held by the Baluchis had been captured by the +Germans. Colonel Southey at once proceeded with Major +Hannyngton and Lieut. Lewis to find out what was +happening. The truth was soon ascertained, viz. that +Major H. W. Potter, in local command, was still holding +on round the farm which was in possession of the enemy. +It is a strange fact that notwithstanding the difficulty of +the Indians recognising the difference between French and +Germans, in this case they had been right and insisted they +were Boches, but it was the British officer who thought +them French, and would not open fire until they had +arrived at twenty paces; too late to stop them, but what +a fine example of self-control; even though it was a matter +of life and death, the Englishman refused to kill until he +was sure it really was the enemy.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Fifteen or more were accounted for when the party +fell back, and the Germans entered the farm. The last +bit of work that fell to the Baluchis is best told in the brief +official report of Colonel Southey himself: “We formed +up about 3 <span class='fss'>A.M.</span> and advanced on the left of the farm, +Major Potter taking the right, and marched up to the farm. +We killed about three and wounded three, and the remainder +who had not bolted surrendered, fourteen in number.” +That is all.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Thirty-five Germans had been accounted for, and many +of our own brave fellows, but the adventure on a dark +night in rain-soaked fields carried out by aliens in a strange +land is dismissed in three lines.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Lieut. Lewis during this advance was twice shot at, at +a distance of not less than fifteen yards; both shots hit his +field-glasses in front of his left hip and smashed them to +bits, the second one glancing off and hitting his hand. A +few days later he received a letter from a friend in Ceylon +who wound up by saying, “Take my advice and always +wear your field-glasses in front of your belt.” Lewis had +<span class='pageno' id='Page_43'>43</span>another narrow escape at Givenchy two months later. +Whilst working his machine-gun in the front trench the +Germans broke in on his right, unknown to him. One of +his team suddenly saw them coming down the trench a +few yards away, and Lewis saw one man covering him +with his rifle from the parapet only three paces off. He +gave the order to retire (these stories were told me +by a brother officer of his) and heard the click of +the man’s rifle but no shot followed. The rifle was not +loaded.</p> + +<p class='c013'>And if any have ever doubted the splendid gallantry +shown under the severest trials let them read this example +of what Indian soldiers will do when called on by their +leaders. Each battalion had in those days two Maxim +machine-guns. With the team of one gun of the Baluchis +were three men whose names deserve to be recorded: +Naik Sar Mir, Lance-Naik Hobab Gul, and Sepoy Redi Gul. +These men worked their gun until it was blown to bits by +a shell and only retired under orders of their commander +Captain R. F. Dill, who, displaying splendid coolness, +continued the fight with his other gun. And what of this +machine-gun? I believe the Victoria Cross is made from +the metal of guns captured at the Alma. The second +machine-gun of the 129th Baluchis might well be manufactured +into the future Victoria Crosses of the Indian +Army, for it has a famous story attached to it.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Dill had lost one gun but whilst the other remained he +would remain with it. He was disabled by a splinter of +shell in the head, his glorious team fell fast, but as each +man fell another took his place. Engrave these names in +letters of gold for all time: 2524 Colour-Havildar Ghulam +Mahomed, 2813 Sepoy Lal Sher, 4182 Sepoy Said Ahmad, +103 Sepoy Kassib, 3600 Sepoy Afsar Khan; and only one +remained, severely wounded. He worked the gun till +strength failed him and he lay unconscious and hence +untouched by the enemy—No. 4050 Sepoy Khudadad! +and he has lived to wear the Victoria Cross, the first +Indian soldier who ever won it. His home is in the +village of Chakwal near Jhelum’s river. There I can see +him in imagination, telling the children of the deeds of +<span class='pageno' id='Page_44'>44</span>his regiment, but like all brave men saying little of his +own share in it.</p> + +<p class='c015'>A tale which holdeth children from play, and old men from the +chimney corner.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The 129th on relief by French cavalry rejoined their own +Brigade on the La Bassée front.</p> + +<p class='c013'>And so the first experience of the Army Corps in the +war had been gained and the price paid. Not that any +one of them grudged it, nor was the toll as heavy as the +British units had to pay, and yet comparatively it was +heavier, because it was taken from men who had had no +opportunity of realising what it was all about. They had +been trained to the understanding that when they entered +into the battle it would, at any rate at first, be alongside +the British comrades with whom they had served in +Brigades in India; these at least they knew and understood; +and even if this could not be, they had every reason to +believe they would at least fight as battalions under their +own Commanding Officers; but here none of these things +happened. They were split up in fragments, and that they +stood the strain as well as they did is the best possible +testimony to their discipline and efficiency. As an Indian +officer said to me on the return of the two battalions to +rejoin their Headquarters, talking about the separation +from their own Brigades, “Sahib, they do not understand +anything about us.”</p> + +<p class='c013'>The short fighting round Ypres had cost the 57th +Rifles the loss of two British officers killed, three wounded, +and one missing out of a total of eleven present, three +Indian officers killed or missing, and one wounded, whilst +290 other ranks made up the casualty list for those few +days. An Indian battalion numbered only 750 all told—450 +remained. In the 129th Baluchis the losses were three +British officers killed, three wounded, and of Indian officers +three were killed and two wounded, and other ranks totalled +230.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Of Major G. G. P. Humphreys his C.O. wrote: “I most +deeply deplore his loss.” Captain W. F. Adair, though +mortally wounded, refused to allow a havildar and two +<span class='pageno' id='Page_45'>45</span>of the men of the 129th to remove him as it might entail +their being killed themselves. Colonel Southey calls him +“a most gallant and cool leader.”</p> + +<p class='c013'>Subadar Zaman Khan of the 129th had the honour of +being singled out as an officer of the “greatest coolness +and courage,” and Havildar Sobat Khan of the same +battalion “showed bravery and coolness above the average,” +and on the 30th October set a splendid example to his men +under a heavy shell and rifle fire by rushing out from the +support to the firing-line trenches and thus getting them +to follow him.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Individual deeds of the men are difficult to record, for +as the Commanding Officer wrote at the time: “Owing +to the casualties amongst the officers of Nos. 1 and 2 +Companies I find it very hard to get any information +regarding individuals.”</p> + +<p class='c013'>After the fighting near Messines the English papers +got hold of a story of how one “Ganga Singh” of the +129th had won and received the Victoria Cross. Pictures +appeared showing him being carried ashore in a stretcher +“somewhere in England, the first Indian to win the +V.C.” Lord Kitchener wired to ask for information, but +I had heard nothing of it and it was not till long after +that evidence could be gathered from men who had themselves +been wounded and left the battalion. Then the +true story came out, and it was this:</p> + +<p class='c013'>On 31st October, when the trench held by his party was +overwhelmed by the enemy, Havildar Ganga (for that was +his correct name), who had been a gymnastic instructor, +commanded his section and fought with his bayonet, +killing several Germans, and his weapon being bent or +blunted, and the enemy being still in the trench, he seized +a sword which he had picked up and continued to fight. +In this mêlée he received five wounds which left him disabled, +and it was nearly a year before he could be sent +back to India. He was awarded the Indian Order of +Merit, which carried with it a life pension, and the Russian +Cross of St. George.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Sir John French was always anxious to bestow well-earned +rewards on Indian officers and men, and it was +<span class='pageno' id='Page_46'>46</span>very rarely in the early stages of the war that any exception +was taken to my recommendations. This was a very +great help to all Commanding Officers, who felt that they +could count on being supported in their selections. Later +on this generosity was considerably curtailed, although +Divisional and Brigade Commanders were very careful +in sending in names.</p> + +<p class='c013'>To those who understand Indians there can be no +greater mistake than to be niggardly in the bestowal of +war honours. The Indian Order of Merit carried with it +a small life pension, and this was of very great importance +to men who gave their services for a totally inadequate +remuneration. It was the highest honour a soldier could +earn until the Victoria Cross was opened to him by His +Majesty the King at the great Delhi Durbar. To show +how well Lord Roberts understood the value of immediate +rewards to the Indian Army, after the defence of Thobal +in Manipore by Major Grant in 1891, a feat which made +India ring with praise of the gallant little band, Grant +was especially promoted from Lieutenant to Brevet Major +and awarded the Victoria Cross, and every man of his party +(I think about seventy) received the Indian Order of Merit. +How much greater were the toils and dangers of Flanders!</p> + +<p class='c013'>Willans of the 57th Rifles received a D.S.O., and his +brother-officers, Captain W. S. Trail and Lieut. E. K. +Fowler, the Military Cross. Dill of the 129th Baluchis +received the D.S.O.; and besides Sepoy Khudadad, who, +as already told, won the first V.C. given to the Indian +Army, the five men of his Maxim detachment who were +all killed were rewarded posthumously, the havildar +receiving the Indian Order of Merit, and his comrades +the I.D.S.M.</p> + +<p class='c013'>It was the fate of the Indian Corps to be allotted for +nearly fourteen months almost exactly the same part of +front, with only two small breaks in the monotony. One +has already been described, and the other was when the +Lahore Division was temporarily detached for a few days +to take its share in the second battle of Ypres in April +1915. With these two exceptions the Indians were confined +to the fronts from just north of Neuve Chapelle to +<span class='pageno' id='Page_47'>47</span>Givenchy, a distance in a direct line of about seven +miles.</p> + +<p class='c013'>If any one had thought how best to dishearten good +soldiers, they could not have chosen a better method. +Often did I urge that we might be given a change from +the same bogs and swamps to somewhere north or south, +but it was not agreed to, and so for over thirteen months +the men went up to the same old trenches and returned +to the same monotonous billets, until many of them +believed it was probably all or a greater part of the entire +British line. We often wondered what could be the reason: +I knew myself, but that is another story.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Those were the last of the days of the old Regular +Army, the staunchest and most trenchant weapon that +Britain ever possessed. Signs were even then appearing +of the younger formations, which were within a year to +submerge the old and create a new Army, in which the +names of historic corps would alone form the link between +them. But owing to those very associations how strong +did that link become; what a heritage did the old regiments +and battalions bequeath to their younger brothers. When +the Territorials and the New Army began to swamp the +battle front they had the good fortune to build on foundations +of granite, the builders of which had learned their +trade not in months or years, but in the school of generations +of soldiers who had created and maintained the Empire of +Great Britain.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The New Armies found the bogs and the climate the +same, but they also found to hand implements to dig +with, guns with countless ammunition to help to defend +or clear the way for them, howitzers, grenades, trench +mortars, searchlights, heavy guns, machine-guns galore, +aeroplanes, balloons, communication trenches, light railways, +flares, etc., etc. If they wished then to understand +the conditions of those early months of the war it was not +difficult. Remove all, or nearly all, of the above accessories, +divide the numbers per mile of trench by five, +reduce the gun ammunition to an almost infinitesimal +amount, double the enemy and allow him the high <i>morale</i> +he originally undoubtedly possessed, and they could then +<span class='pageno' id='Page_48'>48</span>form some idea of the war as it had to be carried out in +the winter of 1914–15.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The part played by the Indian Corps in the first great +battle of Ypres, in as far as it relates to the fighting in the +immediate vicinity of the town itself, has been told as +nearly as I can gather it from official reports and private +letters in my possession, but although the most critical +time was in the north, the country to the south as far as +La Bassée was the scene of incessant hard fighting and +contests for every inch of ground. Behind us lay the +plains of Flanders, and behind them the ports of Calais +and Boulogne and the shores of the Channel. The eyes +of Germany’s War Lord were fixed on these; could he +but succeed in pushing back far enough, or breaking +through, that thin khaki line, what was the prize? +Had he succeeded history might have had to tell a different +tale.</p> + +<p class='c013'>There was at one time little else between the Hun and +the sea he sought than the war-worn and battered troops +of England. How they held that line, with what fortitude +and endurance they fought, with what incredible valour +they died is already a matter of history, but the object +of this book is only to tell of the part played (small in +comparison though it may be) by the Army Corps from +India, the British battalions and batteries and the soldiers +of Hindustan, inhabitants of warm climes, fighting in a +country so strange and so unlike anything they had ever +heard of or imagined. The man must be totally devoid +of generosity who does not read and wonder with what +fidelity and loyalty they gave their lives, and in doing so +left behind a legacy of which not only India but Great +Britain itself may be proud.</p> + +<p class='c013'>It was their good fortune to arrive just at the moment +when they were most needed; just when our troops were +using their very last reserves and fighting against terrible +odds, in fact just when two extra divisions could still help +to stem the tide, and even if they had never done another +day’s fighting their advent would more than have justified +their having been sent, for they helped in some degree to +save the Army in the hour of its great trial.</p> + +<div class='chapter'> + <span class='pageno' id='Page_49'>49</span> + <h2 class='c008'>CHAPTER IV</h2> +</div> + +<p class='c012'>Before describing the events in which the Lahore +Division, the first to arrive on the scene of action, took +part, north of La Bassée, it is well to take a look at some +of the Commanders and Staffs who left India for France, +and to study the types of Indians which constituted the +Army Corps.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The Chief Staff-Officer was Brigadier-General H. Hudson +of the Indian Cavalry, son of General Sir John Hudson, +who had commanded the Bombay Army years previously. +An able soldier with much Staff experience, he later +commanded a British Division, and then became Adjutant-General +in India. He had served on my General Staff +in India when I commanded the Northern Army, and +was as good a friend as he was a Staff-Officer. He was +promoted Major-General after Neuve Chapelle. Whatever +his rank he was always known as “Huddy.”</p> + +<p class='c013'>Major J. R. Charles of the Royal Engineers had served +on the General Staff and previously soldiered with me on +Frontier Expeditions.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Major J. A. Longridge of the Indian Army later became +a G.S.O.I. A splendid character, brave and modest, +loyal to the core, and a perfect type of English gentleman, +he was killed in the trenches in 1916.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The Chief of our Artillery was Brigadier-General F. +Mercer. I seldom call men by anything but their surnames, +but with Mercer somehow it was natural not to do so. He +was always cheery and happiest on horseback, and such +men are a useful asset in war. He afterwards went as +Chief of Artillery to the First Army.</p> + +<p class='c013'>My Engineer Chief was Colonel H. C. Nanton of the +<span class='pageno' id='Page_50'>50</span>Royal Engineers. As good an officer as you could find in +that line, he was a worker whom nothing could tire, full +of new ideas, never happier than when in a trench +devising methods for saving the lives of our men, or +arranging how best to destroy the Huns, and for choice +in the trenches nearest to them. Day or night Nanton’s +one object in life was to be hard at work doing his duty.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Colonel Treherne, our P.M.O., lived to save lives; he +was one of the most conscientious men I know.</p> + +<p class='c013'>And so I could go on adding names of good comrades, +men of the stamp of Colonel A. Peck, Major H. L. Tomkins, +Assistant Military Secretary; Major W. L. Twiss of the +Indian Army, and Major Barclay Vincent, 6th Inniskilling +Dragoons; all since risen higher in rank and in the +estimation of their Corps Commander of those days.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Some there were in high places “over there” who, +when we first arrived, commiserated with me on the fact +that we were a scratch lot on the Headquarters of the +Corps; but one advantage I did possess and that was, that +they were all men who knew the Indian soldier inside out. +Camberley may turn out Napoleons, but it cannot provide +them with the knowledge which is an absolute essential +in dealing with Indian troops.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The commanders of the two Divisions belonged, one +to the Indian and the other to the British Service. +Lieut.-General H. B. Watkis of the Indian Army commanded +the Lahore Division and was the first to arrive in +France. Always an earnest student of his profession, on +him fell the brunt of the German attack on Givenchy in +December 1914. Watkis had a difficult task in those days, +and that Sir John French singled him out as the only +General among us all in the Indian Corps to be mentioned +by name, in the body of his early despatches, was a high +tribute.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Brigadier-General Cobbe, V.C., of the Indian Army was +Chief Staff-Officer to Watkis; he had served with me in +Ashanti in 1900, being severely wounded and earning a +D.S.O., which he supplemented in later years with a +Victoria Cross in Somaliland—a staunch friend, as modest +as he is brave. He served later on the Corps Staff, and +<span class='pageno' id='Page_51'>51</span>left us in 1915 to serve on the Staff of the 1st Corps, and +later commanded an Army Corps in Mesopotamia as a +Lieutenant-General.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Colonel G. Hodson was A.Q.M.G. of the Division. A +hard-riding polo player and one of the cheeriest of soldiers, +he died of wounds received in Gallipoli; another name +inscribed on the Roll of Honour of that famous corps, the +Guides, in which he had passed most of his life. The +name of Hodson is known throughout India, since the +days when the leader of Hodson’s Horse scoured the +northern plains and leaving a landmark in Indian history +before the walls of Humayun’s Tomb near Delhi, fell in the +final triumph of Lucknow.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The Ferozepore Brigade of the Lahore Division was +commanded by Brigadier-General R. M. Egerton, another +of the Guides, another scion of a name known wherever +the British flag floats in Hindustan. He served with his +Brigade until it left for Mesopotamia, and there joined in +the heavy fighting, receiving a K.C.B. and K.C.I.E.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Major-General P. M. Carnegy of the Indian Army +commanded the Jalandar Brigade; son of another Indian +General, he brought with him the tradition of a British +family which had made that historic land its temporary +home. His Brigade Major was Major Hugh Hill of the +Royal Welsh Fusiliers; I met him a week before he was +killed in the trenches in 1916, and the last words he said +to me were: “Your son will do all right.” No one who +knew him is likely to forget this gallant English gentleman.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The commander of the Sirhind Brigade was Major-General +J. M. Brunker, Royal Artillery. He was detained +in Egypt with his Brigade on the way to France, but joined +in time to take part in the battle of Givenchy in December +1914.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The Divisional Artillery was commanded by Brigadier-General +F. E. Johnson, one of those who act on the principle +that “whatever thine hand findeth to do, do it with all +thy might.”</p> + +<p class='c013'>I am not writing a despatch, but just jotting down the +names of comrades who come to mind; men who took +part in our daily lives, whose watchword was duty, and +<span class='pageno' id='Page_52'>52</span>who will, I am sure, forgive me for recording their names +here, for they were as true as they were modest.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The Meerut Division was commanded by Lieut.-General +C. A. Anderson, late Royal Artillery. A typical +Irishman and a fearless soldier, he understood the Indian +character well. No better man than “Paddy” Anderson +could have been selected for a Division. His chief amusement +was to visit the trenches, and if you wanted to find +him you could not do better than make for the front line +closest to the Germans. I do not believe there was a +single General in the Expeditionary Force who so often +visited his men in the trenches. On one occasion I was +looking over a map with him at his advanced Headquarters; +a few shells were going over or dropping within an uncomfortable +range, when one planted itself close alongside us; +Anderson at that moment had his pencil on a particular +spot on the map; without moving it he just looked up +and said with a strong Irish accent, “Pip-Squeak” (small +German shell), and went on with his remarks. It was his +way, nothing disturbed him. At Givenchy, Neuve Chapelle, +Festubert, and on the day of Loos, “Paddy” Anderson +did splendidly; he succeeded me in command of the +Indian Corps in September 1915, and shortly after orders +were issued for the break up of the Corps and it moved to +Egypt, Mesopotamia and East Africa. After the Indians +left France, Anderson was given command of a British +Army Corps on the Western Front.</p> + +<p class='c013'>To prove how little was known about us at G.H.Q.; +during an important action Anderson was placed under +the orders of a junior General of a British Division, and +informed that the officer concerned had been given the +temporary rank of Lieut.-General. But Anderson was +already a Lieut.-General, which Headquarters had evidently +been quite unaware of, for the order directed that “Major-General +Anderson, etc., etc.” As four of the Army Corps +were at this time commanded by Generals all junior to +him, it was going a bit strong to reduce him still further. +I think I am correct in saying that Anderson was the only +Corps Commander of those days who was not given any +French or foreign decoration, nor did he ever get one.</p> + +<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' id='Page_53'>53</span>Anderson’s Chief Staff-Officer was Colonel C. W. Jacob +of the Indian Army. A very thorough officer, who later +commanded the Dehra Dun Brigade and the Meerut +Division, and on the departure of the Indians from France +was given a British Army Corps with the rank of Lieut.-General.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Brigadier-General H. D’U. Keary of the Indian Army +led the Garhwal Brigade. A bold horseman and good +sportsman who had often first passed the post, ridden +down the wiry black buck, landed record fish in the upper +waters of the Irriwaddy, and shot every kind of game, +Keary impressed one by his quiet manner. He assumed +command of the Lahore Division in January 1915, and at +the second battle of Ypres gained the unstinted praise of +General Sir Horace Smith-Dorrien, then in command of the +Second Army. Keary took his Division to Mesopotamia, +earned his K.C.B. and K.C.I.E., and characteristically +refused command of a Division in India, preferring to serve +on in the field with the men he had led in action. Later +he was given the Meerut Division in India and transferred +to the Burmah command.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Brigadier-General C. E. Johnson, Indian Army, was in +command of the Dehra Dun Brigade, and later commanded +a Brigade in India; and the last of the Indian Brigades, +the Bareilly, had for its Chief, Major-General Forbes +Macbean, formerly of the Gordon Highlanders, who had +served in Kabul, Tirah (where he was severely wounded), +and South Africa.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The Artillery of the Division was in the competent +hands of Brigadier-General A. B. Scott. He had served +in South Africa, and later received his promotion to +Major-General and command of a Division.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Lieut.-Colonels P. Twining and C. Coffin were the +heads of the engineering branches of the two Divisions, +and those who knew them felt safe in their hands.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The Field Brigades of Artillery were commanded by +Colonels L. G. F. Gordon, Ouseley, and Maxwell in the +Lahore, and L. A. Gordon, Potts, and Tyler in the Meerut +Division.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Lieut.-General Sir Locke-Elliott, who had retired +<span class='pageno' id='Page_54'>54</span>from the Indian Army after holding the appointment of +Inspector-General of Cavalry, was at first attached to the +Army Corps as Technical Adviser, and later on for all +Indian troops in France. Locke-Elliott’s name as a horseman +was a household word in India.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Major the Right Hon. F. E. Smith, K.C., M.P., now +Lord Birkenhead, joined us at Marseilles as Recording +Officer to the Corps, and remained with us till after the +battle of Neuve Chapelle. He was a keen observer and a +brilliant writer. Had he been given a free hand, the story +of our doings would have reached India from time to time, +and whilst letting that country know something of the +work of its soldiers, would at the same time have stimulated +recruiting and cheered the populace; but those were the +days of reticence; nothing could be told; the cinematograph +and the Press were kept on a leash, and “F. E.,” +as he is popularly known, was severely handicapped. +All that could get past G.H.Q. was sent on, whilst he and +I were continuously being goaded by all those who cared +to send something more exciting than a bare statement of +facts. However, he kept an interesting record and one +which has since been turned to good use in compiling the +history of the Corps. He had as assistant Major St. G. +Steele of the Indian Army, and with him also Captain the +Hon. Neil Primrose, a capital companion in the field. +“F. E.” is a keen soldier at heart. He had no opportunities +of doing anything but his own job, but to do that he never +failed to accompany me on all kinds of missions. On one +of these occasions, when he accompanied me in the trenches, +his stature was very nearly the cause of some other than +he filling the place of Attorney-General in the Government; +and rather in the spirit of a schoolboy he was very often +away in places where business did not carry him; one day +his horse was shot under him, but he turned up unhurt, +and was always in the highest spirits. He was held in +high esteem by Lord Kitchener, who frequently consulted +him on important questions.</p> + +<p class='c013'>And last, but not least, were my two A.D.C.’s, Captain +A. P. Y. Langhorne, R.A., and my only son, Lieut. J. L. +Willcocks, the Black Watch. The boy has served throughout +<span class='pageno' id='Page_55'>55</span>the war, winning a D.S.O. and M.C. Langhorne had +served with me for years on the Indian Frontier, earning +a D.S.O. in 1908. A sterling soldier and a loyal friend, he +is now a Lieut.-Colonel, and has added a Military Cross +to his D.S.O.</p> + +<p class='c013'>On the departure of Sir Frederick Smith to become +Attorney-General, I was given Lieut.-Colonel J. W. B. +Merewether of the Indian Army as Record Officer, and he +remained with the Corps till it left France. He was an +old regimental comrade and a man full of energy and +wit: a clever writer and a very entertaining companion; +his presence at our Headquarters was much appreciated. +He was constantly with me when I visited billets, trenches, +etc., and he acquired a very detailed knowledge of all +that went on in the Corps. He devoted his whole time to +visiting officers and men of every unit and collecting all +the information he could gain. The results have been +embodied in the book, <i>The Indian Corps in France</i>, compiled +by him and Sir Frederick Smith, dedicated to His Majesty +the King-Emperor, and published under the authority of +His Majesty’s Secretary of State for India in Council. +Particular care has been taken to bring to light the individual +actions of officers and men throughout the time the Army +Corps was in France. He deserves well of the India +Office and the Indian Army in general. After the Corps +left France Merewether was given the C.I.E.</p> + +<p class='c013'>It is interesting to analyse the different types of races +of which the Indian Army Corps was composed. The +Christian, the Mahomedan, and the Hindu were ranged in +the service of the King who ruled the greatest Empire +known to history; this in itself is a remarkable fact, but +far more remarkable was the reason; it was this, that they +all felt in their hearts that the cause was just, and in feeling +it knew they were fighting for the right. Had it been +otherwise it could never have been achieved.</p> + +<p class='c013'>England was represented by the 2nd Battalion of the +Leicesters and 1st Manchesters, both regiments which +could not be surpassed in the field. Ireland furnished +the Connaught Rangers, like all Irish corps specially dear +to me. Scotland sent us three battalions, the 1st Seaforths, +<span class='pageno' id='Page_56'>56</span>1st Highland Light Infantry, and 2nd Black Watch, fine +specimens of that fighting race. It is sufficient testimony +to them all to say, that they not only formed the backbone +of the Army Corps, but their example in the dreary trenches, +and in the battle, served as a beacon which guided their +Indian comrades.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Of the Indians who served with me in France, the +Gurkhas were the first in the permanent trenches to bear +the shock of a German attack. They laboured under +great disadvantages in taking over trenches too deep for +their stature, and that at a time when rain and slush +made it impossible to remedy the defect. They took time +to accustom themselves to the uncanny conditions, but +the soldier from Nepal has a big heart in a small body; he +has the dogged characteristic of the Britisher; he will +return if he can to a trench from which he has been driven, +and it will not be so easy to turn him out a second time. +After the first shocks they pulled themselves together. +Taciturn by nature, brave and loyal to a degree, the +Gurkhas ended, as I knew they would do, second to none.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The Dogras are quiet, steady, clean soldiers, of refined +appearance. A Dogra battalion always turns out smartly, +and this was noticeable even in the mud-laden swamps +of Flanders. They felt the first bitter cold of November +1914 more than any other class, but they faced it bravely +and rendered great service.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The Sikhs are a fighting race, the Khalsa or chosen +people as they style themselves. Of all Indian soldiers I +know the Sikh the best and have served with him in every +imaginable condition. He does not so readily imbibe +discipline as many of the other classes in the Army. He +has grievances born of his own imagination, and can be +troublesome when it is most inconvenient for him to be +so, but he is a fine manly soldier, will share your trials +with genuine good humour, and can always save something +in cash out of nothing. In France some of the first +fighting by Indians was done by Sikhs, as I shall relate. +My own motto with Sikhs is to give them all they deserve, +and we owe them much, but not to spoil and pamper +them.</p> + +<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' id='Page_57'>57</span>The Jats are strapping big men as a rule, slow in +movement and decision, with some of the characteristics +of the Sikhs (with whom they are closely connected). They +always impressed me as stubborn fighters; not brilliant, +but very reliable. They did good work in France.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The Pathans have quicker wits than the other races. +They can see the light side of things. They do not always +answer to a call as readily as some of their comrades, but +are possessed of an innate chivalry which, although it +makes them quickly resent whatever may be opposed to +their own ideas of honour, does not prevent them from +behaving like good soldiers when appealed to. Their <i>élan</i> +is their chief asset.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The Punjabi Mahomedan did well all round during the +war. He proved himself a reliable soldier. The mistake +made in some cases in India was to enlist men who had no +claim to join the Army. There is a line of demarcation +which is well understood by those who enlist this class, +but was frequently glossed over in order to get recruits. +Careful selection is an essential if units are not to be handicapped +in war.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The Garhwalis as a distinct type were being tested for +the first time in Class Corps. The 1st and 2nd Battalions +of the 39th Garhwal Rifles did splendidly on every occasion +in which they were engaged. In fact they surprised us +all; not that we did not expect them to do well, but they +suddenly sprang into the very front rank of our best fighting +men. At Festubert in 1914, and at Neuve Chapelle, +nothing could have been better than their <i>élan</i> and discipline, +and they at once established a reputation which +will live in India.</p> + +<p class='c013'>After a long experience of the Indian Army, I do not +think that what are called Class Regiments (<i>i.e.</i> composed +of men all of one race) are the best, or in many cases even +desirable. With the exception of Gurkhas, Mazbi Sikhs, +and Garhwalis, I think the other races of Northern India +are at their best in war when formed in half battalions or +companies and mixed with other classes. In the case of +Gurkhas I only know one example of their being mixed +with other races, and that was a company of the Guides. +<span class='pageno' id='Page_58'>58</span>Their case, however, stands on a different footing, as it was +a Corps which was stationary in ordinary times of peace, +having its Headquarters at Mardan on the North-West +Frontier, and besides the Guides were an exceedingly very +fine corps. I would advocate an exception to the above +statement, and that is, in the case of some of the battalions, +the Class system might, in recognition of their distinguished +services during the war, be given a further trial. The +reasons for what I advocate are complex, but the truth +is to my thinking undeniable. Perhaps I shall be met +with the statement that this has been disproved by the +Class Regiment system in this war. I do not agree, on +the contrary in my opinion it has been proved, and I have +seen much proof of it.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The different races have their own characteristics; by +mixing them you get a combination of <i>élan</i>, stubbornness, +and endurance; you make it easier to maintain one form +of discipline for all classes; and while giving full play to +each religion and its prejudices, you eliminate the narrow-mindedness +that springs of clannishness in Eastern peoples. +Moreover the mixed battalion system makes it easier to +introduce gradually the <i>lingua franca</i> of India throughout +a Corps, so that the loss of British officers will not mean +an absence of Europeans who can talk the language of +their men. This is in any case a difficult matter under +any system, but with Class Corps it is a quandary.</p> + +<p class='c013'>What then is the remedy with Gurkhas who speak a +language absolutely their own? In this case we can do +our best to make Hindustani understood as far as it can +be, and for the rest, to encourage in every way a knowledge +of their language amongst British officers of the Indian +Army who can be persuaded to learn it. The Indian +Army without these fine fighters would be like a twinscrew +steamer minus one screw. Means can be found to +keep the ship in trim.</p> + +<p class='c013'>I have endeavoured to give some general impressions, +formed in a long life of soldiering and also during the year +I commanded the Indian Corps in the war, of my associates +of all ranks. Many names, both British and Indian, will +appear in this narrative, and some of them I hope may +<span class='pageno' id='Page_59'>59</span>come across this loyal tribute from one who bears them +in happy and honoured memory.</p> + +<p class='c013'>To the friends of those who have passed away no +words of mine can adequately express the admiration I +feel for the brave comrades I am writing of. They have +left behind them imperishable memories, which are a +precious inheritance.</p> + +<div class='lg-container-b c014'> + <div class='linegroup'> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>No need of marble pile to show</div> + <div class='line'>Where sleep the illustrious slain, below;</div> + <div class='line'>No need of graver’s art to trace</div> + <div class='line'>In lettered brass their resting-place;</div> + <div class='line'>Their own right hands in death still feared</div> + <div class='line'>Eternal monument have reared.</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<div class='chapter'> + <span class='pageno' id='Page_60'>60</span> + <h2 class='c008'>CHAPTER V</h2> +</div> + +<p class='c012'>The doings of the Ferozepore Brigade only have so far +been narrated, and it is time to describe the actions of the +Lahore Division farther south. At the time I write of +General Sir Horace Smith-Dorrien was in command of the +2nd Corps, and was holding the Germans attacking from +the general direction of Lille towards Bethune and La +Bassée.</p> + +<p class='c013'>It is no part of this story to describe the gallant fights +made by this Corps between the time of its arrival in the +area and the date on which the Lahore Division joined it. +Suffice it to say that on the 24th October 1914 the general +line held by the British ran roughly from east of Givenchy, +by Neuve Chapelle bending towards the Aubers Ridge +and passing Mauquissart, which is south-east of Laventie.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The names of Givenchy, Festubert, Neuve Chapelle, +and Fauquissart sum up the story of our existence. That +short line holds more Indian dead than the whole of the +rest of Europe combined. Who would ever have believed +in the last days of that cold October that we had in fact +taken up our permanent abode for a year to come?</p> + +<p class='c013'>On the 24th October the Germans made a determined +attack all along our line, but were repulsed, and it is at +this stage that the Lahore Division was called on to replace +some of the weary and war-worn units in the firing-line. +Most accounts which describe the part taken by us in this +particular fighting speak of the Lahore Division as if it +had been a complete unit, but as a matter of fact at that +time it consisted of less than one complete Brigade, with +the Divisional Artillery and a regiment of Cavalry. As if +determined to keep up the splitting process to the full, +<span class='pageno' id='Page_61'>61</span>in this case also the 1st Manchesters of the Jalandar +Brigade had been detached to help the French Cavalry, +and then the 5th Division, and was away for over a week +(47th Sikhs also detached and two companies Sappers and +Miners), thus leaving a few Indian battalions to start the +game by themselves. The Sirhind Brigade was still +detained in Egypt and did not join till December, and the +Ferozepore Brigade as already described had been split up +and was fighting with the British Cavalry near Ypres.</p> + +<p class='c013'>On the 24th October the Sikhs, 59th Rifles, and 34th +Pioneers moved up to the support of General Conneau’s +French Cavalry, and later relieved that body in the trenches. +The wedge thus formed by these Indian battalions was +between the 8th British Infantry Brigade on their right +and the 19th Infantry Brigade on their left. This relief +was the first conducted by any considerable body of the +Corps, and to those who did not know the nature of the +country or the difficulties of such movements under fire +by night, perhaps the description of it given me by an +Indian officer will be the simplest explanation. “I for +the first time realised the difficulties and dangers run by +Burmese dacoits approaching one of our own strongly +held stockades fully manned, armed, and ready for them. +I used to think Dacoits were a cowardly set of rascals; I +changed my mind that night.”</p> + +<p class='c013'>The enemy made frequent attacks during the night, +one of which, on a British unit to the right of the 15th +Sikhs, succeeded in pushing through, but another British +battalion immediately regained the lost trench.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The attacks continued the next day, causing us severe +casualties and thoroughly trying the temper of the men. +The length of trenches held was far greater than the numbers +available warranted, but necessity knows no law, and to +those who know the British front only as it was in after days +it appears incredible that the Germans did not now, and +for eight long weeks to follow, break through our attenuated +line on the Indian front. It was nothing but the dogged +pluck of the men, with occasional bits of good luck thrown +in, that prevented it. For it must always be borne in +mind that the rifle and bayonet alone were in those days +<span class='pageno' id='Page_62'>62</span>the arms of the infantry soldier, and as for guns, well! +they did all that such guns as we then possessed could do, +but the numbers of them were few and the ammunition +altogether inadequate.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The Brigade Reserve on this date consisted of the +ration parties alone (all others were up in the firing-line), +until a company of the 47th Sikhs arrived to rejoice the +heart of the Brigadier.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Talking of rations, it was extraordinary considering all +things with what regularity the men were fed; during +this and other particular times of course they had often +enough to do without any of their accustomed food, as +the Indian soldier does not indulge in tinned supplies; +but by hook or crook the company cooks would manage +to send up excellent viands, frequently preparing them +under conditions anything but conducive to good cookery; +and I do not think G.H.Q. ever had a complaint or any +cause for doubt as to the ability of the Indians to feed +themselves under all circumstances, at least none ever +went through me as Corps Commander.</p> + +<p class='c013'>A <i>langri</i> (cook) of a Sikh regiment whom I was +talking to one day not far behind the firing-line said to +me, “We like cooking close up to the trenches, or otherwise +the Government may refuse to give us a clasp to our medals,” +and being a bit of a wag, he added, “and then in India +they will call us the Marseilles <i>walas</i> (fellows).” At that +time many men landed at Marseilles and never got beyond.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The three battalions were put to a high test during +those first days and went through the baptism of fire most +creditably. On the early morning of the 27th October +the Huns made a determined attack on the 59th Rifles, +which was repulsed after a severe struggle. This battalion +had served under me on the Frontiers and was composed +of splendid material, and any commander could have put +implicit trust in it. Colonel C. Fenner, the commandant, +was a most conscientious, reliable soldier; he was killed +near the trenches on 23rd November 1914.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The 59th Rifles began its career as the Scinde Camel +Corps in 1843, and received its present title in 1908. It +consisted before the war of three companies of Pathans, +<span class='pageno' id='Page_63'>63</span>one of Punjabi-Musalmans, two of Sikhs, and two of Dogras. +The regimental motto is “Ready, aye ready.”</p> + +<p class='c013'>The 15th Sikhs had always been considered a crack +corps in the Indian Army, and at the beginning of the +war had as fine a lot of men as the Punjab could furnish. +As time went on, like all other corps they had to take +what they could get, but later in Egypt the General in +command of the Brigade to which they were attached sent +them a very satisfactory order, showing that a good +battalion utilises its material to the best purpose. John +Hill, then C.O., was a sturdy officer, whom I could always +trust to place duty above personal considerations. Later +he commanded a British Brigade. The 15th Sikhs were +originally raised at “Ludhiana” in 1846, and had served +in six campaigns from China to Tirah. It was a Class +Corps of eight companies of Sikhs.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The 34th Pioneers consisted of Mazbi and Ramdasia +Sikhs, and was commanded by Lieut.-Colonel E. H. Cullen. +This battalion had served with me across the Indian +Frontiers, and did very good work in France on all occasions +when it was employed; and as the work of a Pioneer +Corps is never-ending, this means it well maintained its +reputation. Like everything else in the early days of the +war, it started with work which should if possible have +been performed by another corps, but Pioneers were also +trained for every kind of work in the field, in case of +necessity. The battalion was raised in 1887, and had +served in Chitral and China.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Sir John French sent his congratulations to the Jalandar +Brigade for the manner in which they had done their share +in the line.</p> + +<p class='c013'>For two more days the Indian battalions held on to +their positions. I say advisedly “held on,” for their +numbers were very limited, and only the reinforcement +by the 15th Indian Lancers enabled them to repulse two +strong German attacks. On the 1st November the Manchesters +and 47th Sikhs rejoined their own Brigade. The +former had suffered some 100 casualties during its detachment, +and the 47th had lost very heavily in its gallant +fight at Neuve Chapelle (not to be confounded with the +<span class='pageno' id='Page_64'>64</span>battle, which did not take place till March 1915), as I shall +relate.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Between the 24th October and 1st November 1914 the +Indian battalions engaged on this part of the line had +suffered 705 casualties or practically the strength of a +whole battalion, which numbered 750 at war strength.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The 15th Sikhs lost three British and three Indian +officers wounded, including Lieut.-Colonel J. L. Gordon, +then temporarily in command. The 34th Pioneers lost +their interpreter, Captain G. H. Vaughan-Sawyer—killed, +whilst two British and three Indian officers were wounded.</p> + +<p class='c013'>In the 59th Rifles Captain W. F. Scott was killed, and +a fine specimen of an Indian leader, Captain K. D. Murray, +was severely wounded, and in addition two Indian officers +were wounded.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The 47th Sikhs (excluding their losses near Neuve +Chapelle) had two more British officers and 118 men +wounded, making a total for the first few days’ experience +of trench warfare of 294 casualties out of a strength of +750.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The names of many Indian officers were brought to +notice, of which I particularly remember that of Subadar +Natha Singh, 34th Pioneers, who took command of his +portion of the defence after his British officers had been +wounded.</p> + +<p class='c013'>It was during these events, to be accurate on the 27th +October, that I reached my first Headquarters at Merville; it +was also a year later to be my last, but that was still a long +time ahead and unfortunately we cannot read the future. +I took a sheet of paper to make a rough estimate of the +whereabouts of my Army Corps, and I will quote what I +find noted on it. It will give any one reading this an +idea of what I felt, after my hopes that we might get a few +days, or even hours, if possible to get into shape before +actually entering the trenches.</p> + +<p class='c013'>General Watkis had had a rough experience of what +breaking up a Division means, and he had with great +loyalty accepted what was naturally a blow to a Divisional +commander. It was a condition of things not only never +contemplated, but opposed to all the principles on which +<span class='pageno' id='Page_65'>65</span>the Brigades of the Army of India were constituted. If, +then, here and there, things did not meet with the approval +of the Higher Command, the cause did not lie at our doors. +Orders must be obeyed.</p> + +<p class='c013'>As each battalion rejoined the Corps it brought its own +story of the fighting; a confused medley of combats fought +heaven knows where, mixed up with British troops, none +of whom the Indians had ever set eyes on before.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Sir John French’s despatch of 20th November 1914 +says, “The Lahore Division had concentrated on the 19th +and 20th October,” and on the 29th I find in my Diary:</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c018'> + <div><i>Extract from Diary</i>:</div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c019'>“Where is my Lahore Division?”</p> + +<p class='c019'><i>Sirhind Brigade.</i> Detained in Egypt.</p> + +<p class='c019'><i>Ferozepore Brigade.</i> Somewhere in the north, split up into +three or four lots.</p> + +<p class='c019'><i>Jalandar Brigade.</i> Manchesters gone south to 5th Division +(this disposes of the only British unit).</p> + +<p class='c019'><i>47th Sikhs.</i> Half fighting with some British Division; half +somewhere else!</p> + +<p class='c019'><i>59th and 15th Sikhs.</i> In trenches. 34th Pioneers (Divisional +troops) also in trenches.</p> + +<p class='c019'><i>15th Lancers.</i> In trenches. Two Companies of Sappers and +Miners fighting as Infantry with British Division.</p> + +<p class='c019'><i>Divisional Headquarters.</i> Somewhere. ?</p> + +<p class='c019'>“Thank heaven the Meerut Division will get a better +chance.” Ends.</p> + +<p class='c013'>However, what did anything matter so long as we were +actually to be allowed to collect and go into our very own +trenches?</p> + +<p class='c013'>Before beginning the story of the combined Corps it is +necessary to tell the story of the first fight in the village of +Neuve Chapelle, a village later to become famous in Indian +history as the first in Europe in which, on a big scale, her +soldiers attacked, dispersed, and drove from their positions +the Germans in their own chosen and defended trenches.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Neuve Chapelle had already been the scene of severe fighting, +portions of it being taken and retaken by the 7th and +9th British Brigades, until on the 27th October the enemy +<span class='pageno' id='Page_66'>66</span>bringing up considerable reinforcements gained possession +of the whole village. Pushing his advantage vigorously, +our gallant fellows were forced to retire, until a considerable +salient was created in our defensive line, and one which +it was imperative to straighten out if possible. The +Wiltshires, Lancashires, and West Kents had been fighting +all they knew, and there was a possibility of a wedge being +driven between our Fifth and Third Divisions.</p> + +<p class='c013'>I have in my possession a very full description of the +part played by a portion of the Indian troops, who were +now called on to support the situation, and later to take +part in the attack on the village. I can, however, make +little use of this, as the orders received by different units +were not only very vague, but one at least did not receive +them until after the attack on the 28th had already begun. +It was therefore impossible in this case to make any arrangements, +and all that could be done was to join in as best +they could.</p> + +<p class='c013'>What is clear is that half of the 47th Sikhs were on the +27th October ordered to counter-attack, with the 9th Bhopal +Infantry in support, some trenches from which part of a +British battalion had been forced to retire. The 9th +Bhopals in the intricate country temporarily lost touch +with the Sikhs and moved, as I shall tell further on. The +47th soon met the O.C. Lincolns, and the battalion was +directed to advance and assist the companies of the +Lincolns who were held up; one company under Major +H. E. Browne on the left, and another half company under +Captain R. J. M‘Cleverty on the right advanced, whilst half +a company under Major S. R. Davidson was kept in hand.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Facing a heavy fire of machine-guns and howitzers, +the 47th Sikhs receiving their baptism of fire, for the first +time since raised in 1901, pushed forward, covering themselves +with honour, and not halting a moment until they +were into, and in the case of one platoon beyond, the +farthest trenches occupied by the Lincolns. From this no +farther advance was possible with the limited numbers +at disposal.</p> + +<p class='c013'>During this advance Major Browne and two Indian +officers were wounded, and seven men were killed and +<span class='pageno' id='Page_67'>67</span>twenty-eight wounded. I have given details more fully +than is perhaps necessary, but this as I said was the first +experience the battalion had under fire, and it served to +brace them up and spur them to the deeds which they +so nobly wrought throughout their stay in France.</p> + +<p class='c013'>At 1 <span class='fss'>A.M.</span> on the morning of the 28th October the 47th +were ordered to move and take over the trenches of the Wiltshires, +but on arrival learnt that they had already been +relieved by the 20th and 21st Companies of Indian Sappers +and Miners, and the 47th took up their position in a ditch +200 yards in rear, as daylight was appearing.</p> + +<p class='c013'>To those who know the Indian Army it will at once +be evident that to employ such highly trained technical +troops as Sappers as ordinary Infantry was to extract +the very marrow from a Division engaged in this sort of +siege warfare. As well employ a battle-ship to scout for +destroyers; but in those early days of the war the Lahore +Division was turned topsy-turvy at every stage of its +progress, and that it emerged fit to fight at all is its highest +testimonial.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Early on the 28th October the half battalion of the 47th +Sikhs was holding a line between the 20th and 21st Companies +Sappers and Miners, with a frontage of some 800 +yards, when orders were issued for the battalion to make a +frontal attack in conjunction with their comrades of the +Sappers. The plan of attack was laid down, and was to +converge on a point in Neuve Chapelle which was indicated +in the orders, and to be carried out without a stop.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Whilst these are waiting to carry out this duty, let us +return to the 9th Bhopal Infantry, whom I left under +orders to counter-attack with the 47th Sikhs on the 27th +October. This battalion had arrived at Vieille Chapelle from +near Ypres on that day, travelling by motor buses, then a +novel means of locomotion for Indian troops. It brought +no machine-guns (mark this) and very soon after received +orders to move to Rouge Croix, and whilst <i>en route</i> further +orders directed it to detach half a battalion to support the +47th Sikhs in their counter-attack, already described. +This constant splitting up of battalions was one of the most +senseless proceedings.</p> + +<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' id='Page_68'>68</span>Touch was lost in the difficult country, but eventually +this half battalion got into communication with the Royal +Scots on their left, and after further varying fortunes +reached the vicinity of another British unit, the West +Kents.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The 9th then came into contact with the Germans to +the south of Neuve Chapelle, killing several of them, and +assisting in checking an enemy advance against the flank +of a neighbouring unit.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Lieut.-Colonel H. L. Anderson, second in command, +was mortally wounded, and Lieutenant J. C. Mullaly, son +of a gallant General and old comrade of mine, was taken +prisoner while endeavouring to stem an enemy rush, amid +fighting which, owing to many causes, was becoming a +confused medley, Germans firing from every direction. +The situation now was that a big gap existed between the +9th and the 47th Sikhs, which was filled by No. 20 Company +Sappers and Miners.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Before mid-day on the 28th we thus see that the two +Indian half battalions and the two companies of Sappers +and Miners were spread over a considerable frontage, and +about to attack the village of Neuve Chapelle. It was at +this stage purely an Indian fight, no British troops being +engaged on this portion of the attack; why, I cannot +say.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Major G. A. Jamieson of the 9th Bhopals has left it +on record that the orders for his battalion only reached him +at 11.15 <span class='fss'>A.M.</span>, <i>i.e.</i> after the attack had already commenced. +Under such conditions all the battalion could do was to +detach as many men as possible to help the Sappers and +Miners who were on the move and advancing. Jamieson +later on died of wounds received in Mesopotamia; I had +known him for many years. Son of a soldier and descended +from a long line of fighting men, he was one of the keenest +of officers, always trying to do something to improve the +efficiency of his men.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The moment had now come, and the Indians are advancing +with the proud satisfaction that this is their own fight +and that the eyes of their British comrades are on them.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The Artillery bombardment which preceded the attack +<span class='pageno' id='Page_69'>69</span>had hardly ceased, when the open country was already +fast being crossed by our men; of shelter there was little, +but this only made the pace the faster, and 600 yards had +soon been covered although with considerable losses.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The men, well led by their officers, were now thoroughly +blooded, and raising the war-cry of “Shri wa guru ji ka +khalsa,” and the final yell of “Fateh,” the Sikhs, and with +them, every whit as keen, the two companies of Sappers, +lowered their bayonets to the charge and were amongst the +foe inside the village of Neuve Chapelle.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The Germans from houses all round kept up a heavy +fire, but the Indian soldiers were not to be denied, and using +the bayonet they cleared the streets, entering houses and +killing freely, always fighting hand to hand. It was a +glorious day for the Indian Army, and the story, although +briefly told in despatches, is one of which the Sikhs as a +race, and the Sappers and Miners as a Corps, may well be +proud.</p> + +<p class='c013'>An officer of a British Corps, whose fighting zeal had +led him into the fray, in describing it said: “I climbed +up into a house and looked down the street, and the way +those fellows fought was a sight to remember”; and +General Sir Horace Smith-Dorrien himself told me a few +days later that from every side he heard nothing but the +highest praise of the Indians.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Meantime the fight was raging in the centre of the +village; Captain M‘Cleverty, the bravest of the brave, +leading his Sikhs, fell dead under a shot from a concealed +German. This man was at once accounted for by a +Punjabi Mahomedan of the Sappers. Through a hail of +machine-gun fire both Corps continued the struggle, and +had soon cleared the main street.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The Germans were meantime bringing heavy counter-attacks +to bear on our scattered troops, but Davidson of +the 47th was not the man to succumb to any foe, and was +trying to form up for a final charge, when the Huns opened +rapid fire from several machine-guns, literally sweeping +the streets, and no reinforcements were at hand and there +were no signs of them coming. Thus overwhelmed, the +brave Sikhs were obliged to fall back. Once again they +<span class='pageno' id='Page_70'>70</span>crossed the 600 yards of open ground, in retreat ’tis true, +but covered with glory. They had left a mark behind +them which must have impressed even their enemies, and +as a German prisoner said months afterwards, they had +taught his people a lesson which they remembered throughout +the time they faced the Indian Corps. Davidson +received the well-merited distinction of Brevet Lieut.-Colonel.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Had reinforcements been sent up the battle of Neuve +Chapelle in March 1915 might never have been necessary; +but in war it is so often an “If.” What is sure, and that +is what concerns me here, is that the Indians fought in a +manner which at once established their reputation as +first-class fighting men.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The two companies of the 47th Sikhs went into action +289 of all ranks, and the muster roll after the fight was +144, or a loss of exactly 50 per cent of their numbers. +Amongst these were two Indian officers, of whom one was +killed.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The 47th Sikhs was raised at Sialkote in 1901 as the +47th (Sikh) Regiment of Bengal Infantry, and received its +present designation in 1903. It was composed of eight +companies of Sikhs.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The 21st Company Sappers and Miners were all this +time sharing to the full the brunt of the fighting. Captain +J. S. Richardson was killed while leading a charge on the +enemy’s side of the village through which the men had +swept; and Almond and Rohde, his two Subalterns, shared +his fate. Lieutenant Fitzmaurice was severely wounded, +and nearly 60 other ranks out of 140 completed the +casualties: A list which included every British officer +borne on its rolls, and not one remained to direct the +operations of a unit in which all skilled officers who knew +their men were needed. The I.D.S.M. was conferred on +Subadars Ismail Khan and Ganga Charn Dixit.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Their comrades of the 20th Company were likewise +fighting hard; when it was seen that reinforcements were +not coming Lieutenant Nosworthy, rather than retire, +hurriedly erected a barricade in a side street, and from this +and two neighbouring houses kept the enemy at bay, until +<span class='pageno' id='Page_71'>71</span>at last, seeing no further use in delay, he and his gallant +band, now under twenty men, worked their way back over +the open.</p> + +<p class='c013'>What a splendid record did this Sapper Company +compile in a few brief hours of that October day. +Lieutenant E. Hayes-Sadler was killed leading an attack +on some German machine-guns which were playing havoc +from a spot outside the village, he and his men being +literally mown down. Lieutenant Rait-Kerr was severely +wounded while voluntarily crossing the open to bring up +reinforcements, but endeavoured nevertheless to try and +rejoin his commanding officer. Captain Paris, who had +boldly led the company from the start, was also severely +wounded.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Like its sister company the 21st Sappers and Miners, +the 20th also came out of action with the loss of all its +British officers. Trained to the technical branches of their +profession, they could still fight as Infantry with the best, +even when they knew that “Some one had blundered.”</p> + +<p class='c013'>Sapper Dalip Singh single-handed kept off numerous +Germans, helped Lieutenant Rait-Kerr into safety, and +gained the Indian Order of Merit for his bravery.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The Military Cross was the reward of Subadar Malla +Singh, and the Order of British India that of Subadar +Ganpat Mahadeo, both of whom earned their decorations +by conspicuous coolness and skill.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The Indian Corps of Sappers and Miners is too well +known to need description here; as Sir John French said +in his despatch of November 1914, they “have long enjoyed +a high reputation for skill and resource,” and “they have +fully justified their reputation.” I would only add, that +ever after in the war they added greatly to it. I look +forward with keen pleasure to visiting them again.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The 9th Bhopal Infantry, whom we left just when they +had received their orders to join in the attack, found +themselves in a dilemma, but Major Jamieson hastily told +off as many men as were at his disposal to work along with +the Sappers and Miners who were already advancing. +The result was that while some parties got into Neuve +Chapelle, and one under Jamieson passed through the +<span class='pageno' id='Page_72'>72</span>village, they were compelled to retire and suffered considerable +losses. Lieut.-Colonel Anderson, second in +command, died of wounds, and one Indian officer was +killed; Captain L. J. Jones and Lieutenant H. Wade were +wounded and missing; Lieutenant Mullaly, as already +stated, was unfortunately captured, and Captain G. Irvine +wounded; the total casualties including missing were just +under 300.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The 9th Bhopal Infantry was raised in 1859, and +reconstituted and received its present title in 1903. It +served in Afghanistan 1878–79, and consisted of two +companies of Sikhs, two of Rajputs, two of Brahmins, and +two of Musalmans. It was quartered in Fyzabad when +war broke out, and I had inspected it early that year. It +was under orders for Secunderabad in the next reliefs, but +so keen were all ranks to go to the north of India, and so +eagerly did they do their field work, that I recommended +to the Commander-in-Chief they should be given a chance +on the Frontiers. The battalion was not on the mobilisation +list, but the Chief selected it to fill a gap, and hence +it was sent to France. Later it went to Mesopotamia and +took part in the fighting there.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Sir John French, as he always did, acknowledged the +good work done by all ranks, both before and on this day, +in a telegram in which he said: “Please congratulate +your Indian troops on their gallant conduct, and express +my gratitude to them.”</p> + +<div class='chapter'> + <span class='pageno' id='Page_73'>73</span> + <h2 class='c008'>CHAPTER VI</h2> +</div> + +<p class='c012'>I have told the story of the Indian Corps up to the date +of the arrival of the Meerut Division on the British Front. +This Division began its experiences in the trenches on the +29th October, from which date the portion of the line +allotted to the Corps came under my command. In place +of the Sirhind Brigade detained in Egypt, and the Ferozepore +Brigade still away in the north near Ypres, I was +given two British Brigades of the Second Army Corps; in +addition, two extra battalions were temporarily left with +me. With the arrival of the Secunderabad Cavalry Brigade +and Jodhpore Lancers, I was able to count on another +1000 men as long as this Brigade might be left at my disposal.</p> + +<p class='c013'>In nearly all the accounts of our doings at this time I +find it stated that two and a half Brigades were left to +strengthen the Indian Corps; giving the impression that +these were in addition to our own full numbers. This is +of course entirely erroneous. As a matter of fact, even +with the two and a half Brigades lent to us, the Corps was +far under the strength of British Army Corps; while in +the matter of guns we had nothing but the bare complement +of field guns and two heavy batteries of four guns +each. In consequence the Second Corps left us, to start +with, a proportion of its Corps Artillery.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Sir John French had said to me on the night of my +arrival, “Are you prepared to take over the front of the +Second Corps at once?” and I replied, “Certainly.” If it +had been twice as long, and had we been half our strength, +I should have made the same reply. We had arrived and +were going to take on anything ordered, and I felt confident +we were going to do it well; and looking back on it all, +<span class='pageno' id='Page_74'>74</span>now that one can take an unbiassed retrospect, there is +only one conclusion to which honest soldiers will come and +that is that all ranks, British and Indians, did their duty +nobly and deserve well of their King and our country.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Headquarters were established at Hinges (pronounced +by us phonetically), a large château not far from Bethune. +In a very few hours we had adapted ourselves to circumstances; +electric lights, telephones, and telegraphs were +all erected with surprising speed, the Indian Signalling +Company under Captain Franklin working as if it had +been accustomed to such luxuries, though here they were +absolute necessities.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The Indian servants adapted themselves at once to +kitchen ranges, and meals were served up as if in an +Indian bungalow. In the hall, orderlies and messengers, +French, British and Indian, fraternised and exchanged a +jargon of words; outside stood a couple of German +prisoners guarded by a mud-bespattered trooper, waiting +to be interrogated. What must have been their feelings +as they watched the medley, and heard the mother tongues +of races as far apart as London and Peshawar.</p> + +<p class='c013'>As I leaned over the banisters, I felt a stern joy that +it was my good fortune to be entrusted for the first time +in war with so varied a task as the control of such divergent +elements of humanity, in the heart of a great European +country.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Before General Smith-Dorrien handed over the command +and left the château, I had the advantage of a long +conversation with him. For him I have a great admiration, +and I felt his advice would be valuable, and in those two +hours I learned much which stood me in good stead during +the war. I discovered that in addition to his own war-seasoned +Army Corps he had had an extra Brigade. This +was news to me; and as I was taking over his front I +knew I must hold my trenches very lightly. He knew +India and its troops, and had been Adjutant-General as +well as commander of a Division in that country, so could +speak from personal experience. I received many useful +hints from him, and as he drove away I felt we had with +the Expeditionary Force a General who thoroughly understood +the Corps, and when the day came, which it soon +must, for the formation into Armies, I hoped might have +us in his command.</p> + +<div class='figcenter id001'> +<span class='pageno' id='Page_75'>75</span> +<img src='images/i_b_075fp.jpg' alt='COUNTRY ADJOINING INDIAN CORPS FRONT.' class='ig001'> +</div> + +<p class='c013'>With the exception of Sir John French and Smith-Dorrien +I was at that time the senior officer in France, +but I never for an instant suffered under the delusion +that this meant anything to me. I had come with the +Indians, and I knew that there I should remain and so +long only as they chose to keep me. Commands of Armies +were altitudes too dizzy to be reached by a soldier who +had lived in khaki it is true, but had worn it in far-away +portions of the Empire, and had seldom been seen on the +Downs of Salisbury or in the purlieus of Pall Mall or +Whitehall.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The front assigned to the Corps was about eight miles +in length from north of Givenchy on our right, passing +east of Festubert and Richebourg l’Avoué (only a name +on the map), west of Neuve Chapelle, past Mauquissart, +and taking a bend to Rouges Bancs on our left.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The Meerut Division held the southern portion of the +trenches in the following order, commencing from Givenchy: +Bareilly, Garhwal, and Dehra Dun Brigades; with the +Jalandar Brigade of the Lahore Division on the left. This +takes no account of the extra British Brigades which filled +gaps as occasion required, until our own two absent +Brigades rejoined us.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The night of the 29th October was ushered in by a +storm of rain, and through the bogs, ditches, and darkness +officers and men tramped to their first battle positions. It +was difficult, but every one was keen to try it and learn +for himself what manner of game it was that was being +played in this novel war. And they soon enough learned +it, for within a few hours of their arrival our Indian troops +took the first shock. The 2nd battalion 8th Gurkhas was +the unit which happened to be holding the portion of +trenches chosen by the Hun to test our men in. Throughout +the night the Gurkhas were subjected to a heavy fire—shells, +rifles, and machine-guns all taking their toll; several +Infantry attacks were also made but none were pushed +home; and occupying trenches a foot too deep for them +<span class='pageno' id='Page_76'>76</span>under a deluge of rain, the men from Nepal went through +a severe ordeal. It was found impossible, under the +circumstances, to do anything to improve the trenches, +which in many places were merely the ordinary water +channels or broad ditches, affording no shelter.</p> + +<p class='c013'>At dawn the Germans made a fresh attack, which +however gave them no advantage, and about 8 o’clock +concentrated a heavy shell-fire on the 8th Gurkhas and +Devons, who with them formed the left of the line of the +Bareilly Brigade. For four hours this inferno continued, +and, as the Headquarters 5th Division reported, the trenches +were seriously damaged.</p> + +<p class='c013'>From 11 <span class='fss'>A.M.</span> onwards attacks followed one another +in rapid succession, but these were splendidly repulsed. +Before mid-day Colonel Morris, who was in command of +the 8th, began to doubt if his ammunition would last out, +and, whilst making the best arrangements possible, observed +that the trenches held by Captain E. Hayes-Sadler and +Wright were being heavily attacked. For an hour this +attack continued. Major Wake also felt the full brunt of +an attack against his trench, and on all sides the Gurkhas +were being assailed, but held on. By 1.30 <span class='fss'>P.M.</span> the whole +battalion was in the firing-line.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Morris now sent word to General Macbean, his Brigadier, +asking for reinforcements and saying his ammunition could +not last much longer. He directed Major Wake to hold +out at all hazards, which orders that gallant soldier carried +on to the death. Captains Hayes-Sadler and H. Wright +were killed whilst stemming the advancing tide. Captain +E. Stack, although severely wounded, attempted to deliver +a message and in this glorious act was again struck down, +and killed. Major Barlow, already three times wounded, +by strenuous exertions succeeded in driving back a German +attack on the right, but here he found his men outflanked +and the enemy in his rear, and whilst still endeavouring +to do his duty he collapsed into a trench but fortunately +after some time recovered his senses and survived to tell +the tale.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Captain B. Hartwell was killed, and Colonel Morris, +who from first to last had displayed every quality of an +<span class='pageno' id='Page_77'>77</span>intrepid leader, was severely wounded, and lay in a trench +till found by his men. He lived to command them once +more, and died fighting on the day of Loos in September +1915.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Lieutenant MacLean carried on, although wounded, +until unable to continue any longer; and Captain Davidson +was missing. Till half-past three o’clock the Gurkhas +held on to their line, when a heavy attack succeeded in +driving them from their fire trenches. Of Indian officers +two were killed, one wounded, and two missing, and the +casualties in other ranks totalled 207.</p> + +<p class='c013'>This serious set-back was caused chiefly by the right +of the battalion being turned, thus exposing them to a +flank attack; but even this might have been averted +under conditions less trying to new troops. The merciless +shell-fire, the weather, and the trenches, useless to short +men, all combined to severely shake them and afforded +little opportunity of recovering the lost ground. They +had to do what better troops have done over and over +again in this war, viz. learn their lesson. It was a severe +one and it takes time to obliterate the memory of such an +ordeal, but that the battalion was soon again able to take +its share in the heavy fighting in Flanders is the best +tribute to its tenacity.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Whilst the companies which had suffered most made +the best of their way back from the trenches, Major Cassels +held his portion of the line, but was, like the remainder, +eventually forced back, and Captain Buckland with a +company rejoined his Headquarters that evening.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The shortage of British officers is well exemplified by +this action, as owing to the number of casualties amongst +them I was obliged to send Major Tomkins of the 28th +Punjabis, my Assistant Military Secretary, to assume +command of the battalion, no other officer in the Corps +being available. An officer who had been present throughout +the retreat from Mons told one of my Staff that he +never experienced a heavier shelling than the Gurkhas +were exposed to that day.</p> + +<p class='c013'>A pleasant reminiscence is the recollection of the +ungrudging help given by the British Corps in the vicinity. +<span class='pageno' id='Page_78'>78</span>As soon as it was seen that the Gurkhas were being subjected +to a very severe shelling and that the enemy was launching +one attack after another at them, their comrades of the +gallant English regiments whether in first line or in support +at once came to their help. Sir Horace Smith-Dorrien +directed that the Bedfords and West Ridings, who were +down for relief, were not to be withdrawn that night, and +the Norfolks and Devons also remained on temporarily, +until the situation could be cleared up and the line re-established. +An Indian officer who had been through the +mill, in telling me about it said, “I do not know a word +of English but I will remember the names <i>Napak</i> (Norfolk) +and <i>Diban</i> (Devons), they are <i>burra bahadurs</i> (very brave +men).”</p> + +<p class='c013'>And this gives me the opportunity of repeating with +what real admiration the Indian soldiers looked on their +British comrades, not only of the fine battalions which +formed part of the Indian Corps, but Britishers of all Corps. +It has been an example and a lesson that will never be +forgotten, and under many a village tree as the sun goes +down over Indian hills and plains the old soldiers of the +days to come will recite to their listening brethren tales +of the great days when the <i>Gora log</i> (white men) +dashed themselves against heavy odds or hurled back +the Kaiser’s legions.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The enemy had gained a success, but he was not going +to be allowed to retain his hold, and a counter-attack was +led by the West Ridings and Bedfords, with the 58th Rifles +and 107th Pioneers in support. The attack succeeded in +clearing the enemy out of his captured trenches nearly to +the late support line of the Gurkhas; and the 58th Rifles +from this point were pushed through to the assault. The +Hun had had his fling and it was now his turn to run, +with the result that the support trenches were captured +with some farm-houses near them. These were at once +subjected to a severe shelling which caused many casualties, +amongst them Colonel W. E. Venour commanding the +58th and Lieutenant J. M. Craig (attached to the battalion +from the 57th Rifles) were both killed.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The 58th lost also a good soldier, Captain and Adjutant +<span class='pageno' id='Page_79'>79</span>W. Black, who was killed whilst closely reconnoitring the +German trenches prior to the assault; but the regiment +kept a firm hold of its gains at a cost of the lives of three +British officers and five other ranks killed, and four Indian +officers and eighty others wounded. The enemy still +retained some of the Gurkha trenches he had captured +earlier in the day.</p> + +<p class='c013'>I had known the 2nd battalion 8th Gurkha Rifles since +1886 when they were known as the 43rd Gurkha Light +Infantry, and they had borne many different titles since, +being reorganised as the 2/8th Gurkha Rifles in 1907. I had +served beside them in Burmah 1885–87. They were +composed of a fine sturdy lot of men, and had they not +had the misfortune to start their very first day in France +exposed to a prolonged shelling, followed by a series of +heavy attacks, they would not have been so heavily +handicapped during the entire campaign as they were by +the loss of practically all their own officers at one sweep—the +most severe trial an Indian battalion can possibly +undergo.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The 58th Vaughans Rifles was an old Punjab Frontier +Force battalion; and I soldiered alongside it in the days +when it was known as the 5th Punjab Infantry. It was +given its present title in 1903. The ranks were filled by +Sikhs, Dogras, Pathans, and Punjabi-Musalmans. The +battalion took part in nearly all the fighting of the Indian +Corps in France, and was ably commanded by Lieut.-Colonel +Davidson-Houston, who succeeded to it on the death +of Colonel Venour; he later was awarded the D.S.O. and +was killed in the attack on the German trenches opposite +Mauquissart on the 25th September 1915, and thus the +regiment lost two of its commanding officers. One of the +last letters he ever wrote was to me (mostly about his +beloved battalion) on the eve of his death.</p> + +<p class='c013'>No. 1811, Havildar Karam Singh of the 58th was +awarded the Indian Order of Merit for gallantly remaining +on in command of his section after being severely +wounded.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The Army Corps being now established in its trenches, +with different members of my Staff I began a regular round +<span class='pageno' id='Page_80'>80</span>of various portions of the front and visits to the Divisional +commanders and Brigadiers. During these tours, which +I kept up regularly throughout my tenure of command, +I saw over and over again every battalion, regiment and +battery in the Corps and inspected every unit forming the +Transport, Supply, Medical, etc., and of course every +detail of the Hospitals, from the trenches to the railhead. +I made a regular practice of doing as much of all this as it +was possible to do on horseback, and I am convinced that +no ordinary person on the Staff should ever have had a +day’s sickness who, wet or fine, mud or dust, took his +exercise, and hard exercise too, without fail. Of course +the regimental officers and men and all others connected +with them had to live a life not only of daily labour, peril +and discomfort, but had to do it on foot, and to them must +always be awarded the palm of all toil. But I am now +writing of the higher Staffs; whatever their responsibilities, +they lived in comfort, they slept in houses, and shared +comparatively few of the dangers of the war, and yet there +were some who were too fond of the motor-car, and whose +horses stood idle awaiting the great advance, which did +not come till four years later.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Perpetual bodily exercise in war, as in peace, should +be insisted on in all ranks; it is the fulcrum of the health +lever. In the early days of the war and in the bog which +is an ever-present feature of the Flanders landscape I found +it most difficult to get to the advanced trenches owing to +the impossibility of dragging my steel-bound leg (a legacy +of past campaigns) through the mud, and more than once +in consequence I found myself riding past sentries who had +been posted on roads leading to the vicinity of the trenches +to stop all horses or vehicles proceeding any farther. I +suppose it was wrong to disobey orders, but the gallant +sentinels generally let me pass, only remarking, “All right, +pass as the orders are your own.” It was always an +interesting experience.</p> + +<p class='c013'>After we had managed to dig communication trenches +and improve the drainage, and as the wet decreased, visits +to the firing-line were not only in themselves a very good +form of exercise, but in truth the most interesting and +<span class='pageno' id='Page_81'>81</span>exciting exercise one could take. I can see the reader, +who perhaps spent most of his days in that unenviable +region, smile, but I say again, for a General and his Staff +the visits to the trenches form their most pleasant +recollections.</p> + +<p class='c013'>When one talks of riding across country, it has to be +borne in mind that during October and even into November +there were days when this was quite feasible, later on it +became absolutely necessary to stick to the roads, or what +went by that name, as the fields were mere bogs; and often +have I been in deep sympathy with my brave chargers, +who hammered along the stony tracks or <i>pavés</i>. It had +to be done, however, if riding was to be a means of conveyance, +and I had the satisfaction of feeling that in the case +of my favourite arab, “Arabi Pasha,” no one after his +own master would ever mount the faithful horse, and I +believe he knew it also. It was one of the farewells one +does not wish to repeat.</p> + +<p class='c013'>What manner of country was it in which the Indian +Corps now found itself? A dismal dead plain, dotted +with farm-houses and here and there clumps of trees. The +uninteresting roads metalled only in the centre; ditches +and drains in every direction; observation beyond a very +limited distance impossible, and for months the morning +mists enveloped everything in a thick haze well into +mid-day; canals, crossed here and there by bridges, added +to the difficulties of communication. The fields soon +became impassable; ditto the paths except on foot; rain +fell almost daily; snow fell heavily in November; the +trenches were first turned into water channels and then +frozen over. Above, the aeroplanes seemed the only +moving things besides the clouds; below was a waterlogged +soil, and on the surface lived and died men +who will be handed down for all time as heroes. This +monotonous land boasted no hills and valleys, not even +a mound; it was just a flat dreary expanse in winter, +and studded with green leaves and some wild flowers in +summer.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Only a few hundred yards beyond us lay the Aubers +Ridge which we were never to reach, and a small wood +<span class='pageno' id='Page_82'>82</span>cast of Neuve Chapelle of which I shall have much to say, +and which went by the name of the Bois du Biez. I +have since been to Flanders to see that wood, for on it I +longingly gazed for ten months, and my last day in France +was spent in the trenches exactly opposite to it.</p> + +<p class='c013'>It was plain to see that with our weak battalions and +the impossibility of receiving Indian reinforcements, it +would be necessary to have in hand a small reserve. The +only reserve I could count on was the Secunderabad +Cavalry Brigade. Much as I hated doing it, I informed +G.H.Q., and although the Commander-in-Chief was sorely +pressed for troops I eventually got three battalions, and +I forthwith wrote to say that I was now quite happy as to +my position. I mention this as, although it may have +been inconvenient or even dangerous to weaken the line +elsewhere, the Indian Corps was the extreme right of the +British line and joined hands with our French allies near +Givenchy, and it would have been a blunder to allow any +gap being created in that vicinity.</p> + +<p class='c013'>I also at once got into touch with the French Generals +and commanders on my right, and we mutually arranged +to support one another whenever it might become necessary. +We became the best of friends, and many a time did I +lend or borrow troops or guns for various operations.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The 2nd November was a day of trial for the Indian +troops, as on that morning the 2nd Gurkhas, which held +the trenches to the east of the road junction a mile N.E. +of Pont Logy and N.W. of Neuve Chapelle, which formed +an acute salient in our general outpost line, were furiously +attacked. This salient was very much in the air; the +trenches were badly sited and could hardly be called +trenches at all; there was no plan; salients were open +to enfilade fire and the position as a whole was practically +untenable. In addition it was isolated from the rear by +a spinney and orchard.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The Gurkhas were dumped into it on the night of the +29th and 30th October, and as the C.O. said at the time, +there was no option but to hold and make the best of it. +The Germans, who were only some forty to sixty yards +distant, knew exactly the weakness of the position, and +<span class='pageno' id='Page_83'>83</span>determined to take advantage of it, and with this object +in view were fast sapping up to it.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The attack was opened with high explosive shell, and +a trench mortar which was some 400 yards distant threw +one shell after another in rapid succession, fired with a +precision which showed they had the exact range and +correct target; the trenches were soon practically +obliterated and the occupants blown up, killed, or wounded, +the position being rendered still more difficult by the fact +that we were being enfiladed. Simultaneously with this +the enemy commenced throwing hand-grenades from the +saps they had run up close to our line, and No. 3 Company’s +trench was made the target for these, rendering its right +half untenable. Aided by all these devices the Hun +Infantry dashed into No. 1 and 2 Company’s trenches, +specially selecting any remaining British officers as their +victims.</p> + +<p class='c013'>It is well to once remind those who may read this +that all the story of those days must be read in the light +of facts as they existed. With the accounts of fighting +at a later date before them, they are apt to forget the +dark days of 1914 when our men had to face mortars, +hand-grenades, high explosive shell, and a hundred other +engines or contrivances of war, with which they themselves +were not provided. Here were these gallant fellows just +arrived and exposed to every form of terror, and they +could reply only with their valour and the rifles and two +machine-guns per battalion with which they were armed, +and yet they did it.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The left half of No. 3 Company’s trench and that of +No. 4 Company still remained; these were echeloned back +to the left, towards the Connaught Rangers, and they were +held till nightfall. The Irishmen, seeing the state of affairs +and the tempest sweeping over the Gurkhas, first sent +one platoon to their assistance, and followed it with two +others.</p> + +<p class='c013'>At this juncture Lieut. J. Reid, the only surviving +officer, ordered the occupants of No. 3 trench to fall back +towards the left trenches; but the communication trench +was full of dying and wounded, and as they crossed the +<span class='pageno' id='Page_84'>84</span>open they suffered heavily. The survivors in the trenches +who had managed to hold on were brought out late in +the evening by Subadars Dalbahadur Rana and Fateh +Singh Newar; this latter officer received the Order of +British India for his conduct, and the commanding officer +specially mentioned as fighting well and holding on to +the last Jemadars Kharak Bahadur Gurung and Tirthe +Gurung, who was wounded, as well as Bahadur Ghale and +Suba Singh Gurung.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The 1st Battalion 9th Gurkhas were on the right of the +2nd, and well thrown back. Lieut.-Colonel C. E. Norie, +commander of the 2nd Gurkhas, carries only one arm, +having left the other in the mountains of Tirah; but with +one arm he also has but one heart, and it is a brave one.</p> + +<p class='c013'>He was near the battalion reserve when the German +attack began, and at once moved with it to the right of +his forward trenches; having located the mortar which +was doing all the execution, he silenced it by a concentrated +fire; shortly after he again moved to his left as his +ammunition was exhausted; having replenished this and +meeting a squadron of the 34th Poona Horse coming up +in support, Norie moved his reserve forward with the +squadron to assist in the defence of his left trenches. Met +by a furious machine-gun fire, this advance was held up +as these trenches had meantime been captured by the +enemy.</p> + +<p class='c013'>About 2 o’clock the Gurkhas were subjected to a concentrated +fire of high explosive shell and had to move +north. That evening reinforcements of Royal Scots +Fusiliers and an Indian battalion arrived, and the 9th +Gurkhas on the right were also reinforced by a portion +of the 6th Jats and 7th Dragoon Guards. Norie himself +advanced with the Royal Scots Fusiliers and his own men, +and this party got within twenty yards of the Germans, +but were then held up by machine-guns. One officer of +the Fusiliers was killed and two officers of the Gurkhas +were wounded; but although the push did not succeed in +getting home, it was too much for the Huns, who forthwith +left and returned to their own trenches, and ours were +reoccupied.</p> + +<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' id='Page_85'>85</span>At this stage Brig.-General Bowes commanding the +8th British Brigade, which was one of the two left with +the Indian Corps, issued fresh orders and a new line was +begun to be consolidated. During the time General +Bowes was with me he invariably rendered good service, +always being ready to take on any job.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Such is the story of the first experience of another fine +unit being initiated in the form of fighting in Flanders, +and brings to light the discipline and tenacity of the +Gurkhas of Nepal. The odds were immense, but although +hard hit they were ready to take part in a counter-attack, +and their British and Indian officers performed many +deeds of gallantry.</p> + +<p class='c013'>I have described the part taken by Colonel Norie, and +his own Brigadier, C. E. Johnson, and General Anderson +commanding the Meerut Division wrote in the highest +terms of him and his battalion. Sir John French too +wrote in his despatch: “The situation was prevented +from becoming serious by the excellent leadership displayed +by Colonel Norie of the 2nd Gurkhas.” A very special +compliment, as he was the only officer in the Indian +Army Corps mentioned by name in this despatch. He +was rewarded with a Brevet-Colonelcy.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Of the officers killed, Major H. S. Becher met his death +in covering a portion of the retiring line. Lieutenants +J. H. Walcott and I. Innes died leading a charge against +the enemy as they were nearing our trenches.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Lieut. Reid, after hard fighting, fell whilst coolly conducting +a relieving party of the Connaught Rangers to +the Gurkha trenches. Lieut. Lucas was killed whilst +collecting his men, and the same shell blew up several of +them also.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Major Ross and Subadar-Major Man Singh Bohra +heroically led a charge which ended in a hand-to-hand fight, +during which they and most of their men were killed.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Major N. Macpherson and Captain F. Barton fell at +their posts.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Subadars Tekhbahadur Gurung and Gopal Singh Rawat +were killed in the counter-attack with Innes and Walcott, +and Subadar Chet Singh fell with them.</p> + +<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' id='Page_86'>86</span>In the Connaught Rangers, Lieut. G. D. Abbott was +killed while moving up with his company in the open to +the help of the Gurkhas, and with him fell many of his +brave Irish. Lieut. Hewitt of the same battalion was +wounded, but the rest held on to their trench during the +night. The Rangers suffered forty casualties.</p> + +<p class='c013'>In the 34th Poona Horse, the C.O., Lieut.-Colonel +C. O. Swanston, a very keen and earnest soldier, was killed +at the head of his men whilst crossing up to the support +of the Gurkhas, and in this regiment Sowar Madhu was +given the Indian Order of Merit for saving the life of a +wounded Indian officer under a heavy fire. The Interpreter +Lieut. Sturdee was also wounded and the casualties +numbered thirty-eight. Major G. Molloy’s name was +brought to notice for good work.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The 2nd Gurkhas had seven out of their full complement +of twelve British officers killed, but this did not +complete the roll of casualties. Captain G. McCleverty +was wounded while “showing great gallantry, always well +to the front endeavouring to get to the trenches,” and the +same remark applied to Major F. H. Norie, attached as +Interpreter, who owing to the heavy losses amongst the +officers voluntarily took his place in the forefront of the +fighting and was severely wounded, earning the grateful +thanks of all ranks and a D.S.O.</p> + +<p class='c013'>No. 1618, Naik Padamdhoj Gurung received the Indian +Order of Merit for conspicuous gallantry.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The total losses of the 2nd Gurkhas on this day were +seven British and four Indian officers killed and two +British and two Indian officers wounded; thirty-one other +ranks killed and 100 wounded.</p> + +<p class='c013'>This action brings conspicuously to light the fact that +even the best Indian troops in European warfare need the +leading of British officers.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The 2nd Gurkhas was a regiment second to none in +the Indian Army. The British officers were as good as +those of any battalion in His Majesty’s armies; the Indian +officers, N.C.O.’s, and men were of the best stamp of fighting +men in the East, and if I had been asked I could not have +selected a better fighting battalion; and after this affair +<span class='pageno' id='Page_87'>87</span>my belief in them was confirmed. They had been tried +in the fire and not found wanting.</p> + +<p class='c013'>I had known them since the days of the Afghan War +of 1878–80, and by common consent they were acknowledged +to be a first-class fighting unit. Bhurtpore, Aliwal, +Sobraon, Delhi, Kabul, Tirah are their battle honours, +and to these will now be added others well earned.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The 34th Poona Horse was originally raised in 1817, +and had under different names served from Ghazni (1839), +Meeanee, and Kushab to Afghanistan (1879–80). The +Honorary Colonel was Lieut.-General H.H. the famous +Maharaja Sir Partab Singh, and the ranks were filled by +Rathore Rajputs, Kaimkhanis, and Punjab Musalmans. +It was the first Indian Cavalry regiment of the Cavalry +Brigades to be engaged in the war, and whilst it remained +with the Army Corps always gave a good account of itself.</p> + +<div class='chapter'> + <span class='pageno' id='Page_88'>88</span> + <h2 class='c008'>CHAPTER VII</h2> +</div> + +<p class='c012'>October had ended with some exciting episodes in the +Indian Corps; November had been ushered in with a +fresh attack, and all classes of the troops, British and +Indian, were destined to find plenty of work and fighting +as the days went on.</p> + +<p class='c013'>On the 5th November a very gallant act was performed +by Lieut. G. Brunskill of the 47th Sikhs in front of his +trenches. Accompanied by one of his battalion scouts +he traversed some 500 yards of “No Man’s Land,” until +he found himself not thirty yards from the entrenched +Germans. Making a detour he again crept forward, and +finding the trench unoccupied, the two got over the +parapet and inspected the interior; they then packed up +various articles of equipment and papers, made a note +of the dug-outs and snipers’ posts, and began their return +journey. They were suddenly fired on, but got back safely +with their valuable information.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Brunskill made two similar journeys, on the last +occasion reaching to within thirty yards of the enemy’s +second line, where he was fired on, and this firing brought +on a wild fusillade from friend and foe, through which he +and his brave companion, Sepoy Tawand Singh, also of +the 47th Sikhs, managed to return unscathed. These +reconnaissances discovered the line of advance of German +supplies and gave other useful information, which enabled +us to devote particular attention to the points noted. +For his gallant work Brunskill was awarded the Military +Cross. Two days later he was severely wounded whilst +performing another daring deed during daylight.</p> + +<p class='c013'>One very important fact disclosed, and which stood +<span class='pageno' id='Page_89'>89</span>us in good stead thereafter, was that the enemy at that +time used few or no patrols and left his front line practically +unoccupied. Thus the brave pay for their daring, and the +men behind reap the benefits.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The next troops to be engaged in a difficult operation +were the 1st Battalion Connaught Rangers (of the Ferozepore +Brigade), commanded by Lieut.-Colonel H. L. S. +Ravenshaw. To their front was a trench which had been +held by one of their companies and was now in German +hands, and it was decided to eject the enemy and fill it in. +At midnight on the 14th-15th November the Royal Scots +Fusiliers, of the 8th British Brigade, opened a heavy fire +under cover of which a company of the Rangers, commanded +by Captain C. Hack, with Lieutenants F. George +and D. Tulloch, rushed and captured the trench in face of +a sharp fusillade.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Captain Payne, the same officer who had behaved so +well at Messines in October, at once sent forward the +digging party, and these set to work to fill in the trench. +But now the rifle-bolts of the attackers began to jam and +the men in the party had to take up the fire. Filling in +soon became impossible and the casualties were heavy, +every officer having been killed, and a retirement was +ordered.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The trenches were deep in mud and very slippery, and +the enemy was superior in numbers. Payne at once reoccupied +his now half filled in trenches and advanced to +the attack, but was driven back with loss. A second attempt +was also repulsed. The Germans redoubled their fire, +and as the Connaughts’ rifles were fast becoming useless, +two platoons of the Middlesex of Bowes’ British Brigade +came up to relieve them. This caused the trench to become +overcrowded, and as some of the Connaughts were leaving, +in order to make room, they were caught under a heavy +machine-gun fire which caused many casualties, including +Lieut. J. Ovens, who was killed. Lieut. George, the +adjutant, was severely wounded as he rushed forward, +but Lance-Corporal T. Kelly cleared the parapet, and in +face of a very heavy fire lifted his officer to carry him to +safety; as he was doing so another bullet killed Lieut. +<span class='pageno' id='Page_90'>90</span>George in his arms. This was a splendid act, and from +personal descriptions at the time a far finer one than I can +describe it, and I should have liked to see him get the +Victoria Cross; but as it was he was awarded the D.C.M. +and it was never better earned. He died of wounds in +January 1916.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Captain Hack was killed in the charge, and Lieut. +Tulloch, although wounded early in the attack, bravely +carried on till he also was killed. Payne received the +D.S.O. for his share in the action.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The Irishmen suffered forty casualties in this affair, +and had it not been for their rifles jamming, the trenches +would have been rendered untenable for the enemy. At +the same time they learned their lesson, not the least +valuable part of it being that rifles are delicate weapons +and must be looked after. There can be no doubt it was +partly want of care that caused the bolts to jam, and the +troops of all Corps very soon found that a little extra +care, even if grease is not always available, will help to +save lives.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Brigadier-General Bowes in his report stated that +“everything possible was done by the Connaught Rangers +to carry out the duty assigned to them.” Within four +days this battalion had lost five officers killed and two +wounded.</p> + +<p class='c013'>On the 5th November the 8th British Brigade, attached +to us, recaptured and filled in the trenches evacuated by +the 2nd Gurkhas. On the same day Major E. H. Phillips +commanding the 28th Battery, 9th Brigade R.F.A., was +killed. He had climbed a haystack to get better observation, +when a shell ended his career. He was one of my +best friends and comrades in the days when we tramped +and fought through the swamps and forests of Ashanti, +and later we soldiered together in more peaceful times in +India. A splendid gunner and a charming personality, +he was a real loss to the service; but he left a perfect +battery behind him. What more could a soldier do?</p> + +<p class='c013'>As the days went on both officers and men acquired +a knowledge of the novel methods of warfare. The Indians +were at last brigaded with their own British battalions; +<span class='pageno' id='Page_91'>91</span>they had behind them their own guns, transport, supplies +and hospitals, and they were finding out that the wounded +or strayed need only move in one direction to find friends +who could understand their language. The chaotic state +of affairs when they were mixed up anyhow with absolute +strangers was passing away, and a sense of cheerfulness +which was bred of this knowledge soon began to manifest +itself. But even so it took time, and in some cases a very +long time, to obliterate from their minds the memory of +their first rough experiences, and in conversation with +Indian officers and men I learnt many lessons on how +things might have been done. They said plainly, “We +were not given a chance; and if we get ‘bud nāāmed’ +(a bad name) it is not our fault.” Some of the tales the +first arrivals in France brought back from Messines and +near Neuve Chapelle were soon spread through the ranks +of the new arrivals, and any one who knows India also +knows what this means.</p> + +<p class='c013'>One incident at once proved the innate love of fair +play inherent in the sepoy. In the German lines a document +had been found, directing that mercy was not to be +shown to the Indians, and a day later the 15th Sikhs +brought back twelve prisoners from a raid. The only +comment made by the havildar of the party was, that the +Germans might do as they pleased, but he and his men +were soldiers not dacoits.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The enemy early began to try the effect of using English +when on the prowl near our lines, and one man, dressed +exactly like a British officer of Gurkhas, came right up to +the trenches, and in good English said the company was +to move farther along the trench to make room for another +company moving up in support. The British officer +in command being suspicious of the accent asked, +“Who are you?” and the reply was the same as before. +“Answer at once by what ship you came to France,” was +our officer’s next query, and the disguised German started +to run but was shot dead. Similar ruses were not uncommon, +and notwithstanding the difficulty of our men +being able to discriminate, the Hun generally got off +second best.</p> + +<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' id='Page_92'>92</span>Fortunately for us the perfectly idiotic accounts that +used to appear in those early days of what the Indians +were expected to do, or were doing, seldom reached or +interested them. They simply did their duty and cared +nothing for daily papers; but more than once Indian +officers have told me how surprised they were that our +newspapers could lie as they did. In any case such stories +did much harm, for when instead of finding that the Indian +soldiers were some mythical kind of beings, the British +public discovered that they were only ordinary men trying +to do their duty under inconceivable difficulties, they grew +disappointed; but we did gain one advantage, and that +was, we were left more alone, and pictures of charging +Lancers and bearded Gurkhas ceased to appear.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The Seaforth Highlanders was the first British battalion +of the Meerut Division to come up against the Germans, +when on the 7th November they found their right flank +assailed; but the Seaforths, the old 72nd, did not on +service allow any man through their lines without a pass, +and the enemy could not produce that document. One +or two of the attacking Huns reached the trench and +remained there for good, and the others were driven back +faster than they came, leaving many dead and wounded +behind them. The enemy on this occasion used a very +large and long-range trench mortar, which did much damage, +and to which of course we had no reply. Captain +R. S. Wilson and sixteen men were killed and 2nd Lieut. +I. Macandrew and sixty-three other ranks were wounded. +It was a heavy toll for a short affair, but the battalion at +once found that a Corps which had won battle honours from +Mysore and Sebastopol to South Africa had nothing to +fear from the Kaiser’s legions.</p> + +<p class='c013'>During the short time the battalion had been in the +trenches it had already, in addition to the above, suffered +many casualties, losing four officers wounded, including +their splendid Chaplain Rev. McNeill, and one missing, +and other ranks suffered in proportion.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Part of the 2nd Gurkhas were again employed this +day in support of the Seaforths, and during this operation +Captain Beauchamp-Duff, son of the Commander-in-Chief +<span class='pageno' id='Page_93'>93</span>in India, was killed. He was a popular officer and a great +loss to the regiment.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The description of the fighting by the Army Corps in +France is of necessity nothing but a long record, practically +of siege warfare, on the same front, relieved occasionally +by an attack or defence against the enemy, and it therefore +lacks the incidents which furnish the war correspondent +with copy for stirring descriptions of battles. Nevertheless, +even in this somewhat gloomy atmosphere will be found +occasional bursts of flame helping to light up the otherwise +sombre picture; and after all what is being recorded is +the long and patient sacrifice made of course by our own +men who had everything at stake on the final decision, +but still more by the loyal soldiers of India who were +equally enduring.</p> + +<p class='c013'>From the day of arrival at G.H.Q. I had resolved in +my mind how we were to meet the trench mortars and +hand-grenades used by the enemy. I had some years +previously foreseen that these instruments would assuredly +take a foremost place in the next war, and when on short +leave home from India, whilst I was in command of the +Peshawar Division, I had spent several days examining +and seeing the “Hale’s” hand- and rifle-grenades used. +After learning their mechanism I had myself thrown and +fired these grenades against roughly constructed wooden +stockades, and been much impressed by their destructive +effects.</p> + +<p class='c013'>It appeared to me that when once troops reached +within a certain distance of a position held by an enemy +who did not mean to quit it, it became a matter of hand-to-hand +fighting, and the one who possessed some weapon +other than the rifle alone would gain an immense advantage, +which would carry him forward or stop his opponent. +With this in view I was determined, to the best of my +limited power, to introduce the “Hale’s” grenades into +the Indian Army; but, as I shall show, I received little or +no encouragement from our conservative administration.</p> + +<p class='c013'>At that time there were in England several officers of +the Spanish Army who were testing these grenades with +a view to their use in North Africa, and I was present when +<span class='pageno' id='Page_94'>94</span>large numbers were being tried by them. On my return +to India from leave I took out a certain number which +Mr. Hale kindly placed at my disposal, and reported +the fact to Army Headquarters. I instructed squads of +Sappers and Miners in my Command in their use, and made +a practical demonstration by myself firing several rounds +from one of our service rifles. Later I had them tested +by squads before the Chief of the General Staff in India, +and it was obvious how useful they would prove.</p> + +<p class='c013'>But there the matter ended, and no further notice was +taken of the experiment so far as I ever knew. Again, +one of the officers who had served with me in Africa, +Major A. L. McClintock, R.E., who was then in command +of Sappers and Miners in Madras, invented and made +grenades of his own pattern, and obtained permission to +bring them up to Agra to be used before me and other +officers quartered there, but there his experiment ended +also.</p> + +<p class='c013'>And now arrived in France I found the Army still +practically unprovided with them, except a few rifle-grenades, +and I had no difficulty in obtaining the small +supply available; but of hand-grenades I could find none. +In those days it was a case of “God helps those who help +themselves,” and I immediately set the Sappers and +Miners to work to manufacture jam-tin hand-grenades, +and gas and other pipe trench guns. Black powder was +at first used for the latter, but the smoke emitted gave +away their position, and later other devices were brought +into play.</p> + +<p class='c013'>One of my R.E. officers was sent for by the War Office +for consultation, and the Indian Corps was one of the first +to capture a German trench mortar, which was at once +sent home for examination. The Corps may well claim +some credit for helping to initiate the use of these weapons; +a fact easily forgotten later on when grenades and trench +mortars were perfected and supplied in abundance to all +troops as they arrived in France.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Early in November we were able to start work with +our primitive weapons, but it gave confidence to the men +and made a beginning. The devices used by the Sapper +<span class='pageno' id='Page_95'>95</span>officers were well worth seeing, and ranged from century-old +mortars to jam-tins propelled by indiarubber tubing.</p> + +<p class='c013'>On the morning of the 9th November the 2nd Black +Watch of the Bareilly Brigade, with the object of getting +rid of an enemy machine-gun which was paying them +particular attention, organised a small raid, and Captain +R. E. Forrester with about twenty men made a surprise +attack, killing ten Germans and returning with only two +casualties, of which he himself was one, being wounded. +This famous Corps was destined to take part in numerous +fights, always emerging with honour, and finally strewing +the sands of Mesopotamia with its gallant officers and men.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The 1st and 2nd Battalions of the 39th Garhwal Rifles +of the Garhwal Brigade, a regiment which was doing its +first service in the field, were the next to try their hand, +this time not in defence, but in a small raid on the German +trenches. On the night of the 9th November Major G. H. +Taylor of the 2nd Battalion organised the affair and carried +it through, and considering it was a first attempt it may +be described as very useful, and certainly encouraged +officers and men to further similar enterprises. A trench +only fifty yards distant was occupied and partly filled in, +with slight casualties, and then seeing he could not complete +the work in time Taylor retired, his party bringing back +with him six prisoners. The enemy kept up a hot fire, +but our men had been into a German trench and seen +them run for dear life, and this in itself was worth much +on their first attempt. They had learned that if they +kept low and used their own tactics they could outwit +the Hun. Jemadar Khushal Singh Danu of the 2nd +Battalion was specially commended by Taylor. Rifleman +Ganesh Singh Sajwan had on the same morning won the +Indian Order of Merit for a very gallant act whilst acting +as scout.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The two battalions of the 39th were commanded +respectively by Colonels Swiney and Drake-Brockman. +Swiney, after being severely wounded at Neuve Chapelle +in March 1915, was drowned in the P. & O. <i>Persia</i> when +that passenger vessel was torpedoed by our “gallant” +enemies in the Mediterranean.</p> + +<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' id='Page_96'>96</span>The Garhwalis are best described as more or less related +to the Gurkhas of Nepal; there were only these two +battalions in the Army, and as a Corps they were an untried +element. From first to last they did splendid work, +proving themselves to be really gallant soldiers, and their +very heavy casualties attest to the fact that they bore a +lion’s share in Flanders.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Whilst I have described in detail some of the scraps +which went on uninterruptedly, it must be borne in mind +that the whole Corps was engaged all along our front, and +the daily task was one which took heavy toll from all arms +in proportion. On referring to the rolls, for instance on +the date up to which I have brought the narrative, the +Indian Corps and the battalions still attached to it to fill +the gap caused by the absence of the Sirhind Brigade in +Egypt had suffered casualties amongst all ranks amounting +to 3880 or on an average of 190 daily. It does not need +much imagination to discover that losses at this rate could +hardly be replaced in the Indian ranks by reinforcements +of ten per cent per month, which is what the Indian +authorities had arranged to send to France. Moreover, +the time was not far distant when the numbers would jump +up, first by 1200 casualties in a single night, and by many +times more in two days’ fighting a month later on.</p> + +<p class='c013'>And later still the day arrived when, at a parade of an +Indian battalion in rest which attended to witness the +promotion of a Naik to the rank of Jemadar for gallant +conduct, the total muster that could be collected after +detailing necessary billet duties was under 200 men. Not +for a long time did we receive any but small additions +towards replacing officers and men of the British battalions, +which in the Corps numbered at war strength only 850 +of all ranks, though after November, in the case of these +battalions, the deficiencies were better met.</p> + +<p class='c013'>At this stage it is of interest to explain briefly the +methods of supply by which the Indian troops were fed +and clothed, and the wonderful arrangements made for +the care of sick and wounded; arrangements in both cases +so good as to astonish us all by the simplicity of their +working and the celerity of execution. Indeed in these, +<span class='pageno' id='Page_97'>97</span>as in all branches of general Administrative Staff work, +India was ages behind the Home Army. Staff work in +India was only beginning to emerge from the bow and +arrow days; the Indian Staff College and improved status +of Departmental officers had in recent years given a good +start to the new organisations, but economy had kept +them in leash, and there had not been time or the experience +of active service or really big concentrations to put them +to the test. Where ten motor lorries or fifty motor-cars +had been available at English manœuvres, in India we +had to put up with ten prehistoric bullock carts, and +perhaps a few obsolete hired motors. It was thought +extravagant to waste money on telephones, and luxurious +even to mention wireless. It was not long, therefore, +before we learned the difference between campaigns as +conducted on economical Indian principles and the more +up-to-date methods of the Home Army.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The Government of India had, however, been very wise +in two things, and these were, in always insisting on the +Indian troops being rationed strictly on Indian lines, +and scrupulously observing every detail relating to their +religious customs, especially in as far as their food was +concerned. To some it may appear difficult to understand +how it was possible in the heart of Europe to observe these +matters to the letter, but we had with us officers who knew +exactly what to do and how to do it, and the names of +Colonels R. H. Ewart, Hennessy, Moore, Lindsay, Vaughan, +to say nothing of many excellent junior officers, were a +guarantee all would go well with the Supply and Transport; +whilst in the Indian Medical Services we had Colonels +Grayfoot, Bowle-Evans, Wall, Hamilton, White, Moorhead, +and Browse, who with their thorough knowledge of Indian +troops were prepared to look after the interests of the men, +and ably second the splendid work done by the Royal +Army Medical Corps officers, to whom (though here we +are now dealing with Indians alone) the Indian Corps owes +a great debt of gratitude, and on whom fell the main +responsibilities in this European War.</p> + +<p class='c013'>There were days when the ordinary chappati could +not be kneaded or the meat cooked with the ingredients +<span class='pageno' id='Page_98'>98</span>dear to the sepoy’s heart, and there were times when +perhaps men were glad to eat their flour wetted and mixed +with gur (Indian sugar), but this was seldom, and as time +went on hardly ever; and after all when the enemy is +only thirty, and never more than two or three hundred +yards away, and a lively tune is singing overhead, the +beginner at the game is not too squeamish whether his +dinner is served hot or cold nor whether it is up to Savoy +standard. These are the natural accompaniments of +rough war, and the Indians are the easiest soldiers in the +world to feed when they understand it is part of the +game.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The rations consisted of meat for those who ate it, +several days in the week according to the circumstances +of the time; for non meat-eaters extra gur (sugar), dall +(lentils), ghee (clarified butter), potatoes, tea, atta (flour), +and five kinds of tasty ingredients; in addition dried fruits +such as raisins, etc., and various kinds of vegetables as +procurable. But this did not end their rations, for mixed +sweetmeats were frequently supplied by friends and retired +British officers; cigarettes in abundance for such classes +as smoked them; European and Indian tobacco and +chillums (native clay pipes) were sent by some of the +Indian Princes. Rum was issued to those who were not +prohibited from taking alcohol, and extra tea to those +who could not indulge in the former. Goats were purchased +from Southern Europe in large numbers; slaughtered at +fixed stations on the line of communications by men of +the various units; labelled with distinctive tapes and +conveyed to destination by men of the different denominations. +Nothing could have been more considerate than the +details carried out to observe the customs of the sepoy; +and Indian officers and men have said to me over and +over again, “The British Government is wonderful; here +in the midst of the Mahabharat (great war) they even label +our meat. Truly the Badshah (King) is a Rustam and a +Hatim (a hero and a just man).”</p> + +<p class='c013'>As for clothing and necessaries; beginning with somewhat +scanty garments, the sepoys were gradually supplied +with an outfit which it became an impossibility to move; +<span class='pageno' id='Page_99'>99</span>vests, balaclava caps, warm coats, goatskin overcoats, +extra flannel shirts, socks, drawers, woollen mufflers, and +gloves poured into their wardrobes or kit-bags until a +man could neither put on nor even stagger under the +burden, but the cry was, “Still they come.” Kindly +ladies in England and Regimental Committees continued +to send gifts for the Indian soldiers, and I was obliged at +last to cry a halt and find storage room for all that could +not be moved forward from rest billets.</p> + +<p class='c013'>There were occasional complaints of shortage of warm +clothing from units, chiefly Departmental ones; but +though this may have been the case during the first month +or so in France, the exact contrary was the case later on.</p> + +<p class='c013'>It is impossible in writing of the Supply and Transport +to omit mention of the personnel. The British portion +of the work was done with the thoroughness which characterises +the A.S.C., but the Indian rank and file are a hardworking, +patient body of men who do much and say little +about it. In every campaign in which they have served +the Transport driver is acknowledged as a very loyal +servant of the State. Most of the Indian Transport was +transferred to Gallipoli early in the war and did good +work there.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The Medical establishments from India soon fell into +the routine of trench warfare. The requirements of +Frontier expeditions were of a nature so different from +anything in France that it practically meant a fresh start +as far as the transport and interior arrangements were +concerned. There is no need to go into the details of +removing the wounded from the firing-line to the Regimental +Aid Posts and thence on to the Field Ambulances, +with their bearer and tent divisions, the dressing stations +and finally the clearing hospitals from which they are +conveyed by ambulance trains to the base. These things +have become familiar to all during the past war years; +but the friends and relations of the Indian soldier may +rest assured that nothing was left undone by the authorities +to make the removal of the sick and wounded as easy as +it was possible to make it.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The Indians received in due course a complement of +<span class='pageno' id='Page_100'>100</span>the best ambulances, and at all times every attention +that was their due. The buildings appropriated at St. +Venant, Merville, etc., for their hospitals were fitted +with every comfort that could be expected on service; +the French authorities went out of their way to do all in +their power to help “les Hindous” as they always called +them, and the Medical officers of both Services worked +with a devotion which can never be forgotten by the men. +From France they were speedily removed to the special +hospitals in England, and those for India left later for that +country or Egypt, according to orders. At Marseilles +also, which was the great Indian Base in France, the +hospital arrangements were excellent, and when in July +1915 I visited that seaport I found a most perfect open-air +hospital, with large tents, known as E.P. or European +Privates in India, containing several hundred beds for +patients, located on cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean. +I asked an Indian officer recovering from a serious illness +how he liked it and he said, “If there be a bhist (paradise) +before death it is this.”</p> + +<p class='c013'>The Red Cross Association too, with all its million +activities, was blessed by none more than by the men who +came from the far-off mountains and plains of India. +Indeed nothing made a more lasting impression on them +than the medical arrangements of the entire Army.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Their Majesties’ gifts and thoughtfulness for their +Eastern subjects were appreciated in a manner difficult +for Britishers who know not the East to understand. +One sepoy had wrapped up a small metal tobacco box +given him by a British soldier and showed it to me with +much pride. “General Sahib,” he said, “this once +belonged to the King, and I am going to carry it about as +a charm; I shall get back safely enough to my home.”</p> + +<p class='c013'>Another man, very severely wounded, whom I was +seeing off in the ambulance, asked me for a “nishan” +(souvenir) of the war, and I gave him a handkerchief +with blue edges, a part of one of Her Majesty’s gifts to the +Staff; he asked me to tie it round his arm as it would be +a passport at Bombay, and with a touch of humour he +added, “When they see it the Customs officers will not +<span class='pageno' id='Page_101'>101</span>dare to examine my baggage.” This consisted of a +German helmet which he had tied on to his haversack.</p> + +<p class='c013'>And whilst all these and other signs were not wanting +to show the interest taken by our people at home in the +Indian soldiers, there had started in England an association +which has since rendered signal service to the Indian Army +in many theatres of war. The “Indian Soldiers’ Fund” +was inaugurated in October 1914 under the Chairmanship +of Sir John Hewett, late Lieutenant-Governor of the United +Provinces of Agra and Oudh. Many ladies and gentlemen +connected with India became members, and Lord Curzon +of Kedleston very kindly lent his London residence as a +Headquarters. Sir C. McLeod, with whom I had played +many a game of polo when quartered with my battalion +in Calcutta, was the Chairman of the City Committee. +He paid me a visit in France and very generously gave +some handsome prizes for competition amongst Indian +soldiers of all corps.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Money and gifts of clothing, necessaries, and all kinds +of comforts were liberally supplied. Lady Sydenham, +assisted by many others, including my wife, helped to +deal with the gifts, etc., and no one can appreciate or +understand better than myself the immense benefits the +Indians derived during the early days of the war from +the gratuitous labours of all those who so ungrudgingly +gave their services. It was then a different task from what +it became afterwards when experience had perfected the +machine.</p> + +<p class='c013'>It is not too much to say, that as far as the soldiers of +India were concerned, for nothing that was done for them +were they more grateful than the work of the “Indian +Soldiers’ Fund.”</p> + +<p class='c013'>Through Mrs. Morant the hospital at Brockenhurst +Park was started and named after the late Lady Hardinge +of Penshurst.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The Fund also assisted with gifts towards other smaller +but similar institutions and hospital ships, in England +and abroad. Prisoners of war were not forgotten, and +indeed little that could at that time be done was left undone. +In the trenches, the billets, the hospitals, the India-bound +<span class='pageno' id='Page_102'>102</span>hospital ships, and lastly the homes of the brave men +who had come to share in the toils and glory of the Great +War, there could be but one opinion, viz. that the Fund +so generously contributed and so sympathetically administered +would long be remembered with gratitude.</p> + +<div class='chapter'> + <span class='pageno' id='Page_103'>103</span> + <h2 class='c008'>CHAPTER VIII</h2> +</div> + +<p class='c012'>On the 9th November 1914 the right of the Indian Corps +was still just north of Givenchy and in touch with the +French. On this day our Allies projected some move, +and I was asked if we could take over that village and its +front, but anxious as I always was to help them in every +way, I asked the Field-Marshal not to extend my front, as +my strength was quite insufficient for such an extension. Sir +John French, who had come over to see us, quite agreed +and the matter was settled. I, however, sent one of my +battalions to Givenchy as a support to them for a couple +of days. Later on I was ordered to extend my front to +include Givenchy and up to the La Bassée Road south of +it. The order was of course carried out, but it was very +unfortunate for us, as when, very shortly afterwards, we +were heavily attacked on that front my numbers were +altogether too small for the extended line, and, as I shall +tell, the Indian Corps was very roughly handled and +Givenchy was temporarily lost to us; it was retaken by +the heroism of the 1st Manchesters of the Jalandar Brigade, +and again lost, and finally only saved by the arrival of +a Division of the First Army Corps which was in reserve +behind the British positions.</p> + +<p class='c013'>On this date I withdrew the 9th Bhopals from the +trenches at the request of their C.O. for a few days’ rest, +as the battalion had been subjected to a very severe +shelling and had suffered losses which necessitated a short +change.</p> + +<p class='c013'>In diary of November 10 I find, “Our fellows tried +their hand on a mine of sorts to-day. Half a German +fell into the Bareilly Brigade trenches.” This was the +<span class='pageno' id='Page_104'>104</span>beginning of mining warfare for us; though in this case +the plant was only placed in a trench and fired by electricity.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Lord Roberts had been appointed Colonel-in-Chief of +the Indian Corps, and we had the proud satisfaction of +receiving the following telegram:</p> + +<p class='c015'>To Sir James Willcocks, Indian Expeditionary Force.—Allow +me to welcome you and the Indian Expeditionary Force +which has come to fight in Europe shoulder to shoulder in the +cause of liberty and truth, and in upholding our great Empire. +I am proud to be your Colonel-in-Chief.—<span class='sc'>Roberts.</span></p> + +<p class='c013'>I replied and said how rejoiced we all felt at such a +message from the Chief under whose command the Indian +Army had so often been led to victory.</p> + +<p class='c013'>In another telegram, to Sir John French, Lord Roberts +also expressed his high appreciation of the “magnificent +gallantry displayed by all ranks, British and Indian.” +Our great Hero, the victor of many fights, never forgot +his Indian comrades. God rest his soul!</p> + +<p class='c013'>On November 12, Lord Roberts paid us his memorable +visit. On the lawns, now deep in slush, in front of the +Château of Hinges and whilst the roar of the guns shook +the windows of the building, we drew up to receive the +great Field-Marshal. The Indian Corps was alone represented, +and that only by the Headquarters Staff and such +other officers and men as were not on duty in the trenches. +Facing the entrance door was drawn up a Guard of Honour +of all available men, British and Indian. It was a mixed +body, but it was all I could muster at short notice; amongst +them, however, were two Indian officers who knew Lord +Roberts personally, and there was not a man in that small +gathering who did not know the name and the fame of +India’s greatest “Jangi Lat” (War Lord).</p> + +<p class='c013'>There are times in life, fortunately rare, when one feels +as if some sad moment was approaching and you cannot +assign any reason for it. This was one; the solemnity +of it was in any case visible, for it was a great occasion in +itself for the Indian Army to have with it in the heart of +France the aged soldier who had long been its Idol; but +there was some other indefinable feeling, and most of us +<span class='pageno' id='Page_105'>105</span>felt it, that whatever might come this was to be the very +last meeting in the Field of War of the Army of India and +its beloved Chief. We all knew that it was the lion-heart +of this great man which had determined him to come +across the sea just once more, and by his presence encourage +the troops of which he was the Chief in name and fact, +and then, having done his Duty, which was his life’s +watchword, to return to England and have us in his keeping.</p> + +<p class='c013'>As the motor-car pulled up our Colonel-in-Chief stepped +out, still with that brisk step so well remembered by all +who had ever served with him, and we felt, as Tennyson +has sung of another warrior:</p> + +<div class='lg-container-b c014'> + <div class='linegroup'> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>This is England’s greatest son,</div> + <div class='line'>He that gain’d a hundred fights,</div> + <div class='line'>Nor ever lost an English gun.</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c013'>It was a parade, but it was a duty every man present +considered his greatest privilege and honour to have +attended; and who would have missed it?</p> + +<p class='c013'>After shaking hands with every officer, Lord Roberts +inspected the Guard, saying a word, with that charm he +possessed, to each British and Indian officer and old soldier; +and finally giving a military salute entered his car, bidding +me also in, and we moved off to Headquarters of the Meerut +and Lahore Divisions.</p> + +<p class='c013'>During his short visit the sky was clear but a biting +cold wind chilled us all, and no doubt this, combined with +his insistence in pulling up and alighting at each spot +where representatives of every Indian battalion and +Cavalry regiment of the Corps (straight from the trenches) +were collected along the route, helped to bring on the fatal +illness which immediately followed.</p> + +<p class='c013'>During the motor journey I was able to give him an +account of our doings and to answer numerous questions +he put to me. I also had the great benefit of his advice +on some important disciplinary points, on which I would +have consulted no man except him, and on which no one +else could have formed so sound and just an opinion.</p> + +<p class='c013'>At Locon he stopped about half an hour, talking to +General Anderson and his Staff and inspecting the few +<span class='pageno' id='Page_106'>106</span>troops present. His pleasure was manifest when he met +his old comrade Sir Partab Singh and also the Maharaja +of Bikanir and the young Prince of Jodhpore and others +from India. Here he addressed the troops in a few words, +bidding us do our duty and saying he would keenly follow +our fortunes. His last words were, “The fame of your +doings will live for ever in India.”</p> + +<p class='c013'>Passing on to the Headquarters of the Lahore Division, +he saw General Watkis and his Staff drawn up in the Square +at Estaires, and spoke for some time to an Indian officer +who had served with him. He also saw General Wadeson +and officers and men of the Secunderabad Cavalry Brigade.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Not the least touching part of his visit was the fact +that he was followed by another car, in which travelled +one of his daughters, the guardian angel of his last hours. +The Indian officer to whom he had just spoken said after +he had left, “Sahib, the English are a great race. Brave +men, brave women. Peace or war they always hold fast +together. The victory is already yours.”</p> + +<p class='c013'>As I gave him my last salute and the hurrahs of the +troops ceased, I felt the Indian Corps had a friend who +was the lodestar which would guide us on our path of +duty and that his visit had increased our strength. And +only two days later the great Field-Marshal passed away. +An honoured guard of Indian soldiers watched over the +house where rested his body, and England had lost one +of her most precious possessions and the Army of India +its truest friend.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Most of the Indian Princes and Chiefs in France crossed +to England and attended the funeral, and, to show how +heartfelt was the sorrow of our Allies, I received letters +the very next day from General de Maud’huy, commanding +the Xth Army, and General Maistre, commanding the +XXIst Corps d’Armée, who were on our right, deploring +the great loss our country, and more especially the Indian +Corps, had suffered.</p> + +<p class='c013'>He will not be forgotten “while memory holds a seat +in this distracted globe.”</p> + +<p class='c013'>I was informed at this time that it was now possible to +shorten the line held by the Corps. I was naturally pleased +<span class='pageno' id='Page_107'>107</span>when the change was carried out on the night of 15th-16th +November. The 8th British Division relieved the two +left brigades of the Corps, and our right then rested on +Givenchy and our left on the La Bassée-Estaires Road. +On the 11th November Captain H. Wicks, 1st Seaforth +Highlanders, sent out a small party of his battalion under +command of Lieut. D. MacKenzie to destroy three houses +in his front. My chief recollection of this affair is, that +one of the party in describing it said when they got within +ten yards of the centre house the Germans shouted, +“Allenmechty English,” and bolted. It was told as if it +was a huge joke, and somehow the story has always been +one I laugh over. The party split up and entered all three +houses, and were proceeding to set them on fire with the +help of straw when the Huns attacked and drove them out, +and from the upper story of one a machine-gun suddenly +began to spit lead. The Germans had been surprised, +but now it was the turn of our men. Covered by our own +fire from the trenches the party got back without a scratch. +Even such minor skirmishes had their lessons. In this +case it was found that the Boches lived in cellars by day; +and instead of wasting lives the houses were demolished +by shells shortly afterwards.</p> + +<p class='c013'>During the night of 11th-12th November the Germans +sapped up and dug a short parallel within thirty-five yards +of the left trenches of the Connaught Rangers, and the +next night the Irishmen attacked this new trench; but +the enemy anticipated the attack, which failed, and at +dawn, elated with his success, launched a counter-attack. +This was carried out with determination and succeeded +in penetrating our trenches and temporarily capturing a +machine-gun.</p> + +<p class='c013'>But this triumph was short-lived as the Connaughts +immediately rushed the lost position, recaptured the gun, +bayoneting such Germans as were found, and turned the +Maxim on to the remainder. A German officer showed +great bravery on this occasion; he remained to the last +at one end of a trench and picked off three or four men +with a rifle before he would retire, and then managed to +escape. Twenty of the enemy lay dead on or near our +<span class='pageno' id='Page_108'>108</span>parapet and two prisoners were taken. We suffered only +eight casualties, amongst them three men killed and one +officer wounded, Lieut. E. Morris.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The Irishmen did not mean to allow the enemy to hold +on to his new parallel, and Colonel Ravenshaw arranged +an assault for midnight, 14th November, when sixty men +under Lieut. A. G. Moutray silently rushed the trench, +supported by the cross-fire of two machine-guns. A few +Germans were in occupation, of whom Moutray shot two +himself. Our casualties numbered only five men. Sergt. +Brown was commended for good work, and the parallel +ceased to trouble us.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Daily small encounters were now the rule, with the more +important of which alone I shall deal. On 13th November +General Keary, commanding the Garhwal Brigade, ordered +an attack on some German trenches which had previously +been assaulted but had reverted to the enemy. Lieut.-Colonel +W. R. Brakspear, 2/3rd Gurkhas, with six platoons +of his own corps, and about sixty men of the 2/39th +Garhwalis under Major Taylor, who had been in the previous +attack on the same trench, carried out the assault.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The troops to fill in the trench when captured were +drawn from No. 4 Company Sappers and Miners and 2/3rd +Gurkhas. The assault was made at 9 <span class='fss'>P.M.</span>, but was at +once shattered on its left and centre, and only a party on +the right succeeded in reaching the enemy trenches, where +Lieut. H. F. McSwiney and his Gurkhas quickly accounted +for twenty-five Huns and made four prisoners. Brakspear, +who had by this time himself come up, worked along the +trench to his left until held up by a party of Germans +behind a traverse. McSwiney tried to rush the enemy +by climbing the parapet but was severely wounded in the +gallant attempt.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Seeing that further help was necessary if the small +party were to drive them from their comparatively safe +position, Brakspear himself went back at considerable risk +through a hot fire and, having organised a relief, together +with Major E. G. Drummond advanced towards his goal; +but the fire was very heavy and made doubly destructive +by a searchlight which played incessantly on our men. +<span class='pageno' id='Page_109'>109</span>Drummond was killed as he left his own trench; the advance, +however, continued until a number of high-explosive +shells suddenly fell in succession all round the attackers, +disjointing their efforts and scattering all but a mere +handful who, with Brakspear, managed to regain their +trench.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Meantime the position opposite to the traverse was +being splendidly maintained by Subadar Dalkesar Gurung, +but it was now past midnight and time to return, as that +hour had been fixed for the covering Artillery fire to help +our retirement, and this was already beginning. Finding +that no further object was to be gained by remaining, +McSwiney and his party moved back, but finding that +Captain R. D. Alexander, who had been severely wounded +near the traverse, had not been brought in, as he refused +to be moved before the other wounded, McSwiney and +his Subadar with a few men went back to search for him, +but finding no traces had once more sorrowfully to retire, +and on reaching our trenches, drenched in blood, McSwiney +fell in a swoon.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Glorious fellows! Which was the braver, the gallant +Captain who refused to be moved lest one of his men might +be left in the hands of the enemy; or the equally gallant +Subadar who, facing almost certain death, returned, +severely wounded as he was, to try and rescue his comrade? +Fine deeds, performed in company, by men of +different birth, but as Thomas Moore sings:</p> + +<div class='lg-container-b c014'> + <div class='linegroup'> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Shall I ask the brave soldier who fights by my side</div> + <div class='line'>In the cause of mankind, if our creeds agree?</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c013'>The object of this attack was to destroy the trenches; +it was not achieved, as it did not come as a surprise to the +enemy, and once launched our men were heavily handicapped +by the German searchlight, an apparatus with +which we were of course unprovided. Also the Huns had +considerably improved and re-aligned their trench by +throwing back a flank since our last assault on it and our +scouts had not reported any changes. Another cause +was that some men in their excitement started their rush +with cheers contrary to orders. The prisoners also declared +<span class='pageno' id='Page_110'>110</span>that our shells were not exploding. But the best lesson +learned from this attack was, that it is easy enough to +capture a small portion of a trench; it is a very different +matter to hold on to it, unless ample provision has been +made beforehand to ensure success. We were still learning +in those early days of the war.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Colonel Brakspear behaved with great coolness, always +being in the place of greatest danger. Drummond also of +the 3rd Gurkhas only arrived that day, and I had wished +him luck as he started for the trenches. McSwiney (son +of a very old friend) received the Military Cross for his +gallantry. Captain H. Bennett was missing.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The following were brought to notice by the Division: +Subadar Dalkesar Gurung, Havildar Bahadur Thapa, Naik +Rupdhan Dun, Lance-Naik Kabiram Thapa, Rifleman +Ganpati Thapa, all of the 3rd Gurkhas; and Lance-Naik +Jaman Singh Khatri, Rifleman Gajbir Bisht, and Ran +Bahadur Saki, of the 1/9th Gurkhas.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The Gurkhas had fifty-seven other casualties, including +two Indian officers.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Major Taylor, who had twice attempted the attack of +this same trench, and Captain A. W. Robertson-Glasgow, +both of the 2/39th Garhwalis, were missing, and the remaining +losses of this battalion amounted to thirty-eight.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The 3rd Gurkhas were raised as far back as 1815, so +the regiment was celebrating its 100th year of existence. +Its name had undergone many changes, but in its ranks +was the same breed as had originally taken service with +the British Government after the fall of Malaun and +Kumaon. In 1891 a second battalion was added, and in +1908 the present title of the 3rd Queen Alexandra’s +Own Gurkha Rifles was conferred on the regiment. They +possess seven battle honours, from Delhi (1858) to Tirah +and the Punjab Frontiers. At the outbreak of war, the +2nd battalion, with the Indian Corps, was commanded by +Lieut.-Colonel V. A. Ormsby, who was later promoted to +a Companionship of the Bath.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The Lahore Division had borne the first brunt of the +fighting in France, and now almost daily it was the turn +of the sister Division to be employed in some scrap or raid. +<span class='pageno' id='Page_111'>111</span>No one who reads the records of the Corps during its first +two months in France can fail to be struck by the energy +and initiative of the Divisional Commanders, Brigadiers, +and C.O.’s of units; if it was not in attack, it was in defence +of our own trenches; but, one or other, the Corps was as +incessantly employed as any in Flanders. The numbers +were being fast reduced and there were no daily ships +bringing the sorely needed reinforcements; whilst that +invaluable man, the British officer, was irreplaceable.</p> + +<p class='c013'>On the night of the 16th November the 6th Jat Light +Infantry had their first experience of carrying out an +attack on German trenches. Associated with them in this +well-conceived scheme was half of No. 3 Company Sappers +and Miners. The party consisted of 125 rifles of the Jats +under command of Major P. H. Dundas and sixty Sappers +under Captain E. H. Kelly, R.E., and I cannot do better +than epitomise the report of these two officers, written with +a modesty that makes them very readable.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The Jat report states that they were ordered by the +C.O. to advance at 9 <span class='fss'>P.M.</span> between two saps, made by the +enemy towards the 107th Pioneers and 4th Cavalry, and +to hold the portion of the German trench between these +saps till 9.45 <span class='fss'>P.M.</span>, by which time the Pioneers would have +reconstructed their trench (which had been partially +destroyed by shell-fire), and the Sappers and Miners filled +in the saps. Instructions were also given re the part to +be played by our heavy and field guns. The Infantry +were extended, and advanced with orders not to fire until +the objective was reached. As they cleared the line of +their own wire, the German saps on both flanks opened a +heavy fire and some casualties resulted. At sixty yards +they crossed a deep drain, and at 100 yards entered a +trench loopholed to the front and rear. (Ominous!) This +trench was unoccupied, but Germans were seen retiring. +The mouth of one sap was closed and an advance with the +bayonet began, so as to protect the Sappers who had begun +work. Meantime the enemy who held the trench in +prolongation of the portion captured by the Jats opened +a heavy but ineffective fire on our men. The Jats replied +vigorously, being rewarded by much groaning and yells +<span class='pageno' id='Page_112'>112</span>proceeding from the Hun trench. The same success +attended our men holding the right sap and a prisoner was +captured. Lieut. Liptrott, who was on the left, also butted +against the enemy. Before 10 <span class='fss'>P.M.</span> our own guns and +rifles in rear began to become troublesome, and the Jats, +very well handled, began their prearranged return, a party +moving along the top of the saps to finish off any enemy +bottled up in them. Under a considerable fire from both +flanks the retirement was coolly carried out, one of the +Company officers being killed and another wounded, whilst +in among the dead was a frightened German prisoner; +he clung to Major Dundas rather than risk his skin in +charge of what he deemed to be the terrible sepoys. The +casualties were reported as two Indian officers and sixteen +men wounded; and the only other Indian officer and ten +men were missing and certainly killed. Then followed a +list of booty taken.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The Sappers and Miners under Captain Kelly and +Lieut. E. O. Wheeler advanced towards both saps. The +left sap was full of Germans, who promptly ran. A large +portion of the trench was filled in and Wheeler then retired, +bringing with him some German grenades and other articles +left behind by them. Kelly with the right party found +Germans retiring, and a few of them were bayoneted. The +traverses were then destroyed and booty collected before +the time for retiring. The total losses of the Sappers +consisted of only three killed and one wounded.</p> + +<p class='c013'>This ended a small enterprise which has been given in +full as a sample of how things should be done, and the +manner in which our Indian troops worked in those days, +whilst the ranks still contained some of the fully trained +men with which the Corps arrived in France.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Major Dundas received the D.S.O. and Kelly the +Military Cross. Liptrott was unfortunately killed shortly +afterwards. The following were brought to notice for +good work: Jemadar Abdul Aziz and Colour-Havildar +Chagatta, both of them Sappers. The latter was awarded +the I.D.S.M., being already in possession of the Indian +Order of Merit. I knew this fine Indian soldier well. The +Jemadar received the same decoration.</p> + +<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' id='Page_113'>113</span>In the 6th Jats Havildar Jailal received the I.O.M., +and the following won honourable mention: Jemadar +Incha Ram, who, although seriously wounded, continued +with the attack; Havildar Badlu, also seriously wounded; +Sepoy Risal, and lastly four gallant fellows who stayed till +it was almost too late searching for the body of their +Indian officer.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The 6th Jats were originally raised in 1803, and, like +other regiments of the Bengal Army, had owned various +names and numbers. In 1903 it received its present +designation, and is composed of eight companies of Jats. +Its colours bear, amongst others, such varied names as +Ghazni and Kabul 1842, Maharajpore, Sobraon, Afghanistan, +and China.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Lieut.-Colonel H. J. Roche was in command when the +war began. He was later given the C.B., and his battalion +have good reason to be proud of the part they played.</p> + +<p class='c013'>During the month of November the weather was such +as to test severely the stamina of the Indians. Cold and +wet accompanied frequently by biting winds is a plain +definition of the climatic conditions during the first two +weeks; then snow began and by the 20th the whole country +was clothed in a deep mantle. In the midst of the sea +of mud, with scant bedding for so bitter a climate, lying +in foul and insanitary trenches, often frozen hard, practically +underground dwelt in thousands men, to most of +whom ice and snow were unknown, their only knowledge +of it being the distant views some had obtained of the +mighty Himalayas, peopled with a myriad gods, towering +like Titan sentinels over their plains and valleys. Imagine +their feelings when now they found themselves in their +embrace, faced by every devilish device of murderous +science, and all from a sense of duty to an alien race. It +is a subject for thought. It is a great triumph of fellowship +for the British race. A Gurkha officer whom I asked one +day what he thought of it all replied: “What can I say? +We live in a well and look up at God’s sky by day, and at +German flares by night, but we are going to win.”</p> + +<p class='c013'>The subterfuges employed by the Indians were at times +quite amusing, though not perhaps very much so for the +<span class='pageno' id='Page_114'>114</span>actors. A sepoy, native of Rustam, was out on patrol +duty in “No Man’s Land” when a German searchlight +caught and exposed him in a semi-kneeling position, and +the enemy only fifty yards distant. He had probably in +his day taken part in uninvited nocturnal visits but not +in quite similar circumstances; however, his native wit +came to his rescue, and immediately rising up he stood +still and saluted his foes. Surprised by the apparition, +the Huns ceased firing and the Indian, now salaaming, +moved on and entered their trench.</p> + +<p class='c013'>In the German lines facing the Indian Corps were one +or two scoundrels from India, types of traitors which are +common to all countries, who, finding Hindustan too hot +for them, and preferring treachery to the noose which +awaited them if they returned, had taken service with +the Germans in pre-war days. What use was made of +them it is difficult to say, but probably such leaflets as +were dropped over our lines from aeroplanes were their +production, as well as an occasional call from their trenches +shouted in Hindustani advising our men to desert and +join the generous Huns.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Be this as it may, our sepoy, seeing he must now feign +hatred of us or go under, by signs and gestures soon +assured his captors that his one object in life was to cut +the throats of the English, and to give emphasis to his +bloodthirsty proclivities he passed his hand across his +throat, repeating with angry looks, “English, English.” +This was enough to at once bring him a liberal supply of +rations and other trench luxuries. His next business was +to discover some means of escape, and he managed by +counting on his fingers and saying, “<i>Beimān</i>” (unfaithful) +whilst pointing to our trenches, to impress his would-be +friends that other scoundrels as black as he were willing +to desert. Coffee followed this interesting bit of news, +and after much palavering the sepoy was allowed to leave +on his mission. Creeping carefully he rejoined his battalion +and the Huns saw him no more.</p> + +<p class='c013'>All ranks felt the bitter cold and there were a large +number of frost-bites and trench feet as they were called, +but taken all round the Indian troops stood it far better +<span class='pageno' id='Page_115'>115</span>than I had ever believed possible. A factor in their +health was the extraordinarily good arrangements for +giving the men baths and providing them with hot water. +Once out of the trenches (such occasions were rare in those +times) a man was certain to get a hot tub of sorts. All +kinds of contrivances were gradually furnished by Government; +heaters, clothes driers, fumigators, travelling boilers +were sent out by kind friends and by the “Indian Soldiers’ +Fund.”</p> + +<p class='c013'>The Indian with water of any kind is like a child by +the sea, he must at once dabble in it. Now the sea is pure, +but our sepoy has a bad habit of entirely ignoring all +sanitary laws where his <i>pani</i> (water) is concerned; so long +as it is water he will drink from any pool or wash in any +gutter, and much as I admire and like him, I have in my +time been obliged to inflict very severe punishments to +lead and keep him in the path of sanitation. Hence when +he found clean hot water was as easily procured as muddy +cold water, he naturally chose the former.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Riding out one day I saw a shower of paper descending +earthwards evidently dropped from an aeroplane. They +were leaflets printed in Hindi calling on our Indian soldiers +to rise against the British. Comically enough the call +was headed, “True information”! thereby proving the +Germans can sometimes perpetrate a joke. Here is the +text:</p> + +<p class='c015'>The Sheik Ul Islam has proclaimed a Jihad (Holy War) +on the Id (a festival day) at Mecca against the British, +Russians, and French. The Sultan of Turkey has started a +war against the same oppressive people, and he has been +joined by the King of Afghanistan.</p> + +<p class='c013'>But German humour is at best singular. Here was an +incitement to Hindus and Mahomedans alike to revolt, +and yet only Mahomedans are named, and to make it +more ridiculous the language was Hindi, or the language +of Hindus alone. I took a copy to the trenches of one +regiment of each class and to one or two mixed Corps of +both and read them out. The message was greeted with +loud laughter, and one humorous Punjabi Musalman +<span class='pageno' id='Page_116'>116</span>shouted out, “We now understand what ‘Made in Germany’ +means!”</p> + +<p class='c013'>On the 19th of November Prince Arthur of Connaught +visited our Headquarters, and I took him round the billets +of the Secunderabad Cavalry Brigade. He was much +pleased with all he saw, and the Jodhpore Lancers drawn +up near a farmhouse looked weird, coated with snow, a +thing none of them had ever touched before.</p> + +<p class='c013'>On the 20th November I was the guest of General de +Maud’huy commanding the Xth French Army at St. Pol. +I always repeat that I have never served with finer soldiers +than the French, nor known better Generals and Staffs than +those of our great Allies. The Headquarters Staff were +located in the most ordinary house in the main street, but +the general order that prevailed all round showed the +perfection to which a Command Headquarters can be +brought. It was certainly far simpler than anything in +our own Army. The General kindly furnished me with a +very large scale map of the whole Western Front, giving +all details of the German Corps from Nieuport to the Swiss +Frontier. An ordinary Corps commander was not allowed +such luxuries with us. I still hear from him, and shall +certainly make a point of again going to see him wherever +he may be.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The next day H.R.H. the Prince of Wales honoured +the Corps by coming round and seeing all troops not in +the trenches. The Indians were specially delighted and +cheered lustily. Just after he left I was motoring to our +Reserves to watch some newly manufactured trench mortars +fired, when I saw a new German Taube come down; it +was the first in our lines and the excitement of the sepoys +was worth watching. The two officers were taken prisoners +and I saw them later at my Headquarters.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Regarding the trench mortars mentioned above, this +first attempt was most successful. The Indian Sappers +and Miners soon had the matter in hand and before long +we were using them with good results. Fancy in this +great war mortars made at first of wood and cast iron +being employed and considered a great adjunct to our +means of defence. The old British Army and the Indian +<span class='pageno' id='Page_117'>117</span>Corps had to learn many a lesson before the days of 15-inch +guns and unlimited ammunition.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Every effort was made to alleviate the trials of the men +in the trenches. Braziers and other roughly constructed +devices were manufactured by our ubiquitous Sappers. +Earthen vessels filled with charcoal, when procurable, were +distributed along the trenches; extra socks were issued +and straw was rolled under the puttees. A percentage of +gum boots were sent out by the “Indian Soldiers’ Fund,” +and woollen gloves were freely supplied. General Headquarters +did all they could to help us, and the Medical +Officers and unit commanders were indefatigable in their +labours to keep the men fit during the severe ordeal of +that ghastly winter.</p> + +<p class='c013'>In this war, when of necessity the Armies lay for so +long opposite to one another in the same positions, the +public naturally associated the Infantry soldier with the +greatest hardships which had to be borne. He lived in +the trenches, he held the front line when attacked, or led +the assault when in advance, but behind him was the man +with the big guns. This latter had some advantages over +his Infantry comrade: he was farther from the rifle and +machine-gun, and out of the range of the grenade and +trench mortar, but without him no front line could have +been held for an hour and no attack would ever have been +possible.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Moreover, he was the target most sought by the enemy; +the prying aeroplane could easily trace the trenches, but its +chief prey was the battery in rear, and once found it very +soon received the concentrated attention of the hostile +guns. The men in front knew all this well. They loved +their field guns, their constant companions and always +the nearest to them. The howitzers were their closest +allies when the Hun trench had to be searched and knocked +about; the biggest pieces behind them were the loyal +parents who closely supported them when necessity arose, +and watching over all farthest back were the monsters in +those days still in a state of manufacture, affectionately +spoken of in later times as Grandmothers.</p> + +<p class='c013'>And so the gunners, like those farther forward, took +<span class='pageno' id='Page_118'>118</span>their full, and often more than full, share of the daily +work. They lived in great discomfort, for you cannot be +constantly moving guns in concealed positions; the labour +is vast, and so long as you are undiscovered so much the +better to remain there. Hence when the pits and dug-outs +filled with water, they just made the best of it, and the +confidence inspired by these splendid soldiers and their +guns was something they could not help realising, however +modest.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The Indians, even more than their British comrades, +put implicit faith in the Artillery. So long as Jack Sepoy +could hear the moan or the roar of the missiles from his +beloved guns speeding overhead towards the enemy lines +he rested assured that come what might all was well.</p> + +<div class='chapter'> + <span class='pageno' id='Page_119'>119</span> + <h2 class='c008'>CHAPTER IX</h2> +</div> + +<p class='c012'>The Army Corps was now on the eve of its first considerable +fight. Signs were not wanting that the Germans meant +to break into, or through, a portion of our line, and the +fighting that followed was confined to the Corps alone. +It was in fact the only time during our stay in France +that we conducted a combined operation entirely on our +own, so to speak. At Givenchy in December, Neuve +Chapelle in March, Ypres in April, Festubert in May, +and Mauquissart in September, our battles, though on a +far bigger scale, were fought in conjunction with and as +part of combined forces; but on this solitary occasion we +had it all to ourselves, and although it was a purely +defensive action the results were highly satisfactory. We +regained all our lost trenches and the heavy losses were +more than repaid by the knowledge gained, viz. that the +Indian Corps as a fighting unit could carry out its own rôle +in the war without exterior assistance, so long as the ranks +were not too far depleted to permit of our holding the +front assigned, and we could employ our own guns as +considered necessary.</p> + +<p class='c013'>It was not an unreasonable request we made, that we +should not be expected to do more than our numbers +warranted. Let us examine for a moment the fighting +strength of the Indian Corps at this time. It amounted +in rifles to 3500 British and 9500 Indian, and in Reserve +about 1750 were available from the Secunderabad Cavalry +Brigade, which might mean 1000 rifles. The combined +strength therefore was little more than a British Division.</p> + +<p class='c013'>There was always the argument raised that this number +was far under the “Ration strength,” <i>i.e.</i> the number of +<span class='pageno' id='Page_120'>120</span>men for whom rations were drawn. But without going +into details which would not be understood by the ordinary +reader, it may at once be said that the actual troops available +for taking part in any fighting in or near the trenches +was as stated above, and no more could be found.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The preliminary operations which preceded the German +attack were directed against the Bareilly Brigade of the +Meerut Division, which was commanded by Major-General +Macbean. On the 21st November the Germans started +a succession of bomb attacks from trench guns against +the section held by the 6th Jats, causing many casualties +and destroying the trenches. This was followed next day +by a still heavier bombardment on the same trenches, and +against those occupied by the 58th Vaughan’s Rifles.</p> + +<p class='c013'>On this night, 22nd-23rd November, in accordance with +orders, the Meerut Division was in process of relief by the +Lahore Division, plus a portion of the Secunderabad +Cavalry Brigade. By the morning of the 23rd November +the relief had been partially completed, the result being +that five units of the Lahore Division and two battalions +of the Meerut were now in the line. The former from left +to right were the 129th Baluchis and 57th Rifles composing +the left section; one company Connaught Rangers, 34th +Pioneers, and 9th Bhopals formed the centre section; and +the 58th Rifles and a half of the 2nd Black Watch the right +section. The other half of the Black Watch and the 41st +Dogras were on their way to their billets, whilst the 8th +Gurkhas and 107th Pioneers were at Gorre, and the 6th +Jats at Festubert.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Pending the completion of the relief by Ferozepore +Brigade the command remained under Major-General +Macbean. In order to give a concise account of what +followed, I will describe as a whole the action of the troops +from the time of the first attack on the 23rd November +until morning of 24th, when we had completely re-established +our position, and then endeavour to explain in greater +detail the part taken by the various Corps engaged.</p> + +<p class='c013'>At 7.45 <span class='fss'>A.M.</span> the O.C. centre section reported that the +Germans had broken his line, and a counter-attack was +arranged. The 6th Jats were moved up and the Gurkhas +<span class='pageno' id='Page_121'>121</span>and Pioneers ordered to stand fast. By 9 <span class='fss'>A.M.</span> the enemy +attack on this portion of the line appeared to be slackening, +but grenade and rifle fire was vigorously kept up. Meanwhile +a great part of the 34th Pioneers, who had been +driven from their trenches, was ordered to make a counter-attack +for their recovery; but this attack never came to +anything.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Half an hour later General Macbean was informed that +part of the 58th Rifles had also been driven from their +trenches, and this repeated retirement of our troops was +rendering our hold precarious. The situation was not +relieved by the fact that the right of the Connaught +company was by this time being enfiladed owing to the +34th Pioneers’ retirement.</p> + +<p class='c013'>About 10 <span class='fss'>A.M.</span> the G.O.C.’s Meerut and Lahore Divisions +mutually arranged that the latter’s troops, who would in +any case have taken over the front that night, should move +up in support at once, and this was begun. The trench +mortar of the Garhwal Brigade which was helping the +Connaughts, after firing a few rounds, burst. Such were +the engines of war in our possession in those days! General +Macbean by these moves would have ample means to resist +any likely attacks, and there was no further report of the +Germans increasing their effort.</p> + +<p class='c013'>A counter-attack was being arranged, when General +Egerton commanding the Ferozepore Brigade arrived at +Macbean’s Headquarters. As he was the Brigadier to +relieve him on this front, Macbean asked him to conduct +the operations of this attack, and the 8th Gurkhas and +107th Pioneers were given him as a reinforcement.</p> + +<p class='c013'>By noon the situation appeared more serious than +might be inferred from the above, as the 34th Pioneers +and 9th Bhopals had been forced from all their trenches, +and this, added to the gap caused by portions of the 58th +Rifles retiring, left a long line of front trenches in possession +of the enemy. A counter-attack by the 6th Jats was +unsuccessful, being checked by machine-gun fire.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Our Artillery materially assisted in preventing any +further enemy advance, and General Anderson ordered +the 1/39th Garhwalis to Gorre, and the Leicesters and 3rd +<span class='pageno' id='Page_122'>122</span>Gurkhas to be prepared to move from La Couture. He +also directed Macbean to recover the lost trenches and +enemy sap-heads, and the Garhwal Brigade Reserve to +move up to the rear of Macbean’s left.</p> + +<p class='c013'>As the enemy increased in numbers and was plentifully +supplied with bombs, General Joubert in command of the +French on our immediate right was asked to co-operate if +it became necessary, and the G.O.C. 8th British Division +offered his Artillery support, but neither of these aids +proved necessary. Whilst matters were thus shaping +themselves, the company of the Rangers had been obliged +by the exposure of its right flank to move to its left into +the section held by the 57th Rifles and 129th Baluchis.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The position when General Egerton arrived to take +over the direction of affairs was this. On our left the +57th Rifles and 129th Baluchis stood firm, whilst the company +of the Rangers had moved into this section also and +was defending itself with success. The section was commanded +by Lieut.-Colonel Southey of the 129th Baluchis, +and he had, by occupying some houses in rear of his exposed +flank, completely held up the enemy, and saved any chance +of their further advance in this direction.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The whole of the centre of our front trenches to the +right, viz. those formerly held by the 34th Pioneers, 9th +Bhopals, and the greater part of the 58th Rifles, were in +German possession. The remainder of the 58th held on, +and the Black Watch on the right had not moved. Seeing +how matters stood I ordered the Secunderabad Cavalry +Brigade up to close billets in Essars, to be available as a +reinforcement.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Preceded by a heavy and most accurate Artillery fire +directed by Lieut.-Colonel E. J. Duffus and ably supported +by two French batteries which had been sent us by our +ever-helpful allies, the Infantry attack was launched at +4.30 <span class='fss'>P.M.</span> Portions of the following formed the attacking +party, 8th Gurkhas, 6th Jats, Connaught Rangers, with +107th Pioneers in support. Notwithstanding that the +guns had inflicted heavy losses, as evidenced by the numbers +of dead Germans found in our trenches when we recaptured +them next morning, this counter-stroke was only partially +<span class='pageno' id='Page_123'>123</span>successful. The 107th Pioneers were now sent to support +the right where the 8th Gurkhas had succeeded in reoccupying +a portion of the lost trenches, whilst some of +the 9th Bhopals had also recovered another portion and +the 58th, very materially helped by the Black Watch on +their right, had reoccupied part of their lost line. The +Gurkhas assisted by a detachment of the 6th Jats in this +operation captured a few prisoners.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Meantime part of the 107th Pioneers who, as previously +stated, had moved to the right were temporarily held up +by a furious fire of bombs, and were directed to hold on +and gain touch with the 58th Rifles.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Egerton also directed the 1/39th Garhwalis to move to +the left flank of the centre section, <i>i.e.</i> near where Colonel +Southey was holding the Germans. The plan of the +Garhwal attack was formed by Colonel Swiney after +consultation with Colonel Southey and some other officers, +and a suggestion for bombing down the German trenches +was first made by Lieut. Robson, R.E.</p> + +<p class='c013'>On receiving definite news of the situation, and being +quite determined that in this our first fight as a Corps no +inch of ground should be surrendered, I had instructed +General Anderson that at all costs the lost trenches were +to be recovered. There was small need perhaps, as he +was not the man to give away anything for nothing in a +fight, but my message was sent through to the troops, and +I felt those fine comrades would uphold the honour of the +Corps. Knowing this, Egerton, although he had already +sent off the 39th Garhwalis on their special mission but +had no information of their progress, launched a further +attack from his right flank.</p> + +<p class='c013'>This attack consisted of two companies of the 2nd +Leicesters and two of the 107th Pioneers. The Leicesters +effected a lodgment in the enemy’s trenches but were hard +pressed to retain it owing to heavy bombing, and the 107th +were repulsed, but their combined action without doubt +considerably disconcerted the Germans and assisted the +39th Garhwalis who were advancing up the hostile trenches +from the opposite direction.</p> + +<p class='c013'>This was our first attempt on a large scale in clearing +<span class='pageno' id='Page_124'>124</span>the enemy out of his trenches by bombing along them +from traverse to traverse. It has long since become familiar +to every soldier, but in those days at any rate it was new; +and considering the primitive instruments at our disposal, +some lighted with matches, some with port fires, some +anyhow, a large proportion having a tendency to prematurely +explode or refuse to light, and all this done on +a freezing night with snow and ice in the trenches and half +a gale of wind blowing, it was no mean performance.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The result of this long-drawn-out contest was that with +the hold gained on our right by the reoccupation of portions +of our line by the 107th Pioneers, 8th Gurkhas, 6th Jats, +and a company of the Bhopals, and the splendid advance +of the 1/39th Garhwalis along the enemy’s trenches from +our left, the troops from both flanks joined hands and the +entire position was restored by 6 o’clock on the morning +of the 24th November. The trenches formerly held by +the 34th Pioneers and 9th Bhopals were taken over by the +Leicesters and 1/39th Garhwalis. Our losses, however, +were very heavy.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The enemy also suffered considerably, not only in his +advance, but whilst in occupation of our trenches and their +vicinity and during our counter-attack. He had many +hours in which to evacuate his wounded and remove his +dead under cover of night, nevertheless he left behind him +a great many of both, showing the hasty nature of his +final departure. The recaptured trenches had been knocked +to bits by our well-directed guns, and the 1/39th Garhwalis +secured two trench mortars, three machine-guns, and a large +number of rifles and other equipment, besides four officers +and 100 men taken prisoners.</p> + +<div class='lg-container-b c014'> + <div class='linegroup'> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>And thus was Corinth lost and won.</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c013'>It was our first fight within the Corps, and hence +deserves to be told in full. We learned many useful lessons +which I shall try and epitomise, but first I must tell the +story of many gallant deeds by which the results were +obtained. Over forty British officers and 1150 other ranks, +chiefly Indians, was the price we paid that November day, +but the official despatch disposed of the fighting in a few +<span class='pageno' id='Page_125'>125</span>lines and no names were singled out. Few outside the +Corps ever heard of it, but it was the Indian soldiers’ own +fight, and they will often tell of it in the years to come.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Here is the story. The 34th Pioneers had been the +first to feel the shock; and heavily attacked as they were +by grenades, soon had their left machine-gun out of action. +The enemy broke into the trench but the gun was saved +by Havildar Nikka Singh, who, seeing the detachment +overwhelmed, picked up and carried the Maxim through a +fierce fire into the support trench.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Captain Mackain, who commanded the company to the +right, behaved most gallantly. His trench was rushed, but +he quickly collected a party and from behind a traverse +defied the enemy advance. From this position he shot +one German after another with his revolver, keeping them +at bay whilst his men maintained a sharp duel. Mackain +was at last himself mortally wounded and carried away +by Sepoy Ishar Singh, who received a reward, but alas the +gallant officer did not live to reap his. This is surely a +case for a posthumous reward! Captain G. E. Wilson of +this battalion was prominently brought to notice for his +gallantry. He was wounded and taken prisoner, but +eventually returned to England.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The attack on the battalion drove the companies back +from their trenches partly to support trenches and partly +towards and into the trench of the Connaught Rangers on +their left. An attempt to retake the lost positions of the +34th’s trenches was unsuccessful, and eventually this +battalion, and along with them the 9th Bhopals, lost all +their line and fell back in some confusion.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Subadar Natha Singh of the 34th behaved with great +coolness and retired his men skilfully, gaining the Indian +Order of Merit. Lance-Naik Tota Singh and Havildar +Pala Singh also received the I.O.M. for bravery, and the +same award was given to Sub-Assistant Surgeon Harnam +Singh for devotion to duty at the regimental aid-post. +Lieut.-Colonel G. Kelly was killed whilst leading a counter-attack, +and Captain A. Masters, the Adjutant, shared his +fate also. Subadars Natha Singh (No. 1), Ram Singh, and +Jemadar Sundar Singh and sixty other ranks were killed. +<span class='pageno' id='Page_126'>126</span>Five British and Indian officers and 140 other ranks were +wounded and twenty-three missing.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The company of the Connaught Rangers now found +themselves enfiladed from their right, but fighting steadily +moved along the trench towards the 57th Rifles and finally +barricaded themselves and held on. I always admire the +short report of Captain G. F. Callaghan, their commander, +who merely says, “We resisted them traverse by traverse +but suffered considerable losses and could inflict comparatively +no injury on them.” Again, “Practically all the +bombs were wet and useless.” True, it was so. We had +no provision in our army for such toys. Doubtless the +result of</p> + +<div class='lg-container-b c014'> + <div class='linegroup'> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>The cankers of a calm world and a long peace.</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c013'>This flank, as I have already told, was finally made +impregnable by Colonel Southey of the 129th Baluchis, +who with the 57th and his own battalion never gave the +enemy an opportunity of further extending his gains.</p> + +<p class='c013'>On the right of the 34th Pioneers was the 9th Bhopal +Infantry. Numbers 2 and 4 double companies were +heavily bombed, and with the retirement of the 34th on +the left, the Bhopals were temporarily isolated and the +battalion was unable to withstand the German rush. One +company was surrounded and the entire line of trenches +lost. Later on, part of the Bhopals under Captain E. H. +Apthorpe joined in the counter-attack with the 6th Jats +and helped to recapture a portion of the trench. Their +losses were heavy, including two British officers wounded +and three missing. Indian officers: three killed, one +wounded, and two missing; other ranks, six killed and 208 +wounded and missing.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The 58th Rifles on the right of the Bhopals and left of +the Black Watch, as soon as it was reported that our line +had been pierced, sent up bombs and ammunition to the +firing-line. Lieut. R. A. Reilly, who carried out this duty, +was on his way back when the covered way along which +he was moving became exposed owing to the retirement +of the 9th Bhopals. He and two of his seven men were +killed.</p> + +<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' id='Page_127'>127</span>Captain H. L. Baldwin with his company held on to +a ditch which enfiladed the covered way; he was in a +very trying position but continued there throughout the +day, and this good soldier then joined in the counter-attack +when he was unfortunately killed. His C.O. wrote of him +in the highest terms.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Captain A. G. Lind and his company with its left flank +thrown back held on, but a machine-gun was brought to +bear on them and with very heavy losses they were forced +back. Lind was wounded during a gallant struggle to +stem the enemy advance. About mid-day Captain Bull +was sent up to replace Captain Willis who had been severely +wounded, but pluckily held on to his command and refused +to leave till later, when he was ordered to do so. Bull +rallied the right company and, assisted by a party of the +Black Watch who were on his immediate right, secured +this, the last part of the 58th’s trench still in our possession, +until 4.30 <span class='fss'>P.M.</span>, when the battalion joined in General +Egerton’s counter-attack. Bull’s conduct throughout the +day was exemplary, and the Section commander brought +him prominently to notice for having held up the German +attack on this flank. With him were fifty men of the +Black Watch under Sergeant-Major Kennedy and of these +I will tell farther on.</p> + +<p class='c013'>This counter-attack led by Major Davidson-Houston, +the C.O., was a complete success and a great part of the +58th’s trenches were regained. Lieut. L. Gaisford, a lad +I knew well, was killed as he leaped into the trench. Major +Thomson and Captain Bull were invaluable in keeping the +men in hand during all this troubled fighting. It is worth +quoting the words of the C.O. 58th regarding their comrades +of the Black Watch in this attack, as serving to show the +value of example set by the British soldier. He says:</p> + +<p class='c015'>I was also greatly assisted in this advance on the trench, +which was done without a halt or firing, by four men of the +Black Watch, Privates Venters, Boyd, M‘Intosh, and Stewart; +these men came with me in the final rush from the road, and +by their example gave a fine lead (mark the words) to my +Dogra company in front of whom we were. There being +nobody at hand when we reached the trenches, I placed them +<span class='pageno' id='Page_128'>128</span>to hold a sap which had been cut right into our line, and +although bombed they held on till I could get the men +together, after which they helped me considerably, and by +their <i>sang froid</i> and cheeriness, impressed those round them +most favourably.</p> + +<p class='c013'>No higher tribute could be paid to those four splendid +Highlanders. They all received the D.C.M.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The 58th in the day’s fighting lost three British and +one Indian officer and fifty-three others killed; two +British and one Indian officer and sixty others wounded. +Lieut. S. Gordon, Indian Medical Service, and Lieut. J. +Milligan were brought to notice for gallantry in rescuing +with the stretcher-bearers many wounded men. Havildar +Indar Singh was promoted to Jemadar. Jemadar Hawinda +behaved with great gallantry in carrying in under heavy +fire his British officer. Both native officers were awarded +the Military Cross.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Holding our extreme right was the Black Watch. You +cannot move men of this stamp, no matter who may be +the enemy. Under ordinary circumstances the battalion +would have been more to its left, <i>i.e.</i> in between battalions +of Indian troops, but owing to the fact that our right +touched the French left, I had received orders to have a +British battalion next to them. Hence it was the case +that the three battalions on their left were all Indians and +it was on these that the Germans directed their attack.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Such details may appear unimportant to those who +count Army Corps by Divisions and Brigades, but to us +who had the task of holding a given front, they meant +much. My Generals and I had many things to think of +which needed no special consideration in other Corps.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The Black Watch were not themselves directly attacked, +but by their assistance the 58th, as already described, reoccupied +their lost trenches. This right section was +commanded by Major J. Harvey of the Black Watch, a +first-rate C.O., who was afterwards given a Brigade and +killed in command of it in Mesopotamia. Major A. G. +Wauchope of his battalion, always to the fore when fighting +was going on, volunteered to proceed to the trenches +<span class='pageno' id='Page_129'>129</span>and find out the situation, and carried out his mission most +successfully.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Company-Sergeant-Major J. Kennedy, with fifty +N.C.O.’s and men, accompanied the counter-attack of the +58th Rifles, and this N.C.O. was one of the first to enter +the recaptured trenches, ably seconded by Sergeant Wilson, +Lance-Corporal Melrose, and Private Swan.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Wauchope proceeded with Lance-Corporal Gorrie, a +gallant man who was always volunteering for dangerous +tasks, to the firing trench, and thence to Captain Bull, +who with his own men and a few of the Black Watch was +very hard pressed by Germans, who were hurling hand-grenades +amongst them from a distance of only fifteen +yards, to which our men could only oppose rifle fire; +nevertheless this fire soon dominated the enemy, who +ceased their bomb-throwing.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Wauchope, accompanied by Lieut. N. McMicking, also +of the Black Watch, and twenty of his men, immediately +charged over the eighty yards which separated them from +a German sap, and entering it moved on another hundred +yards, the Huns rapidly retiring and leaving rifles, etc., +behind them. This small party then returned, and +Wauchope made his way to the O.C. 58th, who thought +his whole trenches were reoccupied. It was found, however, +that there was still a gap of 300 yards on the left of the +58th and between them and the right of the 8th Gurkhas, +and this gap was occupied by only four Highlanders, one +of whom was lying wounded. Many bombs were still +falling and the party was withdrawn; this portion of +trench being soon after filled by the Indians from both +flanks. Kennedy, Drummond, and Private Swan received +the D.C.M.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Whilst these events were taking place on the right +some fine deeds were being done on our left, which finally +regained us all our lost trenches. Colonel Swiney with +his 1/39th Garhwalis, discarding all idea of a frontal attack +over ground white with snow and which showed up every +movement, managed after much difficulty to pick a way +through ditches and bog and assemble immediately on the +right of Colonel Southey’s section, where the 57th Rifles +<span class='pageno' id='Page_130'>130</span>joined the company of the Connaught Rangers. Swiney +was dead against a frontal attack, and General Egerton left +it to him as to how he should move. Present also was +a very gallant officer, Lieut. R. G. Robson, R.E., who +suggested an advance along the lost trenches with bombs. +To prove his opinion, prior to the advance he made a +demonstration by moving close to some houses and clearing +the Germans out with bombs: an unselfish and +gallant act.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The occasion always finds the man, and this occasion +found not only a keen battalion but also a heroic figure in +the person of Captain D. H. Acworth of that good old +Frontier regiment, the 55th Coke’s Rifles, and then serving +with the 57th Rifles. Robson and Acworth, with seven +Afridis of the 57th (one or two being 55th men attached), +and one Connaught Ranger, moved along the trench. The +attack was entrusted to two companies of the 1/39th +Garhwalis, Major W. H. Wardell’s, with Captain S. Orton; +and Captain Lumb’s, a third being in support. Wardell +was to attack along the trench from left to right, Lumb +moving level with him on his right along a shallow depression +some fifteen yards away and roughly parallel with the +trench. Robson and Acworth started their bombing and +continued it for some fifty yards, when owing to bombs +running out and for other causes the bombing ceased, and +the attack developed into a bayonet advance, pure and +simple, by the Garhwalis. The Germans meantime were +using bombs very freely.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Wardell’s fine attack, after pushing some distance along +the enemy trenches, began to lose weight; but here Lumb, +finding his own shallow ditch was gradually ending and +knowing that his business was to help Wardell, crossed over +with a rush and was into the trenches in the midst of +Wardell’s men. The Garhwalis were now thoroughly +blooded and could not be stopped. Traverses fell in rapid +succession and prisoners were being gathered up at every +turn. The opposition was severe, and time after time as +the men sprang up on the parapets or ran along both sides +of the trenches they came under heavy enfilade fire.</p> + +<p class='c013'>When the advance was stayed by the reduction in +<span class='pageno' id='Page_131'>131</span>numbers, Lieut. J. Welchman joined in with more men, +and the prisoners being quickly passed to the rear, the +Garhwalis under Lumb gallantly pushed on, clearing everything +in front of them with the bayonet, till they eventually +joined hands with the 107th Pioneers advancing from the +right. Dawn broke on our now victorious troops, and the +Indians had the satisfaction of knowing that although they +had suffered grievously, although some of their comrades +had been forced from their trenches, and that no one +might ever hear of their work, yet it had been finally +completed by the Corps alone.</p> + +<p class='c013'>When Swiney found that the advance was leaving the +trenches but sparsely held, he had sent up Captain J. Lane +with reinforcements, and as they reached a bend in the +trench they were furiously attacked by Germans who held +a sap running right into our line. Lane faced this enfilade +fire unflinchingly and managed to close the sap with a +barricade, thus ensuring the safety of the main trench. +The Huns left behind them rifles, tools, and quantities of +equipment, some trench mortars and machine-guns in the +hands of the 39th, whilst their dead were strewn along +both sides of and in the recaptured trench. When I heard +it I cheered as if I myself had done the job, although I was +safe in a château miles away with my ear to a telephone, +but I could not conceal my joy at the thought that my +brave Indian troops had not lost an inch of ground.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The losses of the Garhwalis were comparatively light, +but the reason was that the work was swiftly and thoroughly +done. The gallant Major Wardell who had led the first +advance was wounded and missing; Captain Orton was +severely wounded; Jemadar Daulat Rawat was killed, +and two Indian officers were wounded, whilst among other +ranks eighteen were killed and thirty-seven wounded.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Captain Lumb and Subadar Dhan Sing Negi received +the Military Cross. Captain Acworth, 55th Rifles, was +also given this decoration, and Subadar Jagat Sing Rawat +the Order of British India. The I.O.M. was the reward +of four of the seven men of the 57th Rifles who accompanied +Robson, and the others were given the I.D.S.M.; whilst +in the ranks of the Garhwalis several men received the +<span class='pageno' id='Page_132'>132</span>I.O.M., amongst them a gallant N.C.O., Havildar Alam +Sing Negi, and others the I.D.S.M.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The brave Robson was killed a month later, and hence +did not live to receive a well-merited honour. Colonel +Swiney was promoted Brevet Colonel for his initiative, +gallantry, and skill. And last, but greatest of all who fought +that day, was Naik Darwan Sing Negi: first in the advance +and first to rush each traverse, wounded in the arm and +twice in the head, this heroic son of Garhwal continued to +fight to the end, and was the second recipient of the coveted +Victoria Cross. How well earned! In his village of +Kabartir, north of the Pindar River, amid the wild regions +of the great Himalayas, often will be told the tale of how +Darwan Sing upheld the prestige of his race and gained +fame for the regiment in which he served.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Colonel Swiney’s report is a document which will be +preserved in the regiment as a memento of many brave +men and the brave deeds they performed that night. Did +space permit I would like to name them, but the battalion +will treasure them all.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The 39th Garhwal Rifles was raised at Almora in 1887 +as the 2nd Battalion of the 3rd Gurkha regiment; became +39th (the Garhwali) regiment of Bengal Infantry in 1890, +and received its present name in 1901. A second battalion +was added in 1901.</p> + +<p class='c013'>A part of No. 3 Company Sappers and Miners was +engaged in the centre section repairing loopholes, etc. +Captain E. H. Kelly, R.E., was in command, and finding no +officers he took charge of the troops in his vicinity. He was +severely wounded by hand-grenades, being hit in the head, +shoulders, hand, and leg, but was nevertheless able to reach +the support line. The Corps of Royal Engineers never +says die.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The Leicesters in their counter-attack with the 107th +Pioneers lost Captain H. Grant, killed whilst leading his +company in the charge, and 2nd Lieut. M. Seton-Browne +was also killed at the head of his platoon just as he had +reached the enemy trench. No. 8224 Lance-Corporal G. +Grey, Sergeant P. Forster, and three men were brought to +notice for their fine example. The latter received the D.C.M. +<span class='pageno' id='Page_133'>133</span>Major H. Gordon was in command of this attack and +received the D.S.O. Throughout the time the Leicesters +served with me in France this splendid Corps shared the +brunt of every fight in which their Brigade was engaged. +Its sterling grit was recognised by none more than the +Indian soldiers.</p> + +<p class='c013'>As already described, one company of the Connaught +Rangers was fighting next to the 34th Pioneers, whilst six +officers and 300 rifles were in support of the 8th Gurkhas +in the counter-attack. These latter were met by a heavy +cross-fire from machine-guns. Notwithstanding this a +part of them reached the objective. Major W. Hamilton, +Captain R. G. Eyre, and Lieut. J. Hume, the only officers +with one company, were wounded, whilst fifty-five men +were killed or missing and fifty-three were wounded, +and the detachment had to withdraw. The three officers +named above were brought to notice.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The 57th Rifles, who held fast to their trenches on our +left, did right good work though sharing none of the glory. +The C.O. reported during the fighting: “I am trying to +improve my trenches, but have no large-sized spades or +shovels. A telephone is urgently needed. We want some +sandbags—most urgent. Also a lot of bombs. Without +these and the sandbags it is difficult sometimes.” Splendid +fellow! What a commentary on the state of affairs; little +he dreamed his words would be repeated for those to read +who know nothing of how the fight was waged in the snow-clad +trenches of 1914. Ours were held, as a 57th man +said to me after the fight, “with our bare hands; we had +nothing else.” Captain Indajit Singh, the medical officer +of the battalion, was killed while coolly carrying out his +duties behind the firing-line. A brother officer, Major P. +Atal, I.M.S., in medical charge of the 129th Baluchis, was +also killed with him. Both had gained the respect of their +Corps by the fearless discharge of their duty to the wounded.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The 8th Gurkhas, who had suffered so heavily on 30th +October and had hardly a British officer of their own remaining, +proved their grit on this occasion of their counter-attack +by recapturing a portion of the lost trenches. Major K. +Cassels, although himself wounded, managed to hold on to +<span class='pageno' id='Page_134'>134</span>his command and the battalion suffered the further following +losses: Lieut. D. S. Macpherson, son of a gallant soldier, +was killed; Major R. W. Elliott also lost his life; both of +these officers belonged to the 7th Gurkhas. Lieut. Peploe, +6th Gurkhas, was wounded and Lieut. C. Maxwell of the +8th was missing. It is thus made clear how the original +officers of the battalion were fast disappearing.</p> + +<p class='c013'>In this counter-attack the 6th Jats lost nearly 200 men. +Captain Dudley was killed; Lieut. Cockburn earned the +Military Cross for his gallantry in driving the Germans from +traverses; Captain Moore and Major Dundas were wounded.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The 107th Pioneers had failed at first to reach the enemy +trenches in their attack with the Leicesters, but had eventually +reached them and were slowly moving north, where +they met the Garhwalis coming from the other side. +During the fighting Major Bruce and seventeen men were +killed; Captains Davis, Mangin, Turnbull, and McLaughlin +and Lieut. Wallis were wounded, besides one Indian officer +and forty men. Subadars Hashmat Dad Khan, and Labh +Singh received the I.D.S.M.</p> + +<p class='c013'>There remains one splendid deed to be recorded, and +that is how a very gallant gentleman died, but left behind +him an immortal name on the list of heroes who have won +the Victoria Cross.</p> + +<p class='c013'>A detachment of the 34th Poona Horse, one of the +regiments of the Secunderabad Cavalry Brigade, had been +sent up as a reinforcement on the 23rd November and was +in the trenches of the Ferozepore Brigade. A German sap +ran right up to our line and exposed it to fire. Guarding +the junction was Lieut. F. A. de Pass with a small party. +One of this party volunteered to move along the sap and +reconnoitre it. It was found that at twelve paces away +the sap turned and there was a loopholed traverse guarded +by Huns. From this coign of vantage they continued +throughout the day to fling hand-grenades into our trench: +there were no grenades to reply with, and de Pass and his +men had to stick it out, losing several wounded.</p> + +<p class='c013'>He, however, was determined that the Germans should +be turned out, and at dawn next day, with two sowars, he +crawled up the sap, inserted a charge of gun-cotton against +<span class='pageno' id='Page_135'>135</span>a loophole of the traverse, and the explosion which followed +wrecked the traverse and laid bare a wide gap, exposing +its site to fire from our trenches. A grenade hurled at his +small party was fortunately ineffective, and for twenty-four +hours the enemy was quiet.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The very next day in broad daylight this gallant soul, +accompanied by Private C. Cook of the 7th Dragoon Guards, +went out and carried in a wounded sepoy under a heavy +fire for a considerable distance.</p> + +<div class='lg-container-b c014'> + <div class='linegroup'> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Unbounded courage and compassion joined.</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c013'>On the 26th November de Pass found that the Germans +had repaired their destroyed traverse, from which heavy +bombing was again proceeding, and our parapet was being +knocked to bits; moving to the evil spot, he saw a sniper +behind the loophole of the traverse and at once tried to +pick him off, but was instantly shot dead. He was honoured +in death and gazetted to the Victoria Cross as a reward +from the King he had so faithfully served. The I.D.S.M. +was conferred on his companions in peril, Sowars Abdullah +Khan, Firman Shah, and Fateh Khan of the 34th Poona +Horse. Private Cook received the Distinguished Conduct +Medal.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Colonel Grant, 8th Gurkhas, who commanded the centre +section, had a very difficult task as will be readily understood, +but he carried it out with resolution.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Brigadier-General Egerton readily undertook the task +he was asked to perform by General Macbean. His two +Staff officers, Major Sangster, 2nd Indian Lancers, and +Captain Stewart, Cameron Highlanders, well earned the +praise he gave them.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The German attack was made by the three battalions +of the 112th Regiment of the Twenty-ninth Division, +XIVth Army Corps, as evidenced by the killed, wounded, +and prisoners, with the 170th Regiment in support; and +although their numbers were inferior to the troops we +eventually brought against them before our line was re-established, +they had the superiority in guns and men on +the front first attacked.</p> + +<p class='c013'>During the fighting, although of course I had not been +<span class='pageno' id='Page_136'>136</span>in the trenches myself, I had followed, as far as this could +be done from a distance, the trend of the battle. In the +grounds of my Headquarters was a tower, built for purposes +other than those to which it was put this freezing night. +It was on high ground, in fact the only high ground within +range of our front, and from this vantage point I watched +from dusk till dawn the progress of the fight, only varying +my vigil by constant visits to the telephone in the house +to keep in touch with Divisional Headquarters. I can +remember no occasion in my life when I felt more acutely +the desire to succeed, for where my Corps was in the grips +of death was my entire world.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Sir John French sent us his hearty congratulations on +the results of the fighting.</p> + +<div class='chapter'> + <span class='pageno' id='Page_137'>137</span> + <h2 class='c008'>CHAPTER X</h2> +</div> + +<p class='c012'>The fighting east of Festubert had been full of incidents +which furnished us with useful material for future operations. +The German strength directly opposite the Corps +at this time may be taken at about 20,000 Infantry in +addition to Pioneers, and an unknown number of guns of +all calibres. Ours should have been near that same number, +but was, owing to heavy casualties without replacements +on any but a nominal scale, very much less. What was +found was that the enemy had already achieved great +skill in sapping up to our lines, and in this respect was +infinitely superior. Having completed his saps, and aided +by grenades and trench mortars, there was nothing to +prevent his capturing our first lines of trenches, nor for +long after this time were we able to employ his methods. +The time came when the tables were turned; but you +cannot reach the skies while your feet are still on the earth, +and ours were deep in the Flanders mud. We also found +that it makes for efficiency to have British troops interspersed +with the Indians. In this case only on the extreme +right was there half a Highland battalion, and on the +extreme left one company of an Irish regiment.</p> + +<p class='c013'>But whatever we may have learned, the Huns discovered +that the Indian Corps could give back all and more than +it got, and we braced ourselves up in the certain belief +that although England had been sadly behind in providing +us with the means of paying back the enemy in his own +coin, she would assuredly make up way, and then would +come our turn.</p> + +<p class='c013'>I often said all this to the Indian officers and men, and +it cheered them; they knew our real strength; they began +<span class='pageno' id='Page_138'>138</span>to realise that we had been caught tripping; and from +surprise at first that this should ever have been possible, +they gradually became sarcastic at the expense of the +Huns. One Jawan (young fellow) even declared that if +the Germans would exchange weapons the war would be +over in a week. “Not if we kept them as clean as you do,” +remarked a comrade, and all laughed. I discovered our +recruit had been reprimanded that morning for having a +dirty rifle on parade.</p> + +<p class='c013'>On the 24th November I attended my first conference +at General Headquarters. All the Corps Commanders +were present, and although I knew some of them and had +casually met others at manœuvres which I had attended +when on leave from India (and I may here add that every +time I came home on leave I never missed attending +manœuvres, British or foreign, as opportunity offered), I +felt for the first time in France that I was a stranger. +I heard as I came into the hall, “Who is that?” “He +commands the Indians.” It was as if some foreign general +had suddenly dropped into the sacred haunts of Whitehall +in pre-war days. However, I was prepared for it. I knew +that most of them would hold out the hand of welcome +to our Indian soldiers, and it was satisfactory that at our +first meeting I was able to tell the Commander-in-Chief +the results of our fighting that very morning. Sir John +French and Sir Horace Smith-Dorrien congratulated me +on the conduct of all ranks, and I was rather pleased than +otherwise that I was not one of those present who might +be referred to as Tom, Dick, or Harry.</p> + +<p class='c013'>On the 26th November I wrote to G.H.Q. giving a +statement of the strength of the Indian Corps which, +including the Secunderabad Cavalry Brigade, then numbered +only 14,000 rifles or little over that of a British Division, +and was reducing at the rate of about eighty a day and +stating that I could receive no further reinforcements +from India before the 5th December, when the Sirhind +Brigade should rejoin from Egypt. In addition I pointed +out that the British battalions averaged only 700 men each, +a pitifully low one for work in this Corps. I laid stress +on the fact that there were indications we might be again +<span class='pageno' id='Page_139'>139</span>attacked, and that one Brigade would, before the arrival +of reinforcements, have done forty-five days, and all the +others thirty-five days actually in, or in support of, the +trenches, with only scraps of such rest as could be arranged. +I requested that under these conditions the Corps might +be given a complete rest of a few days when the reinforcements +arrived; gave full reasons why I considered +it absolutely necessary, and suggested remedies for our +shortage in numbers and for increasing them. One of +these was the addition of Territorial battalions, and I may +add that, although G.H.Q. did not at first appear to approve +of this, I did get first two, and later a total of six, of these +fine battalions, and of them I shall have much to say as +I progress. I said plainly that unless my request was +agreed to, the Corps would soon only be equivalent to a +single Division.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The reply to my letter stated that the condition of +the Indian Corps was well known, and I was to exercise +caution in its employment, and that the Commander-in-Chief +would give such assistance as was possible, and this +was outlined; but I was given no hope of a rest for the +Corps as a whole, except such as I could eke out after the +reinforcements arrived. I realised the immense difficulties +of the Commander-in-Chief; but I am now writing for those +who, knowing nothing of our own difficulties, passed hasty +judgement and unfairly criticised men who were in truth +doing right good work.</p> + +<p class='c013'>As a matter of fact no rest was given, but the Indian +Corps held on to its line for twenty-four days longer, +reducing daily and being eventually altogether too weak +for its task. As if, however, to strain the rope to the last +strand, after the reinforcements arrived, instead of deriving +any benefit I was ordered to farther extend my front to +include Givenchy and up to the La Bassée-Bethune road. +I knew how fatal was such an order, but there was +nothing to do but obey. The French Brigadier whom we +relieved was surprised at the smallness of the numbers of +the relieving troops, and told us his own outgoing strength, +which was very considerably higher. Shortly after that +a heavy German attack was launched at us, straining the +<span class='pageno' id='Page_140'>140</span>tired-out troops to the limit of endurance and entailing, +after three days’ hard fighting, the assistance of the First +Army Corps from reserve to restore the position. All +that will be described in due course; but why I have gone +into detail regarding this matter is that, notwithstanding +my having so strongly urged a rest, and written as plainly +as a Corps Commander could well do in the field, yet in +the despatch describing the operations of the 18th and +19th December I am alluded to as having made an attack +on the Germans, because I deemed it to be “a favourable +opportunity.” Nothing could be farther from the facts. +I considered it in truth a most unfavourable opportunity; +but my instructions as they read to me, and which I will +quote fully, were sufficiently clear to lay on me the definite +duty of using every endeavour to make one or more local +pushes to the front if I considered this reasonably feasible, +and under those conditions I chose what appeared to me +to be the most favourable opportunity that presented +itself.</p> + +<p class='c013'>I had once drawn attention to the long term of unrelieved +duty in the trenches, and again when my front +was extended beyond the power of the tired Corps to hold +on, and I could do no more.</p> + +<p class='c013'>On 28th November I had the honour of entertaining +General de Maud’huy, Commanding Xth French Army, at +lunch. He and his Staff stayed till late in the afternoon, +and as usual I never enjoyed anything in France better +than visits to or from our Allied officers.</p> + +<p class='c013'>During the rest of the month the usual trench warfare +continued, but there was one incident worth recording. +On the night of the 27th November a party of the Manchesters, +commanded by 2nd Lieut. S. D. Connell, accompanied +by Lieut. F. E. Buller, R.E., advanced and entered +two German saps sixty yards away. The saps were filled +in, but in the subsequent retirement Connell was killed +and there were eleven other casualties. Buller was awarded +the Military Cross for his gallantry in returning to bring +in a wounded man, during which attempt he himself was +wounded. The O.C. Manchesters after careful inquiry +estimated the German casualties as not under forty, +<span class='pageno' id='Page_141'>141</span>including an officer who was bayoneted as he emerged +from his dug-out.</p> + +<p class='c013'>On the 1st December His Majesty the King visited +the Indian Corps, and the honour was greatly appreciated +by all ranks. There is nothing the Indian soldier holds +in comparison to a word from his Sovereign, and as the +King made frequent inquiries regarding individuals, these +of course were henceforth marked men. As soon as I +knew that His Majesty meant to start his tour from Corps +Headquarters at Hinges, I telephoned to General Maistre +in command of the XXIst Corps d’Armée on my right +and asked him to attend. The French General had that +morning an important local duty in his trenches, but nevertheless +he came. I had not been able to tell him on the +telephone the reason, as it was essential the news of the +King’s visit should be kept secret till the last moment; +and when he arrived and I explained it to him, he said, +“No duty would have kept me from paying my respects +to your King. I am very pleased you let me know.” His +Majesty conversed with him for some time.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The King had all the British and Indian officers introduced +to him at each place where they were collected along +the route from Hinges to Locon: through slush and mud +he tramped, adding joy and strength to his soldiers, and +after seeing all the assembled troops who were not on duty +in the trenches, and the Divisional Commanders and Indian +Princes and Chiefs, I had the honour of motoring His +Majesty to a battery in action, where he examined the guns, +the men and their dug-outs, and I believe I must have been +one of the first officers to have this honour. He has since +been among many Corps and batteries, but this was his +first visit to the Army in France.</p> + +<p class='c013'>On 4th December I visited General Maistre, and with +him went a long tour of the trenches of the XXIst Corps +d’Armée. What struck me most was the extraordinarily +well constructed communication trenches leading up to +the village of Fosse-Calonne. The country was chalky +and rolling and as different as a place could be from our +own boggy front. I was also struck by the perfection to +which the French had brought their village defences. The +<span class='pageno' id='Page_142'>142</span>dug-outs were far more substantial and comfortable than +our own ever were at any time: electric power was available, +and hence many shelters were lighted with electricity, and +every man appeared to be hard at work improving the +defences. The whole organisation was excellent, and the +nature of the soil and advantage of having a village in the +centre of the defensive line greatly assisted all their protective +measures. The men were full of humour and gave +proof of this in one room which was loopholed and only +thirty yards away from another held by the Germans. +The roof had been damaged by a shell, and through an +opening one of the poilus proceeded to display a tricolour +flag on the end of a pole, his daily amusement. On this +occasion, however, Brother Boche was not to be drawn. +On the table was a gramophone, and another man at once +turning it towards the loophole started the “Marseillaise.” +“If this will not fetch them,” he said, “I will try ‘God +save the King.’” But the Hun must have been in his +mid-day sleep, as nothing would move him, and all was +quiet till we got outside, when they started a lively fusillade +at a chimney behind us, with what object I could not +surmise.</p> + +<p class='c013'>After spending three very interesting hours we returned +by another trench, and at an opening near a mound I +emerged to find a Guard of Honour drawn up with a band. +To my surprise I learnt this was in my honour, and after +being saluted, those fine soldiers marched past me. Needless +to say I was more than gratified by this compliment +paid to me by an Allied brother Corps Commander. It is +actions like this that bind peoples together, and it is only +one of a hundred proofs that our friendship is not on the +surface, but deep. Personally, I shall always look on +France as a land where I saw more human nature in its +truest form than I have ever seen elsewhere, and like +Alexander and Diogenes shall feel that if I were not an +Englishman I would be a Frenchman.</p> + +<p class='c013'>On the return journey we went over the ruined village +of Vermelle recently taken by the French. I went through +the German trenches and was much surprised to find the +comfortable dug-outs of the officers were furnished with +<span class='pageno' id='Page_143'>143</span>every kind of table, chair, and other luxuries. The walls +had pictures hung, and there were even good lamps and +clocks in niches. It all seemed so different from our own +and gave me the impression that the Huns looked after +their comforts far too much. Shooting was going on and +numbers of shells lay unexploded, some of them being +English. By permission of the French Colonel I brought +away two kinds of steel loopholes out of German trenches, +and eventually these were sent to G.H.Q.; but I kept +a periscope. These I had not till then seen in our own +Corps. The entire village was a mass of ruins, but a statuette +of the Virgin near a chapel still stood on its pedestal among +the debris.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The Sirhind Brigade, under command of Major-General +Brunker, arrived from Egypt on the 7th December, and +thus at last the Lahore Division was completed. With +the arrival of this Brigade and considerable drafts from +India, I prepared a scheme for giving my troops as much +rest as was possible; but it was short-lived, for on the 9th +December the Chief of the Staff called and told me the +Corps was to extend its front and take over the village of +Givenchy and about a mile to the south of it from the +French. I have already told what this meant to us; but +there was no option, and on the 11th December we took +over the trenches at Givenchy, and as far as the La Bassée-Bethune +road.</p> + +<p class='c013'>On the 8th December Sir John French had telegraphed +thanking the Corps for a message we had sent him, and +said, “I owe them a deep debt of gratitude for the splendid +services they have rendered and which have proved of +great value in the conduct of the campaign.” Sir John +never failed to say a word at the right time.</p> + +<p class='c013'>On 12th December I attended a conference at G.H.Q., +and was then informed of the intentions of the Commander-in-Chief +to commence an offensive on the 14th December +with the Second and Third Corps in conjunction with the +French on the left, with the object of reaching the line Le +Touquet-Warneton-Hollebeke. The Fourth and Indian +Corps, though taking no direct part in this action, were +ordered to “carry out active local operations with a view to +<span class='pageno' id='Page_144'>144</span>containing the enemy now in their front.” At this time +the French on our right, <i>i.e.</i> next to the Indian Corps, also +undertook offensive operations.</p> + +<p class='c013'>This was the first of many orders received between this +date and 20th December, and, as I shall show, beginning +with small injunctions they increased in their scope; and +the loyal endeavour on my part and that of my Generals +to comply with their spirit only ended when the enemy +launched a heavy attack against several parts of the Indian +Corps. Loyalty should claim no conditions, but it does +not always meet with its reward. As a matter of fact the +offensives undertaken received the commendation of the +Commander-in-Chief at the time, as contained in his own +operation orders, and would under ordinary conditions +have remained at that, and no more would have been heard +of them. It was the long-premeditated attack delivered +on the 20th December by the enemy which alone brought +us into prominence; and that it was carried out on that +date, just after our local efforts, was a mere coincidence, +as the German prisoners themselves stated the 20th was +the day fixed for it.</p> + +<p class='c013'>On the 16th December it was decided to capture two +German saps opposite to the trenches of the 15th Sikhs in +the neighbourhood of Givenchy, and then to extend the +operation by securing a portion of the German main +trenches. The troops selected for this operation were +taken from the Ferozepore Brigade.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The 129th Baluchis and 57th Rifles were ready to +attack by 8.30 <span class='fss'>A.M.</span>; whilst the Connaught Rangers were +detailed in support, and a Territorial battalion (the 142nd), +lent by the French General on our right, was held in reserve. +Major Potter with his company of the 129th was quickly +across the thirty yards which separated him from the left +sap, and the other company under Lieut. C. S. Browning +also reached its objective; the casualties in this first rush +were not heavy, and both attacks pushing up the sap were +soon close to the enemy main trench.</p> + +<p class='c013'>But (there was always a “but” in the trench operations +of those days) the difficulty now presented itself as to how +to reinforce them, as it was impossible to cross the open +<span class='pageno' id='Page_145'>145</span>space swept by a hail of bullets which soon destroyed the +wounded who had fallen in the first rush. The attackers +were gradually bombed back towards the captured sap-heads. +Browning and all his Indian officers were wounded, +and the men in the right sap got jammed in on the sap-head +but held on till dusk under a heavy fire of grenades, +whilst Potter and his men in the left sap also held their +position with splendid determination.</p> + +<p class='c013'>A party of the 15th Sikhs who had accompanied each +attack were meantime working heart and soul to dig a +trench back from the sap-head to our main trench, and the +21st Company Sappers and Miners and working parties of +the 34th Pioneers were engaged in the same process to +join up with them from our own side. The right sap was +the more difficult of the two, and before connection could +be established the remnants of our men in the sap-head, +fearing that relief would be late, made an attempt to cross +the open over the fifteen yards which still separated them +from their comrades: the distance was short but the +devastating fire which the enemy rained across it killed or +wounded every man as he ran, and the Hun had his revenge +in the recapture of his lost ground.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Potter in the left sap was more fortunate, the new +communication trench being completed by dark, when he +and his men withdrew into our own line. His cool bearing +and gallantry were never more conspicuous than on this +day, and though he was missing a few days later during an +attack, his name will live in the history of his Corps.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The casualties were heavy. In the Baluchis Captain +Ussher, Subadar Adam Khan, and fifty men were killed; +Lieut. Browning, Captain Money, two Indian officers, and +seventy rank and file were wounded.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Writing of the 129th Baluchis brings to mind one or +two good stories of that battalion. Early in November, +for purposes of identifying enemy corps on our front, +C.O.’s were asked to secure a few prisoners. One afternoon +Sepoy Abdulla Jan, a Mahsud, asked permission of his +section commander to cross “No Man’s Land” and enter +a German sap. This was refused, but shortly after, no +N.C.O. being near, Abdulla slipped over the parapet, ran +<span class='pageno' id='Page_146'>146</span>across to the sap and jumped in. There was a Hun in it +all right but, possessing no rifle, he promptly bolted. The +section commander, having meantime returned along our +trench, looked over the parapet and saw our gallant friend; +he shouted to him to return, which the man did very quietly, +and on arrival, being asked what he was at, replied that he +was trying to get hold of a German rifle and did not think +it worth while bringing in a mere man without it. His +native instinct had got the better of his discretion, as a +Mahsud in his own hills will risk his life to steal or otherwise +procure a good firearm. On being told a rifle was as +nothing in value compared to a man, he at once volunteered +to go out again and capture one, and was much disgusted +when his request was refused.</p> + +<p class='c013'>These Mahsuds were on their first trial in our regular +Corps, and in some respects showed aptitude for trench +warfare. As soon as our roughly-made hand-grenades +began to be issued they asked to be allowed to use them, +and the gallant Robson, R.E., of whom I told in the attack +by the 39th Garhwalis on November 23, gave them several +lessons in their use. The men were quite delighted, and +parties often went out and bombed German saps and +entirely stopped the Huns working on that particular bit +of front. I have one more story of the 129th Baluchis.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The C.O., being in need of a change in his menu, one +morning sent his Afridi orderly and a signaller to find a +chicken; no special method of procuring it was prescribed, +except that the men were to leave by the communication +trench. Some hours later the signaller returned with the +chicken and reported that the orderly had been arrested +by the Provost-Marshal for looting an empty shop (mark +the words). This was followed by another report from the +Staff Captain. Next morning, to the C.O.’s surprise, the +orderly turned up as usual. Asked by what means he +had returned he quietly said, “I told the officer that I +was taking the things for you”; and later a large bundle +arrived from Brigade Headquarters addressed to the C.O. +and on it a label, “Herewith your property.” The contents +comprised a bedspread, two blankets, a box of china basins, +knives, forks, a lady’s parasol, and a pair of stays. When +<span class='pageno' id='Page_147'>147</span>asked what the stays were for he replied, “They make +very good hockey pads.” Such were some of the lighter +sides of trench warfare.</p> + +<p class='c013'>However, stern events were now ahead of us, and the +Corps was about to bear the brunt of a heavy German +blow. On the 17th December, the operation orders from +Chief of Staff, G.H.Q., stated that it was the intention of +the Commander-in-Chief to “attack vigorously all along +the front” on the 18th, with the Second, Third, Fourth, and +Indian Corps, and a further paragraph directed that these +Corps “will demonstrate and seize any favourable opportunity +which may offer to capture any enemy trenches in +their front.”</p> + +<p class='c013'>It is hard to reconcile the two operations contained in +the self-same order. To “attack vigorously” is clear +enough; to “demonstrate” is to make only a show of +doing so. How can you do both at the same time?</p> + +<p class='c013'>This order was issued from G.H.Q. at 9 <span class='fss'>P.M.</span> on the +17th December. My orders based on it were timed +2.45 <span class='fss'>A.M.</span> on the 18th, and the operations planned were +ordered to commence at 10 <span class='fss'>A.M.</span> on the same day. At +10.15 <span class='fss'>A.M.</span> G.H.Q. issued instructions that the efforts of the +Second, Fourth, and Indian Corps should be concentrated +only on such objectives as were reasonably feasible. At +the risk of going into technical details for a moment, I +must give the orders in their sequence so that military +readers may realise the difficult conditions under which I +had to carry on operations until the German attack came +on us. On this same date (December 18) another order +from G.H.Q. issued at 4.15 <span class='fss'>P.M.</span> said the Second, Third, +Fourth, and Indian Corps would continue to demonstrate +on the 19th December along the whole front and seize +every favourable opportunity which may offer to capture +any of the enemy’s trenches.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Now in order to capture enemy trenches it is necessary +to make elaborate and detailed arrangements. You cannot +issue orders the same as you might do in open warfare, +and indeed it is the carefully-thought-out and elaborate +plans adopted since those early days that have turned +this trench warfare into an exact science, and why two +<span class='pageno' id='Page_148'>148</span>years later even less highly trained troops, assisted, it is +true, by an overwhelming Artillery fire, grenades, howitzers, +etc., were able to carry out their programme with something +approaching mathematical exactitude. But all this +was different in 1914; we had then to do our best without +these aids and to take the consequences.</p> + +<p class='c013'>I have often thought how different might have been +the results of some of the many attacks carried out by +Indian troops had we arrived “After” instead of “Before” +unlimited ammunition and all the other helps to victory +had come to be looked on as part of the absolute necessaries +for any advance.</p> + +<p class='c013'>A distinguished General said to me in 1917: “When +<i>you</i> were in France it was a crime to say it was necessary +to success to have a large gun support; now any one +volunteering to carry out an enterprise except with +an unlimited amount of shells would be looked on as +a fool and take his <i>congé</i> at once.” What a pleasant +change!</p> + +<p class='c013'>On the 18th and 19th, operations were carried out by +the Indian Corps as will shortly be narrated, and G.H.Q. +was of course kept fully informed. On this latter date +the Commander-in-Chief’s orders were as follows:</p> + +<p class='c015'>Issued at 6 <span class='fss'>P.M.</span> The operations conducted yesterday were +attended in several cases with marked success. Although the +ground gained has not in all cases been maintained the balance +of advantage rests with us and promises well for further progress. +It is the intention of the Commander-in-Chief that the Second, +Third, Fourth, and Indian Corps should continue until further +orders to prosecute similar enterprises under Corps arrangements, +taking every possible measure to consolidate and +“extend” [my inverted commas] all successes achieved.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Such were the orders received by me from the 12th to +19th December inclusive, and it was in accordance with +them that the operations of the Corps, now about to be +told, were carried out. As will be seen, we succeeded in +occupying a portion of enemy trenches and sap-heads, +and captured two machine-guns and some prisoners, and, +as I said before, but for the German attack on us the following +<span class='pageno' id='Page_149'>149</span>day, our job would probably have been considered as +very successful.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Details were, of course, left to Divisional Commanders, +but the responsibility was mine, for I could have altered +or refused to sanction them. In the case of the Meerut +Division matters were allowed to stand as proposed. In +the case of the Lahore Division for their attack on 19th, +General Watkis proposed an attack on a front of 1000 +yards. I reduced this to 300 yards, leaving the choice of +the part to be attacked to him. We had neither the men +nor the guns for the larger attack, and our orders limited +us to distinctly minor operations.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The Commander-in-Chief’s despatch on this battle +stated that the losses in the Meerut Division after the first +attack on the 19th December and subsequent return to its +own trenches were “considerable,” but the total casualties +amounted to eighty-two, including officers. The Lahore +Division fought for several successive days before the +German attack was launched, and during this time lost +very heavily, especially in officers; but in both Divisions +not a single regimental officer in the Indian Army was +“mentioned” in the body of the despatch, and only two +in the British Service.</p> + +<p class='c013'>At this time our distribution was as under. The +French on our right had their extreme left on the Bethune-La +Bassée road. From this road to the canal was held +by the Connaught Rangers of the Ferozepore Brigade, and +the remainder of this Brigade held the trenches as far as east +of Givenchy. The Sirhind Brigade was on their left and +extended the line keeping parallel to the Festubert road, +up to within half a mile of the cross-roads at La Quinque +Rue. This completed the front of the Lahore Division; +and the Meerut Division, with the Seaforth Highlanders of +the Dehra Dun Brigade on their extreme right, was distributed +as follows: Remainder of this Brigade in position +as far as the cross-roads on the Rue du Bois, the line +passing through what was commonly then known as “The +Orchard,” though this name later caused some confusion, +owing to the fact that several other orchards existed. +The Garhwal Brigade was on the left of the Corps, and +<span class='pageno' id='Page_150'>150</span>held trenches as far as the cross-roads south of Neuve +Chapelle.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Both the Lahore and Meerut Divisional Commanders +had arranged local offensive operations to give effect to the +orders of the Commander-in-Chief, and these were put +into execution on the morning of the 19th. The portion +of German trench to be attacked by the Lahore Division +was just opposite the junction of the Ferozepore and +Sirhind Brigades, and the attacking troops consisted of +one battalion from each Brigade.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The Meerut Division had selected as its objective the +German trenches near the “Orchard,” and opposite the +6th Jats on the left of the Dehra Dun Brigade. The +attacking troops consisted of one and a half battalions of +the Garhwal Brigade.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Both attacks were accompanied by a complement of +Sappers and Pioneers. A biting cold wind blew over the +trenches, making it impossible to get any warmth into the +body, as the Meerut Division party, which advanced first, +left its trenches.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Half an hour after midnight the Leicesters moved to +the salient whence would start the attack, and by 3.30 <span class='fss'>A.M.</span> +deployed and began the advance. The battalion was commanded +by Lieut.-Colonel Blackader, and he had under +him a splendid body of officers and men. The remainder +of his troops consisted of half of the 2/3rd Gurkhas, +a company of the 107th Pioneers, and a party of +Sappers.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Immediately the advance began machine-guns swept +the area, but, although held up by barbed wire and a hedge, +Captain Romilly, who was with his company on the left, +stopped at nothing until they had entered the Hun trench +and captured two machine-guns. The enemy, not caring +to face this class of men, had bolted as we neared the +objective, but the Leicesters once started are hard to stop, +and into the hail of another gun which had opened on them +went the men from the Midland County. Again the bird +had flown, but a second trench was ours and was only +abandoned when it was seen that it was too far in advance +and under our own Artillery fire. The captors took up +<span class='pageno' id='Page_151'>151</span>their position in the first trench and at once put it into a +proper state of defence.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The right company of the Leicesters with equal determination +had soon made themselves masters over 100 +yards of trench, but in bombing along this found it led into +the main trench, and when within only a few yards of this, +seven of the eight bombers were put out of action. A +barricade was erected and, being reinforced by their own +men and some of the 3rd Gurkhas, they held on. This, +however, left a gap between the right and left attacking +companies, which Major Dundas and his Gurkhas, with +splendid élan, endeavoured to bridge. The enemy, however, +held this portion of the trench strongly, and although +driven back with grenades and bayonets, still remained in +possession of a considerable part of it. The Gurkhas suffered +from a close enfilade fire, but consolidated their gains.</p> + +<p class='c013'>In the result the trenches captured by the Leicesters +on the right were lost, as the enemy employed machine-guns +to cut away the barricades and followed up with +unlimited bombing. New barricades were constructed but +shared the same fate, and, as Dundas on the left found it +impossible to advance farther, and all ranks were under +heavy minenwerfer fire, a withdrawal of the right attack +was carried out deliberately and in good order. The left +company held on all day to the captured trenches but was +withdrawn by 8.30 <span class='fss'>P.M.</span>, having done its duty well.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Meantime General Anderson, commanding the Meerut +Division, had with his usual energy been doing all that was +possible to enable the Leicesters to hold on; an attack by +portions of the Dehra Dun Brigade had been arranged, +but the Germans, now thoroughly roused and angry, and +having made their preparations for the attack they had +planned for the next day, the 20th, began a very heavy +bombardment of our trenches, specially selecting the +“Orchard” portion of them, on which shell-fire was concentrated, +damaging everything in the vicinity, blowing men +to bits, and rendering any hold on them quite impossible. +At the same time it was reported by aviators that numbers +of the enemy were concentrating on this and other fronts, +and everything pointed to a counter-attack. During the +<span class='pageno' id='Page_152'>152</span>fighting I had placed troops as necessitated from the Corps +Reserve at the disposal of the G.O.C. Meerut Division.</p> + +<p class='c013'>It has always been a wonder to me how in these winter +days of 1914 the Indian troops did their work so well. If +any man trusted them to fight, I did: but I knew their +limits. What surprises me as I look back on it all is that +they stood the strain as they did. It was in truth a prolonged +feat of arms.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The result of this destructive fire was to render the +“Orchard” untenable, and a new line fifty yards farther +to the west was taken up and put into the best state of +defence possible, but this was only done late in the evening +and after the Brigadier had reported the impossibility of +holding on any longer; a few Scouts still remained in the +destroyed trenches. Orders were got ready for a combined +counter-attack the next morning, but before this could be +carried out the prepared and due Hun attack was launched +and a new phase in the operations begun.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The following are amongst those who were brought to +special notice during these operations: Colonel Blackader, +who led his battalion and withdrew it skilfully; Major +Knatchbull, Captain Romilly, and Lieut. Tooley, all of the +Leicesters; No. 6275 Private Buckingham, for great +gallantry (and it is pleasant to record that this brave +soldier later in the war won the V.C.); Sergeant Sutherland, +Lance-Corporal Brakes, and Private Crisp; and if all the +names of other brave Leicester officers and men were +recorded here and whenever the battalion was engaged they +would fill many pages. Captain Lodwick, 3rd Gurkhas, +who with his machine-gun team rendered good service; +Rifleman Thaman Gharti and Major Dundas of the same +battalion came in for high praise; and Captain C. D. +Bamberger, R.E., who was killed, would have assuredly +been rewarded had he survived.</p> + +<p class='c013'>We had on the left made our demonstration—or give +it any other name. We had certainly succeeded on this +flank in holding the enemy to his ground and prevented +him sending away troops to other parts of his front. We +had captured a few prisoners and machine-guns, and now +we were doing our best to hold his attacks.</p> + +<div class='chapter'> + <span class='pageno' id='Page_153'>153</span> + <h2 class='c008'>CHAPTER XI</h2> +</div> + +<p class='c012'>Before beginning the story of the Lahore Division’s share +in this fighting, it is well to state that the Indian Corps had +received meantime two notable additions to its strength. +The 4th Suffolks was the first of the Territorial battalions +to join us. I saw them on parade and told them how glad +I was to have them with us. I explained how it was proposed +to employ them, and particularly noticed their +physique and workmanlike appearance. I had but little +acquaintance with the Force, and had never soldiered with +any but regular British troops in my life, and hence I was +able to take an impartial view.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The next to join us was the 4th Seaforths, another of +that wonderful Army which leapt from the dim shadow of +neglect into the fulness of the shining light of war, and gave +England immediate proof of the truth that though we are +the least military we are the most warlike race on earth. +This battalion was intended to learn its trench work from +the sister regular battalion of Highlanders, forming part +of the Indian Corps.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Immediately after their arrival I saw them at Vieille +Chapelle, December 20. Even whilst I was going round +and talking to the officers and N.C.O.’s, the angry and +increasing roar of guns was growing louder, and just as I +had finished explaining how they would at first be employed +by platoons in the trenches, an orderly arrived with a +note to say the German attacks were in full swing and my +presence was required at my Headquarters. These days +of telephone warfare have destroyed the glamour, such as +is left of it, for Generals. It is difficult to get away and +see something of the fray oneself, but it amused me to +<span class='pageno' id='Page_154'>154</span>think after all my explanations and injunctions that this +corps was in fact to learn its lesson in the thick of the +fighting without any preliminary practice at all. Thus +the 4th Seaforths, under their fine commander, MacFarlane, +marched away from the ground and their next halt was in +the second-line trenches running south from La Couture. +The officers and men all looked like fighters, and, as will be +related later, they did not belie their looks and rendered +grand service throughout.</p> + +<p class='c013'>In accordance with the general plans for the local +offensives, Lieut.-General Watkis, in command of the Lahore +Division, had also directed an attack, on December 19, +against a front of 300 yards of German trenches N.E. of +Givenchy, as already stated. The attacking companies +were drawn from the Highland Light Infantry and the +4th Gurkhas, the latter being on the right, and this formed +the left of the combined Divisional attack, and was commanded +by Colonel Ronaldson, H.L.I., a good soldier. +The Ferozepore Brigade was on the right of the Sirhinds, +and the 129th Baluchis were to have furnished the companies +to complete the attack which was being delivered +from the point of junction of the two Brigades, but this +battalion, after its hard fighting on the 16th instant, was +not fit for another thrust and was replaced by the 59th +Rifles of the Jalandar Brigade.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The Sirhind attack was delivered at 5.34 <span class='fss'>A.M.</span> after +a very brief Artillery preparation from field guns and +howitzers. I have seen this criticised in Sir Arthur Conan +Doyle’s most interesting book, <i>The British Campaign in +France and Flanders</i>, 1914, but it is necessary to remember +that our ammunition supply was very limited in those days +and commanders occasionally preferred a very short bombardment +and a bigger reserve to meet the counter-attacks, +and to enable our men to hold on and consolidate, or cover +their retirement should such become necessary. In any +case the assault was completely successful, two lines of +trenches being taken. Though the distance was considerably +over 150 yards, our casualties in this first rush were +few and over seventy prisoners fell into our hands. The +attack was made in four lines, the first being under the +<span class='pageno' id='Page_155'>155</span>command of Major B. U. Nicolay, 4th Gurkhas. He was +wounded next day, but commanded here with skill and +behaved under trying circumstances with the utmost coolness. +He reported that the conduct of the H.L.I. and +4th Gurkha detachment was admirable and described the +conditions, which, shortly explained, were these: The +captured trenches were about 200 yards long, straight and +without traverses, and they were found after some time to +be under enfilade fire from the higher ground on the right +rear near Givenchy village. The trenches became overcrowded +and the saps between our own trenches and these +were not finished. Colonel Ronaldson reported that had +it been possible to join these up the gains would assuredly +have been retained. Nicolay and his command held on +throughout a long and very trying day, and then, seeing the +hopelessness of the position, retired, with all the wounded, +towards dusk. The captures of the day were lost and we +were once more back in our own trenches.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Captain Cramer-Roberts, 4th Gurkhas, behaved with +splendid gallantry in carrying back a message over the +open; he was thrice wounded but nevertheless persevered, +and just managed to reach the trench and give his information +to Colonel Ronaldson. He received a D.S.O. The +name of Major Gardiner, R.E., was prominently brought +to notice for good work.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Our bombs had run out early in the day and the only +others available were a few found in the captured German +trench, which Nicolay used with good effect on their +former owners. An incident occurred in front of the +H.L.I. advanced platoon which was already in those early +days opening our eyes to Hun methods. A German officer +advanced with a white flag, and his men, who had put on +some of our Balaclava caps, under this protection hoped +to deceive us. They gained but a temporary advantage +and were soon found out, many being hit, and had thus +added one more deed to their scroll of shame.</p> + +<p class='c013'>After dark over thirty machine-guns concentrated their +fire on the H.L.I. trenches, foreshadowing the preparations +which were in the making for the attack next day.</p> + +<p class='c013'>In the H.L.I. Captain Pringle and Lieut. Anderson +<span class='pageno' id='Page_156'>156</span>were missing and Lieut. Kerr was killed. Sergeant Whitton, +H.L.I., was strongly commended by Major Nicolay, who +also brought to notice the names of Subadar Durga Gurung, +Havildar Hara Sing Thapa, Naik Dharmraj Gurung, and +Rifleman Jangia Thapa, Cramer-Roberts’ orderly. Correspondence +found in the enemy’s trenches showed that we +had been opposed chiefly by portions of the 3rd, 13th, and +56th regiments, XIV. Division of Prussians.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Captain Inglis, Adjutant of the 4th Gurkhas, had +guided the troops to their rendezvous, and had then insisted +as a reward on accompanying them in the assault, and was +killed. A good specimen of those splendid British officers +of which the Indian Army can boast so many.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Lieut. C. H. Anderson, H.L.I., one of those glorious +spirits who are well described in the Book of Job: “He +saith unto the trumpets, Ha! Ha! and he smelleth the +battle afar off, the thunder of the Captains and the shouting,” +rushed on to the German Reserve trench, which he and his +Highlanders took in their stride, and shouting, “We are +going to capture Chapelle St. Roch,” those brave men went +into the darkness, through the pelting rain and storm, and +were no more seen.</p> + +<div class='lg-container-b c014'> + <div class='linegroup'> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>From scenes like these old Scotia’s grandeur springs.</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c013'>The 59th Rifles, who attacked on the right, were only +able to reach the main German trench with a few men. +Their task was a difficult one as they had only just reached +the front to relieve the 129th Baluchis, and it was a wild +stormy night with heavy rain and the ground was unknown +to them. It would have been better to have told off +another corps for the purpose, but the G.O.C. Division +found it was the only way to carry out his orders.</p> + +<p class='c013'>One company joined with the H.L.I. on their left; a +platoon of another company lost direction and went away +to its right. The result was that a number of men eventually +got into the two saps on the right and left of those +attacked and held on. These two saps ran almost the +whole way between the German lines and ours. A bit +which was incomplete in the right sap was eventually, +after many hours, joined up by the Sappers and Miners, +<span class='pageno' id='Page_157'>157</span>thus enabling a party of the 129th Baluchis who were +holding the main trenches to relieve the 59th. In this +affair Jemadar Mangal Singh of the 59th behaved with +great gallantry and received the I.D.S.M.</p> + +<p class='c013'>After the first advance the fighting was of a very confused +nature owing to the darkness, rain, etc., and the +reports that can be pieced together are not sufficiently +clear to enable me to form a connected story. This, +however, is certain, that considering the general mix up +in the dark, many deeds of bravery were performed, and +although the attack did not succeed in capturing any length +of German trench, and thereby exposed the right of the +trench which had been captured to a flank attack by the +enemy, the 59th Rifles, well directed by their officers, made +every endeavour to accomplish their task.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Captain B. Anderson of this battalion, whom I had once +seen lead a charge against a band of Ghazis across the +Indian border, was here again leading his men, but on this +occasion, unlike the Ghazis, who died fighting to a man, +the Germans turned and ran. Lieut. J. G. Atkinson was +killed. Lieut. W. A. McCrae-Bruce by his personal disregard +of danger set a splendid example which kept his +men together in the turmoil.<a id='r8'></a><a href='#f8' class='c007'><sup>[8]</sup></a></p> + +<p class='c013'>Havildar Dost Mahomed and Havildar Abdul Wahab +were awarded the I.O.M., and a small party of men whose +names cannot be recorded, for they all perished, behaved +splendidly, refusing to retire because the body of their +officer, Lieut. Bruce, had not been recovered.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Captain H. N. Lee and R. C. Gilchrist were killed +during the attack on and capture of the left sap, whilst +Captain Scale was wounded and the battalion had over +100 other casualties. Lieut. Scobie received the Military +Cross for his share in holding on to the left sap. Lieut. +Kisch, R.E., did excellent work under a heavy fire.</p> + +<p class='c013'>An attack on a German sap-head by two platoons of +the 1st Gurkhas had been ordered to be carried out at 5.30 +A.M. this same day, and the officers to accompany it were +Captain T. Burke and Lieut. L. B. Rundall. The latter was +<span class='pageno' id='Page_158'>158</span>the younger of two sons of Colonel Rundall, an old friend +and comrade of mine who had served on my Staff. I +knew both boys, and all three of these fighting soldiers +belonged to Gurkha regiments. The elder brother was a +Captain in the 4th Gurkhas and both were killed on this +and the following day, behaving as British officers do when +stern work is in hand, and leaving a name which will be +cherished in the Gurkha Brigade.</p> + +<p class='c013'>This attack could not be launched in time, owing to +various causes, and orders were issued cancelling it, but +for some unknown reason the assault was carried out at +about 10 o’clock. As usual, the two brave fellows rushed +forward at the head of their men and were met by a hail +of fire and the leaden scythe mowed them down. About +fifty took part in the assault, of whom half were killed or +wounded, both British officers being among the former.</p> + +<p class='c013'>This brings the story of the Lahore Division’s attempts +on December 19 to engage the enemy and help our other +Army Corps and our French Allies who were operating on +our right to an end. As I said before, in themselves, +though described at length, they were only local offensives, +but they were unfortunate in as far as they had severely +tried our already tired troops on the very eve of the +prepared German attack. In war the man who can truly +forecast events is of more value than many legions of +soldiers. All one can do is to endeavour by every means +in one’s power to carry out the Commander-in-Chief’s +plans. Both Divisions had done their duty.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The Meerut Division after the fighting on the 19th +December was disposed as under: Garhwal Brigade back +in its own trenches; to their right the 6th Jats, the left +battalion of the Dehra Dun Brigade, held their line with +the right thrown back so as to connect with, and conform +to, the retired line of the 2nd Gurkhas behind the +“Orchard”; the Seaforth Highlanders formed the right +of the Brigade to near the “Picquet” house, from which +point the Sirhind Brigade of the Lahore Division continued +farther still to the right.</p> + +<p class='c013'>About 9 <span class='fss'>A.M.</span>, December 20, the attack on the Meerut +Division was started. The 2nd Gurkhas and the Seaforths—old +<span class='pageno' id='Page_159'>159</span>and trusted comrades—were singled out, and a heavy +bombardment and Infantry advance told the Division +that a day which was to be an important one for the Indian +Corps had begun. Half an hour later word reached General +Anderson that the Seaforths’ right was in the air owing to +the retirement of the left of the Sirhind Brigade and that +they were being heavily attacked from this flank and at +the same time bombed on their left owing to retirement +of part of the 2nd Gurkhas, which exposed them to the +enemy’s bombers.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The Seaforths never lose an inch of ground without +making the attackers pay a heavy toll, but they were now +fighting against great odds, hand-grenades, machine-guns, +and trench mortars, with both their flanks in the air. One +company was driven from its trench, but not until fifty +per cent of the enemy lay dead in it. Captain the Hon. +St. Clair was killed just as he had skilfully withdrawn into +and was holding a communication trench.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The 2nd Gurkhas were again put to a severe test this +day; bombed and overmatched, they were driven from +their newly-occupied trenches; followed up with hand-grenades +and harried they retired, but always took their +toll in the retreat and finally drew up in a retired position +under Major Boileau, a soldier with an extraordinary +personality. I cannot better describe him than in the words +of one of his own Gurkha officers, “Asal Jangi Sahib” +(a truly brave gentleman). With him was Major Watt, +another staunch fighter. During this fighting the Gurkhas +were pushed back a long way and were glad indeed to +meet the 9th Gurkhas coming up to their assistance. To +do what is set you is of course the best proof that you are +competent to do it, but I have found in life that sometimes +though you may fail in the eyes of your judges, you +may nevertheless have done everything that was possible. +Those gallant Gurkhas deserved success, and I would as soon +have them by me in a tight place as any battalion I know.</p> + +<p class='c013'>It is instructive to note that at this moment N Battery, +R.H.A., from the Secunderabad Cavalry Brigade, came +into action and helped materially by its fire across the +front. This was the only calibre of gun (18-pounders) for +<span class='pageno' id='Page_160'>160</span>which we were not limited to a certain number of rounds +of ammunition, and the confidence this inspired, with the +excellence of the fire itself, was equal to many heavier +batteries. Think of it, the warriors of later times! An +Army Corps was rejoiced at the advent of six guns, manned +by the pick of the Army, and instead of wondering how it +was going to be done, considered themselves fortunate +and bound to win. Unlimited ammunition! although +only for six guns it is true: but the surprise caused by the +advance of the first six tanks in later days was as nothing +compared to that of the General who found himself with +six real guns and plenty of rounds for each. “Tempora +mutantur, nos et mutamur in illis.”</p> + +<p class='c013'>To fill the gap between the Seaforths and the retired +line of the Gurkhas, the 58th Rifles were ordered up; +half the 41st Dogras was also placed at the disposal of the +G.O.C. Dehra Dun Brigade, and half the Black Watch +to form a link between Seaforths and the retired left of +Sirhind Brigade.</p> + +<p class='c013'>It was now 1 o’clock, December 20, and in order to +retain the thread of the story and make the movements of +both Divisions coincide, I will leave the Meerut Division +and relate the occurrences which had taken place in the +Lahore Command.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Simultaneously with the attacks already described on +the Meerut Division, the Germans started their operations +against the Lahore Division, and from the early morning +of the 20th December the trenches were subjected to a +fierce fire from guns and mortars, and then followed a series +of mine explosions under the trenches occupied by the +Sirhind Brigade. Soaked with rain which had lasted +through the night; wearied by the previous day’s trials; +standing in bog knee-deep with the mud slipping in as +fast as it could be shovelled out of the trenches, and with +numbers totally inadequate to the front held, the British +and Indian troops began the resistance which lasted for +twenty-four hours without any extraneous help, and +continued it for another twenty-four hours until in part +relieved by fresh troops of the First Army Corps; when first +the Lahore and later the Meerut Divisions were withdrawn, +<span class='pageno' id='Page_161'>161</span>with difficulty lasting out the ordeal. The wonder is not +that they were literally done up but that they were able +to hold out as they did.</p> + +<p class='c013'>And the men who came to their relief, what of them? +They were some of the finest troops in our Army, the +famous First Corps of Mons and Ypres fame: with double +our reduced numbers, fresh from a rest in reserve, full of +fight. Guards, Highlanders, Irish and English: neither +Germans nor anybody else could have withstood such a +gathering; and as they looked at our tired-out men, amongst +them a few British battalions of their own countrymen, +as fine soldiers as themselves, battle-stained and mud-grimed, +I do not believe there was one amongst the brave +new arrivals who did not own that the Indian Corps had +indeed had a hard task and done its duty well.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The fight that followed showed them that it was a +determined foe they had to deal with, and 2400 casualties +in their own ranks before the line was more or less restored +was evidence of the hard fighting which had taken toll of +over 4000 British and Indian soldiers.</p> + +<p class='c013'>However, to my story. The right of the Sirhind Brigade +was the first to bear the brunt, and here a half company +of the H.L.I. and a double company<a id='r9'></a><a href='#f9' class='c007'><sup>[9]</sup></a> of the 4th Gurkhas +suffered very heavy losses, being buried or blown up by +the well-engineered explosions. The day had not then +arrived when we were able to detect and counter this +underground warfare; it was new to the Indian Corps at +any rate, nor had we the appliances to put it into use.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Amongst the survivors of these first explosions was +Colour-Sergeant Brisbane, H.L.I., who had served with +me in Ashanti fourteen years previously. I had met him +later in India, and on this day we were once more separated, +for after holding on to the last, he with his officer, Lieut. D. +Barry, and some others were captured by the enemy. May +we meet again!</p> + +<p class='c013'>Another double company of the 4th Gurkhas made a +stout resistance against heavy odds, but were driven from +their trenches, and at about 1 <span class='fss'>P.M.</span> these were occupied by +the Germans, who were coming on in massed formation.</p> + +<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' id='Page_162'>162</span>During this fighting, which ended in many hand-to-hand +encounters, Captain A. M. Rundall of the 4th Gurkhas, +brother of the Lieutenant whose death I described in the +previous day’s fighting, led a bombing party in a counter-attack, +himself killed two Germans, and died fighting at +the head of his few men.</p> + +<div class='lg-container-b c014'> + <div class='linegroup'> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>A glorious tale indeed to tell,</div> + <div class='line'>’Neath thousand blows one hero fell.</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c013'>The machine-gun detachment of the 125th (Napier’s) +Rifles at this stage rendered gallant service, and with that +of the 4th Gurkhas was practically destroyed.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Captain R. C. Yates of the 4th Gurkhas with the greater +part of his company was also overwhelmed. It was +reported to me after this action that, whereas the Germans +used hundreds of bombs which almost invariably exploded +and caused great damage, our own home-made articles +constantly failed to light or dropped harmless, being wet +and unprotected from the slush and rain.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Farther to the left of the Sirhind Brigade was a double +company of the 1st Gurkhas commanded by Major C. +Bliss, and a company of the H.L.I. under Major T. F. Murray, +and they had between them four Maxims. Following heavy +mine explosions this section was also attacked by great +numbers of the enemy, who notwithstanding heavy losses, +caused especially by our machine-guns, rushed in and made +themselves masters of the trenches.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Murray and Captain W. Cameron with their men made +a fine stand and were reported killed. Lieut. R. Guthrie-Smith, +also of the H.L.I., was killed and Lieut. C. Pitts-Tucker, +whilst crossing the open with sorely needed reinforcements, +was wounded, and most of his party shared +his fate or were killed. Tucker was being carried in by +two gallant comrades, Corporal A. Barr and Private J. +Carmichael, when he was again hit and killed. Both men +received the D.C.M.</p> + +<p class='c013'>About 11 o’clock General Watkis ordered up his reserve, +and two French Territorial battalions which were at his +disposal, to the neighbourhood of Givenchy; the 47th +Sikhs to move up in reserve of the Sirhind Brigade, and +<span class='pageno' id='Page_163'>163</span>General Carnegy, commanding the Jalandar Brigade, to +make a flank attack from Givenchy to retake the lost +trenches of the Sirhind Brigade. During the defence of +the left section by H.L.I. and 1st Gurkhas, just described, +Lieut. W. Stewart, H.L.I., with seventy men and two +Maxims, held on in the support trench. His party was very +much in the air, but showed splendid grit, tired and overworked +as they had been for two days; but with the help +of forty men who reached him at dusk he held on for nearly +twenty-four hours until relieved by troops from the First +British Division. He was awarded the D.S.O.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The assistance rendered by our Artillery at this stage, +and indeed throughout these operations, was the theme +of high praise from all ranks of the Infantry, and well was +it deserved, for without it the H.L.I. and Gurkhas would +have been destroyed by the advancing mass of troops.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The 1st Gurkhas, like the H.L.I., were being severely +handled and the enemy had driven a wedge into their line. +Major Bliss was mortally wounded while leading a bayonet +charge which succeeded in affording our sorely-tried men +a short respite; Captain H. Momey was killed; but +numbers prevailed, and the Germans having gained a +footing on flanks and centre, and using large numbers +of grenades, forced the Gurkhas back into their support +trenches, and quickly following up established themselves +in all our advanced lines. Festubert was reached before +the retiring line could be thoroughly joined up, and some +of the troops had by this time become much disorganised.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Seeing that General Watkis had his hands more than +full, and being apprehensive of further retirement, I had +placed the Secunderabad Cavalry Brigade and Jodhpore +Lancers, acting as Infantry, and the 8th Gurkhas from the +Meerut Division, at his disposal, and to these was added +the 47th Sikhs; the whole under General Macbean.</p> + +<p class='c013'>This brings the narrative up to an hour after mid-day +of the 20th December, at which time news was received +that the left of the Ferozepore Brigade had been driven +back and that Givenchy was being heavily attacked.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The Artillery was working with a precision that spoke +volumes for them, and I felt assured that, come what might, +<span class='pageno' id='Page_164'>164</span>the gunners, most of whom I had known well in India, +would answer to any call, and prove as ever that their +motto is well called “Ubique.”</p> + +<p class='c013'>Of the Indian battalions of the newly-arrived Sirhind +Brigade two were Gurkhas and the third was the 125th +Rifles. The 1st Gurkhas (King George’s Own) was raised +in 1815 from soldiers who took service with the British +after the fall of Malaun. It went through many changes +of name and shared in many campaigns from Bhurtpore +and Aliwal to Tirah. In 1910 it received its present title. +A second battalion had been added in 1886.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The 4th Gurkhas was raised in 1857 as the “Extra +Gurkha Regiment.” Its battle honours date from “Ali +Musjid and Kabul, 1879,” to “China, 1900.” A second +battalion was added in 1886.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The 125th (Napier’s) Rifles was raised in 1820, largely +from men who had served in the Peishwa’s Army. The +battalion received several titles connecting it with the old +Bombay Army from time to time, until in 1903 its present +designation was conferred upon it. It had served under +Napier at Meanee and last seen service in Burmah 1885–87.</p> + +<p class='c013'>My story of the action of the Meerut Division stopped +at about this same hour, and it is convenient to take a +retrospect and see how the Army Corps stood exactly at +this time in order to better follow the battle. Beginning +with our right, the Ferozepore Brigade was next to and +on the left of the French XXIst Corps d’Armée, the Commander +of which had placed two Territorial battalions at +the disposal of the Lahore Division. The right battalion +of the Ferozepore Brigade, the Connaught Rangers, held +the trenches south of the La Bassée Canal. On their left, +covering the east of Givenchy, were the greater part of the +57th Rifles and part of the 9th Bhopals; these troops +had not so far been attacked. The 129th Baluchis was +the left battalion of this Brigade and, as I said, had just +then been reported as retiring. Continuing to the left +stood the Sirhind Brigade, lately arrived from Egypt, and +hence fresher for work than others. The 4th and 1st +Gurkhas and H.L.I. held the front; companies of the +Highlanders being interspersed in the Gurkha ranks. The +<span class='pageno' id='Page_165'>165</span>machine-guns of the 125th Rifles of this Brigade were also +up in the trenches. This ended the line held by the Lahore +Division, and the movements of the Divisional reserves +have already been explained. As will have been seen +from the description of the fighting, this whole Brigade had +been driven back and held a now considerably retired line.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Carrying on our line to the north, <i>i.e.</i> farther to the +left, the Meerut Division had on its right the Dehra Dun +Brigade, of which the Seaforths occupied their old position, +near the Picquet House, and though being severely attacked +were holding on in the most gallant manner. On their +right rear was half of the Black Watch which had been +sent up to establish connection between the Seaforths +and the now retired Sirhind Brigade. To the left of the +Seaforths were the 2nd Gurkhas, considerably drawn back +by their retirement; and as a connecting link to fill the +gap the 58th Rifles had been ordered up by General +Anderson. Still farther to the left were the 6th Jats, +forming the left battalion of the Brigade, with their right +skilfully thrown back so as to keep connection with the +retired Gurkha line. Finally, the Garhwal Brigade completed +the Meerut Division and was holding its original line.</p> + +<div class='figcenter id002'> +<img src='images/i_b_165.jpg' alt='' class='ig001'> +<div class='ic002'> +<p>From a rough sketch made at the time.</p> +</div> +</div> + +<p class='c013'>To continue the story of the Meerut Division from 1 <span class='fss'>P.M.</span> +on the 20th, where I left them. At this hour the 2nd +Gurkhas were holding a line a quarter of a mile south of +La Quinque Rue, and the Seaforths had recaptured a lost +<span class='pageno' id='Page_166'>166</span>trench on their left, and were bombing the Huns out of +their right, greatly hampered by a heavy fire from the +Picquet House, from which the left of the Sirhind Brigade +had been driven. The Germans were in occupation of the +old 2nd Gurkha trenches; the 41st Dogras were in Brigade +reserve, and the 107th Pioneers, half of the Black Watch, +and 4th Indian Cavalry were in Divisional reserve at Le +Touret. The Garhwal Brigade was being heavily attacked +by shell-fire and trench mortars, but was holding its own +well. All available machine-guns were sent up to assist +this Brigade.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Lieut.-Colonel Roche, 6th Jats, as senior officer on the +spot, was in command of his own Corps and all neighbouring +reinforcements, and took prompt measures to consolidate +his position, and held it throughout this and the next day.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The fighting Major Wauchope with half his Black +Watch had succeeded by 11 <span class='fss'>P.M.</span> in re-establishing touch +with the Sirhind Brigade on his right and the Seaforths on +his left, and by this manœuvre completed the line of the +Meerut Division. The Germans had pushed in deep in +front of the 2nd Gurkhas, but their triumph was only to +be a temporary one.</p> + +<p class='c013'>As the attacks all along our front had assumed big +proportions by the afternoon of the 20th December, and +I was only too well aware that the Corps was, after its +long tour of trench work since the end of October, quite +unfit for a prolonged struggle, I had asked G.H.Q. for two +Brigades from the Indian Cavalry Corps, which on foot +might furnish the strength of two battalions, and also for +a Brigade from the First Army Corps then in Army reserve, +and these were at once given me, and two additional +Brigades from this Corps also arrived and were all employed +the next day, thus making an extra Division. I informed +the G.O.C. Meerut Division that one of these Brigades +would reach him next day.</p> + +<p class='c013'>By 3 <span class='fss'>A.M.</span> on the 21st, the Dehra Dun Brigade reported +the enemy massing on its front, and at 7.45 <span class='fss'>A.M.</span> the G.O.C. +Division learnt that a counter-attack by the left Brigade +of the Lahore Division had been unsuccessful. At this +stage General Keary, commanding the Garhwal Brigade, +<span class='pageno' id='Page_167'>167</span>suggested a counter-attack by the Dehra Dun Brigade, +which he would support from his side with his reserve +battalion, the Leicesters; this attack did not mature as +the Dehra Dun Brigade was too exhausted to carry it out. +By this time the Seaforths on the right were being very +hard pressed, and half of the 107th Pioneers were sent to +their assistance, whilst the remainder of this battalion and +the 4th Indian Cavalry were called up and placed in a +second line of trenches.</p> + +<p class='c013'>This remained more or less the position until the arrival +that evening of General Westmacott’s Brigade from the +First Army Corps. Owing to unavoidable delays in bringing +this Brigade up, its attack was not commenced until +late in the evening. One battalion of the Royal Sussex +regiment was to relieve the Seaforths whilst the Loyal +North Lancashires and Northamptons attacked the lost +“Orchard” positions.</p> + +<p class='c013'>By 10.30 <span class='fss'>P.M.</span> on the 21st a report was received that +this attack had taken the supporting trenches west of +the “Orchard” and was progressing favourably, but +the trenches about it were untenable and the attackers +eventually took position just west of it.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The Dehra Dun Brigade and the other Corps assisting +in this part of the line had now been fighting without a +break for seventy-two hours in rain and mud, and were +much reduced in numbers. They had lost the “Orchard,” +but by the action of the troops in that neighbourhood, +especially of the Seaforths, the pivot at the Picquet House +was still retained and acted as a hinge the flexibility of +which meant that the Meerut Division’s line, though deeply +indented, was still intact. By 7 o’clock on the morning +of the 22nd December the bulk of the Dehra Dun Brigade, +as also the 58th Rifles and Black Watch, had been withdrawn +for a well-earned rest, and the newly-arrived British +Brigade had occupied their places in the trenches.</p> + +<p class='c013'>At 10 <span class='fss'>A.M.</span>, 22nd December, after General Anderson had +arranged for the handing over of the right of his command +to the First Army Corps, an Artillery observing-officer +reported that there was something wrong in front of the +“Orchard,” now held by the British troops, and that a +<span class='pageno' id='Page_168'>168</span>retirement was taking place there. If fresh Britishers +found it necessary to temporarily give way, it only shows +the pressure that our men had been faced with for two +long days.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Tired out as they were, orders were at once given for +the still fit Indian Corps battalions to move up again +and the others to stand fast. The <i>contretemps</i> was put +right by the G.O.C. 2nd British Brigade before 10.30 +o’clock; and at this hour on the 22nd December, the second +shortest day of the year, but, like the 21st, the longest in +a fighting sense, the worn-out troops at last found some rest, +although still retained ready in case of need. The Divisional +Commander in reporting his positions wound up with the +words: “The worn-out Seaforth Highlanders and 58th +Rifles are now in reserve.”</p> + +<p class='c013'>At this point, 1 <span class='fss'>P.M.</span>, 22nd December, I will leave the +Meerut Command and describe the heavy fighting which +was all this time going on in the Lahore Division in and +near that place of ill omen yclept Festubert. Before doing +so I will turn from the general story and record a few of +the names of those heroic soldiers who throughout these +days had maintained the traditions of the British and +Indian Armies. I often feel, and I say it in truth, that +the rewards of Senior Generals are seldom their own, but +rather the work of subordinates of all ranks; and if I had +the power I would issue gazettes notifying them somewhat +as follows, taking as a sample an Army Corps:</p> + +<p class='c015'>In recognition of the fine fighting qualities displayed by the +—— Army Corps during the battle of ——, the G.O.C. +in Command is awarded, etc.</p> + +<p class='c013'>I have received many honours from three Sovereigns. +I should have received none had it not been for the officers +and men who had to carry out orders at the risk of their +lives, whilst I only issued them. It was comparatively easy +in this trench warfare to say “Promite vires,” when you +yourself were safe. He who has to make decisions under +stress of danger is the hero, and not the man <span class='fss'>FAR</span> behind +the guns.</p> + +<p class='c013'>In writing this story I have relied chiefly on orders +<span class='pageno' id='Page_169'>169</span>and reports I was able to get copied in France, and on my +own diary very carefully kept from day to day, together +with letters and information from friends since, but I have +not had access to all the War diaries of Brigades and +battalions, etc. I cannot therefore pretend to describe in +any detail the doings of all those whose work I saw daily, +and can only record such matters as I have some knowledge +of. If, therefore, omissions occur I can only regret it.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Lieut.-Colonel Widdicombe, who commanded the 9th +Gurkhas, did excellent work; he arrived at a most opportune +moment, reinforcing both the 2nd Gurkhas and 6th +Jats during the early fighting on 20th December. Captain +Laing of the Seaforths, leading a bombing party with great +gallantry, rushed and recaptured several traverses in a +trench evacuated by the 2nd Gurkhas, and in which the +Huns left over twenty dead. Lieut. I. M. Macandrew of +the same regiment rallied some of the men of the British +Brigade as they retired from the “Orchard” on 22nd, led +them in a bombing attack, and after killing several of the +enemy this gallant young officer and ten of his men were +themselves killed. Colonel Ritchie, ever staunch and brave, +Captain Wicks, a very fine soldier, and Captain Laing, all +of the Seaforths, received distinctions. In this fighting +the Seaforths suffered 175 casualties out of 700 engaged.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Major A. Young of the 1st Gurkhas, Brigade Major of +the Garhwal Brigade, had died of wounds on the 14th—a +great loss to the Service. Major Wauchope, Black Watch, +was again wounded, and the regiment had to record severe +casualties.</p> + +<p class='c013'>In the 58th Rifles, Captain M. A. R. Bell, 54th Sikhs +(attached), whom I had known for many years, was killed, +a very earnest soldier. Jemadar Mardan Ali and twenty-five +others were also killed and thirty-two were wounded. +The losses in killed, wounded, and missing throughout the +Divisions bore witness to the nature of the struggle in which +they had been engaged.</p> + +<div class='chapter'> + <span class='pageno' id='Page_170'>170</span> + <h2 class='c008'>CHAPTER XII</h2> +</div> + +<p class='c012'>The narrative of the Lahore Division brought us to after +mid-day of the 20th December, at which hour the 129th +Baluchis, on the left of the Ferozepore Brigade covering +Givenchy, were retiring and their trenches were in occupation +of the enemy, and the village was being attacked. In +consequence General Carnegy’s orders were cancelled, and +he was directed to secure this place; and two batteries +from the Fifty-eighth Division were placed at Watkis’s +disposal by the French.</p> + +<p class='c013'>By 3.30 <span class='fss'>P.M.</span> on the 20th the Manchesters under Colonel +Strickland, with a company of the 4th Suffolks in support, +started their attack for the recovery of the lost Givenchy +trenches. By 5 <span class='fss'>P.M.</span> this gallant battalion, fighting often +with the bayonet, had cleared the Huns out of the village +and recaptured the trenches to the north-east; but +they still retained possession of those to the north of the +village; whilst to the east and southwards the company +of the 9th Bhopals, the 57th Rifles, a portion of the 4th +Suffolks, and the Connaught Rangers held their lines +intact.</p> + +<p class='c013'>On the Sirhind Brigade front the right section at +3.30 <span class='fss'>P.M.</span> was holding its reserve trenches; farther to the +left, notwithstanding its considerable retirement, touch +had been more or less established with the right of the +Meerut Division, and the retired line of the Brigade was +intact, though somewhat disorganised. The enemy at +this stage did not appear to be making a further attack +on this front.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Meantime General Macbean, with the Secunderabad +<span class='pageno' id='Page_171'>171</span>Cavalry Brigade, consisting of the 7th Dragoon Guards, +20th Deccan Horse, 34th Poona Horse, and Jodhpore +Lancers, under Brigadier-General Wadeson, and in addition +the 8th Gurkhas and 47th Sikhs, had been ordered to move +to a position near Marais and counter-attack. This movement +was delayed from various causes, and it was not till +midnight that the advance was actually carried out by the +7th Dragoon Guards and 47th Sikhs.</p> + +<p class='c013'>It was a hopeless attempt; the ground was deep in +mud and a network of ditches, and the enemy’s fire very +heavy. Nevertheless these gallant troops actually reached +and entered our abandoned trenches, but were then subjected +to a heavy flanking fire and occasionally to that of +our own guns. Under such conditions it was no wonder +they were driven back to their starting-point and suffered +severely. Amongst the killed was Colonel H. Lempriere, +commanding 7th Dragoon Guards, a very gallant gentleman +and hard to replace. Captain J. L. Mansel was killed +leading a rush on enemy machine-guns. Lieutenants +R. L. Mann and S. Bryce were missing. The total casualties +of the 7th Dragoon Guards during the short time they +served with the Indian Corps amounted to twenty-six +killed or missing and forty wounded. Sergeant R. Snelling +and Private J. Crackett received the D.C.M.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Another counter-attack was carried out about 5 <span class='fss'>A.M.</span> +on the 21st December, under command of Colonel Grant, +8th Gurkhas. The troops under his command now consisted +of the 8th Gurkhas, 47th Sikhs, 7th Dragoon Guards, +and Jodhpore Lancers. Stumbling under a pitiless rain, +over the ditches and through mire, this attempt, like the +first, was unable to achieve its object, and eventually a +retirement had to be carried out.</p> + +<p class='c013'>To return to Givenchy, where the Manchesters had +retaken a great part of the village, General Watkis had +sent the 59th Rifles to reinforce Carnegy, who had already +despatched a company of the 4th Suffolks and one company +of the 142nd French Territorials to Givenchy, as +a support to Strickland in the attack he was about to +make on our advanced abandoned trenches to the north +of that village.</p> + +<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' id='Page_172'>172</span>This attack was launched about half-past six on the +morning of the 21st December, and carried out with the +<i>élan</i> which distinguished that fine corps, the 1st Manchesters. +All that men could do was done, but the hail of fire from +machine-guns, etc., made it impossible to advance far. By +11 o’clock the enemy, after a severe bombardment with +shell, pushed home an Infantry attack which forced us +back from the village. Still the Manchesters again and +again made vigorous counter-attacks, though enfiladed +and gradually becoming enveloped, until at length after +severe bayonet fighting the battalion was pushed back +and Givenchy practically lost. Their heroic conduct had, +however, saved the position in this part of our line, and +held the enemy at bay just long enough to enable the +fresh troops of a Brigade from the now arriving First Army +Corps to stem and turn the tide. As the Manchesters +met the Cameron Highlanders coming up, they must indeed +have been thankful that their stubborn fight had +enabled their Army Corps to still maintain its front and +an almost lost local battle to be turned into a glorious +episode.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The battalion in this fighting had two officers (Captain +L. Creagh and Lieut. S. Norman) and sixty-four men killed, +and forty-six missing, whilst three officers and 124 men +were wounded. I have known many splendid Corps in +the Army but not one to beat the 1st Manchesters, and I +felt that a brilliant future awaited Strickland. He has +since risen to Major-General and is a K.C.B.</p> + +<p class='c013'>At dawn on this morning I had ridden from Hinges, my +Headquarters, to see one of my Generals, and on my way +back I met a brigade of the First Army Corps now arriving +to help us; it was marching towards Givenchy. I can +never forget my feelings as these splendid battalions moved +along—young, vigorous, fresh from a rest in reserve: +1000 strong each, eager for the battle, they were the very +embodiment of certain victory, and I could not but feel +proud of my own brave Corps, many of whom I had just +seen, literally caked in mud and slime, worn out after long +weeks of vigil and toil in the trenches, sadly needing some +sleep and rest; battalions worn to mere skeletons in +<span class='pageno' id='Page_173'>173</span>strength, a few with no more than a full company in the +fight.</p> + +<p class='c013'>But notwithstanding all this they were still holding on, +still keeping the flag flying and doing their duty. I would +fain have wished the addition of some of the newcomers +to my own Army Corps; they were my own flesh and blood, +with great traditions and a great cause which all understood; +but I would not have changed places with any +living man. It was enough for me that I was Commander +of the Indian Corps, and that that Corps was so nobly +acquitting itself under extraordinary difficulties.</p> + +<p class='c013'>As stated before, the trenches to the south and east of +Givenchy had during the battle been held by the Connaught +Rangers, the 57th Rifles, and a company of the 9th Bhopal +Infantry. During the 20th December the 57th and 9th +were subjected to attacks which succeeded in laying the +flank of the 57th open to enfilade fire and obliging the left +to retire. Here my old friend Subadar Arsla Khan of the +57th was again to the fore, and by a plucky reconnaissance +obtained useful information regarding the German barricades, +and surprised and shot several Huns. Later, on +the 22nd December, this fine Indian officer, a Malikdin +Khel Afridi, led a charge on a party of the enemy, killing +two officers and a number of men. He has many orders +and distinctions for various campaigns.</p> + +<p class='c013'>After the Manchesters were forced back from Givenchy, +on the afternoon of the 21st December, the pressure on this +portion of our trenches increased very considerably and +was only relieved by the arrival of a Brigade of the First +Army Corps, and by nightfall the position was secured. +On the 22nd December the whole of the trenches east and +south of Givenchy were taken over by the First Corps, and +our troops, at last relieved from their long vigil, were able +to gain some urgently-needed rest.</p> + +<p class='c013'>My story left the Meerut Division at 2 <span class='fss'>P.M.</span> on the same +date, and just after it had been relieved by the First Army +Corps, and although the Meerut troops remained at the +disposal of that Corps for a few days longer until a new +alignment had been taken up, they were not called on to +make further efforts, and eventually, like the Lahore +<span class='pageno' id='Page_174'>174</span>Division, were able to get back to billets and enjoy a sorely needed +rest and to re-equip themselves.</p> + +<p class='c013'>By 1 <span class='fss'>P.M.</span> on the 22nd December one Division of the +First Army Corps had arrived and taken over a great part +of our trenches, and the Second Division was in process of +relieving the remainder of my Corps, and the responsibility +was gradually becoming involved, hence I asked the G.O.C. +First Army Corps to assume the command whilst I withdrew +all the relieved battalions and Artillery. This he agreed +to, and the Indian Corps was withdrawn.</p> + +<p class='c013'>During this long-drawn-out battle the losses of some +battalions had been very severe. In the Sirhind Brigade +alone, on which fell the main German onslaught, the +H.L.I. had lost ten officers and fifty-four men killed, 276 +men missing (mostly killed), and sixty wounded, and the +total casualties numbered 400, about fifty per cent of those +in action.</p> + +<p class='c015'>Such monuments shall last when Egypt’s fall.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The 1st Gurkhas suffered well over 200 casualties, +including six British and Indian officers, and the 4th +Gurkhas had seventeen British and Indian officers and a +total of 300 of all ranks. In the 4th, Jemadar Lachman +Sing Thapa, the Gurkha Adjutant, was amongst the killed, +and Captain M. Wylie was missing.</p> + +<p class='c013'>To suffer such losses and be again ready for battle +within a few weeks needs discipline of a high order, and I +was lost in admiration of those gallant corps, which I had +inspected only a few days previously in their full war +strength, and saw again after their arrival in billets. The +ranks were sadly thinned, but there was no sign of despondency +and only determination on their faces. “Give us +their hand-grenades and trench mortars,” said a Gurkha +havildar to me, “and you will see some fun.”</p> + +<p class='c013'>During the attack by the Secunderabad Cavalry Brigade +Captain Alan Ross, 20th Deccan Horse, performed a very +gallant action, which in any other war would have been +rewarded with a Victoria Cross; but I was informed that +in France it could not be given to officers for saving life +alone. Ross was one of the hardest men I ever knew: a +<span class='pageno' id='Page_175'>175</span>brilliant polo player and a strong rider all round. He had +been my own A.D.C. years before in India. Seeing an +Indian officer was wounded and lying in the open, he with +two of his N.C.O.’s, Duffadars Shankar Rao and Sardar +Singh, ran under a terrific fire and carried him back. On +reaching a ditch they lay down, and seeing the Indian +officer was too badly hit to be moved further, Ross ran +back, still under heavy fire, and fetched up a stretcher, in +which they placed the wounded officer and got him away. +Ross received a D.S.O. and his two companions the Indian +Order of Merit.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Captain W. H. Padday, 47th Sikhs, was killed whilst +bombing up a trench with some of his men. The 20th +Deccan Horse, a Corps which I had known in years past +when I commanded the Secunderabad Division, suffered +over eighty casualties, including Captain J. S. McEuan +and Risaldar Mir Hidayat Ali killed; Captain C. A. +Mackenzie, Risaldar-Major Jharmal Singh, and one other +Indian officer and thirty-five other ranks killed and missing; +besides these, five officers and thirty-seven men were +wounded. The 47th Sikhs, of whom I shall often have to +write, had 130; the 34th Poona Horse fifty, including +Major C. Loring, 37th Lancers, attached. The Jodhpore +Lancers in this, their first fight as a unit on the Western +Front, suffered eleven casualties. In the 8th Gurkhas +one Indian officer was killed, and there were twenty-two +other losses.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Generals Watkis and Anderson, in admirably written +and concise reports, gave a very clear summary of the +events which had been crowded into the four days’ fighting, +and it is interesting to note the chief points brought out. +After giving full credit to all who deserved it and not +concealing faults such as must occur in all battles, in the +Lahore Division Watkis brought specially to notice Major-General +Carnegy, commanding the Jalandar Brigade, for +his thorough grasp of the situation; General Brunker, +Sirhind Brigade; and General Egerton, Ferozepore Brigade. +He gave the greatest praise to Colonel Strickland and his +fine battalion the Manchesters. Colonel Cauteau of the +142nd French Territorial regiment was reported as rendering +<span class='pageno' id='Page_176'>176</span>valuable and noteworthy service; and Capitaine Salles, +also of the 142nd, for gallantly leading a counter-attack, +although twice wounded.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Anderson specially commended the Seaforths and 58th +Rifles, whose “action, sustained over a period of three days +and nights under extremely difficult conditions, was worthy of +the highest possible commendation and reflects the greatest +credit on officers, N.C.O.’s, and men of both regiments.”</p> + +<p class='c013'>The Ambala and Sialkote Cavalry Brigades had been +brought up as reinforcements late during the battle; the +former suffered thirty casualties. I had known both these +splendid Brigades when commanding the Northern Army +in India, and only regretted that this trench warfare gave +them no opportunity of riding down the Huns, who +assuredly would have had cause to remember that the +Cavalry arm in India has a sword even sharper than the +boasted German weapon.</p> + +<p class='c013'>It is one of my cherished recollections that our gallant +French Allies did not fail to place on record their great +regret at the departure of the Indian Corps from their +immediate vicinity. For two months we had been able +to afford each other assistance in men and guns on many +occasions, and our relations had been those of friends and +comrades. General de Maud’huy, commanding the Tenth +French Army, and General Maistre, commanding the +XXIst Corps d’Armée, wrote most cordial letters, wishing +us every success as the war progressed and congratulating +the men on their having so long victoriously sustained the +“particularly difficult” conditions, especially of terrain, +under which they had fought.</p> + +<p class='c013'>It would be impossible to serve with finer soldiers and +gentlemen than composed the Army of France.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The battle was over, India had paid her dues, and this +is what the Commander-in-Chief recorded:</p> + +<p class='c015'>The Indian troops have fought with the greatest steadfastness +and gallantry whenever they have been called upon.</p> + +<p class='c013'>In these words Field-Marshal Sir John French summed up +in his despatch of the 2nd February 1915 his opinion of +the conduct of the Indian soldiers from the time they +<span class='pageno' id='Page_177'>177</span>joined the Army in France until the close of the battle of +Givenchy.</p> + +<p class='c013'>In his admirable book, “1914,” the great Field-Marshal +has written on page 196:</p> + +<p class='c015'>Much has been said and written about the work of the Indian +troops in France, and various opinions have been expressed. +For my part I can only say that, from first to last, so long as +they were under my command, they maintained and probably +surpassed even the magnificent traditions of the Indian Army. +In a country and climate to which they were totally unaccustomed, +the exigencies of the moment required that they should +be thrown into action successively by smaller or greater units +before they could be properly concentrated.</p> + +<p class='c015'>I shall always gratefully remember the invaluable assistance +they and their Commander, Sir James Willcocks, rendered +under these difficult conditions in the most critical hours of +the First Battle of Ypres, especially the Lahore Division, +commanded by General Watkis.</p> + +<p class='c013'>This finally disposes of any criticisms of the Indians +by lesser luminaries. No one had better opportunities of +realising the difficulties connected with their employment +in Europe during a very trying winter. No one was more +generous in his public utterances and despatches to the +soldiers of India. There was, it is true, another side to +this picture, but I will refrain from the narration of such +incidents, for I realise the enormous difficulties the Commander-in-Chief +had to face and the unflinching courage and +steadfastness with which he faced them; and I am convinced +that no other soldier in our Army would have succeeded, +to the same degree, in those tempestuous times.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The Indians were but a small unit in his complicated +command, and that he has for all time plainly recorded +his opinion is sufficient to disprove the criticisms of any +others who are not possessed of his soldierly instincts.</p> + +<p class='c013'>This story of the Indian Corps is only a personal +narrative and the opinions expressed in it may not be +convincing to all who read it; however, it has one merit, +and that is, it is compiled from notes and diaries kept by +me from day to day, and in which I recorded the opinions +<span class='pageno' id='Page_178'>178</span>and doings of the principal actors as I observed them at +the time, and not from hearsay or memory alone.</p> + +<p class='c013'>We were now billeted in and about Lillers, and the first +change in the reconstruction of the Army came at this time. +Sir Douglas Haig had just received his well-merited promotion +to General for his fine work as a Corps Commander +during the retreat from Mons and the First Battle of Ypres. +Two Armies were created, and he was appointed to +command the First Army. I had up to then been senior +to him, but now found myself junior and under his +immediate command, as under the reorganisation the +Indian Corps was attached to the First Army.</p> + +<p class='c013'>To the British soldier such supersession is a natural +consequence of promotion for distinguished service in the +field. To the Indian soldier it means something very +different, when suddenly thrust on him in the field, and +so it was in this case. To him his commander is everything, +and he looks to him as at any rate his local commander-in-chief, +and when he learns one morning that another, +till then his junior, has been placed over him, he concludes +something is wrong. Had the Corps gone to the Second +Army, the Indians would have neither known nor cared +what promotion had taken place, for Sir Horace Smith-Dorrien +in command of it was already senior to me, but +as it was I can best describe how they took it, in the words +of an Indian officer who said to me, “Now we know the +Government is displeased with our conduct in the recent +battle.” They have very strong opinions in some matters +which cannot easily be shaken.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Putting aside any personal feeling, in this case it was +a pity it happened, for it wrongly gave them to understand +that it had been done with a purpose. Of course the +necessities of the Army as a whole were far superior to any +personal considerations, but I should have been glad if it +could have been otherwise arranged. However, it was +now an accomplished fact, and from that day to the day +I left France no man ever rendered more loyal or wholehearted +service and support to his superior officer.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The first duty, now we were in billets, was to overhaul +thoroughly, refit, and practically reconstitute the entire +<span class='pageno' id='Page_179'>179</span>Corps. Our numbers had fallen very considerably below +war strength, but this was partly remedied by adding +Territorial battalions; these were brought on to the +strength as they became available, until eventually five +of our Brigades consisted of one Regular British, one +Territorial, and three Indian battalions, and the sixth +Brigade had a battalion of the Special Reserve; but even +with these additions, owing to the limited reinforcements +from India, the shortage in the Regular British battalions, +and the weakness of the Territorial units, which occasionally +amounted to no more than half war strength, the total of +the Indian Corps, consisting of thirty-two battalions of +infantry, was under 21,000 rifles when we again took over +our trenches on the 15th January.</p> + +<p class='c013'>I have already told of the arrival of some of these +Territorial battalions, but I would again repeat that they +were to us all the surprise of the war—splendid officers +and men suddenly transferred from civilians into veteran +soldiers. They will enter frequently into this story.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Great changes took place in the commands of the +Brigades, which will be seen by reference to the lists +farther on, and I was indeed sorry to bid farewell to gallant +comrades with most of whom I had served in India and +for whom I had the greatest respect as soldiers. I have +already explained the reasons for this, and so will not +repeat myself.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Lieut.-General Watkis, who had commanded the Lahore +Division throughout the past trying months and had borne +the chief responsibility during the battle of Givenchy, was +given the K.C.B., a well-merited honour.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The weather during January 1915 was very trying, +being a succession of rain, storm, and snow, but this did +not prevent us from carrying on systematic training of +every kind—attack, defence, trench work, practice with +grenades and mortars, then still in their infancy, and night +operations. Route marching was done daily, gradually +increasing until the men’s feet had recovered somewhat +from the results of immersion in mud and snow. It was +a real pleasure to watch the transformation taking place; +limbs long dormant in the trenches were restored to their +<span class='pageno' id='Page_180'>180</span>natural functions, and the knowledge that the worst was +over and a warmer season would come at its own proper +time, cheered all ranks. It was a very busy time for us +all, but there is nothing like hard work to keep men fit and +happy, and the absence of it kills all joy.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Personally I have seldom been more busy in my life; +rain or storm I invariably rode from ten to fifteen miles a +day, and often a lot more; and although this may not +appear much it was a great deal through those bogs and +along those cobbled and slippery roads. By the middle +of January two Brigades had returned to the trenches, +and before the 24th of the month the whole Corps was +finally re-established once more about our old haunt, +Neuve Chapelle. The arms, clothing, and necessaries had +been thoroughly overhauled, boots refitted and extras +issued, and when we again entered the trenches I do not +think there were many individuals either in units, departments, +or even among the followers, whom I had not seen. +It gave us a fresh start, and the many new officers who had +joined got to know something of their men.</p> + +<p class='c013'>On the last day of 1914 I gathered together nearly all +the British and Indian officers in the Army Corps; it was +a damp, misty day, but they came to my headquarters at +Lillers by motor, lorry, or on horseback. It was a pleasant +gathering, full of interest to us all. Amongst those present +were a large percentage who had served with me in the +field, a few in the Soudan and West Africa, and a great +many on the Indian frontiers, and practically all had been +under my command at one time or another as Brigadier, +Divisional and Army Commander. Many a time also +had I had the pleasure of entertaining them as my guests +in other climes, and now they were assembled under one +roof and under such different circumstances. It was for +me a solemn occasion, for since we had last met at Orleans +many had gone for ever, and I knew before we could meet +again their ranks would be still further thinned. But no +such passing thoughts prevented us from being a cheery +party, and all Corps were enabled to exchange greetings, +and fight their battles over again. I also took the opportunity +of explaining to many of the Indians, who asked +<span class='pageno' id='Page_181'>181</span>me about the recent changes, that the Indian Corps now +formed part of a larger Army, and was under the command +of a very distinguished soldier, who would assuredly lead +us to victory. I am sure they felt relieved, for the notion +had got abroad that they had fallen in the estimation of +the Commander-in-Chief.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Any exotic when first transplanted must in its new +soil be watched if it is to be a success; this was our task +with the Indians, and it was succeeding by degrees, and at +this gathering this was evident. They had been plunged +into Europe, but Asia was assimilating itself with its new +surroundings. It was a far more difficult task, however, +than was realised by some of our superiors, who merely +issued orders and expected them to be carried out. They +did not realise that the pawns in the game had peculiarities +and characteristics which must be respected, if they were +to continue as a tangible entity. These matters were left +to those of us who understood the material we had to deal +with, and it is fortunate in some ways that it was so; for +as time went on nothing was more evident than the fact +that in the First Army the Indians were merely looked on +as so many thousand men, who must just take their place +in a certain portion of the line and carry on irrespective +of their constitution or the changes which time was working +in their ranks. But it was absolutely necessary for us in +the Corps not to forget these things, and to so arrange that +the machine would work smoothly and prove efficient on +the day of battle.</p> + +<p class='c013'>It was a fine test of the value of the British officer and +he came well out of it, and proved that the officers of the +Indian Army are second to none in positions of responsibility +and trust.</p> + +<div class='chapter'> + <span class='pageno' id='Page_182'>182</span> + <h2 class='c008'>CHAPTER XIII</h2> +</div> + +<p class='c012'>When I look back on those winter days of 1914–15 I +recall the names of many of our great Indian soldiers, and +it comes home vividly how much they had done for our +power in the East, and how they had gained the confidence +of the Indians. It was men like John Nicholson, Edwards, +Outram, Hodson, and Lord Roberts who had won the +devotion of the men and tempered the steel they used, +and it was their example that in this twentieth century +had enabled England to call to her aid thousands of loyal +men from far across the seas, to fight her battles within +a few hours’ journey and within gun-sound of her own +shores. It is an extraordinary story, and one which we +will do well to ponder. Here was a great country with +48,000,000 of inhabitants, and yet it was found necessary +to summon a few thousands from Asia to defend our cause +at our own gates. I have heard it said that the Indian +Corps was only sent to France to give India a chance of +taking her part in our Empire war; maybe that was +partly the idea of those who first originated it, but the fact +remains that the arrival of the Army Corps, just when it +did come, was the respite so sadly needed by the brave +men who had wrought deeds of almost superhuman +devotion, but were then outnumbered and all but overwhelmed +by the German hordes.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Be that as it may, what has our country to say to the +fact that whilst our Indian soldiers were playing the part +they did, millions in this island were waiting on events? +Lord Kitchener’s call had rung like a trumpet through +the land, but there had not yet been time for the New +Armies to be trained. Who then could be sent to stem +<span class='pageno' id='Page_183'>183</span>the tide of steel that was rolling in billows against the +battered granite wall in Flanders? There were none, +save those few thousand British and those loyal Indian +soldiers just arrived from the East. There are always +critics enough to say that what was done might have +been done better, but these stay-at-home strategists and +tacticians must answer the question, why they were doing +nothing themselves to help in the trenches, and why did +so many hundreds of thousands continue to do nothing but +talk, until they found themselves forced by conscription +to do their duty? And meantime who was helping (even +though it was only in small numbers) to defend their +country for them? Helping with ungrudging valour, and +as recompense but a few hard-earned shillings a month.</p> + +<p class='c013'>When the tongues of controversy are lulled, and we +can look back on facts without bitterness, there will be but +one verdict as to the fine spirit and loyal devotion to duty +displayed by the Indians in the hour of England’s need.</p> + +<p class='c013'>It was my proud privilege to command these men, and +it is my highest reward that I had their confidence; I ask +no other. It was palpable to me after the formation of +the New Armies that whatever might be the outcome of +our doings in France, my own days as Commander were +assuredly numbered. It would in my belief have been +the case with any man in command; that it fell to me was +chiefly because I happened to be the man.</p> + +<p class='c013'>It is of interest to note here that Lord Roberts, during +his visit to the Corps, had given me some very valuable +advice, and promised that he would bear me out in anything +I did acting on that advice. I followed it out, for it was +the only way in which the best could be got from the +Indians. Alas! he did not live to help, when his help +was sadly needed; and though it eventually led to my +being relieved of my command ten months later on, I do +not regret it for a moment, for it was my duty; and in +the consciousness of having done that lies a man’s greatest +reward. I will quote some of what he said from my diary +of the same day. He told me that it was absolutely +necessary to remember that the Indians must be used +with discretion and not flung into battle indiscriminately. +<span class='pageno' id='Page_184'>184</span>He gave me his reasons fully, and told me it was my duty +to keep those in higher command reminded of this, and +that even if it was an unpleasant task, it still must be done. +He added very positively that it was only fair to the Army, +to the Indians themselves, and, above all, to the British +battalions in the Brigades, who, he added, “will have to +bear a heavy burden in any case.”</p> + +<p class='c013'>No words of mine could possibly sum up so truthfully +and exactly just what was necessary, and to those who +know the trials they endured, it will be clear that these +were the only conditions on which the Indian soldiers +could be asked to give of their best in Europe.</p> + +<p class='c013'>I write this four years after the event, and hence any +spirit of personal recrimination has, I hope, disappeared; +but what can never disappear is the sense of wrong done +by the public to the men who served under me, and served +so well.</p> + +<p class='c013'>For, what were the facts? Whilst the British forces +were daily improving in man-power, we were going downhill; +whilst the type of British recruits was daily getting +better and the best manhood of these islands was gradually +being drafted into their ranks, ours were deteriorating. +Whilst in England the whole country was watching and +encouraging her men to join up, India was kept in the dark +regarding the doings of her soldiers and we had to take +whatever was sent us. The whole conditions were different.</p> + +<p class='c013'>So long as we remained an Army Corps under the +Commander-in-Chief, Sir John French, he frequently saw +the men and spoke to them in words of warm praise, and +even after the Armies were formed he still came more than +once and inspected the Brigades on parade; but as a part +of the First Army the rank and file never saw their Army +Commander, except in company with the Commander-in-Chief, +and on more than one occasion the Army Corps +was omitted from any share in the credit it had earned +in hard-fought actions. Indians are very quick to grasp +such facts, and many of their British officers strongly +resented but loyally accepted the situation. As this +story proceeds, it will be seen that what I have stated +above is the simple truth, and it will be readily understood +<span class='pageno' id='Page_185'>185</span>that under such conditions service in the field loses much +of the glamour which all soldiers associate with it, and which +even the muddy trenches of Flanders could not obliterate; +and men naturally keen to do their utmost become by +degrees less zealous in the cause.</p> + +<p class='c013'>On 6th January I was informed that Lord Kitchener +hoped to be able to send us three fresh battalions from +Egypt, but this he was unable to carry out until much +later. On 7th January Sir John French inspected two +of our Brigades; it was a stormy day with heavy rain, but +the Field-Marshal said a few words to each battalion, +which I translated to the men, and their pleasure was +manifest. Lord French is a very eloquent speaker to +soldiers; he knows what to say and how to say it, and it +is easy to translate it into the language of the East.</p> + +<p class='c013'>It is a special pleasure to tell of the intense interest +taken by Lord Kitchener in the Indian Corps; from start +to finish as Secretary of State it is not too much to say +that without his guiding hand and his determination we +could never have been kept going so long in France. +Nothing was too small for him personally to look into; +nothing we wanted and which he considered necessary +was overlooked. His one great idea, as far as the Indians +were concerned, was that as he had initiated their employment +in Europe, so he would see it through. As I shall +tell in this book, at different times he brought his great +personality into play, and insisted on the Indian Corps +being recognised and kept up. Notwithstanding any +opinions that may already have been or may in the future +be formed as to his keeping the reins of office in his own +hands, I maintain in our case, no other man could have +conducted the business as he did, and no other man could +have more staunchly upheld the name of India and its +Army.</p> + +<p class='c013'>I had served under him as a Brigadier and a Divisional +Commander during the whole of his seven years as Commander-in-Chief +in India, and twice commanded frontier +expeditions during that time, besides frequently having +been his guest; but I never realised until we came to +France how deep-rooted was his affection for our great +<span class='pageno' id='Page_186'>186</span>Eastern possession, and how wide was his sympathy with +its people and Army. Many times during the first year +of the war I was sent for, and every possible aspect of our +employment was discussed by him, and it will probably +surprise some as I tell of the opinions he had formed, and +his plans for employing the Indian troops as an Army +Corps. After the lamented death of our Colonel-in-Chief, +Lord Roberts, it became evident that Lord Kitchener meant +to take his place as our special friend.</p> + +<p class='c013'>During the rest we enjoyed after Givenchy I find many +notes made by me, some of which may prove of interest +to those connected with the Indian Army.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Campaigning as we were in a friendly country I was +altogether against allowing punishments to be inflicted +on either British or Indians, which might give a false +impression to our Allies, or make it appear that there was +a difference in our methods of treating different classes of +our soldiers. Whatever may be thought of field punishment +or of flogging, I am convinced that to administer +the former to Britishers, and thus make them a mark of +contempt to the Indians, is altogether wrong. In the +same way to flog Indians (which was permissible under +the Indian Articles of War) in France could only bring +unmerited disgrace on them as a race. There are of course +crimes for which flogging is a very suitable punishment, +but this should, like a death sentence, be inflicted only in +very rare cases.</p> + +<p class='c013'>However, the law was laid down, and all a commander +could do was to mitigate sentences which he considered +harsh. With this in view I very early stopped field +punishment being carried out in or near any public place, +and reserved all sentences of flogging, which could by law +be inflicted by junior commanders, for my own confirmation, +and except for most disgraceful conduct this punishment +was in abeyance in the Corps in France.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Some of the Indians, contrary to my expectations, +developed a taste for learning French. Their efforts +frequently led to amusing incidents. On one occasion I +was passing an officer’s private servant, who was ordinarily +a strict Musalman, and would of course never eat meat +<span class='pageno' id='Page_187'>187</span>that had not been <i>hallaled</i>, <i>i.e.</i> killed in the orthodox style +by having its throat cut. I observed that his platter +contained some beef, which was not then part of the Indian +ration, and asked him how he came by it. “Oh, I bought +it at a French butcher’s.” “But,” I said, “it has not been +<i>hallaled</i>; how can you eat it?” My friend, however, +explained that he had picked up some French, and that +the “Miss Sahib” (young lady) in the shop had told him +it was, and proceeded to repeat the conversation. “I went +into the shop and said, ‘Beef, Miss,’ and she said, ‘Oui.’ +I then put my finger to my throat and ran it across to +explain that it must be <i>hallal</i>, and she at once said, ‘Oh, +oui, oui,’ so you see it has been properly killed.” That +Indian was not for being too orthodox in a foreign land, +and that young lady had evidently learned something of +Oriental customs; but the story got about and less meat +was purchased from the stall after that.</p> + +<p class='c013'>At first the Indians found it very difficult to distinguish +between French and the German deserters, or prisoners +captured. A story is told, which I believe is absolutely +true, of a German deserter who managed to crawl through +our front line, and finding himself among Indians, lay +hidden till dusk and then warily proceeded along a path +towards our rear in the hope of coming across a Britisher. +He was afraid the Indians would, according to what he +had been taught by his own officers, soon make mincemeat +of him; however, his luck, as he explained, was all out, +and as he walked along he saw two Gurkhas coming from +the opposite direction. Bracing himself up for the tragedy +he imagined was on the point of being enacted, he +approached with as much <i>sang froid</i> as he could muster, +but to his surprise the two men, taking no notice whatever +of him, passed on. Our friend breathed once more and +felt sure the next man he met would be a Britisher; but +no, his luck was still out, and he beheld to his dismay a +solitary Gurkha, by whose side hung the terrible <i>kukry</i>, +the weapon with which according to German ideas these +lusty inhabitants of Nepal were wont to carve up their +victims, or decapitate them with a single stroke.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Nothing could save the Hun now, and he advanced +<span class='pageno' id='Page_188'>188</span>trembling from head to foot, for surely the other two had +only left him alive through being engrossed in conversation +and hence not having noticed him. He moved on saying his +last prayer, when the little Gurkha suddenly realising his +position pulled himself together and came to attention. +The last hour of the deserter had at last come; the hand +of the man from Nepal went first to his side; it must be +the terrible <i>kukry</i> he was about to draw, but instead of +ending the career of the German our Gurkha gave him a +smart salute. The deserter, wondering whether he was +indeed face to face with his brutal and ferocious foe or in +a dream, breathed freely and went on his way.</p> + +<p class='c013'>At last to his great relief appeared a British soldier, +and he now thought all was well. Imagine his final +surprise when he was hailed with, “What the something +are you doing here?” and at the same time he felt a bayonet +point unpleasantly close to his hinder parts. He went +calmly to the guard-room; he had changed his mind about +the bloodthirsty Indians.</p> + +<p class='c013'>One more story of Indians and Germans. One night +a British officer was out scouting in front of his Corps in +“No Man’s Land,” accompanied by his Indian orderly. +The pair had very stealthily approached the enemy trench +and were within a few yards of it, when a German, who had +been watching unknown of course to them, covered the +officer with his rifle and said, “You are a brave man and +I do not wish to shoot you; go back.” They went back; +but this time it was the sepoy’s turn to wonder why he +had been told that the Boches were such fiends.</p> + +<p class='c013'>On the 14th January 1915 two of our Brigades, as I +said before, again took over trenches, and by the 24th +the whole Corps was once more holding a front which +extended from a point west of Neuve Chapelle on the north +to the vicinity of Givenchy on the south, connecting there +with the First Army Corps.</p> + +<p class='c013'>At this time our strength was close on 21,000 rifles, +900 sabres, and 120 guns. During February I learned +that it was the intention of Sir John French at an early +date to carry out a big operation in the vicinity of Neuve +Chapelle, and that it was to be the good fortune of the +<span class='pageno' id='Page_189'>189</span>Indian Corps to take a prominent part in it. The battle +of Neuve Chapelle is what resulted, and that I shall shortly +describe. But before doing so I will deal with certain +matters which affected the Indian Corps, and which may +be of interest to my readers.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The enormous amount of correspondence which had +to be carried on not only gave me an insight into the +complications which attended this somewhat intricate +command, but as I look back on it all I see more plainly +than I could at the time that my work as Indian Corps +Commander was doubled as compared with other Corps +Generals. In this connection I remember well the remark +of one of them, who was paying me a visit, and seeing the +pile of letters already written and still to be answered, on +my table, said, “I would not change places with you for +anything; you appear to have one enemy in front and God +knows how many behind you.” He was not so far from +the truth. Still I would not have changed places with him, +for although the writing work was onerous and generally +kept me up till all hours, it was very interesting; and one +felt it was all so new.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Amongst the officials with whom I had to carry on a +correspondence, or to whom I sent personal accounts of +the Indians, were the Secretary of State for War, Secretary +of State for India, the Viceroy of India, and the Military +Secretary, India Office. These were high officials, but as +I recall the piles of other letters I received and answered, +it surprises me how many people took an interest in or +wished to ascertain a hundred things concerning the +Indians in France. The command was a military one, +but the amount of semi-political work combined with it +could seldom before have fallen to the lot of a soldier in a +comparatively junior position in the field in Europe.</p> + +<p class='c013'>One of the points that up to this time had most disconcerted +people in India, both British and Indian, but +chiefly the latter, was that they received no news of their +people. High officials in India, and some of them in this +country, constantly wrote urging me to let something be +known of the doings of the Corps, but those were the days +of secrecy, and recruiting in India was much hampered. +<span class='pageno' id='Page_190'>190</span>It was not common sense to imagine that India would rush +to furnish the large number of recruits necessary to maintain +her contingents, unless the people were at least told +whether Sikh, Dogra, Gurkha or whoever it might be was +in Europe or in some other continent. You cannot describe +troops from that country as “Midland” or “Highland,” +and thus give a clue; for the battalions were largely +composed of men of several nationalities and religions, +formed in companies or double companies, and without +mentioning the number of the unit no one could tell what +a man belonged to. Yet it was looked on as criminal to +name a corps in any of our communications; whilst the +Germans knew exactly to a man what we had in France.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Should Indian troops again be employed in Europe, +which I hope may never be the case, the authorities +concerned will have enough to go on, to avoid the blunders +made during the war in the matter of reinforcements, +drafts, and reserves. From the first weeks onwards these +questions were a puzzle.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Imagine a cold winter’s day in Flanders; a biting wind, +perhaps snow falling, and a hundred odd, unwilling and +unfit reservists from the tropics, standing shivering. The +sound of the guns was more or less incessant; overhead +passed one or more aeroplanes; an occasional burst from +an anti-aircraft gun gave colour to the scene, and you have +a picture of more than one inspection of reservists I carried +out. It was unfair to the men themselves, still more to +the Corps, and most unfair to those who had to include +them in their ranks and show a battle strength of so many +hundred men on paper.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Of course these remarks apply chiefly to reservists, +and some other drafts; there was the other side of the +picture. Whole double companies occasionally arrived +from other battalions, splendid fighting material and glad +to be with us; and although this meant weakening the +units they came from, that was another story with which +we could not concern ourselves. As time wore on, India +found it necessary to fill our gaps as far as was possible +from all classes and parts of the country. There were at +times in a single battalion men collected from nine to +<span class='pageno' id='Page_191'>191</span>eleven different units, and to those who know the Army, +its composition and its regimental system, it will be very +evident how impossible it became to keep battalions to a +proper standard. Had this been the case with the Indian +ranks alone, the British and Indian officers could have +worked great changes, but these had themselves disappeared +in large numbers and been replaced by newcomers, some +with a little and many without any experience whatever +of the classes they were posted to.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Towards the end of January a question was raised as +to the reduction of British officers in Indian battalions. +I was surprised to receive a letter through G.H.Q. asking +if this could not be done. Considering our losses in officers +and the absolute necessity of keeping these up to at least +the number then fixed, viz. twelve combatants per unit, +I found no difficulty in proving that not only was no reduction +possible, but if efficiency was to be maintained an +increase was necessary. I presume the suggestion was +only made owing to the great shortage that then existed +and the difficulty of finding replacements, but there was +no question as to the answer, more especially as I was well +aware that a great number of Indian Army officers were +being employed on Staff duties in England or with the +New Armies then in course of formation.</p> + +<p class='c013'>During the winter months I received several letters +from General Sir Dighton Probyn. He of course took the +greatest interest in the Indians, and in one he said to me, +“I wish I could reverse the figures of my age and make +myself twenty-eight instead of eighty-two. I would then +beg of you to take me as anything, trooper or mounted +orderly,” and added that the shirkers would have a miserable +existence to the end of their days, after the war.</p> + +<p class='c013'>During January and February 1915 hardly a day +passed without my seeing one or more units, or sometimes +a whole Brigade. Often did I enter the billets and barns, +to be greeted by a chorus of cheers and shouts, and the +Indians would gather round and ask how the war was +getting on. I frequently took with me some of the presents +received from friends in England or India, and the varied +class of these sometimes caused great amusement. One +<span class='pageno' id='Page_192'>192</span>kind lady had sent several coloured waistcoats for “the +dear Sikhs,” as she styled them. Amongst these ornate +articles was one made up of patches of every hue under +the sun; it was an extraordinary garment and was trimmed +with gold lace. Seeing a party of Sikhs in front of a barn, +I stopped and asked them if they would like some presents +from England, and if so to come to the car and receive them. +All but one sulky-looking fellow came up and I asked +why he did not come. They all said, “Oh, he is a pessimist; +he thinks the war will never end; of what use is anything +to him?” I at once took the coloured garment in my hand, +and went up to the man and in his own language asked him, +as a favour, to accept it at the hands of his General. The +sepoy took it in a rather surly manner and opened it, but +even his torpor gave way when he saw the gorgeous coat. +All the others roared with laughter, in which he joined +heartily, and putting it on said, “General Sahib, you have +altered my ideas of the war, for this proves that people +must still be full of humour in England, and not as I have +heard despondent. I will send it home to my village, and +attach a card to it: ‘Taken by me —— Singh in single +combat with the German Emperor and presented to me +on a full-dress parade by the Commander-in-Chief in +France.’” They told me afterwards that he had become +an optimist and very keen all round.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Against 12th February I find in my diary: “General +Robertson came to see me and stayed an hour—he is a +genius.” I do not think I was far wrong. I only wish +I had got to know him years before, for what I found +was that I was a stranger in my surroundings, and nothing +more brought home to me the position of the Indian soldiers. +They too were strangers, and far more of course than I +could ever be, for even their language was a different one. +In those days the New Armies had not begun to arrive; +the old traditions still survived, and many of the <i>élite</i> in +the higher ranks still looked on any innovation, such as +the introduction into their ranks of a bushman from Asia, +as something which must perforce be tolerated but not +encouraged.</p> + +<div class='chapter'> + <span class='pageno' id='Page_193'>193</span> + <h2 class='c008'>CHAPTER XIV</h2> +</div> + +<p class='c012'>On the 27th February 1915 I arrived in England on ten +days’ leave, my first from France, and as I had not been +home for over two years it was a pleasant prospect. I +did not, however, get my full leave, as I was recalled on +the fourth day, but I could well afford to give it up for it +was in order to receive the decoration of “Grand Officer +of the Legion of Honour” which the French Government +had conferred on me. It was very good of Sir John French +to recommend me for this, which I prize as one of my +highest rewards. My four days were very busy ones, and +I had the honour of being summoned to see His Majesty, +who made inquiries regarding his Indian soldiers, and sent +them a most encouraging message. Lord Crewe, then +Secretary of State for India, asked my views on many +matters connected with Indians, amongst others the question +of granting them commissions on the same footing as +British officers. I have already written of this. I had +the pleasure of a long talk with Mr. Lloyd George whom +I met for the first time. When I left I had, like vast +numbers of his countrymen, no other opinion than that I +had conversed with one of the greatest living men. His +assurance that all would be well, and his magnetic manner, +sent me away more convinced than ever that he would be +the man who would eventually guide us to a victorious +peace.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Next day I dined with Neil Primrose, who had been +serving on my Staff in France, and there met Colonel +Winston Churchill and many others prominent in politics. +Much of the talk turned on the Indians, and all were most +enthusiastic in their admiration of their loyalty. What, +<span class='pageno' id='Page_194'>194</span>however, struck me most was the note of something +approaching pity more than one of them manifested at +their hard lot. Now there were no grounds for such; the +men were, of course, undergoing great hardships, but so +were others, and if the ordeal was harder for them to bear +it was only the luck of war. What I and many others of +the seniors in the Corps felt was that people in England +believed that the Indians could not stand the severe climate. +They, like other mortals, were open to criticism, but did +not ask for pity and resented it, and I was always very +careful to keep my lips closed as to this phase of the situation +when the native officers and men asked me (as they +always did) what I had heard about them in England.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The following day I lunched with Winston Churchill, +and later had him as my guest for half a day in France. +I had first made his acquaintance after my return from +Ashanti in 1901, and every time I have met him since I +like him better. There is something very taking in his +character; he always appears to be quite sure that whatever +he is doing is the best that can be done, and I think +he is generally right. I have met many others who claim +to be like this, but are in reality anything but sure. It is +a treat to talk to him, and if I were a young man with life +before me I would sooner serve with him than almost +any one I know.</p> + +<p class='c013'>On the 2nd March I dined with Lord Kitchener; the +only other person present was Colonel FitzGerald and he +left immediately dinner was finished. I had the benefit +of a very long talk with the great Field-Marshal, and some +of this I will relate for it is of great interest. The chief +point he dealt with was the shortage of shells and the +necessity for economising ammunition in the field. He +urged me to let it be quietly known to my senior officers +that it was criminal to waste a single round; he said all +would be well in due course but at that time he could not +possibly supply the wants. He particularly pointed out +that what we called “registering” and what he called +“shooting into the mist” must be limited to absolute +necessity alone. I was much impressed by this insistence +on economy of gun power, and his clear assurance that +<span class='pageno' id='Page_195'>195</span>we might find ourselves without shells unless this warning +was observed. He made no mystery of it, and as I was +leaving urged me once more to do all in my power to keep +down the expenditure both of ammunition and money. +“Each individual can help in his own degree,” were his +parting words. I knew, of course, we were very short of +shells, but after what he said I was more than surprised +long afterwards when I read that he had not let this be +understood.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Another subject which Lord Kitchener discussed was +the question of compulsory service. He was entirely in +favour of it, but said his great difficulty lay in the fact +that he knew he would never get a fair chance. “They +will exempt hundreds of thousands in what are called +indispensable positions and will only leave me the chaff.” +I suggested that if he once told the country he must +have the men, would he not get them; and he replied, +“You little know all I shall have to fight against. I do.” +Judging by all the wrangling that went on before compulsory +service became a reality, his words sound prophetic now.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Regarding the Indians he spoke very fully. He did +not say it in so many words, but his meaning was quite +clear, and that was that whoever might try and get rid of +them, he meant to keep an Indian Corps in France in name +at least, if not in numbers, but that he would entirely relieve +units as they dwindled, and replace them from Egypt and +elsewhere. At a subsequent interview I had with him +four months later he put this very forcibly and gave his +reasons, as I shall tell.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The months of January and February had passed in +what were called quiet conditions, and during the first days +of March we were full of preparations for the coming battle +before Neuve Chapelle. Previous to this battle, in conjunction +with all my Generals and my own Staff, I had very +carefully considered the question of man-power in the Indian +Corps, and I feel justified in stating at some length the +conclusions we had arrived at, and the many battles royal +that they raised. I am convinced I was right, but I was +accused by the highest authorities at the time of a lack +of appreciation of the situation as it existed.</p> + +<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' id='Page_196'>196</span>In order to explain myself I will not only state what +actually occurred early in March but will carry on the +story to its final solution in August 1915, when, to my +surprise, I was summoned to England only to be told that +certain propositions were before the Government, which I +found if adopted would entirely coincide with my own +made five months previously, and would in point of time +be exactly what I had recommended. I am writing from +my diary kept up daily and make no error in details. To +those who were associated with me in the task of commanding +the Corps it will be as plain as it was at that time, that +it indeed needed patience of a degree with which nature +had perhaps insufficiently endowed me, but which perforce +I had to adopt; and a spirit that refused to be subdued +even when opposed to the highest military and political +authorities in the field and at home. Even if I am +considered egoistic, I must again say that I had one great +advantage, and that was I knew what I was talking about.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Armageddon has shown up the impossibility of attempting +to rule the East under purely Western methods, and +has plainly manifested the need of first acquiring some +knowledge of what you are undertaking, before you rush +things to a hopeless standstill.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The many causes I have stated had by March 1915 +told so severely on the Corps that on 8th March I summoned +a Conference of all my Generals and their senior Staff +officers as well as my own Army Corps Staff. On this +occasion the whole question was gone into and discussed, +and it was unanimously agreed that I should represent to +the Commander-in-Chief that it would be wise to relieve +the Indian battalions then in France as soon as this could +be conveniently done, but in any case before another +winter set in. I knew that our reinforcements would +dwindle, and later on I had it on the authority of the +Government of India itself that there might be a considerable +break in our receiving any at all.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Accordingly I made my recommendations, and at the +same time told the Brigadiers to inform their C.O.’s that +I had done so. It was the eve of Neuve Chapelle, and from +many trusted Indian officers I learned that they had been +<span class='pageno' id='Page_197'>197</span>much impressed by the news that they were anxious to +join in the coming battle and ready to remain on, but +they plainly saw they would lose their good repute unless +reinforcements were sent in large numbers, and one officer +put it, “These miserable reservists were sent away from +India so as not to frighten the young recruits.” The truth +was that every officer and man saw clearly that the Corps +would soon dwindle to a mere handful of men, and they also +knew that, under the system then prevailing, it was impossible +to maintain their numbers at anything approaching +efficient fighting strength.</p> + +<p class='c013'>All kinds of remedies were already being adopted, and +occasionally complete companies from other battalions in +India were sent to us and these were generally good. Of +course I knew the times were pressing, the need great, and +the arrangements for reinforcing us <i>nil</i>, but that is just +why I felt convinced the game would very soon not be +worth the candle. We had held our trenches for five +months, we were on the eve of a big battle in which I was +sure the Indians would give a good account of themselves, +and our Territorial and New Armies were lining up and +would, by the time we could be relieved, have arrived in +thousands, with more ready to follow. Then, again, it +was plain that the Indians would be sadly needed in other +parts of the world, where they would prove invaluable +and be nearer their own natural bases. Moreover, in +France there could be no chance of leave or relaxation for +them under any circumstances, whereas in Egypt they +could quickly be re-formed, strengthened, and again made +fit for service under more congenial skies, and at the same +time others who had not then had the good fortune to see +fighting would welcome the opportunity.</p> + +<p class='c013'>It was also an important consideration they should be +given to understand that the transfer was in no way +intended as a slight on them, but was being carried out +on sound principles and with the object of making the +best use of them in the many theatres of war. A hint +that this was the intention of Government would have +been welcomed by all ranks, whereas to do it suddenly +for any cause would rankle in their minds and never be +<span class='pageno' id='Page_198'>198</span>understood. Everything pointed to the wisdom of allowing +them to leave France as soon as the gap they had filled +was completed by Britishers. This was my conviction +and is stronger to-day than it even then was.</p> + +<p class='c013'>However that may be, I had indeed fallen on a hornet’s +nest. G.H.Q., of course, had other expert advisers to +assist them in their decisions, but experience gained in +India was somewhat discounted when the game was being +played for the first time in Europe, and only those who were +actually playing it could give practical advice.</p> + +<p class='c013'>My papers teem with suggestions for remedying the +shortage of men in the Indian battalions. Over and over +again did I adjust the Brigades, mix up units, reduce the +strength of Brigades, and use every device to still retain +the name of the Corps as “The Indian Corps.” In June +I received an order by telegram to proceed to London +where I again saw Lord Kitchener. On this occasion he +said to me, “I will never allow the Indian Corps to lose +its designation; it would be a disgrace to India.”</p> + +<p class='c013'>Time soothes all things, and as the months passed the +battles of Second Ypres, April 1915, and Festubert, +15th May, were fought, and in both the Indian Divisions +largely shared. I had made up my mind that the same +Army Corps was to remain in France. I had no illusion +as to my own future; after 8th June I saw it must come +to an end, how or when I could not guess, but I believed +I had the confidence of Lord Kitchener and that was my +bulwark. To my surprise, in August I was summoned to +London and told to go straight to see him before seeing +several other notabilities. He informed me that the +Cabinet had decided to send the whole Indian Corps to +Egypt and elsewhere and that he did not wish it. He asked +me my opinion and I reiterated my previous recommendation, +but added that if he could replace our old units by +fresh ones and complete our numbers the Indians could +certainly remain. He again impressed on me the necessity +of keeping an Indian Corps in Europe; said that India +would never forgive us if we removed the Corps as a body, +and asked me to state my opinions to all whom I interviewed.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Now if there was one man for whom I would do anything +<span class='pageno' id='Page_199'>199</span>in my capacity as Corps Commander that man was Lord +Kitchener. In any circumstances, moreover, it was better +to stick to a decision once made than to go on vacillating +and thus disconcerting and needlessly annoying brave men, +who cannot understand being made the shuttlecock of +politicians. I will not go into further details. I had +several other interviews during my short stay. I was +once more in the Maelstrom of Scylla and Charybdis and +went back impressed by two things: one was that if the +Indian Corps remained it would be at Lord Kitchener’s +wish alone; and if it left it would be for reasons other +than those I had gathered at my various interviews. However +events followed rapidly; Mesopotamia, Palestine, +and East Africa swallowed up the two Divisions, but not +before my own tenure of command had abruptly terminated.</p> + +<div class='chapter'> + <span class='pageno' id='Page_200'>200</span> + <h2 class='c008'>CHAPTER XV</h2> +</div> + +<p class='c012'>At the end of February 1915 Sir John French had come +to a happy decision and that was to attack the enemy at +some selected point. I cannot enter here into the reasons, +or discuss the general military situation; suffice it to say +that the centre of the objective was to be the village of +Neuve Chapelle, and that it was the good fortune of the +Indian Corps to be in this line, with its left or northern +flank resting opposite to it. Amongst the reasons assigned +by him was one which was particularly apposite to the +occasion, viz. “the need of fostering the offensive spirit +in the troops after the trying and possibly enervating +experiences which they had gone through of a severe +winter in the trenches.”</p> + +<p class='c013'>This, in itself, was indeed a very weighty reason for +giving all ranks an opportunity of stretching their limbs. +For over five months on and off we had lived a tedious life. +Our reveille was the morning hate; our weary day, a long-drawn-out +and slow process of avoiding shells, which we +could seldom reply to for there was little ammunition to +do it with; our evenings, an interminable gloom lighted +up by German Véry lights and other fireworks, and our +nights a long vigil of tired men, waiting in muddy trenches +for the dawn. No wonder then that the prospect of an +advance, preceded by what we knew must be a sharp fight, +cheered all ranks and revived their spirits. Nothing struck +me more during my year in France than their evident +delight when they became aware that the inertia of the +trenches was to give place to something more active. As a +Sikh native officer said to me on the day preceding the battle, +“Sahib, we shall have a chance of proving that the Indian +<span class='pageno' id='Page_201'>201</span>Army can fight and not only do sentry-go in the <i>khandak</i> +(trenches). We shall again be able to cry, <i>Fateh</i> (victory).”</p> + +<p class='c013'>Our left rested on the right of Rawlinson’s Fourth +Corps, on the La Bassée-Estaires road, and our right on +the Chocolat Menier Corner, from which point the line was +carried on by the First Corps past Givenchy.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Since those early days of the war so many attacks +have been made on a colossal scale, and such detailed +accounts of them have been published, illustrated, and +placed on the stage, that it would be superfluous to describe +what was done by way of preparation. But it is an erroneous +idea to imagine that in those days details were neglected +or only cursorily gone into. Nothing could have been +more minutely arranged to the very smallest item; no +Staffs ever more thoroughly studied, checked, and elaborated +essentials than did those of the Corps. From the big +guns down to the men’s boots nothing was neglected by +the Staff, commanders, and other regimental officers. +Indeed, as I now study the orders issued I realise that, +although frequently making bricks with but scanty straw, +each blade of that straw was utilised to the greatest +advantage.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Times gradually changed, until the British Army was +equipped as no army ever was before or probably will +be again, but the improvements were gradual, the Staff +work enlarged with the experience gained, time was given +officers and men to go into the battle-line after a thorough +training in the requirements of trench or open warfare, +and everything improved until there was little room for +improvement left. In the Neuve Chapelle days, with all +our shortage of shells, grenades, etc., there was no shortage +of endeavour, and in that respect indeed there was even +more need to husband our resources and make the best +use of them. Even so, and considering that we had been +at war for seven months, it reads strangely in the official +reports of the Indian Corps that in the case of two Territorial +battalions attached to our brigades, and both of +whom fought splendidly, “Owing to the —— and —— battalions +having only just arrived, and not being in possession +of any telephone equipment or trained signallers, +<span class='pageno' id='Page_202'>202</span>communication during the battle had to be carried on by +messengers alone.”</p> + +<p class='c013'>Yes, times indeed changed, but there never was any +difference in the fighting spirit of the officers and men; +they remained as they were from Mons to the Marne, from +Ypres to La Bassée; the same immortal souls, if anything, +even braver, in the hour of sore trial, outnumbered and +outgunned, than in the later days of triumph when the +Huns at last began to realise that</p> + +<div class='lg-container-b c014'> + <div class='linegroup'> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>This England never did, nor never shall,</div> + <div class='line'>Lie at the proud foot of a conqueror.</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c013'>The object of the operations, as laid down in the First +Army operation orders, was “to force the enemy’s lines +in the vicinity of Neuve Chapelle, and drive back any +hostile forces from the line Aubers-Ligny-le-Grand, with +the object of cutting off the enemy’s troops which are now +holding the front between Neuve Chapelle and La Bassée.” +The orders of the First Army were always clear and distinct, +and I never experienced any difficulty in thoroughly +recognising their object. It was sometimes the execution, +with the very limited number of guns and ammunition, +that was the difficulty. At Neuve Chapelle, however, we +were locally and temporarily superior in both guns and +men, and had we succeeded in gaining more than our first +objective we could have advanced our line to the Aubers +Ridge. Suppose we had done this, the question arises, +was it possible to retain the advantage? Judging from +what immediately followed the battle we certainly could +not have done so.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Events have since proved that, given sufficient gun power +and good troops, it is always possible to capture +the enemy’s first and supporting lines, but subsequently +you must have unlimited munitions to hold your gains or +push on farther. We had not got the munitions, and +did not receive them till long after, and hence any advance +up to or beyond the Aubers Ridge would have resulted +in a Pyrrhic victory. In this connection it makes one +think how different were our ideas in those days, compared +with those formed after two years of war, and when +<span class='pageno' id='Page_203'>203</span>experience had proved that bravery without munitions may +enable an Army to hold its own even against immense +odds, but it cannot turn defence into the offensive, except +on a local and minute scale. As I write this three years +have elapsed since the battle of Neuve Chapelle, but +our trenches are still on the very same spot we gained +that day, and our gallant fellows, though but few, if any, +of those who fought are still there, look out on the very +same ridge and the remnants of that same Bois du Biez +which cost us dear to attack but which we never reached. +Nevertheless it will ever remain a great day and a great +memory, for if we did not get as far as we had hoped to +do, we taught the Huns a very sharp lesson, and, as far +as the Indians were concerned, they learned that alongside +the British soldier they could enter the jaws of death +and triumph.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The objective assigned to us was the Bois du Biez, a +wood of considerable size, lying just beyond and to the +south-east of Neuve Chapelle, whilst Rawlinson’s Fourth +Corps was directed on Aubers and La Cliqueterie Farm. +Farther to the south the First Corps was to assault the +enemy’s lines north-east of Givenchy, and the Canadian +Division was to co-operate by a fire attack along the +entire front. The map will show how the river Des +Layes formed a considerable obstacle between the village +and the Bois du Biez, being from six to ten feet wide +and from three to five feet deep, and along this stream +the Germans had constructed strong bridge-heads and +trenches.</p> + +<p class='c013'>At Neuve Chapelle we were to experience for the first +time the scientific employment of 18-pounders for wire +cutting, and three Brigades were detailed for this purpose. +The success achieved by the guns in demolishing these +obstacles was in those days a revelation to us; nothing +could have been better done, and wherever the Infantry +took the right line as laid down, the attack succeeded up +to all expectation. The G.O.C. First Army had frequently +impressed this on me and he was right. The +pioneers and sappers and miners had done their work +very thoroughly under the direction of Brigadier-General +<span class='pageno' id='Page_204'>204</span>Nanton and every preparation had been completed before +the battle opened.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Surgeon-General Treherne, who had served with me +on the Indian Frontiers, had arranged the medical side +of the operations with a thoroughness that could not +have been exceeded, and which earned the gratitude +of the Indian soldiers; and last, but not least, my Chief +of Staff, General Hudson, had worked out all plans and +orders with such scrupulous care that when the battle +commenced I felt it was already half over, for each and +all knew what was to be their share in it.</p> + +<p class='c013'>A readjustment of our line had been carried out +during the night of 28th February/1st March, whereby +the front of the Corps extended from Chocolat Menier +Corner through Port Arthur to the La Bassée-Estaires +road. This front was occupied by the Meerut Division +with one Brigade, the two others being in reserve. +The Lahore Division, less one Brigade in Army reserve, +was in Corps reserve.</p> + +<p class='c013'>About this time the heavy artillery of the Indian +Corps (excepting the 2nd Siege Battery, 6-inch howitzers), +and with certain additions, was grouped under Brigadier-General +Franks, R.A., as No. 1 Group G.H.Q. Artillery. +This group was ordered to support the operations of the +Indian Corps. The remainder of the Artillery of both +Divisions was gradually brought into action into positions +selected by Brigadier-General Scott, R.A., attached +to Corps Headquarters. The moves were completed by +the evening of 7th March.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The system under which the artillery was disposed +was as follows:</p> + + <dl class='dl_1'> + <dt>3</dt> + <dd>18-pr. Brigades to cut wire on front to be assaulted. + </dd> + <dt>2</dt> + <dd>18-pr. Brigades to cover the southern section, which was not attacking. + </dd> + <dt>1</dt> + <dd>18-pr. Brigade partly building curtain of fire on roads and approaches from the Bois du + Biez, and partly in observation. + </dd> + <dt>1</dt> + <dd>Brigade 4·5-inch Howitzers destroying enemy trenches. + </dd> + <dt>1</dt> + <dd>Brigade 6-inch Howitzer destroying enemy trenches. + </dd> + <dt> </dt> + <dd>Siege Battery destroying enemy trenches. + </dd> + <dt>1</dt> + <dd>Section 2·75 inch actually in fire trenches for close support of Infantry attack. + </dd> + </dl> + +<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' id='Page_205'>205</span>The above were the objectives for necessarily the +first phase, but the subsequent objectives laid down did +not involve a change of position for the batteries.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Considerable engineering preparations had been made +in advance, such as provision of cover for the assaulting +Brigade to form up in, improvements to communications, +and provision of light bridges, etc., for crossing obstacles.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The Lahore Division had moved forward on 7th March +and concentrated in the area Calonne-Lestrem-Robecq, +the Meerut Division concentrating its troops still farther +forward in order to provide the necessary accommodation.</p> + +<p class='c013'>By the morning of 9th March the Corps was disposed +as follows:</p> + +<ul class='index'> + <li class='c016'><span class='sc'>Corps Headquarters.</span> Report Centre, La Cix Marmuse.</li> + <li class='c016'><span class='sc'>Meerut Division.</span> Report Centre, Vieille Chapelle. + <ul> + <li>Dehra Dun Brigade, La Couture.</li> + <li>Garhwal Brigade, Richebourg St. Vaast.</li> + <li>Bareilly Brigade, Holding front line.</li> + </ul> + </li> + <li class='c016'><span class='sc'>Lahore Division.</span> Report Centre, Lestrem. + <ul> + <li>Ferozepore, Farther back.</li> + <li>Jalandar, Farther back.</li> + <li>and Sirhind Brigades. Farther back.</li> + </ul> + </li> +</ul> + +<p class='c013'>The Artillery of both Divisions was in action under +the orders of the Meerut Division. The Cavalry, Sappers, +and Pioneers were with their respective Divisions.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The 125th Rifles and 1 Company 34th Pioneers had +been placed temporarily at the disposal of the Fourth +Corps for the road work which would be necessitated by +an advance. The recent addition of some battalions of +the Territorial Force had necessitated a reconstitution of +Infantry Brigades.</p> + +<p class='c013'>On the 10th March the composition was as under:</p> + +<ul class='index'> + <li class='c016'>LAHORE DIVISION</li> + <li class='c016'>Major-General <span class='sc'>Keary</span> (Indian Army).</li> + <li class='c016'><span class='sc'>Sirhind Brigade.</span>—Brigadier-General Walker, V.C. (Indian Army) + <ul> + <li>1st Highland Light Infantry.</li> + <li>4th Liverpools (Special Reserve).</li> + <li>15th Sikhs.</li> + <li>1/1st Gurkhas.</li> + <li>1/4th Gurkhas.</li> + </ul> + </li> + <li class='c016'><span class='pageno' id='Page_206'>206</span><span class='sc'>Jalandar Brigade.</span>—Brigadier-General Strickland, Manchester Regiment. + <ul> + <li>1st Manchesters.</li> + <li>4th Suffolks (Territorials).</li> + <li>47th Sikhs.</li> + <li>59th Rifles (Frontier Force).</li> + </ul> + </li> + <li class='c016'><span class='sc'>Ferozepore Brigade.</span>—Brigadier-General Egerton (Indian Army). + <ul> + <li>1st and 2nd Connaught Rangers (one unit).</li> + <li>4th Londons (Territorials).</li> + <li>9th Bhopal Infantry.</li> + <li>57th Rifles (Frontier Force).</li> + <li>129th Baluchis.</li> + </ul> + </li> + <li class='c016'><span class='sc'>Divisional Troops.</span>— + <ul> + <li>15th Lancers.</li> + <li>34th Sikh Pioneers.</li> + <li>20th and 21st Companies Sappers and Miners.</li> + </ul> + </li> +</ul> + +<ul class='index'> + <li class='c016'>MEERUT DIVISION</li> + <li class='c016'>Lieut.-General <span class='sc'>Anderson</span>, late R.A.</li> + <li class='c016'><span class='sc'>Garhwal Brigade.</span>—Brigadier-General Blackader, Leicestershire Regiment. + <ul> + <li>2nd Leicesters.</li> + <li>3rd Londons (Territorials).</li> + <li>1st and 2nd Battalions 39th Garhwal Rifles (one unit).</li> + <li>2/3rd Gurkhas.</li> + <li>2/8th Gurkhas.</li> + </ul> + </li> + <li class='c016'><span class='sc'>Bareilly Brigade.</span>—Brigadier-General Southey (Indian Army). + <ul> + <li>2nd Black Watch.</li> + <li>4th Black Watch (Territorials).</li> + <li>41st Dogras.</li> + <li>58th Rifles.</li> + <li>125th Rifles.</li> + </ul> + </li> + <li class='c016'><span class='sc'>Dehra Dun Brigade.</span>—Brigadier-General Jacob (Indian Army). + <ul> + <li>1st Seaforths.</li> + <li>4th Seaforths (Territorials).</li> + <li>6th Jats.</li> + <li>2/2nd Gurkhas.</li> + <li>1/9th Gurkhas.</li> + </ul> + </li> + <li class='c016'><span class='sc'>Divisional Troops.</span>— + <ul> + <li>4th Cavalry.</li> + <li>107th Pioneers.</li> + <li>Nos. 3 and 4 Companies Sappers and Miners.</li> + </ul> + </li> +</ul> + +<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' id='Page_207'>207</span>Aeroplanes and flying machines in general were few +and far between in those days as compared with later +times; nevertheless our airmen had even then shown +what these neoteric implements could achieve in the +hands of brave men in war. The Germans were completely +taken by surprise when our attack began, and +this was in a very great measure due to the fearless +daring and persistence of our aviators, who had left +nothing to chance. Although I have little to tell in +this book of the Air Service as it then was, it is a fact +that the Sepoys, when they first realised the objects and +witnessed the extraordinary daring of aeroplanes, felt that +their epic of the Mahabharat (Great War) was about to +be repeated.</p> + +<p class='c013'>And so the Indian soldiers were, for the first time in +history, on the eve of an offensive battle against the +most highly trained and organised army of Europe.</p> + +<p class='c013'>For those who merely looked on an attack in force +as an incident of the Great War, the coming battle may +have been only a new phase in the struggle; for me as +Commander of the Corps it meant much more. I was +standing on the brink of an experiment which might have +momentous consequences. I was responsible, in my own +way, for important issues; I was, on a very small scale +it is true, but nevertheless in a somewhat similar position +to the first Japanese General who met and overthrew +his Russian opponents. It was a question of the East +versus the West, and although I felt sure of my brave +men, it remained to be proved how the East would +take it.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The night of 9th March 1915 will ever remain one of +my most inspiriting recollections. I can recall every +moment of it; I did not sleep long, but I thought a +lot; I did not doubt, but the thing had to be made +good.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Many beside myself thought much that night, but I +wonder if one felt a greater joy than I did as I realised +that a life’s work was to be tested. That life had been +mostly spent in India, amongst Indian soldiers, and +when dawn proclaimed that the supreme moment was +<span class='pageno' id='Page_208'>208</span>at hand, I walked into the small garden of my dwelling +and felt with Thomas Jefferson</p> + +<div class='lg-container-b c014'> + <div class='linegroup'> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>That all men are created equal.</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c013'>Although the night of the 9th March had been cloudless +up till about midnight, the morning broke cold, damp, +and misty. I stood in the drizzle with my friend Khwaja +Mahomed Khan, A.D.C., and as the watch marked the +hour for the intense bombardment, I said to him, “This +is a great hour in Indian history. Praise be to Allah.” +And he replied, “Allah is with us, the Germans’ turn for +a thrashing has arrived.”</p> + +<p class='c013'>The Lahore Division during the early morning of the +10th March moved up to Vieille Chapelle-La Couture +and the area La Tombe Willot-Les Lobes-Zelobes, the +Ferozepore Brigade remaining in Army reserve at Calonne.</p> + +<p class='c013'>After some preliminary registration the previously +arranged Artillery bombardment commenced at 7.30 <span class='fss'>A.M.</span> +For the first ten minutes three Brigades of 18-pounders +fired at the enemy’s wire entanglements, which they +succeeded in demolishing pretty completely, as we afterwards +found. For the remaining twenty-five minutes of the +first phase of the bombardment the 18-pounders (eighteen +batteries) were covering the area held by the enemy +and the southern flank, so as to prevent the arrival of +reinforcements. During this same period of twenty-five +minutes the 4·5-inch and 6-inch howitzers shelled the +trenches which were to be assaulted.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The frontage attacked was 600 yards, the obstacles +being <i>chevaux de frise</i>, thickly wired, generally in one +but sometimes in two rows, and a certain amount of low +wire entanglement. The depth of the obstacles varied +from 6 to 15 yards, but owing to their being opposite +one side of a salient only a limited number of batteries +could be brought into action, so that the line of fire +was direct. The 9th and 13th Brigades took position +at ranges averaging 1800 yards. The 4th Brigade was +disposed at an average range of 2500 yards, the line of +fire being oblique.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The method of attack was that in each battery of +<span class='pageno' id='Page_209'>209</span>the 9th and 13th Brigades fire was concentrated on +numbers 2 and 5 guns, whereby two lanes per battery, +or twelve in all, were to be formed.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The 4th Brigade concentrated three guns on each +alternate lane position.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The allowance of ammunition was 50 rounds per gun, +and was fired in ten minutes.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Thus twelve lanes were formed, six by having 150 +rounds and six by having 300 rounds expended on them.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The Garhwal Brigade, which had the honour of being +detailed to carry out the first assault, was commanded +by a fine soldier, Brigadier-General Blackader. I had +first met him when he commanded his battalion of +Leicesters in India, and from that day onwards I had +learned to respect him and to trust in his judgement. +The manner in which he handled his Brigade at Neuve +Chapelle was good to see, and his report on the three +days’ fighting is concise, and written as brave and modest +men write.</p> + +<p class='c013'>In support of the Garhwal was the Dehra Dun Brigade, +commanded by Brigadier-General Jacob.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The Bareilly Brigade continued to hold the original +trenches, and in command of it was Brigadier-General +Southey, Indian Army, in whom I reposed the utmost +confidence.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Whatever the qualifications of other brigade commanders +in France, I certainly was fortunate in those +who directed their brigades at Neuve Chapelle.</p> + +<p class='c013'>And all is now ready for the great attack. In such +moments men think and act according to their own peculiar +natures; the Oriental’s thoughts are generally quite different +from our own. I asked a sepoy I had known for +years, and who came out of the battle scatheless, how he +felt just before the assault. This was his reply: “My +right-hand comrade had been looking at a rough map +with the names of the villages and trenches marked in +Hindustani. I could read the names, but did not understand +the map; so just before we started I made up my +mind to go to my British officer after the battle and get +him to teach me. I had no time to think of anything +<span class='pageno' id='Page_210'>210</span>else, for just then we advanced.” Splendid fellow! I am +glad I was not the first German who came across his path; +but his simple story impressed me much. He was not +wondering what was going to happen; he was just going +to death, if Ishwar so ordained, and if he lived he was +going to improve his military value.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The half-ruined village of Neuve Chapelle, about to +be turned into a shambles for the third time, lay but a +few hundred yards to the front; boggy fields, torn hedges, +and numerous ditches blocked the passages of the attackers, +and the Aubers Ridge beyond looked down on the dead +level country, so soon to mark the triumph of the Asiatic +over the Teuton.</p> + +<p class='c013'>At 8.5 <span class='fss'>A.M.</span> precisely the Garhwal Brigade rushed to +the assault of the enemy’s trenches opposite the front he +had been holding along the La Bassée road. The order +of battalions from right to left was:</p> + +<table class='table1'> + <tr> + <td class='c009'>1/39th Garhwal Rifles</td> + <td class='c020'>(Colonel Swiney).</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class='c009'>2nd Battalion Leicesters</td> + <td class='c020'>(Lieut.-Colonel Gordon).</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class='c009'>2/3rd Gurkha Rifles</td> + <td class='c020'>(Lieut.-Colonel Ormsby).</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class='c009'>2/39th Garhwal Rifles</td> + <td class='c020'>(Lieut.-Colonel Drake-Brockman).</td> + </tr> +</table> + +<p class='c013'>The 3rd London Regiment was in Brigade reserve.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The assaulting infantry (except the 1/39th Garhwalis) +reached their first objective without a check, and by 8.30 +had pushed through to the east side of the road joining +Port Arthur with Neuve Chapelle.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The 2/39th, the left battalion of the Brigade, and +therefore the one nearest the right of the 8th British +Division, which was attacking on our left, was met by +some rifle and machine-gun fire but had soon reached the +fourth German trench. Scouts were at once sent forward, +and the consolidation of the position commenced. +Simultaneously the advance was continued to the outskirts +of Neuve Chapelle, where three machine-guns and +300 prisoners fell into their hands.</p> + +<p class='c013'>In this advance Naik Jaman Sing Bisht won the +Indian Order of Merit by fine leading, and Havildar Buta +Sing Negi was awarded the same decoration. Rifleman +Gobar Sing Negi received the Victoria Cross for conspicuous +bravery and under circumstances so similar to +<span class='pageno' id='Page_211'>211</span>those which had won it for his Garhwal comrade of the +1st battalion, viz. Naik Darwan Sing Negi, on the 23rd +November 1914, near Festubert, that it would appear +the soldiers from Garhwal firmly believe that the bayonet +is the best weapon for use in the trenches. He was the +leading man of the bayonet detachment which accompanied +the bombing party; was first to rush each +traverse, and besides himself bayoneting several Germans +drove back many more who finally all surrendered. Death +claimed him before he could receive the Cross which he +had so bravely won, but it was awarded posthumously, +and his family get the monetary award; whilst his name +will remain a beacon to attract for years his fellow hillmen +to the 2/39th Garhwal Rifles.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Jemadar Ghantu Sing Negi was killed and over 130 +casualties were suffered by the battalion.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The 2/3rd Gurkhas carried the trenches to their front +and secured two machine-guns. Having arranged for one +company each from the 2/39th and Londons to consolidate +the line gained, the Gurkhas pushed on, wheeled +to the right, crossed the Rue du Bois and reached the +old British trench east of Neuve Chapelle. Quickly +entrenching they gained touch with the Rifle Brigade of +the Fourth Corps on their left. Major A. Tillard on his +own initiative carried the attack still farther forward +towards the brewery and captured several prisoners. +The Indian Order of Merit was conferred on Subadar +Bhim Sing Thapa, Lance-Naik Harak Sing Gharti, Subadar +Major Gambhir, Sing Gurung, Havildar Bahadur Thapa, +and Rifleman Gane Gurung. This latter gallant fellow +was the hero of a melodramatic affair. The 2nd Rifle +Brigade from the Fourth Army Corps met the Gurkhas in +the village, and the first thing seen was my friend Gane +Gurung, with his bayonet very close to the stern of a +German, who with seven others were being driven off as +prisoners, having surrendered <i>en bloc</i> in a house to the +little Gurkha. Lieut.-Colonel Ormsby was made a C.B.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The 2nd Leicesters also advanced without a check +and by 8.30 <span class='fss'>A.M.</span> had gained the road parallel to and east +of the Estaires-La Bassée road, where the battalion began +<span class='pageno' id='Page_212'>212</span>to entrench itself. It was found, for reasons which will +be related, that between their right and the left of the +1/39th a considerable gap existed. Captain Romilly, +using his revolver freely and followed by a platoon of +the Leicesters, bombed back the Huns for over a hundred +yards of trench and then with the assistance of Captain +Hobart, R.E., and some sappers who came up opportunely, +erected a barricade. Hobart was awarded the Military +Cross, Sapper Sheikh Abdul Rahman the I.O.M., and +Colour-Havildar Chagatta, who had previously won the +I.O.M., was given the Russian Cross of St. George.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Romilly received a well-earned D.S.O., and Captain +D. L. Weir, also of the same battalion, a Military Cross. +The Leicesters are all brave, but conspicuous amongst +them on this day was Private William Buckingham, who, +regardless of an inferno of fire, carried in several badly +wounded men. In doing this he received two severe +wounds himself but escaped with his life and was awarded +the Victoria Cross. Poor fellow! he no longer lives to +enjoy his reward; he has added one more to the immortal +dead along the Somme. Several D.C.M.’s were also +awarded to N.C.O.’s and men of this fine fighting Corps.</p> + +<p class='c013'>In none of these assaults so far had any serious check +been caused by the enemy’s wire entanglements, these +obstacles having been destroyed by the artillery, and +only in the case of the 2/39th had any considerable fire +been met before the first trench was reached.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The 1/39th Garhwalis did not fare so well; their +assault unfortunately took a wrong initial direction, and +instead of keeping their left as ordered on the Rivière +des Layes, swung away to the right. Nevertheless, in +face of a heavy rifle and machine-gun fire they reached +close up to the German trenches, but the obstacles had +not been destroyed by our artillery, as they were not +included in the marked zone, and consequently the impetus +of the rush was broken.</p> + +<p class='c013'>During this check the battalion suffered considerable +casualties in British officers and Indian ranks. But +although the initial error cost them dear, it was the occasion +for proving the grand material of which these fine +<span class='pageno' id='Page_213'>213</span>Garhwal Rifles are made. On no occasion in the history +of the Indian Corps in France was it better proved what +Indians led by British officers will assuredly achieve, +provided the men have been properly trained. The +capture of the enemy’s trenches here became a terrible +struggle, but the 39th would take no denial. Captains +Owen, J. E. Murray, R. J. Clarke, and Sparrow were killed, +whilst Captain Kenny and Lieut. Welchman actually +reached and entered the trenches before they also shared +the same fate. Six out of the total of twelve British officers +gave their lives in a few short moments, and Major MacTier +of the 2nd Battalion, who had been sent to replace Colonel +Swiney (wounded), was also killed later on.</p> + +<div class='lg-container-b c014'> + <div class='linegroup'> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Faithful unto death.</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c013'>The check created a gap between the left of the 1/39th +and the right of the Leicesters. In this gap the Germans +held out, and it took much time and was not without considerable +losses that their trenches were finally captured.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The Leicesters seeing how matters stood immediately +set to work to clear up the situation, and a party under +Captain Romilly, as already related, using bayonets and +hand-grenades, gradually forced the enemy back along +his trenches. Lieut. G. A. Cammell, R.F.A., on forward +observation duty, seeing the British officers were being +mown down and that some hesitation was occurring in +the advance, and his telephone communication having +been destroyed, dashed forward and headed the charge, +with some Garhwalis by his side; he and a few of the +Riflemen were almost immediately wounded, and fell, +but here again another gallant soldier, Corporal V. +Thompson, 2nd Black Watch, was quickly on the scene +to save the officer, and carried him back, being himself +wounded while doing so. It is pleasant to record that +the D.S.O. and D.C.M. were promptly bestowed.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Colonel Swiney, the Commander of the 1/39th, who +himself related to me the doings of his Corps on this day, +a brave and modest gentleman, was also severely wounded +during the morning; but what he did not tell me was +that he remained on for many long and weary hours, till +<span class='pageno' id='Page_214'>214</span>loss of blood forced him to leave his command. Subadar +Kedar Sing Rawat and other Garhwali officers did very +fine work after the British officers had been killed and +wounded.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Further help was needed before the end could be +attained, and this came from the Dehra Dun Brigade, +whose G.O.C. placed two companies of the 1st Seaforths +at the disposal of the Garhwal Brigade, and these, together +with two companies of the 3rd Londons and one company +of the 1/39th from Port Arthur, finally succeeded in carrying +the trenches.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The Seaforth advance was brilliantly seconded by the +3rd Londons and a company of the 39th, who carried out +a frontal attack with the bayonet in a most dashing style, +but of course with heavy loss. The 3rd Londons, especially +in this their first fight, literally covered themselves with +honour, and I never heard their name mentioned thereafter +except in terms of the highest praise by all ranks of +the Army Corps.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The 1st Seaforths carried out its advance, as it always +did, with the <i>élan</i> and thoroughness of the pick of the +“Old Contemptibles.” Captain Wicks, once on my Staff +in India, was wounded, one of the very best all-round men +I ever knew. Captain R. Murray was wounded and died +the next day. 2nd Lieut. C. H. Kirkaldy was killed, and +in this short attack the battalion suffered over seventy +casualties. Three N.C.O.’s and men received the D.C.M.</p> + +<p class='c013'>I recall a story of the Seaforths during one of my +expeditions on the North-West frontiers of India in 1908. +A brigade, after carrying out some punitive measures on +a large village, was retiring over an open plain scored by +deep nullahs. The Seaforths formed the rearguard. The +Afridis, as usual, were following and firing whenever +opportunity offered, but on such ground they had no chance +and were kept at a respectful distance. After the expedition +was over the chiefs all came in to hear the terms of +our Government. I asked an old warrior why they had +not followed us more closely on that day. His answer +was: “We did not like those Highlanders; they looked as +if they wanted us to come on, and we had no intention of +<span class='pageno' id='Page_215'>215</span>obliging them.” He was right; the Seaforths moved +deliberately throughout as if they were spoiling for a fight. +It was on this same day that my gallant friend Major Hon. +Forbes Sempill, their C.O., was killed, and the battalion +would have given a good deal to have had its revenge.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The assault of the 3rd Londons was, as I have already +said, a “most dashing” one. Officers and men vied with +one another to be first into the German trenches. Wherever +they all came from I cannot say, but blessed indeed is +the city that can pour forth such men at the call of their +country. 170 casualties marked their share in the battle. +Captain Moore received the Military Cross, and a few +N.C.O.’s were awarded the D.C.M.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The result of all these operations was that the gap +in our advance was closed, and many wounded Germans +surrendered.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The 1/39th Garhwalis paid dearly on this day. By +the time they had reached the objective assigned to them +in the assault the battalion had been severely mauled, +and its subsequent losses brought its total casualties to +330 out of a strength which did not exceed 600 all told. +Every British officer was either killed or wounded before +the fighting at Neuve Chapelle ended.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Captain J. Taylor, I.M.S., in medical charge of the +battalion, was awarded the D.S.O. on Colonel Swiney’s +special recommendation for gallant conduct and devotion +to duty.</p> + +<p class='c013'>During the attack of the Garhwal Brigade the Dehra +Dun Brigade had moved up in close support. At 10.45 +<span class='fss'>A.M.</span> the Jalandar Brigade also was ordered to move to +Richebourg St. Vaast, and later, at 2.30 <span class='fss'>P.M.</span>, the Sirhind +Brigade was ordered to Vieille Chapelle and La Couture.</p> + +<p class='c013'>By 11 <span class='fss'>A.M.</span> the Dehra Dun Brigade (less 1st Seaforths, +detailed to assist the 1/39th Garhwalis’ advance) was ready +to issue from the trenches along the La Bassée road and +to advance to the attack of the Bois du Biez. Since, +however, at that hour the enemy was still holding out +in the trenches between the Leicesters and the 1/39th +Garhwalis (who were isolated) this attack was postponed. +The delay was most unfortunate, as had it been carried +<span class='pageno' id='Page_216'>216</span>out on the heels of the first assault, great results might +have been achieved.</p> + +<p class='c013'>As will be seen later, even as it was the Bois du Biez +might have fallen to us, but the inability of the British +Brigade of the Eighth Division, on our left, to advance +prevented it, and on this and the following days for the +same cause an advance into the Bois du Biez became an +impossibility, as our left flank was entirely enfiladed.</p> + +<p class='c013'>As I stood that morning expectantly by the telephone, +awaiting the first news of the results of our assault, it +seemed as if ages were rolling by, but when the news came, +it was one of the moments I often live again. “Practically +all our first objectives captured.” “Hurrah!” I shouted, +and with such energy that, as the French women at the +back of the house afterwards told me, they thought a +bomb had burst inside. And so it had! The bomb was +the birth of a new life for India; the story that the cables +would bear throughout the world, viz. that the Indians, +led by British officers, could drive Germans from their +own deliberately selected entrenchments. That the men +who had fought against us from Seringapatam to Assaye, +at Moodkee and Chillianwala, at Delhi, Lucknow, and +Tirah, all classes, creeds, and clans, had banded together +under the Union Jack, and trusting in the inviolable +word of England’s King and the proven valour of their +white leaders, had inaugurated a new era in the history +of Hindustan.</p> + +<p class='c013'>At 3.15 <span class='fss'>P.M.</span> orders were received from the First +Army to push on to the Bois du Biez, and instructions +were issued for the Dehra Dun Brigade to advance, +supported by two battalions of the Jalandar Brigade (the +1st Manchesters and 47th Sikhs), which had now come +under the orders of the Meerut Division. The deployment +for attack along the road running south-west from Neuve +Chapelle was not completed until 4.30 <span class='fss'>P.M.</span>, and it was +nearly dark by the time the troops reached the line of the +river Layes. By 6.30 <span class='fss'>P.M.</span> a portion of the Brigade had +reached the western edge of the wood, guided in the +pitch darkness by a burning house on its extreme north-west +corner.</p> + +<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' id='Page_217'>217</span>The leading companies of the 2nd Gurkhas under +Major Watt and Captain Dallas Smith crossed the road, +occupied some houses, and commenced to dig in at the +edge of the wood. Major H. Nicolay was killed during +this operation. A portion of the 9th Gurkhas on the left +of the 2nd Gurkhas also reached the wood. In this advance +both battalions moved with the greatest steadiness under +rifle and machine-gun fire from both flanks, but although +suffering casualties, had soon placed portable bridges across +the Layes river and reached the farthest limit attained +during the battle. Subadar Mehar Sing Khattri, 9th +Gurkhas, was awarded the I.O.M. for his daring leading, +and Major Watt was gazetted a D.S.O. Of the conduct +of the 4th Seaforths, who were in support of the Gurkhas, +General Jacob wrote: “The 4th Seaforths (Territorials) +showed itself to be the equal of any Regular Regiment.”</p> + +<p class='c013'>The Germans, realising the position, now made a special +effort to turn our left flank, but the 9th Gurkhas were +equally determined that the attempt should fail, and Lieut. +Murray, with a machine-gun, very opportunely stopped +the movement. He received the Military Cross for his +gallant conduct on this and subsequent days.</p> + +<p class='c013'>At 8.7 <span class='fss'>P.M.</span>, 10th March, Jacob, after a consultation +with his Battalion Commanders, decided to withdraw from +the wood to the line of the Layes. This operation was +rendered necessary by the fact that the British Brigade +on our left was unable to make any further advance +beyond the line of the old British trench, which they had +captured earlier in the day. The left flank of the Dehra +Dun Brigade was therefore entirely in the air and exposed +to machine-gun fire, and to have held on to the wood would +only have meant being cut off and adding another long +list to the “missing.”</p> + +<p class='c013'>The First Army Commander considered that Jacob +should have held on, but he was not in a position to +judge, and the decision to get back to the Layes was, in the +opinion of all those cognisant of the real state of affairs, +a correct one.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The position was in fact somewhat similar to that +of the 8th Gurkhas six months later at the fight near +<span class='pageno' id='Page_218'>218</span>Mauquissart during the battle of Loos. In this case +the 8th gallantly held on till it was too late to retire, +and paid a terribly heavy toll.</p> + +<p class='c013'>During the move back from the wood the following +riflemen of the 2nd Gurkhas behaved with great courage +and received the I.O.M.: Hastobir Roka, Partiman Gurung, +Ujir Sing Gurung, Manjit Gurung, and Jagtia Pun.</p> + +<p class='c013'>At the time the point regarding the position in the wood +was much discussed, and it is only fair to the battalions +concerned to say that they did all they were asked to do. +If any man could have remained, without quite needlessly +undue risk, that man was General Jacob. I quote from +his report: “If the Eighth Division had been able to co-operate +with me, I would have been able to maintain +myself on the edge of the wood. As it was I found myself +with my left flank enfiladed. The right flank of the +Brigade was also in the air. My information showed me +that the wood was held by the enemy.” He then states +that he intended to continue the advance next morning +and had issued his orders for this advance, but that it was +impracticable unless the Brigade on his left also co-operated.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The situation at 9 <span class='fss'>P.M.</span>, 10th March, was as follows:</p> + +<p class='c015'><span class='sc'>Meerut Division</span></p> + +<p class='c015'><i>Dehra Dun Brigade</i> (less 1st Seaforths).—On line of river Layes +south-east of the village of Neuve Chapelle. Both flanks in +the air.</p> + +<p class='c015'><i>Garhwal Brigade</i> (plus 1st Seaforths).—Holding and strengthening +a line parallel to and about 200 yards east of the road running +from Neuve Chapelle to Port Arthur, with the right practically +on the La Bassée road.</p> + +<p class='c015'><i>Bareilly Brigade.</i>—In original trenches along the Rue du Bois.</p> + +<p class='c015'><span class='sc'>Lahore Division</span></p> + +<p class='c015'><i>Jalandar Brigade</i> (temporarily at the disposal of Meerut Division).—In +and about the Rue des Berceaux and in Neuve Chapelle.</p> + +<p class='c015'><i>Sirhind Brigade.</i>—Vieille Chapelle and La Couture.</p> + +<p class='c015'><i>Ferozepore Brigade.</i>—Calonne.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The night of 10th March passed without any particular +incident, but work went on incessantly in strengthening +all positions gained.</p> + +<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' id='Page_219'>219</span>The Garhwal Brigade, divided into three sections, had +its left in touch with the Rifle Brigade on our left, which +battalion was, however, some 200 yards farther to the rear. +The left section was commanded by Lieut.-Colonel Ormsby, +2/3rd Gurkhas, a soldier who loved his battalion but had +the great virtue of never concealing any faults of his men, +and from him I often obtained the greatest assistance in +matters of discipline.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Lieut.-Colonel Gordon, 2nd Leicesters, had charge of +the centre section, and where that Corps was stationed +there was never any chance for the enemy.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Lieut.-Colonel Ritchie, 1st Seaforths, commanded the +right section, consisting of his own battalion, the 3rd +Londons, and the 1/39th Garhwal Rifles. Ritchie was a +most reliable officer, and in a short report written on the +spot, the Brigadier had added: “I am much indebted to +Colonel Ritchie for the efficient organisation and command +of his section.”</p> + +<p class='c013'>Orders had been issued from First Army at 3.45 <span class='fss'>P.M.</span> +placing one battalion of the First Corps at our disposal. +This battalion was to be employed in working down the +enemy’s trenches, parallel to the Rue du Bois, starting +from near Port Arthur, but for various reasons this order +was cancelled at 12.45 <span class='fss'>A.M.</span> on the 11th.</p> + +<div class='chapter'> + <span class='pageno' id='Page_220'>220</span> + <h2 class='c008'>CHAPTER XVI</h2> +</div> + +<p class='c012'>The attack of the Dehra Dun Brigade was to have been +renewed at 7 <span class='fss'>A.M.</span> on the 11th March and all orders had +been issued. By 6.30 <span class='fss'>A.M.</span> the Jalandar Brigade had +commenced to arrive at Neuve Chapelle in support of +Dehra Dun, but there was still no sign of any advance by +the British Brigade on our left.</p> + +<p class='c013'>At 8 <span class='fss'>A.M.</span> General Jacob himself visited the Rifle +Brigade, but was informed by the C.O. that “he had distinct +orders not to attack without further orders.” The 2/39th +Garhwalis, who had been detailed to move to the right to +protect the flank of the Brigade as it advanced, reported +themselves in position, and that the enemy was crowding +into the trenches straight to their front, whilst the houses +and edge of the wood were manned with machine-guns +and men.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The 2nd Gurkhas were being enfiladed from their left, +and the 9th Gurkhas facing the Germans at 100 yards +with the river between them, were held up. The mist +during the morning made observation very difficult, and +it was not possible to bring artillery fire to bear on the +points whence the attack was being retained.</p> + +<p class='c013'>During the morning of 11th March Jemadar Shibdhoj +Mal of the 1/9th Gurkhas won the Indian Order of Merit +for bringing in, with the help of some of his men, several +wounded, under very heavy fire.</p> + +<p class='c013'>By 12 noon on the 11th it was found that the attack +of the Dehra Dun Brigade could not continue under the +conditions, and I issued orders for it to be renewed on the +Bois du Biez at 2.15 <span class='fss'>P.M.</span>, with the Jalandar Brigade in +support. Both Brigades got into preparatory formation, +<span class='pageno' id='Page_221'>221</span>but the same causes prevented an advance. As it gradually +became apparent that nothing further could be done that +afternoon, fresh orders were issued for the relief of the +Dehra Dun Brigade and for the attack to be renewed on +12th; the Sirhind Brigade of the Lahore Division being +placed at the disposal of the Meerut Division for the purpose. +This Brigade had been ordered up at 7.45 <span class='fss'>A.M.</span> to Richebourg +St. Vaast.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The Dehra Dun Brigade eventually moved back after +nightfall to the vicinity of Lestrem, in Army reserve, and +the Ferozepore Brigade was directed on Richebourg, to +arrive there on morning of 12th. The First Army had +sent a message saying that the Indian Corps should keep +in touch with Eighth Division, but this had, as already +explained, been done all along, the 9th Gurkhas being in +touch with the right of the Rifle Brigade, which corps was +directly behind their left. Some confusion existed as to +the dividing line between them, the two attacks overlapping, +both Brigades having been given two common objectives.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Throughout this day the Dehra Dun Brigade had been +subjected to constant shell-fire and suffered considerably. +Whilst this delay was being caused, some platoons of the +4th Seaforths rose up and doubled forward, and in doing +so had to pass through a heavy machine-gun fire, but +nothing ever dismayed that gallant Corps, which was +reported by the Brigadier as advancing during the battle +“with a confidence and self-reliance that left little to be +desired.”</p> + +<p class='c013'>The C.O., Lieut.-Colonel MacFarlane, and the Second in +Command, Major Cuthbert, were both severely wounded. +I can see them now as I first saw them in France: two +gallant gentlemen who at once gave me the impression of +being real “cool-headed Scots,” who would enjoy nothing +more than a tough scrap with a good few Boches.</p> + +<p class='c013'>I will revert to the Bareilly Brigade, which, as already +narrated, was holding our original front trenches, and had +divided their line into two sub-sections. Before the opening +of the battle, advanced picquets had been withdrawn and +all houses in the Rue du Bois evacuated, in case they should +be shelled by the enemy. The main line of defences had +<span class='pageno' id='Page_222'>222</span>been fully manned, and Brigade reserves were in position +by 4 <span class='fss'>A.M.</span> on the morning of 10th March.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Port Arthur was evacuated by the garrison for the +period of our obstacle and wire-cutting bombardment, but +rifle and machine-gun fire was maintained. A German +aeroplane which had made an early trip over our lines +had spotted the gathering of troops, and shortly after a +rain of shells was poured into the redoubt, and caused +many casualties. The Leicesters and 1/39th suffered +somewhat severely, and the 2nd Black Watch also had +over thirty.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Communication trenches to connect our own line with +the captured German works had been pushed forward, +and three companies of the 4th Black Watch moved up to +take over the <i>points d’appui</i> which were being established. +Shortly afterwards this battalion was withdrawn, but it +reads strangely, in the light of after events, that “it was +found difficult to keep proper communication with this +unit as it had no telephone equipment.”</p> + +<p class='c013'>I must digress a moment. “No telephone equipment!” +Think of it, those who later on fought so bravely but +under what different conditions. The Indian battalions at +least had their ordinary equipment, though at first on a +very meagre scale, and if we owed nothing else to the +parsimony of the Indian Government in connection with +all things militant, we nevertheless owed them one debt +of gratitude, and that was, that perhaps of all the troops +in the field in France during the winter of 1914–15, the +Indian Corps felt least the lack of necessaries, simply +because it never realised that a shortage existed; for when +things were at their very lowest ebb they still were in excess +of anything we had been accustomed to in India, even in +our palmiest and most festal Durbar days.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Before this war I never discussed with Indian officers +the policy of the Government of India in regard to the +Army. They knew the position fairly well, but with an +inborn good feeling they seldom ventured to do anything +more than touch casually on what was notoriously the +intense stinginess practised towards the soldiery. If any +of those high dignitaries yclept Members of Council should +<span class='pageno' id='Page_223'>223</span>read anything I write, they may perhaps feel a passing +shame in the thought that whilst they themselves, to use +a slang phrase, always “did themselves well,” soldiers of +all ranks below at any rate that of Major-General were +treated as outcasts in a financial point of view, at all +and every large political or social gathering, at which +the civilians lived in luxury, sometimes casting an eye of +patronage on their military “brethren,” whilst the latter, +who had perhaps been undergoing very severe training at +manœuvres, and had only arrived in Durbar camps at the +eleventh hour (in order to make a show in scarlet and gold +for the glorification of the aforesaid civilians), were consigned +to some outlying sandhills and told to shift for +themselves: no water supply prepared, no wood at hand +for fires, and no preparations for sanitation.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Yes, I have in my mind some very vivid recollections +of many such scenes, and they are recalled to me by the +remembrance of incidents at Neuve Chapelle. On this +occasion the fault lay not with India, but that it passed +almost unnoticed in the Corps was, as I have said, because +the members of that Corps had been bred in an atmosphere +of civilian selfishness so abysmal that they failed to realise +they were no longer in the shiny East, but were actually +considered as good as their fellows, and would be so treated.</p> + +<p class='c013'>During the fighting, 10th to 11th March, the Dehra +Dun Brigade sustained over 570 casualties. General Jacob +and Colonel Widdicombe, 1/9th Gurkhas, were given the +C.B., and Major Boileau, 2/2nd Gurkhas, was promoted to +Brevet Lieut.-Colonel.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The attack on 11th March was to have been supported +by the Jalandar Brigade, but, as already described, it could +not be carried out, and the Jalandars in consequence +remained out in the preparatory positions they had assumed +for the advance, under a heavy shell and rifle fire. Brigade +Headquarters here had no luck: three different tumbledown +houses selected were shelled in turn, till at last four +of the signalling section were wounded by one projectile +which plumped into the room they were working in.</p> + +<p class='c013'>This Brigade underwent a two days’ fiery ordeal, both +in support and in moving up to Neuve Chapelle. They +<span class='pageno' id='Page_224'>224</span>had been very exposed and subjected to a ceaseless fire +from big and light guns, in addition to machine-guns and +rifles, and nearly 600 casualties resulted. Some of the +units became much disorganised and broken up, but in +Brigadier-General Strickland they fortunately possessed a +commander whom no losses could deter. I remember well +his quiet verbal description of the whole incidents, and his +unfaltering faith in his Brigade, happen what might. +Included in this was his own battalion of Manchesters, a +model Corps.</p> + +<p class='c013'>At 8.30 <span class='fss'>P.M.</span>, 11th March, the situation was as follows:</p> + +<ul class='index'> + <li class='c016'><span class='sc'>Meerut Division.</span>—At original Report Centre at Vieille Chapelle. + <ul> + <li><i>Dehra Dun Brigade.</i>—Marching back to La Couture.</li> + <li><i>Garhwal Brigade.</i>—Holding line gained on the first day.</li> + <li><i>Bareilly Brigade.</i>—Holding original line on the Rue du Bois.</li> + </ul> + </li> + <li class='c016'><span class='sc'>Lahore Division.</span>—Headquarters at La Couture. + <ul> + <li><i>Ferozepore Brigade.</i>—South of Lestrem.</li> + <li><i>Jalandar Brigade.</i>—Vicinity of Rue des Berceaux.</li> + <li><i>Sirhind Brigade.</i>—In Neuve Chapelle.</li> + </ul> + </li> +</ul> + +<p class='c013'>During the night Neuve Chapelle was heavily bombarded +by the enemy.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The Jalandar Brigade did not long remain in their new +situation, as at midnight they were warned to be in position +by 7 <span class='fss'>A.M.</span> on 12th March, to carry out a fresh attack in +conjunction with the Sirhind Brigade.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Before relating the story of this advance I must tell of +a great counter-attack made by the enemy. About 5.30 +<span class='fss'>A.M.</span> on the morning of 12th March, as darkness began to +give place to light, the Germans launched an attack, which +covered the whole front of the Garhwal Brigade and partially +enveloped its right. Preceded by a heavy shell-fire on +Roomes trench and almost immediately after on the +Crescent and Port Arthur, the massed enemy came on. +The 5th and 18th Brigades R.F.A. soon found their targets, +and masses of Germans were literally mown down by their +fire and that of every rifle and machine-gun in the vicinity. +The garrison of the “Orchard” also opened fire. The +waves came on until within 100 yards of our trenches, +when they melted away, leaving many hundreds of dead +<span class='pageno' id='Page_225'>225</span>and more wounded strewing the ground in front of the +Brigade. On this day the Indian troops had a real taste +of killing, and a sepoy said to me, “It was like a hot-weather +dust storm in India and looked as if it must pass +over us; but at the very moment of reaching us it was as +if a fierce rain had suddenly extinguished it.”</p> + +<p class='c013'>Captain Lodwick, 2/3rd Gurkhas, the machine-gun +officer of the Garhwal Brigade, was awarded the D.S.O. +for personal bravery and the manner in which he had used +his massed guns.</p> + +<p class='c013'>On the right of the 1/39th the Germans tried to work +up the trenches and eventually came into the open; here +they again met with a tempest of fire and were literally +wiped out. Lieut. Mankelow, machine-gun commander of +this battalion, was in great measure responsible for their +repulse. He was awarded the Military Cross.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The enemy consisted of various units of the 6th Bavarian +Reserve Division and troops from the XIXth Corps, who +had been rushed up from Roubaix and hastily pushed into +the counter-attack. Another attempt made by them +about 9 <span class='fss'>A.M.</span> was also repulsed.</p> + +<p class='c013'>At 7.15 <span class='fss'>A.M.</span>, 12th March, Captain J. Inglis, 2nd Black +Watch, had by a very smart local attack from the Crescent +rushed and captured seventy prisoners.</p> + +<p class='c013'>During the 11th-12th March, the 2/8th Gurkhas were +employed in carrying ammunition from the Brigade reserve +to forward depots in close proximity to the trenches. +General Blackader reported that this duty was admirably +performed under heavy shell-fire. I am glad to record +this here, as this battalion had met with very ill-luck +immediately it entered the war zone in October 1914, and +was again in September to go through a thrilling experience, +one which practically destroyed it but has perpetuated its +name.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Another instance of the shortage of war material in +those days I can recall. The 4th Londons, when pushed +up on one occasion to replace the 41st Dogras, had to +move up into the trenches without telephones or operators, +and communications had to be maintained by orderlies +alone.</p> + +<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' id='Page_226'>226</span>By 6.10 <span class='fss'>A.M.</span>, 12th March, headquarters of the Jalandar +Brigade were established in Neuve Chapelle, and units +gradually arrived there. As already told, they had suffered +very heavy losses, and it speaks well for these gallant officers +and men that, with nearly 600 killed and wounded out of +2600 actually engaged, and having had to take their punishment +whilst in a semi-passive state themselves, they were +ready, nay eager, for the attack which was now at hand.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The final orders to the Meerut Division had been issued +at 3 <span class='fss'>A.M.</span> on 12th, directing the attack on the Bois du Biez +to be resumed at 11 <span class='fss'>A.M.</span>; the Jalandar and Sirhind +Brigades of the Lahore Division being placed at the disposal +of General Anderson.</p> + +<p class='c013'>It will be readily understood by all soldiers that in a +battle of this nature the mixing up of brigades and their +transfer temporarily from one division to another, was +unavoidable. The objective remained almost always the +same; the Divisional Headquarters were more or less +fixed, and the necessity of relieving tired units was imperative, +and so long as the objective had not been obtained +it was essential that unity of command should not be +broken. Later in the battle, as will be seen, the main +attack was placed under General Keary’s orders, who by +that time had his whole Division (Lahore) under his own +command.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The combined attack of these two Brigades was made +under the orders of Brigadier-General Walker, V.C., Indian +Army, then in command of the Sirhind Brigade. He was +an old 4th Gurkha officer, had served his life with that +race of men, and wore the Victoria Cross for conspicuous +gallantry in Somaliland.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The formations ordered were as follows. The attack was +to be made on a two-brigade front, Sirhind on the right, with +the 1st Highland Light Infantry and the 1/4th Gurkhas in +front line, and the 1/1st Gurkhas and 15th Sikhs in support. +The Jalandar Brigade on the left of the Sirhind had on its +own left the 1st Manchesters, in touch with the 25th Brigade, +8th Division, Fourth Army Corps; next on the right was +the 47th Sikhs, fine fighters always; and on the right of +all, the remnants of the Suffolks and 59th Rifles; leaving +<span class='pageno' id='Page_227'>227</span>no troops to form a Brigade reserve. The frontage allotted +to the Brigade made a total of about 900 yards.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The hour for the attack had been fixed for 11 <span class='fss'>A.M.</span>, but +an order from the First Army postponed it for two hours, +on account of the difficulties of registration due to the +misty atmosphere.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Bavarian prisoners of the 16th and 21st Regiments +who had surrendered, stated that the enemy in the Bois +du Biez had been strongly reinforced that morning; +however, Germans kept coming in all day and surrendering +in small parties; they stated they had had no food, and +looked cold and hungry.</p> + +<p class='c013'>I several times personally interviewed German prisoners +during my year in France, but I seldom came across the +truculent specimens one reads of; most of those I saw +appeared very glad to be on the British side of the trenches, +and of one, at least, after this battle, I have an amusing +story to tell.</p> + +<p class='c013'>About 11 <span class='fss'>A.M.</span>, 12th March, the Brigadier received a +report from one of his battalions, the 4th Suffolks, that +this unit then consisted of but 140 rank and file, and at +the same time the 59th Rifles reported a total strength of +125 men. The shortage had been caused largely by the +casualties both battalions had suffered, but also by the +fact that many of the men were wandering about dazed +by the intense shell-fire, and unable to follow their units. +Some gradually rejoined, but meantime, as the hour for +the attack was nearing, Strickland was obliged to readjust +his formations, reducing frontage and bringing his reserve +battalion, the 59th Rifles, into the first line, thus dispensing +with a Brigade reserve altogether.</p> + +<p class='c013'>No reserve! and two battalions numbering 270 men +between them: the Corps was often expected to make +bricks without straw. This reminds me of a native of +India who once explained to me, that the reason why the +old Mogul emperors used very small bricks for all the +monuments round Delhi, was that they cost less than large +ones. Perhaps he was thinking of the Government of +modern India.</p> + +<p class='c013'>At 1 <span class='fss'>P.M.</span>, 12th March, it was reported that the attack +<span class='pageno' id='Page_228'>228</span>of the 25th British Brigade on our left had progressed 100 +yards. Just previously about a hundred Germans hurried +across from their lines and surrendered. By 2.10 <span class='fss'>P.M.</span> the +Jalandar Brigade was held up, as it found itself in advance +of the British Brigade on its left, and was now under a +severe enfilade and oblique fire from machine-guns and +rifles.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Nevertheless, some 200 yards had been gained, but +any further advance became impossible, as the left flank +was entirely exposed to a hail of bullets. The right of the +Brigade made slightly more progress, but to no appreciable +extent. In two lines the Manchesters pushed through a +heavy fire and reached our most advanced positions, losing +considerably <i>en route</i>.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The 47th Sikhs, next on the right, advanced with their +usual stoicism. Six British officers were wounded in quick +succession, but the officers of this good Khalsa regiment +feared nothing; perhaps more caution was needed (?) but +praise be to God, such men are not uncommon in the +Indian Army. Subadar Harnam Singh and Captain A. M. +Brown were killed. The I.O.M. was the award of two +gallant men, Sepoy Rur Singh and Havildar Gajjan Singh. +The Subadar was posthumously awarded the Order of +British India.</p> + +<p class='c013'>In the 59th Rifles the C.O., Lieut.-Colonel Eliott-Lockhart, +was wounded whilst moving up to the trenches, +and died of his wounds. He had done his service in that +fine corps the Guides, and had only recently got his new +command. He was one of the most refined, gallant, and +attractive men you could meet. In him we lost a tower +of strength, and his battalion deeply felt the blow. Captains +P. Hore and T. Reed shared the fate of their colonel. The +first-class Order of Merit (a very rare decoration) was +conferred on Sepoy Zarif Khan. I knew Zarif well.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The 4th Suffolks on the two days 11th and 12th March +lost Captain S. Garrett, Lieut. H. Row, and twenty-six men +killed, while four officers and 174 other ranks were wounded. +When I first saw the Territorial battalions which were +sent to the Corps, I wondered how they would get on with +Indians. After their very first fights, wherever they took +<span class='pageno' id='Page_229'>229</span>place, I ceased to wonder. I then knew very well, for there +is no one the sepoy more quickly likes than a fighting +Englishman, and he found them in plenty.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The attack of the Sirhind Brigade was made with two +battalions in front line, 1/4th Gurkhas and 1st Highland +Light Infantry, supported by 15th Sikhs and 1/1st Gurkhas, +the last in reserve. The 4th Liverpools were held in hand +for any special work.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The H.L.I. swept over the open ground, nor stayed their +advance until they were in the German trenches after a +sharp bayonet duel, capturing nearly 200 prisoners. The +losses of this battalion at Neuve Chapelle were very heavy. +Of the officers eight were killed, five wounded, and among +other ranks there were 240 casualties. Sergeant-Major +A. G. House and a few N.C.O.’s and men were awarded +Distinguished Conduct Medals, and they were indeed well +earned. I mentioned six officers in my despatch, but was +unfortunate in not being able to procure any rewards to +mark their gallantry, although I made every effort to do so. +Of these Captain W. Stewart had already been awarded +the D.S.O. at Givenchy in December 1914.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The 4th Gurkhas did not have full opportunity on this +occasion of showing their mettle, but in the performance +of very gallant deeds Major D. Young was killed, and +Rifleman Wazir Sing Burathoki and Jemadar Gangabir +Gurung earned the I.O.M. Captain Collins was awarded +the D.S.O. for conspicuous bravery, when with his company +he rushed a German trench, accounting for a large number +of prisoners, besides many killed.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The 1/1st Gurkhas lost their Adjutant, Captain G. S. +Kennedy, and suffered a total of seventy casualties.</p> + +<p class='c013'>In the 15th Sikhs an old comrade of mine, Subadar +Gajjan Singh, was killed.</p> + +<p class='c013'>In writing the story of any action in which one has +been in command of a part of the attacking troops, it is +only natural to try and confine criticism to one’s own +restricted front; but in order to explain matters it is also +necessary to refer to those who were co-actors in the drama. +In this battle there is no sort of doubt that the advance of +the Indian Corps, after the initial success in rushing our +<span class='pageno' id='Page_230'>230</span>objectives in Neuve Chapelle, was severely handicapped +by the inability of the Eighth British Division of the Fourth +Corps to make more rapid progress. All I know is that the +most gallant attempts to advance of the Brigade on our +immediate left, after the capture of the ground gained in +their first assault, proved unavailing; and in consequence, +for long hours, running even into days, we were unable to +push our advantage.</p> + +<p class='c013'>This is not the opinion of one person, but the verdict +of every Brigadier of the Indian Corps engaged in this part +of the battlefield; explicit reports which I have in my +possession give the exact hours in explanation of my +statement.</p> + +<p class='c013'>It was a pity it was so, for had the troops on our left +been able to push on, the First Army might have made a +greater success of Neuve Chapelle than it turned out to be, +and it is well to point out that the Indian Corps, during +its year in France, did occasionally carry out its instructions, +but did not always receive the credit in its own Army. +Read the remarks of First Army attached to the Order of +the Day issued by the Commander-in-Chief after Neuve +Chapelle, and compare it with similar Orders of later times. +But the Indian Corps had not come from the Dominions! +Did the words “British soldiers” include Indians? I +wonder.</p> + +<p class='c013'>It was different with the Commander-in-Chief, who +did us the honour of specifically mentioning the “Indian +Corps” by name in his despatch of 5th April 1915.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The only comment made to me by the First Army +Commander regarding the battle was, that if the Brigadier +in front of the Bois du Biez had been a tactician, he would +never have left the wood once he had gained a footing in +it. Perhaps his vast experience since those early days +may make him take a more lenient view of our shortcomings +in 1915. In any case that same Brigadier rose to the rank +of Lieutenant-General in France.</p> + +<p class='c013'>To resume my story. At 4.40 <span class='fss'>P.M.</span> on the 12th March +General Strickland was informed by Walker that there +would be another artillery bombardment from 5 to 5.15 +<span class='fss'>P.M.</span>, at which hour the infantry would again attack.</p> + +<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' id='Page_231'>231</span>During this period the O.C. 47th Sikhs reported that +his unit then consisted of but five British and seven Indian +officers, and about 130 men “as far as he could ascertain”; +whilst the Manchesters reported the battalion as “very +much reduced.”</p> + +<p class='c013'>By 5.45 <span class='fss'>P.M.</span> on the 12th it was rumoured that the +Sirhind Brigade had reached the Layes river, and it was +enjoined on all units that the attack should be carried out +“vigorously,” as the British Brigade on our left was to +assault at the same hour. For various reasons the bombardment +did not take place, in fact, till later, and at 6.5 +<span class='fss'>P.M.</span> the Jalandar and Sirhind Brigades made their attempt +to advance. Meantime, General Keary, commanding the +Lahore Division, had taken over all the troops of his +Division, and issued orders for the capture of the Bois du +Biez “at all costs.” Still no advance was made on our +left, and after covering a very short distance the forward +rush was again stayed by the deadly oblique and machine-gun +fire from the German trenches. Casualties were +accumulating, and the wearied troops were getting done +up after their trials of two whole days without rest.</p> + +<p class='c013'>However, I received fresh orders at 7.20 <span class='fss'>P.M.</span> for an +attack by the whole of the Lahore Division. Without +going into details which would interest no one, these +orders were found to be impracticable during the hours +of darkness, over unknown ground, and I most reluctantly +felt obliged to hold them in abeyance. I feel sure the +G.O.C. First Army when he found what the situation really +was, agreed with my decision. At 10 <span class='fss'>P.M.</span> orders were +received to suspend further forward operations and to +consolidate our gains. The Jalandar Brigade was withdrawn +to the Rue de Berceaux, where it had already once +moved back the previous day.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The battle was fought and won. We had not done all +that was hoped for; we had not captured the Aubers +Ridge (nor did we succeed in doing so until three years +later), but as far as the Corps was concerned we had shown +that Indians will face any enemy.</p> + +<p class='c013'>How changed are some of our notions regarding the +enemy, and how different became our orders as the war +<span class='pageno' id='Page_232'>232</span>went on, from those which prevailed before Neuve Chapelle. +I recall how, after a conference held before the battle, I left +with the impression that Army Headquarters would shortly, +in all probability, be advanced some miles. Places were +named; the <i>moral</i> of the Germans was placed at a low +ebb; and perhaps to encourage all ranks, perhaps because +the higher authorities really believed it, the general impression +left on me was that the Hun was on the eve of +receiving a blow so severe that it would be with difficulty +he could recover. Second Ypres, Loos, the Somme, +Verdun, Amiens, and other mighty battles had not then +been fought.</p> + +<p class='c013'>As an indication I will quote only one message received +by me during the battle. It was issued at 3.6 <span class='fss'>P.M.</span>, 12th +March, by the First Army:</p> + +<p class='c015'>Information indicates that enemy in our front are much +demoralised. Fourth Corps and Indian Corps must push forward +at once regardless of the enemy’s fire, using reserves as may be +required. Fifth Cavalry Brigade has been ordered on Piètre. +Second Cavalry Division has been ordered up.</p> + +<p class='c013'>How often was that splendid cavalry “ordered up”; +but although always ready to do or die, the day was still +far distant when the sabre and lance could be used to +destroy the “much demoralised” enemy.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Neuve Chapelle was the biggest battle up to that time +in which Indians, as a body, had ever taken a share. It +marks the beginning of a new era in the history of that +wondrous land; it proved the solidarity of our Empire in +the East; it opened new fields to the peoples of Hindustan, +and it was a living proof of the genius of our race to weld +into one Imperial whole, people so diverse in colour, race, +and creed. Are we on the eve of undoing our own great +work? Are we, in our desire to grant equality to all and +every race, rushing towards the goal of an ultimate dissolution? +In the words of the African proverb I would +say,</p> + +<div class='lg-container-b c014'> + <div class='linegroup'> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Softly, softly, catchee monkey.</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c013'>The total casualties of the British Army in the battle +amounted to nearly 13,000 officers and men; of which +<span class='pageno' id='Page_233'>233</span>the Indian Corps sustained a loss in killed of forty-one +British and twenty-two Indian officers, 364 British and +408 Indian other ranks. Wounded, ninety-one British +and thirty-six Indian officers, 1461 British and 1495 Indian +soldiers; whilst the total reported as “Missing” numbered +315. When the actual numbers engaged are calculated +it will be seen that the Indian Corps bore its full share of +the losses.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The net result of the operations was to advance the +line held by the Indian Corps by about 1000 yards at its +northern extremity, and to straighten out the dangerous +salient known as Port Arthur—a point which had always +been a considerable source of anxiety to the various Corps +who had been responsible for holding it. The losses +inflicted on the enemy by the Indian Corps amounted to +five machine-guns captured, twelve officers and 617 men +prisoners. Their losses in dead amounted to 2000 on the +front captured by the Indian Corps. After the battle I +viewed the ground to our immediate front, from a ruined +tower near the trenches, and in places it was thick with +bodies.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Every Brigadier engaged brought prominently to notice +the excellent spirit that had prevailed throughout all ranks, +and it was a great pleasure to me to visit every unit, +combatant and non-combatant, that had in any degree +shared in winning our first Indian offensive victory. The +delight of the men was very visible, and the toils and +hardships of the long weary winter were soon effaced.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Of the units engaged, some I have not so far in this book +particularised. The 41st Dogras was serving its maiden +campaign. Raised at Jalandar in 1900, by an old brother +officer of my own, as the 41st (Dogra) Regiment of Bengal +Infantry, the battalion received its present title in 1903. +It was a class regiment, and suffered very heavy losses +only eight weeks after Neuve Chapelle.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The 107th Pioneers was originally raised in 1788, as the +4th Battalion of Bombay Sepoys. In 1900 it was turned +into a Pioneer Corps and became the 107th Pioneers in +1903. Mysore, Seringapatam, and other famous names +record its war services.</p> + +<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' id='Page_234'>234</span>The 9th Gurkhas was raised in 1817. Till 1894 it +bore the name of the Bengal Infantry in one shape or +form, but in that year became Gurkha Rifles, and its +present designation dates from 1904, in which year also +a second battalion was added. Amongst their battle +honours are Bhurtpore and Sobraon.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The 15th Lancers (Cureton’s Multanis), the Lahore +Divisional Cavalry regiment, was raised in 1858 by Captain +Cureton and was then known as the “Multani Regiment +of Cavalry,” and received its present designation in 1903. +It was composed of four squadrons of Musalmans from the +Derajat and Cis-Indus. The regiment fought in Afghanistan +1878–80.</p> + +<p class='c013'>During the fighting many acts of distinguished bravery +besides those I have described could be recorded had I +space, but a few must be mentioned. Naik Khan Zaman +of the Lahore Divisional Signalling Company was brought +to notice for his extraordinary coolness in repairing telephone +lines under very heavy fire. Lieutenant Steven, +4th Black Watch, most gallantly headed a successful +charge on a German redoubt. He received the Military +Cross. Corporal W. Gurdon of the Calcutta Volunteer +Rifles proved himself a very gallant soldier. He was +doing duty with the Meerut Signal Company and was +awarded the D.C.M. Private Duffy of the Highland +Light Infantry brought in several wounded under a very +galling fire, and received the D.C.M.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The Fourth Army Corps, which with the Indian Corps +carried out the attack on Neuve Chapelle, was then commanded +by Lieut.-General Sir Henry Rawlinson. Of all +the Corps Commanders I knew him best, and working with +him was a real pleasure. He is so straight and fearless, +two unsurpassed qualities in a great leader, and such he +has indeed proved himself in the Great War.</p> + +<div class='figcenter id001'> +<img src='images/i_b_234fp.jpg' alt='' class='ig001'> +<div class='ic002'> +<p>NEUVE CHAPELLE 10<sup>th</sup> <span class='fss'>TO</span> 13<sup>th</sup> <span class='sc'>March</span> 1915.</p> +</div> +</div> + +<div class='chapter'> + <span class='pageno' id='Page_235'>235</span> + <h2 class='c008'>CHAPTER XVII</h2> +</div> + +<p class='c012'>Neuve Chapelle will always remain a great name with +Indians, for they fought right gallantly; they fought as +a Corps, with a definite objective, and they gained a +decided victory over the highly trained army of Germany. +We were superior in numbers on the actual front attacked; +we had, it is true, a superiority in guns, and the attack +came as a complete surprise to the Huns; nevertheless, +theirs was at that time the most efficient army in the +world, flushed with success, believing itself invincible, and +professing to despise the Indian soldier. The German +race, no matter what its writers may say in the years +to come, will, so far from despising, respect the soldiers +of India, who have established for all time on the sodden +plains of Flanders and in many other theatres of the +Great War a reputation that cannot die.</p> + +<p class='c013'>On the 14th March Sir John French sent me the +following telegram:</p> + +<p class='c015'>I have cabled following to Viceroy of India. Begins. “I +am glad to be able to inform Your Excellency that the Indian +troops under Sir James Willcocks fought with great gallantry +and marked success in the capture of Neuve Chapelle and +subsequent fighting, which took place on the 10th, 11th, 12th +and 13th of this month. The fighting was very severe and +the losses heavy, but nothing daunted them; their tenacity, +courage, and endurance were admirable and worthy of the best +traditions of the soldiers of India. Message ends.” Please +make this known to the Corps under your command. Accept +yourself, and repeat to all troops, my warm and hearty appreciation +of their services and my gratitude for the help they have +<span class='pageno' id='Page_236'>236</span>rendered, which has so much conduced to the success of the +operations.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Such a generous tribute to the Indian Corps coming +from the great Field-Marshal immediately after the battle +was equal to a strong reinforcement, and his appreciation +of my own efforts was not only the highest reward I could +have received, but determined me to hold fast to my +command under any circumstances.</p> + +<p class='c013'>On the 15th March I received the following telegram +from Lord Hardinge, Viceroy of India:</p> + +<p class='c015'>“I have just received from Field-Marshal Sir John French +a telegram informing me of the great gallantry and marked +success with which the Indian troops under your command +fought in the capture of Neuve Chapelle and subsequent +operations which took place on the 10th, 11th, 12th, and 13th +of this month. Stop.” I shall be glad if you will be so good +as to convey to the Indian troops on behalf of myself, the +Commander-in-Chief, the Government, and the people of India, +our warm admiration of their gallant behaviour and our confidence +that they will ever maintain before the enemy the best +traditions of the Indian Army. Viceroy.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Naturally all ranks were very pleased, and the Indian +officers especially so.</p> + +<p class='c013'>During the battle I had ridden into the village of +Richebourg St. Vaast, and came on a company of my +old friends the Guides, just arrived as a reinforcement +from India. The village was at the time being shelled, +but our meeting was all the more opportune. I spoke to +the men and had a handshake with the Indian officers. +One of the sepoys, who had once served as my orderly +in the Peshawar Division, said as I rode down the ranks, +“General Sahib, if you are in need of an orderly I am +with you, but I must just see one <i>pukka larai</i> (real +fight) first, then I am ready to come.” The Connaught +Rangers were also in the village, and as I passed them +they raised a loud yell; it was splendid seeing the gallant +Irishmen just spoiling for a fight.</p> + +<p class='c013'>On 21st March I visited the trenches in Neuve Chapelle +and returned <i>via</i> Richebourg. The high tower of the +<span class='pageno' id='Page_237'>237</span>church had always been a great landmark for the Corps, +and as I passed it I remarked, “I wonder how much +longer it will stand.” I had not long to wait, as a few +moments later an 8-inch shell struck it fair, and our well-known +landmark disappeared.</p> + +<p class='c013'>On the 24th I was riding out to make some inspections, +when I came on a party of Japanese officers going round +the 4th Gurkhas drawn up on the side of a road. I +watched for some time, and could not but notice the +similarity of build and stature of the two races. A few +days later the veteran General Sir Partab Singh came to +see me. His visits were always most welcome, and his +advice <i>re</i> matters connected with the Indians most +valuable. He always kept a few hog spears, much the +same as cavalry lances, and used to assure me he would +never be happy until he had used one on the Boches. +His wish was probably gratified when the Jodhpore +Lancers charged the flying Turks and Germans in Palestine +in 1918.</p> + +<p class='c013'>On 28th March I inspected a motor machine-gun +battery which had been sent to the Corps. It looked +smart and workmanlike, and I felt as if England was +really waking up and meant business in earnest. My +thoughts wandered away to the very early days of the war, +and that night I earnestly prayed to God I might be +allowed to remain in the field and see the day when +the British Army would be equipped as well as and even +better than our enemies; and then, and then, alas! my +diary for this day notes: “Was on horseback all day.” +I can recall every hour of that day, for I saw a great +many units, and each one gave me signal proof of its +respect. What more could a General wish?</p> + +<p class='c013'>My horses were my great delight, and were kept fully +employed. “Arabi” and “Guide” were old Indian +friends, and recently I had added a remount. He was a +fine jumper, and if by any chance I was not using one or +all of them, my son, who was one of my A.D.C.’s, was +always ready to take them on, as well as his own. The +constant work kept us all fit, and I seldom had one sick +or sorry.</p> + +<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' id='Page_238'>238</span>My brother, who was a retired Colonel in the Indian +Medical Service and had rejoined for the war, paid me +a visit in April. He came on sanitation duty, and we +visited several of the field hospitals and billets together. +He had a very wide experience in his profession, and I +was glad to learn that he considered our sanitary arrangements +admirable. He made many valuable suggestions, +and his short stay did a lot to enliven me.</p> + +<p class='c013'>On 9th April I saw the 40th Pathans, just arrived +from China. The battalion looked splendid. The rain +came down in buckets, but I was never in happier mood; +for here was a whole battalion ready for the fray and up +to war strength: a rarity in the Corps and enough to +rejoice the heart. A fortnight later they received their +baptism of fire at the second battle of Ypres. Colonel +Rennick, their commander, fell mortally wounded, and +his last request was that his orderly might be with him +when he died. Brave man! his wish was gratified a few +hours later. 320 casualties out of a total strength of +750 made up the debt paid by the Pathans in three +days’ fighting within a month of their joining the Army +Corps.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The 40th Pathans were originally raised in 1858, and +underwent many changes of name and constitution. In +1890 they were named the 40th (Baluch) Regiment of +Bengal Infantry, and later again designated as “Pathan.” +The Corps received its present title of “40th Pathans” in +1903, and was composed of Orakzais, Afridis, Yeusafzais, +Punjabi-Musalmans, and Dogras.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Six days of peace were spent in England, and on +16th April I was back at my headquarters in Lestrem. +Sir John French inspected two of our Brigades and +Divisional troops on the 17th and 19th April, and spoke +to the men in his usual chivalrous manner. I translated +his speeches to all ranks, and the men were very pleased. +After he had left an Indian officer said to me: “The <i>jangi</i> +(war) Lord is an <i>asal</i> (real) bahadur. We cannot understand +what he says, but we can tell what he means; and +when you translate it we feel as if we had understood all +his words as he spoke.” Sir John certainly possesses the +<span class='pageno' id='Page_239'>239</span>diction which appeals to Indian soldiers, and they always +appreciated his visits.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Lieut.-Colonel Merewether, who was replacing Sir +Frederick Smith as Recording Officer with the Indian +Corps, joined us on the 21st April and we had a very +enjoyable evening. It was sad losing F. E., who had +always been a most cheery companion, and for whom I +had established a high regard, but we were fortunate in +having had him with us so long, for he is a man who will +always bear witness to the tenacity of the Indian soldiers, +and at his hands their reputation can never suffer.</p> + +<p class='c013'>After the battle of Neuve Chapelle the Indian Corps +front was assigned to the Meerut Division. On 24th +March we were moved farther north, having Neuve +Chapelle on our extreme right, and took over the frontage +of the 8th British Division; and the Meerut was relieved +at the end of the month by the Lahore Division.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Prior to this, once again, in order to make the most of +our weak Indian battalions, the Brigades of both Divisions +were readjusted as under:</p> + +<ul class='index'> + <li class='c016'>MEERUT DIVISION</li> + <li class='c016'><span class='sc'>Garhwal Brigade.</span>— + <ul> + <li>2nd Leicesters.</li> + <li>3rd Londons.</li> + <li>2/3rd Gurkhas.</li> + <li>2/8th Gurkhas.</li> + <li>The Garhwal Rifles (both battalions of the 39th having been + <ul> + <li>amalgamated owing to shortage of men).</li> + </ul> + </li> + </ul> + </li> + <li class='c016'><span class='sc'>Bareilly Brigade.</span>— + <ul> + <li>2nd Black Watch.</li> + <li>4th Black Watch.</li> + <li>41st Dogras.</li> + <li>58th Rifles.</li> + <li>125th Rifles.</li> + </ul> + </li> + <li class='c016'><span class='sc'>Dehra Dun Brigade.</span>— + <ul> + <li>1st Seaforths.</li> + <li>4th Seaforths.</li> + <li>2/2nd Gurkhas.</li> + <li>1/9th Gurkhas.</li> + <li>6th Jats.</li> + </ul> + </li> + <li class='c016'><span class='pageno' id='Page_240'>240</span><span class='sc'>Divisional Troops.</span>— + <ul> + <li>4th Cavalry.</li> + <li>107th Pioneers.</li> + <li>Sappers and Miners as before.</li> + </ul> + </li> + <li class='c016'>LAHORE DIVISION</li> + <li class='c016'><span class='sc'>Sirhind Brigade.</span>— + <ul> + <li>1st Highland Light Infantry.</li> + <li>4th King’s Liverpools.</li> + <li>1/1st Gurkhas.</li> + <li>1/4th Gurkhas.</li> + <li>15th Sikhs.</li> + </ul> + </li> + <li class='c016'><span class='sc'>Jalandar Brigade.</span>— + <ul> + <li>1st Manchesters.</li> + <li>4th Suffolks.</li> + <li>40th Pathans.</li> + <li>47th Sikhs.</li> + <li>59th Rifles.</li> + </ul> + </li> + <li class='c016'><span class='sc'>Ferozepore Brigade.</span>— + <ul> + <li>Connaught Rangers (1st and 2nd battalions amalgamated).</li> + <li>4th Londons.</li> + <li>9th Bhopals.</li> + <li>57th Rifles.</li> + <li>129th Baluchis.</li> + </ul> + </li> + <li class='c016'><span class='sc'>Divisional Troops.</span>— + <ul> + <li>15th Lancers.</li> + <li>34th Sikh Pioneers.</li> + <li>Sappers and Miners as before.</li> + </ul> + </li> +</ul> + +<p class='c013'>On 28th April I was up in the aid posts of several +units then in the trenches. The Boche, as was his usual +custom, had selected one particular spot to shell, and +was dropping them at regular intervals of time. Naturally +I avoided this particular spot, but in passing a short +distance from it I saw a sepoy carrying a load of trench +props. He appeared quite oblivious of danger, as he +deliberately walked into the ruined house that was chiefly +receiving the attention of the German gunners. As he +did so, a cloud of dust and smoke rose, timbers flew into +the air, and I thought our sepoy had taken his <i>congé</i> +from this world. I took out my glasses and watched +till the atmosphere was clear, when I saw my gallant +friend, apparently not in the least disconcerted, quietly +<span class='pageno' id='Page_241'>241</span>picking up his props, which he presently shouldered again, +and went on his way. I envied that man his cool contempt +of danger.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The Highland Division, commanded by Major-General +Bannatine-Allason, was posted to the Indian Corps and +joined us on the 2nd May. This fine Division afterwards +became the famous “Fifty-first Highland,” commonly +referred to as the “Fighting Fifty-first.” My son in the +Black Watch was with me the day I first inspected them, +and two years later was sent to them as G.S.O., and shared +in their glory at the battles near Rheims, where the Division +was sent to assist the French during the big German push +in 1918, and in the final phases of the war.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Allason had been one of my Brigade commanders in +the Peshawar Division, and it was a great joy getting so +fine a unit with us. This Division was transferred to the +Fifth Army Corps on the 31st May, but once more rejoined +us in June and remained as one of my Divisions till +24th July. Changes of Divisions were of course inevitable, +but it was always a blow when just as we were +getting to know them they were taken away.</p> + +<p class='c013'>In the same way the Eighth Division, which had fought +so fiercely on our immediate left at Neuve Chapelle, +joined the Corps on 1st June, and was again transferred, +this time to the Third Corps, on the 26th. Major-General +F. Davies was in command, and I was extremely sorry +when he was transferred to Gallipoli, where, however, he +got his chance and took it, as I knew he would do. Likewise +the 49th West Riding Division (New Army) joined +us on 31st May and left us again on 26th June.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The last Division to join the Corps was the Nineteenth +(New Army), commanded by Major-General Fasken of the +Indian Army. They arrived on the 24th July—strength, +13,400 bayonets, with their war proportion of officers, sabres, +and guns. How Great Britain was awaking to realities! +The Infantry of the entire Indian Army Corps in November +1914 did not number more than this one Division; +and as for the equipment it was an education to look +on it. The Nineteenth stayed on with the Corps and took +part in the battle near Mauquissart in September 1915.</p> + +<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' id='Page_242'>242</span>Amongst many notes and stories sent to me I extract +a few giving some experiences of officers of the Indian +Army. On one occasion a medical officer was extracting +a tooth when a small mine exploded under the trench. +He and his patient were both blown sky-high, and on his +again alighting on mother earth he was so dazed that, +holding his forceps, he ran round in circles and finally +into a brother officer’s dug-out. With the greatest indignation +he demanded: “What do you call this? War?” +“No,” replied the officer, “a joke.”—Laughter.</p> + +<p class='c013'>An officer, who had a great friend in a Gurkha regiment, +could get no news of him. One day, whilst kicking +a football it went over a low wall; he jumped over to fetch +it and landed on a grave, the cross on which showed it +was that of his friend.</p> + +<p class='c013'>During my year in France I nearly always found +that the French people were not only willing, but glad, +to have officers of the Indian Army billeted on them. +One Vicomte ——, who was at first quite annoyed when +he was told that British officers of an Indian unit were +to be quartered in his château, could not do enough for +them after a few days’ stay. With true French politeness +he followed the fortunes of the unit after they had left, +and frequently sent his card up to the trenches with +enquiries as to their welfare. Later on he sent a formal +request that all British officers who came to that neighbourhood +might be sent to him.</p> + +<p class='c013'>For cool pluck a story I was told in France of Captain +Wardell, 21st Punjabis (attached 58th Rifles), is hard to +beat. He was one day in the trenches, which were being +heavily shelled, and the men were getting somewhat +jumpy under the ordeal. He was writing, when he +suddenly discovered that his seat consisted of a bunch +of fifty bombs. Some of the men knew this, but Wardell, +in order to set a good example, pretended to make light +of it and went on writing. Such examples are worth a +lot in war.</p> + +<p class='c013'>I often recall the story of a sergeant in the Connaught +Rangers, who was so determined to let the Huns know +that that gallant Irish Corps had no respect for them, +<span class='pageno' id='Page_243'>243</span>that he crawled up one night close to their trench and +shouted: “Ye’ll not lie there and die in peace of old age +as long as I live.” What waste of energy, but what a +plucky fellow!</p> + +<p class='c013'>An officer who had been severely wounded in the head, +and carried away unconscious, woke to find himself in a +large hall with Germans, all talking. Hearing no English +he concluded he was a prisoner and proceeded to try and +crawl away, when he was relieved to hear in broad +Cockney, “Where is that officer with the ’ole in ’is ’ed?” +The Boches were prisoners.</p> + +<p class='c013'>During the battle of Neuve Chapelle a batch of German +prisoners, under escort of a few Gurkhas and Garhwalis, +were suddenly caught by the German guns; the prisoners +all lay down flat, but the escort, determined to set them an +example, stood strictly at attention. This is an authentic +story and a very good sample of legitimate pride and good +discipline.</p> + +<p class='c013'>An amusing incident occurred during the same battle. +Lieut.-Colonel Sir F. E. Smith (now Lord Chancellor), our +Recording Officer, had pulled up his horse by a roadside +and was watching some German prisoners pass escorted by +Indians. Suddenly one of the Boches rushed out of the +ranks, and going up to F. E. said: “Mr. Smeeth, oh, Mr. +Smeeth, I am so glad to see you again.” F. E., not recognising +him, asked who he was. “Oh, Mr. Smeeth, do you +not remember you saved me in (naming the law case) in +London. Well, a few days ago I was sleeping quietly +in my house when I received the order to come to the +war, and before I could realise where I was I found myself +near this horrible place, and suddenly we were fighting, +and I saw Indian soldiers right over our trench, and when +I looked back more Indian soldiers behind us; and I +looked along our trench and saw all our soldiers throwing +away their arms, and so, Mr. Smeeth, not wishing to be +in any way peculiar, I also threw down my arms, and so, +Mr. Smeeth, here I am. Oh! save me again.” Lucky +fellow to have been taken prisoner so early in the war. +Saved him a lot of trouble and discomfort.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The craze for souvenirs in the early days of the war +<span class='pageno' id='Page_244'>244</span>was remarkable. After Neuve Chapelle, German helmets +could be had for the asking, but shortly after ridiculous +prices were being demanded for them. An officer of an +Indian unit relates how he saw a big British soldier with +a horribly smashed leg come crawling round the end of +the trench on threes, with a German helmet hanging +from his mouth by its strap. As he neared the officer the +wounded man yapped at him, “Got my souvenir, sir.”</p> + +<p class='c013'>The 39th Garhwal Rifles was a remarkably smart and +clean regiment. An officer of another Indian battalion +told me that the most impressive sight he saw at Neuve +Chapelle was a dying British officer being carried by +four Garhwali soldiers through all the turmoil, confusion, +and firing with a quietness and tenderness that astonished +him. He added, “and they looked so smart and clean.”</p> + +<p class='c013'>The Indians at this battle were much impressed by +the dash and bearing of the 3rd Londons. One of them +said to me: “What is this they are saying, that untrained +regiments can fight as well as trained ones. You always +told us in India that without long and hard training we +should be of no use in battle. Why is it that this London +<i>paltan</i> (regiment) can fight so well.” I said, trying to +look wise: “They come from London and you from +Lahore; there lies the difference. Think it out, my +friend.”</p> + +<p class='c013'>I know no one who is more susceptible to good +example than the Indian soldier. At one time we were +billeted in the same village with the Guards Brigade. In +my opinion there is no body of troops in the world to +beat the Guards at anything. One day I noticed a +company of one of my Indian battalions being inspected. +It was turned out as cleanly as in pre-war days, and +I said to the Indian officers, “Your men look very smart +to-day.” They replied, “Yes, but we have been quartered +near the Guards Brigade, and although we have seen +many of your best regiments we never saw men so well +dressed and drilled, and we are following their example.”</p> + +<p class='c013'>I wrote to Lord Cavan who was in command, adding +my own testimony, and he told me he would let it be +known to all ranks.</p> + +<div class='chapter'> + <span class='pageno' id='Page_245'>245</span> + <h2 class='c008'>CHAPTER XVIII</h2> +</div> + +<p class='c012'>On the 22nd April 1915 I visited the town of Ypres, as +a guest of General Alderson, commanding the Canadian +Division. From his Headquarters I went on to Potijze, +and from a tower close by scanned the country towards +the German lines. From that same tower six days later +the G.O.C. Lahore Division was (after a forced march +northwards to help our imperilled line) directing the operations +of his Division against the first German gas attack. +I had long hoped that the Indian Corps might be moved +north from the slimy dead level flats opposite Neuve +Chapelle, and as this day I surveyed the rolling country +north of Wieltje, and on my return journey about St. +Eloi, I determined to make a request to Sir John French +to give us a much-needed change. Had I succeeded I +feel quite sure all ranks would have been delighted at +the prospect, more especially the Gurkhas and Pathans. +For here were real hills, valleys, and woods, and not only +pestiferous bogs and almost treeless fields; but fate +ordained otherwise. We were to remain on in our old +hateful haunts to the end. At one time the Commander-in-Chief +actually asked me if I would like a change up +towards Nieuport, but it came to nothing for some +reason.</p> + +<p class='c013'>And yet in a degree my wish was to be gratified, for +even as I gazed on the German lines the Boche was preparing +for an immediate attack, the first with his loathsome +gas; and whilst I was motoring round this attack +had begun, over the same ground I had looked across. +Next day I received orders to hold the Lahore Division +in readiness to move, and on the following morning General +<span class='pageno' id='Page_246'>246</span>Keary and his troops were <i>en route</i> to take part in the +second bloody battle of Ypres.</p> + +<p class='c013'>As I look over my diary the names of numerous places, +which had become as familiar to me as London streets, +recur again and again, and when in 1918 the Huns made +their great attack on the Lys and as far as the Nieppe +forest, there was little need to refer to the map; I felt +as if I was back in my old haunts, nor could any map +have helped me to take in the situation, so clear did it +all appear. But I was not there. Alack! I was home +on a month’s leave in 1919 and spent two days in going +over all the old haunts—two happy, sad days.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Next day I applied to the First Army to be allowed +to run north during the battle and see my absent Division, +but permission was refused. My Corps was now entirely +split up and I could easily have been spared for a few +hours, but of course I could not go, and the remarks in +my diary are not fit for publication.</p> + +<p class='c013'>After a very fatiguing march of thirty-one miles, the +Lahore Division arrived at Ouderdom on the 25th April. +It is as usual not my intention to describe the events +which led up to this battle. The Germans trusted to the +use of gas, a new feature in war, to break through our +line and to capture Ypres. So unexpected was any such +method of attack that the French Colonial Division, on +which the brunt fell, was perforce obliged to abandon its +front, and in so doing exposed the left flank of the Canadian +Division on its right. The Canadians drew back their left, +retiring on St. Julien with extraordinary steadiness and +gallantry. The Huns meantime rushed over the vacated +ground, killing and slaughtering the helpless victims of +their devilish devices. After heavy fighting and attempts +at counter-attack, by the evening of 24th April our +advanced lines had retired to between St. Julien and +Fortuin. Notwithstanding every effort on our part, the +effect of the gas had done its work, but there was one +thing the Germans had not as usual calculated on, as far +as the Canadian Division was concerned, and that was +that their foe consisted of men of the Anglo-Saxon race, +and Canadian soldiers cannot be defeated by any enemy. +<span class='pageno' id='Page_247'>247</span>The Huns had had their turn, the day was not far distant +when they would be hoist with their own petard.</p> + +<p class='c013'>By the 25th April the attack had been checked in +some degree in the vicinity of St. Julien, and the following +day brings us to the date on which the Lahore Division +joined in to help stem the tide. Shortly the orders of +the Second Army (under which the Division now found +itself) were, that it was to be used in co-operation with +the French, and on their right, in an attack in a north +or north-east direction from about St. Jean. The actual +time was to depend on that fixed by the French to deliver +their attack.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The following extract from a letter from the Chief of +Staff, Second Army, to Major-General Keary will explain +the situation:</p> + +<p class='c015'>25th April. The Army Commander is determined not to +commit your Division to the area east of Ypres until he is sure +that the French plans have matured.... You will only be able +to make an attack on a front of two Brigades with a Brigade +in support.... Sir Horace (Smith-Dorrien) would not wish the +Division to press forward unless the French on your left had +already done so.</p> + +<p class='c013'>These directions were clear and left no room for doubt +and uncertainty. The Ypres-Langemarck road was to +be the dividing line between the French right and the +Lahore Division’s left; whilst the Lahore right would be +in touch with the Fifth Corps to the east.</p> + +<p class='c013'>On the 26th April the Division marched as ordered: +two batteries of Artillery and the Ferozepore and Sirhind +Brigades by the road north of Ypres, and the Jalandar +Brigade by the railway south of Ypres. A certain number +of casualties occurred from shell-fire during the march, +especially in the 40th Pathans, who lost 25 men from +a single shell. It is on record that in this their first +experience of shell-fire the Battalion showed no signs of +uneasiness, but closed ranks and moved on steadily. The +head of the Jalandar Brigade reached a position of readiness +just south of Wieltje at 10.30 <span class='fss'>A.M.</span> The Ferozepore +Brigade, finding better cover at La Brique than south-east +<span class='pageno' id='Page_248'>248</span>of St. Jean, went into a position of assembly there, arriving +about 9.45 <span class='fss'>A.M.</span> The Sirhind Brigade arrived north-west +of Potijze about 11 <span class='fss'>A.M.</span></p> + +<p class='c013'>It had been arranged that the C.R.A., Fifth Corps, +would support the advance with all the batteries west of +the canal; and as the enemy’s defensive line could only +be conjectured, two Canadian 18-pounder and one howitzer +battery, in addition to one howitzer and one 18-pounder +battery of the Lahore Division, were assigned to the two +attacking Brigades: a very useful support. The advance +of the Lahore Division, which was echeloned a little in +rear, was ordered for 2 <span class='fss'>P.M.</span>, in order to come level with +the French, who were to move five minutes later.</p> + +<p class='c013'>On the march to La Brique of the Ferozepore Brigade +(General Egerton), Captain Acworth, 55th Rifles (the same +officer who had assisted the 1/39th Garhwalis in their +night attack on 23rd November 1914), was wounded, as +also was Lieut.-Colonel Murray, Connaught Rangers—a +man who was justly proud of his regiment. In the 4th +King’s Liverpools 2nd Lieutenant Lydden was mortally +wounded.</p> + +<p class='c013'>In order to reach a point from which the assault could +be delivered the Brigades had to cross some 1500 yards +of open shell-swept ground. They were therefore deployed +on an east and west line through Wieltje, the right resting +on a farm and the left on the Ypres-Langemarck road. +The Division was to cover 1000 yards of front.</p> + +<p class='c013'>From the position of deployment the Brigades were to +advance under cover of a bombardment by all the guns +available. The order of advance was as under:</p> + +<p class='c015'>Right attack.—Jalandar Brigade. Frontage, 500 yards. +1st Manchesters, 40th Pathans, with 47th Sikhs on the left. +Second line—59th Rifles, 4th Suffolks, following right and left +battalions.</p> + +<p class='c015'>Left attack.—Ferozepore Brigade. 129th Baluchis, 57th +Rifles with Connaught Rangers on the left and nearest the +French. Behind the Connaughts the 4th Londons were in +support, and the 9th Bhopals were in reserve.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The attack started punctually and moved forward +<span class='pageno' id='Page_249'>249</span>unchecked, but losing heavily from shell-fire. During the +advance the Jalandar Brigade inclined to its left, and +pressed the left of the Ferozepore Brigade across the +Langemarck road. After crossing a crest north of the +road the troops came under a very heavy rifle and machine-gun +fire, and there was a tendency for units to bunch +behind farm buildings or other cover. But the line held +on, and the Manchesters on the right, together with +portions of three battalions of the Ferozepore front line +(Connaught Rangers, 129th Baluchis, 57th Rifles), all +reached the close proximity of the German trenches about +2.15 <span class='fss'>P.M.</span>; the 40th Pathans and the 47th Sikhs on the +left of the Manchesters getting within fifty yards of the +trenches also.</p> + +<p class='c013'>In the Manchesters Lieutenant G. B. Roberts was +mortally wounded. In this battalion the casualties were +heavy, as indeed was inevitable from the nature of the +country and the fiery zeal with which they always advanced. +Before midnight they included Lieut.-Colonel Hitchins, the +gallant C.O., killed, of whom it may fairly be said, he lived +for his regiment.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The Victoria Cross was awarded to Corporal Issy +Smith for his conspicuous bravery in advancing towards +the enemy in the face of heavy rifle and machine-gun +fire to help a severely wounded comrade. He managed +to carry and drag him in, a distance of 250 yards, under +a hail of bullets. Not content with this he later assisted +in bringing in several other wounded men. An Indian +officer in telling the story said: “Issy Smith has a +V.C. face.” Their remarks are sometimes very apposite. +Several Distinguished Conduct Medals were also won by +N.C.O.’s and men.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The Manchesters at Ypres had just under 300 casualties. +The casualties of the 59th Rifles, in support of the Manchesters, +totalled 4 British officers and 60 others.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The 40th Pathans advanced rapidly. Lieut.-Colonel +Rennick, the C.O., was mortally wounded and died the +same evening. I had known him for many years; his +military life was centred in his officers and men. How +fast the old Indian “Contemptibles” were disappearing!</p> + +<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' id='Page_250'>250</span>The story of the 40th Pathans is the story of the oft-repeated +bravery of the various units composing the Army +Corps. I would that I could find space to tell them all, +it would be a joy to do so, but each battalion, battery, +and other formation would need a pamphlet to itself. +Through the leaden tornado officers and men ploughed +their way, ever nearing the goal; whilst on the right, +on the left, and centre were being performed deeds which +will oft be told in far-off Hindustan. When the historian +of future Russia describes what the Russian Medal of +St. George was awarded for in the days of the now defunct +Czar, he will have cause to feel that it was never better +bestowed than on a heroic sepoy, by name Muktiara, +who, scorning all danger, brought up his machine-gun +over 250 yards, after all his comrades had been mown +down.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Captain Christopher was killed, as also was Major +Perkins, when almost in the German trenches. Captain +Dalmahoy with six wounds fought to the very last, and +brave Lieutenant Adams, in the attempt to save him, was +himself badly wounded. Captain Waters was dangerously +wounded. Twenty British and Indian officers in all were +killed and wounded. Subadar Jahandad Khan (killed) +and Jemadar Lehna Singh were awarded the I.O.M. The +Pathans recorded a casualty list of 320 of all ranks.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The 47th Sikhs on the left of the 40th once again +dyed red the banner of the Khalsa. Of 420 bayonets all +told who started the fight but 92 unwounded remained +when the carnage of second Ypres was over. Every +British officer save one, Lieutenant A. E. Drysdale, was +killed or wounded during the early stages of the battle. +Major Talbot, Captains Scott and Cook, and Lieutenant +Allardice were killed. Drysdale received the Military +Cross.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The 4th Suffolks, who advanced in rear of the 47th +Sikhs, suffered a loss during the battle of 3 killed, whilst +6 officers and 20 other ranks were wounded and missing.</p> + +<p class='c013'>And whilst the right Brigade was doing its part the +Ferozepore Brigade on the left was grimly endeavouring +to reach the same goal. The 129th Baluchis pushed up +<span class='pageno' id='Page_251'>251</span>to within 300 yards of the Hun trenches, with a casualty +list of 230 of all ranks. Major Hannyngton, the C.O., was +awarded the D.S.O.; Sepoy Raji Khan gained the I.O.M., +and Sepoy Ghulam Hussein of the 124th Baluchis (attached) +won the I.D.S.M. for bringing Major Holbrooke, who was +lying wounded, into safety through a heavy fire and gas +fumes.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The 57th Rifles, under the cheery Major Willans, the +centre battalion of the Brigade, with the dogged determination +of that distinguished Corps, reached to within +ninety yards of the German defence. Willans was wounded +during the advance, together with two officers, whilst Major +Duhan, Captain Mackie, Subadar Badawa Singh, and +Jemadar Kirpa Singh were killed near the enemy trenches.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Here too fell Captain P. d’A. Banks of the Guides +(attached 57th), an officer of particular and varied attainments, +and one who was marked out for distinction. His +orderly, Bhan Singh, to whom I was talking four days +previously, notwithstanding a severe wound he had +received, carried Banks through a storm of bullets until +he fell from overstrain, but some mark of his officer he +must retain, and being unable to do more, he took off +his accoutrements and brought them back. Just like the +Guides!</p> + +<div class='lg-container-b c014'> + <div class='linegroup'> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>A glorious tale indeed to tell, their children sing to-day.</div> + <div class='line'>For each recruit the Guides e’er need, full ten are on the way,</div> + <div class='line'>To join the ranks, to don the drab, to bear the arms of pride,</div> + <div class='line'>To march behind the Surnai’s wail, or listen to the battle tale,</div> + <div class='line'>To stand erect at tap of drum, and breathe the air the bagpipes hum,</div> + <div class='line in26'>And say, “I am a Guide.”</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c013'>Bhan Singh received the I.D.S.M. and later the Russian +medal of St. George. Willans received a D.S.O., and +Lieutenant Deedes (gassed) the M.C. Naik Atma Singh +gained the I.O.M.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Lieutenant Mein of the 55th Rifles (attached) received +a Military Cross for his gallant work. This officer throughout +the year of my command rendered most valuable service. +The 55th Coke’s Rifles of the old Frontier Force added a +still greater laurel to their records on this day. A great +friend of mine, Jemadar Mir Dast, who had won the I.O.M. +<span class='pageno' id='Page_252'>252</span>with me in the Mohmand expedition of 1908, and was +now serving with the 57th Rifles, finding that his British +officers were all killed or wounded, refused to leave his +trench when the gas forced a retirement, and there he +remained, rallying every one round him and encouraging +them to hold on. After dark, distinct orders reached him +to retire, but he only did so slowly, collecting any stray +men he could find. In assisting to bring in a number of +disabled officers he was himself wounded, but lived to +wear the Victoria Cross. The I.O.M. was conferred on +Havildar Mangal Singh of the 57th Rifles.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The 57th at Ypres suffered a total of 270 casualties, +including 3 British and 3 Indian officers killed.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The Connaught Rangers, who were on the extreme left, +and hence next to the French Division (as they had been +on the extreme right at Givenchy in December 1914), came +under a fierce fire as they topped the ridge, but pushed on +to within 120 yards of the German lines. Corporal Flynn +gained the Médaille Militaire. Sergeant Coldwell, who +had already won the D.C.M., was awarded the Russian +Cross of St. George, whilst several N.C.O.’s and men were +gazetted for the Medal of St. George. Fifteen out of +twenty officers present and 350 out of 900 other ranks +were returned on the casualty roll; three officers were +killed.</p> + +<p class='c013'>I have a vivid recollection of my good friends the +Connaught Rangers on many occasions during my year of +command. Not the least pleasant was one at Orleans on +the way up to the Flanders front when I had occasion to +speak to the battalion somewhat roughly regarding a +certain matter. Having exhausted my wrath, I was leaving +the parade when I heard, “Three cheers for the ‘Giniral,’” +and then followed three such lusty cheers as I shall never +forget. The French liaison officer who had been waiting +on his horse a short distance away said to my A.D.C., “I +suppose the General has been telling them something they +like.” Irish soldiers are the salt of the earth, and they +never resent anything so long as it is fair and square.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The 4th Londons, who had followed the Rangers, lost +two men killed and an officer and ten men wounded.</p> + +<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' id='Page_253'>253</span>About this time the Huns turned on asphyxiating gas +in great quantities. It was of a yellowish colour, and was +distinctly seen in large jets coming over the German parapet. +The gas struck the right of the French and the left of the +Ferozepore Brigade attack, which gave way. The greater +part of our line was affected by this retirement, but the +Manchesters with about 100 Connaught Rangers and +parties of other Infantry regiments, held on to their trenches. +At 2.25 <span class='fss'>P.M.</span> the Germans counter-attacked these detachments, +which were forced back some eighty yards, where +they succeeded in again entrenching themselves. The first +news received at Divisional Headquarters was a telephone +message from the Jalandar Brigade that the attack had +failed, and that troops were falling back everywhere, +together with the French. Shortly afterwards the Ferozepore +Brigade reported that the attack was held up, that +the centre of the Brigade was well up, but the French were +retiring. At 2.35 <span class='fss'>P.M.</span>, in consequence of these reports, +the Sirhind Brigade was ordered to move to La Brique to +be ready for any emergency in that direction.</p> + +<p class='c013'>When the gas first caught our bewildered troops, totally +unprepared for such devices, and forced them to retire +rapidly, such was the confusion amongst units, British, +Indian, and French, that an Indian havildar shouted out, +“<i>Khabardar, Jehannam pahunche</i>” (“Look out, we’ve +arrived in Hell”).</p> + +<p class='c013'>But even so the gates of Hell can be held by brave men, +and of such were Major Deacon of the Connaughts and +Lieutenant Henderson of the Manchesters, with many of +their own men and small parties of Indians, who held out +for many hours, unconquerable! Major Deacon as well as +Captain Ingham of the same regiment won the D.S.O., +and Henderson received a Military Cross. They were +eventually relieved by Captain Tarrant and a detachment +of the Highland Light Infantry next day, and this detachment +also held on until itself relieved on the 28th. An +heroic episode! Tarrant’s name always brings home to +me the fact that, notwithstanding the earnest endeavour +of the higher authorities to do justice to all, failure must +sometimes occur. He had served with distinction at +<span class='pageno' id='Page_254'>254</span>Givenchy and Neuve Chapelle, and at Ypres he paid the +supreme penalty, dying a glorious death. I had mentioned +him in previous despatches, and always feel how well he +(and many others) had deserved a reward.</p> + +<p class='c013'>About 3 <span class='fss'>P.M.</span>, 26th April, General Keary ordered the +Sirhind Brigade to send up the Highland Light Infantry +and 4th Gurkhas to the Jalandar Brigade, in order to +carry that Brigade forward. Meanwhile the Ferozepore +Brigade was ordered to hold on as best they could to support +the movement and if possible to gain ground. At +3.30 <span class='fss'>P.M.</span> the Ferozepore Brigade reported that the French +line was restored. This was confirmed later by a message +from the Second Army, which said that though the French +attack had failed at first, it was now pressing forward. +The Ferozepore Brigade was then ordered to push up +reinforcements to assist the two companies Connaught +Rangers who were near the German trenches.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The G.O.C. Jalandar Brigade reported that the shell +and rifle fire, especially the former, was still so heavy that +he considered it would be a useless loss of life to push +forward the Highland Light Infantry and 4th Gurkhas, +and the orders were cancelled.</p> + +<p class='c013'>News was received after 6 <span class='fss'>P.M.</span> from the Canadian +Division that the Northumberland Brigade had taken the +trenches in front of St. Julien, and that the French had +taken Lizerne. The 15th Sikhs and 4th Gurkhas were +ordered up from the Sirhind Brigade to the Ferozepore +Brigade to allow of a fresh attack being organised. At +7.45 <span class='fss'>P.M.</span> these two battalions, supported by the 9th +Bhopal Infantry, advanced under the orders of Lieut.-Colonel +Hill, 15th Sikhs, their left resting on the Langemarck +road. They reached a point about 300 yards in +front of old British trenches, discovered Major Deacon +and his gallant band, and established touch with the +Manchesters on their right and the French on their left; +but as the position of the German trenches was still +uncertain, and as no other troops showed signs of advancing, +they halted and entrenched themselves.</p> + +<p class='c013'>It is pleasant to record that amongst the D.C.M.’s +earned during this battle was one given to Sergeant +<span class='pageno' id='Page_255'>255</span>F. Birley of the Madras Volunteer Rifles, attached Motor +Cycle Corps, for sustained gallantry extending over several +days.</p> + +<p class='c013'>At 12.30 <span class='fss'>A.M.</span> on 27th April General Keary ordered +the relief of the Jalandar Brigade by the Sirhind Brigade +in the front line. On the completion of this by 3 <span class='fss'>A.M.</span> the +Ferozepore and Jalandar Brigades moved back to La +Brique, whilst the Sirhind Brigade, assisted by the 34th +Pioneers and 3rd Sappers and Miners, set to work to +strengthen the position.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Major W. Maxwell, R.E., received a D.S.O. for his +continued gallantry as C.O. of the Divisional Signal Company. +He was spoken of in terms of the very highest +praise by all who had observed his work. Four others, +N.C.O.’s and men (two British and two Indian), received +rewards for their gallant work with the same company.</p> + +<p class='c013'>On this day none of the exact locations of the German +defences were known. The Divisional Artillery had not +had time to register, nor to find good observation stations. +In consequence, the artillery fire was not sufficiently +accurate to subdue the musketry, to the degree necessary +to enable a successful attack to be carried out over the +very open ground which was the scene of the contest. +The German position ran along a ridge at the top of a +gentle slope, and the attack was fully exposed to a frontal +and enfilade fire. In addition it was subjected to the unchecked +fire of a numerous and powerful Artillery. Under +the circumstances, and notwithstanding the utmost efforts +of the gunners, the resistance could not be overcome.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Owing to the difficulty of gaining any information of +the enemy trenches, it was imperative that reconnaissances +should somehow be made by night, and whenever daring +is necessary the British officer only needs the word. The +corps of Royal Engineers keeps a large reserve of this +indispensable article in hand ready for use, and in the +persons of Captain Kisch and Nosworthy, young in years +but by this time experienced campaigners, two volunteers +were found to undertake this task. It was well carried out, +under conditions of imminent danger, and a very satisfactory +report and sketch of a large part of the German +<span class='pageno' id='Page_256'>256</span>front trenches was obtained. Kisch was wounded during +his reconnaissance, but got back safely, and for his services +in France and later in Mesopotamia was awarded the D.S.O. +Nosworthy, who was already suffering from gas poison, +was severely wounded the following day and well earned +the Military Cross he received. The information furnished +by these two officers proved of great assistance in carrying +out the operations on the following days.</p> + +<div class='chapter'> + <span class='pageno' id='Page_257'>257</span> + <h2 class='c008'>CHAPTER XIX</h2> +</div> + +<p class='c012'>At 9.30 <span class='fss'>A.M.</span>, 27th April, a copy of the French Operation +Orders was received from Second Army. From these it +became apparent that the French were to continue the +offensive both from the west and the south. From this +latter direction the Moroccan Brigade of Colonel Savy +was to attack, as before, along the west of the Langemarck +road. Arrangements for co-operating with this Brigade +were therefore put in hand. The Artillery bombardment +was timed by the French to begin at 12.30 <span class='fss'>P.M.</span> and the +assault at 1.15 <span class='fss'>P.M.</span></p> + +<p class='c013'>At 11.20 a message was received from the Second Army, +giving the intentions of the Army commander as regards +the action to be taken by the Lahore Division. In this +it was made clear that the Division was to be prepared to +take advantage at once of any advance made by the French +to gain ground; but that it was not to be committed to +the attack until the advance of the French had assured the +safety of its left flank. The Artillery of the Fifth Corps +and Lahore Division, which bore on the line of advance, +were to co-operate. The Headquarters of the 27th and +Canadian Divisional Artillery were in dug-outs close beside +that occupied by Lahore Division Headquarters at Potijze. +The following were the dispositions: Sirhind Brigade to +attack with their right on an oblong farm, and the left +along the Langemarck road. 1/4th Gurkhas on the right, +1/1st Gurkhas on the left. In support were a part of the +Highland Light Infantry and the 15th Sikhs and 4th +King’s Liverpools. The Ferozepore Brigade was to prolong +the Sirhind Brigade’s right and to move forward under +cover of the bombardment, so as to be up in line with +<span class='pageno' id='Page_258'>258</span>Sirhind Brigade at 1.15 <span class='fss'>P.M.</span> 9th Bhopals on the right, +4th Londons on the left, in touch with Sirhind’s right. +The Connaught Rangers in support, with the 57th Rifles +and 129th Baluchis in reserve.</p> + +<p class='c013'>As has already been stated, not only were many of these +units very weak before the battle, but had after the previous +day’s losses dwindled to shadows of battalions.</p> + +<p class='c013'>At 12.20 <span class='fss'>P.M.</span>, 27th April, the Ferozepore Brigade +started and their advance was systematically reported. +The Sirhind Brigade advanced before the time fixed and +by 1.15 <span class='fss'>P.M.</span>, when the bombardment ceased, the leading +battalions of this Brigade had reached the edge of some +enclosed ground on the slope towards the valley. The +heavy enfilade fire caused the 1/1st Gurkhas to swing +north-north-west to face it. The 4th Gurkhas maintained +their direction but were held up. At 1.30 <span class='fss'>P.M.</span> it was +reported to the Divisional commander that the French +were attacking to the north-west of an adjoining farm, +and though losing heavily were continuing to form a firing-line. +Our own front line was also reported as being checked +and suffering heavy loss.</p> + +<p class='c013'>In its advance the Sirhind Brigade had to pass through +heavy machine-gun and rifle fire, and casualties came fast. +Before a party of the 4th Gurkhas had reached an old farmhouse, +which they tenaciously held, the C.O., Major Brodhurst, +had been killed, and his Adjutant, Captain Hartwell, +wounded. Two other officers, Captain E. C. Lentaigne +and Lieut. C. F. Moore, were also hit. The Gurkhas, +however, held on to the farm. A Gurkha officer, Jemadar +Nain Singh Rana, was amongst the killed.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Meantime, the 1st Gurkhas rushed another farm 250 +yards from the enemy trench, which was held by a company +till dark. The greater part of the battalion, however, +was held up at some hundred yards farther back. The +Adjutant, Lieutenant St. George, was mortally wounded, +and nearly all the other British officers present were +wounded. Rifleman Ramkishan Thapa won the I.O.M. +for a particularly plucky act.</p> + +<p class='c013'>A fire fight now ensued, which continued till 4 <span class='fss'>P.M.</span>, at +which time the O.C. 4th King’s, seeing that the 4th Gurkhas +<span class='pageno' id='Page_259'>259</span>could make no progress, decided to reinforce them with +part of his battalion. The King’s advanced with great +gallantry, and, although suffering severe losses, carried the +line forward for some distance. A party under Major +Beall got to within 200 yards of the German trenches.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The advance of the 4th King’s was a very fine feat of +arms. Straight from home they had joined in the tumult +of Neuve Chapelle, and this day by their valour, which +would take no denial, had already established themselves +as a veteran battalion. Lieut.-Colonel Allen, the C.O., +was awarded the C.M.G., and Major Beall the D.S.O. A +few N.C.O.’s and men won the D.C.M. The casualties, as +was to be expected, were very heavy, 380 of all ranks, +including 2nd Lieut. Lloyd (killed), besides eight other +officers wounded.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The Ferozepore Brigade as it advanced lost heavily +from Artillery, and later from rifle fire. The attack of +this Brigade was also eventually checked.</p> + +<p class='c013'>It was at this time that Major Jamieson, 9th Bhopals, +of whom I had much to say in describing the fight before +Neuve Chapelle in the autumn of 1914, was wounded. He +was later killed in Mesopotamia. This battalion suffered +120 casualties, including Captain Etlinger, the Adjutant, +killed. The 9th Bhopals had in India paid me a very +special compliment by making me a life honorary member +of their mess, and I hope I may one day again avail +myself of the privilege.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The 4th Londons on the left of the Bhopals, keeping +touch with the advance on both flanks, moved on until +the general line of both Brigades was assimilated, when +like the others they were brought to a halt. Captain +Saunders was mortally wounded whilst engaged in reinforcing +with his company. Lieut. Coates was also killed +in the extreme front of the advance. Two N.C.O.’s who +behaved most gallantly were awarded the D.C.M., and +the M.C. was the reward of 2nd Lieut. Pyper.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The 1st Gurkhas of the Sirhind Brigade established +their line beyond four heavy French guns, which had been +abandoned, and which were thus enabled to be withdrawn +at night.</p> + +<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' id='Page_260'>260</span>An order from the Second Army directing the attack +to be pressed vigorously was received by the G.O.C. Lahore +Division at 2.40 <span class='fss'>P.M.</span>, and in order to give weight to this, +the Composite Brigade, consisting of battalions of the +Cornwall Light Infantry, York and Lancasters, West +Ridings, and Royal Lancasters, but numbering less than +1300 all told, was placed at General Keary’s disposal. +This Brigade was commanded by Colonel Tuson, and left +Potijze with orders to push forward and establish connection +with the Sirhind Brigade. If the position permitted, a +heavy bombardment was then to be carried out, prior to +a fresh assault.</p> + +<p class='c013'>At 4.25 <span class='fss'>P.M.</span>, 27th April, a report was received from +the Sirhind Brigade that their front lines were far enough +from the enemy to permit of a fresh bombardment. This +was accordingly arranged as soon as possible, and all guns +opened fire. It began at 5.30 <span class='fss'>P.M.</span>, and under its cover the +Highland Light Infantry (except a detachment who were +facing north-north-west, 100 yards from the German +trenches) and the 15th Sikhs pushed forward, but were +temporarily checked, as there was nothing behind them +to give the necessary support.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The Highland Light Infantry, however, moved on, and +eventually in order to hold its ground, when the French +Colonials on the left were once more forced back by +renewed gas attacks, the battalion entrenched itself as +best it could and held on to its position. Captain Tarrant, +of whom I have already written, and his immortal detachment +were found still occupying their isolated trench only +100 yards from the German line. Allied, British, and +Indian soldiers had been driven before the terrible gas; +shells and bullets had swept in tornadoes over them, but +nothing could discourage that noble band. The brave +commander paid for his valour with his life, but the +Highlands will long re-echo his name and treasure the +memory of those true sons of Scotland. If posthumous +rewards cannot be given under present rules, the sooner +such rules are changed to meet the exigencies of this great +war the better. Is it too late?</p> + +<p class='c013'>With Tarrant was his Company Sergeant-Major, R. Bell, +<span class='pageno' id='Page_261'>261</span>who, when a party of carriers coming up with ammunition +were literally swept away by fire, went out with a few +brave men and returned, to wear the Distinguished Conduct +Medal he so well merited.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The 15th Sikhs, the other battalion in the front line of the +Brigade, was met by severe shrapnel fire, whilst the incessant +rain of bullets of course never varied. Lieut.-Colonel C. A. +Vivian was killed. In the pages of <i>The Indian Corps in +France</i> will be found a story of this officer’s gallantry +during the very early days of the war, which I can supplement +by another instance of his keen courage. One night +in December 1914 he asked to see me and did not wish +any one else to be present. He then unfolded a plan to +disguise himself and wander into the German lines. His +intention was to gain certain information which he knew +was badly needed. He felt sure of success and said it +was well worth risking, and it was only because of the +shortage of British officers with Indian battalions that he +had come to ask permission instead of going off on his own. +He begged me not to mention the matter to any one, which, +of course, I only do now that he is no more. I had to +refuse his unselfish offer, but a few days later his restless +spirit prompted him to go through the adventure related +in the book above mentioned.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Sepoy Bakshi Singh during the advance repeatedly +performed acts of signal bravery and was awarded the +I.O.M. Major Carden, the next senior officer to Vivian, +was killed while endeavouring to save a brother officer, +Captain A. H. Muir, who had been wounded. The 15th +Sikhs during the second battle of Ypres suffered a total +of 100 casualties.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The commander of the Moroccan Brigade, who was +in close touch with the G.O.C. Sirhind Brigade, now +informed him that he would assault again at 7 <span class='fss'>P.M.</span>, 28th +April. The arrival of the Composite Brigade was expected +before that time, and arrangements for a combined assault +were carried out.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The French assault commenced punctually under cover +of heavy Artillery fire and the Sirhind Brigade moved +forward once more. Shortly after, the Moroccans were +<span class='pageno' id='Page_262'>262</span>observed streaming to the rear, but observation was difficult, +owing to the clouds of smoke and asphyxiating gas. +Suspecting a counter-attack on the left of the Brigade, the +15th Sikhs wheeled round to cover the left flank. Two +battalions of the Composite Brigade were also deployed +in the same direction, and the Brigade was then ordered +to consolidate its position. The Highland Light Infantry +and 15th Sikhs took over the front line, and the two Gurkha +battalions and the 4th King’s Liverpools were withdrawn +to reorganise. The 34th Pioneers and Sappers and Miners +were sent up to assist and the Composite Brigade was +withdrawn into reserve. By 9 <span class='fss'>P.M.</span> our Allies had gone +forward again and touch had been re-established with the +Moroccans. The deployment and advance of the Brigade +had been carried out in full view of the enemy, and during +the whole day the troops were subjected to a heavy enfilade +and Artillery fire. They had behaved with the greatest +firmness and done all that was possible to attain their +object.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The Brigadier brought to special notice the dashing +advance of the 4th King’s, and the gallantry of the company +1st Highland Light Infantry under Captain Tarrant. At +noon on 28th April the Division was placed under the orders +of Plumer’s Force, which had just been formed.</p> + +<p class='c013'>During the 28th and 29th April, various plans for an +attack by the French were arranged and the rôle of our +troops was laid down and communicated to Brigadiers, +but the attacks did not take place. By this time it was +known that the German position was a continuous line +of trenches of great strength with strong points here and +there at farms and other houses. During the night of +29th April, the Ferozepore and Jalandar Brigades were +withdrawn to Ouderdom huts under orders from Plumer’s +Force. No attack took place on the 30th April, but a +continuous bombardment was carried on, in which the +co-operation of the Canadian Artillery was specially acknowledged +by General Keary.</p> + +<p class='c013'>At 6 <span class='fss'>P.M.</span> on 30th April Colonel Savy, commanding +the Moroccan Brigade, was asked to state his intention, +and informed the G.O.C. Division that his losses had been +<span class='pageno' id='Page_263'>263</span>very heavy and that he could not attack without reinforcements. +During the early hours of the morning of +1st May a message was received from Plumer’s Force +giving the substance of a communication sent to General +Plutz, commanding the French Army of Belgium, in which +it was explained to him that the Sirhind Brigade, the only +one available, could be utilised to support the French right +in an attack on the German trench line on Hill 29, and +orders for the Artillery were issued to suit the particular +form the attack was to take, and instructions allotting their +objectives were sent to the Artillery of the Canadian and +Twenty-seventh Divisions, which were to co-operate.</p> + +<p class='c013'>A message from Plumer’s Force made it clear that +General Plutz understood that the Sirhind Brigade would +only advance to the attack in conjunction with the French, +and that their attack would not be converging. The +Brigadier reported that he would move off twenty minutes +before the French, so as to bring him level with the latter +when the assault began. The Artillery was ordered to +support this movement with a heavy fire, and at 2.50 <span class='fss'>P.M.</span> +the Brigade advanced in the following formation:</p> + +<p class='c015'>Right battalion—1/4th Gurkhas. In support 1st Highland +Light Infantry.</p> + +<p class='c015'>Left battalion—1/1st Gurkhas; with King’s Liverpools +in support. The 15th Sikhs to hold the advanced trenches.</p> + +<p class='c013'>It is on record that the Gurkhas were so overjoyed at +finding themselves for once out of a bog that they literally +tore over the rolling country until within 300 yards of the +German lines. An officer who was present, and who +afterwards went to Gallipoli, wrote to say that when his +men saw the barren hills there, they shouted, “Hurrah! at +last we shall be able to shoot on a hillside—no more snipe +<i>jheels</i> for us.” Oh! if some one who knew what many +of our Indian battalions could do (outside of eternal mire) +had given us a chance in France, even for a short spell, +what an opportunity it would have been of proving once +for all that the hillmen of India with British officers +cannot be beaten in hilly country no matter who the foe. +But the depression caused by existence in the same fetid +<span class='pageno' id='Page_264'>264</span>morass for fourteen long and blood-stained months, without +any change, was enough to turn sour the cheeriest mortal +that ever shouldered a rifle. I make bold to say that no +other Corps, Division, Brigade, or unit in France was ever +kept as long on such a narrow, cheerless front as was the +Indian Corps, nor, had they been, would they have stuck +it out any better.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The right battalion, 1/4th Gurkhas, in its rush arrived +near the farm, the vicinity of which had been the scene +of Captain Tarrant’s exploit. Here they were joined by +their supporting battalion, the Highland Light Infantry. +In this operation the rapidity of the Gurkha advance +served them well, as only some fifty casualties were recorded. +The Highlanders had eighty casualties, including 2nd Lieut. +McIntosh of the Indian Army attached to the battalion, +killed.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The 1st Gurkhas only finished their rush when but 200 +yards severed them from the German trenches—that +fateful “No Man’s Land,” so familiar to every soldier, so +dreaded by every mother and wife, the Lethean zone which +alone separated civilisation from modern barbarism; that +200 yards which was more difficult to cross than the 600 +leagues over which Xenophon retreated, or the vast +expanses Marco Polo explored. But in the ranks of the +army of Great Britain’s King the occasion always finds +the man.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Close by the German front was a trench: Who was in +it—friend or foe? Havildar Bhakat Sing Rana of the +2/4th Gurkhas, attached to the 1st battalion, offered to +solve the riddle. With a small chosen band he crept out +and, cheating death, discovered it was held by our Allies. +The Indian Order of Merit could not have been better +won.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The 1st Gurkhas had about seventy casualties in this +attack, and the supporting battalion, the 4th King’s +Liverpools, added forty-five, including Captain Lumsden +killed, and Major Beall, who had led so well a few days +previously, wounded.</p> + +<p class='c013'>I will quote from General Keary’s report, which concisely +explains the movements of the Brigade:</p> + +<p class='c015'><span class='pageno' id='Page_265'>265</span>The leading battalions, moving rapidly forward, advanced +without serious loss, and had passed before the enemy had +formed a belt of Artillery fire on the crest of the ridge on our +side of the valley, through which it subsequently became +impossible to advance. Owing to the German line being better +known by this time, and owing to the more detailed instructions +as to Artillery support, the hostile rifle fire was more effectively +kept down on this day.</p> + +<p class='c015'>The troops advanced into the front French and British +trenches. The ground between them and the German trenches +was a glacis slope, and by 5 <span class='fss'>P.M.</span> it became apparent that the +wire entanglement in front, some four yards deep, had not +been cut.</p> + +<p class='c015'>At 7 <span class='fss'>P.M.</span> the officer commanding 4th Moroccan Brigade +sent a message to say that he had decided not to attack.</p> + +<p class='c015'>Accordingly orders were issued to the Sirhind Brigade to +withdraw to the huts at Ouderdom. Ends.</p> + +<p class='c013'>During the last four days of the operations the Lahore +Divisional Artillery was chiefly employed in assisting the +French. It earned the thanks of the French Commander +for the accuracy and effectiveness of its fire. General +Keary specially brought to notice the great assistance he +had received from Brigadier-General Burstall and the +Staff of the Canadian Divisional Artillery; throughout +the operations they had co-operated with the utmost zeal +and cordiality. He also acknowledged the great help +Brigadier-General Stokes and the Artillery of the Twenty-seventh +Division had rendered.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Of 16,000 combatants of all arms detached from the +Indian Army Corps to take part in the second battle of +Ypres, over 24 per cent were returned as casualties. General +Keary, in forwarding his report on the battle, wrote:</p> + +<p class='c015'>In conclusion, I consider that the troops did all that it was +humanly possible to do under most trying circumstances. They +had to pass along some miles of road and narrow streets under +a hail of shell-fire, advance to a position of assembly over open +ground and from thence to a position of deployment under the +same conditions.</p> + +<p class='c015'>The Germans had prepared a position which required the +most accurate and intense gun fire to reduce it. Owing to the +<span class='pageno' id='Page_266'>266</span>hurried nature of the attack it was impossible to reconnoitre +sufficiently to ensure such a fire; nor were the guns registered. +During the first two days the Infantry advanced against a +position on an open glacis which was virtually unshaken. +After the first two days only one Brigade was in action, and +its action depended on that of the French, whose right was +unable to advance to the attack.</p> + +<p class='c015'>In spite of all these disabilities the carrying of the position +by the French and British was only prevented by the use of +asphyxiating gases.</p> + +<p class='c015'>I think the following regiments deserve special mention +for the gallantry shown by them:</p> + +<div class='lg-container-b c014'> + <div class='linegroup'> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>1st Manchesters.</div> + <div class='line'>Connaught Rangers.</div> + <div class='line'>1st Highland Light Infantry.</div> + <div class='line'>4th King’s (Liverpool Regiment).</div> + <div class='line'>47th Sikhs.</div> + <div class='line'>57th Rifles.</div> + <div class='line'>40th Pathans.</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c013'>The following letter was received from the Second Army:</p> + +<div class='lg-container-r c021'> + <div class='linegroup'> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'><span class='sc'>Second Army.</span></div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c015'><span class='sc'>G.O.C. Lahore Division</span>—Having read the very complete +and excellent report on the work of the Lahore Division in the +heavy fighting near Ypres on the 26th and 27th April 1915, +the Commander of the Second Army is confirmed in the views +he formed at the time, that the Division had been handled +with great skill and determination by Major-General Keary.</p> + +<p class='c015'>Sir Horace Smith-Dorrien fully realises the disadvantages +under which the attack was made, insufficient Artillery preparation +on our side and an open glacis-like slope to advance over +in the face of overwhelming shell, rifle, and machine-gun fire, +and the employment of poisonous gases on the enemy’s side; +and that, in spite of these disadvantages, the troops, although +only partially successful in wrenching ground from the enemy, +effectually prevented his further advance and thus ensured +the safety of the town of Ypres.</p> + +<p class='c015'>Sir Horace, whilst deploring the heavy casualties, wishes +to thank the Divisional General, Brigadiers, and Commanding +Officers and all ranks of the several Arms employed, for the +great service they performed for the Second Army on those +eventful two days.</p> + +<div class='figcenter id001'> +<span class='pageno' id='Page_267'>267</span> +<img src='images/i_b_267fp.jpg' alt='LAHORE DIVISION deployed for attack, April 26. ' class='ig001'> +</div> + +<p class='c015'>In this respect he would specially mention the following +regiments:</p> + +<p class='c015'>[The corps named by General Keary are then enumerated.]</p> + +<div class='lg-container-b c021'> + <div class='linegroup'> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line in2'>(Sd.) GEO. F. MILNE, Maj.-Gen., G.S., Second Army.</div> + <div class='line'><i>7th May 1915.</i></div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c013'>General Sir Herbert Plumer also wrote us follows:</p> + +<p class='c015'><span class='sc'>G.O.C. Lahore Division</span>—Will you please convey to the +Brigadiers, Commanding Officers, and all Officers, Non-Commissioned +Officers and Men of your Division my thanks for +the assistance they have rendered in the recent severe fighting, +and my appreciation of the way in which they have carried +out the very arduous duties entrusted to them while under +my command.</p> + +<p class='c015'>I deeply regret the very heavy casualties they have suffered.</p> + +<p class='c013'>By 5th May the Lahore Division had rejoined the +Corps, and immediately proceeded to take its share in the +severe fighting round Festubert.</p> + +<p class='c013'>I took the opportunity to see as many units as possible +during the short interval, and it was a great pleasure to +talk with Keary, and many others of all ranks, British and +Indian. The universal note was satisfaction that they +had tried to do their duty. General Keary again commanded +his Division at the battles near Festubert and +Mauquissart, in May and September 1915, but it was not +till he had been in command of a Division in Mesopotamia, +much later on, that he was given any reward for his +distinguished services.</p> + +<div class='chapter'> + <span class='pageno' id='Page_268'>268</span> + <h2 class='c008'>CHAPTER XX</h2> +</div> + +<p class='c012'>On every occasion the Corps had so far been called on to +take part in any definite operation, I had felt sure it would +acquit itself well, and had cause for satisfaction. But by +this time the numbers and composition of the Indian +Infantry units had been so reduced that it became a question +how to allocate the duties in any offensive movement which +might be ordered. At the end of March my recommendation +for reorganising the Army Corps had been approved, +and the two Divisions had been practically reconstituted. +Each of the six Infantry Brigades was now composed of +one Regular, one Territorial, and three Indian battalions. +In a later chapter I shall give some figures which will show +that, notwithstanding a battalion having been added, the +strength per Brigade was in most cases so far short of war +establishment as to amount to a nominal figure. But still +the orders came for a Division to do this and a Brigade +something else.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Stern business was before us, and immediately the +Lahore Division returned from Ypres it again took its +place in the old trenches before Neuve Chapelle, whilst the +Meerut Division got ready for the operations about to be +undertaken for the capture of the Aubers Ridge and neighbouring +villages and farms. The fighting for these lasted, +as far as we were concerned, from the 9th to the 22nd of +May, and during this period it was almost incessant. One +attack succeeded another in monotonous sequence; if it +was not on a farm it was on a strong point, or a distillery, +or some position in a map square. Anyhow, it was the +most unsatisfactory job that fell to our lot in France, and +we were not alone in this respect, for the Fourth Corps on +<span class='pageno' id='Page_269'>269</span>our left and the First on our right, as well as the +Canadians, were to expend a great many lives and much +effort with little gain to any of them.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The French were making an offensive between the +right of the British line and Arras, and Sir John French, +in pursuance of a promise to support the Allied Commander-in-Chief, +directed the First Army to carry out an attack +on the German trenches in the neighbourhood of Rouges +Banes by the Fourth Corps, and between Neuve Chapelle +and Givenchy by the First and Indian Corps. A reason +which we all thoroughly appreciated.</p> + +<p class='c013'>What, however, apparently was not appreciated was +that we were unlikely to find the Germans napping again +as we had at Neuve Chapelle in March, and that the defences +of those days had probably been quadrupled in strength. +This, in fact, we very soon learned to our cost, and the +cheery optimism which named Don and other places we +were likely to reach was about to receive a severe shock. +But, after all, this is far better than being pessimistic, and +even the modern Attila in the very early days of the war probably +got more out of his Huns by telling them they would +be in Paris before the autumn leaves had fallen, than he +would have done by only naming, say, Verdun and Rheims.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The share of the Indian Corps in these operations was +to attack between the First Corps on our right and the +Fourth Corps on our left. Our immediate objective was the +Ferme du Biez, after which we were to direct our advance on +Ligny-le-Grand-La Cliqueterie Farm. The Fourth Corps, +after carrying out its rôle on our left, was also to advance +on Cliqueterie and effect a junction with the Indian Corps. +I remember well, in imagination, picturing our Indian +soldiers on the Aubers Ridge, the huge delight of the +Gurkhas and Pathans at being actually high above a flat +bog, and looking down on something instead of always +looking up from a fetid trench. When I again visit India +to see my friends, many will flatly maintain that the war +was fought on a dead plain and the only mountain near it +was the poor little Aubers Ridge.</p> + +<p class='c013'>However, to my story. The Meerut Division was +detailed for the attack; the Lahore Division to hold the +<span class='pageno' id='Page_270'>270</span>line, and the guns of both Divisions, supplemented by +others, were to support the attack. The assault was to +be delivered by the Dehra Dun Brigade, the Bareilly +Brigade being in support and three battalions of the +Garhwal Brigade in reserve. The first attempt was +carried out on 9th May on a front of 650 yards. The +objectives were successively:</p> + +<p class='c015'>(<i>a</i>) Enemy’s front and support trenches.</p> + +<p class='c015'>(<i>b</i>) La Tourelle and houses near three named points.</p> + +<p class='c015'>(<i>c</i>) The Distillery, Ferme du Biez, S.W. edge of the Bois +du Biez.</p> + +<p class='c015'>(<i>d</i>) Ligny-le-Petit.</p> + +<p class='c015'>(<i>e</i>) Ligny-le-Grand-La Cliqueterie Ferme. The Bois du +Biez was to be engaged simultaneously with the advance on +Ligny-le-Petit by a special body of troops consisting of the +Garhwal Rifles and 2/8th Gurkhas with two trench guns, under +the command of Lieut.-Colonel Drake-Brockman, 39th Garhwalis.</p> + +<p class='c013'>General Anderson, commanding the Meerut Division, +had made every preparation. He, his Staff, his Brigadiers, +and his Commanding officers had each and all studied +every possible situation that could be imagined, and at +dawn I felt that if success did not attend their efforts, they +certainly deserved it. As I read the Corps and Divisional +Orders now, I do not believe any better could have been +written at the time.</p> + +<p class='c013'>All troops were in position as ordered with but trifling +casualties and the night of 8th-9th May passed quietly. +Our own wire had been cut and bridges laid as directed. +The bombardment commenced punctually at 5 <span class='fss'>A.M.</span> and +the enemy’s wire was cut satisfactorily, but many of our +rounds were reported as falling short.</p> + +<p class='c013'>At the appointed hour, the battalions of the Dehra +Dun Brigade, the 2/2nd Gurkhas, 1/4th Seaforths, 1st +Seaforths (6th Jats and 1/9th Gurkhas in support) went +over the top preparatory to the assault. Even with the +certainty of being met by an inferno of fire within a few +seconds, one young officer was heard to ask another if he +knew the Report Centre of his Brigade, and on his replying +that he was not sure, a laugh was raised by the questioner +saying, “Why, you have often been there, it is 96 Piccadilly”; +<span class='pageno' id='Page_271'>271</span>and in fact it was so, but situated for the time +being in the Rue du Bois.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The morning was bright, and from all appearances the +Germans appeared quite unaware of our concentration +and proposed attack. However, immediately the Infantry +crossed over the parapet to form up preparatory to the +assault, heavy machine-gun fire was opened on them from +guns sited almost on the ground level. The enemy’s +Infantry also manned the trenches.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The 2nd Gurkhas as they started their rush met a terrific +fire, and all the officers who had crossed the parapet were +shot down. Lieut. Collins and Captain C. M. Mullaly were +killed at this time, and Captain Kenneth Park, a nephew +of mine, who had insisted on joining in the battle although +in very poor health, was mortally wounded. The men +from Nepal, notwithstanding every effort, were literally cut +down and unable to advance beyond a ditch in their front.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The 4th Seaforths and 1st Seaforths advanced with +their usual bravery but met with the same fate and lay +for hours under a leaden sheet, getting back as best +they could after dark. In the 4th Seaforths, Lieutenants +Tennant, Railton, and Bastian were killed.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Notwithstanding the most gallant efforts to cross the +fire-swept ground, by 6 <span class='fss'>A.M.</span> it was definitely known our +attack had failed to reach its first objective. One company +6th Jats, which had been directed between the left of First +Corps and our right was practically annihilated, and Captain +Dudley and Subadar Lekh Ram were killed. The hostile +guns, which up to now had not done much firing, opened +a searching and heavy fire on our trenches and the Rue +du Bois, in consequence of which the Dehra Dun and +Bareilly Brigades suffered numerous casualties; the 41st +Dogras being particularly unfortunate in this respect.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Howitzer fire was accordingly turned on to the German +trenches, and preparatory arrangements for a fresh assault +were commenced. At 6.35 <span class='fss'>A.M.</span>, the G.O.C. 1st Division +on our right informed General Anderson that the first +assault of that Division had also failed. An hour later +the 1st Seaforths made a second attempt to assault, but like +the first this attempt also met with little success, and they +<span class='pageno' id='Page_272'>272</span>too had to lie in the open with the other battalions unable +to advance or retire. A special Howitzer bombardment of +enemy trenches was arranged to commence at 7.45 <span class='fss'>A.M.</span> +and to last for twenty-five minutes, under cover of which +it was hoped that the 2nd Gurkhas and 4th Seaforths +would be able to advance.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The O.C. 4th Seaforths at this time reported that the +enemy was being reinforced and was of opinion they would +counter-attack. The G.O.C. Dehra Dun Brigade accordingly +sent up two companies 9th Gurkhas to assist the 1st +Seaforths, who had suffered very heavy losses, and ordered +the O.C. 9th Gurkhas to support the 4th Seaforths with +the remainder of his battalion, but owing to the congested +state of the communication trenches only 200 men were +able to move forward. At 8 <span class='fss'>A.M.</span> the First British Division +informed the G.O.C. Meerut Division that the attack of the +2nd and 3rd Brigades had failed, and that the 1st Brigade +would hold the line while they were withdrawn.</p> + +<p class='c013'>At 8.20 <span class='fss'>A.M.</span> I sent an order directing the further +attempt at attack by the Dehra Dun Brigade fixed for +8.45 <span class='fss'>A.M.</span> to be stayed, and that another assault should be +organised to coincide with that of the First Division, +which could not be ready for another two hours. The +assault was consequently stopped.</p> + +<p class='c013'>As the attack by the 2nd and 3rd Brigades on our +right had failed owing to the enemy’s wire not being sufficiently +cut, instructions were received from the Army +commander to recommence operations at 12 noon after +a further bombardment with H.E. 18-pr., by which it +was hoped to break down the enemy’s parapets and knock +out his machine-guns.</p> + +<p class='c013'>On the urgent representation of the G.O.C. Dehra Dun +Brigade, the hour for a fresh attack had been altered to +2.40 <span class='fss'>P.M.</span> on this same date, 9th May. The Bareilly +Brigade was also warned that it would have to relieve the +Dehra Dun Brigade, and carry out the next assault. This +assault was to be delivered by the 2nd Black Watch on the +right, 58th Rifles in the centre, and 41st Dogras on the left, +the 1/4th Black Watch and machine-guns of the 125th Rifles +being in Brigade reserve. Meanwhile the Germans were +<span class='pageno' id='Page_273'>273</span>reported by G.O.C. 1st Group H.A.R. to be strongly reinforcing +their second line, which appeared to be held in +strength.</p> + +<p class='c013'>At 10 <span class='fss'>A.M.</span> the G.O.C. Seventh British Division reported +that the Eighth Division on our left was unable to make much +headway beyond the front line of German trenches owing +to fortified posts in rear, which were being bombarded +afresh. The Garhwal Brigade was placed in support of +the Bareilly Brigade. The 9th Gurkhas, which so far had +not been seriously engaged, was ordered to join the Garhwal +Brigade, which was short of Lieut.-Colonel Drake-Brockman’s +detachment. The relief of the Dehra Dun +by the Bareilly Brigade was commenced and carried out +with considerable difficulty as the communication trenches +were full of dead and wounded, and the movement being +observed by the enemy, a heavy shell-fire was kept up by +them. Owing to the destruction of our trenches it was +found impossible to carry out the fresh attack, even at +the altered hour, and the First Army directed that both +the Meerut and First Divisions should assault at 4 <span class='fss'>P.M.</span></p> + +<p class='c013'>At 12 noon the G.O.C. Bareilly Brigade reported to +General Anderson that in the opinion of the G.O.C. Dehra +Dun Brigade (the morning attacking Brigade) the enemy’s +position had been in no way weakened and that the machine-gun +fire which had caused the check of all efforts of the +Dehra Dun Brigade was as heavy as ever. He added that +the parapets were somewhat battered by our artillery, +but that this was compensated for by the German reinforcements +which had since come up; that three of his +battalions had been exposed to heavy shell-fire, and that +he wished the above situation to be known before the +assault commenced.</p> + +<p class='c013'>On receipt of this report General Anderson considered +it advisable to inform me, but instructed the G.O.C. +Bareilly Brigade that meantime the attack would take +place as ordered. Whatever the circumstances, I considered +it imperative to carry out this assault, and sent +instructions that it was to be pressed at all costs, and the +Divisional Commander added to this that it was to be +carried on into the night if necessary. The orders of the +<span class='pageno' id='Page_274'>274</span>First Army were distinct, and the movements of the First +Division on my right depended on ours. I therefore felt +bound to do all in my power to comply with the Army +orders.</p> + +<p class='c013'>By 4 <span class='fss'>P.M.</span> the 2nd Black Watch had relieved the 2/2nd +Gurkhas on the right, the 41st Dogras the 1st Seaforths +on the left, and the 58th Rifles had taken the place of the +1/4th Seaforths in the centre. The 1/4th Black Watch +was in reserve.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The 1st Seaforths, on this 9th May 1915, had, if possible, +beaten all their records for dogged valour. Nothing in +war could exceed the determination to win through displayed +by all ranks, and where they failed no other Corps +could have succeeded. When I received their casualty +roll I could have wept and felt no sense of weakness: +seven officers and 130 other ranks killed or missing; ten +officers and 350 other ranks wounded, and mostly within +a few short moments.</p> + +<div class='lg-container-b c014'> + <div class='linegroup'> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Gashed with honourable scars,</div> + <div class='line in2'>Low in glory’s lap they lie;</div> + <div class='line'>Though they fell, they fell like stars,</div> + <div class='line in2'>Streaming splendours through the sky.</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c013'>The bombardment commenced punctually at 3.20 <span class='fss'>P.M.</span>, +9th May, and at 3.40 <span class='fss'>P.M.</span> the assaulting troops crossed +the parapet and formed up prior to the assault. Each +battalion was formed in two lines, two companies in each +line. The right battalion (2nd Black Watch) and right +company of centre battalion (58th Rifles) were met by a +heavy, well-directed machine-gun and rifle fire from their +front, left front, and left flank directly they showed over +the parapets, and but few men succeeded in crossing the +ditch to their front, the majority being disabled before +reaching it. The left company of the 58th Rifles succeeded +in advancing about 100 yards; but when our guns lifted +they were at once exposed to a heavy fire and were unable +to advance farther. The 41st Dogras on the left, in +particular, had been exposed to an extremely heavy shelling +from H.E. and shrapnel, both while getting forward and +whilst waiting in the front line. In consequence, one +company consisted of only twenty-eight men. The companies +<span class='pageno' id='Page_275'>275</span>(what remained of them) crossed the parapet and +aligned themselves with the 58th Rifles; but rifle and +machine-gun fire brought them to a halt. Further attempts +to advance by bringing up men from the rear companies +did not help them, as in crossing the parapet most of them +were shot down.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Our artillery bombardment at this stage was quite +ineffective and short, and the Germans were not appreciably +shaken by it. Their infantry was lining the parapets +from the time we commenced to assemble in front of our +own trenches, and the situation was for the time being +entirely in their favour. About 4 <span class='fss'>P.M.</span> orders were issued +for battalions to reorganise, and be prepared for a fresh +assault if ordered.</p> + +<p class='c013'>A good instance of the <i>camaraderie</i> between British +and Indian soldiers was shown on this day. A Seaforth +Highlander, who was badly wounded in the first attack +in the morning, was lying out unable to be got in. A +Dogra sepoy was wounded in the second assault during +the afternoon and was lying near him. Hearing the +Highlander groaning, he dragged himself up to him, patted +his arm, and said he would stay by him and take him in +later on. When darkness came on the Dogra dragged +himself back and reported to his own battalion that he +wanted some men to come and bring in the wounded +Highlander. The officer commanding the company he +went to said he would see about it and ordered him to get +back to the dressing-station. He refused to go, as he said +he had promised the <i>ghāgra</i> (kilted man) to save him, and +intended to do that first and then go to hospital. The +Highlander was rescued.</p> + +<div class='lg-container-b c014'> + <div class='linegroup'> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Then cease all ye who, in your pride, the creed of others would deride.</div> + <div class='line'>The Hindu idol; crescent’s sign; the Shinto doctrine, laws divine.</div> + <div class='line'>Confucius made and Christ decreed, all to one common substance lead,</div> + <div class='line'>No matter by what faith enthralled; ’tis what men <i>do</i> not what they’re called.</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c013'>In the ranks of the 2nd Black Watch was a Lance-Corporal, +David Finlay by name, a fine specimen of a fine +Corps. As he topped the parapet a shell exploding near +him knocked him flat, but quickly recovering himself he +<span class='pageno' id='Page_276'>276</span>rushed on with his bombing party of a dozen men, defying +death. Ten out of his twelve gallant comrades were killed +or incapacitated before he cried a halt, but then only to +add to his daring, for seeing a badly wounded man he +carried him for 100 yards through a whirl of fire and brought +him into our own trenches safely. David Finlay did not live +long to wear the Victoria Cross he was awarded. Such brave +souls never rest as ordinary men can. He lies ’neath the +desert sands of Mesopotamia. And of the battalion whose +fame he so much enhanced, three officers—Lieutenants +W. Brownlow, the Hon. K. Stewart, and Sinclair—and +seventy others gave their lives; whilst the total casualties +numbered 265, or fifty per cent of the strength which fought +that day.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The 41st Dogras, who were engaged in their first offensive +battle as a complete battalion, suffered very heavy +losses. Lieut.-Colonel Hutchinson, whilst leading a double +company, received three wounds, and his company officer, +Lieutenant Vaughan, was totally disabled. At one time +the only unwounded officer was a Dogra subadar, Jai +Singh (attached from 37th Dogras). He behaved splendidly, +but was himself twice wounded before the share of the +battalion in this day of carnage had ended. The C.O., +Colonel Tribe, received a shell-wound and Major Milne +(82nd Punjabis), whom I had known well in the Peshawar +Division, was severely wounded in the advance. In fact +the Dogras were almost broken up as a unit. Five of the ten +British officers present and seven of the Indian officers +were rendered <i>hors de combat</i>; and the battalion suffered in +all over 400 casualties out of a muster roll of 650. I well +know the hills and vales from which most of these gallant +soldiers came. I can hear ethereal voices, wafted on the +warm summer breezes as they top the ridges of the sub-Himalayan +hills, soughing, “Well done, loyal Dogras!”</p> + +<p class='c013'>The 58th Rifles had a total of 250 killed, missing, and +wounded, including Lieutenant Mackmillan, who died of +wounds.</p> + +<p class='c013'>By 5 <span class='fss'>P.M.</span>, 9th May, it was clear from reports received +from G.O.C. Bareilly Brigade, Artillery observation-officers, +and the First British Division that all attacks, both of the +<span class='pageno' id='Page_277'>277</span>First and Meerut Divisions had failed. After a telephonic +conversation with the G.O.C. Meerut Division the Garhwal +Brigade was ordered to take over the front line from +Bareilly, and this was finally effected by 1 <span class='fss'>A.M.</span> midnight +of the 9th-10th May. The failure of the attacks on this +day were due to the insufficient effect produced by the +Artillery bombardment and to the great volume of +extremely accurate machine-gun fire from front and flanks. +As regards the insufficient effect of the Artillery bombardment, +it must be remembered that, after their experience +in front of Neuve Chapelle on 10th to 13th March, the +Germans realised that breastworks of exceptional strength +were required, and had accordingly devoted their energies +to the construction of improved parapets of great thickness, +especially on both sides of the Estaires-La Bassée +road, as to the safety of which they were anxious. They +had also largely increased the number of machine-guns +employed in their front line, locating them in dug-outs +heavily strutted with timber, which admitted of the +machine-guns being fired just above ground level, and +ensured the safety of the detachments during the bombardment. +The light shell of our field guns appeared to +produce but small results on these improved parapets, +and even high-explosive shell had only very local effects. +A very considerable proportion of our H.E. shell also +failed to detonate satisfactorily. The fire of our 18-pounder +guns was accurate enough, as proved by the +manner in which the enemy’s wire entanglements had +been cut, but owing to some defect in the construction of +the shell there were, and continued to be, a very unduly +large number of prematures. As regards the fire of our +howitzers, both those of 4·5-inch and those of 6·0-inch +calibre, the extreme accuracy which we had become +accustomed to obtain with them had fallen off considerably +as the guns became worn by the large number of +rounds fired. In the various intensive bombardments, +too, it was reported by the Infantry that a large proportion +of our shell had fallen short of the enemy’s front line +parapets. This was largely accounted for by the error +of the gun, which at the ranges fired at hardly ensured +<span class='pageno' id='Page_278'>278</span>more than twenty-five per cent of shell actually hitting the +point aimed at.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The endeavour displayed by the Infantry in the various +assaults left nothing to be desired. The successive +attempts to reach the enemy trenches were brought to a +standstill by the disablement of all but a small percentage +of the assaulting columns, and by machine-gun and rifle fire. +This fire started from the moment the first of our +men showed above our breastworks, and numbers were +put out of action within a few yards of our own front +line. Of those who succeeded, in spite of the heaviest +losses, in getting out half-way between our lines and the +Germans, the small number of unwounded men found +themselves pinned to the ground, unable to advance or +retire in face of the enemy’s fire.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The casualties suffered on the 9th and 10th May were +heavy, amounting to sixty-eight British officers, thirty +Indian officers, and a total of all ranks, British and Indian, +of over 2000, or about thirty-six per cent of strength.</p> + +<p class='c013'>On the 10th May General Anderson came to my Headquarters, +and I communicated to him an order I had received, +and which stated that it was vitally important not a round +of gun ammunition should be wasted. At this interview +I told him that no attack would take place on the 10th +or night 10th-11th, but that one might take place on the +night 11th-12th. That evening the Garhwal Brigade took +over some 230 yards’ extra front from the British Division +on our right in anticipation of the attack. The Sirhind +Brigade was ordered back from Croix Barbée, and again +came under the orders of the Lahore Division, while the +Dehra Dun Brigade was replaced at the disposal of the +Meerut Division.</p> + +<p class='c013'>On the morning of 12th May the situation was as +follows: the Garhwal Brigade held the line, the Bareilly +Brigade was in support with Headquarters at Lansdowne +Post, and the Dehra Dun Brigade in Divisional reserve +at La Couture and Vieille Chapelle. I informed the G.O.C. +Meerut Division that his Division, less the Dehra Dun +Brigade and with the Sirhind Brigade added, would probably +attack on a 300 yards’ front on the night 13th-14th +<span class='pageno' id='Page_279'>279</span>May, in co-operation with the First Corps on its right, +the front of attack being between two points designated +V 5 and V 6, well known to us all.</p> + +<p class='c013'>I have since I first wrote this visited (1919) this bit +of ground and located my friends V 5 and V 6, and +I touched my hat not only to the brave men who died +for us, but also to the German dead who held them so +tenaciously and died like gentlemen.</p> + +<p class='c013'>At 4 <span class='fss'>P.M.</span> this day, 12th May, the Meerut Division was +ordered to be prepared to take over the Rue du Bois +front, to Chocolat Menier Corner inclusive, during the +night. At night I proceeded to Meerut Divisional Headquarters +and discussed the arrangements for the attack +with Anderson; but next morning, 13th May, I was +informed that the proposed night operations were postponed +for twenty-four hours, viz. till the night 14th-15th +May. Orders were therefore issued directing the bombardment +of the enemy’s position which was to be attacked. +It was to be deliberate and continuous till the assault +was made. This bombardment commenced at 12 noon +and was maintained till the attack was delivered, and it +drew in reply a strong continuous fire on the trenches +held by the Meerut Division.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The general outlines of the operations were as follows:</p> + +<p class='c013'>The First and Indian Corps were to renew the attack +and to press forwards towards Violaines and Beau Puits, +and to establish a defensive flank along the La Bassée +road on the left, maintaining the right at Givenchy. The +line to be established in the first instance was the general +line of the road Festubert-La Quinque Rue-La Tourelle +cross-roads-Port Arthur, which position was to be consolidated. +The First Corps was to assault with the +Second Division on the right of the Meerut Division, and +the assault of both Divisions was to be simultaneous. +The subsequent advance was to be with the object of +securing the Ferme d’Avoué and certain named roads.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The Seventh Division on our left was to deliver an +assault in the early hours of the 15th May.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The Meerut Division, less Dehra Dun Brigade and one +Brigade R.F.A., with the Sirhind Brigade added, was +<span class='pageno' id='Page_280'>280</span>ordered to make the attack of the Indian Corps. The +assault was to be made against named front-line trenches, +all details being given. Should the first two objectives +be attained, as the attack of the Second Division progressed +our own was to push on and secure the road from +Port Arthur to La Tourelle cross-roads inclusive, and +consolidate itself thereon.</p> + +<p class='c013'>A deliberate Artillery bombardment was to precede +the assault and was to be maintained for thirty-six hours. +Owing, however, to the further postponement of the +attack for twenty-four hours it was actually maintained +for sixty hours.</p> + +<p class='c013'>No. 4 Trench howitzer battery was placed at the +disposal of the Garhwal Brigade for the operations, and +this Brigade was detailed to carry out the assault on the +enemy’s front-line trenches on a two-battalion front.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The Sirhind Brigade was in support of the Garhwal +Brigade. The Bareilly Brigade was in Divisional reserve +at Croix Barbée, and the Dehra Dun Brigade was in Corps +reserve.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The 4th Indian Cavalry rendezvoused on 15th May in +fields and orchards between Vieille Chapelle and La Couture. +Nos. 3 and 4 Companies Sappers and Miners and the 107th +Pioneers rendezvoused at St. Vaast on the evening of the +14th May. All assaulting troops wore masks soaked in +solution. These were the early days of gas, and some of +the devices to ward off this poisonous innovation were +grotesque. Fond parents, wives, and relations had sent +out every form of anti-gas invention. A Hindu sepoy +best explained what the Indians thought of it all when +he said: “I believe the British have been converted to +our religion and are trying to imitate our many Gods. +I have already seen many ‘Hunumans,’ and ‘Ganesh’ will +shortly follow.”</p> + +<p class='c013'>At 3.30 <span class='fss'>P.M.</span> on the 14th May orders were received from +First Army directing the assault to be delayed for another +twenty-four hours, as the effect of the bombardment was +not considered to have been sufficient; the weather also +was wet and the ground was soft and holding.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The night of the 14th-15th passed without any special +<span class='pageno' id='Page_281'>281</span>incident. At 3.30 <span class='fss'>P.M.</span> on the 15th May I sent the following +instructions to the G.O.C. Meerut Division:</p> + +<p class='c015'>(<i>a</i>) If the night attack succeeds, hold on to V 6 at all costs, +even if the Second Division on your right fails.</p> + +<p class='c015'>(<i>b</i>) If the night attack fails, you will not persist in it, unless +the Second Division on the right has succeeded, when use +every endeavour to connect with its left.</p> + +<p class='c015'>(<i>c</i>) If the attack of both the Meerut and Second Divisions +fail, make a fresh attack at 3.15 <span class='fss'>A.M.</span>, to synchronise with that +of the Seventh Division; this attack is to be preceded by a fresh +bombardment, commencing at 2.45 <span class='fss'>A.M.</span> and lasting till 3.15 <span class='fss'>A.M.</span></p> + +<p class='c015'>(<i>d</i>) If you fail again, re-form and prepare for another attack, +which should be preceded by a further bombardment, probably +six hours later, but further instructions will be issued as to the +hour and class of this bombardment.</p> + +<p class='c013'>At 10.50 <span class='fss'>P.M.</span>, 15th May, all troops were in position. +The 2nd Leicesters with six machine-guns were to assault +with the right in the ditch passing through V 5, and were +ordered to get into touch with the Second Division on +their right. The Garhwal Rifles, with six machine-guns, +were on the left, with their right in touch with the left of +the Leicesters. The 3rd Londons and two companies +2/3rd Gurkha Rifles were in support of the Garhwal Rifles +and 2nd Leicesters respectively. The remainder of the +3rd Gurkha Rifles was in Brigade reserve. The 2/8th +Gurkha Rifles were holding the line in rear. The units +of the Sirhind Brigade were disposed as follows:</p> + +<p class='c015'>1st Highland Light Infantry, and 1/1st Gurkha Rifles in +assembly trenches east of Garhwal Brigade Reserve.</p> + +<p class='c015'>15th Sikhs in trenches east of Lansdowne Post.</p> + +<p class='c015'>1/4th King’s Liverpools in trenches about Lansdowne Post.</p> + +<p class='c015'>1/4th Gurkha Rifles in Lansdowne Post.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Immediately the bridges were in position the Leicesters +and Garhwal Rifles commenced to move out, and by +11.25 <span class='fss'>P.M.</span> were in position.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The assault started at 11.30 <span class='fss'>P.M.</span>, and at once the +German machine-gun and rifle fire commenced, while +their trenches appeared full of men. The enemy front +was lit, not only by the ordinary flares but also by bombs +<span class='pageno' id='Page_282'>282</span>thrown over the parapet, which burned on the ground. In +spite of repeated efforts to reach the German trenches, +the advance of both battalions was brought to a standstill, +and each successive attempt was similarly stopped.</p> + +<p class='c013'>At 12.30 <span class='fss'>A.M.</span>, 16th May, the G.O.C. Garhwal Brigade +reported that the Leicesters were held up and that the +Garhwal Rifles had been unable to get forward more than +thirty yards owing to heavy machine-gun fire. At this time +General Anderson became aware that, though the battalion +of the British Division on his immediate right had also +not succeeded in reaching the German trenches, others +of the 5th and 6th Infantry Brigades had done so. This +proved that strong-point V 6 and its vicinity assigned to +us were, as I had understood all along, one of the most +formidable obstacles on our whole front. The Leicesters +and the Garhwal Rifles were accordingly withdrawn and +replaced by the 3rd Gurkhas and 1/3rd Londons, and the +G.O.C. Brigade was directed to make a further effort at +3.15 <span class='fss'>A.M.</span></p> + +<p class='c013'>In the meanwhile touch was maintained with the +left of the Second Division, and the G.O.C. was informed +that the Garhwal Brigade would again attack at 3.15 <span class='fss'>A.M.</span> +In reply, he stated that his left would simultaneously make +another attack. An intense bombardment commenced +at 2.45 <span class='fss'>A.M.</span>, 16th May, and at 3 <span class='fss'>A.M.</span> the battalions detailed +to attack were in position with their leading platoons +in the firing-trenches. It was impossible, owing to the +light, to launch the assault from the enemy’s side of the +ditch, as the troops could not reach that position unseen.</p> + +<p class='c013'>At 3.15 <span class='fss'>A.M.</span> the assault was commenced, but the +moment the men showed the enemy opened a heavy rifle, +machine-gun, and artillery fire. The majority of them +were shot down as they crossed our parapet, and this +assault also was entirely held up.</p> + +<p class='c013'>In both advances a certain number of officers and men +arrived within a few yards of the German wire before they +were shot, but none were able to reach the parapets. +The battalions were now ordered to reorganise, and it +was decided that no further attempts to break through +on this front were to be made, but that troops should +<span class='pageno' id='Page_283'>283</span>be pushed in through the opening already made on our +right.</p> + +<p class='c013'>In these assaults the German machine-guns again +succeeded, in spite of the previous heavy bombardment +by Artillery and bomb-guns, in maintaining themselves +in their covered positions and in coming into immediate +action on our assault being launched. Both assaults were +thus met by heavy fire from the front and from right and +left flanks, and were brought to a standstill just as those +on the 9th May had been.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The casualties, owing to the smaller front attacked, +were not so numerous as those experienced on the 9th, but +they were regrettably heavy, namely, twenty-one British +officers, five Indian officers, 300 other British ranks, and +590 other ranks Indian, or about thirty per cent of the +strength of the Brigade engaged.</p> + +<p class='c013'>In these difficult operations the Garhwal Rifles suffered +150 casualties, and the Leicesters lost in killed four subalterns, +viz. Tayler, Brown, Gandy, and Crosse, besides twenty other +ranks, and the wounded and missing, including five officers, +numbered over 200. It is a sad tale to tell, this continuous +long roll of dead and wounded, but it is necessary +in order to explain the difficulties we had to encounter +and the heroism of the troops, British and Indian, who, +notwithstanding the hopelessness of the task, never hesitated +to go manfully forward.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The 3rd Londons suffered over 100 casualties, and the 3rd +Gurkhas over seventy, including two British officers killed. +Lieutenant Nott-Bower was shot whilst bravely trying to +save a wounded man of the Leicesters and a brother officer, +Captain Grigg, was hit by a splinter of shell. Captain +F. Hodgson of the 84th Punjabis, a personal friend, was +another gallant soul who passed away in honour this day.</p> + +<p class='c013'>By 4.30 <span class='fss'>A.M.</span>, 16th May, the 6th British Brigade had +taken the Orchard and the 5th Brigade had been able +to continue its advance, but the battalion on our +immediate right had again been unable to get on, as its +flank was exposed. The G.O.C. Bareilly Brigade was +now directed to be prepared to take over the front held +by the Garhwal Brigade. The Army commander had +<span class='pageno' id='Page_284'>284</span>meantime decided to form a flank where the left of the +Second Division had got through, and I received orders +to hold our trenches as a defensive front.</p> + +<p class='c013'>At 8 <span class='fss'>A.M.</span>, 16th May, the situation was as follows:</p> + +<p class='c013'>Garhwal Brigade was holding the line as a defensive +front. The Meerut, Lahore, and Heavy Artillery were +shelling the area V 6 and other re-entrant objectives. +The Bareilly Brigade was <i>en route</i> to Lansdowne Post. +The Sirhind Brigade and 107th Pioneers were under orders +of the G.O.C. Second Division. Both companies Sappers +and Miners and 125th Rifles were at St. Vaast and Croix +Barbée. 4th Indian Cavalry was in its rendezvous at +Vieille Chapelle; whilst the left battalion of the Second +Division, which could not advance, was still holding its +old front line in continuation of our right.</p> + +<p class='c013'>At 11.30 <span class='fss'>P.M.</span> the Bareilly Brigade relieved the Garhwal +Brigade on the front line, with Headquarters at Lansdowne +Post.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Before dawn on 17th May I received First Army +Operation orders, which directed the Indian Corps to +remain in occupation of its line.</p> + +<p class='c013'>At <span class='fss'>10 A.M.</span> on 17th May, after a telephonic conversation +with General Anderson, it was arranged that we +should seize any opportunity of advancing into the enemy +trenches. The Sirhind Brigade was again placed at my +disposal, for the purpose of ensuring touch being kept +with the left of Second Division in any advance which +the latter might make.</p> + +<p class='c013'>At 11 <span class='fss'>A.M.</span> the First Army directed that the duty of +gradually establishing a defensive flank on the left as the +attack proceeded, was assigned to the Indian Corps, and +that as the attack of the Second Division progressed we +were to gradually extend to the right and relieve troops +of the Second Division as opportunity offered. The +Bareilly and Sirhind Brigades were detailed for this duty.</p> + +<p class='c013'>At 3.30 <span class='fss'>A.M.</span> on 18th May the Germans attempted an +attack on one company of the 15th Sikhs, but were bombed +and driven back. During the progress of reliefs of certain +battalions of the British Brigade on our right the 1st +Highland Light Infantry had five officers and seventy other +<span class='pageno' id='Page_285'>285</span>ranks made casualties, including Lieutenant H. S. Davidson +killed. It is interesting to note here that the 1st battalion +which belonged to the Indian Corps actually relieved their +own 2nd battalion which belonged to the British Brigade +fighting by our side. A chance meeting under such conditions +is rare, even under the varied circumstances in +which the British Army serves.</p> + +<p class='c013'>This 18th day of May was to witness a deed of heroism +which for sustained gallantry can surely not be surpassed. +A British officer and ten men of the 15th Sikhs were those +who added a brilliant page to the history of the Indian +Army. Of the ten one Lance-Naik Mangal Singh and three +sepoys belonged to the battalion, whilst four of the others +were attached from the 19th Punjabis and two from the +45th Sikhs.</p> + +<p class='c013'>An isolated trench was held by a company of the 15th +Sikhs, opposed to an ever-increasing number of the enemy, +who showed signs of an immediate attack. Having +expended all his bombs, the officer in command was in +urgent need of more, and Lieutenant J. Smyth offered to +make the attempt over the 250 yards which intervened. +Ten Sikhs volunteered to accompany him, carrying a +hundred bombs in boxes between them. Moving for +sixty yards under cover, the party diverged, and at once +came under heavy fire. Crawling over dead and wounded, +through such cover as battered ditches and trenches could +afford, they advanced under a galling and aimed fire. +Man after man was shot down, and by the time Smyth +had got to within thirty yards of his objective there were +only three others besides himself unwounded, but the +precious boxes were still intact. The Germans had seen +and understood the object of this movement, and the +ground here was swept by a tornado of bullets, and to +carry the boxes any farther was absolutely impossible. +Breaking them open, Smyth distributed as many bombs +as possible between the survivors. One of the three +gallant Sikhs was at the same time killed; and this +splendid young officer, with now but two others—a Naik +and a sepoy—crawling on through mire and water, reached +their goal. Smyth, who is one of the most modest, as +<span class='pageno' id='Page_286'>286</span>he certainly is one of the bravest, of men, received the +Victoria Cross, and the Naik the Indian Order of Merit, +whilst the Indian Distinguished Service Medal was given +to all who lived of that glorious band. The Gurus of the +Khalsa could have wished for no greater proof of the +right of the Sikh to style himself a Singh (lion).</p> + +<p class='c013'>On 18th May orders were received for the Indian +Corps to attack the Ferme du Bois at the same time as +attacks were delivered by the Seventh Division and the +Guards Brigade more to the south.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The outlines of the operation were as follows: Meerut +Division, reinforced by Sirhind Brigade, was to attack +the Ferme du Bois at 4.30 <span class='fss'>P.M.</span>, in conjunction with an +attack by the Guards Brigade on Cour d’Avoué, with the +intention of obtaining possession of the Ferme du Bois +and of three trenches up to the La Tourelle-Quinque Rue +road. Touch was to be obtained with the Guards at a +point marked Q 12.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The Artillery bombardment commenced at 2 <span class='fss'>P.M.</span> +The Sirhind Brigade was directed on the Ferme du Bois +and certain other points, and after establishing itself at +the Ferme, was to push forward in conjunction with the +progress of the attack by the Guards Brigade. The +Bareilly Brigade was to assist this attack by fire. The +orders of the Sirhind Brigade directed the bombing parties +to be supported by half a company 1st Highland Light +Infantry; and as the attack progressed the 4th King’s had +orders as to the part to be played by them.</p> + +<p class='c013'>At 4.20 <span class='fss'>P.M.</span>, 18th May, the Sirhind Brigade reported +that, owing to the heavy German Artillery fire, the bombing +parties and troops intended for the attack were being +held up in their original trenches, and shortly after communication +with the front became very difficult owing to +all wires being cut.</p> + +<p class='c013'>By 5.40 <span class='fss'>P.M.</span>, 18th May, it was ascertained that the +Guards Brigade were getting forward by short rushes, +and the G.O.C. Sirhind Brigade was directed to use every +possible endeavour to try and get his own attack forward +also.</p> + +<p class='c013'>At 6 <span class='fss'>P.M.</span> he reported that the bombing parties had +<span class='pageno' id='Page_287'>287</span>made three attempts to cross, but had so far failed. As +the attack appeared quite unable to advance, I telephoned +that if it could not attain its object by day it must do +so by night, and further Artillery support was promised.</p> + +<p class='c013'>As the troops of the Second Division on our right were +being relieved during the night 18th-19th May, I sent +instructions that no attack should be made till this relief +was completed, but added that it must then be made.</p> + +<p class='c013'>At 10 <span class='fss'>P.M.</span> General Walker, V.C., in command of the +Sirhind Brigade, represented that he considered the +German position round the Ferme du Bois was such that +the success of an attack was very doubtful, and that the +probable loss of life would be great until our present +position could be consolidated, and a front from which +to advance was assured. While again reminding the +Division that it was most desirable the attack should be +made, I left it to the judgement of General Walker, an +experienced officer, on the spot, to decide.</p> + +<p class='c013'>At 11.10 <span class='fss'>P.M.</span> it was definitely decided that the attack +should not be made. Throughout the night the Sirhind +Brigade was in close touch with the Germans to its front.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The 15th Sikhs had been undergoing many vicissitudes +during all the confused fighting of the past days, and as +already related they had given a fine example of the stuff +of which the Khalsa is made. Attached to the battalion +was Captain F. C. Waterfield, 45th Sikhs, whom I had +known for years. This promising officer was killed. His +own regiment of Rattray’s Sikhs was the one Corps of +the Indian Army which in my young days I had most +admired and had served alongside in Afghanistan. It +was always a fine battalion, and has on the plains of +Mesopotamia added still more to its reputation. As +I said earlier in this book, if any Sikh battalions are to +remain as Class Corps, none is more worthy of this honour +than Rattray’s Sikhs.</p> + +<p class='c013'>On the 19th May the 15th Sikhs lost the services of +two officers, Captain Crozier and Lieutenant Thomson.</p> + +<p class='c013'>At dawn on 19th May I received orders to the effect +that the Second and Seventh Divisions were consolidating +their gains and that operations would continue on that +<span class='pageno' id='Page_288'>288</span>day. The Artillery of the Indian Corps was to assist by +firing on the Ferme du Bois and certain named communication +trenches.</p> + +<p class='c013'>At 10.5 <span class='fss'>A.M.</span> the G.O.C. Sirhind Brigade reported that +owing to rain the trenches were full of water and the +parapets much damaged, and that in consequence of reliefs +of Second Division his men had been on the move all night, +and that his casualties during the past twenty-four hours +had been severe. He added that his battalions in the +front line were somewhat shaken, and he considered it +essential to relieve the 15th Sikhs by the 1st Gurkhas that +night, as they were now reduced to about 250 men. He +also recommended that the King’s should be relieved, and +stated that he hardly thought an attack could be got out +of his men that night.</p> + +<p class='c013'>At 6 <span class='fss'>P.M.</span> the Germans made another attempt to bomb +the left flank of Sirhind Brigade, but this attack was stopped. +On the top of all this orders were received from the First +Army that the Indian Corps was, at all costs, to capture +certain named trenches and points by the morning of +22nd May. During the night 19th-20th the Garhwal +Brigade relieved Bareilly Brigade, and certain interbattalion +reliefs desired by G.O.C. Sirhind Brigade were +also carried out. The situation remained normal during +the night.</p> + +<p class='c013'>On the morning of the 20th May I visited General +Anderson’s Headquarters and discussed the operations +for the capture of the Ferme du Bois which had been +ordered by First Army. This was to co-ordinate with +the general plan, viz. that the Canadian and Highland +Divisions should work southwards and secure the group +of houses south of the Ferme Cour d’Avoué, and that the +Indian Corps was to carry on active hostilities continuously, +with a view to harassing the enemy and wearing down +his resistance.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The orders issued by the Meerut Division were to the +effect that the Sirhind Brigade as a first objective was to +secure named localities about the Ferme du Bois before +the morning of 22nd May, and that every endeavour was +to be made to carry out this order. The G.O.C. Sirhind +<span class='pageno' id='Page_289'>289</span>Brigade accordingly arranged that the 1st Gurkhas should +establish themselves in a named trench overnight, and that +patrols were to push on to the Ferme du Bois. Special +patrols were also to be sent out to ascertain the nature of +obstacles parallel to our front; forming-up trenches were +to be dug for the assaulting battalions, and the 4th King’s +were to be relieved.</p> + +<p class='c013'>During the night a thorough reconnaissance of the +position was carried out and a picquet was established by +the Sirhind Brigade 200 yards west of the Ferme du Bois. +Operation orders were telephoned to the Meerut Division. +The arrangements were as follows:</p> + +<p class='c015'>General Alderson’s force (Canadians, etc.) was to co-operate +by carrying out an intensive bombardment on Cour d’Avoué +on 22nd May.</p> + +<p class='c015'>The Garhwal Brigade was to detail a bombing party, +supported by one company of infantry, and support the attack +by bombing along trench V 1 to V 2 with a view to establishing +themselves there. This party was not to commence operations +until ten minutes after the Sirhind Brigade attack had started, +unless the enemy opened fire on our attacking troops, in which +case it was to act at once.</p> + +<p class='c015'>A detailed artillery bombardment, which commenced at +1 <span class='fss'>P.M.</span> on the 21st and was to continue till 5 <span class='fss'>A.M.</span> on the +22nd, was arranged, on trenches and area in and near the +localities to be attacked, and to form barrages to prevent +arrival of reinforcements.</p> + +<p class='c015'>The Sirhind Brigade was to attack at 1 <span class='fss'>A.M.</span> on 22nd May +in the following formation:</p> + +<p class='c015'>On the left the Highland Light Infantry had as objectives +two named trenches. In the centre were the 1st Gurkhas, +and on the right the 4th Gurkhas.</p> + +<p class='c015'>The 4th King’s were in support, and 15th Sikhs in reserve.</p> + +<p class='c013'>All columns were in position correctly, and the attacks +were launched at 1 <span class='fss'>A.M.</span> as arranged, and advanced +without at first being fired on. The right attack was +checked by a ditch about twenty yards from the enemy’s +trenches, and here came under rifle and machine-gun fire +from the trenches in front, while the rear and right rear +were also heavily fired on; the south-east corner of the +<span class='pageno' id='Page_290'>290</span>Ferme du Bois Orchard, in particular, was under a severe +fire, presumably from Cour d’Avoué. This ditch was +about six feet deep with three feet of water in it, and the +ground between it and the enemy’s trenches was wired. +At this obstacle the leading company of the 4th Gurkhas +was checked, but Major Moule and Captain Robinson +with a detachment broke through the wire and were soon +at the German trenches. They had nobly carried out their +task and never returned to tell the tale. The battalion +had 100 casualties.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Lieutenant Ballinger, 4th King’s, commanding the +two machine-guns of his battalion, had been detailed to +follow the 4th Gurkhas. In his haste to join in the fight +he moved on sooner than his instructions had allowed, +and he and many of his men were killed close by the wire +adjoining the German trench—another brave set of +Englishmen who died as so many others did in the over-zealous +discharge of duty.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The attack did not progress beyond this ditch, which +perhaps seemed a greater obstacle in the night than it +really was. The only remaining British officer with the +attacking companies returned at 1.50 <span class='fss'>A.M.</span> to take up +reinforcements, but at 2.20 <span class='fss'>A.M.</span>, the senior officers with +the three attacking columns having consulted, decided +that as the attack was held up all along, it was inadvisable +to send up more troops, and the attackers were ordered +to withdraw.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The centre attack reached the Ferme du Bois with but +little loss, owing to the protection afforded by the farm +and ridge. A ditch was reached, and the assault at once +came under heavy fire from the front and right flank. +The leading company of the 1st Gurkhas, reinforced by a +second, assaulted and captured a line of trench some thirty +yards beyond the ditch. This trench had been covered +by wire which had been cut by our artillery, whose support +had been most effective. About fifteen Germans were +killed here and the rest retired to a second trench twenty +yards in rear. By this time all the British officers with +the attacking companies had been killed or wounded, and +Subadar Jit Sing Gurung, 1st Gurkhas, assumed command +<span class='pageno' id='Page_291'>291</span>but was shortly afterwards ordered to retire, an order he +carried out with coolness and judgement.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Lieutenant Heyland was killed while endeavouring to +alter the configuration of a captured trench in which his +men were being mown down. Three other British officers +shared the same fate, Lieutenants Fry, Herbert, and Gamble +all bravely seconding his efforts. This battalion paid +dearly for its short but fierce fight, the total casualties +amounting to 120. Subadar Jit Sing Gurung was awarded +the Indian Order of Merit, and Captain Mellis earned the +Military Cross.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The advance of the Highland Light Infantry on the +left of the combined attacks was also held up by the ditch +and by machine-gun fire taking the ditch in enfilade from +the right and in the rear from the Cour d’Avoué. This +battalion was faced by the impossible, but with its proven +valour did all that could be done under the conditions, +and in the attempt to carry out its task paid with a loss +of over 120 of all ranks, including Lieut. J. Agnew killed, +four officers wounded, and one wounded and missing, Lieut. +B. Ivy.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Communication with the Sirhind Brigade Headquarters +was interrupted till 3 <span class='fss'>A.M.</span>, when from all reports that he +could receive, the G.O.C. decided that a second attack +was impracticable. He directed the original dispositions +to be resumed and the trenches to be held, up to where +they had been barricaded, and this order was carried out.</p> + +<p class='c013'>In telling the story of incessant attacks or defensive +actions in those days the infantry soldier naturally looms +large, whilst the less conspicuous units sometimes escape +notice. The corps of Indian Sappers and Miners has +furnished unlimited material for tales of daring, and on +this 22nd day of May 1915 a chivalrous gentleman, +Captain Francis Douie of the Royal Engineers, and his +equally gallant orderly, Jiwa Khan of No. 3 Company, 1st +Sappers and Miners, did what one is proud to record. In +broad daylight they noticed a wounded man lying only +eighty yards from a German trench from which proceeded +a heavy rifle fire, whilst our own guns were shelling the +self-same trench: but for such men death has no terrors. +<span class='pageno' id='Page_292'>292</span>They were soon over the parapet, and by sheer pluck and +luck combined reached and brought in their helpless +comrade. Jiwa Khan may well be proud of the Indian +Order of Merit he wears, and Captain Douie of the D.S.O. +he that day added to the Military Cross he had already won. +I may add that it was only after very searching inquiry +I was enabled to get full details of these acts of bravery, +as apparently both actors appeared to be unconscious of +having done anything beyond their ordinary duty.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The attack failed owing to excessive casualties in +British officers of the attacking companies when these +companies were held up. Of those with the assault all +became casualties except two subalterns. Also the hindrance +of a deep ditch in front of the objective under close +rifle and machine-gun fire was a very serious obstacle at +night, and broke the momentum of the advance. Issue +from it would have involved facing frontal rifle fire at very +close range, while men in it were taken in enfilade and +reverse by machine-guns from south-east of Ferme du Bois +and from Cour d’Avoué. The fact that no simultaneous +attack was being made on the Cour d’Avoué left the enemy +in that direction at liberty to concentrate his fire on our +assault at close ranges. Reconnaissance had been unable +to ascertain with accuracy where the German trenches and +machine-guns were located. Owing to the fact that the +advance to the point of attack was carried out deliberately +and in complete silence, no fire had opened on it until +thirty-five minutes after the start, and the officer commanding +the party which was to bomb along the trench in +support of the attack, hearing nothing more than general +heavy firing, was in doubt whether the attack had actually +started. Inquiry from the nearest officer of the neighbouring +battalion elicited the reply that it had not done +so, and he accordingly delayed starting his operations so as +to synchronise the two attacks.</p> + +<p class='c013'>It was now broad daylight and, of course, futile to +order this attack to recommence. The officers commanding +units on the spot decided that with the situation as it was +known to them any further attempt, while the enemy +was in undisturbed occupation of the vicinity of Cour +<span class='pageno' id='Page_293'>293</span>d’Avoué, offered no chance of success, and would only have +led to greatly enhanced losses, and that withdrawal before +it became too late was the best course to pursue. It would, +perhaps, have been better to have ordered the attack at +an earlier hour of the night, even though the Germans +would probably have been found more on the alert than +they were. The casualties in this assault were heavy: +nine companies were engaged, in which sixteen British +officers, two Indian officers, 137 British other ranks, and +173 Indian other ranks were returned as casualties.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Although the British Division on our right had, like +ourselves, been unable to make any advance during the +early days of these prolonged attacks, there is no doubt +that once they got a forward move on, they were severely +handicapped by the inability of the Indian Corps to keep +up with them, and the left battalion of that Division +in consequence could not keep in touch with those +farther to the right. The situation, in fact, closely +resembled that of our left Brigade at Neuve Chapelle, +where we originally reached as far as the Bois du Biez +but were obliged to again move back owing to the British +Brigade of the Eighth Division on our immediate left +finding it impossible to overcome the German defence to +its front.</p> + +<p class='c013'>In the case now under review, we did all in our power +to keep up with the advance, but the strong point V 6 +baffled our efforts. It might possibly have been better if +the dividing line between the British and Indian Corps +had not run just past this redoubt, but that is a matter of +opinion only. Be that as it may, it must be owned that +notwithstanding many gallant attempts we could not get +on at all, and thus hampered the later attacks of the +British Division after it had captured its first objective.</p> + +<div class='chapter'> + <span class='pageno' id='Page_294'>294</span> + <h2 class='c008'>CHAPTER XXI</h2> +</div> + +<p class='c012'>If for no other reason than for the sake of being alive to +read the monumental history of Armageddon, I wish I +were young again. How atomic appears one’s own humble +share in the great conflict. To Britishers who looked on +manœuvres at Aldershot or Salisbury Plain as something +to record, as Napoleonic military feats of arms which were +an insurance against all aggression, how different do matters +now appear. “The Contemptible Little Army” of those +days is no more, but even so, it will ever remain the lodestar +for the armies to come, and the historian of the five years’ +clash of the world’s arms will have material to work on +such as never fell to the lot of man. What an opportunity +for still closer welding together the divers races and peoples +that combine to make the Empire of Great Britain.</p> + +<p class='c013'>I will here cease for a while recording facts, and deal +with matters which are of interest to those who look on +the Indian Corps (minute as it was in comparison) as +something else besides mere congeries of soldiers to feed +the guns. There are some details which may not prove +uninteresting to the student of psychology.</p> + +<p class='c013'>By the end of May it was plain that the Indians needed +a complete rest and sorting out, if they were to continue +as a Corps. The losses in France after the May fighting +had totalled up to:</p> + +<table class='table1'> + <tr> + <th class='c009'></th> + <th class='c022'>Killed.</th> + <th class='c022'>Wounded.</th> + <th class='c023'>Missing.</th> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class='c009'>British Officers</td> + <td class='c024'>213</td> + <td class='c024'>501</td> + <td class='c010'>58</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class='c009'>Indian Officers</td> + <td class='c024'>88</td> + <td class='c024'>260</td> + <td class='c010'>53</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class='c009'>Other Units, British</td> + <td class='c024'>1,376</td> + <td class='c024'>6,073</td> + <td class='c010'>1,724</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class='c009'>Other Units, Indian</td> + <td class='c024'>1,943</td> + <td class='c024'>10,650</td> + <td class='c010'>2,504</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class='c009'> </td> + <td class='c024'><hr></td> + <td class='c024'><hr></td> + <td class='c010'><hr></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class='c009'> </td> + <td class='c024'>3,620</td> + <td class='c024'>17,484</td> + <td class='c010'>4,321</td> + </tr> +</table> + +<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' id='Page_295'>295</span>In addition, 450 Indians had died from various causes. +(Taken from <i>The Indian Corps in France</i>.)</p> + +<p class='c013'>The above included the Territorial battalions forming +part of the Corps, but not the losses of Divisions or Brigades +temporarily attached.</p> + +<p class='c013'>In my opinion it was useless to retain two Divisions +in name without the substance, and I recommended that +one strong Division with Brigades averaging 4000 rifles each +should be formed, the weakest and some other named +Indian battalions being turned into a Reserve Brigade +from which casualties could be replaced. Also, should +reinforcements prove larger than I anticipated, complete +battalions could replace others, and thus give all an opportunity +of sharing in the fighting. The Highland Division +had just been allotted to us also, and the two combined +Divisions would have formed a fine Army Corps.</p> + +<p class='c013'>I explained that as matters then stood the British +battalions were doing more than their share of work in +the various fights. The quality of our Indian troops had +deteriorated, as we received drafts of all sorts and kinds, +and the old and tried British and Indian officers had been +reduced to a minimum; but with that spirit that animates +the sons of Britain, the British units, without complaint, +continued to give of their best (and it was of the very best). +Not that I did not occasionally receive hints from the +officers of both British and Indian regiments that this +process could not be indefinitely continued, and they had +good reason too; and although I mostly kept my counsel +I never failed to impress strongly on those in higher +authority, that some drastic change was absolutely +necessary.</p> + +<p class='c013'>I recommended three Indian battalions being transferred +from France, and gave my reasons in full. The two +Divisional Commanders were in complete accord with me +in these suggestions, and as a proof that they were necessary +I will give a few instances of the composition of units, +which those who know the Indian Army will appreciate.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The 57th Rifles (one of the best Corps in India) was at +this time made up from six different units—total strength +446; the 129th Baluchis, of seven different units—total +<span class='pageno' id='Page_296'>296</span>strength 263 rifles. The 9th Bhopals consisted of men +from eleven different units—strength 409. I recommended +that the 57th and 59th Rifles should be combined, the +total strength of the latter then being 271 rifles with seven +officers all told.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The 15th Sikhs, with a total strength of only 250, was +suggested for combination with the 47th Sikhs; the two +battalions would then have numbered 701. Think of it, +after over eight months of war. The 1st Gurkhas had +only three Regular officers; the 4th Gurkhas only four. +In the 6th Jats only 160 of the original battalion remained.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The two battalions of the 39th Garhwal Rifles had +already been amalgamated. They had both done most +gallant service and proved themselves to be second to +none in India. This combined corps was now short of +ten Indian officers and 64 N.C.O.’s. The C.O. reported +that he had “only four N.C.O.’s fit for promotion,” and +“hardly a single rifleman whose education would enable +him to keep a company roll!” What would some of our +Solomons who came to judgement on the Indian Corps +have said to this, if it had been possible to find similar +conditions in two combined British battalions?</p> + +<p class='c013'>On 26th May the First Army informed me that my +recommendations had met with the approval both of the +G.O.C. and the Commander-in-Chief. Some alterations +regarding Staff officers and others had been made, but +amongst them was one, that the appointment of Officer +for Press Work (Lieut.-Colonel Merewether) might be +abolished when the Indian element was reduced. Now +if there was one person who should certainly not be got +rid of, it was this officer. India had long enough been +kept in the dark regarding the doings of her soldiers, and +to have abolished him would not only have finally severed +all connection with that country, as far as news was concerned, +but would have made it impossible to compile +any detailed history of the Corps for the benefit of future +generations. I strongly protested against this on behalf +of the Army and people of India, and pointed out that +after the loyalty shown, that country would never forgive +us if any such radical step was taken. India, in point of +<span class='pageno' id='Page_297'>297</span>fact, during the war sent to France alone 86,300 combatants +and 48,500 non-combatants; whilst the numbers of both +sent to all theatres of war totalled one million and forty +thousand men. Nothing came of it, as Lord Kitchener +was then arranging to replace several of the battalions by +others from Egypt and elsewhere, and had telegraphed to +the Government of India regarding this. Finally, before +any great changes could be made, the Indian Army Corps +had left France.</p> + +<p class='c013'>There is no need to string out many other modifications +I proposed, and some I carried out, in the various Brigades. +From this time till I left the Corps it was one continuous +effort to keep things going. It was necessary to carry +out tasks with the best grace we could muster, and at the +same time try and satisfy the powers that were.</p> + +<p class='c013'>I began this chapter with a remark that a student of +psychology might find something of interest in it. Put +yourself in the place of a sepoy, say of the 9th Bhopal +Infantry. He had been brought up in a regiment composed +of four classes of Indians: Sikhs, Rajputs, Brahmins, +and Musalmans. He had been bred to the idea that his +regiment was his military home and that it was the best +in the army. He had understood that no man could be +compulsorily transferred to another corps. He had firmly +believed that our Army was not only the best trained but +best equipped in the world, and he trusted his British +officers as only Indians can trust them, <i>i.e.</i> absolutely, +implicitly. Any recruit or trained soldier who joined his +battalion he knew came there of his own free will, and he +could not for a moment imagine that all sorts and conditions +of men, out of all sorts of outlandish districts from Cape +Comorin to Peshawar and from Quetta to Assam, talking +different dialects and with entirely different ideals, might +one fine morning arrive with shoulder badges denoting +anything from police to Raj troops, and claim, not only +acquaintance, but close comradeship with him as one of +the 9th Bhopals.</p> + +<p class='c013'>And yet, dumped down in the heart of Europe mid +ice and snow, shot, mangled, and torn day after day, many +of these things, of which he was so sanguine, were suddenly +<span class='pageno' id='Page_298'>298</span>directly reversed. His old battalion and his officers still +stood to him in the same relation, but he awoke to the +truth that ours was by no means the best equipped Army +for war; far from it. The exigencies of the time had +shattered his dream. All kinds of strangers entered the +ranks almost daily; all kinds of officers who did not understand +him took command of his company. The promotion +he had looked for in his battalion was going to outsiders; +his own officers were being wiped out week by week, and +his periods of leave home were <i>nil</i>.</p> + +<p class='c013'>He was indeed a derelict! but he still stood in his +trench, his rifle ready and his loyalty unimpaired. Only +one belief had not been shattered, and that was, that his +family would regularly receive the small dole that was his +due, and that if he died this would still continue. In this +knowledge lay his contentment.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Is there not material here to ponder, for those who +issued battle orders as if the whole Army was of Anglo-Saxon +blood?</p> + +<div class='lg-container-b c014'> + <div class='linegroup'> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'>Man is not cast in common mould; as iron is to unwrought gold,</div> + <div class='line'>So is one man, ne’er mind his faith, distinct as love is far from hate,</div> + <div class='line'>From all his fellow-men.</div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c013'>It was Lord Kitchener who wisely made the appointment +of “Recording Officer with the Indian Corps,” and +it must have been he who refused to consider his abolition +under any circumstances.</p> + +<p class='c013'>On 2nd May, as on numerous other occasions, I had +spent the whole day in the trenches. There alone could +one understand the real life the men lived, and appreciate +what they were doing. Besides, a big attack was pending, +and a thorough survey of the ground to our front was +necessary. The particular battalions I saw in the most +advanced line this day were the 9th Gurkhas and 6th Jats. +I chatted freely with the men and was struck by their +eagerness to ask questions. One <i>jawan</i> of the Jats said: +“We have been arguing as to whether there is a hill in +this country: why, we had one even in my own village +near Hissar (it was probably an old disused brick kiln), +but although the troops who fought near Ypres in April +<span class='pageno' id='Page_299'>299</span>tell me that they saw hills and valleys, I can scarcely +believe it.” I told him there were plenty of high mountains +on some parts of the Allied front. He said: “Then send +us for a motor bus trip, and if it turns out to be so, I will +give a banquet to my company when we again get a rest.” +Another young Jat quickly added: “You are too generous. +You need not trouble about the banquet, for that time will +never arrive.” This raised a general laugh, and as I +passed on I said: “You see we cannot spare the 6th Jats +because the Germans are afraid to attack as long as you +are up in the front trenches.” “Well said, General +Sahib! now we understand,” came from several men.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The G.O.C. First Army was a very frequent visitor to +our Corps Headquarters. I see in my diary over and over +again how often he came to see me and discussed operations +past or future. This was a great help in carrying them out, +and his intimate knowledge of the maps showing our +trenches, defensive posts, and situation generally, was +quite astonishing. It was only one of his many fronts, +but you had to be pretty quick with him, and I do +not doubt that he knew as much of the front he was +eventually responsible for as he did of our own short line. +He has since made a world-wide name as a soldier. I +wonder if he sometimes recalls the days when the Corps +yclept “Indian” was under his command.</p> + +<p class='c013'>In my diary of 10th May, the day after our severe +fighting at Festubert, there is an entry, “Nice letter from +Viceroy.” As I have often said before in this book, Lord +Hardinge never failed to write fully regarding the Indian +Army. I have a big file of his letters, which as I re-read +them show plainly that no man could possibly have done +more to help the Corps in France.</p> + +<p class='c013'>On the 2nd June I inspected a company of the Hazaras +of the 106th Pioneers, who had just arrived as a reinforcement +for the 107th Pioneers. It was worth a lot to see +these honest-looking men, for simple faith in the Government +they served was written on their faces. A havildar +whom I asked what he thought of the country said, “Every +country to which the Government sends us is good.” A +somewhat Oriental reply, but he looked as if he meant +<span class='pageno' id='Page_300'>300</span>what he said, though he was probably wondering where he +really was.</p> + +<p class='c013'>On the 7th and 8th June I saw the 69th and 89th +Punjabis, just arrived from the East to replace corps +leaving France. The last time I had seen the 69th was +on the Malakand Pass on the road to Chitral; it was a +different scene now, although the ugly village they were +billeted in bore the somewhat ridiculous name of “Paradise.” +They had justified their regimental motto, “By sea and +land,” and they rendered good service in Flanders. This +battalion was originally raised in 1764 at Madura as the +10th Battalion of Coast Sepoys, and after undergoing many +changes in name and constitution, received its present +designation in 1903. Ill fortune attended their arrival, +for the day following, both the Second in Command, Major +Copeland, and the Adjutant, Lieut. J. R. Dill, who had +gone up to visit the trenches, were killed by a shell. Dill +was a brother of Captain R. F. Dill, 129th Baluchis, who +had behaved with such distinguished gallantry at the first +battle of Ypres, and received one of the first D.S.O.’s +awarded to the Indian Army in this war. They were sons +of the Very Reverend Dr. Marcus Dill of Alloway Manse, +Ayr, who sent four sons to the war.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The 69th bears on its colours the battle honours, amongst +others, of Mysore, Ava, and Pegu.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The 89th Punjabis was raised in 1798 as the 3rd +Battalion of Madras Native Infantry, and like the 69th +underwent many changes of constitution until 1903, when +it received its present title. The battalion served in six +different theatres of the Great War. One Naik Shahmad +Khan won the Victoria Cross in Mesopotamia.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Another battalion which joined the Corps later on +was the 33rd Punjabis. They were raised during the Indian +Mutiny of 1857 as the “Allahabad Levy,” and received +various designations as Bengal Infantry. In 1903 it +became the 33rd Punjabis. On its colours is shown +“Burma, 1885–87.”</p> + +<p class='c013'>On the 22nd June I visited the trenches and spent +the night there with the 57th Rifles. How quickly one +realises in the darkness the chances of being knocked out. +<span class='pageno' id='Page_301'>301</span>Even though nothing unusual occurred, so many bullets +were flying about, ricochetting on every side, clattering on +the tin roof of the dug-out, etc., that it was made plain +at any moment any man might meet his end. And the +men took it so much as a matter of fact and appeared so +unconcerned. It was only the experience hundreds of +thousands were going through every night, but it may be +of some interest to write what I, as one humble individual +of that great host, myself went through, for it just describes +what occurred every day, more or less. Towards dusk it +began to rain, and seeing a young officer who had to proceed +to Divisional Headquarters on duty, starting without a +waterproof, I offered him mine. The La Bassée-Estaires +road was his shortest way, and although this was always +kept under fire by the Germans, it was still a fairly possible +bicycle route if you did not mind an occasional toss into +a shell-hole, and was used by everybody who had urgent +business. The officer returned before dawn, and in handing +me back my coat said, “General, I am so sorry I have +damaged it,” and on examination I found two bullet-hole +marks. Small thing, no doubt, but it showed the kind +of life those lived who spent their nights on that Godforsaken +road.</p> + +<p class='c013'>As the evening wore on a ration party assembled outside +the C.O.’s dug-out, where I was then standing. Just as +they were collected, a machine-gun, evidently fired on the +signal of some watcher, pumped a shower of lead into +them; no one was hit, but in an instant that ration party +had disappeared. Evidently it was unsafe to show a head +anywhere.</p> + +<p class='c013'>About midnight I lay down for an hour’s sleep as I +hoped, but hardly had I closed my eyes than a huge rat +walked over my face. I jumped as if shot, with the result +that I knocked my head against the supporting timber +and remembered it for some days. I was fast appreciating +the luxuries enjoyed by those millions of brave men who +spent, not one, but hundreds of nights in this kind of +inferno. But my experiences were by no means ended; +the most interesting was to come.</p> + +<p class='c013'>After a night in which I saw much of my old comrades +<span class='pageno' id='Page_302'>302</span>of the 57th Rifles, I proceeded at dawn to return to my +headquarters, and remembering my steel-bound leg, I +took the La Bassée-Estaires road, instead of the longer +route by a communication trench. Not being one of those +who do not mind bullets whizzing about, I soon had cause +to regret it, for the Germans had apparently chosen the +self-same hour to search this road with a machine-gun. +My orderly, Birbal, a Naik in the 69th Punjabis and a very +old friend of mine, was with me, and as we moved along +for over 1000 yards we were under a most unpleasant fire +which swept past us in gusts. Birbal evidently thought +“out of sight out of danger,” for he insisted on opening +his greatcoat wide and remaining on my weather side. I +ordered him to cease his folly, but, brave fellow, he replied, +“They will never see you as long as I keep this open.” +None of the party of four of us either had the time or +inclination to argue, and our pace, to say the least of it, +was exceedingly rapid, and Birbal had his way.</p> + +<p class='c013'>At last we reached the waiting motor-car and were +soon out of machine-gun range; but as we spun along +towards Headquarters, I could not but realise how strange +must have been the feelings of thousands of Indians who +underwent similar experiences daily and did it only because +they had sworn loyalty to England’s King. I also reflected +for the hundredth time, how safe, ordinarily speaking, +was the lot of a Corps Commander in comparison with those +brave juniors who really won the war.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Sir John French, by his actions at different times during +our year in France, proved his strong sympathy, even in +trivial matters, with soldiers as a class. He could say a +thing just in the right way to win the regard of all ranks. +When he found that one of our few periods of rest behind +the firing-line coincided with the Mahomedan Ramazan, +he immediately let me know that he was very pleased our +men had this opportunity of observing a religious duty. +In the same way, when I was gazetted G.C.M.G., the Commander-in-Chief +did not fail to write and congratulate me. +I hope, should the great Field-Marshal ever come across +this book, he will believe that whatever I may have said +in no way reduces the very high esteem in which I bear +<span class='pageno' id='Page_303'>303</span>him. The Indian Corps owes him a debt of gratitude for +his remarks in his book, “1914.”</p> + +<p class='c013'>Several French Generals also frequently sent their +congratulations and best wishes to me and the Indian +Corps. The <i>camaraderie</i> between the French and the +Indians will ever remain a precious remembrance.</p> + +<div class='chapter'> + <span class='pageno' id='Page_304'>304</span> + <h2 class='c008'>CHAPTER XXII</h2> +</div> + +<p class='c012'>From the finish of the battle of Festubert until the Indian +Corps took part in the subsidiary attack in front of +Mauquissart on the opening day of the battle of Loos in +September 1915, was for us what was called in France a +quiet time. No big attack was undertaken and no special +features marked this period. The troops, however, had +plenty of hard work, and a few incidents are worth recording. +Some of our old battalions left us, and a few others arrived +from Egypt, etc. Among the departures were the 15th +Sikhs, 6th Jats, 9th Bhopals, 41st Dogras, and 125th Rifles. +I was sorry to miss the old numbers, but after being refitted, +brought up to strength, and re-equipped, they again joined +one or other of our numerous forces operating in the many +theatres of war, and shared in the toils and triumphs of +Great Britain’s armies.</p> + +<p class='c013'>After the Indian Corps had left France, I wrote, as part +of a story for a magazine, a tale of one Naik Ayub Khan +of the 124th, attached to the 129th Baluchis. This was +not allowed to be printed by the Censor, but all the same +long before the war ended it appeared in full in <i>The Indian +Corps in France</i>. I suppose if the Germans had found out +that it was written by a former Commander of the Indian +Corps it might have altered the whole course of events in +Europe, so I presume it was that Solomonic Censor (and +not Marshal Foch) who ended the war!</p> + +<p class='c013'>Here is the story, and I will give it in his own words:</p> + +<p class='c015'>“At 10 <span class='fss'>P.M.</span> on 21st June I started with one other man to +patrol the ground in front of our own trenches. The grass for +about 100 yards this side of the German trenches has been cut. +<span class='pageno' id='Page_305'>305</span>Their wire is about fifteen yards wide, and is composed of high +wire entanglements (3 feet to 3 feet 6 inches high) outside, and +<i>chevaux de frise</i> inside. It commences about five yards outside +the German trenches.</p> + +<p class='c015'>I arrived at the ditch on the left of the road close to the +barricade on the road near Point 63 one hour before dawn. I +waited until it was light, and till the Germans stood to arms, +and then stood up and held up my hands, saying, “Germany, +I am an Indian Musalman.” The Germans immediately +called an officer, who signalled to me to put down my rifle by +the barricade. I then gave up my bayonet and ammunition +and climbed over the barricade. The time was about 2 to +2.30 <span class='fss'>A.M.</span></p> + +<p class='c015'>There were many Germans in the trench, all wearing the +number “15” on their shoulders. They wore grey uniform and +soft forage caps, with a stiff and black shining band, apparently +made of the same material as the German helmet. They had +no pack on their backs, only a belt with several ammunition +pouches and a bayonet.</p> + +<p class='c015'>The trench was very deep and strong, and is revetted +entirely with boards held up with stakes. The floor of the +trench is boarded and is kept dry by means of pumps.</p> + +<p class='c015'>Traverses are frequent, I cannot say at what intervals, but +about six to eight men between each traverse. Dug-outs are +well built and covered with sandbags. Some have doors and +windows; these probably belong to the officers.</p> + +<p class='c015'>The parapet is very strong. There are a few loopholes in +it for sentries and (perhaps) snipers, but in the case of attack +the men would, I think, all fire over the top of the parapet +(probably standing) on steps or sandbags. The German +trenches appear to be considerably stronger and better built +than ours.</p> + +<p class='c015'>About five yards behind their front trench and parallel to +it runs a communication trench, connected with the firing-line +in every traverse. It is dry and in good condition and I was +taken along part of it.</p> + +<p class='c015'>Until the sun rose I stayed with the officer who called me in, +and then he took me along the trench to a senior officer about +500 yards towards the German right.</p> + +<p class='c015'>During my walk through the trenches I saw some iron +loopholes, probably for day sentries, also some wooden loopholes +which may be used at night. There are more men in the +<span class='pageno' id='Page_306'>306</span>German front-line trenches than in ours, perhaps in the proportion +of three to two.</p> + +<p class='c015'>The senior officer had a shoulder-strap covered with silver +braid, and the number “15”: I could see no other marks. +I was sent off in charge of one N.C.O. and two soldiers. I was +treated well and the men in the trenches gave me cigarettes.</p> + +<p class='c015'>The support trench was about 100 yards behind the firing-line. +There were no dug-outs, and the trench was absolutely +unoccupied. I saw no third line of trenches.</p> + +<p class='c015'>The course I followed seems to have been <i>via</i> (here he +described it in detail). I then entered a wood, and went through +it by a <i>kacha</i> road. (He emerged at Point 72 or 73, and turned +sharp to the left, going for about 200–300 yards with the wood +on his left.) I was then taken to the second of two houses on +the right, quite close to the turning. The first of these houses +is half destroyed and is used as a telegraph and telephone office. +A trolley line runs along behind the wood and turns to the right +by these two bungalows.</p> + +<p class='c015'>I was taken into the second house and saw two officers. +The younger had no coat on; the senior, who saluted me (mark +the salute) and gave me cigarettes, had silver braid on his +shoulder and a brass crown and a number which I cannot +remember. I think they must have been the C.O. and Adjutant.</p> + +<p class='c015'>I stayed there only about five minutes.</p> + +<p class='c015'>I started off along the trolley line, which continued till it +reached a main road, probably the Aubers road. (From here +the description is vague. Apparently he went past the factory +west of Illies church, on to the main La Bassée-Lille road, +and thence to Wicres.)</p> + +<p class='c015'>After crossing a railway line, some five minutes afterwards +we came to a small village, well built and with only a few houses +damaged. There were French women and children in the +village. I passed straight through the village, seeing on the +right an unmetalled road on which were horse-drawn artillery +wagons. I was taken to a house amidst trees in the fork of +two main roads.</p> + +<p class='c015'>An officer who spoke a little Hindustani and had been in +India came out with a senior officer (whom I took to be a +General), white-haired and with a grey moustache, whose +shoulder-strap carried thick silver braid as thick as my finger. +The Interpreter brought a map and asked me what trenches +I knew. I told him that I could not read.</p> + +<p class='c015'><span class='pageno' id='Page_307'>307</span>He asked me why the —— Regiment had left. I said they +had been engaged for a long time and had lost heavily. Other +questions and answers were as follows:</p> + +<p class='c015'><i>Question.</i>—Were you in the attack at Ypres?</p> + +<p class='c015'><i>Answer.</i>—Yes.</p> + +<p class='c015'><i>Q.</i>—How many men did your Brigade lose?</p> + +<p class='c015'><i>A.</i>—About 300 killed and 200 wounded.</p> + +<p class='c015'><i>Q.</i>—Is your Brigade very weak now?</p> + +<p class='c015'><i>A.</i>—No, a new battalion of 1100 rifles has just arrived.</p> + +<p class='c015'><i>Q.</i>—What is this battalion?</p> + +<p class='c015'><i>A.</i>—The 89th Punjabis. (The Interpreter then produced a +book and wrote this down.)</p> + +<p class='c015'><i>Q.</i>—Have the 124th (Ayub Khan’s proper battalion) come +to this country? It is not in my book. (He saw an old +shoulder badge of the 124th in my pocket.)</p> + +<p class='c015'><i>A.</i>—No. When the 129th had lost 300 men, 400 more +came from the 124th to bring them up to strength. When we +returned from Belgium drafts arrived from other regiments. +We are now 100 under strength but there is a draft of 600 men +waiting for us (a good lie) when we are relieved from the +trenches. I told him that the present strength of our companies +is about ninety men. (Indian battalions formerly had +eight companies.)</p> + +<p class='c015'><i>Q.</i>—Do you have plenty of rifle ammunition?</p> + +<p class='c015'><i>A.</i>—Each sentry is given a box and can fire what he likes.</p> + +<p class='c015'><i>Q.</i>—Have the guns plenty of ammunition?</p> + +<p class='c015'><i>A.</i>—Each battery has a dug-out full of ammunition, and +they can fire what they like. (Good lie!)</p> + +<p class='c015'><i>Q.</i>—What rations do you get?</p> + +<p class='c015'><i>A.</i>—In the morning, tea, milk, and biscuits. In the evening, +meat, bread, and vegetables.</p> + +<p class='c015'><i>Q.</i>—Do you get pay?</p> + +<p class='c015'><i>A.</i>—We are fed and clothed and get soap from Government. +We get ten francs monthly in the field, and the rest accumulates +at the depot.</p> + +<p class='c015'><i>Q.</i>—Why did you, a non-commissioned officer, desert?</p> + +<p class='c015'><i>A.</i>—My section is tired of the war, but dare not come over +in case they get fired on. We discussed the matter and I +decided to go alone and arrange for the others to come over. +There are fifteen men in my section who want to desert, and I +can find five more in the battalion.</p> + +<p class='c015'>The senior officer then said that, if I would come over to +<span class='pageno' id='Page_308'>308</span>the Germans, I should get very good pay, and that he would +give me Rs. 300 if I brought over twenty men.</p> + +<p class='c015'>These questions were asked at about 12 noon on the 22nd.</p> + +<p class='c015'>I was then sent to sit in an orchard. They brought me milk +and bread on three occasions. A number of soldiers came to +look at me. I saw about eight men with the number “55” on +their shoulder-strap, and about ten men with the number “13.”</p> + +<p class='c015'>I sat in the orchard until 9 <span class='fss'>P.M.</span> with some German soldiers. +They all had a crown on their shoulder-straps and another +mark I could not understand. They wore an ordinary black +German helmet, with a black board on the top, raised up a little. +One man took the grey cover off and showed me his helmet. +It had a big white badge in front. (N.B.—This appears to be +the 16th Uhlans.)</p> + +<p class='c015'>At about 9 <span class='fss'>P.M.</span> the Interpreter, one of the officers, and I +returned to the trenches in a motor-car. The officers in the +trenches did not want to let me go. However, it was arranged +that at dawn I should bring over the twenty men and call out +my own name. The men were to bring rifles with them but +leave them in the grass. I then left the German trench and +arrived back in our own trenches about midnight the 22nd-23rd +instant.</p> + +<p class='c015'>I brought back my rifle, belt, and bandolier. They took +my ammunition and bayonet.</p> + +<p class='c015'>As regards the distance of the place of interrogation from +the German trenches I cannot remember, but was walking +for about two hours on the morning of the 22nd. My motor-car +ride the same evening was about five or six miles.” Ends.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The story is a remarkable one and its general correctness +was proved by subsequent events. Ayub Khan carried +his life in his hand, for had his actions caused one doubt +of any kind among his captors he would assuredly have +been shot. One spot indicated by him as an ammunition +dump was subjected to a heavy fire two days later and a +very considerable explosion occurred which we at the time +attributed solely to the information gained. The Hun +was notified by unmistakable signs that the naik’s +treachery had been discovered and rewarded, as such conduct +in war should be.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Meantime I had the pleasure of presenting Ayub Khan +with a larger sum of money than he had been promised by +<span class='pageno' id='Page_309'>309</span>the Germans, promoting him to a higher grade of N.C.O., +and getting him the Indian Order of Merit. Promotion +to the commissioned rank of jemadar soon followed his +other rewards.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Towards the end of June 1915 I wrote to G.H.Q. +through the First Army on the subject of the depots, +convalescent camps, and drafts at Marseilles. I have before +me reports of a Committee of experienced senior officers, +also separate reports of other officers concerned. Those who +only judge Army Corps by the number of rifles and guns +available might receive a shock on reading these documents, +and incidentally gather therefrom some of the difficulties +that had to be faced by the Commander of the Indian +Corps in France. The truth is that Marseilles proved to +be the most unsuitable place that could have been selected +as the Indian Base. When we first arrived it was intended +to move it farther north, Havre or elsewhere, as soon as +the main body of the Corps had reached the front; but +once established, Marseilles remained our Base to the end. +Its geographical position and the shortage of shipping, +of course, had much to say to this.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The Committee did not shirk responsibility. On the +contrary, its report is a document that should be valuable +to those who may ever again be called on to select bases +in Europe for Indian troops, and assist them to avoid the +stupid blunders that were made and the chaotic conditions +that prevailed. The Commandant, Colonel G. F. Tinley, +did all a man could do. He worked all and every day, +but he could not refashion a rotten system nor cleanse the +Augean stable. Some of the reservists and drafts that +were sent from India were a humiliation to our name. +Some of the officers who passed them as fit should have +been removed from the Army.</p> + +<p class='c013'>For what did it all mean? Merely this, that from +reasons either of laziness or stupidity they did not hesitate +to send men marked as fit for service in the field who were +absolutely unfit, and who they must have known were +unfit. They themselves were safe enough in India; if +anything went wrong, well! their comrades in France +and not they would suffer. As I look back on it all I +<span class='pageno' id='Page_310'>310</span>cannot but hope that in most cases it was only ignorance, +but of what use are such officers in the Indian Army?</p> + +<p class='c013'>It is difficult to write calmly on such a subject, for on +15th July I myself went down to Marseilles and remained +there four days. I saw all that was being done, inspected +every hospital, depot, and draft, and returned to Flanders, +only realising fully for the first time that the authorities +in India knew as much about the requirements of a +European war as I did about a Zeppelin.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Talk of the mentality of the East: I truly learned more +of it in those four days in Marseilles than I had in a lifetime. +The mind of India was laid bare. The ignorance +of the West, when endeavouring to understand the viewpoint +of the East, suddenly stood naked before me. I +thought I knew something of Indians; I left Marseilles +knowing a little more, but still very far from all.</p> + +<p class='c013'>A few details may amuse the reader; they certainly +afford material for amusement, though little comfort was +it at that time. I will quote from the official reports. One +lot of reservists was classed as “utterly valueless.” Of +nineteen men of one regiment “three are fit for service.” +Another small draft was classed together as “particularly +poor,” of another out of thirty-five men sent “ten are +plague convalescents who have not even yet recovered +their full vigour.” One boy was referred to as fourteen +years of age, and another as a “mere child.” Of a draft of +sixty-seven reservists nine were of “indifferent physique” +and fifty-eight “unfit.” India appeared anxious to fill +up sorely needed shipping with trash of this sort. One +draft of thirty Hindus was sent for the 129th Baluchis, a +Class Mahomedan regiment that had not had a Hindu in +it for thirty years, and of the thirty, twenty-two were +pronounced unfit on arrival at Marseilles.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Finally this particular Committee closed its proceedings +with the remark: “Of 212 men inspected only five or six—who +(also) are temporarily unfit—are suitable for service +in France.”</p> + +<p class='c013'>G.H.Q. was shouting to us, “Promite vires,” on the +battle front, but we were fast reaching the Ultima Thule +of our resources in the rear.</p> + +<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' id='Page_311'>311</span>Attached to the Indian Corps was Captain P. J. G. +Pipon of the Indian Civil Service. He had volunteered +for active service and in addition to his military duties +did much work of a political nature. His assistance in all +matters connected with religion, interior economy, etc., +always proved most valuable, and his inquiries at Marseilles +unearthed many details which make strange reading. He +received the Military Cross and C.I.E. for his services in +the war. My Indian A.D.C., Risaldar Khwaja Mahomed +Khan, I.D.S.M., accompanied him on one occasion, and +then, as always, rendered invaluable service. Of course +in the doing of this he made many enemies, and those +who understand the East will know what this means. His +loyalty and zeal deserve strong recognition, and I feel +certain that should the Viceroy or Commander-in-Chief +ever hear of these remarks they would not fail to inquire, +and would assuredly see that this distinguished Indian +officer was honoured by those who owe him a debt of gratitude. +Captain E. B. Howell (I.C.S.), Censor with the Indian +troops, rendered valuable service and received a C.I.E.</p> + +<p class='c013'>In March 1915 I had recommended to G.H.Q. that +wounded Indians should not be sent back to the front, +and the Adjutant-General had issued orders to this effect. +They still continued, however, to be sent, and in May the +G.O.C. First Army himself made similar recommendations, +to which the A.G. replied that only those who volunteered +would be returned. It was a great mistake keeping +wounded men at Marseilles. They did little good and +much harm, and they should either have been kept in +England or returned to India. It was folly to mix them +up with fresh drafts, who were not cheered on first arrival +by meeting a lot of bandaged men. The Indian is not +built that way.</p> + +<p class='c013'>However, it was eventually decided that all recovered +wounded, as well as sick, should as soon as pronounced fit +be sent back to the front. On this I made fresh recommendations +for forming a working battalion behind our +lines, which could be utilised, at any rate for military +working parties. This project had taken shape before I +left France. It was indeed the only way out of the difficulty, +<span class='pageno' id='Page_312'>312</span>and served as a means of partially clearing that focus of +discontent, Marseilles.</p> + +<p class='c013'>On 2nd July I attended the regimental sports of the +4th Cavalry. A big French crowd had gathered, and the +proceedings recalled many happy days in India. The tent-pegging +was quite good, and the jumping showed that +the horses were in good fettle and well trained.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The 4th Cavalry, the Divisional Cavalry Regiment of +the Meerut Division, was originally raised in 1838 as the +“Cavalry Regiment of the Oudh Auxiliary Force,” and +received its present title in 1904. It was granted an +honorary standard for service in Scinde in 1844, and served +in Afghanistan (1879–80).</p> + +<p class='c013'>On 8th July Lord Kitchener visited us. He told me +the Indians were to have a rest and also said very decidedly +that he meant to keep them in France to the end of the +war. He informed me that they would be formed into +<span class='fss'>ONE</span> Division, and not kept as two, which was the opposite +of what he had sturdily maintained when I last saw him, +so I presume the pressure brought to bear on him had been +too much even for his determination. The G.O.C. First +Army also informed me that the Indians were to have +three weeks’ rest, and that the British battalions were to +be formed into two Brigades and have a third added +whilst the Indians’ rest lasted. By the 16th July this +reorganisation had been completed, but was of short +duration, as only a week later we were again ordered to +change our front, and 3000 rifles of those in rest were sent +to the Lahore Division, which had been detailed to hold +the line whilst all the Indian units had been temporarily +turned into the Meerut Division. Lord Kitchener on this +visit was in peculiarly happy vein and made light of all +his difficulties.</p> + +<p class='c013'>On 11th July the pipers of the 40th Pathans played +in the square of the village where our Headquarters was +located and a large crowd of French people gathered to +listen. It was a very cheerful sight, and an old Frenchman +who was bent double came up to me and said, “Your +Indians are just like the British, you are a wonderful race of +people.”</p> + +<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' id='Page_313'>313</span>My own old battalion, the 1st Leinsters, was at this +time quartered at Armentières not far from us, and I +went over to see them. Unfortunately I had selected +the 14th July for my visit, not remembering that it was +a great date in France, and that, in consequence, the +Boches would certainly select it as a special day of hate. +Before I reached the town this was forcibly brought home +to me by the heavy shelling it was being subjected to. +However, I had fixed an hour and I knew the battalion +would be on parade waiting for me, shells or no shells. +With some difficulty I wended my way in a motor-car by +back streets full of debris, and arrived in time. I carried +out a formal inspection while the big shells were falling +in the Square quite close by; but the men were in high +spirits, and I believe had a shell burst in our midst, not a +Leinster would have budged even to pick up his comrade. +I could not but compare it with the very last occasion on +which I had met my old Corps in India and had the high +honour of presenting it with new colours, a distinction +that does not often fall to the lot of an ordinary officer.</p> + +<p class='c013'>We had lunch to the accompaniment of a chorus of +projectiles, and I left after the Hun had poured out the +vials of his wrath. The Irishmen looked grand. Would +that we could enrol many Army Corps of such fine soldiers.</p> + +<p class='c013'>On 18th July Sir John Hewett, late Lieutenant-Governor +of the United Provinces of Agra and Oudh, paid +us a visit. He came on duty in connection with the +“Indian Soldiers’ Fund,” for which he had done so much +and which I have written of elsewhere. Sir John was one +of the greatest of modern India’s Proconsuls—a man full +of saving common sense, strong in character, quick in +decision, just in dealing, such an one, in fact, as Indians +respect and love, and his visit was much appreciated by us.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Towards the end of July we received a very fine draft +of 900 men from India. I saw them on parade and was +very pleased with their physique and general appearance. +They were nearly all highly trained and keen to see fighting, +and I saw that the authorities had at last begun to realise +that what we needed were soldiers and not useless reservists.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Hudson, by this time promoted Major-General, my +<span class='pageno' id='Page_314'>314</span>Chief of Staff, left us to command the Eighth British +Division. I was truly sorry to lose so excellent a Staff +officer and so good a friend. His knowledge and advice +had been invaluable from the day we landed in France. +Captain Langhorne, R.A., also rejoined his own Army, and +I felt his loss much. Hudson was succeeded by Brigadier-General +Charles, R.E., and Captain Forbes, 57th Rifles, +relieved Langhorne.</p> + +<p class='c013'>It is of interest to record that at the beginning of July +the casualties of the Indian Corps had reached a total of +over 26,000, exclusive of nearly 500 other deaths among +the Indians.</p> + +<div class='chapter'> + <span class='pageno' id='Page_315'>315</span> + <h2 class='c008'>CHAPTER XXIII</h2> +</div> + +<p class='c012'>During July very few interesting events had occurred +in the Corps, and although there is nothing spectacular to +record, it was just such incidents that kept up the spirits of +the men and gave opportunities for individual distinction +combined with very useful work. Of such was a reconnaissance +made by Captain Roe, 4th Gurkhas. Starting +by daylight, this gallant officer, accompanied by Lieut. +C. C. Manson of the Indian Army Reserve of Officers +attached to the battalion, and his acting Subadar-Major, +Senbir Gurung, spent five hours reconnoitring the enemy +trenches from “No Man’s Land.” In the doing of this +they all ran very considerable risks, but certain information +was much needed and they did not hesitate to run every +risk to gain it. I will not go into the details: suffice it to +say they not only discovered and sketched many German +traps, trenches fitted with armoured loopholes, dummy +machine-guns, barricades, and other unpleasant accessories +of trench warfare, but killed a German officer and another +man, and returned with their information and a useful +sketch.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Not content with this the same trio, accompanied now +by eighteen N.C.O.’s and men, sallied out on 4th July and +in three groups repeated the performance on a larger scale. +Covering parties were told off and other necessary preparations +made. Roe and his group were subjected to a sharp +bombing which temporarily knocked them out, but quickly +regaining their feet they outmatched the Huns in the bombing +game, killing five of them. Senbir was very severely +wounded, but refused to be moved and continued to exercise +his command. Manson here got his chance, and with his +<span class='pageno' id='Page_316'>316</span>covering party just caught the Germans at the moment +they were gaining a decided advantage. They were utterly +surprised and as they very hurriedly retired a fortunate +shell from one of our field batteries which was assisting +the operation burst over them. This ended all opposition +and the grand little Gurkhas returned full of themselves.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Roe received the D.S.O., Manson the Military Cross, +and Senbir Gurung the Indian Order of Merit. Others +who were awarded the I.D.S.M. will be found in the +Appendix.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The Bishop of Nagpore visited us towards the end of +July and accompanied me to several of our advanced posts +and batteries. He gave us a very impressive service in the +French schoolroom of the town, and we were glad indeed +to have had one of our Indian Bishops in our midst. +In this Corps we of course had less Christian chaplains +than was naturally the case with others, but those we +had have left a splendid record of devotion and will ever +be remembered by all who served with them. Witness +one name alone, Ronald Irwin, Indian Ecclesiastical +Department, Chaplain of the Leicesters, who during the +war won the D.S.O. and M.C. with bar.</p> + +<p class='c013'>I had a very pleasant duty to perform during July +when on comparing statistics of all Brigades in the Corps +I was able to report to First Army that for the two previous +months the 1st and 2nd Battalions of the Connaught +Rangers, who as I said before had been amalgamated into +one unit, had not a single court-martial, and showed the +lowest average of sick (1·37) amongst the British troops +of the original Army Corps. All of these battalions could +not be beaten in the Army, but it always rejoices me to +see Irishmen setting the example, and they generally will +set it if they are taken in the right way.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Sir John French, with that soldierly instinct he +possesses in so high a degree, at once directed that an +expression of his appreciation of the efforts of the C.O. +and all other ranks of the Connaughts to raise the Corps +to such a high state of discipline was to be conveyed to +the battalion.</p> +<div class='figcenter id002'> +<img src='images/i_b_317afp.jpg' alt='' class='ig001'> +</div> +<div class='figcenter id002'> +<span class='pageno' id='Page_317'>317</span> +<img src='images/i_b_317bfp.jpg' alt='' class='ig001'> +</div> + +<p class='c013'>Major-General Lambton, the Military Secretary at +G.H.Q., had a difficult task. Considering the numerous +details he had to deal with and the difficulty of following +the ramifications of promotions and rewards in the Indian +Corps, it was wonderful how successfully he managed. +His fairness in apportioning them, and his desire to do +justice to the Indians, were very apparent. In comparing +the awards with those of other Indian Expeditionary +forces, up to the time I left France, I think we perhaps +suffered in proportion to our numbers and the conditions +we lived in. There can be no question as to which force +of Indians had the hardest task and the most trying +conditions to contend with during the first months of the +war, but the number of rewards for Indians were in some +cases less than their more fortunate comrades received +in other theatres. Writing of rewards I may add that +Lieut.-General Sir Charles Anderson, who commanded +the Meerut Division for eleven months and succeeded +me in command of the Indian Corps, was perhaps the +only Corps Commander who never received a French +decoration. He later commanded a British Army Corps +for many months, but he is still without anything to show +that he served in France.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Lieut.-Colonel S. Barry of the Northamptonshire +Regiment, A.D.C. to the Commander-in-Chief, was an +officer who invariably exercised a tact that made visits +to G.H.Q. a pleasure whenever he was on duty.</p> + +<p class='c013'>General Macready, Adjutant-General, G.H.Q., was +always most anxious to help the Indian Corps, and we +owe him a debt of gratitude for many actions taken by +him to keep our house in order.</p> + +<p class='c013'>It will interest those who sympathise with the complications +of this command to glance at the accompanying +short extract from our “Summary of News,” 1st to 5th +June 1915. It was taken haphazard from many in my +possession. In order to convey to the Indians some idea +of what was going on in all theatres of war it was of +course necessary to publish such news in their own +language. This meant, first, translation of the ordinary +summary issued to the Army into Hindustani, and then +the local presentation of it in the Persian and the Hindi +<span class='pageno' id='Page_318'>318</span>character. It was all done rapidly and regularly, with +a result that the sepoy in the trenches was enabled to +learn frequently what his comrades and the Allied Armies +were doing. Without it he would have known nothing +of either.</p> + +<p class='c015'><i>Summary of News, 1st June to 5th June 1915.</i></p> + +<p class='c015'><span class='sc'>Western Theatre</span></p> + +<p class='c015'><i>British Front.</i>—The British troops have captured the +Château of Hooge, about 2–1/2 miles from Ypres on the Menin +road.</p> + +<p class='c015'>On the night of the 4th-5th June the British on the right +of the Indian Corps captured forty-eight German prisoners of the +56th Regiment, Seventh Corps. These are mostly men between +thirty-five and forty years of age, who have only recently been +called up for service. From their statements it appears that +in this neighbourhood the enemy has at present no apparatus +for asphyxiating gas.</p> + +<p class='c015'><i>French Front.</i>—The French continue to advance near Notre +Dame de Lorette and Souchez, fifteen to twenty miles south +of the Indian Corps. On the 31st May they captured the front +German trenches of the large work known as the “Labyrinth,” +taking four officers and 146 men. The “Labyrinth” was +composed of subterranean chambers believed by the enemy to +be impregnable. The French also captured the Souchez Sugar +Factory, a large and strongly defended building. During the +night the Germans recaptured it, but were driven out again by +our Allies at daybreak on the 1st June. During this battle +the French captured over 800 prisoners, including nine officers, +fifty N.C.O.’s and two machine-guns. They are now in firm +possession of the building and of the trenches all round it.</p> + +<p class='c015'>The following particulars of the results of the fighting in this +neighbourhood are issued officially by the French authorities:</p> + +<p class='c015'>“Between the 9th May and 1st June 3100 German prisoners, +including sixty-four officers, were captured, and 2600 German +corpses buried, all by one French Division.” This probably +represents a loss of at least 10,000 killed, wounded, and prisoners. +“The losses of this French Division were about 3200 in all, of +which two-thirds were only slightly wounded.” Ends.</p> + +<p class='c013'>A month before I left France Lieutenant E. Bullard, +of the Indian Postal Service, attached to the Corps, was +killed by a shell whilst in his motor-car on duty well +behind the advanced posts. Poor lad, he had done +excellent service, and this will readily be understood when +it is remembered that he was responsible for the distribution +of letters, packages, post cards, and a hundred forms of +correspondence and gifts written in innumerable dialects +or wrapped in the most impossible covers, and despatched +in a manner that no Westerner can conceive. Notwithstanding +this, like other exceptional matters, there +was always an officer ready and capable of carrying +them out. Indian training in this respect is difficult to +beat.</p> + +<div class='figcenter id001'> +<span class='pageno' id='Page_319'>319</span> +<img src='images/i_b_319fp.jpg' alt='' class='ig001'> +<div class='ic002'> +<p>TRENCHES. INDIAN CORPS. 27–8–1915.</p> +</div> +</div> + +<p class='c013'>During August a company of Bhutias from the Darjeeling +district of Bengal joined us for ambulance work. +Great Britain was indeed gathering her hosts from all +parts of the world. I inspected them and never remember +to have seen a more cheery detachment. They were +accommodated in tents and plainly showed that they +had come to enjoy the show, for they had no hesitation +in calling the war a regular <i>tamasha</i> (sport, fun). They +changed their mind as to the <i>tamasha</i> part of it, but were +always in good spirits.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The 12th August was a proud day for me, for I had the +honour of receiving from His Majesty’s hands the G.C.M.G. +he had been pleased to confer on me, and at the same +time my son in the Black Watch was honoured by receiving +the Military Cross. The King was kind enough to +tell the boy that he was glad to see both father and son +together, and after the Investiture I was summoned to +an interview, when His Majesty told me he had heard +good reports of the Corps and directed me to convey to +the officers, N.C.O.’s, and men his good wishes. Of +course this was speedily done, and little did I then realise +that only three weeks later I was to leave my beloved +Army Corps and field service for ever.</p> + +<p class='c013'>I again saw Lord Kitchener and he asked me if I had +any objection to releasing a thousand Gurkhas from the +Corps for service in Gallipoli. He wished four companies +to be taken from four different battalions, but I suggested +one whole battalion being sent and made up to a thousand +<span class='pageno' id='Page_320'>320</span>rank and file. He agreed to this and I selected the 4th +Gurkhas. It was a blow losing them, but necessity +demanded it, I suppose.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Only a week later Lord Kitchener again visited us in +France and saw all Corps Commanders of the First Army +at St. Venant. On this occasion he informed me that it +had been suggested to him to relieve the Indians, but he +was determined they should stay on in France, and he +said he was arranging reliefs of units.</p> + +<p class='c013'>For few perhaps in the British Forces in France has +the 3rd September 1915 any special significance, but for +me, without any kind of immediate warning, it was the +last day of soldiering. For thirty-seven years the thought +of suddenly ending my career had never entered my head, +and I still hoped that if my Corps could be transferred +to Egypt, Mesopotamia, or anywhere from France, I +should have the satisfaction of seeing the war through. +If we remained on in France, I knew it was only a matter +of time when I should be forced myself to ask for a move. +However, we were on the eve of the great attack at Loos; +the Indian Corps was in as good fettle as was then possible; +every kind of preparation was in process of completion +for the attack; and as far as I was concerned there was +no immediate reason for any foreboding of evil. We had +just received some excellent drafts from India and everything +seemed to be going well.</p> + +<p class='c013'>But it is the unexpected that often happens in war, +and in justice to myself and the Indians then in France, +I say plainly that at a time of comparatively profound +calm on the battle front, I was for very good reasons +obliged to suggest to the G.O.C. First Army that as my +services apparently no longer met with his approval I +considered it best for the Army that I might be relieved +of my command.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The war is over, I am only one humble individual, +my staying or leaving could have no bearing on events, +but justice is a thing we expect in our Army.</p> + +<p class='c013'>On the 2nd September 1915, with my old and valued +friend, Colonel Sir Frederick Lugard, Governor-General +of Nigeria, who was home on leave and paying a short +<span class='pageno' id='Page_321'>321</span>visit to France, I went round almost the whole of our +front trenches. It was a murky day and nothing beyond +the usual shelling and firing was happening, but the +Indians were glad to see me, as usual.</p> + +<p class='c013'>One section was held by Pathans, and some of them +were singing to a <i>sitar</i> (guitar). My knowledge of +Pashtu is limited, but I had years ago learned their +favourite song, “Zakhmi Dil” (The Wounded Heart), so +I joined in and gave them a verse. Men from other parts +of the trenches came running over, and presently to dance +and music we were having an improvised concert. I did +not know it was to be my last with my brave comrades of +many campaigns.</p> + +<p class='c013'>After a long day’s tramp, and having personally inspected +the various new trench positions for guns which +were to be brought up to the very front, etc., we got +home late, and for some reason I was in particularly good +spirits. Loos was about to be fought, and the Indian +Corps had been detailed to make a subsidiary attack from +near Mauquissart and we had been preparing everything +for many days.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Early on the 3rd September there was a conference +of the First Army at Hinges Château; it was the first +Headquarters I had been in when I took over our front +in October 1914, and I found myself back in the old +familiar room and seated at the same spot where we had +begun our great adventure. How much had passed since +those early days; how few of my old comrades of the +Staff, or indeed of any kind, still remained with us!</p> + +<p class='c013'>My thoughts could interest nobody but myself, but +to me as I look back they were the last I should ever reflect, +as a fighting soldier; for within an hour I was no longer +Commander of the Indian Corps. Discipline is the marrow +of an army; silence, when it is imperative that one should +uphold the authority which the King has placed over us, +is sometimes hard to endure.</p> + +<p class='c013'>An hour later, on my way back to my Headquarters, +I told my Staff officer that I had seen the Army Commander +and my end had come. He was not surprised; who that +was present could be? Only twenty days previously I +<span class='pageno' id='Page_322'>322</span>had had the honour of receiving the G.C.M.G. at the hands +of His Majesty, and had been summoned afterwards to +his presence, as I have already told, when he graciously +congratulated me and praised the work of the Indian +Corps, and within three weeks I was forced to leave the +Corps in which I had served with a loyalty that no man +could exceed. <i>Nemo repente fit turpissimus.</i></p> + +<p class='c013'>I had gone to the Conference in high spirits; I was +leaving it, little caring whither I went. I should have +to depart before even I could shake the hand of many +brave Indians, officers and men, my lifelong friends. I +felt I must perforce go without saying a word, lest any +spark of ill-feeling should be revealed. The enemy was +before us; individuals had to go under, rightly or +wrongly, but, above all, no Indian soldier should know +from me that his commander was leaving for such a +reason. They would, of course, not understand it, and +so I knew the bitter pill must be swallowed. I had long +foreseen what must come; that it came with a greater +suddenness than even I had imagined possible is another +story.</p> + +<p class='c013'>In my Diary under 5th September I find:</p> + +<p class='c015'>This day last year I was appointed to command the Indian +Corps and the self-same day a year later I got my orders to go. +The only order in fact I have received is, that I may proceed +on leave, and that was given me verbally by the Military +Secretary. It is war time and so I must hold my peace for the +foe is at the gates, but if this is justice then chivalry has indeed +departed.</p> + +<p class='c013'>From that day to this I have never received any orders. +<span class='sc'>Argumentum baculinum.</span></p> + +<p class='c013'>Even the India Office was not informed, and my own +intimation some days later, that I had left, was the first they +heard of the fact. Would this have been possible in any +other Army Corps?</p> + +<p class='c013'>Lord Kitchener saw me on 16th September, or ten +days after my return, and informed me that he had heard +verbally, but had no official report and had telegraphed +for it.</p> + +<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' id='Page_323'>323</span>I was the third senior officer in France; what must +have been the fate of many junior to me?</p> + +<p class='c013'>Had Lord Kitchener lived, I think I may safely say +I should not have been cast on the scrap-heap; with his +death vanished the last hope of re-employment in the +war, and what other employment was worth having?</p> + +<p class='c013'>I have a sufficient sense of discipline to refrain from +further probing this story. I am still on the “Active +List” of the Army and it is my duty to hold my peace; +but I retain the right to tell my own tale when I am no +longer employed, and I shall then do so. Even had I +been totally deficient in “initiative and tactical skill,” +there are ways of doing things. I had during my thirty-seven +years’ soldiering served in fourteen campaigns; had +received the Freedom of the City of London and a sword +of honour, and the unique distinction of being mentioned +by name in King Edward’s first Speech from the +Throne. Had I not the right to expect ordinary courtesy?—but +I belonged to the Indian Corps!—that explains +much.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The story of my own share in the work of the Corps +in France is finished. I have endeavoured faithfully to +record, to the best of my ability, the brave doings of +brave men, British and Indian. I have tried to repay in +some small measure the heavy debt I owe to them, but +especially to the soldiers of India, my faithful friends and +comrades in many campaigns, through whose loyalty, +courage, and devotion I have risen from Subaltern to +General. The memories of the long years spent in +India are, at least, a possession of which I cannot be +deprived.</p> + +<div class='lg-container-b c014'> + <div class='linegroup'> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'><span lang="la">Ille terrarum mihi praeter omnes angulus ridet.</span></div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c013'>The following numbers of casualties, up to within a +week of the date I left France, will give some idea of the +part played by the Army Corps in the fighting and of the +debt which England owes to her own sons and brothers +from overseas; but still more to those chivalrous men, +Mahomedans and Hindus, for they came from a sense of +loyalty to their King-Emperor alone, although they had +<span class='pageno' id='Page_324'>324</span>no personal bias in the quarrel, except to uphold Great +Britain’s righteous cause.</p> + +<table class='table1'> + <tr> + <td class='c009'>British</td> + <td class='c024'>officers</td> + <td class='c010'>850</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class='c009'>„</td> + <td class='c024'>other ranks</td> + <td class='c010'>10,300</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class='c009'>Indian</td> + <td class='c024'>officers</td> + <td class='c010'>420</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class='c009'>„</td> + <td class='c024'>other ranks</td> + <td class='c010'>17,230</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class='c009'> </td> + <td class='c024'> </td> + <td class='c010'><hr></td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class='c009'>Total</td> + <td class='c024'> </td> + <td class='c010'>28,800</td> + </tr> +</table> + +<div class='chapter'> + <span class='pageno' id='Page_325'>325</span> + <h2 class='c008'>CHAPTER XXIV</h2> +</div> + +<p class='c012'>My own part in the Great War ended early in September +1915, and the share taken by the Indian Corps as part +of the Army which attacked at and north of Loos (prior +to its final departure from France) can only be told as I +have gathered it from records and letters received by me; +but my information is derived from the most authentic +sources and may be taken as absolutely correct. I should +not consider this book complete without giving in some +detail an account of the last, but by no means the least, +of the fights waged by the Indians in Flanders. More +especially do I deem it an honour to do this, as the command +had devolved, on my own recommendation, on my friend, +Lieut.-General Sir Charles Anderson, K.C.B., one of the +most earnest fighting soldiers.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Moreover, certain Indian battalions took part in it +which had joined just prior to, or immediately after, my +departure. Like every other unit of the Corps, I had +known and served with them in India, and it is a source +of pleasure to record, as far as I can in a bald statement +of facts, the part they played in the closing scenes of the +drama of the soldiers of Hindustan. I had been partly +instrumental in making the preliminary preparations for +this battle, and therefore am in a position to understand +thoroughly what occurred.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The events as they actually took place have convinced +those who knew what was being done that the task +assigned to the Indian Corps was, under the circumstances, +a hopeless one, unless the wind and weather were both +favourable for the use of gas, of which we understood +but little at that time.</p> + +<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' id='Page_326'>326</span>I had originally selected as the objective of the Corps +the very same front it finally attacked, and had laid my +plans before the Army Commander. A German deserter +had, however, come in and stated that his own side was +preparing a gas attack on the self-same front, and I had +been ordered to select another portion of the German line +on which to direct our assault. Later, a heavy fire had been +kept up to detect if possible whether there was any collection +of gas cylinders or apparatus in the vicinity; the deserter’s +report had been found to be untrue and I had been ordered +to hold to my original plan again; but as the operation +depended mainly on the successful use of gas, I had made +certain suggestions in case of a failure of cylinders, or an +ill turn of luck in wind and weather at the last moment.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Those who may read this story will at least see that my +ideas were not only not groundless, but that, as I had deemed +possible, the supply of gas was eventually merely a trifle of +what had been planned—160 cylinders instead of the 1100 +calculated—and of the 160 in the trenches only 30 could +be discharged before the wind veered. The gas, moreover, +had no effect on the enemy, as was proved after our first +advance, whilst it very seriously hampered our own troops.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The end of a year of trench warfare, and the deterioration +of Indian units as compared with our original +battalions, was not the time to call on them to carry out +such an attack, unless they were to be amply supported +by guns, and of these I was very short. Given these and +favourable conditions for the use of gas, much might have +been done which the shortage of the former and handicap +(as it turned out) of the latter made an impossible task. +It is true that the push was only a subsidiary one, and +designed to hold the enemy in its front and thus prevent +him from sending assistance farther south; but distinct +objectives had been assigned; and, even so, there is reason +in all things, and in my opinion, as originally designed +and as we were supposed to carry it out, there was not the +slightest chance of our gaining our objective or retaining +it if gained, whilst there was the certainty of very heavy +losses amongst men who had already cheerfully made +immense sacrifices for Great Britain.</p> + +<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' id='Page_327'>327</span>I will not enter into the operations of the British +Army as a whole; suffice it to say that the First Army +assumed the offensive on September the 25th, and the +orders for the attack of the Indian Corps, amongst others, +were based on the following instructions:</p> + +<p class='c015'>The Army Corps south of the La Bassée Canal were to +advance eastward to the line Pont-à-Vendin-Bauvin. The +Corps north of the Canal were to engage the enemy vigorously +and to prevent him from withdrawing troops for a counter-attack. +Wherever the enemy gave ground he was to be followed +up with the greatest energy.</p> + +<p class='c015'>The Second Division was to assault the enemy’s trenches at +Givenchy and to attack Canteleux; the Third Corps to assault +the enemy’s line near Bridoux with a view to eventually +effecting a junction on the Aubers Ridge with the Indian Corps.</p> + +<p class='c015'>The Indian Corps was to capture the enemy’s trenches in +the vicinity of the Moulin du Piètre and to take advantage of +any weakening of the enemy on its front, so as to secure the +high ground about Haut Pommereau and La Cliqueterie Ferme. +The attack was to be made by the Meerut Division, then commanded +by Major-General Jacob, promoted from Brigadier +Dehra Dun Brigade. The first objective was to secure and +consolidate a line of a road which ran through Mauquissart to +an enemy salient. Every opportunity was to be seized of +pushing farther forward to gain the high ground about La +Cliqueterie Ferme.</p> + +<p class='c025'>Detailed orders were also issued for the Lahore and Nineteenth +Divisions.</p> + +<p class='c015'>In the event of the enemy showing signs of weakening, the +Lahore Division was to attack and capture the Bois du Biez. +Similarly, the Nineteenth Division was to be prepared to extend +any success gained by the Second Division by advancing +against the southern end of the Rue d’Ouvert. The Artillery +bombardment was ordered to commence on September 21st, +and continue day and night under instructions issued.</p> + +<p class='c015'>If the wind was favourable the attacks of the Second +Division and of the Meerut Division were to be preceded by +gas and smoke. The Lahore and Nineteenth Divisions were +to assist with smoke barrages.</p> + +<p class='c015'>The Lahore Division was directed to put up a smoke barrage +on the southern flank of the Meerut Division.</p> + +<p class='c015'><span class='pageno' id='Page_328'>328</span>The Meerut Division was to arrange a similar barrage on +its northern flank.</p> + +<p class='c015'>A mine was to be exploded under a designated enemy +salient two minutes before gas was turned on.</p> + +<p class='c015'>The attack was to be preceded by a four days’ deliberate +bombardment by the Meerut Divisional Artillery, reinforced by +No. 4 Group, H.A.R., one Brigade R.F.A., from Lahore Division, +one 3-pr. Hotchkiss gun on trailer, and an armoured train. +The assault was to be supported by the above Artillery, and +was to be carried out by the Garhwal Brigade on the right, +with the Bareilly Brigade on the left; the Dehra Dun Brigade +in Divisional reserve.</p> + +<p class='c015'>The troops were to be formed up by midnight 24th-25th +September.</p> + +<p class='c026'><i>Garhwal Brigade.</i>—Three assaulting battalions (3rd Gurkha +Rifles on the right, Leicesters in the centre, and 8th +Gurkha Rifles on the left) from Sunken Street to sixty +yards north of South Moated Grange Street.</p> + +<p class='c026'>One battalion (1/3rd Londons) on the front line from +Duck’s Bill to Sunken Street.</p> + +<p class='c026'>Garhwal Rifles in the Home Counties Trench.</p> + +<p class='c027'><i>Bareilly Brigade.</i>—Three assaulting battalions (1/4th Black +Watch on the right, 69th Punjabis in the centre, and 2nd +Black Watch on the left) from sixty yards north of +South Moated Grange Street to Winchester Street.</p> + +<p class='c026'>The 33rd Punjabis were in the Home Counties +Trench, etc.</p> + +<p class='c026'>The 58th Rifles were in Tilleloy trench.</p> + +<p class='c027'><i>Dehra Dun Brigade.</i>—In Divisional reserve.</p> + +<p class='c026'>One battalion (2nd Gurkha Rifles) south of Moated +Grange Street.</p> + +<p class='c026'>The 1st Seaforths north of Moated Grange Street.</p> + +<p class='c026'>1/4th Seaforths in Rouge Croix East Post, etc.</p> + +<p class='c026'>The 9th Gurkhas in Min and Rugby Posts and in +Bacquerot Street.</p> + +<p class='c026'>The 93rd Burma Infantry in Carter’s Post.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Owing to the uncertainty whether atmospheric conditions +would admit of gas being used, two programmes for the assault +were drawn up.</p> + +<p class='c013'><i>Programme “A.”</i>—To be followed if gas and smoke were +to be employed.</p> + +<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' id='Page_329'>329</span><i>Programme “B.”</i>—To be followed if gas and smoke were not +to be employed.</p> + +<p class='c013'>In both programmes the first objective of all assaulting +battalions was the enemy’s front and support lines.</p> + +<p class='c013'>As soon as the assault began, troops were to move up to +replace those who had gone forward, the Divisional reserve +going to Home Counties Trench, etc. This reserve was not to +move farther forward without the orders of the Division.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Three companies 34th Pioneers and half of the 20th Company +Sappers and Miners were placed at the disposal of Meerut +Division for the first day of the operations.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Our wire entanglement was cleared by the assaulting +Brigades during the days prior to the attack, the outer fringe +being left till the night of the 24th-25th September.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Each man of the attacking Infantry carried two sandbags +and two gas helmets.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The Lahore Division on the right and the Twentieth British +Division on the left were to cover the flanks of our advance by +fire, and after the front trenches were taken these Divisions +were to send troops to hold the trenches opposite their respective +fronts, and so protect our flanks in the advance beyond the +German support line.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The deliberate Artillery bombardment commenced on +the 21st September, and the results proved generally +satisfactory. By the evening of the 24th the enemy’s +wire entanglements in front of their front line were +reported to have been cut, with the exceptions where this +could not be done owing to trees. This bombardment +was accompanied by rifle, rifle-grenade, machine-gun, and +trench-mortar fire from the front line, and by indirect +machine-gun fire from points in rear of the front line. +This fire was kept up day and night in order to prevent +the enemy effecting any repairs. There was not much +retaliation on the part of the Germans during the period of +bombardment, and what there was did little damage and +caused few casualties.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Special instructions were issued to the Dehra Dun +Brigade, which was in Divisional reserve. The object +aimed at was to ensure this Brigade being concentrated +and ready to move quickly in any direction required.</p> + +<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' id='Page_330'>330</span>From 6 <span class='fss'>P.M.</span>, 23rd September, when the Brigades +commenced to move to their positions of assembly, the +weather became wet and inclement. This made the +trenches difficult, and by the evening of the 25th September +a foot of water was standing in many of them.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Part of the Brigades got into position during the day +of the 24th. The smoke and gas detachments were in +their places by 6 <span class='fss'>P.M.</span>, and all troops were in their positions +of assembly before midnight.</p> + +<p class='c013'>At 10.15 <span class='fss'>P.M.</span> orders were received by the Meerut +Division that Programme “A” was to be followed, <i>i.e.</i> the +employment of gas and smoke.</p> + +<p class='c013'>During the night the wind was changeable, veering +round from south to south-west.</p> + +<p class='c013'>About 4.40 <span class='fss'>A.M.</span>, 25th September, an enemy bomb +burst in the Duck’s Bill, smashing two gas cylinders, and +the officer in charge of the operations there and several +of his detachment were gassed. A considerable number +of men of the 1/3rd Londons, who formed the garrison +of the Duck’s Bill, were also incapacitated.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The mine exploded to time, and it was ascertained +later that the crater formed was 92 feet across. The +charge was one ton of gun-cotton.</p> + +<p class='c013'>At 5.50 <span class='fss'>A.M.</span> the gas should have commenced, but at +that hour it was practically calm, and what wind there +was made it unsafe to let it off in certain bays. In these +bays the men of the detachments, on their own initiative, +did not turn it on. Soon after the first cocks were turned +on, a gust of wind from the south-east turned the gas +into our own trenches. All gas was immediately turned +off, the detachments doing this on their own initiative, +but considerable quantities entered our own trenches and +caused many casualties in the 2nd Black Watch on the +leeward of our front.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The intensive bombardment commenced at 5.50 <span class='fss'>A.M.</span> +and was satisfactory, the field guns and the Hotchkiss +gun in the front parapet participating.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The Infantry began to cross the parapet just before +the assault, under cover of the smoke and of the Artillery +bombardment, the Artillery lifting 100 yards and increasing +<span class='pageno' id='Page_331'>331</span>their rate of fire, so as to conceal the increase of range +and prevent the enemy realising that the assault was +about to commence. This, combined with the smoke, had +the desired effect, as the enemy was not expecting the +assault at the moment it was delivered, and there was +practically no hostile fire while the assaulting troops +crossed the ground between the two front lines.</p> + +<p class='c013'>At 6 <span class='fss'>A.M.</span> the assault commenced. Dense clouds of +smoke, the result of the barrage on the right or south +flank, travelling in a north-easterly direction made observation +difficult, and caused some confusion and mistakes in +direction. The Garhwal Brigade got up to the German +wire, which was found to be impassable opposite the +3rd Gurkha Rifles and the right of the Leicesters. There +the lanes cut by our Artillery had been filled up during the +night with rolls of French wire. This stopped the assault +sufficiently to give the enemy time to man his parapets +and prevent these troops making good the attack. The left +of the Leicesters and the 2/8th Gurkhas, however, found +the wire destroyed and penetrated into the enemy’s line.</p> + +<p class='c013'>In front of the Bareilly Brigade the wire had been +destroyed by our Artillery and all three battalions got +into the enemy’s trenches with slight opposition. On +the left, the Black Watch had to go through our own gas, +which the wind had not been strong enough to disperse, +and suffered more casualties. This battalion was not +free from the vapour until it got into the enemy’s lines. +The smoke clouds, which the calmness and dampness of +the day had turned into thick fog, prevented observation +and hid guiding landmarks, and considerable intermingling +of units occurred after the assault. Communication also +was difficult, as the lines laid in advance of our front +parapet by the assaulting Infantry and the R.A. officers +accompanying them were continually being cut. This +was especially the case with the Infantry communications, +and the earliest information was obtained from Artillery +Observation officers, which proved generally reliable.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Writing as I am for the first time of a battle when I +was not in command of my Corps, I am tempted to +describe from reports the gallantry of units and individuals +<span class='pageno' id='Page_332'>332</span>well known to me, but I will refrain, and refer the reader +to that interesting book, <i>The Indian Corps in France</i>, +wherein he will find recorded the deeds of officers and +men who on this day, although unsuccessful in completing +the impossible task assigned to them, added brilliant +pages to their regimental records.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The names of such officers as Colonel Brakspear, +Lieutenants Bagot-Chester, Tyson, and Wood, of the 2/3rd +Gurkhas, form a roll of honour not to be forgotten, and +greatest of all in that fine battalion stands out Rifleman +Kulbir Thapa, who on this day added the fifth and last +Victoria Cross won in France by the men from Hindustan.</p> + +<div class='lg-container-b c014'> + <div class='linegroup'> + <div class='group'> + <div class='line'><span lang="la">Palmam qui meruit ferat.</span></div> + </div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c013'>And what of the 8th Gurkhas who had begun the war +on that bleak 30th day of October 1914 before Festubert? +The old battalion had practically disappeared, but although +no longer the Corps that had suffered so terribly in those +early days, it was determined to leave its mark deep cut +on the soil of Flanders. Colonel Morris, the C.O., already +severely wounded nearly a year previously, paid with +his life. Add to his the names of Lieutenant Ryall of his +own battalion and of the following attached officers: +Lieutenants Taylor (1st Brahmins), Inglis, and Meldrum, +of the Indian Army Reserve of officers, all of whom were +killed, as well as four others wounded and eight Indian +officers and 460 rank and file killed, wounded, and missing, +and one may well pronounce that the 8th Gurkhas indeed +did their duty and found their Valhalla.</p> + +<p class='c013'>I had left France; I knew of the “mentions in +despatches,” but I searched in vain for any rewards given +to the British officers of this and many other Indian +battalions who fought round Mauquissart on that day.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The 2nd Leicesters, as they had ever done, fought +with the stubborn pride of race they had so often displayed; +no need to say more. Over seventy were killed, +including Captain Romilly, of whom I told at Neuve +Chapelle, and Lieutenant Browne. Here, too, fell a good +soldier, of that brave but merciful band the Royal Army +Medical Corps, Captain Deane, attached for duty. He +<span class='pageno' id='Page_333'>333</span>had already earned the Military Cross, and died as he had +lived, “going about doing good.” I hope I shall not be +accused of aiding our next enemy when I give them my +advice, viz. “Keep out of the way of the Leicesters.”</p> + +<p class='c013'>Second Lieutenant Gedge of the 3rd Londons, one of +the battalions in Brigade reserve, was killed. Another of +these units, the Garhwal Rifles, had seventy casualties. +The Garhwalis had established a grand reputation, but +were by this time unrecognisable in their old form, and in +finally passing out of this record I can say without fear +of contradiction that they left a name which will be held +in high esteem by all who ever knew them in France, +and not least by the Germans. The last name mentioned +to me after the Indians had left France was that of Lieutenant +Rama Jodha Jang, who behaved right well on this +day and was awarded the Military Cross.</p> + +<p class='c013'>By 6.30 <span class='fss'>A.M.</span> our Infantry were reported to have +penetrated into the enemy’s position as far as the support +line all along the front attacked; the Germans were +reported to be surrendering freely, and there was little +hostile Infantry or Artillery fire.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Shortly after, the Twentieth British Division informed +Meerut Division that the Sixtieth Brigade had been ordered +to advance at once to protect the left flank of the Indian +attack.</p> + +<p class='c013'>From all indications it appeared now as if we had +captured the German front and support trenches along +the whole of the front attacked, and that the left of the +Bareilly Brigade was pushing forward towards the German +second line, but subsequently it was found that the situation +was actually as follows:</p> + +<p class='c013'>On the right the Garhwal Brigade was held up by wire, +but the 8th Gurkhas and one company Leicesters on the +left had penetrated the German position.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Of the Bareilly Brigade, the 1/4th Black Watch had +gone through the enemy’s front system and had moved +forward considerably beyond the line assigned to them +as their first objective, and were digging themselves +in opposite the enemy second line. The 69th Punjabis +were pressing forward mixed up with the 58th Rifles and +<span class='pageno' id='Page_334'>334</span>the 2nd Black Watch. One company, together with one +from each of the 58th Rifles and 33rd Punjabis, were consolidating +the position gained. The Black Watch, less two +companies, which were blocking the trenches to the north, +were advancing against the German second line of trenches, +about the Moulin du Piètre. The 58th Rifles were pressing +forward with the Black Watch and 69th Punjabis. The +33rd Punjabis were in our proper front line. The Garhwal +Rifles had been delayed in their advance to our front line +owing to congestion in the trenches, caused principally by +the number of men suffering from the effects of our gas, +and were still in their original position. Lastly, the Dehra +Dun Brigade had commenced to concentrate forward.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The enemy’s guns were active at this hour, and there +was much intermixture of units, loss of direction, and +confusion.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The consolidation of the captured trenches was not +sufficiently considered, in the anxiety of all ranks to take +advantage of the weakness of the opposition where we had +penetrated the position. The Bareilly Brigade had passed +over its first objective, and the flanks were dangerously +exposed, especially as the attack of the Garhwal Brigade +on its right had been held up. The natural anxiety to +press our advantage led the 58th Rifles to advance on its +own initiative, but I will later on more fully refer to this +incident.</p> + +<p class='c013'>By 8 <span class='fss'>A.M.</span> the Divisional Commander had learned that +the Garhwal Brigade had been unable to enter the enemy’s +front trenches, and the following was the situation:</p> + +<p class='c013'>In this Brigade there was no correct information of +the 3rd Gurkhas. The Leicesters were held up by wire, +but one company had penetrated the German line and half +of the 8th Gurkhas were in the German trenches. The +other half had lost direction and were intermingled with +the right of the Bareilly Brigade.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The Bareilly Brigade was making rapid progress. The +69th Punjabis and 4th Black Watch had taken the German +first-line and support trenches. On the left of the attack +the 2nd Black Watch had passed all the advanced trenches +and were moving on the Moulin du Piètre. In support +<span class='pageno' id='Page_335'>335</span>of this battalion the 58th Rifles were also moving forward. +In fact, the entire Brigade had advanced so rapidly that +their position was not fully realised. Unfortunately, the +captured support line was not consolidated, owing to the +companies detailed for this work having joined in the +general advance and left the work uncompleted. Except +in officers, however, the casualties so far had not been +heavy.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Shortly after this hour it was reported that the enemy +was massing in front of the Black Watch, and our guns +were immediately turned on to the Moulin du Piètre. At +the same time two companies of the 33rd Punjabis were +moved forward to support the 69th Punjabis, and six +machine-guns were sent to support the Black Watch and +58th Rifles in the mine salient.</p> + +<p class='c013'>At 8.15 <span class='fss'>A.M.</span> this same day, 25th September, the Dehra +Dun Brigade was ordered to move up one battalion in close +support of the Garhwal Brigade. This battalion was to +remain under the orders of the Dehra Dun Brigade.</p> + +<p class='c013'>About 9 <span class='fss'>A.M.</span> the Corps Commander directed the Dehra +Dun Brigade to be pushed through the gap made in the +German line and attack towards the high ground between +Haut Pommereau and La Cliqueterie Ferme. Half an +hour later five field batteries from rearward positions +commenced to move forward to the east of the Rue du +Bacquerot, and at the same time the Bareilly Brigade +confirmed the report that the Black Watch and the 58th +Rifles had captured portions of the German second line +but that the enemy still held the Moulin du Piètre. +Casualties were reported as slight, and the O.C. 58th Rifles +was of opinion that the Haut Pommereau Ridge could be +won if fresh units were pushed through.</p> + +<p class='c013'>By 9 <span class='fss'>A.M.</span> the Pioneers had commenced work on communication +trenches under considerable machine-gun and +rifle fire. Before this work had to be discontinued about +100 yards of fire trench had been completed. The party +at work on No. 2 trench also suffered considerably from +hostile fire and hand-grenades, but it had completed about +130 yards of traversed trench before it had to retire. No +work was possible on two other communication trenches; +<span class='pageno' id='Page_336'>336</span>whilst the party on No. 4 trench continued work till +1.15 <span class='fss'>P.M.</span> under constant fire.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The Garhwal Rifles could not carry out the fresh +attack as planned for them, as they were unable to get +forward out of the communication trenches, which had +become very congested in their neighbourhood.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The general situation of the Bareilly Brigade remained +as before. The few officers left were endeavouring to +reorganise the units and to guard their flanks. On the +right flank the 4th Black Watch were being echeloned +back towards the left of the Garhwal Brigade in order to +protect the right flank of the Bareilly Brigade.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Major Wauchope, commanding the 2nd Black Watch, +made over to the 12th Rifle Brigade of the 60th British +Brigade on our left the trenches which the two companies +of the Black Watch had been consolidating, and arranged +for the party to extend along a ditch to join up with the +58th Rifles. The remainder of the Bareilly Brigade +gradually collected in the German second line, where there +seem to have been great congestion and heavy losses, +owing to the dense target offered to the enemy. It is +impossible to establish the hour at which these various +actions took place, as most of the officers responsible for +them were killed or wounded.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Captain Hewett of the 41st Dogras, on the Staff of the +Bareilly Brigade, was killed during the fighting. Like +nearly every officer of the Indian Army who served on the +Staff in France, he had won his own way by sheer merit.</p> + +<p class='c013'>But now a change came over the hitherto successful +operations. After mid-day, Artillery Observation officers +reported that a good many men were to be seen coming +back, and being rallied in an old German trench; and by +1 <span class='fss'>P.M.</span> all our troops had fallen back to their original line.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The enemy’s counter-attacks had developed at about +11.30 <span class='fss'>A.M.</span> and were pressed home strongly and methodically +against the front and both flanks. The front was able to +hold its ground without difficulty, but on the flanks the +enemy established a decided ascendancy in bombing. On +our right flank the Germans outlasted our various parties +with their grenade-throwing, and successively obtained +<span class='pageno' id='Page_337'>337</span>the mastery of one point after another. The blocking of +the trenches was ineffective after our supply of bombs +was finished, and, although the men made a series of stands +during the retirement, they were unable to maintain any +position for long, as the Germans came bombing up from +trenches on either flank.</p> + +<p class='c013'>On our left the Rifle Brigade (British Division) was +unable to hold the “blocks” made by the 2nd Black +Watch, as their supply of bombs also ran short very quickly.</p> + +<p class='c013'>With both flanks turned, the whole of the Bareilly +Brigade had to fall back.</p> + +<p class='c013'>In the rapidity of their advance our troops had not +systematically searched the enemy front-line dug-outs, +and a considerable number of Germans remained in them +and fired into the backs of our men, evidently singling out +officers in particular, as the loss in officers was very heavy.</p> + +<p class='c013'>When it was established that the Bareilly Brigade had +fallen back, the attack by the Dehra Dun Brigade, which +was to have been directed against Haut Pommereau, was +cancelled, and that Brigade was ordered to gain touch +with the troops who were believed to be still holding out +in the German trenches. Accordingly, the G.O.C. Bareilly +and Dehra Dun Brigades proceeded to Winchester Road +to discover whether the report was true, and to determine +the best line on which the Dehra Dun Brigade should carry +out its advance. One company of the 2nd Gurkhas and +two companies of the Garhwal Rifles which attempted to +cross to the German line were driven back by heavy fire +from all parts of that line, and this showed that the German +front line was held in strength, and that none of our troops +were now holding any part of it.</p> + +<p class='c013'>At 4.45 <span class='fss'>P.M.</span> the G.O.C. Indian Corps issued definite +orders cancelling the attack being organised by the Dehra +Dun Brigade. The fighting along our front practically +ceased, and for the last time the Indian Corps had borne +its share in one of the many fierce battles on the Western +Front.</p> + +<p class='c013'>As I said before, I am writing this chapter from reports +and letters in my possession, and hence it is not the same +thing as describing events in which one has borne a part, +<span class='pageno' id='Page_338'>338</span>but in many instances the records of battalions and even +individuals have become almost public property, and of +such I feel I may justly give some account.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The 2nd Battalion of the Black Watch was well known +to me and had served under my orders as a Brigadier, +Divisional and Army Commander in India and for a year +during the war. I was well acquainted with the Commanding +Officer, Colonel Harvey, who was now in command of +the Dehra Dun Brigade. The actual Commander on this +day was Major Wauchope, D.S.O., who had served with +them for years, and who afterwards commanded a Brigade +in Mesopotamia. Where Wauchope rules all is well, and +on the 25th September he and his Highlanders well sustained +the name of that famous corps before Mauquissart.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Many had been disabled at the very commencement +of the attack by our own gas, but the spirit which never +acknowledges difficulties permeated all ranks, and the +Royal Highlanders, as they had done from Seringapatam +to Waterloo, and from the Alma to Lucknow and Tel-el-Kebir, +sweeping away all opposition, were almost into the +Moulin du Piètre before they realised that they had not +only gained their objective but were far (too far) beyond +it. Not finding the necessary support to enable them to +advance, the Battalion held on to its gains, but eventually +had to retire. Bombed, mangled, and attacked on both +flanks they moved back, but only over the bodies of their +comrades did the Huns advance; only after paying a heavy +toll could the enemy regain his ground, and only after +desperate fighting would the Scots quit each yard of trench. +It had to be done, but the name Moulin du Piètre is worthy +to be added to the other twenty-eight borne on the colours +which commemorate gallant deeds performed from Guadeloupe, +1759, to Paardeberg 140 years later. The losses +suffered amounted to 360 killed, wounded, and missing, +including sixteen officers out of the twenty with which the +Battalion went into battle, and of these five were killed, +viz. Captain Denison, a young officer of quite exceptional +promise; Lieutenants Sotheby, Henderson, Balfour-Melville, +and MacLeod.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The halo of the 2nd Battalion had also encircled its +<span class='pageno' id='Page_339'>339</span>sister Battalion of the Brigade, viz. the 4th Black Watch—Territorials +to start with, but veterans in September 1915. +I can see the C.O., Lieut.-Colonel Walker, leading on his +men, for this he literally did. Major Tosh was near him +and fell; a sergeant quickly tried to save him, but in vain. +The bayonet avenged his and many other losses, and the +4th Black Watch, like the 2nd Battalion, looking only +forward, pushed on regardless of all but the Mill before +them. Dearly they paid, but the glory they won will +assuredly live when the Moulin du Piètre will remain only +a spot marked on old maps of the Great War. The Commander, +Lieut.-Colonel Walker, his Second in Command, +and a young officer, 2nd Lieut. Anderson, were killed, +seventeen other officers were reported as wounded or +missing, or a total of twenty out of twenty-one officers +present that day; and 420 other ranks completed the +casualty roll.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Like the Highlanders, the 69th Punjabis never stayed +their rush till the prize, the Moulin, was almost within +their grasp, but they too were to earn renown alone. When +the fate of war overtook the others, the 69th also retired +fighting. The Commander, Major Stansfeld (attached +from the 74th Punjabis), was killed, and Captain Nelson, +Lieutenants Moberly and Fraser also gave their lives; +whilst three Indian officers and seventy others were killed +or missing. Amongst the wounded were four British and +six Indian officers and 260 others, or a total of over 50 +per cent of strength present.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Captain Nelson was attached from the 3rd Brahmins. +We had spent three very good days together shooting and +fishing on the Ganges Canal eighteen months previously, +and I had been much struck by his keenness and zeal in +whatever he put his hand to. Major Bingham behaved +with great coolness throughout this day, but I could find +no record of rewards for the officers.</p> + +<p class='c012'>Of my good friend, Colonel Davidson-Houston, 58th +Rifles (Frontier Force), I have written elsewhere. His +battalion, in support of the Black Watch, cared for naught, +like its comrades, save the fatal Moulin. On that all eyes +<span class='pageno' id='Page_340'>340</span>were bent, and it must be won at any cost. The oft-repeated +injunctions of the First Army to push on regardless +of side issues had burnt into the souls of men who had for +a whole year tasted the fruits of success and failure in +varying degrees.</p> + +<p class='c013'>The 58th pushed on, and a part found themselves close +up to the Mill; the remainder met with the same counter-attacks +as the rest of the advance; they held on to their +gains and consolidated as much as possible, but eventually +were forced to retire to our own original line. Amongst +the killed or missing were Colonel Davidson-Houston, +Captains Flagg, Harcourt, McKenzie, and Lieutenants +Nicolls, Deane-Spread (Indian Army Reserve of Officers, +attached), and Milligan. Captain C. G. Wardell (21st +Punjabis, attached) was severely wounded. Five Indian +officers and 240 other ranks completed the roll of casualties.</p> + +<p class='c013'>As an example of the inferno through which the troops +went on this day, I will instance the doings of Captain +Wardell above mentioned. At the very start he was +knocked over by the explosion of a shell close by; almost +immediately a bullet smashed his water-bottle and a second +one cut away the straps. In moving up to form a defensive +flank in the second German line captured trenches he lost +a good many men getting through uncut wire. Units in +the front line were by this time indescribably mixed up; +there were too many men, and very few officers left. An +hour later a bullet cut the strap of his field-glasses and +another smashed the glasses in his hand. A third passed +through his lung, injuring several ribs and emerging through +his coat pocket, but such was the situation that each +and every British officer must perforce fight on, so a fresh +pair of glasses was got, and whilst he was observing as +best he could another bullet passed through his shoulder. +Bleeding and sorely hurt as he was, I have been told on +good authority that this brave officer remained with his +command until sent back on a stretcher by his Colonel.</p> + +<p class='c013'>I looked for any rewards to British officers of this +battalion, but I could find none.</p> + +<p class='c012'>The last of the Indian battalions to join the Corps in +<span class='pageno' id='Page_341'>341</span>France, and the last of which I shall write here, was the +33rd Punjabis. They had arrived the very day after I +left, and were not long before, in their reconstituted form, +they too had received their baptism of fire. The same +goal was theirs, the same vicinity of the Moulin was to be +the last resting-place of many of the men from the land +of the Five Rivers, and as their comrades had fought, so +now did they share in the glory and carnage of the strife.</p> + +<p class='c013'>As a Captain and Staff-Officer at Delhi I had been present +when the old 33rd Regiment of “Bengal Infantry” was +mustered out, and the “33rd Punjabi Mahomedans” took +their place. I had again seen them at Delhi, when +commanding the Northern Army, and I only missed them +by a day in Flanders. They may rest content in the +knowledge that although the last to join the Corps they +were not the least in the share they took on 25th September +1915, before Mauquissart, and to this fact their long list +of casualties attests. Killed and missing—Major Kelly, +Captains Price and MacCall, Lieutenant Grasett (attached +from 28th Punjabis). The Commanding Officer, Colonel +Ridgway, and Captain Vincent were wounded. Five Indian +officers were also killed or missing and three were wounded, +a total of fourteen officers all told. Of other ranks eighty-seven +were killed or missing and 160 wounded. The +senior Indian officer, Subadar-Major Bahadur Khan, and +the senior Jemadar, Akbar Ali, were among the killed.</p> + +<p class='c013'>General Jacob in his report on these operations made +the following remarks, which explain some of the reasons +for the failure of the Indian Corps to retain the ground it +had won. He says:</p> + +<p class='c015'>It was unfortunate that the wind, changing at the last +moment, blew the gas back on to our own trenches, ... men +under the influence of gas seemed to lose all sense of direction, +and some are said to have charged down between the German +and our own front lines until stopped by the Duck’s Bill.</p> + +<p class='c013'>After highly praising the keenness, spirit, <i>élan</i>, and dash +shown by all units, he adds:</p> + +<p class='c015'>The charge made by the 2/8th Gurkhas and the 2nd +Leicesters of the Garhwal Brigade and by the 2nd Black +<span class='pageno' id='Page_342'>342</span>Watch, 69th Punjabis, and 1/4th Black Watch of the Bareilly +Brigade could not have been finer.</p> + +<p class='c013'>He explains how some of the attacking battalions in +their eagerness to move on exceeded the limits of ordinary +prudence and went too far, with the result that they were +cut off and many valuable lives lost, and attributes the +immediate success of the German counter-attack largely +to their superiority in bombs and to our own supply entirely +running out.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Regarding the action of the 58th Rifles; from the +information now available, it would appear that the +opinions formed by both the Divisional and Brigade +Commanders at the time are quite open to explanation. +These officers considered that the advance of the 58th was +premature, but in <i>The Indian Corps in France</i>, on page +451 (second edition), is given Brigadier-General Wauchope’s +(then a Major in the 2nd Black Watch) opinion, and I have +no doubt that both Generals Jacob and Norie agree with it.</p> + +<p class='c013'>In any case, it is to all of us who knew Colonel Davidson-Houston, +the Commander of the 58th Vaughan’s Rifles, a +certainty, that in giving his orders for the battalion to +advance, he acted either on some information which we +shall never know, or because he considered it imperative +he should do so, even if contrary to his instructions. Such +faults, if faults they be, are a credit to those who will take +the responsibility, and I can well imagine my friend as he +took it on this day. He was a C.O. so devoted to the men +he commanded and so absorbed in his regiment that more +than once his actions were misunderstood whilst in France. +On one occasion it was my good fortune to stand by him, +when some very high personages differed from us both on +a question of vital interest to the Indians. We went to, +and left the stormy meeting together, and somehow I felt +we had “learned them” something they did not know +before. Davidson-Houston was indeed “a veray parfit +gentil Knight.” His character partook of manly physical +bravery, tempered with a fine discretion when he had to +consider others. He never asked any man to do what he +was not ready to do himself if necessary.</p> + +<p class='c013'><span class='pageno' id='Page_343'>343</span>Both the Corps and Divisional Commanders mentioned +in terms of high praise the work and devotion to duty of +the Technical troops, the Pioneers, and Sappers and Miners. +The medical branch of the Corps received the credit which +all ranks had well earned, as did the Staff, each and every +one of whom was known to me.</p> + +<p class='c013'>It was pleasant to read in the report on this battle +mention made for the first time in France, by the Army +Commander, of the “Indian Corps” by name.</p> + +<p class='c013'>Shortly after this battle, rumours were rife, that the +Corps would not remain another winter in France, and +before the end of November the entire Indian personnel +had left this theatre of war.</p> + +<div class='figcenter id001'> +<img src='images/i_b_343.jpg' alt='' class='ig001'> +<div class='ic002'> +<p>Mauquissart.</p> +</div> +</div> + +<div class='chapter'> + <span class='pageno' id='Page_344'>344</span> + <h2 class='c008'>CONCLUSION</h2> +</div> + +<p class='c012'>Thus ended for the sepoy the “Great Adventure” on the +plains of Flanders. What memories it brings back! what +future possibilities it has in store! Some of them may +arise sooner than the most imaginative can foreshadow.</p> + +<p class='c013'>I have throughout this book endeavoured to do full +justice to the Indian Army, both to its British officers and +all Indian ranks, but I venture to offer one final word of +advice to those in whose hands may lie the future destinies +of that Army. This advice has at least one merit, it is +based on a very wide and lifelong experience of India, its +people, its Provinces, its Frontiers in every direction, and, +above all, of its Army.</p> + +<p class='c013'>It is this. Whatever you do as regards the inhabitants +of India, whatever form of Government they may +eventually possess, so long as the Union Jack floats over +Hindustan do not reduce the present status of the British +officer. You will find Indians as brave, loyal gentlemen +and splendid comrades, and hence you may find it difficult +to refuse equality of command; but you must make this +a cardinal principle, for no argument decked in rhetoric +will alter the fact, that you can <span class='fss'>NEVER</span> replace the British +officer in the Indian Army.</p> + +<div class='chapter'> + <span class='pageno' id='Page_345'>345</span> + <h2 class='c008'>EPILOGUE</h2> +</div> + +<p class='c012'>In 1919 I was home on short leave, and it happened +that the Indian Contingent was in London for the Peace +celebrations. I was a spectator when they marched to +Buckingham Palace to be reviewed by their beloved King-Emperor, +and as they passed on their return from the +Palace, although I was in plain clothes, some of the Indian +officers and men recognised me amongst the crowd. One +of them shouted the Sikh war-cry of “<span class='sc'>Fateh</span>,” and a +number ran out of the marching ranks, saying, “Here is +our General.” It was a very short greeting, but it was +none the less both moving and splendid.</p> + +<p class='c013'>A few days later I visited their Camp at Hampton Court. +I will not attempt to describe what took place, but when +I left in my motor-car, this at least I clearly knew, that +those faithful comrades would never forget their old Commander. +It is my final and highest reward.</p> + +<div class='chapter'> + <span class='pageno' id='Page_347'>347</span> + <h2 class='c008'>APPENDIX</h2> +</div> + +<p class='c028'><span class='sc'>Promotions and Rewards of Officers, Non-Commissioned +Officers, and Men of the Indian Army and Departments +who served with the Army Corps or other +Indian Troops or British Units in France prior to +1916, and were gazetted before 20th February 1916.</span></p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Extracted from Official Lists, “London” and “Indian” Gazettes, etc.</i></div> + <div class='c002'><span class='blackletter'>Victoria Cross</span></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Sepoy <span class='sc'>Khudadad Khan</span>, 129th Baluchis (severely wounded).</p> + +<p class='c027'>Naik <span class='sc'>Darwan Sing Negi</span>, 1/39th Garhwal Rifles (severely +wounded).</p> + +<p class='c027'>Lieutenant <span class='sc'>F. A. de Pass</span>, 34th Poona Horse (killed).</p> + +<p class='c027'>Lance-Corporal <span class='sc'>David Finlay</span>, 2nd Black Watch (killed).</p> + +<p class='c027'>Rifleman <span class='sc'>Gobar Sing Negi</span>, 2/39th Garhwal Rifles (killed).</p> + +<p class='c027'>Private <span class='sc'>William Buckingham</span>, 2nd Leicestershire Regiment +(killed).</p> + +<p class='c027'>Rifleman <span class='sc'>Kulbir Thapa</span>, 2/3rd Gurkha Rifles.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Lieutenant <span class='sc'>J. G. Smyth</span>, 15th Sikhs.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Subadar <span class='sc'>Mir Dast</span>, I.O.M., 55th Coke’s Rifles (F.F.), attached +57th Rifles (F.F.) (wounded).</p> + +<p class='c027'>Corporal <span class='sc'>Issy Smith</span>, 1st Manchester Regiment.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Lieutenant <span class='sc'>W. A. M‘Crae Bruce</span>, 59th Scinde Rifles (F.F.) +(killed).</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c030'> + <div>STAFF</div> + <div class='c003'><i>Knight Commander of the Bath</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Lieut.-General H. B. B. Watkis, C.B., Indian Army.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_348'>348</span><i>Companion of the Bath</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Colonel (temporary Brigadier-General) F. W. G. Wadeson, +Indian Army.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Colonel (temporary Brigadier-General) C. W. Jacob, Indian +Army.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Colonel (temporary Brigadier-General) A. S. C. Cobbe, V.C., +D.S.O., A.D.C., 32nd Pioneers.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Lieut.-Colonel (temporary Brigadier-General) G. de S. Barrow, +35th Horse.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Colonel R. H. Ewart, C.I.E., D.S.O., A.D.C., Supply and +Transport Corps.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Lieut.-Colonel J. S. M. Shea, D.S.O., 35th Horse.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Major-General C. P. W. Pirie, I.A.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Colonel (temporary Brigadier-General) C. A. Fowler, D.S.O., I.A.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Colonel (temporary Brigadier-General) W. H. Fasken, I.A.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Companion of St. Michael and St. George</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Lieut.-Colonel J. P. C. Hennessy, Supply and Transport Corps.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Lieut.-Colonel H. A. P. Lindsay, Supply and Transport Corps.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Lieut.-Colonel C. H. G. Moore, D.S.O., Supply and Transport +Corps.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Major (temporary Lieut.-Colonel) H. E. Rhys Pryce, 18th +Infantry.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Lieut.-Colonel (temporary Colonel) G. S. Sheppard, Military +Accounts Department.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Major and Brevet Lieut.-Colonel H. C. Holman, D.S.O., +16th Cavalry.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Colonel F. C. Muspratt, I.A.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Distinguished Service Order</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Major H. B. D. Baird, 12th Cavalry.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Major R. C. W. Lukin, 9th Horse.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Major J. H. K. Stewart, 39th Garhwalis.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Major A. Strong, 10th Lancers.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Major (temporary Lieut.-Colonel) L. R. Vaughan, 7th Gurkha +Rifles.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Captain J. P. Villiers-Stuart, 55th Rifles.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Major G. D. Bruce, 61st K.G.O. Pioneers.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Major W. F. S. Casson, 27th Light Cavalry.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Major C. J. B. Hay, Q.V.O. Corps of Guides (F.F.).</p> + +<p class='c027'>Major F. S. Keen, 45th Rattray’s Sikhs.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Captain D. G. Robinson, 40th Punjabis.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_349'>349</span><i>Military Cross</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Captain B. de L. Brock, 126th Baluchistan Infantry.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Captain M. A. Hamer, 129th Baluchis.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Captain H. L. Watkis, 31st Punjabis.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Captain R. G. Alexander, 11th K.E.O. Lancers.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Captain H. L. Dyce, 9th Hudson’s Horse.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Captain E. St. C. Gray, 34th Poona Horse.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Captain E. D. Raymond, 30th Lancers.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Captain H. R. B. Reed, 39th Garhwal Rifles.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Captain H. L. Scott, 1/1st Gurkha Rifles.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Captain S. R. Shirley, 54th Sikhs (F.F.).</p> + +<p class='c027'>Captain W. L. O. Twiss, 9th Gurkha Rifles.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Lieutenant O. Gough, 12th Cavalry.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Order of British India, 1st Class, with title of “Sardar Bahadur”</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Risaldar Khwaja Muhammad Khan, I.D.S.M., A.D.C., Queen’s +Own Corps of Guides.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>French Order of the Legion of Honour, Croix de Commandeur</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Lieut.-General Sir E. Locke Elliot, K.C.B., D.S.O. (retired), +I.A.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Russian Order of St. Vladimir, 4th Class, with Swords</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Colonel (temporary Brigadier-General) C. W. Jacob, C.B., +Indian Army.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Major-General</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Colonel (temporary Brigadier-General) H. Hudson, C.B., +C.I.E., Indian Army.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Colonel (temporary Brigadier-General) C. W. Jacob, C.B., I.A.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Colonel (temporary Brigadier-General) W. G. Walker, V.C., +C.B., I.A.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Brevet Colonel</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Lieut.-Colonel (temporary Brigadier-General) W. B. James, +C.I.E., M.V.O., 21st Cavalry.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Lieut.-Colonel (temporary Brigadier-General) H. J. M. Macandrew, +D.S.O., 5th Cavalry.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Lieut.-Colonel (temporary Brigadier-General) W. M. Southey, +C.M.G., 129th Baluchis.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Lieut.-Colonel R. E. Vaughan, D.S.O., Supply and Transport +Corps.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Major and Brevet Lieut.-Colonel A. Skeen, 24th Punjabis.</p> + +<p class='c027'><span class='pageno' id='Page_350'>350</span>Major and Brevet Lieut.-Colonel H. C. Holman, C.M.G., +D.S.O., 16th Cavalry.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Lieut.-Colonel (temporary Brigadier-General) J. S. M. Shea, +C.B., D.S.O., 35th Scinde Horse.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Major A. G. Stuart, 40th Pathans.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Major H. L. Tomkins, D.S.O., 28th Punjabis.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Major A. W. Peck, 25th Cavalry.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Major J. A. Longridge, 43rd Erinpura Regiment.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Major (temporary Lieut.-Colonel) C. A. C. Godwin, 23rd +Cavalry (F.F.).</p> + +<p class='c027'>Major (temporary Lieut.-Colonel) C. C. Newnham, 6th K.E.O. +Cavalry.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Brevet Major</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Captain H. R. A. Hunt, 25th Punjabis.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c030'> + <div>CAVALRY</div> + <div class='c003'><span class='sc'>4th Cavalry</span></div> + <div class='c003'><i>Companion of St. Michael and St. George</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Lieut.-Colonel H. G. Stainforth.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Military Cross</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Captain G. Howson.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Order of British India, 2nd Class, with title of “Bahadur”</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Risaldar-Major Awal Khan.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Risaldar Saddha Singh.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Indian Distinguished Service Medal</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Ressaidar Udmi Ram.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 333 Dafadar Karam Singh.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Russian Medal of St. George, 1st Class</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>No. 2210 Dafadar Amanatullah Khan.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Honorary Rank of Jemadar</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>No. 322 Dafadar and Head Salutri Lachman Singh.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><span class='sc'>9th Hodson’s Horse</span></div> + <div class='c003'><i>Military Cross</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Captain F. H. M. Moody (13th Lancers, attached).</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_351'>351</span><i>Indian Order of Merit, 2nd Class</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>No. 2889 Lance-Dafadar Jit Singh (11th King Edward’s Own +Lancers, attached).</p> + +<p class='c027'>2614 Acting Lance-Dafadar Ganga Singh (11th K.E.O. Lancers +attached).</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><span class='sc'>11th King Edward’s Own Lancers</span></div> + <div class='c003'><i>Military Cross</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Lieutenant R. V. Sherston (attached 4th Queen’s Own Hussars).</p> + +<p class='c027'>Lieutenant (temporary Captain) H. G. A. Fellowes (attached +1st Battalion Prince Albert’s Somerset Light Infantry).</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><span class='sc'>13th Duke of Connaught’s Lancers</span></div> + <div class='c003'><i>Military Cross</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Lieutenant D. Pott.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><span class='sc'>15th Lancers (Cureton’s Multanis)</span></div> + <div class='c003'><i>Military Cross</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Captain A. C. K. S. Clarke.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Indian Order of Merit, 2nd Class</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Jemadar Malik Mihr Khan.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Indian Distinguished Service Medal</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>No. 346 Dafadar Ibrahim Khan.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 2176 Lance-Dafadar Alladad Khan.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><span class='sc'>20th Deccan Horse</span></div> + <div class='c003'><i>Distinguished Service Order</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Captain A. C. Ross.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Military Cross</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Lieutenant G. F. Tinley.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Indian Order of Merit, 2nd Class</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>No. 295 Dafadar Sardar Singh.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 255 Dafadar Shankar Rao.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Indian Distinguished Service Medal</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>No. 830 Sowar Gokul Singh.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><span class='sc'>25th Cavalry (Frontier Force)</span></div> + <div class='c003'><i>Military Cross</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Lieutenant J. Nethersole (attached 2nd Life Guards).</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_352'>352</span><span class='sc'>28th Light Cavalry</span></div> + <div class='c003'><i>Distinguished Service Order</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Captain A. Marshall (attached Royal Flying Corps).</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><span class='sc'>29th Lancers (Deccan Horse)</span></div> + <div class='c003'><i>Indian Order of Merit, 2nd Class</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Jemadar Hayat Ali Beg.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><span class='sc'>31st Duke of Connaught’s Own Lancers</span></div> + <div class='c003'><i>Russian Order of St. Stanislas, 3rd Class, with Swords</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Major A. F. C. Williams, D.S.O.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><span class='sc'>34th Prince Albert Victor’s Own Poona Horse</span></div> + <div class='c003'><span class='blackletter'>Victoria Cross</span></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Lieutenant F. A. de Pass (killed in action).</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Indian Order of Merit, 2nd Class</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>No. 2743 Sowar Madhu.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Indian Distinguished Service Medal</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Ressaidar Badan Singh.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 3027 Sowar Abdulla Khan.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 3250 Sowar Fateh Khan.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 3154 Sowar Firman Shah.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Russian Cross of the Order of St. George, 4th Class</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>No. 2085 Kot-Dafadar (now Jemadar) Abdul Ghafur Khan.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><span class='sc'>39th Central India Horse</span></div> + <div class='c003'><i>Military Cross</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Captain W. A. K. F. Fraser (attached 16th Lancers).</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><span class='sc'>Royal Field Artillery</span></div> + <div class='c003'><i>Indian Distinguished Conduct Medal</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>No. 4079 Naik Ilm Din, 5th Brigade, Ammunition Column.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 9483 Driver Fateh Khan, 18th Brigade, Ammunition +Column.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><span class='sc'>Sappers and Miners</span></div> + <div class='c003'><i>Distinguished Service Order</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Captain A. J. G. Bird, R.E., No. 4 Company, 1st Sappers and +Miners.</p> + +<p class='c027'><span class='pageno' id='Page_353'>353</span>Captain F. M‘C. Douie, R.E., No. 3 Company, 1st (K.G.O.) +Sappers and Miners.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Captain F. H. Kisch, R.E., 3rd Sappers and Miners.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Captain J. C. Wickham, R.E., 2nd Sappers and Miners.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Distinguished Service Order and Military Cross</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Lieutenant F. M‘C. Douie, R.E., 3rd Company Sappers and +Miners.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Military Cross</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Captain E. H. Kelly, R.E., 1st Sappers and Miners.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Captain E. F. J. Hill, R.E., 1st Sappers and Miners.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Captain P. C. S. Hobart, R.E., 1st Sappers and Miners.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Captain F. P. Nosworthy, R.E., 3rd Sappers and Miners.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Captain E. K. Squires, R.E., No. 21 Company, 3rd Sappers and +Miners.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Lieutenant F. E. Buller, R.E., 3rd Sappers and Miners.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Subadar Malla Singh, R.E., 3rd Sappers and Miners.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Subadar Gaurishankar Dube, 1st Sappers and Miners.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Lieutenant H. W. R. Hamilton, R.E., 3rd Sappers and Miners.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Lieutenant A. Mason, R.E., 3rd Sappers and Miners.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Second Lieutenant H. M. Hance (I.A.R.O.), 176th Mining +Company, R.E.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Order of British India, 2nd Class, with title of “Bahadur”</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Subadar Sundar Singh, 1st Sappers and Miners.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Subadar Gaurishankar Dube, 1st Sappers and Miners.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Subadar Ganpat Mahadeo, 3rd Sappers and Miners.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Subadar Ismail Khan, 3rd Sappers and Miners.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Jemadar Sada Singh, 1st Sappers and Miners.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Indian Order of Merit, 2nd Class</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Subadar Malla Singh, 3rd Sappers and Miners.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Jemadar Ram Rup Singh, No. 3 Company, 1st Sappers and +Miners.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 2479 Havildar Muhammad Khan, No. 20 Company, 3rd +Sappers and Miners.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 3795 Sapper Dalip Singh, No. 20 Company, 3rd Sappers +and Miners.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 2192 Sapper Shaikh Abdul Rahman, 1st Sappers and Miners.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 1694 Sapper Jiwa Khan, 1st Sappers and Miners.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Jemadar Uttam Singh, 20th Company, 3rd Sappers and Miners.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Jemadar Liyakat Ali, 21st Company, 3rd Sappers and Miners.</p> + +<p class='c027'><span class='pageno' id='Page_354'>354</span>No. 3144 Driver Havildar Muhammad Baksh, 21st Company, +3rd Sappers and Miners.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 3108 Naik Gurmukh Singh, 21st Company, 3rd Sappers and +Miners.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Indian Distinguished Service Medal</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Subadar Sundar Singh, No. 4 Company, 1st Sappers and Miners.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Jemadar Abdul Aziz, 1st Sappers and Miners.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Jemadar Mehar Baksh, 1st Sappers and Miners.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Jemadar Niamutullah, No. 4 Company, 1st Sappers and Miners.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Jemadar Gangacharan Dikshit, 3rd Sappers and Miners +(deceased).</p> + +<p class='c027'>Jemadar Ismail Khan, 3rd Sappers and Miners.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Jemadar Nur Alam, 20th Company, 3rd Sappers and Miners.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Colour-Havildar Chagatta, I.O.M., 1st Sappers and Miners.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 322 Havildar Sucha Singh, 1st Sappers and Miners.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 3144 Driver Havildar Mahamed Baksh, 21st Company, +3rd Sappers and Miners.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Sapper Suba Singh, 1st Sappers and Miners.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Jemadar Ali Bahadur, No. 20 Company, 3rd Sappers and +Miners.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Jemadar Data Din Badhai, No. 21 Company, 3rd Sappers and +Miners.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 4052 Sapper Indar Singh, 20th Company, 3rd Sappers and +Miners.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 708 Sapper Basant Singh, No. 2 Field Squadron.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 312 Havildar Basant Singh, No. 4 Company, 1st (K.G.O.) +Sappers and Miners.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 1910 Lance-Naik Hari Singh, No. 4 Company, 1st (K.G.O.) +Sappers and Miners.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Subadar Fazl Shah, No. 3 Company, 1st Sappers and Miners.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 859 Naik Magh Singh, No. 4 Company, 1st Sappers and +Miners.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 1029 Lance-Naik Bhawani Dutt, No. 3 Company, 1st +Sappers and Miners.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 3348 Havildar Maraoti Jadhao, 21st Company, 3rd Sappers +and Miners.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 2720 Naik Harnam Singh, 20th Company, 3rd Sappers and +Miners.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 2869 Lance-Naik Shaikh Ramzan, 21st Company, 3rd +Sappers and Miners.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 3450 Sapper Saleh Muhammad, 21st Company, 3rd Sappers +and Miners.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_355'>355</span><i>Russian Cross of the Order of St. George, 4th Class</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Jemadar Chagatta, I.O.M., 1st Sappers and Miners.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Subadar Ismail Khan, 3rd Sappers and Miners.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 3795 Naik Dalip Singh, 3rd Sappers and Miners.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Russian Medal of St. George, 2nd Class</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>No. 1007 Havildar Nowsher Khan, 1st Sappers and Miners.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Russian Medal of St. George, 3rd Class</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>No. 1773 Sapper Channan Singh, 1st Sappers and Miners.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><span class='sc'>Special Promotions in the Field</span></div> + <div class='c003'><i>To be Havildar</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>No. 2779 Naik Liyakat Ali, 3rd Sappers and Miners.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>To be Naik</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>No. 3056 Lance-Naik Fazl Din, 3rd Sappers and Miners.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 3132 Lance-Naik Narayan Ranowde, 3rd Sappers and +Miners.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 3134 Lance-Naik Bhan Ranowde, 3rd Sappers and Miners.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div>SIGNAL COMPANIES</div> + <div class='c003'><i>Distinguished Service Order</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Major W. F. Maxwell, R.E., Lahore Divisional Signal Company.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Captain C. J. Torrie, 30th Punjabis, 35th Signal Company.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Major H. S. E. Franklin, 15th Sikhs, 31st Divisional Signal +Company.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Military Cross</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Lieutenant F. C. de Butts, 55th Rifles, 31st Divisional Signal +Company.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Order of British India, 2nd Class, with title of “Bahadur”</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Subadar Qasim Ali, 31st Divisional Signal Company.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Indian Order of Merit, 2nd Class</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Jemadar Alah Rakkha Khan, Lahore Divisional Signal +Company.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Indian Distinguished Service Medal</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>No. 91 Sapper Bawani Singh, Lahore Signal Company.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 13 Naik Bari Sher, 62nd Punjabis, Meerut Signal Company.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 44 Naik Khan Zaman, Lahore Signal Company.</p> + +<p class='c027'><span class='pageno' id='Page_356'>356</span>No. 23 Lance-Naik Mushtak Husain, Lahore Signal Company.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 45 Sapper Ghulam Ayud Din, Lahore Signal Company.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 1209 Naik Imam Shah, 62nd Punjabis, Meerut Signal +Company.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 2616 Sepoy Mihan Singh, 93rd Burma Infantry, Meerut +Signal Company.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 42 Sapper Jai Singh, “A” Section, Indian Signal Company.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 4204 Sapper Changa, “C” Section, Lahore Divisional +Signal Company.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 7 Sapper Gujar Singh, “C” Section, Lahore Divisional +Signal Company.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Dafadar Mangal Singh, 33rd Light Cavalry (attached Meerut +Signal Company).</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 1776 Sepoy Bhagat Singh, 90th Punjabis (attached Meerut +Signal Company).</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 2636 Sepoy Sucha Singh, 92nd Punjabis (attached Meerut +Signal Company).</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 3475 Sepoy Jetta Singh, 107th Pioneers (attached Meerut +Signal Company).</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div>INFANTRY</div> + <div class='c003'><span class='sc'>6th Jat Light Infantry</span></div> + <div class='c003'><i>Companion of the Bath</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Lieut.-Colonel H. J. Roche.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Distinguished Service Order</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Major P. H. Dundas.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Captain R. C. Ross.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Military Cross</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Lieutenant C. J. Cockburn.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Captain J. de la H. Gordon.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Captain A. B. Macpherson.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Jemadar Incha Ram.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Jemadar Lakhi Ram.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Order of British India, 2nd Class, with title of “Bahadur”</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Subadar Shib Lal.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Subadar Inchha Ram.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Indian Order of Merit, 2nd Class</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>No. 1821 Havildar Jai Lal.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_357'>357</span><i>Indian Distinguished Service Medal</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Subadar Parshadi Singh (118th Infantry, attached).</p> + +<p class='c027'>Jemadar Lakhi Ram.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 1548 Havildar Badlu.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 3426 Sepoy Risal.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 1696 Havildar Harpul.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 2685 Lance-Naik Maru.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 1004 Sepoy Bagmal.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 1574 Havildar Mula.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 2960 Sepoy Rambhagat.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Subadar Ratna.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 1757 Havildar Har Lal.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 2822 Naik Hardwari.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 3106 Bugler Bhup Singh.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 3415 Sepoy Lehri.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Russian Cross of the Order of St. George, 4th Class</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>No. 2693 Havildar Debi Sahai.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><span class='sc'>9th Bhopal Infantry</span></div> + <div class='c003'><i>Military Cross</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Captain G. D. Martin.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Indian Distinguished Service Medal</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Subadar-Major Bhure Singh.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 2206 Havildar Amur Singh.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 2069 Sepoy Abdul Latif.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 2867 Naik Angad Pande.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Russian Medal of St. George, 2nd Class</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Subadar Nazir Khan.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Brevet Major</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Captain C. H. Jardine (96th Berar Infantry, attached).</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><span class='sc'>15th Ludhiana Sikhs</span></div> + <div class='c003'><span class='blackletter'>Victoria Cross</span></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Lieutenant J. G. Smyth.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Distinguished Service Order</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Captain J. A. S. Daniell (14th Sikhs, attached).</p> + +<p class='c027'>Major H. S. E. Franklin.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_358'>358</span><i>Military Cross</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Lieutenant A. E. Barstow.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Captain R. J. MacBrayne.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Jemadar Bir Singh.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Indian Order of Merit, 2nd Class</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>No. 4011 Havildar Bishan Singh.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 698 Sepoy Bakshi Singh.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 529 Sepoy Tilok Singh.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 131 Lance-Naik Mangal Singh.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 4727 Havildar Mahan Singh.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Indian Distinguished Service Medal</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Jemadar Wazir Singh (died of wounds).</p> + +<p class='c027'>Jemadar Bir Singh.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 4576 Naik Bishn Singh.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 702 Sepoy Lal Singh.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 638 Sepoy Sucha Singh.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 962 Sepoy Sapuran Singh.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 1255 Sepoy Sarain Singh (19th Punjabis, attached).</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 1036 Sepoy Fateh Singh (45th Sikhs, attached).</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 1001 Sepoy Ujagar Singh (45th Sikhs, attached).</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 1249 Sepoy Sundar Singh (19th Punjabis, attached).</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 1339 Sepoy Ganda Singh (19th Punjabis, attached).</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 1360 Sepoy Harnam Singh (19th Punjabis, attached).</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 4474 Lance-Naik Kesar Singh.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 53 Lance-Naik Bhagwan Singh.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 219 Sepoy Diwan Singh.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 435 Sepoy Dan Singh.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 4095 Sepoy Lal Singh.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Russian Order of St. George, 4th Class</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Lieutenant J. G. Smyth, V.C.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Russian Medal of St. George, 1st Class</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>No. 4727 Havildar Mahan Singh.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Brevet Colonel</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Lieut.-Colonel J. Hill, D.S.O.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Major C. A. Vivian (killed in action).</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_359'>359</span><span class='sc'>26th Punjabis</span></div> + <div class='c002'><i>Distinguished Service Order</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Captain (temporary Major) G. O. Turnbull (attached 6th Service +Battalion Royal Scots Fusiliers).</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><span class='sc'>29th Punjabis</span></div> + <div class='c003'><i>Brevet Major</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Captain (temporary Major) S. D. Massy (attached Royal Flying +Corps).</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><span class='sc'>30th Punjabis</span></div> + <div class='c003'><i>Order of British India, 2nd Class, with title of “Bahadur”</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Subadar Diwan Singh.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><span class='sc'>34th Sikh Pioneers</span></div> + <div class='c003'><i>Companion of St. Michael and St. George</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Lieut.-Colonel E. H. S. Cullen, M.V.O., D.S.O.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Military Cross</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Captain C. E. Hunt.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Captain G. F. J. Paterson.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Subadar Sant Singh.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Order of British India, 2nd Class, with title of “Bahadur”</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Subadar Natha Singh (II.), I.O.M.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Indian Order of Merit, 2nd Class</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Subadar Natha Singh (II.).</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 1871 Havildar Nikka Singh.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 1148 Havildar Pala Singh.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 4563 Sepoy Mastan Singh.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 2775 Lance-Naik Tota Singh.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 2071 Naik Bir Singh.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Subadar-Major Jwala Singh, “Sardar Bahadur.”</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 1907 Naik Guja Singh.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Jemadar Kharak Singh (32nd Sikh Pioneers, attached).</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 3623 Havildar Mangal Singh (32nd Sikh Pioneers, attached).</p> + +<p class='c027'>Jemadar Maingha Singh (12th Pioneers, attached).</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Indian Distinguished Service Medal</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Subadar Sher Singh.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Subadar Wasawa Singh (32nd Pioneers, attached).</p> + +<p class='c027'><span class='pageno' id='Page_360'>360</span>No. 1452 Havildar Narayan Singh.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 2578 Sepoy Ishar Singh.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 3063 Sepoy Sant Singh.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 3013 Sepoy Gopal Singh.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 2398 Sepoy Katha Singh.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 1576 Havildar Prem Singh.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Russian Medal of St. George, 3rd Class</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>No. 4563 Sepoy Mastan Singh (32nd Pioneers, attached).</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Russian Medal of St. George, 4th Class</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>No. 1804 Lance-Naik Teja Singh (12th Pioneers, attached).</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Major E. N. Heale (121st Pioneers, attached).</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><span class='sc'>1st Battalion 39th Garhwal Rifles</span></div> + <div class='c003'><span class='blackletter'>Victoria Cross</span></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>No. 1909 Naik Darwan Sing Negi.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Military Cross</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Captain F. G. E. Lumb.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Captain J. T. H. Lane.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Lieutenant A. H. Mankelow (killed in action).</p> + +<p class='c027'>Second Lieutenant Rama Jodha Jang Bahadur (Indian Native +Land Forces, attached).</p> + +<p class='c027'>Subadar Dhan Sing Negi.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Subadar Bishan Sing Rawat.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Order of British India, 2nd Class, with title of “Bahadur”</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Subadar Jagat Sing Rawat, I.O.M.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Subadar Baij Sing Rawat.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Subadar Bije Sing Kandari.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Indian Order of Merit, 2nd Class</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Jemadar Prem Sing Negi (killed in action).</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 1810 Havildar Alam Sing Negi.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 2408 Lance-Naik Sankaru Gusain.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 2605 Lance-Naik Kiyali Gusain.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 1674 Rifleman Kalamu Bisht.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 2172 Rifleman Ghantu Rawat.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 1715 Rifleman Dhan Sing Negi.</p> + +<p class='c027'><span class='pageno' id='Page_361'>361</span>No. 2417 Rifleman Partab Rana.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 2480 Rifleman Banchu Negi.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 2285 Rifleman Jawarihu Negi.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 4423 Sepoy Beli Ram (30th Punjabis, attached).</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Indian Distinguished Service Medal</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Subadar Kedar Sing Rawat.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Subadar Dan Sing Negi.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Jemadar Goman Sing Negi.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 1321 Lance-Naik Dangwa Ramola.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 1085 Rifleman Raichand Negi.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 1760 Rifleman Kutalu Bisht.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 2854 Rifleman Keshi Bisht.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 2697 Bugler Bhola Bisht.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Russian Cross of the Order of St. George, 4th Class</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>No. 1729 Havildar Padam Sing Rawat.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Russian Medal of St. George, 4th Class</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>No. 2103 Lance-Naik Jit Sing Negi.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Brevet Colonel</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Lieut.-Colonel E. R. Swiney.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><span class='sc'>2nd Battalion 39th Garhwal Rifles</span></div> + <div class='c003'><span class='blackletter'>Victoria Cross</span></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>No. 1685 Rifleman Gobar Sing Negi (deceased).</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Companion of St. Michael and St. George</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Lieut.-Colonel D. H. Drake-Brockman.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Distinguished Service Order</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Captain G. W. Burton (killed in action).</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Military Cross</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Subadar Nain Sing Chinwarh.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Jemadar Pancham Sing Mahar.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Jemadar Sangram Sing Negi.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Order of British India, 2nd Class, with title of “Bahadur”</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Subadar Nain Sing Chinwar.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Subadar Makhar Sing Kawar.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_362'>362</span><i>Indian Order of Merit, 2nd Class</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>No. 762 Havildar Butha Sing Negi.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 463 Naik Baktwar Sing Bisht.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 1283 Naik Jaman Sing Bisht.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 541 Rifleman Madan Sing Rawat.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 1342 Rifleman Ganesh Sing Sajwan.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Indian Distinguished Service Medal</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Jemadar Lachman Sing Rawat.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 617 Havildar Bir Sing Danu.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. —— Havildar Ranjir Sing Pandir.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. —— Havildar Diwan Sing Padhujar.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 1480 Naik Kedar Sing Mahar.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 289 Rifleman Kesar Sing Rana.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 870 Rifleman Nain Sing Rawat.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 1598 Rifleman Chandar Sing Negi.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 1465 Rifleman Gopal Sing Pharswan.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Russian Medal of St. George, 3rd Class</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>No. 1211 Rifleman Man Sing Bisht.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Russian Medal of St. George, 4th Class</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>No. 1448 Rifleman Karam Sing Rithal.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><span class='sc'>40th Pathans</span></div> + <div class='c003'><i>Military Cross</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Lieutenant F. C. G. Campbell.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Lieutenant F. L. R. Munn (46th Punjabis, attached).</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Indian Order of Merit, 2nd Class</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Jemadar Lehna Singh.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Subadar Jahandad Khan, “Bahadur.”</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 4551 Havildar Abas Khan.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Indian Distinguished Service Medal</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>No. 3435 Sepoy Haidar Ali.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 3362 Colour-Havildar Shiraz.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Russian Medal of St. George, 4th Class</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>No. 3893 Sepoy Muktiara.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_363'>363</span><span class='sc'>41st Dogras</span></div> + <div class='c003'><i>Companion of St. Michael and St. George</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Lieut.-Colonel C. W. Tribe.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Distinguished Service Order</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Lieut.-Colonel H. W. Cruddas.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Major and Brevet Lieut.-Colonel C. A. R. Hutchinson.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Military Cross</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Captain W. E. Fleming.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Lieutenant E. L. E. Lindop.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Captain R. M. F. Patrick (42nd Deoli Regiment, attached).</p> + +<p class='c027'>Captain R. M. Brind (37th Dogras, attached).</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Order of British India, 2nd Class, with title of “Bahadur”</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Subadar Mehar Singh.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Subadar Sundar Singh.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Indian Order of Merit, 2nd Class</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>No. 1011 Havildar Gujar Singh (38th Dogras, attached).</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Indian Distinguished Service Medal</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>No. 409 Havildar Saudagar Singh.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 1090 Lance-Naik Jamit Singh.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 306 Sepoy Sidhu.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Subadar Mehar Singh, “Bahadur.”</p> + +<p class='c027'>Jemadar Gujar Singh, I.O.M.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 547 Naik Surjan Singh.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 1389 Lance-Naik Dhiyan Singh.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 4902 Sepoy Albel Singh (29th Punjabis, attached).</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 2061 Sepoy Thakur Diyal.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Russian Cross of the Order of St. George, 3rd Class</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Subadar Jai Singh.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Russian Medal of St. George, 4th Class</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>No. 1033 Lance-Naik Devi Singh.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><span class='sc'>47th Sikhs</span></div> + <div class='c003'><i>Companion of St. Michael and St. George</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Lieut.-Colonel O. G. Gunning (35th Sikhs, attached).</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Military Cross</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Captain A. M. Brown (killed in action).</p> + +<p class='c027'><span class='pageno' id='Page_364'>364</span>Lieutenant G. S. Brunskill.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Lieutenant A. E. Drysdale.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Captain S. B. Combe.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Captain R. F. Francis.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Captain W. H. Ralston.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Subadar Thakur Singh.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Order of British India, 2nd Class, with title of “Bahadur”</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Subadar Saudagar Singh.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Indian Order of Merit, 2nd Class</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Subadar Bakshi Singh.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Subadar Harnam Singh (killed in action).</p> + +<p class='c027'>Jemadar Sucha Singh.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 231 Havildar (now Jemadar) Narain Singh.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 337 Havildar Lachman Singh.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 514 Havildar Gajjan Singh.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 2270 Sepoy Rur Singh.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 2277 Sepoy Bhagwan Singh (36th Sikhs, attached).</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 2103 Havildar Bir Singh (35th Sikhs, attached).</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 2479 Lance-Havildar Lal Singh (35th Sikhs, attached).</p> + +<p class='c027'>Subadar Mota Singh (killed in action).</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Indian Distinguished Service Medal</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>No. 355 Naik Jagat Singh.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 1336 Naik Mota Singh.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 1189 Naik Mit Singh.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 1791 Sepoy Waryam Singh.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 3201 Sepoy Asa Singh (35th Sikhs, attached).</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 228 Havildar Bhola Singh.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 1410 Sepoy Kesar Singh.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 2266 Sepoy Buta Singh.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 482 Havildar Bhagat Singh.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 1308 Sepoy Kehr Singh.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 337 Havildar Lachman Singh.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 2116 Naik Kishen Singh.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 2882 Havildar Mula Singh (35th Sikhs, attached).</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Russian Cross of the Order of St. George, 3rd Class</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>No. 337 Havildar Lachman Singh.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Russian Cross of the Order of St. George, 4th Class</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Jemadar Mota Singh.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_365'>365</span><i>Brevet Colonel</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Lieut.-Colonel H. L. Richardson.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Major S. R. Davidson.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><span class='sc'>Special Promotion in the Field</span></div> + <div class='c003'><i>To be Havildar</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Naik Bhagat Singh.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><span class='sc'>57th (Wilde’s) Rifles (Frontier Force)</span></div> + <div class='c002'><span class='blackletter'>Victoria Cross</span></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Jemadar Mir Dast, I.O.M. (55th Coke’s Rifles, F.F., attached).</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Companion of St. Michael and St. George</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Lieut.-Colonel F. W. B. Gray, D.S.O.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Distinguished Service Order</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Major T. J. Willans.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Military Cross</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Captain D. H. Acworth (55th Rifles, attached).</p> + +<p class='c027'>Lieutenant E. K. Fowler.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Lieutenant D. B. Mein (55th Rifles, attached).</p> + +<p class='c027'>Lieutenant D. Bainbridge.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Lieutenant R. B. Deedes (31st Punjabis, attached).</p> + +<p class='c027'>Subadar Arsla Khan, I.O.M.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Order of British India, 2nd Class, with title of “Bahadur”</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Subadar Arsla Khan, I.O.M.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Subadar Imam Ali.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Indian Order of Merit, 2nd Class</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Jemadar Mangal Singh.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 2584 Havildar Yakub Khan.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 2630 Havildar Ganga.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 2718 Lance-Naik Said Akbar.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 2554 Lance-Naik Lalak.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 3576 Sepoy Daulat Khan.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 1695 Sepoy Usman Khan (55th Rifles, attached).</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 2609 Naik Atma Singh.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 2632 Sepoy Palla Ram.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_366'>366</span><i>Indian Distinguished Service Medal</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Subadar Fateh Jang (died of wounds).</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 1991 Havildar (now Jemadar) Bur Singh.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 2595 Havildar Karim Khan.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 2583 Naik Narayan.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 2760 Naik Sahib Sher.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 2063 Naik Sohan Singh.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 2589 Sepoy Bahadur Khan.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 2702 Sepoy Ram Saran.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 3484 Sepoy Alvas Khan.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 2108 Sepoy Mir Badshah.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 3119 Sepoy Mir Badshah.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 3223 Sepoy Mir Baz.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 2625 Sepoy Mehr Khan (55th Rifles, attached).</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 2540 Havildar Sar Mast.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 5510 Sepoy Bhan Singh (Q.O. Corps of Guides, attached).</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Russian Cross of the Order of St. George, 3rd Class</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Subadar Mir Dast, V.C., I.O.M. (55th Rifles, attached).</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Russian Cross of the Order of St. George, 4th Class</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>No. 2630 Havildar Ganga.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Russian Medal of St. George, 3rd Class</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>No. 5510 Sepoy Bhan Singh (Q.O. Corps of Guides, attached).</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Russian Medal of St. George, 4th Class</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>No. 3361 Sepoy Sahib Jan.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><span class='sc'>Special Promotion</span></div> + <div class='c003'><i>To be Naik</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>No. 3028 Lance-Naik Gul Hasham.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><span class='sc'>58th (Vaughan’s) Rifles (Frontier Force)</span></div> + <div class='c003'><i>Distinguished Service Order</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Major C. E. D. Davidson-Houston (killed in action).</p> + +<p class='c027'>Major A. G. Thomson.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Military Cross</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Captain G. S. Bull.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Jemadar Indar Singh.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Jemadar Hawinda.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_367'>367</span><i>Order of British India, 2nd Class, with title of “Bahadur”</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Subadar Abdul Ali.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Subadar Raj Talab.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Indian Order of Merit, 1st Class</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Subadar Suhel Singh.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Indian Order of Merit, 2nd Class</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Jemadar Harchand Singh.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Jemadar Suhel Singh.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Jemadar Muhammad Arabi.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 1811 Havildar Karam Singh.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 1848 Havildar Roshan Khan.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 3572 Havildar Saidak.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 3032 Lance-Naik Lal Badshah.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 2834 Lance-Naik Sher Khan.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 2742 Sepoy Isar Singh.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 1925 Havildar Santa Singh.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 2830 Naik Kashmir Singh.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 3131 Lance-Naik Phangan Singh.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Indian Distinguished Service Medal</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Subadar Raj Talab.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Subadar Phuman Singh (died of wounds).</p> + +<p class='c027'>Jemadar Indar Singh.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 2008 Havildar (now Jemadar) Hawinda.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 2763 Havildar Arjun.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 3136 Havildar Sarfaraz.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 2164 Havildar Sundar Singh.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 3212 Havildar Lashkar.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 2198 Havildar Fazl Dad.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 2758 Naik Dewa Singh.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 2634 Naik Zargun Shah.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 3404 Naik Baidullah.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 3066 Naik Sardar.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 3080 Naik Zar Baz.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 3567 Lance-Naik Said Asghar.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 3374 Sepoy Dewa Singh.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 3133 Sepoy Maluk Singh.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Russian Cross of the Order of St. George, 4th Class</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>No. 3080 Naik Zar Baz.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_368'>368</span><i>Russian Medal of St. George, 3rd Class</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>No. 3457 Naik Safirullah.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Russian Medal of St. George, 4th Class</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>No. 3156 Sepoy Banta Singh.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><span class='sc'>59th Scinde Rifles (Frontier Force)</span></div> + <div class='c003'><i>Military Cross</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Lieutenant J. A. M. Scobie.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Captain R. D. Inskip.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Subadar Parbat Chand.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Order of British India, 1st Class, with title of “Sardar Bahadur”</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Subadar-Major Nasir Khan.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Indian Order of Merit, 1st Class</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>No. 27 Sepoy Zarif Khan.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Indian Order of Merit, 2nd Class</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>No. 3063 Havildar Abdul Wahab.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 3191 Havildar Dost Muhammad.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 3638 Havildar Muhammad Jan.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 3663 Havildar Muzaffar Khan.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 3705 Lance-Naik Buta Singh.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 3902 Lance-Naik Biaz Gul.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 27 Sepoy Zarif Khan.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Subadar-Major Nasir Khan, “Sardar Bahadur.”</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Indian Distinguished Service Medal</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Subadar-Major Muhammad Khan.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Jemadar Zaman Ali.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 4264 Havildar Niaz Gul.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 3529 Naik Amir Ali.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 3581 Naik Ghammai Khan.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 2520–1/2 Lance-Naik Chur Khan (52nd Sikhs, F.F., +attached).</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 4845 Sepoy Akbar Khan.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 4731 Sepoy Lal Khan.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Subadar Bishan Singh.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Jemadar Mangal Singh (52nd Sikhs, F.F., attached).</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_369'>369</span><i>Russian Medal of St. George, 1st Class</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Subadar-Major Nasir Khan.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Russian Medal of St. George, 2nd Class</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>No. 3063 Havildar Abdul Wahab, I.O.M.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Russian Medal of St. George, 4th Class</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>No. 3890 Sepoy (Ward Orderly) Sadardin (attached 112th Indian +Field Ambulance).</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Major (temporary Lieut.-Colonel) T. L. Leeds.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Brevet Major</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Captain B. E. Anderson.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><span class='sc'>89th Punjabis</span></div> + <div class='c003'><i>Military Cross</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Captain R. F. D. Burnett (42nd Deoli Regiment, attached).</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Indian Order of Merit, 2nd Class</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>No. 2316 Sepoy Indar Singh.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 3275 Sepoy Suleiman.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 1088 Colour-Havildar Hira Tiwari.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Indian Distinguished Service Medal</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>No. 1528 Havildar Harnam Singh.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 2352 Naik Muhammad Sadik.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 2029 Naik Ramji Misr.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 1485 Naik Karam Dad.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 2102 Sepoy Muhammad Khan.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><span class='sc'>107th Pioneers</span></div> + <div class='c003'><i>Companion of St. Michael and St. George</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Lieut.-Colonel N. M. C. Stevens.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Distinguished Service Order</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Captain A. T. Sheringham (121st Pioneers, attached).</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Military Cross</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Captain E. B. Mangin.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Lieutenant F. H. F. Hornor.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Lieutenant B. H. Wallis.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_370'>370</span><i>Order of British India, 2nd Class, with title of “Bahadur”</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Subadar-Major Labh Singh.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Subadar Hashmat Dad Khan.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Indian Order of Merit, 2nd Class</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Subadar Khan Zaman.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 4050 Bugler Nathu Singh.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Indian Distinguished Service Medal</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Subadar Labh Singh.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Subadar Hashmat Dad Khan.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 3417 Havildar Bhagat Singh.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 2980 Naik Achar Singh.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 3991 Sepoy Phaga Singh.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Subadar Fateh Muhammad Khan.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 1027 Havildar Dal Khan (121st Pioneers, attached).</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Russian Cross of the Order of St. George, 4th Class</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>No. 2762 Sepoy Sundar Singh.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><span class='sc'>125th (Napier’s) Rifles</span></div> + <div class='c003'><i>Military Cross</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Captain W. F. Odell (123rd Rifles, attached).</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Order of British India, 2nd Class, with title of “Bahadur”</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Subadar-Major Umar Din.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Indian Distinguished Service Medal</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>No. 2602 Sepoy Gul Sher.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><span class='sc'>129th (Duke of Connaught’s Own) Baluchis</span></div> + <div class='c003'><span class='blackletter'>Victoria Cross</span></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>No. 4050 Sepoy Khudadad.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Companion of St. Michael and St. George</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Lieut.-Colonel W. M. Southey.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Distinguished Service Order</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Major J. A. Hannyngton, C.M.G.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Captain R. F. Dill (killed in action).</p> + +<p class='c027'>Major H. Hulseberg (127th Baluch Light Infantry, attached).</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_371'>371</span><i>Military Cross</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Lieutenant F. M. Griffith-Griffin.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Lieutenant H. V. Lewis.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Captain C. M. Thornhill (24th Punjabis, attached).</p> + +<p class='c027'>Subadar Zaman Khan.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Order of British India, 2nd Class, with title of “Bahadur”</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Subadar Zaman Khan.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Subadar Makmad Azam, I.O.M.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Indian Order of Merit, 2nd Class</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Subadar Makmad Azam.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Jemadar Mir Badshah.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Jemadar Ayub Khan (124th Baluchis, attached).</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 4280 Naik Sar Nir.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 118 Lance-Naik Nek Amal.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 3814 Lance-Naik Hobab Gul.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 453 Sepoy Sahib Jan.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 250 Sepoy Saiday Khan.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 4333 Sepoy Redi Gul.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 2524 Colour-Havildar Ghulam Muhammad.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 471 Sepoy Raji Khan.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 3836 Havildar Fateh Haidar.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Indian Distinguished Service Medal</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>No. 2268 Havildar Nur Khan.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 105 Sepoy Kassib.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 2813 Sepoy Lal Sher.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 3600 Sepoy Lafar Khan.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 4182 Sepoy Said Ahmad.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 2102 Sepoy Aulia Khan.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 4267 Sepoy Mehrab Gul.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 4231 Sepoy Ghulam Hussein (124th Baluchistan Infantry, +attached).</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 4305 Sepoy Mistakin.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 246 Sepoy Dad Khan (127th Baluchis, attached).</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Russian Cross of the Order of St. George, 4th Class</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>No. 118 Sepoy Nek Amal, I.O.M.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Russian Medal of St. George, 1st Class</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>No. 4355 Havildar Wasim Khan.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_372'>372</span><i>Russian Medal of St. George, 4th Class</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>No. 3836 Sepoy Fateh Haidar.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><span class='sc'>Special Promotion in the Field</span></div> + <div class='c003'><i>To be Naik</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>No. 3640 Lance-Naik Ayub Khan (124th Baluchis, attached).</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><span class='sc'>1st Battalion 1st King George’s Own Gurkha Rifles</span></div> + <div class='c003'><i>Companion of St. Michael and St. George</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Lieut.-Colonel W. C. Anderson.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Military Cross</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Captain A. R. Mellis (Indian Army Reserve of Officers, attached).</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Indian Order of Merit, 2nd Class</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Jemadar Sasidhar Thapa.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 1843 Naik Ramkishan Thapa.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 2205 Rifleman Balbir Thapa.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 2719 Rifleman Jitman Thapa.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Subadar Jit Sing Gurung (2nd Battalion 3rd Gurkha Rifles, +attached).</p> + +<p class='c027'>Subadar Autbir Thapa (2nd Battalion 4th Gurkha Rifles, +attached).</p> + +<p class='c027'>Jemadar Kharakbir Thapa (2nd Battalion 4th Gurkha Rifles, +attached).</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Indian Distinguished Service Medal</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>No. 2814 Rifleman Baliram Thapa.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 2515 Rifleman Kansi Gurung.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 2734 Rifleman Khamba Sing Gurung.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 2397 Rifleman Phalman Gurung.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 1946 Rifleman Lalbir Thapa.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 2650 Rifleman Chitabir Thapa.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Russian Cross of the Order of St. George, 4th Class</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Subadar Puran Sing Gurung.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 2719 Rifleman Jitman Thapa, I.O.M.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Russian Medal of St. George, 3rd Class</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>No. 2205 Rifleman Balbir Thapa.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><span class='sc'>2nd Battalion 2nd King Edward’s Own Gurkha Rifles</span></div> + <div class='c003'><i>Distinguished Service Order</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Major D. M. Watt.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Major F. H. Norie (Indian Army retired, attached).</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_373'>373</span><i>Military Cross</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Captain A. D. Smith (1st Battalion 2nd Gurkha Rifles, attached).</p> + +<p class='c027'>Lieutenant E. J. Corse-Scott.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Lieutenant G. A. P. Scoones.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Subadar Kharak Sing Rana.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Order of British India, 2nd Class, with title of “Bahadur”</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Subadar-Major Fateh Sing Newar.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Subadar Sarabjit Gurung, I.O.M. (1st Battalion, attached).</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Indian Order of Merit, 2nd Class</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Subadar Dan Sing Lama.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Jemadar Arjun Rana.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 1618 Naik Padamdhoj Gurung.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 1959 Rifleman Bhagat Bahadur Gurung.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 2265 Rifleman Tula Gurung.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 2515 Rifleman Hastobir Roka.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 3266 Rifleman Jagtea Pun.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 4024 Rifleman Manjit Gurung.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 2447 Rifleman Partiman Gurung.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 1599 Rifleman Ujir Sing Gurung.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 1597 Naik Bum Bahadur Gurung.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 2693 Rifleman Anarupe Rana.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Indian Distinguished Service Medal</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>No. 1222 Havildar Ran Patti Gurung.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 1280 Havildar Judhia Sarki.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 1432 Havildar Janglai Gurung.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 1628 Havildar Bag Sing Thapa.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 1473 Naik Ramparshad Thapa.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 1517 Naik Bhimbahadur Thapa.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 1679 Naik Gamer Sing Bura.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 1593 Naik Patiram Thapa.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 2153 Lance-Naik Sher Sing Ghale.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 2392 Lance-Naik Amar Sing Pun.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 2618 Rifleman Kalu Gurung.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Russian Cross of the Order of St. George, 4th Class</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>No. 3184 Havildar Sarabjit Gurung.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Brevet Colonel</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Lieut.-Colonel C. E. de M. Norie, D.S.O.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_374'>374</span><i>Brevet Lieutenant-Colonel</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Major S. B. Boileau (1st Battalion 2nd Gurkha Rifles, attached).</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><span class='sc'>2nd Battalion 3rd Queen Alexandra’s Own Gurkha Rifles</span></div> + <div class='c003'><span class='blackletter'>Victoria Cross</span></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>No. 2129 Rifleman Kulbir Thapa.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Companion of the Bath</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Lieut.-Colonel V. A. Ormsby.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Distinguished Service Order</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Captain J. T. Lodwick.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Military Cross</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Lieutenant H. C. F. McSwiney.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Order of British India, 2nd Class, with title of “Bahadur”</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Subadar-Major Gambhir Sing Gurung.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Subadar Kharak Bahadur Thapa.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Indian Order of Merit, 2nd Class</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Subadar-Major Gambhir Sing Gurung.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Subadar Bhim Sing Thapa.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Jemadar Harak Bahadur Thapa (deceased).</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 1569 Havildar Bahadur Thapa.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 1805 Lance-Naik Hark Sing Gharti.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 1757 Lance-Naik Jhaman Sing Thapa.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 1749 Rifleman Gane Gurung.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 2252 Bugler Kharak Bahadur Alc.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Indian Distinguished Service Medal</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Subadar Baru Sing Thapa.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Jemadar Puran Sing Thapa.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 1313 Havildar Motilal Gurung.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 2118 Rifleman Ganpati Thapa.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Russian Cross of the Order of St. George, 4th Class</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Subadar Dalkesar Gurung.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Russian Medal of St. George, 2nd Class</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>No. 1760 Naik Rupdan Pun.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Russian Medal of St. George, 3rd Class</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>No. 3530 Rifleman Kharkbir Pun.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_375'>375</span><span class='sc'>1st Battalion 4th Gurkha Rifles</span></div> + <div class='c003'><i>Distinguished Service Order</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Captain L. P. Collins.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Captain A. T. Cramer-Roberts.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Captain C. D. Roe.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Military Cross</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Lieutenant C. F. F. Moore (123rd Outram’s Rifles, attached).</p> + +<p class='c027'>Second Lieutenant C. C. E. Manson (I.A.R.O., attached).</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Order of British India, 2nd Class, with title of “Bahadur”</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Subadar Senbir Gurung (2nd Battalion, attached).</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Indian Order of Merit, 2nd Class</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Subadar Senbir Gurung.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Jemadar Gangabir Gurung.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 4252 Naik Diwan Sing Gurung.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 4015 Rifleman Khamba Sing Gurung.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 4509 Rifleman Parbir Gurung.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 4578 Rifleman Wazir Singh Burathoki.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 1840 Havildar Bhakat Sing Rana (2nd Battalion 4th +Gurkha Rifles, attached).</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 2417 Rifleman Bhandoj Rai.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Indian Distinguished Service Medal</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>No. 4203 Rifleman Deotinarain Newar.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 3994 Rifleman Patiram Kunwar.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 798 Lance-Naik Asbir Rana.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 4945 Lance-Naik Lachman Gurung.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 1074 Rifleman Garbha Sing Gurung.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Russian Medal of St. George, 3rd Class</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>No. 4578 Rifleman Wazir Sing Burathoki.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><span class='sc'>2nd Battalion 8th Gurkha Rifles</span></div> + <div class='c003'><i>Distinguished Service Order</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Captain G. C. Buckland.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Order of British India, 2nd Class, with title of “Bahadur”</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Subadar Shamsher Gurung.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Indian Order of Merit, 2nd Class</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>No. 3110 Havildar Hari Parshad Thapa.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Subadar Sarabjit Gurung.</p> + +<p class='c027'><span class='pageno' id='Page_376'>376</span>No. 1632 Rifleman Narbahadur Gurung (Naga Hills Military +Police Battalion, attached).</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 1348 Rifleman Budhiman Thapa (Chin Hills Military Police +Battalion, attached).</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Russian Medal of St. George, 4th Class</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>No. 4078 Rifleman Dhamraj Thapa.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><span class='sc'>1st Battalion 9th Gurkha Rifles</span></div> + <div class='c003'><i>Companion of the Bath</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Lieut.-Colonel G. T. Widdicombe.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Military Cross</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Captain J. R. L. Heyland (killed in action).</p> + +<p class='c027'>Captain G. D. Pike.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Lieutenant L. C. C. Rogers (1st Battalion 7th Gurkha Rifles, +attached; died of wounds).</p> + +<p class='c027'>Lieutenant R. G. H. Murray.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Subadar Haridhoj Khattri.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Subadar Bakht Bahadur Adhikari.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Order of British India, 2nd Class, with title of “Bahadur”</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Subadar Balbahadar Khattri.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Subadar Chandrabir Thapa.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Indian Order of Merit, 2nd Class</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Subadar Mehar Sing Khattri.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Jemadar Shibdhoj Mal.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 2016 Lance-Naik Jhaman Sing Khattri (2nd Battalion, +attached).</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 2721 Rifleman Panchbir Mal (2nd Battalion, attached).</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 2589 Rifleman Tika Ram Kunwar.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Indian Distinguished Service Medal</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Subadar Chandrabir Thapa.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Subadar Haridhoj Khattri.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Jemadar Damodhar Khattri.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 1922 Havildar Gambhir Sing Bohra.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 1515 Havildar Lalit Bahadur Mal.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 2017 Naik Kharak Bahadur Basnet.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 2027 Naik Kulman Khattri.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 2096 Lance-Naik Jowar Sing Khattri.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 2118 Lance-Naik Samar Bahadur Mal.</p> + +<p class='c027'><span class='pageno' id='Page_377'>377</span>No. 2814 Lance-Naik Sirikisan Khattri.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 2772 Rifleman Manbahadur Sahi.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 2799 Rifleman Kharak Bahadur Bhandari.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 2588 Rifleman Dhan Bahadur.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 2492 Rifleman Gajbir Bisht.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 2885 Rifleman Balbahadur Khattri.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 3055 Rifleman Ranbahadur Sahi.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 3075 Rifleman Dinbahadur Kunwar.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Russian Cross of the Order of St. George, 4th Class</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Subadar Bakht Bahadur Adhikari.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Russian Medal of St. George, 3rd Class</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>No. 2589 Rifleman Tika Ram Kunwar.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><span class='sc'>Special Promotion in the Field</span></div> + <div class='c003'><i>To be Havildar</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>No. 2721 Rifleman Panchbir Mal, 2nd Battalion 9th Gurkha +Rifles (attached to 1st Battalion).</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div>UNATTACHED LIST, INDIAN ARMY</div> + <div class='c003'><i>Military Cross</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Second Lieutenant A. C. Curtis (attached 1st Bedfordshire +Regiment).</p> + +<p class='c027'>Second Lieutenant C. S. Searle (attached 1st Royal Berkshire +Regiment).</p> + +<p class='c027'>Second Lieutenant (temporary Lieutenant) A. F. Logan +(attached 2nd Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment).</p> + +<p class='c027'>Lieutenant (temporary Captain) T. Layng (attached Durham +Light Infantry).</p> + +<p class='c027'>Second Lieutenant (temporary Lieutenant) C. H. H. Eales +(attached 2nd Battalion Royal Irish Rifles).</p> + +<p class='c027'>Second Lieutenant (temporary Lieutenant) F. Powell (attached +Bedfordshire Regiment).</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div>MEDICAL SERVICES</div> + <div class='c003'><i>Companion of the Bath</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Colonel B. B. Grayfoot, M.D., I.M.S.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Companion of St. Michael and St. George</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Lieut.-Colonel C. H. Bowle-Evans, M.B., I.M.S. (attached 8th +Gurkha Rifles).</p> + +<p class='c027'><span class='pageno' id='Page_378'>378</span>Lieut.-Colonel F. Wall, I.M.S. (attached 3rd Gurkha Rifles).</p> + +<p class='c027'>Major H. M. Cruddas, I.M.S.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Lieut.-Colonel J. A. Hamilton, M.B., F.R.C.S.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Major W. W. Jeudwine, M.D.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Distinguished Service Order</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Captain J. Taylor (attached 1st Battalion 89th Garhwal Rifles).</p> + +<p class='c027'>Major G. C. L. Kerans, I.M.S.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Major R. A. Needham, M.B.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Military Cross</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Captain Kunwar Indarjit Singh (attached 57th Rifles; killed in +action).</p> + +<p class='c027'>Captain J. S. O’Neill, M.B., I.M.S.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Third Class Assistant Surgeon F. B. A. Braganza, Indian +Subordinate Medical Department.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Assistant Surgeon E. B. Messinier, Indian Subordinate Medical +Department.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 298 Second Class Sub-Assistant Surgeon Ram Krishna +Ganpat Shinde (attached 1st Battalion 39th Garhwal +Rifles).</p> + +<p class='c027'>Captain H. S. C. Cormack, M.B., F.R.C.S., I.M.S.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Captain C. A. Wood, M.B., I.M.S.</p> + +<p class='c027'>First Class Assistant Surgeon W. J. S. Maine, I.S.M.D.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Third Class Assistant Surgeon E. H. Boilard, I.S.M.D.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Distinguished Conduct Medal</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Third Class Assistant Surgeon K. P. Elloy, Indian Subordinate +Medical Department, No. 7 British Field Ambulance.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Royal Red Cross Decoration, 1st Class</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Miss H. A. M. Rait, Queen Alexandra’s Military Nursing Service +for India.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Miss P. F. Watt, Queen Alexandra’s Military Nursing Service +for India.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Royal Red Cross Decoration, 2nd Class</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Miss M. D. Knapp, Queen Alexandra’s Military Nursing Service +for India.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Indian Order of Merit, 2nd Class</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>No. 1116 First Class Sub-Assistant Surgeon Nagindar Singh, +Indian Subordinate Medical Department.</p> + +<p class='c027'><span class='pageno' id='Page_379'>379</span>No. 128 Field Ambulance, No. 1124 First Class Sub-Assistant +Surgeon Maula Baksh.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 111 Field Ambulance, No. 988 First Class Sub-Assistant +Surgeon Tek Chand.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Third Class Sub-Assistant Surgeon G. K. R. Rane (attached +21st Company 3rd Sappers and Miners).</p> + +<p class='c027'>Sub-Assistant Surgeon Harnam Singh (attached 34th Sikh +Pioneers).</p> + +<p class='c027'>Senior Sub-Assistant Surgeon Pandit Shankar Das (attached +47th Sikhs).</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 111 Field Ambulance, No. 2421 Stretcher-bearer Jaganaut.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 8 Company Army Bearer Corps, No. 8001 Havildar Bihari.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 862 First Class Sub-Assistant Surgeon Ram Singh, I.S.M.D. +(attached 1/4th Gurkha Rifles).</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 1230 Second Class Sub-Assistant Surgeon Pargan Singh, +I.S.M.D. (attached 6th Jat Light Infantry).</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Indian Distinguished Service Medal</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>No. 7 Company Army Bearer Corps, No. 7032 Lance-Naik +Surjoo.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 8 Company Army Bearer Corps, No. 8316 Bearer Ram +Sabatu.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 8 Company Army Bearer Corps, No. 937 First Class Sub-Assistant +Surgeon Muhammad Umar.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 8 Company Army Bearer Corps, No. 3039 Naik Achroo.</p> + +<p class='c027'>112th Indian Field Ambulance, First Class Senior Sub-Assistant +Surgeon Gaure Shankar.</p> + +<p class='c027'>129th Indian Field Ambulance, No. 1171 2nd Class Sub-Assistant +Surgeon Zafar Husain.</p> + +<p class='c027'>112th Indian Field Ambulance, No. 4009 Naik Wadhawa.</p> + +<p class='c027'>19th British Field Ambulance Army Bearer Corps, No. 7017 +Naik Khushali.</p> + +<p class='c027'>20th British Field Ambulance Army Bearer Corps, No. 11018 +Lance-Naik Surjoo.</p> + +<p class='c027'>1st Class Sub-Assistant Surgeon Narayan Parshad Sukal, 112th +Field Ambulance.</p> + +<p class='c027'>2nd Class Senior Sub-Assistant Surgeon Mahadeo Parshad, +attached 1st Battalion 1st Gurkha Rifles.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 8037 Lance-Naik Mangli, No. 8 Company, 113th Field +Ambulance.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 772, 1st Class Sub-Assistant Surgeon Pohlo Ram, I.S.M.D. +(attached 1/9th Gurkha Rifles).</p> + +<p class='c027'><span class='pageno' id='Page_380'>380</span>No. 1246, 2nd Class Sub-Assistant Surgeon Kishan Singh, +I.S.M.D. (attached 113th Indian Field Ambulance).</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 1360, 3rd Class Sub-Assistant Surgeon Mathura Parshad +Sarswit, I.S.M.D. (attached 57th Wilde’s Rifles (F.F.)).</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 3000 Havildar Nikka, No. 7 British Field Ambulance +(Army Bearer Corps).</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 7034 Lance-Naik Kundan, No. 19 British Field Ambulance +(Army Bearer Corps).</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 7052 Bearer Bhujjoo, No. 19 British Field Ambulance +(Army Bearer Corps).</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 7455 Bearer Mulloo, No. 19 British Field Ambulance +(Army Bearer Corps).</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 7339 Bearer Narian, No. 19 British Field Ambulance +(Army Bearer Corps).</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 4349 Bearer Madan Singh, No. 112 Indian Field Ambulance +(Army Bearer Corps).</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 4397 Bearer Mastan Singh, No. 112 Indian Field Ambulance +(Army Bearer Corps).</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 7074 Lance-Naik Ram Charan, No. 128 Indian Field +Ambulance (Army Bearer Corps).</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 7204 Bearer Beni, No. 128 Indian Field Ambulance (Army +Bearer Corps).</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 7259 Bearer Chabi, No. 128 Indian Field Ambulance +(Army Bearer Corps).</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Russian Cross of the Order of St. George, 4th Class</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>3rd Class Assistant Surgeon K. P. Elloy, I.S.M.D., No. 7 +British Field Ambulance.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Russian Medal of St. George, 2nd Class</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>3rd Class Sub-Assistant Surgeon Gopinath Agarwal, 128th +Indian Field Ambulance.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Brevet Colonel</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Lieut.-Colonel W. W. White, M.D., I.M.S.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Lieut.-Colonel A. H. Moorhead, M.B., I.M.S.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Brevet Lieut.-Colonel</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Major H. Boulton, M.B., I.M.S.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Major G. Browse, M.B., I.M.S.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Senior Assistant Surgeon with Honorary Rank of Lieutenant</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>1st Class Assistant Surgeon W. J. S. Maine, I.S.M.D.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_381'>381</span><i>3rd Class Assistant Surgeon</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>4th Class Assistant Surgeon E. R. Hill, I.S.M.D.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>French Croix de Guerre</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>7204 Bearer Beni, 128th Field Ambulance.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div>SUPPLY AND TRANSPORT CORPS</div> + <div class='c003'><i>Distinguished Service Order</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Major A. K. Heyland.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Order of British India, 2nd Class, with title of “Bahadur”</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Ressaidar Amir Khan, 2nd Mule Corps.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Indian Order of Merit, 2nd Class</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>31st Mule Corps, No. 1357 Driver Sayad Abdulla.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Indian Distinguished Service Medal</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>11th Mule Corps, No. 904 Naik Miram Baksh.</p> + +<p class='c027'>11th Mule Corps, No. 831 Naik Painda Khan.</p> + +<p class='c027'>11th Mule Corps, No. 1526 Lance-Naik Rafiuddin.</p> + +<p class='c027'>11th Mule Corps, No. 605 Driver Chedu Beg.</p> + +<p class='c027'>11th Mule Corps, No. 1315 Driver Fakir Muhammad.</p> + +<p class='c027'>11th Mule Corps, No. 986 Driver Shubrati.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 1406 Driver Abdullah Shah, 2nd Mule Corps.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 182 Kot-Dafadar Fetch Khan, 9th Mule Corps.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 82 Kot-Dafadar Bahawal Din, 9th Mule Corps.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 694 Naik Khan Gul, 9th Mule Corps.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 843 Naik Mahomed Khan, 9th Mule Corps.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 862 Driver Rup Singh, 27th Mule Corps.</p> + +<p class='c027'>No. 319 Lance-Naik Sundar Singh, 38th Mule Corps.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Brevet Lieut.-Colonel</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Major W. F. Smith, Meerut Divisional Train.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Major W. N. Lushington.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Honorary Major</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Commissary and Honorary Captain E. J. Goodhall.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div>INDIAN ORDNANCE DEPARTMENT</div> + <div class='c003'><i>Military Cross</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Sub-Conductor J. L. N. M‘Dougall.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Distinguished Conduct Medal</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Sub-Conductor E. V. Johnson.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><span class='pageno' id='Page_382'>382</span>REMOUNT DEPARTMENT</div> + <div class='c003'><i>Companion of St. Michael and St. George</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Lieut.-Colonel C. F. Templer, I.A.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div>INDIAN MISCELLANEOUS LIST</div> + <div class='c003'><i>Assistant Commissary with Honorary Rank of Lieutenant</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Sub-Conductor W. Forsyth.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Sub-Conductor F. C. Marks.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Sub-Conductor C. G. Jackson.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div>INDIAN VOLUNTEER CORPS</div> + <div class='c003'><i>Distinguished Conduct Medal</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Corporal W. Gurdon, Calcutta Volunteer Rifles.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Sergeant F. Birley, Madras Volunteer Rifles.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div>MILITARY WORKS SERVICES</div> + <div class='c003'><i>Distinguished Conduct Medal</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Sub-Conductor P. J. Fitzpatrick.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div>ROYAL INDIAN MARINE</div> + <div class='c003'><i>Companion of St. Michael and St. George</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Commander (retired) G. E. Holland, C.I.E., D.S.O. (temporary +Colonel R.E.).</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div>SPECIAL LIST</div> + <div class='c003'><i>Companion of the Indian Empire</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Temporary Captain P. J. G. Pipon, I.C.S.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Temporary Captain E. B. Howell (Indian Civil Service), Censor +of Indian Mails with the Indian Expeditionary Force in +France.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c1'> +<div class='nf-center c029'> + <div><i>Military Cross</i></div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c027'>Rev. R. J. B. Irwin, M.A., Indian Ecclesiastical Department.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Temporary Captain P. J. G. Pipon, I.C.S.</p> + +<p class='c027'>Temporary Lieutenant A. H. Parker (Indian Civil Service), +Punjab Volunteer Rifles (attached Royal Flying Corps).</p> + +<div class='chapter'> + <span class='pageno' id='Page_383'>383</span> + <h2 class='c008'>INDEX<a id='r10'></a><a href='#f10' class='c007'><sup>[10]</sup></a></h2> +</div> + +<ul class='index c002'> + <li class='c016'><span class='pageno' id='Page_384'>384</span>Abdulla, No. 1357 Driver Sayad, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_381'>381</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Adair, Capt. W. F., <a href='#Page_44'>44</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Adams, Lieut., <a href='#Page_250'>250</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Adhikari, Subadar Bakht Bahadur, M.C., Russian Cross of the Order of St. George, 4th Class, <a href='#Page_376'>376</a>, <a href='#Page_377'>377</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Afghan War (1880), <a href='#Page_11'>11</a>, <a href='#Page_87'>87</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Afghanistan, <a href='#Page_1'>1</a>, <a href='#Page_3'>3</a>, <a href='#Page_9'>9</a>, <a href='#Page_72'>72</a>, <a href='#Page_87'>87</a>, <a href='#Page_113'>113</a>, <a href='#Page_312'>312</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Afghans, <a href='#Page_16'>16</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Africa, East, <a href='#Page_52'>52</a>, <a href='#Page_109'>109</a> + <ul> + <li>North, <a href='#Page_98'>98</a></li> + <li>South, <a href='#Page_28'>28</a>, <a href='#Page_53'>53</a>, <a href='#Page_92'>92</a>, <a href='#Page_94'>94</a></li> + <li>West, <a href='#Page_1'>1</a>, <a href='#Page_180'>180</a></li> + </ul> + </li> + <li class='c016'>Afridi Hills, <a href='#Page_20'>20</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Afridis, <a href='#Page_16'>16</a>, <a href='#Page_214'>214</a>, <a href='#Page_238'>238</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Agarwal, 3rd Class Sub-Assist. Surgeon Gopinath, Russian Medal of St. George, 2nd Class, <a href='#Page_380'>380</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Agnew, Lieut. J., <a href='#Page_291'>291</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Agra, <a href='#Page_94'>94</a>, <a href='#Page_101'>101</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Ahmad, No. 4182 Sepoy Said, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_43'>43</a>, <a href='#Page_371'>371</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Aisne River, <a href='#Page_28'>28</a>, <a href='#Page_24'>24</a>, <a href='#Page_32'>32</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Akbar, No. 2718 Lance-Naik Said, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_365'>365</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Alam, Jemadar Nur, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_354'>354</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Aldershot, <a href='#Page_294'>294</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Alderson, General, <a href='#Page_245'>245</a>, <a href='#Page_280'>280</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Ale, No. 2252 Bugler Kharak Bahadur, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_374'>374</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Alexander, Capt. R. D., <a href='#Page_100'>100</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Alexander, Capt. R. G., M.C., <a href='#Page_349'>349</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Alexandra’s (Queen) Own Gurkha Rifles, 3rd, <a href='#Page_110'>110</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Ali, Subadar Abdul, Bahadur, <a href='#Page_367'>367</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Ali, Jemadar Akbar, <a href='#Page_341'>341</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Ali, No. 3529 Naik Amir, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_368'>368</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Ali, Jemadar Bahadur, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_354'>354</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Ali, No. 3435 Sepoy Haidar, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_362'>362</a></li> + <li class='c016'><span class='pageno' id='Page_385'>385</span>Ali, No. 2770 Naik Liyakat, afterwards Havildar, <a href='#Page_355'>355</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Ali, Jemadar Liyakat, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_353'>353</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Ali, Jemadar Mardan, <a href='#Page_169'>169</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Ali, Risaldar Mir Hidayat, <a href='#Page_175'>175</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Ali Musjid, <a href='#Page_164'>164</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Ali, Subadar Qasim, Bahadur, <a href='#Page_355'>355</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Ali, Jemadar Zaman, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_368'>368</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Aliwal, <a href='#Page_87'>87</a>, <a href='#Page_164'>164</a></li> + <li class='c016'>“Allahabad Levy,” <a href='#Page_300'>300</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Allardice, Lieut., <a href='#Page_250'>250</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Allen, Lieut.-Col., <a href='#Page_259'>259</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Almond, Lieut., <a href='#Page_70'>70</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Amal, No. 118 Lance-Naik Nek, I.O.M., Russian Cross of the Order of St. George, 4th Class, <a href='#Page_371'>371</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Ambala Cavalry Brigade, <a href='#Page_176'>176</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Amiens, <a href='#Page_232'>232</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Ammunition Columns, <a href='#Page_19'>19</a>, <a href='#Page_20'>20</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Anderson, Lieut.-Col., <a href='#Page_72'>72</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Anderson, Lieut., <a href='#Page_155'>155</a>–6, <a href='#Page_339'>339</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Anderson, Capt. B. E., afterwards Brevet Major, <a href='#Page_157'>157</a>, <a href='#Page_369'>369</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Anderson, Lieut.-General Sir C. A., C.B., <a href='#Page_19'>19</a>, <a href='#Page_52'>52</a>, <a href='#Page_68'>68</a>, <a href='#Page_85'>85</a>, <a href='#Page_105'>105</a>, <a href='#Page_121'>121</a>, <a href='#Page_123'>123</a>, <a href='#Page_151'>151</a>, <a href='#Page_159'>159</a>, <a href='#Page_165'>165</a>, <a href='#Page_167'>167</a>, <a href='#Page_175'>175</a>, <a href='#Page_176'>176</a>, <a href='#Page_206'>206</a>, <a href='#Page_226'>226</a>, <a href='#Page_270'>270</a>, <a href='#Page_271'>271</a>, <a href='#Page_273'>273</a>, <a href='#Page_278'>278</a>, <a href='#Page_279'>279</a>, <a href='#Page_282'>282</a>, <a href='#Page_284'>284</a>, <a href='#Page_288'>288</a>, <a href='#Page_317'>317</a>, <a href='#Page_325'>325</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Anderson, Lieut.-Col. W. C., C.M.G., <a href='#Page_372'>372</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Apthorpe, Capt. E. H., <a href='#Page_126'>126</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Arabi, Jemadar Muhammad, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_367'>367</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Arjun, No. 2763 Havildar, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_367'>367</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Armentières, <a href='#Page_313'>313</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Army Corps, British, 1st, <a href='#Page_39'>39</a>, <a href='#Page_166'>166</a>–7, <a href='#Page_172'>172</a>–4, <a href='#Page_209'>209</a>, <a href='#Page_279'>279</a> + <ul> + <li>3rd, <a href='#Page_241'>241</a></li> + <li>4th, <a href='#Page_232'>232</a>, <a href='#Page_234'>234</a>, <a href='#Page_268'>268</a>, <a href='#Page_269'>269</a></li> + <li>5th, <a href='#Page_241'>241</a></li> + </ul> + </li> + <li class='c016'>Army Service Corps, <a href='#Page_99'>99</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Arras, <a href='#Page_269'>269</a></li> + <li class='c016'><span class='pageno' id='Page_387'>387</span>Asghar, No. 3567 Lance-Naik Said, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_367'>367</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Ashanti, <a href='#Page_1'>1</a>, <a href='#Page_90'>90</a>, <a href='#Page_161'>161</a>, <a href='#Page_194'>194</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Asia, <a href='#Page_29'>29</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Assam, <a href='#Page_297'>297</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Assaye, <a href='#Page_216'>216</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Atal, Major P., <a href='#Page_133'>133</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Atkinson, Lieut. J. G., <a href='#Page_157'>157</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Aubers Ridge, <a href='#Page_60'>60</a>, <a href='#Page_81'>81</a>, <a href='#Page_202'>202</a>, <a href='#Page_203'>203</a>, <a href='#Page_210'>210</a>, <a href='#Page_231'>231</a>, <a href='#Page_267'>267</a>, <a href='#Page_269'>269</a>, <a href='#Page_306'>306</a>, <a href='#Page_327'>327</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Ava, <a href='#Page_300'>300</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Avoué, Ferme d’, <a href='#Page_279'>279</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Azam, Subadar Makmad Bahadur, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_371'>371</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Aziz, Jemadar Abdul, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_112'>112</a>, <a href='#Page_354'>354</a></li> + <li class='c002'>Bacquerot, Rue du, <a href='#Page_335'>335</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Badhai, Jemadar Data Din, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_354'>354</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Badlu, No. 1548 Havildar, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_113'>113</a>, <a href='#Page_357'>357</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Badshah, No. 3032 Lance-Naik Lal, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_367'>367</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Badshah, Jemadar Mir, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_371'>371</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Badshah, No. 3119 Sepoy Mir, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_366'>366</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Badshah, No. 2108 Sepoy Mir, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_366'>366</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Bagmal, No. 1004 Sepoy, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_357'>357</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Bagot-Chester, Lieut., <a href='#Page_332'>332</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Baidullah, No. 3404 Naik, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_367'>367</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Bainbridge, Lieut. D., M.C., <a href='#Page_365'>365</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Baird, Major, H. B. D., D.S.O., <a href='#Page_348'>348</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Baksh, No. 1124 1st Class Sub-Assist. Surgeon Maula, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_379'>379</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Baksh, Jemadar Mehar, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_354'>354</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Baksh, No. 904 Naik Miram, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_331'>331</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Baksh, No. 3144 Driver Havildar Muhammad, I.O.M., I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_354'>354</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Baldwin, Capt. H. L., <a href='#Page_127'>127</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Balfour-Melville, Lieut., <a href='#Page_338'>338</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Ballinger, Lieut., <a href='#Page_290'>290</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Baluchis, 129th, <a href='#Page_18'>18</a>, <a href='#Page_33'>33</a>, <a href='#Page_34'>34</a>, <a href='#Page_35'>35</a>, <a href='#Page_36'>36</a>, <a href='#Page_38'>38</a>, <a href='#Page_39'>39</a>, <a href='#Page_40'>40</a>, <a href='#Page_41'>41</a>, <a href='#Page_42'>42</a>, <a href='#Page_43'>43</a>, <a href='#Page_44'>44</a>, <a href='#Page_45'>45</a>, <a href='#Page_46'>46</a>, <a href='#Page_120'>120</a>, <a href='#Page_122'>122</a>, <a href='#Page_123'>123</a>, <a href='#Page_126'>126</a>, <a href='#Page_133'>133</a>, <a href='#Page_144'>144</a>, <a href='#Page_145'>145</a>, <a href='#Page_146'>146</a>, <a href='#Page_154'>154</a>, <a href='#Page_156'>156</a>, <a href='#Page_157'>157</a>, <a href='#Page_164'>164</a>, <a href='#Page_170'>170</a>, <a href='#Page_206'>206</a>, <a href='#Page_240'>240</a>, <a href='#Page_248'>248</a>, <a href='#Page_249'>249</a>, <a href='#Page_250'>250</a>, <a href='#Page_258'>258</a>, <a href='#Page_295'>295</a>, <a href='#Page_300'>300</a>, <a href='#Page_304'>304</a>, <a href='#Page_310'>310</a> + <ul> + <li>124th, <a href='#Page_251'>251</a>, <a href='#Page_304'>304</a></li> + </ul> + </li> + <li class='c016'>Bamberger, Capt. C. D., R.E., <a href='#Page_152'>152</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Banks, Capt. P. d’A., <a href='#Page_251'>251</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Bannatine-Allason, Major-General, <a href='#Page_241'>241</a></li> + <li class='c016'><span class='pageno' id='Page_388'>388</span>Bareilly Brigade, <a href='#Page_19'>19</a>, <a href='#Page_22'>22</a>, <a href='#Page_53'>53</a>, <a href='#Page_75'>75</a>, <a href='#Page_76'>76</a>, <a href='#Page_95'>95</a>, <a href='#Page_103'>103</a>, <a href='#Page_120'>120</a>, <a href='#Page_205'>205</a>, <a href='#Page_206'>206</a>, <a href='#Page_209'>209</a>, <a href='#Page_218'>218</a>, <a href='#Page_221'>221</a>, <a href='#Page_224'>224</a>, <a href='#Page_239'>239</a>, <a href='#Page_270'>270</a>, <a href='#Page_276'>276</a>, <a href='#Page_277'>277</a>, <a href='#Page_280'>280</a>, <a href='#Page_283'>283</a>, <a href='#Page_284'>284</a>, <a href='#Page_286'>286</a>, <a href='#Page_288'>288</a>, <a href='#Page_328'>328</a>, <a href='#Page_331'>331</a>, <a href='#Page_333'>333</a>, <a href='#Page_341'>341</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Barlow, Major, <a href='#Page_76'>76</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Barr, Corporal A., <a href='#Page_162'>162</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Barrow, Lieut.-Col. (temp. Brig.-General) G. de S., C.B., <a href='#Page_343'>343</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Barry, Lieut. D., <a href='#Page_161'>161</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Barry, Lieut.-Col. S., <a href='#Page_317'>317</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Barstow, Lieut. A. E., M.C., <a href='#Page_358'>358</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Barton, Capt. F., <a href='#Page_85'>85</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Barwell, Major, E. E., <a href='#Page_87'>87</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Basnet, No. 2017 Naik Kharak Bahadur, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_376'>376</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Bassée, La, <a href='#Page_24'>24</a>, <a href='#Page_44'>44</a>, <a href='#Page_48'>48</a>, <a href='#Page_49'>49</a>, <a href='#Page_60'>60</a>, <a href='#Page_103'>103</a>, <a href='#Page_107'>107</a>, <a href='#Page_139'>139</a>, <a href='#Page_143'>143</a>, <a href='#Page_149'>149</a>, <a href='#Page_164'>164</a>, <a href='#Page_201'>201</a>, <a href='#Page_202'>202</a>, <a href='#Page_204'>204</a>, <a href='#Page_210'>210</a>, <a href='#Page_211'>211</a>, <a href='#Page_215'>215</a>, <a href='#Page_218'>218</a>, <a href='#Page_277'>277</a>, <a href='#Page_279'>279</a>, <a href='#Page_301'>301</a>, <a href='#Page_302'>302</a>, <a href='#Page_306'>306</a>, <a href='#Page_327'>327</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Bastian, Lieut., <a href='#Page_271'>271</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Bauvin, <a href='#Page_327'>327</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Bavarian Reserve Division, 6th, <a href='#Page_225'>225</a> + <ul> + <li>Regiments, 16th and 21st, <a href='#Page_227'>227</a></li> + </ul> + </li> + <li class='c016'>Baz, No. 3223 Sepoy Mir, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_366'>366</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Baz, No. 3030 Naik Zar, I.D.S.M., Russian Cross of the Order of St. George, 4th Class, <a href='#Page_367'>367</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Beall, Major, <a href='#Page_259'>259</a>, <a href='#Page_264'>264</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Beau Puits, <a href='#Page_279'>279</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Beauchamp-Duff, Capt., <a href='#Page_92'>92</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Becher, Major, H. S., <a href='#Page_85'>85</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Bedford Regiment, <a href='#Page_78'>78</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Beg, No. 605 Driver Chedu, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_381'>381</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Beg, Jemadar Hayat Ali, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_352'>352</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Beg, Capt. Shah Mirza, <a href='#Page_22'>22</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Belgium, <a href='#Page_307'>307</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Bell, Capt. M. A. R., <a href='#Page_169'>169</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Bell, Serjeant-Major R., <a href='#Page_260'>260</a>–61</li> + <li class='c016'>Bengal, <a href='#Page_319'>319</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Bengal Infantry, <a href='#Page_233'>233</a>, <a href='#Page_234'>234</a>, <a href='#Page_239'>239</a>, <a href='#Page_300'>300</a>, <a href='#Page_341'>341</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Beni, No. 7204 Bearer, I.D.S.M., French Croix de Guerre, <a href='#Page_380'>380</a>, <a href='#Page_381'>381</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Bennett, Capt. H., <a href='#Page_110'>110</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Berceaux, Rue des, <a href='#Page_218'>218</a>, <a href='#Page_224'>224</a>, <a href='#Page_231'>231</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Bethune, <a href='#Page_60'>60</a>, <a href='#Page_74'>74</a>, <a href='#Page_139'>139</a>, <a href='#Page_143'>143</a>, <a href='#Page_149'>149</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Bhandari, No. 2799 Rifleman Kharak Bahadur, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_377'>377</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Bhopal Infantry, 9th, <a href='#Page_18'>18</a>, <a href='#Page_66'>66</a>–8, <a href='#Page_71'>71</a>, <a href='#Page_72'>72</a>, <a href='#Page_103'>103</a>, <a href='#Page_120'>120</a>–23, <a href='#Page_125'>125</a>, <a href='#Page_126'>126</a>, <a href='#Page_164'>164</a>, <a href='#Page_170'>170</a>, <a href='#Page_173'>173</a>, <a href='#Page_200'>200</a>, <a href='#Page_240'>240</a>, <a href='#Page_248'>248</a>, <a href='#Page_254'>254</a>, <a href='#Page_258'>258</a>, <a href='#Page_259'>259</a>, <a href='#Page_296'>296</a>, <a href='#Page_297'>297</a>, <a href='#Page_304'>304</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Bhujjoo, No. 7052 Bearer, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_380'>380</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Bhurtpore, <a href='#Page_87'>87</a>, <a href='#Page_164'>164</a>, <a href='#Page_284'>284</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Bhutias, <a href='#Page_319'>319</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Biez, Ferme du, <a href='#Page_269'>269</a>, <a href='#Page_270'>270</a></li> + <li class='c016'><span class='pageno' id='Page_389'>389</span>Bihari, No. 8001 Havildar, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_379'>379</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Bingham, Major, <a href='#Page_330'>330</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Birbal, Naik, <a href='#Page_302'>302</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Bird, Capt. A. J. G., D.S.O., <a href='#Page_352'>352</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Birley, Sergeant F., D.C.M., <a href='#Page_255'>255</a>, <a href='#Page_382'>382</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Bisht, No. 463 Naik Baktwar Sing, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_362'>362</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Bisht, No. 2697 Bugler Bhola, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_361'>361</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Bisht, No. 2492 Rifleman Gajbir, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_110'>110</a>, <a href='#Page_377'>377</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Bisht, No. 1283, Naik Jaman Sing, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_210'>210</a>, <a href='#Page_362'>362</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Bisht, No. 1674 Rifleman Kalamu, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_360'>360</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Bisht, No. 2854 Rifleman Keshi, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_361'>361</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Bisht, No. 1760 Rifleman Kutalu, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_361'>361</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Bisht, No. 1211 Rifleman Man Sing, Russian Medal of St. George, 3rd Class, <a href='#Page_362'>362</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Black, Capt. W., <a href='#Page_78'>78</a>–9</li> + <li class='c016'>Black Watch Regiment, 2nd, <a href='#Page_19'>19</a>, <a href='#Page_55'>55</a>, <a href='#Page_94'>94</a>, <a href='#Page_120'>120</a>, <a href='#Page_122'>122</a>–3, <a href='#Page_126'>126</a>–9, <a href='#Page_160'>160</a>, <a href='#Page_165'>165</a>–167, <a href='#Page_169'>169</a>, <a href='#Page_206'>206</a>, <a href='#Page_213'>213</a>, <a href='#Page_222'>222</a>, <a href='#Page_225'>225</a>, <a href='#Page_239'>239</a>, <a href='#Page_241'>241</a>, <a href='#Page_272'>272</a>, <a href='#Page_274'>274</a>–5, <a href='#Page_330'>330</a>–31, <a href='#Page_334'>334</a>–9, <a href='#Page_341'>341</a>–2 + <ul> + <li>4th, <a href='#Page_222'>222</a>, <a href='#Page_234'>234</a>, <a href='#Page_239'>239</a>, <a href='#Page_272'>272</a>, <a href='#Page_274'>274</a>, <a href='#Page_328'>328</a>, <a href='#Page_333'>333</a>–4, <a href='#Page_336'>336</a>, <a href='#Page_339'>339</a>, <a href='#Page_341'>341</a></li> + </ul> + </li> + <li class='c016'>Blackader, Brig.-General, <a href='#Page_150'>150</a>, <a href='#Page_152'>152</a>, <a href='#Page_206'>206</a>, <a href='#Page_209'>209</a>, <a href='#Page_225'>225</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Bliss, Major C., <a href='#Page_162'>162</a>, <a href='#Page_163'>163</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Bohra, No. 1922 Havildar Gambhir Sing, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_376'>376</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Bohra, Subadar-Major Man Singh, <a href='#Page_85'>85</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Boilard, 3rd Class Assist. Surgeon E. H., M.C., <a href='#Page_378'>378</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Boileau, Major S. B., afterwards Brevet Lieut.-Col., <a href='#Page_159'>159</a>, <a href='#Page_223'>223</a>, <a href='#Page_374'>374</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Bois du Biez, <a href='#Page_80'>80</a>, <a href='#Page_203'>203</a>, <a href='#Page_204'>204</a>, <a href='#Page_215'>215</a>, <a href='#Page_216'>216</a>, <a href='#Page_220'>220</a>, <a href='#Page_226'>226</a>, <a href='#Page_227'>227</a>, <a href='#Page_230'>230</a>, <a href='#Page_231'>231</a>, <a href='#Page_270'>270</a>, <a href='#Page_298'>298</a>, <a href='#Page_327'>327</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Bois, Ferme du, <a href='#Page_286'>286</a>, <a href='#Page_287'>287</a>, <a href='#Page_288'>288</a>, <a href='#Page_289'>289</a>, <a href='#Page_290'>290</a>, <a href='#Page_292'>292</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Bois, Rue du, <a href='#Page_149'>149</a>, <a href='#Page_211'>211</a>, <a href='#Page_219'>219</a>, <a href='#Page_221'>221</a>, <a href='#Page_224'>224</a>, <a href='#Page_271'>271</a>, <a href='#Page_279'>279</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Bombay, <a href='#Page_4'>4</a>, <a href='#Page_100'>100</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Bombay Sepoys, <a href='#Page_233'>233</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Boulogne, <a href='#Page_48'>48</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Boulton, Major H. M. B., afterwards Brevet Lieut.-Col., <a href='#Page_380'>380</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Boyd, Private, <a href='#Page_127'>127</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Bowes, Brig.-General, <a href='#Page_85'>85</a>, <a href='#Page_89'>89</a>, <a href='#Page_90'>90</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Bowle-Evans, Lieut.-Col. C. H., C.M.G., <a href='#Page_97'>97</a>, <a href='#Page_377'>377</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Braganza, 3rd Class Assist. Surgeon F. B. A., M.C., <a href='#Page_378'>378</a></li> + <li class='c016'><span class='pageno' id='Page_390'>390</span>Brahmin Regiment, 1st, <a href='#Page_332'>332</a> 3rd, <a href='#Page_330'>330</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Brahmins, <a href='#Page_72'>72</a>, <a href='#Page_297'>297</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Brakes, Lance-Corporal, <a href='#Page_152'>152</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Brakspear, Lieut.-Col. W. K., <a href='#Page_108'>108</a>, <a href='#Page_109'>109</a>, <a href='#Page_110'>110</a>, <a href='#Page_332'>332</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Bridoux, <a href='#Page_327'>327</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Brigade (British), 2nd, <a href='#Page_168'>168</a> + <ul> + <li>5th, <a href='#Page_283'>283</a></li> + <li>6th, <a href='#Page_283'>283</a></li> + <li>7th, <a href='#Page_65'>65</a></li> + <li>8th, <a href='#Page_85'>85</a>, <a href='#Page_89'>89</a>, <a href='#Page_90'>90</a></li> + <li>9th, <a href='#Page_65'>65</a></li> + <li>60th, <a href='#Page_333'>333</a>, <a href='#Page_336'>336</a></li> + </ul> + </li> + <li class='c016'>Brind, Capt. R. M., M.C., <a href='#Page_368'>368</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Brique, La, <a href='#Page_247'>247</a>, <a href='#Page_248'>248</a>, <a href='#Page_253'>253</a>, <a href='#Page_255'>255</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Brisbane, Colour-Sergeant, <a href='#Page_161'>161</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Brock, Capt. B. de L., M.C., <a href='#Page_349'>349</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Brodhurst, Major, <a href='#Page_258'>258</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Brown, Lieut., <a href='#Page_283'>283</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Brown, Capt. A. M., M.C., <a href='#Page_228'>228</a>, <a href='#Page_368'>368</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Browne, Lieut., <a href='#Page_332'>332</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Browne, Major H. E., <a href='#Page_66'>66</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Browning, Lieut. C. S., <a href='#Page_144'>144</a>, <a href='#Page_145'>145</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Brownlow, Lieut. W., <a href='#Page_276'>276</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Browse, Major G., M.B., afterwards Brevet Lieut.-Col., <a href='#Page_97'>97</a>, <a href='#Page_380'>380</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Bruce, Major, <a href='#Page_184'>184</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Bruce, Major G. D., D.S.O., <a href='#Page_348'>348</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Bruce, Lieut. W. A. M‘Crae, V.C., <a href='#Page_347'>347</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Brunker, Major-General J. M. S., <a href='#Page_19'>19</a>, <a href='#Page_51'>51</a>, <a href='#Page_148'>148</a>, <a href='#Page_175'>175</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Brunskill, Lieut. G. S., M.C., <a href='#Page_88'>88</a>, <a href='#Page_364'>364</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Bryce, Lieut. S., <a href='#Page_171'>171</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Buckingham, Private William, V.C., <a href='#Page_152'>152</a>, <a href='#Page_212'>212</a>, <a href='#Page_347'>347</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Buckland, Capt. G. C., D.S.O., <a href='#Page_77'>77</a>, <a href='#Page_375'>375</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Bull, Capt. G. S., M.C., <a href='#Page_127'>127</a>, <a href='#Page_129'>129</a>, <a href='#Page_366'>366</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Bullard, Lieut. E., <a href='#Page_318'>318</a>–19</li> + <li class='c016'>Buller, Lieut. F. E., R.E., M.C., <a href='#Page_140'>140</a>, <a href='#Page_353'>353</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Buner Hills, <a href='#Page_22'>22</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Bura, No. 1679 Naik Gamer Sing, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_373'>373</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Burathoki, No. 4578 Rifleman Bhakat Sing, I.O.M., Russian Medal of St. George, 3rd Class, <a href='#Page_375'>375</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Burathoki, Rifleman Wazir Sing, <a href='#Page_229'>229</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Burke, Capt. T., <a href='#Page_157'>157</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Burmah, <a href='#Page_1'>1</a>, <a href='#Page_53'>53</a>, <a href='#Page_79'>79</a>, <a href='#Page_164'>164</a>, <a href='#Page_300'>300</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Burma Infantry, 93rd, <a href='#Page_328'>328</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Burnett, Capt. R. F. D., M.C., <a href='#Page_369'>369</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Burstall, Brig.-General, <a href='#Page_265'>265</a></li> + <li class='c016'><span class='pageno' id='Page_391'>391</span>Burton, Capt. G. W., D.S.O., <a href='#Page_361'>361</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Butts, Lieut. F. C. de, M.C., <a href='#Page_355'>355</a></li> + <li class='c002'>Calais, <a href='#Page_48'>48</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Calcutta, <a href='#Page_101'>101</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Calcutta Volunteer Rifles, <a href='#Page_234'>234</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Callaghan, Capt. G. F., <a href='#Page_126'>126</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Calonne, <a href='#Page_205'>205</a>, <a href='#Page_208'>208</a>, <a href='#Page_218'>218</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Camberley, <a href='#Page_50'>50</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Cameron, Capt. W., <a href='#Page_162'>162</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Cameron Highlanders, <a href='#Page_135'>135</a>, <a href='#Page_172'>172</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Cammell, Lieut. G. A. (R.F.A.), <a href='#Page_213'>213</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Campbell, Colin, <a href='#Page_28'>28</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Campbell, Lieut. F. C. G., M.C., <a href='#Page_362'>362</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Canadian Division, <a href='#Page_203'>203</a>, <a href='#Page_245'>245</a>, <a href='#Page_246'>246</a>, <a href='#Page_254'>254</a>, <a href='#Page_257'>257</a>, <a href='#Page_269'>269</a>, <a href='#Page_288'>288</a>, <a href='#Page_289'>289</a> + <ul> + <li>Royal Artillery, <a href='#Page_248'>248</a>, <a href='#Page_262'>262</a>, <a href='#Page_263'>263</a>, <a href='#Page_265'>265</a></li> + </ul> + </li> + <li class='c016'>Canteloux, <a href='#Page_327'>327</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Carden, Major, <a href='#Page_201'>201</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Carmichael, Corporal J., <a href='#Page_162'>162</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Carnegy, Major-General P. M., C.B., <a href='#Page_10'>10</a>, <a href='#Page_51'>51</a>, <a href='#Page_163'>163</a>, <a href='#Page_170'>170</a>, <a href='#Page_171'>171</a>, <a href='#Page_175'>175</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Carter’s Post, <a href='#Page_328'>328</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Cassels, Major K., <a href='#Page_77'>77</a>, <a href='#Page_133'>133</a>, <a href='#Page_134'>134</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Casson, Major W. F. S., D.S.O., <a href='#Page_348'>348</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Cauteau, Colonel, <a href='#Page_175'>175</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Cavalry Division, 1st, <a href='#Page_33'>33</a> + <ul> + <li>Division, 2nd, <a href='#Page_33'>33</a>, <a href='#Page_34'>34</a>, <a href='#Page_232'>232</a></li> + <li>Division, 4th, <a href='#Page_20'>20</a>, <a href='#Page_240'>240</a></li> + <li>Brigade, 3rd, <a href='#Page_36'>36</a></li> + <li>Brigade, 4th, <a href='#Page_36'>36</a>, <a href='#Page_38'>38</a>, <a href='#Page_111'>111</a></li> + <li>Brigade, 5th, <a href='#Page_36'>36</a></li> + <li>Brigade, <a id='t5th'></a>6th, <a href='#Page_232'>232</a></li> + </ul> + </li> + <li class='c016'>Ceylon, <a href='#Page_42'>42</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Chabi, No. 7259 Bearer, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_380'>380</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Chagatta, Colour-Havildar, I.O.M., I.D.S.M., Russian Cross of the Order of St. George, 4th Class, <a href='#Page_112'>112</a>, <a href='#Page_212'>212</a>, <a href='#Page_354'>354</a>, <a href='#Page_355'>355</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Chakdara, <a href='#Page_11'>11</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Chakwal, <a href='#Page_43'>43</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Chand, Subadar Parbat, M.C., <a href='#Page_368'>368</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Chand, No. 988 1st Class Sub-Assist. Surgeon Tek, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_379'>379</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Changa, No. 4204 Sapper, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_356'>356</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Chapelle St. Roch, <a href='#Page_150'>150</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Charan, No. 7074 Lance-Naik Ram, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_380'>380</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Charles, Brig.-General (R.E.), <a href='#Page_314'>314</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Charles, Major J. R., <a href='#Page_49'>49</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Chenwar, Subadar Nain Sing Bahadur, <a href='#Page_361'>361</a></li> + <li class='c016'><i>Chevaux de frise</i>, <a href='#Page_208'>208</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Chillianwala, <a href='#Page_216'>216</a></li> + <li class='c016'>China, <a href='#Page_34'>34</a>, <a href='#Page_63'>63</a>, <a href='#Page_113'>113</a>, <a href='#Page_164'>164</a>, <a href='#Page_238'>238</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Chindwin, <a href='#Page_1'>1</a></li> + <li class='c016'><span class='pageno' id='Page_392'>392</span>Chinwarh, Subadar Nain Sing, M.C., <a href='#Page_361'>361</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Chitral, <a href='#Page_11'>11</a>, <a href='#Page_63'>63</a>, <a href='#Page_300'>300</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Chocolat Menier Corner, <a href='#Page_201'>201</a>, <a href='#Page_204'>204</a>, <a href='#Page_279'>279</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Christopher, Capt., <a href='#Page_250'>250</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Churchill, the Rt. Hon. Winston, <a href='#Page_103'>103</a>, <a href='#Page_194'>194</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Cis-Indus, <a href='#Page_234'>234</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Cix Marmuse, La, <a href='#Page_205'>205</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Clarke, Capt. A. C. K. S., M.C., <a href='#Page_351'>351</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Clarke, Lieut. I. H., <a href='#Page_37'>37</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Clarke, Capt. R. J., <a href='#Page_213'>213</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Cliqueterie, La, Farm, <a href='#Page_203'>203</a>, <a href='#Page_209'>209</a>, <a href='#Page_270'>270</a>, <a href='#Page_327'>327</a>, <a href='#Page_335'>335</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Coast Sepoys, 10th Battalion of, <a href='#Page_300'>300</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Coates, Lieut., <a href='#Page_259'>259</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Cobbe, Col. (temp. Brig.-General), A.S.C., V.C., D.S.O., C.B., <a href='#Page_50'>50</a>, <a href='#Page_348'>348</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Cockburn, Lieut. C. J., M.C., <a href='#Page_134'>134</a>, <a href='#Page_356'>356</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Coffin, Lieut.-Col. C., <a href='#Page_53'>53</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Coldwell, Sergeant, <a href='#Page_254'>254</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Collins, Capt. L. P., D.S.O., <a href='#Page_229'>229</a>, <a href='#Page_375'>375</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Collins, Lieut., <a href='#Page_271'>271</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Combe, Capt. S. B., M.C., <a href='#Page_364'>364</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Comorin, Cape, <a href='#Page_297'>297</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Connaught, Duke of, <a href='#Page_39'>39</a> Prince Arthur of, <a href='#Page_116'>116</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Connaught Rangers, 1st and 2nd, <a href='#Page_2'>2</a>, <a href='#Page_33'>33</a>, <a href='#Page_34'>34</a>, <a href='#Page_55'>55</a>, <a href='#Page_83'>83</a>, <a href='#Page_85'>85</a>, <a href='#Page_86'>86</a>, <a href='#Page_90'>90</a>, <a href='#Page_107'>107</a>, <a href='#Page_120'>120</a>, <a href='#Page_121'>121</a>, <a href='#Page_122'>122</a>, <a href='#Page_125'>125</a>, <a href='#Page_126'>126</a>, <a href='#Page_130'>130</a>, <a href='#Page_133'>133</a>, <a href='#Page_144'>144</a>, <a href='#Page_149'>149</a>, <a href='#Page_164'>164</a>, <a href='#Page_170'>170</a>, <a href='#Page_178'>178</a>, <a href='#Page_200'>200</a>, <a href='#Page_236'>236</a>, <a href='#Page_240'>240</a>, <a href='#Page_242'>242</a>, <a href='#Page_248'>248</a>, <a href='#Page_249'>249</a>, <a href='#Page_252'>252</a>, <a href='#Page_253'>253</a>, <a href='#Page_254'>254</a>, <a href='#Page_258'>258</a>, <a href='#Page_266'>266</a>, <a href='#Page_316'>316</a> + <ul> + <li>1st, <a href='#Page_18'>18</a>, <a href='#Page_89'>89</a></li> + </ul> + </li> + <li class='c016'>Conneau, General, <a href='#Page_61'>61</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Connell, Lieut. S. D., <a href='#Page_140'>140</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Cook, Capt., <a href='#Page_250'>250</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Cook, Private C., <a href='#Page_135'>135</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Copeland, Major, <a href='#Page_300'>300</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Cormack, Capt. H. S. C., M.B., F.R.C.S., M.C., <a href='#Page_378'>378</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Cornwall Light Infantry, <a href='#Page_260'>260</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Corps d’Armée, XXIst, <a href='#Page_106'>106</a>, <a href='#Page_141'>141</a>, <a href='#Page_164'>164</a>, <a href='#Page_170'>170</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Corse-Scott, Lieut. E. J., M.C., <a href='#Page_373'>373</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Cour d’Avoué, <a href='#Page_280'>280</a>, <a href='#Page_288'>288</a>, <a href='#Page_289'>289</a>, <a href='#Page_290'>290</a>, <a href='#Page_291'>291</a>, <a href='#Page_292'>292</a>, <a href='#Page_293'>293</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Couture, La, <a href='#Page_122'>122</a>, <a href='#Page_154'>154</a>, <a href='#Page_205'>205</a>, <a href='#Page_208'>208</a>, <a href='#Page_215'>215</a>, <a href='#Page_218'>218</a>, <a href='#Page_224'>224</a>, <a href='#Page_278'>278</a>, <a href='#Page_280'>280</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Crackett, Private J., <a href='#Page_171'>171</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Craig, Lieut. J. M., <a href='#Page_78'>78</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Cramer-Roberts, Capt. A. T., D.S.O., <a href='#Page_155'>155</a>–6, <a href='#Page_375'>375</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Creagh, Sir O’Moore, <a href='#Page_11'>11</a>, <a href='#Page_12'>12</a>, <a href='#Page_14'>14</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Creagh, Capt. L., <a href='#Page_172'>172</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Crescent, the, <a href='#Page_224'>224</a></li> + <li class='c016'><span class='pageno' id='Page_393'>393</span>Crewe, Lord, <a href='#Page_193'>193</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Crisp, Private, <a href='#Page_152'>152</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Croix Barbée, <a href='#Page_278'>278</a>, <a href='#Page_280'>280</a>, <a href='#Page_284'>284</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Crosse, Lieut., <a href='#Page_283'>283</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Crozier, Capt., <a href='#Page_287'>287</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Cruddas, Major H. M., C.M.G., <a href='#Page_378'>378</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Cruddas, Lieut.-Col. H. W., D.S.O., <a href='#Page_363'>363</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Cullen, Lieut.-Col. E. H. S., M.V.O., D.S.O., C.M.G., <a href='#Page_63'>63</a>, <a href='#Page_359'>359</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Cureton, Capt., <a href='#Page_234'>234</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Curtis, 2nd Lieut. A. C., M.C., <a href='#Page_377'>377</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Curzon, Lord, of Kedleston, <a href='#Page_101'>101</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Cuthbert, Major, <a href='#Page_221'>221</a></li> + <li class='c002'>Dad, No. 2198 Havildar Fazl, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_367'>367</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Dad, No. 1485 Naik Karam, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_369'>369</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Dalmahoy, Capt., <a href='#Page_250'>250</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Daniell, Capt. J. A. S., D.S.O., <a href='#Page_357'>357</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Danu, No. 617 Havildar Bir Sing, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_362'>362</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Danu, Jemadar Khushal Singh, <a href='#Page_95'>95</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Darjeeling, <a href='#Page_319'>319</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Das, Senior Sub-Assist. Surgeon Pandit Shankar, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_379'>379</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Dast, Jemadar Mir, I.O.M., V.C., <a href='#Page_251'>251</a>, <a href='#Page_365'>365</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Dast, Subadar Mir, V.C., I.O.M., Russian Cross of the Order of St. George, 3rd Class, <a href='#Page_347'>347</a>, <a href='#Page_366'>366</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Davidson, Capt., <a href='#Page_77'>77</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Davidson, Lieut. H. S., <a href='#Page_285'>285</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Davidson, Major S. R., afterwards Brevet Lieut.-Col., <a href='#Page_66'>66</a>, <a href='#Page_69'>69</a>, <a href='#Page_70'>70</a>, <a href='#Page_365'>365</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Davidson-Houston, Major C. E. D., D.S.O., <a href='#Page_79'>79</a>, <a href='#Page_127'>127</a>, <a href='#Page_339'>339</a>, <a href='#Page_340'>340</a>, <a href='#Page_342'>342</a>, <a href='#Page_366'>366</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Davies, Major-General F., <a href='#Page_241'>241</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Davis, Capt., <a href='#Page_134'>134</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Deacon, Major, <a href='#Page_253'>253</a>, <a href='#Page_254'>254</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Deane, Capt., <a href='#Page_332'>332</a>–3</li> + <li class='c016'>Deane-Spread, Lieut., <a href='#Page_340'>340</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Deccan Horse, 20th, <a href='#Page_20'>20</a>, <a href='#Page_171'>171</a>, <a href='#Page_174'>174</a>, <a href='#Page_175'>175</a> + <ul> + <li>Plains, <a href='#Page_29'>29</a></li> + </ul> + </li> + <li class='c016'>Deedes, Lieut. R. B., M.C., <a href='#Page_251'>251</a>, <a href='#Page_365'>365</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Dehra Dun Brigade, <a href='#Page_19'>19</a>, <a href='#Page_22'>22</a>, <a href='#Page_53'>53</a>, <a href='#Page_75'>75</a>, <a href='#Page_149'>149</a>, <a href='#Page_150'>150</a>, <a href='#Page_151'>151</a>, <a href='#Page_158'>158</a>, <a href='#Page_160'>160</a>, <a href='#Page_165'>165</a>, <a href='#Page_166'>166</a>, <a href='#Page_167'>167</a>, <a href='#Page_205'>205</a>, <a href='#Page_209'>209</a>, <a href='#Page_214'>214</a>, <a href='#Page_215'>215</a>, <a href='#Page_216'>216</a>, <a href='#Page_217'>217</a>, <a href='#Page_218'>218</a>, <a href='#Page_220'>220</a>, <a href='#Page_221'>221</a>, <a href='#Page_223'>223</a>, <a href='#Page_224'>224</a>, <a href='#Page_239'>239</a>, <a href='#Page_270'>270</a>, <a href='#Page_271'>271</a>, <a href='#Page_272'>272</a>, <a href='#Page_273'>273</a>, <a href='#Page_278'>278</a>, <a href='#Page_279'>279</a>, <a href='#Page_280'>280</a>, <a href='#Page_327'>327</a>, <a href='#Page_328'>328</a>, <a href='#Page_329'>329</a>, <a href='#Page_334'>334</a>, <a href='#Page_335'>335</a>, <a href='#Page_337'>337</a>, <a href='#Page_338'>338</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Delhi, <a href='#Page_6'>6</a>, <a href='#Page_8'>8</a>, <a href='#Page_14'>14</a>, <a href='#Page_15'>15</a>, <a href='#Page_23'>23</a>, <a href='#Page_33'>33</a>, <a href='#Page_46'>46</a>, <a href='#Page_51'>51</a>, <a href='#Page_87'>87</a>, <a href='#Page_110'>110</a>, <a href='#Page_216'>216</a>, <a href='#Page_227'>227</a>, <a href='#Page_341'>341</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Denison, Capt., <a href='#Page_338'>338</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Derajat, <a href='#Page_284'>284</a></li> + <li class='c016'><span class='pageno' id='Page_394'>394</span>Devon Regiment, <a href='#Page_76'>76</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Dhan, No. 2588 Rifleman, Bahadur, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_377'>377</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Diejal, No. 2061 Sepoy Thakur, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_363'>363</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Dikshit, Jemadar Gangacharan, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_354'>354</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Dill, Lieut. J. R., <a href='#Page_300'>300</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Dill, Very Rev. Dr. Marcus, <a href='#Page_300'>300</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Dill, Capt. R. F., D.S.O., <a href='#Page_43'>43</a>, <a href='#Page_46'>46</a>, <a href='#Page_300'>300</a>, <a href='#Page_370'>370</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Din, Ahmed, <a href='#Page_40'>40</a>, <a href='#Page_41'>41</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Din, No. 82 Kot-Dafadar Bahawal, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_381'>381</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Din, No. 3056 Lance-Naik, afterwards Naik, Fazl, <a href='#Page_355'>355</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Din, No. 45 Sapper Ghulam Ayud, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_356'>356</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Din, No. 4079 Naik Ilm, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_352'>352</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Din, Subadar-Major Umar Din, Bahadur, <a href='#Page_370'>370</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Distillery, the, <a href='#Page_270'>270</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Divisions (British), 1st, <a href='#Page_163'>163</a>, <a href='#Page_274'>274</a>, <a href='#Page_276'>276</a> + <ul> + <li>2nd, <a href='#Page_279'>279</a>–81, <a href='#Page_284'>284</a>, <a href='#Page_287'>287</a>–8</li> + <li>7th, <a href='#Page_273'>273</a>, <a href='#Page_279'>279</a>, <a href='#Page_281'>281</a>, <a href='#Page_286'>286</a>–7</li> + <li>8th, <a href='#Page_107'>107</a>, <a href='#Page_122'>122</a>, <a href='#Page_210'>210</a>, <a href='#Page_216'>216</a>, <a href='#Page_218'>218</a>, <a href='#Page_226'>226</a>, <a href='#Page_227'>227</a>, <a href='#Page_228'>228</a>, <a href='#Page_230'>230</a>, <a href='#Page_239'>239</a>, <a href='#Page_241'>241</a>, <a href='#Page_273'>273</a>, <a href='#Page_293'>293</a>, <a href='#Page_314'>314</a></li> + <li>19th, <a href='#Page_241'>241</a>, <a href='#Page_327'>327</a></li> + <li>20th, <a href='#Page_329'>329</a>, <a href='#Page_333'>333</a></li> + <li>27th (Artillery of), <a href='#Page_263'>263</a>, <a href='#Page_265'>265</a> (and <i>see</i> Cavalry)</li> + <li>(French) 58th, <a href='#Page_170'>170</a></li> + </ul> + </li> + <li class='c016'>Dixit, Ganga Charn, <a href='#Page_70'>70</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Dogras, <a href='#Page_7'>7</a>, <a href='#Page_34'>34</a>, <a href='#Page_56'>56</a>, <a href='#Page_63'>63</a>, <a href='#Page_79'>79</a>, <a href='#Page_239'>239</a> + <ul> + <li>37th Regiment, <a href='#Page_276'>276</a></li> + <li>41st Regiment, <a href='#Page_19'>19</a>, <a href='#Page_120'>120</a>, <a href='#Page_160'>160</a>, <a href='#Page_166'>166</a>, <a href='#Page_206'>206</a>, <a href='#Page_225'>225</a>, <a href='#Page_233'>233</a>, <a href='#Page_239'>239</a>, <a href='#Page_271'>271</a>, <a href='#Page_272'>272</a>, <a href='#Page_274'>274</a>, <a href='#Page_276'>276</a>, <a href='#Page_304'>304</a>, <a href='#Page_336'>336</a></li> + </ul> + </li> + <li class='c016'>Don, <a href='#Page_269'>269</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Dorset Regiment, <a href='#Page_33'>33</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Douie, Lieut. F. M‘C., D.S.O., M.C., <a href='#Page_291'>291</a>–2, <a href='#Page_353'>353</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Dover, <a href='#Page_29'>29</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Doyle, Sir Arthur Conan, <cite>The British Campaign in France and Flanders, 1914</cite>, <a href='#Page_154'>154</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Dragoon Guards, 7th, <a href='#Page_20'>20</a>, <a href='#Page_84'>84</a>, <a href='#Page_135'>135</a>, <a href='#Page_170'>170</a>, <a href='#Page_171'>171</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Drake-Brockman, Lieut.-Col. D. H., C.M.G., <a href='#Page_95'>95</a>, <a href='#Page_210'>210</a>, <a href='#Page_270'>270</a>, <a href='#Page_273'>273</a>, <a href='#Page_361'>361</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Drummond, Major E. G., <a href='#Page_108'>108</a>, <a href='#Page_109'>109</a>, <a href='#Page_110'>110</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Drysdale, Lieut. A. E., M.C., <a href='#Page_250'>250</a>, <a href='#Page_364'>364</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Dube, Subadar Gaurishankar, Bahadur, M.C., <a href='#Page_353'>353</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Duck’s Bill, <a href='#Page_328'>328</a>, <a href='#Page_330'>330</a>, <a href='#Page_341'>341</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Dudley, Capt., <a href='#Page_134'>134</a>, <a href='#Page_271'>271</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Duffus, Lieut.-Col. E. J., <a href='#Page_122'>122</a></li> + <li class='c016'><span class='pageno' id='Page_395'>395</span>Duffy, Private, <a href='#Page_234'>234</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Duhan, Major, <a href='#Page_251'>251</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Dun, Naik Rupdhan, <a href='#Page_110'>110</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Dundas, Major, <a href='#Page_151'>151</a>, <a href='#Page_152'>152</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Dundas, Major P. H., D.S.O., <a href='#Page_111'>111</a>, <a href='#Page_112'>112</a>, <a href='#Page_134'>134</a>, <a href='#Page_356'>356</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Dutt, No. 1029 Lance-Naik Bhawani, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_354'>354</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Dyce, Capt. H. L., M.C., <a href='#Page_349'>349</a></li> + <li class='c002'>Eales, 2nd Lieut. (temp. Lieut.), C. H. H., M.C., <a href='#Page_377'>377</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Edward VII., King of England, <a href='#Page_323'>323</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Edward, H.R.H. Prince of Wales, <a href='#Page_116'>116</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Edwards, <a href='#Page_182'>182</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Egerton, Brig.-General R. M., C.B., <a href='#Page_18'>18</a>, <a href='#Page_51'>51</a>, <a href='#Page_121'>121</a>, <a href='#Page_122'>122</a>, <a href='#Page_123'>123</a>, <a href='#Page_127'>127</a>, <a href='#Page_130'>130</a>, <a href='#Page_135'>135</a>, <a href='#Page_175'>175</a>, <a href='#Page_206'>206</a>, <a href='#Page_248'>248</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Egypt, <a href='#Page_20'>20</a>, <a href='#Page_28'>28</a>, <a href='#Page_39'>39</a>, <a href='#Page_51'>51</a>, <a href='#Page_52'>52</a>, <a href='#Page_63'>63</a>, <a href='#Page_65'>65</a>, <a href='#Page_73'>73</a>, <a href='#Page_96'>96</a>, <a href='#Page_100'>100</a>, <a href='#Page_138'>138</a>, <a href='#Page_143'>143</a>, <a href='#Page_164'>164</a>, <a href='#Page_185'>185</a>, <a href='#Page_195'>195</a>, <a href='#Page_197'>197</a>, <a href='#Page_198'>198</a>, <a href='#Page_297'>297</a>, <a href='#Page_304'>304</a>, <a href='#Page_320'>320</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Elliot, Lieut.-General Sir E. Locke, K.C.B., D.S.O., French Legion of Honour, Croix de Commandeur, <a href='#Page_349'>349</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Eliott-Lockhart, Lieut.-Col., <a href='#Page_228'>228</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Elliott, Major R. W., <a href='#Page_134'>134</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Elloy, 3rd Class Assistant Surgeon K. P., D.C.M., Russian Cross of the Order of St. George, 4th Class, <a href='#Page_378'>378</a>, <a href='#Page_380'>380</a></li> + <li class='c016'>England, <a href='#Page_4'>4</a>, <a href='#Page_17'>17</a>, <a href='#Page_25'>25</a>, <a href='#Page_45'>45</a>, <a href='#Page_48'>48</a>, <a href='#Page_100'>100</a>, <a href='#Page_101'>101</a>, <a href='#Page_106'>106</a>, <a href='#Page_137'>137</a>, <a href='#Page_153'>153</a>, <a href='#Page_182'>182</a>, <a href='#Page_183'>183</a>, <a href='#Page_184'>184</a>, <a href='#Page_192'>192</a>, <a href='#Page_193'>193</a>, <a href='#Page_194'>194</a>, <a href='#Page_196'>196</a>, <a href='#Page_237'>237</a>, <a href='#Page_238'>238</a>, <a href='#Page_311'>311</a>, <a href='#Page_323'>323</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Essars, <a href='#Page_122'>122</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Essex Regiment, <a href='#Page_33'>33</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Estaires, <a href='#Page_106'>106</a>, <a href='#Page_107'>107</a>, <a href='#Page_201'>201</a>, <a href='#Page_204'>204</a>, <a href='#Page_211'>211</a>, <a href='#Page_277'>277</a>, <a href='#Page_301'>301</a>, <a href='#Page_302'>302</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Etlinger, Capt., <a href='#Page_259'>259</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Ewart, Colonel R. H., D.S.O., C.B., <a href='#Page_97'>97</a>, <a href='#Page_348'>348</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Eyre, Capt. K. G., <a href='#Page_133'>133</a></li> + <li class='c002'>Fasken, Colonel (temp. Brig.-General) W. H., C.B., <a href='#Page_241'>241</a>, <a href='#Page_348'>348</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Fellowes, Lieut. (temp. Capt.) H. G. A., M.C., <a href='#Page_351'>351</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Fenner, Colonel C., <a href='#Page_62'>62</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Ferozepore Brigade, <a href='#Page_18'>18</a>, <a href='#Page_21'>21</a>, <a href='#Page_33'>33</a>, <a href='#Page_51'>51</a>, <a href='#Page_60'>60</a>, <a href='#Page_61'>61</a>, <a href='#Page_65'>65</a>, <a href='#Page_73'>73</a>, <a href='#Page_89'>89</a>, <a href='#Page_120'>120</a>, <a href='#Page_121'>121</a>, <a href='#Page_134'>134</a>, <a href='#Page_144'>144</a>, <a href='#Page_149'>149</a>, <a href='#Page_150'>150</a>, <a href='#Page_154'>154</a>, <a href='#Page_163'>163</a>, <a href='#Page_164'>164</a>, <a href='#Page_170'>170</a>, <a href='#Page_175'>175</a>, <a href='#Page_205'>205</a>, <a href='#Page_206'>206</a>, <a href='#Page_208'>208</a>, <a href='#Page_218'>218</a>, <a href='#Page_221'>221</a>, <a href='#Page_224'>224</a>, <a href='#Page_240'>240</a>, <a href='#Page_247'>247</a>, <a href='#Page_248'>248</a>, <a href='#Page_249'>249</a>, <a href='#Page_250'>250</a>, <a href='#Page_253'>253</a>, <a href='#Page_254'>254</a>, <a href='#Page_255'>255</a>, <a href='#Page_257'>257</a>, <a href='#Page_258'>258</a>, <a href='#Page_259'>259</a>, <a href='#Page_262'>262</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Ferronays, Capt. de la, <a href='#Page_32'>32</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Festubert, <a href='#Page_22'>22</a>, <a href='#Page_39'>39</a>, <a href='#Page_52'>52</a>, <a href='#Page_57'>57</a>, <a href='#Page_75'>75</a>, <a href='#Page_119'>119</a>, <a href='#Page_120'>120</a>, <a href='#Page_137'>137</a>, <a href='#Page_149'>149</a>, <a href='#Page_163'>163</a>, <a href='#Page_168'>168</a>, <a href='#Page_211'>211</a>, <a href='#Page_267'>267</a>, <a href='#Page_279'>279</a>, <a href='#Page_299'>299</a>, <a href='#Page_304'>304</a>, <a href='#Page_332'>332</a></li> + <li class='c016'><span class='pageno' id='Page_396'>396</span>Finlay, Lance-Corporal David, V.C., <a href='#Page_275'>275</a>–6, <a href='#Page_347'>347</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Fitzgerald, Colonel, <a href='#Page_194'>194</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Fitzmaurice, Lieut., <a href='#Page_70'>70</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Fitzpatrick, Sub-Conductor P. J., D.C.M., <a href='#Page_382'>382</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Flagg, Capt., <a href='#Page_340'>340</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Flanders, <a href='#Page_1'>1</a>, <a href='#Page_5'>5</a>, <a href='#Page_7'>7</a>, <a href='#Page_20'>20</a>, <a href='#Page_21'>21</a>, <a href='#Page_23'>23</a>, <a href='#Page_24'>24</a>, <a href='#Page_27'>27</a>, <a href='#Page_29'>29</a>, <a href='#Page_46'>46</a>, <a href='#Page_48'>48</a>, <a href='#Page_56'>56</a>, <a href='#Page_77'>77</a>, <a href='#Page_80'>80</a>, <a href='#Page_82'>82</a>, <a href='#Page_85'>85</a>, <a href='#Page_96'>96</a>, <a href='#Page_137'>137</a>, <a href='#Page_183'>183</a>, <a href='#Page_185'>185</a>, <a href='#Page_190'>190</a>, <a href='#Page_235'>235</a>, <a href='#Page_252'>252</a>, <a href='#Page_300'>300</a>, <a href='#Page_310'>310</a>, <a href='#Page_325'>325</a>, <a href='#Page_332'>332</a>, <a href='#Page_341'>341</a>, <a href='#Page_344'>344</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Fleming, Capt. W. E., M.C., <a href='#Page_363'>363</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Flynn, Corporal, <a href='#Page_252'>252</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Foch, Marshal, <a href='#Page_304'>304</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Forbes, Capt., <a href='#Page_36'>36</a>, <a href='#Page_38'>38</a>, <a href='#Page_314'>314</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Forrester, Capt. R. E., <a href='#Page_95'>95</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Forster, Sergeant P., <a href='#Page_132'>132</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Forsyth, Sub-Conductor W. (afterwards Assist. Commissary and Hon. Lieut.), <a href='#Page_382'>382</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Fortuin, <a href='#Page_246'>246</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Fosse-Calonne, <a href='#Page_141'>141</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Fowler, Colonel (temp. Brig.-General), D.S.O., C.B., <a href='#Page_348'>348</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Fowler, Lieut. E. K., M.C., <a href='#Page_38'>38</a>, <a href='#Page_46'>46</a>, <a href='#Page_365'>365</a></li> + <li class='c016'>France, <a href='#Page_2'>2</a>, <a href='#Page_4'>4</a>, <a href='#Page_5'>5</a>, <a href='#Page_9'>9</a>, <a href='#Page_10'>10</a>, <a href='#Page_14'>14</a>, <a href='#Page_15'>15</a>, <a href='#Page_16'>16</a>, <a href='#Page_18'>18</a>, <a href='#Page_20'>20</a>, <a href='#Page_22'>22</a>, <a href='#Page_23'>23</a>, <a href='#Page_25'>25</a>, <a href='#Page_26'>26</a>, <a href='#Page_27'>27</a>, <a href='#Page_28'>28</a>, <a href='#Page_31'>31</a>, <a href='#Page_32'>32</a>, <a href='#Page_34'>34</a>, <a href='#Page_41'>41</a>, <a href='#Page_49'>49</a>, <a href='#Page_52'>52</a>, <a href='#Page_53'>53</a>, <a href='#Page_55'>55</a>, <a href='#Page_56'>56</a>, <a href='#Page_63'>63</a>, <a href='#Page_67'>67</a>, <a href='#Page_72'>72</a>, <a href='#Page_75'>75</a>, <a href='#Page_79'>79</a>, <a href='#Page_82'>82</a>, <a href='#Page_91'>91</a>, <a href='#Page_93'>93</a>, <a href='#Page_94'>94</a>, <a href='#Page_96'>96</a>, <a href='#Page_99'>99</a>, <a href='#Page_100'>100</a>, <a href='#Page_104'>104</a>, <a href='#Page_106'>106</a>, <a href='#Page_110'>110</a>, <a href='#Page_111'>111</a>, <a href='#Page_119'>119</a>, <a href='#Page_138'>138</a>, <a href='#Page_140'>140</a>, <a href='#Page_142'>142</a>, <a href='#Page_148'>148</a>, <a href='#Page_169'>169</a>, <a href='#Page_174'>174</a>, <a href='#Page_177'>177</a>, <a href='#Page_178'>178</a>, <a href='#Page_182'>182</a>, <a href='#Page_183'>183</a>, <a href='#Page_185'>185</a>, <a href='#Page_186'>186</a>, <a href='#Page_189'>189</a>, <a href='#Page_190'>190</a>, <a href='#Page_192'>192</a>, <a href='#Page_193'>193</a>, <a href='#Page_194'>194</a>, <a href='#Page_195'>195</a>, <a href='#Page_196'>196</a>, <a href='#Page_197'>197</a>, <a href='#Page_198'>198</a>, <a href='#Page_200'>200</a>, <a href='#Page_209'>209</a>, <a href='#Page_218'>218</a>, <a href='#Page_221'>221</a>, <a href='#Page_222'>222</a>, <a href='#Page_227'>227</a>, <a href='#Page_230'>230</a>, <a href='#Page_255'>255</a>, <a href='#Page_263'>263</a>, <a href='#Page_264'>264</a>, <a href='#Page_268'>268</a>, <a href='#Page_294'>294</a>, <a href='#Page_295'>295</a>, <a href='#Page_297'>297</a>, <a href='#Page_299'>299</a>, <a href='#Page_300'>300</a>, <a href='#Page_302'>302</a>, <a href='#Page_304'>304</a>, <a href='#Page_309'>309</a>, <a href='#Page_310'>310</a>, <a href='#Page_311'>311</a>, <a href='#Page_312'>312</a>, <a href='#Page_313'>313</a>, <a href='#Page_314'>314</a>, <a href='#Page_317'>317</a>, <a href='#Page_318'>318</a>, <a href='#Page_320'>320</a>, <a href='#Page_321'>321</a>, <a href='#Page_323'>323</a>, <a href='#Page_325'>325</a>, <a href='#Page_332'>332</a>, <a href='#Page_333'>333</a>, <a href='#Page_336'>336</a>, <a href='#Page_340'>340</a>, <a href='#Page_342'>342</a>, <a href='#Page_343'>343</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Francis, Capt. R. F., M.C., <a href='#Page_364'>364</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Franklin, Capt., <a href='#Page_74'>74</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Franklin, Major H. S. E., D.S.O., <a href='#Page_355'>355</a>, <a href='#Page_357'>357</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Franks, Brig.-General (R.A.), <a href='#Page_204'>204</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Fraser, Lieut., <a href='#Page_339'>339</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Fraser, Capt. W. A. K. F., M.C., <a href='#Page_352'>352</a></li> + <li class='c016'>French, Sir John, <a href='#Page_7'>7</a>, <a href='#Page_24'>24</a>, <a href='#Page_30'>30</a>, <a href='#Page_45'>45</a>, <a href='#Page_50'>50</a>, <a href='#Page_63'>63</a>, <a href='#Page_65'>65</a>, <a href='#Page_71'>71</a>, <a href='#Page_72'>72</a>, <a href='#Page_73'>73</a>, <a href='#Page_75'>75</a>, <a href='#Page_85'>85</a>, <a href='#Page_103'>103</a>, <a href='#Page_104'>104</a>, <a href='#Page_136'>136</a>, <a href='#Page_138'>138</a>, <a href='#Page_143'>143</a>, <a href='#Page_176'>176</a>, <a href='#Page_184'>184</a>, <a href='#Page_185'>185</a>, <a href='#Page_188'>188</a>, <a href='#Page_193'>193</a>, <a href='#Page_200'>200</a>, <a href='#Page_235'>235</a>, <a href='#Page_236'>236</a>, <a href='#Page_238'>238</a>, <a href='#Page_245'>245</a>, <a href='#Page_269'>269</a>, <a href='#Page_302'>302</a>, <a href='#Page_316'>316</a> + <ul> + <li>“1914” quoted, <a href='#Page_177'>177</a>;</li> + <li>ref., <a href='#Page_303'>303</a></li> + </ul> + </li> + <li class='c016'>French Colonial Division, <a href='#Page_246'>246</a>, <a href='#Page_260'>260</a> + <ul> + <li>Territorials, 142nd, <a href='#Page_171'>171</a>, <a href='#Page_175'>175</a>, <a href='#Page_176'>176</a></li> + </ul> + </li> + <li class='c016'>Frontier Expeditions (1908), <a href='#Page_10'>10</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Fry, Lieut., <a href='#Page_291'>291</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Fyzabad, <a href='#Page_72'>72</a></li> + <li class='c002'><span class='pageno' id='Page_397'>397</span>Ganga, No. 2630 Havildar, I.O.M., Russian Cross of the Order of St. George, 4th Class, <a href='#Page_45'>45</a>, <a href='#Page_365'>365</a>, <a href='#Page_366'>366</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Gaisford, Lieut. L., <a href='#Page_127'>127</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Gallipoli, <a href='#Page_23'>23</a>, <a href='#Page_51'>51</a>, <a href='#Page_99'>99</a>, <a href='#Page_241'>241</a>, <a href='#Page_263'>263</a>, <a href='#Page_319'>319</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Gambhir, Subadar-Major, <a href='#Page_211'>211</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Gamble, Lieut., <a href='#Page_291'>291</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Gandy, Lieut., <a href='#Page_283'>283</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Ganges River, <a href='#Page_3'>3</a>, <a href='#Page_23'>23</a>, <a href='#Page_29'>29</a> + <ul> + <li>Canal, <a href='#Page_339'>339</a></li> + </ul> + </li> + <li class='c016'>Gapaard, <a href='#Page_33'>33</a>, <a href='#Page_34'>34</a>, <a href='#Page_35'>35</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Gardiner, Major (R.E.), <a href='#Page_155'>155</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Garhwal Brigade, <a href='#Page_19'>19</a>, <a href='#Page_53'>53</a>, <a href='#Page_95'>95</a>, <a href='#Page_108'>108</a>, <a href='#Page_121'>121</a>, <a href='#Page_122'>122</a>, <a href='#Page_149'>149</a>, <a href='#Page_150'>150</a>, <a href='#Page_158'>158</a>, <a href='#Page_165'>165</a>, <a href='#Page_166'>166</a>, <a href='#Page_169'>169</a>, <a href='#Page_205'>205</a>, <a href='#Page_206'>206</a>, <a href='#Page_209'>209</a>, <a href='#Page_210'>210</a>, <a href='#Page_214'>214</a>, <a href='#Page_218'>218</a>, <a href='#Page_219'>219</a>, <a href='#Page_224'>224</a>, <a href='#Page_225'>225</a>, <a href='#Page_239'>239</a>, <a href='#Page_270'>270</a>, <a href='#Page_273'>273</a>, <a href='#Page_277'>277</a>, <a href='#Page_278'>278</a>, <a href='#Page_280'>280</a>–84, <a href='#Page_288'>288</a>, <a href='#Page_289'>289</a>, <a href='#Page_328'>328</a>, <a href='#Page_331'>331</a>, <a href='#Page_333'>333</a>–6, <a href='#Page_341'>341</a> + <ul> + <li>Rifles, 39th, 1st and 2nd Batt., <a href='#Page_19'>19</a>, <a href='#Page_57'>57</a>, <a href='#Page_75'>75</a>, <a href='#Page_95'>95</a>, <a href='#Page_108'>108</a>, <a href='#Page_121'>121</a>, <a href='#Page_123'>123</a>, <a href='#Page_124'>124</a>, <a href='#Page_129'>129</a>–32, <a href='#Page_134'>134</a>, <a href='#Page_136'>136</a>, <a href='#Page_206'>206</a>, <a href='#Page_210'>210</a>–215, <a href='#Page_219'>219</a>, <a href='#Page_220'>220</a>, <a href='#Page_222'>222</a>, <a href='#Page_225'>225</a>, <a href='#Page_239'>239</a>, <a href='#Page_244'>244</a>, <a href='#Page_248'>248</a>, <a href='#Page_270'>270</a>, <a href='#Page_281'>281</a>–3, <a href='#Page_296'>296</a>, <a href='#Page_328'>328</a>, <a href='#Page_333'>333</a>, <a href='#Page_334'>334</a>, <a href='#Page_336'>336</a>, <a href='#Page_337'>337</a></li> + </ul> + </li> + <li class='c016'>Garhwalis, <a href='#Page_7'>7</a>, <a href='#Page_57'>57</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Garrett, Capt. S., <a href='#Page_228'>228</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Gedge, 2nd Lieut., <a href='#Page_333'>333</a></li> + <li class='c016'>George V., King of England, <a href='#Page_14'>14</a>, <a href='#Page_46'>46</a>, <a href='#Page_141'>141</a>, <a href='#Page_193'>193</a>, <a href='#Page_319'>319</a></li> + <li class='c016'>George, the Rt. Hon. David Lloyd, <a href='#Page_193'>193</a></li> + <li class='c016'>George, Lieut. F., <a href='#Page_89'>89</a>, <a href='#Page_90'>90</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Germany, <a href='#Page_235'>235</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Ghale, Jemadar Bahadur, <a href='#Page_84'>84</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Ghale, No. 2153 Lance-Naik Sher Sing, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_373'>373</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Gharti, Lance-Naik Harak Sing, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_211'>211</a>, <a href='#Page_374'>374</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Gharti, Rifleman Thaman, <a href='#Page_152'>152</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Ghazis, the, <a href='#Page_157'>157</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Ghazni (1839), <a href='#Page_87'>87</a>, <a href='#Page_113'>113</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Gilchrist, Capt. R. C., <a href='#Page_157'>157</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Givenchy, <a href='#Page_22'>22</a>, <a href='#Page_39'>39</a>, <a href='#Page_43'>43</a>, <a href='#Page_47'>47</a>, <a href='#Page_50'>50</a>, <a href='#Page_51'>51</a>, <a href='#Page_52'>52</a>, <a href='#Page_60'>60</a>, <a href='#Page_75'>75</a>, <a href='#Page_82'>82</a>, <a href='#Page_103'>103</a>, <a href='#Page_119'>119</a>, <a href='#Page_139'>139</a>, <a href='#Page_143'>143</a>, <a href='#Page_144'>144</a>, <a href='#Page_149'>149</a>, <a href='#Page_155'>155</a>, <a href='#Page_162'>162</a>, <a href='#Page_163'>163</a>, <a href='#Page_164'>164</a>, <a href='#Page_170'>170</a>, <a href='#Page_171'>171</a>, <a href='#Page_172'>172</a>, <a href='#Page_173'>173</a>, <a href='#Page_177'>177</a>, <a href='#Page_179'>179</a>, <a href='#Page_186'>186</a>, <a href='#Page_188'>188</a>, <a href='#Page_201'>201</a>, <a href='#Page_203'>203</a>, <a href='#Page_229'>229</a>, <a href='#Page_253'>253</a>, <a href='#Page_254'>254</a>, <a href='#Page_269'>269</a>, <a href='#Page_279'>279</a>, <a href='#Page_327'>327</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Godwin, Major (temp. Lieut.-Col.), afterwards Brevet Lieut.-Col., C. A. C., <a href='#Page_350'>350</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Goodhall, Commissary and Hon. Capt., afterwards Hon. Major, <a href='#Page_381'>381</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Gordon, Major H., <a href='#Page_133'>133</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Gordon, Capt. J. de la H., M.C., <a href='#Page_356'>356</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Gordon, Lieut.-Col. J. L., <a href='#Page_64'>64</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Gordon, Lieut.-Col. L. A., <a href='#Page_53'>53</a>, <a href='#Page_210'>210</a>, <a href='#Page_219'>219</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Gordon, Colonel L. F. G., <a href='#Page_53'>53</a></li> + <li class='c016'><span class='pageno' id='Page_398'>398</span>Gordon, Capt. R. S., <a href='#Page_37'>37</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Gordon, Lieut. S., <a href='#Page_128'>128</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Gordon Highlanders, <a href='#Page_53'>53</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Gorre, <a href='#Page_120'>120</a>, <a href='#Page_121'>121</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Gorrie, Lance-Corporal, <a href='#Page_129'>129</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Gough, Lieut. O., M.C., <a href='#Page_349'>349</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Govind, Guru, <a href='#Page_20'>20</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Grant, Colonel, <a href='#Page_135'>135</a>, <a href='#Page_171'>171</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Grant, Major, <a href='#Page_46'>46</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Grant, Capt. H., <a href='#Page_132'>132</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Grasett, Lieut., <a href='#Page_341'>341</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Gray, Capt. E. St. C., M.C., <a href='#Page_349'>349</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Gray, Lieut.-Colonel F. W. B., C.M.G., <a href='#Page_34'>34</a>, <a href='#Page_38'>38</a>, <a href='#Page_365'>365</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Grayfoot, Colonel B. B., M.D., C.B., <a href='#Page_97'>97</a>, <a href='#Page_377'>377</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Grey, Lance-Corporal G., <a href='#Page_132'>132</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Griffith-Griffin, Lieut. F. M., M.C., <a href='#Page_371'>371</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Grigg, Capt., <a href='#Page_283'>283</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Guadeloupe, <a href='#Page_338'>338</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Guards Brigade, <a href='#Page_286'>286</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Guides, <a href='#Page_57'>57</a>–8, <a href='#Page_228'>228</a>, <a href='#Page_236'>236</a>, <a href='#Page_251'>251</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Guides Cavalry, <a href='#Page_22'>22</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Gul, No. 3902 Lance-Naik Biaz, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_368'>368</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Gul, No. 3814 Lance-Naik Hobab, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_43'>43</a>, <a href='#Page_371'>371</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Gul, No. 694 Naik Khan, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_381'>381</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Gul, No. 4267 Sepoy Mehrab, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_371'>371</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Gul, No. 4264 Havildar Niaz, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_368'>368</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Gul, No. 4333 Sepoy Redi, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_43'>43</a>, <a href='#Page_371'>371</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Gunning, Lieut.-Col. O. G., C.M.G., <a href='#Page_363'>363</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Gurdon, Corporal W., D.C.M., <a href='#Page_234'>234</a>, <a href='#Page_382'>382</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Gurkha Light Infantry, 43rd, <a href='#Page_79'>79</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Gurkhas, <a href='#Page_2'>2</a>, <a href='#Page_7'>7</a>, <a href='#Page_30'>30</a>, <a href='#Page_56'>56</a>–8, <a href='#Page_85'>85</a>, <a href='#Page_86'>86</a>, <a href='#Page_92'>92</a>, <a href='#Page_96'>96</a>, <a href='#Page_245'>245</a>, <a href='#Page_269'>269</a>, <a href='#Page_319'>319</a> + <ul> + <li>1st (1st Batt.), <a href='#Page_19'>19</a>, <a href='#Page_79'>79</a>, <a href='#Page_157'>157</a>, <a href='#Page_162'>162</a>–4, <a href='#Page_169'>169</a>, <a href='#Page_174'>174</a>, <a href='#Page_205'>205</a>, <a href='#Page_226'>226</a>, <a href='#Page_229'>229</a>, <a href='#Page_240'>240</a>, <a href='#Page_257'>257</a>–9, <a href='#Page_263'>263</a>, <a href='#Page_264'>264</a>, <a href='#Page_281'>281</a>, <a href='#Page_288'>288</a>–90, <a href='#Page_296'>296</a></li> + <li>2nd (2nd Batt.), <a href='#Page_19'>19</a>, <a href='#Page_82'>82</a>–6, <a href='#Page_90'>90</a>–92, <a href='#Page_108'>108</a>, <a href='#Page_150'>150</a>, <a href='#Page_158'>158</a>–60, <a href='#Page_165'>165</a>–6, <a href='#Page_169'>169</a>, <a href='#Page_206'>206</a>, <a href='#Page_216'>216</a>, <a href='#Page_218'>218</a>, <a href='#Page_220'>220</a>, <a href='#Page_223'>223</a>, <a href='#Page_238'>238</a>, <a href='#Page_270'>270</a>–72, <a href='#Page_274'>274</a>, <a href='#Page_328'>328</a>, <a href='#Page_337'>337</a></li> + <li>3rd (2nd Batt.), <a href='#Page_19'>19</a>, <a href='#Page_108'>108</a>, <a href='#Page_110'>110</a>, <a href='#Page_121'>121</a>–122, <a href='#Page_150'>150</a>–52, <a href='#Page_206'>206</a>, <a href='#Page_210'>210</a>, <a href='#Page_211'>211</a>, <a href='#Page_219'>219</a>, <a href='#Page_225'>225</a>, <a href='#Page_238'>238</a>, <a href='#Page_281'>281</a>–3, <a href='#Page_328'>328</a>, <a href='#Page_331'>331</a>–2, <a href='#Page_334'>334</a></li> + <li>4th (1st Batt.), <a href='#Page_19'>19</a>, <a href='#Page_154'>154</a>–7, <a href='#Page_161'>161</a>, <a href='#Page_162'>162</a>, <a href='#Page_164'>164</a>, <a href='#Page_174'>174</a>, <a href='#Page_205'>205</a>, <a href='#Page_226'>226</a>, <a href='#Page_229'>229</a>, <a href='#Page_237'>237</a>, <a href='#Page_240'>240</a>, <a href='#Page_254'>254</a>, <a href='#Page_257'>257</a>, <a href='#Page_258'>258</a>, <a href='#Page_263'>263</a>, <a href='#Page_264'>264</a>, <a href='#Page_281'>281</a>, <a href='#Page_289'>289</a>, <a href='#Page_290'>290</a>, <a href='#Page_296'>296</a>, <a href='#Page_315'>315</a>, <a href='#Page_320'>320</a></li> + <li>6th, <a href='#Page_134'>134</a></li> + <li>7th, <a href='#Page_134'>134</a></li> + <li>8th (2nd Batt.), <a href='#Page_19'>19</a>, <a href='#Page_75'>75</a>–9, <a href='#Page_120'>120</a>–24, <a href='#Page_129'>129</a>, <a href='#Page_133'>133</a>–5, <a href='#Page_163'>163</a>, <a href='#Page_171'>171</a>, <a href='#Page_175'>175</a>, <a href='#Page_206'>206</a>, <a href='#Page_217'>217</a>, <a href='#Page_218'>218</a>, <a href='#Page_225'>225</a>, <a href='#Page_238'>238</a>, <a href='#Page_270'>270</a>, <a href='#Page_281'>281</a>, <a href='#Page_328'>328</a>, <a href='#Page_331'>331</a>–3, <a href='#Page_341'>341</a></li> + <li><span class='pageno' id='Page_399'>399</span>9th (1st Batt.), <a href='#Page_19'>19</a>, <a href='#Page_84'>84</a>, <a href='#Page_159'>159</a>, <a href='#Page_169'>169</a>, <a href='#Page_206'>206</a>, <a href='#Page_217'>217</a>, <a href='#Page_220'>220</a>, <a href='#Page_221'>221</a>, <a href='#Page_223'>223</a>, <a href='#Page_234'>234</a>, <a href='#Page_238'>238</a>, <a href='#Page_270'>270</a>, <a href='#Page_272'>272</a>, <a href='#Page_273'>273</a>, <a href='#Page_298'>298</a></li> + </ul> + </li> + <li class='c016'>Gurung, No. 1959 Rifleman Bhagat Bahadur, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_373'>373</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Gurung, No. 1597 Naik Bum Bahadur, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_373'>373</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Gurung, Subadar Dalkesar, Russian Cross of the Order of St. George, 4th Class, <a href='#Page_109'>109</a>, <a href='#Page_110'>110</a>, <a href='#Page_374'>374</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Gurung, Naik Dharmraj, <a href='#Page_156'>156</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Gurung, No. 4252 Naik Diwan Sing, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_375'>375</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Gurung, Subadar Durga, <a href='#Page_156'>156</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Gurung, Subadar-Major Gambhir Sing, Bahadur, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_374'>374</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Gurung, No. 1749 Rifleman Gane, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_374'>374</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Gurung, Jemadar Gangabir, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_229'>229</a>, <a href='#Page_375'>375</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Gurung, No. 1074 Rifleman Garbha Sing, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_375'>375</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Gurung, No. 1432 Havildar Janglai, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_373'>373</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Gurung, Subadar Jit Sing, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_290'>290</a>–91, <a href='#Page_372'>372</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Gurung, No. 2618 Rifleman Kalu, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_373'>373</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Gurung, No. 2515 Rifleman Kansi, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_372'>372</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Gurung, No. 2734 Rifleman Khamba Sing, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_372'>372</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Gurung, No. 4015 Rifleman Khamba Sing, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_375'>375</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Gurung, Jemadar Kharak Bahadur, <a href='#Page_84'>84</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Gurung, No. 4945 Lance-Naik Lachman, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_375'>375</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Gurung, No. 4024 Rifleman Manjit, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_218'>218</a>, <a href='#Page_373'>373</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Gurung, No. 1313 Havildar Motilal, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_374'>374</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Gurung, No. 1632 Rifleman Narbahadur, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_376'>376</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Gurung, No. 1618 Naik Padamdhoj, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_86'>86</a>, <a href='#Page_373'>373</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Gurung, No. 4509 Rifleman Parbir, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_375'>375</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Gurung, No. 2447 Rifleman Partiman, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_218'>218</a>, <a href='#Page_373'>373</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Gurung, No. 2397 Rifleman Phalman, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_372'>372</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Gurung, Subadar Puran Sing, Russian Cross of the Order of St. George, 4th Class, <a href='#Page_372'>372</a></li> + <li class='c016'><span class='pageno' id='Page_400'>400</span>Gurung, No. 1222 Havildar Ran Patti, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_373'>373</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Gurung, No. 3184 Havildar Sarabjit, Russian Cross of the Order of St. George, 4th Class, <a href='#Page_373'>373</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Gurung, Subadar Sarabjit, I.O.M., Bahadur, <a href='#Page_373'>373</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Gurung, Subadar Sarabjit, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_375'>375</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Gurung, Subadar Senbir, Bahadur, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_316'>316</a>, <a href='#Page_375'>375</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Gurung, Subadar Shamsher, Bahadur, <a href='#Page_375'>375</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Gurung, Sing, <a href='#Page_211'>211</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Gurung, Jemadar Suba Singh, <a href='#Page_84'>84</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Gurung, Subadar Tekhbahadur, <a href='#Page_85'>85</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Gurung, Jemadar Tirthe, <a href='#Page_84'>84</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Gurung, No. 2265 Rifleman Tula, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_373'>373</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Gurung, No. 1599 Rifleman Ujir Sing, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_218'>218</a>, <a href='#Page_373'>373</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Gusain, No. 2605 Lance-Naik Kiyali, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_360'>360</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Gusain, No. 2408 Lance-Naik Sankaru, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_360'>360</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Guthrie-Smith, Lieut. R., <a href='#Page_162'>162</a></li> + <li class='c002'>Hack, Capt. C., <a href='#Page_89'>89</a>, <a href='#Page_90'>90</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Haidar, No. 3836 Havildar Fateh, I.O.M., Russian Medal of St. George, 1st Class, <a href='#Page_371'>371</a>, <a href='#Page_372'>372</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Haig, Sir Douglas, <a href='#Page_178'>178</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Hale, Mr., <a href='#Page_94'>94</a></li> + <li class='c016'>“Hale’s” hand-grenades, <a href='#Page_93'>93</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Hamer, Capt. M. A., M.C., <a href='#Page_349'>349</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Hamid, Jemadar, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_367'>367</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Hamilton, Lieut. H. W. R., M.C., <a href='#Page_353'>353</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Hamilton, Lieut.-Col. J. A., M.B., F.R.C.S., C.M.G., <a href='#Page_97'>97</a>, <a href='#Page_378'>378</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Hamilton, Major W., <a href='#Page_133'>133</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Hampe-Vincent, Capt., <a href='#Page_35'>35</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Hamza Kot, <a href='#Page_22'>22</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Hance, 2nd Lieut. H. M., M.C., <a href='#Page_353'>353</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Hannyngton, Major J. A., C.M.G., D.S.O., <a href='#Page_42'>42</a>, <a href='#Page_251'>251</a>, <a href='#Page_370'>370</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Harcourt, Capt., <a href='#Page_340'>340</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Hardinge, Lord, and the Indian Army, <a href='#Page_15'>15</a>, <a href='#Page_16'>16</a>, <a href='#Page_235'>235</a>, <a href='#Page_236'>236</a>, <a href='#Page_299'>299</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Hardinge, Lady, of Penshurst, <a href='#Page_101'>101</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Hardwari, No. 2822 Naik, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_357'>357</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Harpul, No. 1696 Havildar, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_357'>357</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Hartwell, Capt., <a href='#Page_258'>258</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Hartwell, Capt. B., <a href='#Page_76'>76</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Harvey, Colonel, <a href='#Page_338'>338</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Harvey, Major J., <a href='#Page_128'>128</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Hasham, No. 3028 Lance-Naik Gul, afterwards Naik, <a href='#Page_366'>366</a></li> + <li class='c016'><span class='pageno' id='Page_401'>401</span>Haut Pommereau, <a href='#Page_327'>327</a>, <a href='#Page_335'>335</a>, <a href='#Page_337'>337</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Havelock, <a href='#Page_28'>28</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Havre, <a href='#Page_309'>309</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Hawinda, Jemadar, M.C., <a href='#Page_128'>128</a>, <a href='#Page_366'>366</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Hawinda, No. 2008 Havildar, afterwards Jemadar, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_367'>367</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Hay, Major C. J. B., D.S.O., <a href='#Page_348'>348</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Hayes-Sadler, Lieut. E., <a href='#Page_71'>71</a>, <a href='#Page_76'>76</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Heall, Major E. N., afterwards Brevet Lieut.-Col., <a href='#Page_360'>360</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Heavy Battery, 109th, <a href='#Page_19'>19</a> + <ul> + <li>110th, <a href='#Page_20'>20</a></li> + </ul> + </li> + <li class='c016'>Henderson, Lieut., <a href='#Page_253'>253</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Henderson, Lieut., <a href='#Page_338'>338</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Hennessy, Lieut.-Col. J. P. C., C.M.G., <a href='#Page_97'>97</a>, <a href='#Page_348'>348</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Herbert, Lieut., <a href='#Page_291'>291</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Hewett, Sir John, <a href='#Page_101'>101</a>, <a href='#Page_313'>313</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Hewett, Capt., <a href='#Page_336'>336</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Hewitt, Lieut., <a href='#Page_86'>86</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Heyland, Lieut., <a href='#Page_291'>291</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Heyland, Major A. K., D.S.O., <a href='#Page_381'>381</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Heyland, Capt. J. R. L., M.C., <a href='#Page_376'>376</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Highland Division, “Fighting Fifty-first,” <a href='#Page_241'>241</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Highland Light Infantry, 1st, <a href='#Page_19'>19</a>, <a href='#Page_56'>56</a>, <a href='#Page_205'>205</a>, <a href='#Page_226'>226</a>, <a href='#Page_229'>229</a>, <a href='#Page_262'>262</a>, <a href='#Page_263'>263</a>, <a href='#Page_265'>265</a>, <a href='#Page_281'>281</a>, <a href='#Page_284'>284</a>, <a href='#Page_286'>286</a> + <ul> + <li><a id='t2nd'></a>2nd, <a href='#Page_154'>154</a>–6, <a href='#Page_161'>161</a>–4, <a href='#Page_174'>174</a>, <a href='#Page_234'>234</a>, <a href='#Page_240'>240</a>, <a href='#Page_253'>253</a>–4, <a href='#Page_257'>257</a>, <a href='#Page_260'>260</a>, <a href='#Page_262'>262</a>, <a href='#Page_264'>264</a>, <a href='#Page_285'>285</a>, <a href='#Page_291'>291</a></li> + </ul> + </li> + <li class='c016'>Hill, Capt. E. F. J., M.C., <a href='#Page_353'>353</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Hill, 4th Class Assist. Surgeon E. R., afterwards 3rd Class, <a href='#Page_381'>381</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Hill, Major Hugh, <a href='#Page_51'>51</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Hill, John, <a href='#Page_63'>63</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Hill, Lieut.-Col. J., D.S.O., afterwards Brevet Colonel, <a href='#Page_254'>254</a>, <a href='#Page_358'>358</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Hill 29, <a href='#Page_263'>263</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Himalayas, <a href='#Page_25'>25</a>, <a href='#Page_30'>30</a>, <a href='#Page_113'>113</a>, <a href='#Page_132'>132</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Hinges, <a href='#Page_74'>74</a>, <a href='#Page_104'>104</a>, <a href='#Page_141'>141</a>, <a href='#Page_172'>172</a> + <ul> + <li>Château, <a href='#Page_321'>321</a></li> + </ul> + </li> + <li class='c016'>Hissar, <a href='#Page_298'>298</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Hitchins, Lieut.-Col., <a href='#Page_249'>249</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Hobart, Capt. P. C. S., M.C., <a href='#Page_212'>212</a>, <a href='#Page_353'>353</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Hodgson, Capt. F., <a href='#Page_283'>283</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Hodson, <a href='#Page_182'>182</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Hodson, Colonel G., <a href='#Page_51'>51</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Holbrooke, Major, <a href='#Page_251'>251</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Holland, Commander (retired) G. E., C.I.E., D.S.O. (temp. Colonel, R.E.), C.M.G., <a href='#Page_382'>382</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Hollebeke, <a href='#Page_39'>39</a>, <a href='#Page_143'>143</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Holman, Major and Brevet Colonel (afterwards Brevet Col.) H. C., D.S.O., C.M.G., <a href='#Page_348'>348</a>, <a href='#Page_350'>350</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Home Counties Trench, <a href='#Page_328'>328</a>, <a href='#Page_329'>329</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Hore, Capt. P., <a href='#Page_228'>228</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Hornor, Lieut. F. H. F., M.C., <a href='#Page_369'>369</a></li> + <li class='c016'>House, Sergeant-Major A. G., <a href='#Page_229'>229</a></li> + <li class='c016'><span class='pageno' id='Page_402'>402</span>Howell (temp. Capt.), E. B., C.I.E., <a href='#Page_311'>311</a>, <a href='#Page_382'>382</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Howson, Capt. G., M.C., <a href='#Page_350'>350</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Hudson, General Sir John, <a href='#Page_49'>49</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Hudson, Col. (temp. Brig.-General), afterwards Major-General H., C.B., <a href='#Page_49'>49</a>, <a href='#Page_313'>313</a>–14, <a href='#Page_349'>349</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Hulseberg, Major H., D.S.O., <a href='#Page_370'>370</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Humayun’s tomb, <a href='#Page_51'>51</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Hume, Lieut. J., <a href='#Page_133'>133</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Humphreys, Major G. G. P., <a href='#Page_44'>44</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Hunt, Capt. C. E., M.C., <a href='#Page_359'>359</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Hunt, Capt., afterwards Brevet Major, H. R. A., <a href='#Page_350'>350</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Husain, No. 23 Lance-Naik Mushtak, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_356'>356</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Husain, No. 1171 2nd Class Sub-Assist. Surgeon Zafar, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_379'>379</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Hussars, 3rd, <a href='#Page_38'>38</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Hussein, No. 4231 Sepoy Ghulam, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_251'>251</a>, <a href='#Page_371'>371</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Hutchinson, Major and Brevet Lieut.-Col. C. A. R., D.S.O., <a href='#Page_276'>276</a>, <a href='#Page_363'>363</a></li> + <li class='c002'>Illies, <a href='#Page_306'>306</a></li> + <li class='c016'>India, Army of, <a href='#Page_2'>2</a>–17, <a href='#Page_55'>55</a>; + <ul> + <li>Field Artillery of, <a href='#Page_26'>26</a>–7;</li> + <li>class system in, <a href='#Page_57'>57</a>–8;</li> + <li>Corps in France, methods of supply, <a href='#Page_96'>96</a>–102, <a href='#Page_115'>115</a>, <a href='#Page_117'>117</a>;</li> + <li>strength of units, <a href='#Page_138'>138</a>–9;</li> + <li>casualties, <a href='#Page_294'>294</a>–5, <a href='#Page_314'>314</a>, <a href='#Page_324'>324</a>;</li> + <li>proposed changes in, <a href='#Page_295'>295</a>–7;</li> + <li>the Indian soldier’s viewpoint, <a href='#Page_297'>297</a> <i>seq.</i>;</li> + <li>reservists, <a href='#Page_309'>309</a>–10;</li> + <li>work of, <a href='#Page_326'>326</a> <i>seq.</i></li> + </ul> + </li> + <li class='c016'>Indian Cavalry Corps, <a href='#Page_20'>20</a> + <ul> + <li>4th, <a href='#Page_166'>166</a>, <a href='#Page_167'>167</a>, <a href='#Page_206'>206</a>, <a href='#Page_280'>280</a>, <a href='#Page_284'>284</a>, <a href='#Page_312'>312</a></li> + </ul> + </li> + <li class='c016'><cite>Indian Corps in France</cite>, <a href='#Page_304'>304</a>, <a href='#Page_332'>332</a>, <a href='#Page_342'>342</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Indian Lancers, 2nd, <a href='#Page_185'>185</a> + <ul> + <li>15th, <a href='#Page_63'>63</a></li> + </ul> + </li> + <li class='c016'>Indian Signalling Company, <a href='#Page_74'>74</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Indus River, <a href='#Page_3'>3</a>, <a href='#Page_25'>25</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Infantry Brigade (British), 5th, <a href='#Page_32'>32</a>, <a href='#Page_282'>282</a> + <ul> + <li>6th, <a href='#Page_282'>282</a></li> + <li>8th, <a href='#Page_61'>61</a></li> + <li>19th, <a href='#Page_61'>61</a></li> + </ul> + </li> + <li class='c016'>Ingham, Capt., <a href='#Page_253'>253</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Inglis, Lieut., <a href='#Page_332'>332</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Inglis, Capt. J., <a href='#Page_156'>156</a>, <a href='#Page_225'>225</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Innes, Lieut. I., <a href='#Page_85'>85</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Inniskilling Dragoons, 6th, <a href='#Page_50'>50</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Inskip, Capt. R. D., M.C., <a href='#Page_368'>368</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Irriwaddy, <a href='#Page_1'>1</a>, <a href='#Page_53'>53</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Irvine, Capt. G., <a href='#Page_72'>72</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Irwin, Rev. R. J. B., M.C., <a href='#Page_316'>316</a>, <a href='#Page_382'>382</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Ivy, Lieut. B., <a href='#Page_291'>291</a></li> + <li class='c002'><span class='pageno' id='Page_403'>403</span>Jackson, Sub-Conductor C. G., afterwards Assist. Commissary and Hon. Lieut., <a href='#Page_382'>382</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Jacob, Col. (temp. Brig.-General), afterwards Major-General C. W., C.B., Russian Order of St. Vladimir, 4th Class with swords, <a href='#Page_53'>53</a>, <a href='#Page_209'>209</a>, <a href='#Page_217'>217</a>, <a href='#Page_218'>218</a>, <a href='#Page_220'>220</a>, <a href='#Page_223'>223</a>, <a href='#Page_327'>327</a>, <a href='#Page_341'>341</a>, <a href='#Page_342'>342</a>, <a href='#Page_348'>348</a>, <a href='#Page_349'>349</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Jadhao, No. 3348 Havildar Maraoti, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_354'>354</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Jaganaut, No. 2421 Stretcher-Bearer, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_379'>379</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Jailal, Havildar, <a href='#Page_113'>113</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Jalandar, <a href='#Page_233'>233</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Jalandar Brigade, <a href='#Page_19'>19</a>, <a href='#Page_51'>51</a>, <a href='#Page_61'>61</a>, <a href='#Page_63'>63</a>, <a href='#Page_65'>65</a>, <a href='#Page_75'>75</a>, <a href='#Page_103'>103</a>, <a href='#Page_154'>154</a>, <a href='#Page_163'>163</a>, <a href='#Page_175'>175</a>, <a href='#Page_205'>205</a>, <a href='#Page_206'>206</a>, <a href='#Page_215'>215</a>, <a href='#Page_216'>216</a>, <a href='#Page_218'>218</a>, <a href='#Page_220'>220</a>, <a href='#Page_223'>223</a>, <a href='#Page_224'>224</a>, <a href='#Page_226'>226</a>, <a href='#Page_228'>228</a>, <a href='#Page_231'>231</a>, <a href='#Page_240'>240</a>, <a href='#Page_247'>247</a>, <a href='#Page_248'>248</a>, <a href='#Page_249'>249</a>, <a href='#Page_253'>253</a>, <a href='#Page_254'>254</a>, <a href='#Page_255'>255</a>, <a href='#Page_262'>262</a></li> + <li class='c016'>James, Lieut.-Col. (temporary Brig.-General), afterwards Brevet Col. W. B., C.I.E., M.V.O., <a href='#Page_349'>349</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Jamieson, Major G. A., <a href='#Page_68'>68</a>, <a href='#Page_71'>71</a>, <a href='#Page_259'>259</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Jan, Sepoy Abdullah, <a href='#Page_145'>145</a>–6</li> + <li class='c016'>Jan, No. 5510 Sepoy Bhan, Russian Medal of St. George, 4th Class, <a href='#Page_366'>366</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Jan, No. 3638 Havildar Muhammad, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_368'>368</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Jan, No. 453 Sepoy Sahib, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_371'>371</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Jang, Subadar Fateh, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_366'>366</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Jang, 2nd Lieut., Rama Jodha, Bahadur, M.C., <a href='#Page_333'>333</a>, <a href='#Page_360'>360</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Jardine, Capt. C. H., afterwards Brevet Major, <a href='#Page_357'>357</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Jat Light Infantry, 6th, <a href='#Page_19'>19</a>, <a href='#Page_84'>84</a>, <a href='#Page_111'>111</a>, <a href='#Page_112'>112</a>, <a href='#Page_113'>113</a>, <a href='#Page_120'>120</a>, <a href='#Page_122'>122</a>, <a href='#Page_123'>123</a>, <a href='#Page_124'>124</a>, <a href='#Page_134'>134</a>, <a href='#Page_150'>150</a>, <a href='#Page_158'>158</a>, <a href='#Page_165'>165</a>, <a href='#Page_166'>166</a>, <a href='#Page_169'>169</a>, <a href='#Page_206'>206</a>, <a href='#Page_239'>239</a>, <a href='#Page_270'>270</a>, <a href='#Page_271'>271</a>, <a href='#Page_296'>296</a>, <a href='#Page_298'>298</a>, <a href='#Page_299'>299</a>, <a href='#Page_304'>304</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Jats, <a href='#Page_7'>7</a>, <a href='#Page_57'>57</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Jefferson, Thomas, quoted, <a href='#Page_208'>208</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Jeudwine, Major W. W., M.D., C.M.G., <a href='#Page_378'>378</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Jhelum River, <a href='#Page_43'>43</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Joan of Arc, <a href='#Page_25'>25</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Jodhpore, Maharaja of, <a href='#Page_21'>21</a> + <ul> + <li>Prince of, <a href='#Page_106'>106</a></li> + </ul> + </li> + <li class='c016'>Jodhpore Imperial Service Lancers, <a href='#Page_20'>20</a>, <a href='#Page_22'>22</a>, <a href='#Page_27'>27</a>, <a href='#Page_73'>73</a>, <a href='#Page_116'>116</a>, <a href='#Page_163'>163</a>, <a href='#Page_171'>171</a>, <a href='#Page_237'>237</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Joffre, Marshal, <a href='#Page_20'>20</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Johnson, Brigadier C. E., <a href='#Page_53'>53</a>, <a href='#Page_85'>85</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Johnson, Sub-Conductor E. V., D.C.M., <a href='#Page_381'>381</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Johnson, Brig.-General F. E., <a href='#Page_51'>51</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Jones, Capt. L. J., <a href='#Page_72'>72</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Joubert, General, <a href='#Page_122'>122</a></li> + <li class='c002'>Kabartir, <a href='#Page_132'>132</a></li> + <li class='c016'><span class='pageno' id='Page_404'>404</span>Kabul, <a href='#Page_53'>53</a>, <a href='#Page_87'>87</a>, <a href='#Page_113'>113</a>, <a href='#Page_164'>164</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Kaimkhanis, <a href='#Page_87'>87</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Kam Dakka, <a href='#Page_11'>11</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Kandari, Subadar Bije Sing, Bahadur, <a href='#Page_360'>360</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Karachi, <a href='#Page_4'>4</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Kashi, <a href='#Page_23'>23</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Kassib, No. 105 Sepoy, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_43'>43</a>, <a href='#Page_371'>371</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Kawar, Subadar Makhar Sing, Bahadur, <a href='#Page_361'>361</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Keary, Major-General H. D’U., C.B., D.S.O., <a href='#Page_19'>19</a>, <a href='#Page_53'>53</a>, <a href='#Page_108'>108</a>, <a href='#Page_166'>166</a>, <a href='#Page_205'>205</a>, <a href='#Page_226'>226</a>, <a href='#Page_231'>231</a>, <a href='#Page_246'>246</a>, <a href='#Page_247'>247</a>, <a href='#Page_254'>254</a>, <a href='#Page_255'>255</a>, <a href='#Page_260'>260</a>, <a href='#Page_262'>262</a>, <a href='#Page_264'>264</a>, <a href='#Page_265'>265</a>, <a href='#Page_266'>266</a>, <a href='#Page_267'>267</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Keen, Major F. S., D.S.O., <a href='#Page_348'>348</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Kelly, Major, <a href='#Page_341'>341</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Kelly, Capt. E. H., M.C., <a href='#Page_111'>111</a>, <a href='#Page_112'>112</a>, <a href='#Page_132'>132</a>, <a href='#Page_353'>353</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Kelly, Lieut.-Col. G., <a href='#Page_125'>125</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Kelly, Lance-Corporal T., <a href='#Page_89'>89</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Kemmel, <a href='#Page_38'>38</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Kennedy, Sergeant-Major, <a href='#Page_127'>127</a>, <a href='#Page_129'>129</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Kennedy, Capt. G. S., <a href='#Page_229'>229</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Kenny, Capt., <a href='#Page_213'>213</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Kerans, Major G. C. L., D.S.O., <a href='#Page_378'>378</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Kerr, Lieut., <a href='#Page_157'>157</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Khalsa, <a href='#Page_250'>250</a>, <a href='#Page_286'>286</a>, <a href='#Page_287'>287</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Khan, No. 4551 Havildar Abas, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_362'>362</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Khan, No. 2085 Kot-Dafadar, afterwards Jemadar, Abdul Ghafur, Russian Cross of the Order of St. George, 4th Class, <a href='#Page_352'>352</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Khan, No. 3027 Sowar Abdullah, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_135'>135</a>, <a href='#Page_352'>352</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Khan, Subadar Adam, <a href='#Page_41'>41</a>, <a href='#Page_145'>145</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Khan, Sepoy Afsar, <a href='#Page_43'>43</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Khan, No. 4845 Sepoy Akbar, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_368'>368</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Khan, Jemadar Alah Rakkha, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_355'>355</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Khan, No. 2176 Lance-Dafadar Alladad, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_351'>351</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Khan, No. 3480 Sepoy Alvas, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_366'>366</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Khan, No. 2210 Dafadar Amanatullah, Russian Medal of St. George, 1st Class, <a href='#Page_350'>350</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Khan, Ressaidar Amir, Bahadur, <a href='#Page_381'>381</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Khan, Subadar Arsla, Bahadur, I.O.M., M.C., <a href='#Page_37'>37</a>, <a href='#Page_38'>38</a>, <a href='#Page_173'>173</a>, <a href='#Page_365'>365</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Khan, No. 2102 Sepoy Aulia, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_371'>371</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Khan, Risaldar-Major Awal, Bahadur, <a href='#Page_350'>350</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Khan, Jemadar Ayub, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_371'>371</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Khan, No. 3640 Lance-Naik Ayub, afterwards Naik, <a href='#Page_304'>304</a>–9, <a href='#Page_372'>372</a></li> + <li class='c016'><span class='pageno' id='Page_405'>405</span>Khan, Subadar-Major Bahadur, <a href='#Page_341'>341</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Khan, No. 2589 Sepoy Bahadur, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_366'>366</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Khan, No. 246 Sepoy Dad, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_371'>371</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Khan, No. 1027 Havildar Dal, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_370'>370</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Khan, No. 3576 Sepoy Daulat, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_365'>365</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Khan, No. 9483 Driver Fateh, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_352'>352</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Khan, No. 182 Kot-Dafadar Fateh, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_381'>381</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Khan, No. 3250 Sowar Fateh, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_135'>135</a>, <a href='#Page_352'>352</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Khan, Subadar Fateh Muhammad, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_370'>370</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Khan, No. 3581 Naik Ghammai, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_368'>368</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Khan, Subadar Hashmat Dad, Bahadur, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_134'>134</a>, <a href='#Page_370'>370</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Khan, No. 346 Dafadar Ibrahim, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_351'>351</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Khan, Subadar Ismail, Bahadur, I.D.S.M., Russian Cross of the Order of St. George, 3rd Class, <a href='#Page_70'>70</a>, <a href='#Page_353'>353</a>, <a href='#Page_354'>354</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Khan, Subadar Jahandad, Bahadur, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_250'>250</a>, <a href='#Page_362'>362</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Khan, No. 1694 Sapper Jiwa, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_291'>291</a>–2, <a href='#Page_353'>353</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Khan, No. 2595 Havildar Karim, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_366'>366</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Khan, Sepoy Khudadad, V.C., <a href='#Page_347'>347</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Khan, Risaldar Khwaja Mahomed, Sirdar Bahadur, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_22'>22</a>, <a href='#Page_208'>208</a>, <a href='#Page_311'>311</a>, <a href='#Page_349'>349</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Khan, No. 3600 Sepoy Lafar, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_371'>371</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Khan, No. 4731 Sepoy Lal, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_368'>368</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Khan, No. 843 Naik Mahomed, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_381'>381</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Khan, Jemadar Malik Mihi, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_351'>351</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Khan, Lieut. Malik Mumtaz Mahomet, <a href='#Page_22'>22</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Khan, No. 3663 Havildar Muzaffar, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_368'>368</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Khan, No. 2625 Sepoy Mehr, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_366'>366</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Khan, Subadar-Major Muhammad, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_368'>368</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Khan, No. 2479 Havildar Muhammad, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_353'>353</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Khan, No. 2102 Sepoy Muhammad, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_369'>369</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Khan, Subadar-Major Nasir, Sardar Bahadur, I.O.M., Russian Medal of St. George, 1st Class, <a href='#Page_368'>368</a>, <a href='#Page_369'>369</a></li> + <li class='c016'><span class='pageno' id='Page_406'>406</span>Khan, Subadar Nazir, Russian Medal of St. George, 2nd Class, <a href='#Page_357'>357</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Khan, No. 1007 Havildar Nowsher, Russian Medal of St. George, 2nd Class, <a href='#Page_355'>355</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Khan, No. 2268 Havildar Nur, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_371'>371</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Khan, No. 831 Naik Painda, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_381'>381</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Khan, No. 471 Sepoy Raji, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_251'>251</a>, <a href='#Page_371'>371</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Khan, No. 1848 Havildar Roshan, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_367'>367</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Khan, Havildar Sobat, <a href='#Page_45'>45</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Khan, No. 250 Sepoy Saiday, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_371'>371</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Khan, Naik Shahmad, <a href='#Page_300'>300</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Khan, No. 2834 Lance-Naik Sher, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_367'>367</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Khan, No. 1695 Sepoy Usman, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_34'>34</a>, <a href='#Page_365'>365</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Khan, No. 4355 Havildar Wasim, Russian Medal of St. George, 1st Class, <a href='#Page_371'>371</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Khan, No. 2584 Havildar Yakub, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_365'>365</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Khan, Subadar Zaman, Bahadur, M.C., <a href='#Page_45'>45</a>, <a href='#Page_371'>371</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Khan, No. 27 Sepoy Zarif, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_229'>229</a>, <a href='#Page_368'>368</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Khans, <a href='#Page_16'>16</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Khattri, No. 2885 Rifleman Balbahadur, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_377'>377</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Khattri, Subadar Balbahadar, Bahadur, <a href='#Page_376'>376</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Khattri, Jemadar Damodhar, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_376'>376</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Khattri, Subadar Haridhoj, M.C., I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_376'>376</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Khattri, No. 2016 Lance-Naik Jhaman Sing, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_110'>110</a>, <a href='#Page_376'>376</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Khattri, No. 2096 Lance-Naik Jowar Sing, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_376'>376</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Khattri, No. 2027 Naik Kulman, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_376'>376</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Khattri, Subadar Mehar Sing, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_217'>217</a>, <a href='#Page_376'>376</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Khattri, No. 2314 Lance-Naik Sirikisan, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_377'>377</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Khudadad, No. 4050 Sepoy, V.C., <a href='#Page_43'>43</a>, <a href='#Page_46'>46</a>, <a href='#Page_370'>370</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Khushali, No. 7017 Naik, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_379'>379</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Khyber, <a href='#Page_11'>11</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Khyber Rifles, <a href='#Page_16'>16</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Kirkaldy, 2nd Lieut. C. H., <a href='#Page_214'>214</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Kisch, Lieut. (R.E.), <a href='#Page_157'>157</a></li> + <li class='c016'><span class='pageno' id='Page_407'>407</span>Kisch, Capt. F. H., D.S.O., <a href='#Page_255'>255</a>, <a href='#Page_256'>256</a>, <a href='#Page_353'>353</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Kitchener, Lord, and the Indian Army, <a href='#Page_3'>3</a>, <a href='#Page_8'>8</a>, <a href='#Page_9'>9</a>, <a href='#Page_10'>10</a>, <a href='#Page_11'>11</a>, <a href='#Page_12'>12</a>, <a href='#Page_15'>15</a>, <a href='#Page_22'>22</a>, <a href='#Page_25'>25</a>, <a href='#Page_28'>28</a>, <a href='#Page_45'>45</a>, <a href='#Page_54'>54</a>, <a href='#Page_182'>182</a>, <a href='#Page_185'>185</a>, <a href='#Page_186'>186</a>, <a href='#Page_194'>194</a>, <a href='#Page_195'>195</a>, <a href='#Page_198'>198</a>, <a href='#Page_199'>199</a>, <a href='#Page_297'>297</a>, <a href='#Page_298'>298</a>, <a href='#Page_312'>312</a>, <a href='#Page_319'>319</a>, <a href='#Page_320'>320</a>, <a href='#Page_322'>322</a>, <a href='#Page_323'>323</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Klein Hollebeke, <a href='#Page_39'>39</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Knapp, Miss M. D., Royal Red Cross Decoration, 2nd Class, <a href='#Page_376'>376</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Knatchbull, Major, <a href='#Page_152'>152</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Kumaon, <a href='#Page_110'>110</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Kumassi, <a href='#Page_1'>1</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Kundan, No. 7034 Lance-Naik, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_380'>380</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Kunwar, No. 3075 Rifleman Dinbahadur, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_377'>377</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Kunwar, No. 3994 Rifleman Partiram, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_375'>375</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Kunwar, No. 2589 Rifleman Tika Ram, I.O.M., Russian Medal of St. George, 3rd Class, <a href='#Page_376'>376</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Kushab, <a href='#Page_87'>87</a></li> + <li class='c002'>Lahore, <a href='#Page_244'>244</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Lahore Division, <a href='#Page_18'>18</a>–20, <a href='#Page_24'>24</a>, <a href='#Page_27'>27</a>, <a href='#Page_33'>33</a>, <a href='#Page_46'>46</a>, <a href='#Page_49'>49</a>, <a href='#Page_53'>53</a>, <a href='#Page_60'>60</a>, <a href='#Page_65'>65</a>, <a href='#Page_67'>67</a>, <a href='#Page_75'>75</a>, <a href='#Page_105'>105</a>, <a href='#Page_106'>106</a>, <a href='#Page_110'>110</a>, <a href='#Page_120'>120</a>, <a href='#Page_121'>121</a>, <a href='#Page_143'>143</a>, <a href='#Page_149'>149</a>, <a href='#Page_150'>150</a>, <a href='#Page_153'>153</a>, <a href='#Page_154'>154</a>, <a href='#Page_157'>157</a>, <a href='#Page_160'>160</a>, <a href='#Page_164'>164</a>, <a href='#Page_165'>165</a>, <a href='#Page_166'>166</a>, <a href='#Page_168'>168</a>, <a href='#Page_170'>170</a>, <a href='#Page_173'>173</a>, <a href='#Page_174'>174</a>, <a href='#Page_175'>175</a>, <a href='#Page_177'>177</a>, <a href='#Page_179'>179</a>, <a href='#Page_204'>204</a>, <a href='#Page_205'>205</a>, <a href='#Page_208'>208</a>, <a href='#Page_218'>218</a>, <a href='#Page_221'>221</a>, <a href='#Page_224'>224</a>, <a href='#Page_226'>226</a>, <a href='#Page_231'>231</a>, <a href='#Page_239'>239</a>, <a href='#Page_245'>245</a>, <a href='#Page_246'>246</a>, <a href='#Page_247'>247</a>, <a href='#Page_248'>248</a>, <a href='#Page_257'>257</a>, <a href='#Page_260'>260</a>, <a href='#Page_266'>266</a>, <a href='#Page_267'>267</a>, <a href='#Page_268'>268</a>, <a href='#Page_269'>269</a>, <a href='#Page_278'>278</a>, <a href='#Page_284'>284</a>, <a href='#Page_312'>312</a>, <a href='#Page_327'>327</a>, <a href='#Page_328'>328</a>, <a href='#Page_329'>329</a> + <ul> + <li>Division Artillery, <a href='#Page_265'>265</a></li> + <li>Division, Signalling Company, <a href='#Page_234'>234</a></li> + </ul> + </li> + <li class='c016'>Laing, Capt., <a href='#Page_169'>169</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Lal, No. 1757 Havildar Har, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_357'>357</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Lal, No. 1821 Havildar Jai, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_356'>356</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Lal, Subadar Shib, Bahadur, <a href='#Page_356'>356</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Lalak, No. 2554 Lance-Naik, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_365'>365</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Lama, Subadar Dan Sing, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_373'>373</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Lambton, Major-General, <a href='#Page_316'>316</a>–17</li> + <li class='c016'>Lancashire (Royal) Regiment, <a href='#Page_66'>66</a>, <a href='#Page_260'>260</a> + <ul> + <li>(Loyal North) Regiment, <a href='#Page_167'>167</a></li> + </ul> + </li> + <li class='c016'>Lancers, 15th (Cureton’s Multani), <a href='#Page_19'>19</a>, <a href='#Page_65'>65</a>, <a href='#Page_206'>206</a>, <a href='#Page_234'>234</a>, <a href='#Page_240'>240</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Lane, Capt. J. H. T., M.C., <a href='#Page_181'>181</a>, <a href='#Page_360'>360</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Langemarck, <a href='#Page_247'>247</a>, <a href='#Page_248'>248</a>, <a href='#Page_249'>249</a>, <a href='#Page_254'>254</a>, <a href='#Page_257'>257</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Langhorne, Capt. A. P. Y., <a href='#Page_54'>54</a>, <a href='#Page_55'>55</a>, <a href='#Page_314'>314</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Lansdowne Post, <a href='#Page_278'>278</a>, <a href='#Page_281'>281</a>, <a href='#Page_284'>284</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Lashkar, No. 3212 Havildar, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_367'>367</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Latif, No. 2069 Sepoy Abdul, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_357'>357</a></li> + <li class='c016'><span class='pageno' id='Page_408'>408</span>Laventie, <a href='#Page_60'>60</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Layes, Des, river, <a href='#Page_203'>203</a>, <a href='#Page_212'>212</a>, <a href='#Page_216'>216</a>–18, <a href='#Page_230'>230</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Layng, Lieut. (temp. Capt.) T., M.C., <a href='#Page_377'>377</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Lee, Capt. H. N., <a href='#Page_157'>157</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Leeds, Major (temp. Lieut.-Col.), afterwards Brevet Lieut.-Col., <a href='#Page_369'>369</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Lehri, No. 3415 Sepoy, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_357'>357</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Leicester Regiment, 2nd, <a href='#Page_19'>19</a>, <a href='#Page_55'>55</a>, <a href='#Page_121'>121</a>, <a href='#Page_123'>123</a>, <a href='#Page_124'>124</a>, <a href='#Page_132'>132</a>, <a href='#Page_133'>133</a>, <a href='#Page_134'>134</a>, <a href='#Page_150'>150</a>, <a href='#Page_151'>151</a>, <a href='#Page_152'>152</a>, <a href='#Page_206'>206</a>, <a href='#Page_209'>209</a>, <a href='#Page_210'>210</a>, <a href='#Page_211'>211</a>, <a href='#Page_212'>212</a>, <a href='#Page_213'>213</a>, <a href='#Page_215'>215</a>, <a href='#Page_219'>219</a>, <a href='#Page_222'>222</a>, <a href='#Page_239'>239</a>, <a href='#Page_281'>281</a>, <a href='#Page_282'>282</a>, <a href='#Page_283'>283</a>, <a href='#Page_328'>328</a>, <a href='#Page_331'>331</a>, <a href='#Page_332'>332</a>, <a href='#Page_333'>333</a>, <a href='#Page_334'>334</a>, <a href='#Page_341'>341</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Leinster Regiment, 1st Battalion, <a href='#Page_2'>2</a>, <a href='#Page_313'>313</a>, <a href='#Page_316'>316</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Lentaigne, Capt. E. C., <a href='#Page_258'>258</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Lempriere, Colonel H., <a href='#Page_171'>171</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Lestrem, <a href='#Page_205'>205</a>, <a href='#Page_221'>221</a>, <a href='#Page_224'>224</a>, <a href='#Page_238'>238</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Lewis, Lieut. H. V., M.C., <a href='#Page_41'>41</a>–3, <a href='#Page_371'>371</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Ligny-le-Grand, <a href='#Page_202'>202</a>, <a href='#Page_269'>269</a>, <a href='#Page_270'>270</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Ligny-le-Petit, <a href='#Page_270'>270</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Lille, <a href='#Page_60'>60</a>, <a href='#Page_306'>306</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Lillers, <a href='#Page_178'>178</a>, <a href='#Page_180'>180</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Lincoln Regiment, <a href='#Page_66'>66</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Lind, Capt. A. G., <a href='#Page_127'>127</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Lindop, Lieut. E. L. E., M.C., <a href='#Page_363'>363</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Lindsay, Lieut.-Col. H. A. P., C.M.G., <a href='#Page_97'>97</a>, <a href='#Page_348'>348</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Liptrott, Lieut., <a href='#Page_112'>112</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Liverpool Regiment (King’s), 4th, <a href='#Page_205'>205</a>, <a href='#Page_229'>229</a>, <a href='#Page_240'>240</a>, <a href='#Page_248'>248</a>, <a href='#Page_257'>257</a>, <a href='#Page_258'>258</a>, <a href='#Page_259'>259</a>, <a href='#Page_262'>262</a>, <a href='#Page_263'>263</a>, <a href='#Page_264'>264</a>, <a href='#Page_266'>266</a>, <a href='#Page_281'>281</a>, <a href='#Page_286'>286</a>, <a href='#Page_288'>288</a>, <a href='#Page_289'>289</a>, <a href='#Page_290'>290</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Lizerne, <a href='#Page_254'>254</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Lloyd, Lieut., <a href='#Page_259'>259</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Lobes, Les, <a href='#Page_208'>208</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Locke-Elliott, Lieut.-General Sir, <a href='#Page_53'>53</a>, <a href='#Page_54'>54</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Locon, <a href='#Page_105'>105</a>, <a href='#Page_141'>141</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Lodwick, Capt. J. T., D.S.O., <a href='#Page_152'>152</a>, <a href='#Page_225'>225</a>, <a href='#Page_374'>374</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Logan, 2nd Lieut. (temp. Lieut.) A. F., M.C., <a href='#Page_377'>377</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Loire River, <a href='#Page_26'>26</a></li> + <li class='c016'>London, <a href='#Page_74'>74</a>, <a href='#Page_198'>198</a>, <a href='#Page_244'>244</a>, <a href='#Page_246'>246</a></li> + <li class='c016'><cite>London Gazette</cite> (Sept. 14, 1919), <a href='#Page_157'>157</a> <i>n.</i></li> + <li class='c016'>London Regiment, 4th (Territorials), <a href='#Page_206'>206</a>, <a href='#Page_225'>225</a>, <a href='#Page_240'>240</a>, <a href='#Page_248'>248</a>, <a href='#Page_252'>252</a>, <a href='#Page_259'>259</a> + <ul> + <li>3rd (Territorials), <a href='#Page_206'>206</a>, <a href='#Page_210'>210</a>, <a href='#Page_211'>211</a>, <a href='#Page_214'>214</a>, <a href='#Page_215'>215</a>, <a href='#Page_239'>239</a>, <a href='#Page_244'>244</a>, <a href='#Page_281'>281</a>, <a href='#Page_282'>282</a>, <a href='#Page_283'>283</a>, <a href='#Page_328'>328</a>, <a href='#Page_330'>330</a>, <a href='#Page_333'>333</a></li> + </ul> + </li> + <li class='c016'>Longridge, Major J. A., afterwards Brevet Lieut.-Col., <a href='#Page_49'>49</a>, <a href='#Page_350'>350</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Loos, <a href='#Page_52'>52</a>, <a href='#Page_77'>77</a>, <a href='#Page_218'>218</a>, <a href='#Page_232'>232</a>, <a href='#Page_304'>304</a>, <a href='#Page_320'>320</a>, <a href='#Page_321'>321</a>, <a href='#Page_325'>325</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Loring, Major C., <a href='#Page_175'>175</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Lucas, Lieut., <a href='#Page_85'>85</a></li> + <li class='c016'><span class='pageno' id='Page_409'>409</span>Lucknow, <a href='#Page_33'>33</a>, <a href='#Page_51'>51</a>, <a href='#Page_216'>216</a>, <a href='#Page_338'>338</a></li> + <li class='c016'>“Ludhiana,” <a href='#Page_63'>63</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Lugard, Colonel Sir Frederick, <a href='#Page_320'>320</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Lukin, Major R. C. W., D.S.O., <a href='#Page_348'>348</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Lumb, Capt. F. G. E., M.C., <a href='#Page_130'>130</a>, <a href='#Page_131'>131</a>, <a href='#Page_360'>360</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Lushington, Major W. N., afterwards Brevet Lieut.-Col., <a href='#Page_381'>381</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Lydden, 2nd Lieut., <a href='#Page_248'>248</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Lys, <a href='#Page_246'>246</a></li> + <li class='c002'>Macandrew, Lieut.-Col. (temp. Brig.-General), afterwards Brevet Col., H. J. M., D.S.O., <a href='#Page_349'>349</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Macandrew, 2nd Lieut. I., <a href='#Page_92'>92</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Macandrew, Lieut. I. M., <a href='#Page_169'>169</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Macbean, Major-General F., C.V.O., C.B., <a href='#Page_19'>19</a>, <a href='#Page_53'>53</a>, <a href='#Page_76'>76</a>, <a href='#Page_120'>120</a>, <a href='#Page_121'>121</a>, <a href='#Page_122'>122</a>, <a href='#Page_135'>135</a>, <a href='#Page_163'>163</a>, <a href='#Page_170'>170</a></li> + <li class='c016'>MacBrayne, Capt. R. J., M.C., <a href='#Page_358'>358</a></li> + <li class='c016'>MacCall, Capt., <a href='#Page_341'>341</a></li> + <li class='c016'>McCleverty, Capt. G., <a href='#Page_86'>86</a></li> + <li class='c016'>M‘Cleverty, Capt. R. J., <a href='#Page_66'>66</a>, <a href='#Page_69'>69</a></li> + <li class='c016'>McClintock, Major A. L., <a href='#Page_94'>94</a></li> + <li class='c016'>McCrae-Bruce, Lieut. W. A., <a href='#Page_157'>157</a></li> + <li class='c016'>M‘Dougall, Sub-Conductor J. L. N., M.C., <a href='#Page_381'>381</a></li> + <li class='c016'>McEwan, Capt. J. S., <a href='#Page_175'>175</a></li> + <li class='c016'>MacFarlane, Lieut.-Col., <a href='#Page_154'>154</a>, <a href='#Page_221'>221</a></li> + <li class='c016'>McIntosh, 2nd Lieut., <a href='#Page_264'>264</a></li> + <li class='c016'>M‘Intosh, Private, <a href='#Page_127'>127</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Mackain, Capt., <a href='#Page_125'>125</a></li> + <li class='c016'>McKenzie, Capt., <a href='#Page_340'>340</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Mackenzie, Capt. C. A., <a href='#Page_175'>175</a></li> + <li class='c016'>MacKenzie, Lieut. D., <a href='#Page_107'>107</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Mackie, Capt., <a href='#Page_251'>251</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Mackmillan, Lieut., <a href='#Page_276'>276</a></li> + <li class='c016'>McLaughlin, Capt., <a href='#Page_134'>134</a></li> + <li class='c016'>MacLean, Lieut., <a href='#Page_77'>77</a></li> + <li class='c016'>McLeod, Sir C., <a href='#Page_101'>101</a></li> + <li class='c016'>MacLeod, Lieut., <a href='#Page_338'>338</a></li> + <li class='c016'>McMicking, Lieut. N., <a href='#Page_129'>129</a></li> + <li class='c016'>McNeill, Chaplain Rev., <a href='#Page_92'>92</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Macpherson, Capt. A. B., M.C., <a href='#Page_356'>356</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Macpherson, Lieut. D. S., <a href='#Page_134'>134</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Macpherson, Major N., <a href='#Page_85'>85</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Macready, General, <a href='#Page_317'>317</a></li> + <li class='c016'>McSwiney, Lieut. H. C. F., M.C., <a href='#Page_108'>108</a>–10, <a href='#Page_374'>374</a></li> + <li class='c016'>MacTier, Major, <a href='#Page_213'>213</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Madhu, No. 2743 Sowar, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_86'>86</a>, <a href='#Page_352'>352</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Madras, <a href='#Page_94'>94</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Madras Native Infantry, 3rd Batt., <a href='#Page_300'>300</a> + <ul> + <li>Sappers and Miners, <a href='#Page_7'>7</a>, <a href='#Page_9'>9</a></li> + <li>Volunteer Rifles, <a href='#Page_255'>255</a></li> + </ul> + </li> + <li class='c016'>Madura, <a href='#Page_300'>300</a></li> + <li class='c016'><span class='pageno' id='Page_410'>410</span>Mahadeo, Subadar Ganpat, Bahadur, <a href='#Page_71'>71</a>, <a href='#Page_353'>353</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Mahar, No. 1480 Naik Kedar Sing, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_362'>362</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Mahar, Jemadar Pancham Sing, M.C., <a href='#Page_361'>361</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Maharajpore, <a href='#Page_113'>113</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Mahomed, Havildar Dost, <a href='#Page_157'>157</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Mahomed, Colour-Havildar Ghulam, <a href='#Page_43'>43</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Mahsuds, <a href='#Page_39'>39</a>, <a href='#Page_146'>146</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Maine, 1st Class Assist. Surgeon W. J. S., afterwards Assistant Surgeon Lieut., M.C., <a href='#Page_378'>378</a>, <a href='#Page_380'>380</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Maistre, General, <a href='#Page_32'>32</a>, <a href='#Page_106'>106</a>, <a href='#Page_141'>141</a>, <a href='#Page_176'>176</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Mal, No. 1515 Havildar Lalit, Bahadur, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_376'>376</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Mal, No. 2721 Rifleman Panchbir, afterwards Havildar, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_376'>376</a>, <a href='#Page_377'>377</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Mal, No. 2118 Lance-Naik Samar Bahadur, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_376'>376</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Mal, Jemadar Shibdhoj, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_220'>220</a>, <a href='#Page_376'>376</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Malakand Pass, <a href='#Page_11'>11</a>, <a href='#Page_300'>300</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Malaun, <a href='#Page_110'>110</a>, <a href='#Page_164'>164</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Maliks, <a href='#Page_11'>11</a>, <a href='#Page_16'>16</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Malony, Lieut., <a href='#Page_37'>37</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Manchesters, 1st, <a href='#Page_19'>19</a>, <a href='#Page_55'>55</a>, <a href='#Page_61'>61</a>, <a href='#Page_63'>63</a>, <a href='#Page_65'>65</a>, <a href='#Page_108'>108</a>, <a href='#Page_140'>140</a>, <a href='#Page_170'>170</a>, <a href='#Page_171'>171</a>, <a href='#Page_172'>172</a>, <a href='#Page_173'>173</a>, <a href='#Page_175'>175</a>, <a href='#Page_206'>206</a>, <a href='#Page_216'>216</a>, <a href='#Page_224'>224</a>, <a href='#Page_226'>226</a>, <a href='#Page_228'>228</a>, <a href='#Page_231'>231</a>, <a href='#Page_240'>240</a>, <a href='#Page_248'>248</a>, <a href='#Page_249'>249</a>, <a href='#Page_253'>253</a>, <a href='#Page_254'>254</a>, <a href='#Page_266'>266</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Mangin, Capt. E. B., M.C., <a href='#Page_184'>184</a>, <a href='#Page_369'>369</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Mangli, No. 8037 Lance-Naik, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_379'>379</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Manipore, <a href='#Page_46'>46</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Mankelow, Lieut. A. H., M.C., <a href='#Page_225'>225</a>, <a href='#Page_360'>360</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Mann, Lieut. R. L., <a href='#Page_171'>171</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Mansel, Capt. J. L., <a href='#Page_171'>171</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Manson, 2nd Lieut. C. C. E., M.C., <a href='#Page_315'>315</a>–16, <a href='#Page_375'>375</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Marais, <a href='#Page_171'>171</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Mardan, <a href='#Page_58'>58</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Marks, Sub-Conductor F. C., afterwards Assist. Commissary and Hon. Lieut., <a href='#Page_382'>382</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Marne River, <a href='#Page_33'>33</a>, <a href='#Page_202'>202</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Marseilles, <a href='#Page_3'>3</a>, <a href='#Page_4'>4</a>, <a href='#Page_10'>10</a>, <a href='#Page_20'>20</a>, <a href='#Page_22'>22</a>, <a href='#Page_23'>23</a>, <a href='#Page_25'>25</a>, <a href='#Page_32'>32</a>, <a href='#Page_54'>54</a>, <a href='#Page_62'>62</a>, <a href='#Page_100'>100</a>, <a href='#Page_309'>309</a>–12</li> + <li class='c016'>Marshall, Capt. A., D.S.O., <a href='#Page_352'>352</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Martin, Capt. G. D., M.C., <a href='#Page_357'>357</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Maru, No. 2685 Lance-Naik, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_357'>357</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Mason, Lieut. A., M.C., <a href='#Page_353'>353</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Massy, Capt. (temp. Major), afterwards Brevet Major, S. D., <a href='#Page_359'>359</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Masters, Capt. A., <a href='#Page_125'>125</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Maud’huy, General de, <a href='#Page_92'>92</a>, <a href='#Page_106'>106</a>, <a href='#Page_116'>116</a>, <a href='#Page_140'>140</a>, <a href='#Page_176'>176</a></li> + <li class='c016'><span class='pageno' id='Page_411'>411</span>Mauquissart, <a href='#Page_60'>60</a>, <a href='#Page_75'>75</a>, <a href='#Page_79'>79</a>, <a href='#Page_119'>119</a>, <a href='#Page_218'>218</a>, <a href='#Page_241'>241</a>, <a href='#Page_267'>267</a>, <a href='#Page_304'>304</a>, <a href='#Page_321'>321</a>, <a href='#Page_327'>327</a>, <a href='#Page_332'>332</a>, <a href='#Page_338'>338</a>, <a href='#Page_341'>341</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Maxwell, Colonel, <a href='#Page_53'>53</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Maxwell, Lieut. C., <a href='#Page_134'>134</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Maxwell, Major W. F., D.S.O., <a href='#Page_255'>255</a>, <a href='#Page_355'>355</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Mazbi Sikhs, <a href='#Page_57'>57</a>, <a href='#Page_68'>68</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Meanee, <a href='#Page_33'>33</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Mediterranean, <a href='#Page_95'>95</a>, <a href='#Page_100'>100</a> + <ul> + <li>Eastern, <a href='#Page_34'>34</a></li> + </ul> + </li> + <li class='c016'>Meeanee, <a href='#Page_87'>87</a>, <a href='#Page_164'>164</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Meerut Division, <a href='#Page_19'>19</a>–20, <a href='#Page_52'>52</a>, <a href='#Page_53'>53</a>, <a href='#Page_65'>65</a>, <a href='#Page_73'>73</a>, <a href='#Page_75'>75</a>, <a href='#Page_85'>85</a>, <a href='#Page_92'>92</a>, <a href='#Page_105'>105</a>, <a href='#Page_120'>120</a>, <a href='#Page_121'>121</a>, <a href='#Page_149'>149</a>, <a href='#Page_150'>150</a>, <a href='#Page_151'>151</a>, <a href='#Page_152'>152</a>, <a href='#Page_158'>158</a>, <a href='#Page_160'>160</a>, <a href='#Page_163'>163</a>, <a href='#Page_164'>164</a>, <a href='#Page_165'>165</a>, <a href='#Page_166'>166</a>, <a href='#Page_167'>167</a>, <a href='#Page_168'>168</a>, <a href='#Page_170'>170</a>, <a href='#Page_173'>173</a>, <a href='#Page_204'>204</a>, <a href='#Page_205'>205</a>, <a href='#Page_206'>206</a>, <a href='#Page_216'>216</a>, <a href='#Page_218'>218</a>, <a href='#Page_221'>221</a>, <a href='#Page_224'>224</a>, <a href='#Page_226'>226</a>, <a href='#Page_239'>239</a>, <a href='#Page_268'>268</a>, <a href='#Page_269'>269</a>, <a href='#Page_270'>270</a>, <a href='#Page_272'>272</a>, <a href='#Page_273'>273</a>, <a href='#Page_277'>277</a>, <a href='#Page_278'>278</a>, <a href='#Page_279'>279</a>, <a href='#Page_281'>281</a>, <a href='#Page_284'>284</a>, <a href='#Page_288'>288</a>, <a href='#Page_289'>289</a>, <a href='#Page_312'>312</a>, <a href='#Page_317'>317</a>, <a href='#Page_327'>327</a>, <a href='#Page_328'>328</a>, <a href='#Page_329'>329</a>, <a href='#Page_330'>330</a>, <a href='#Page_333'>333</a> + <ul> + <li>Signal Company, <a href='#Page_234'>234</a></li> + </ul> + </li> + <li class='c016'>Mein, Lieut. D. B., M.C., <a href='#Page_251'>251</a>, <a href='#Page_365'>365</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Meldrum, Lieut., <a href='#Page_332'>332</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Mellis, Capt. A. R., M.C., <a href='#Page_291'>291</a>, <a href='#Page_372'>372</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Melrose, Lance-Corporal, <a href='#Page_129'>129</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Mercer, Brig.-General, <a href='#Page_49'>49</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Merewether, Lieut.-Col. J. W. B., <cite>The Indian Corps in France</cite>, <a href='#Page_55'>55</a>, <a href='#Page_239'>239</a>, <a href='#Page_296'>296</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Merville, <a href='#Page_31'>31</a>, <a href='#Page_64'>64</a>, <a href='#Page_100'>100</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Mesopotamia, <a href='#Page_28'>28</a>, <a href='#Page_51'>51</a>, <a href='#Page_52'>52</a>, <a href='#Page_58'>58</a>, <a href='#Page_68'>68</a>, <a href='#Page_72'>72</a>, <a href='#Page_128'>128</a>, <a href='#Page_199'>199</a>, <a href='#Page_255'>255</a>, <a href='#Page_259'>259</a>, <a href='#Page_267'>267</a>, <a href='#Page_276'>276</a>, <a href='#Page_300'>300</a>, <a href='#Page_320'>320</a>, <a href='#Page_338'>338</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Messines, <a href='#Page_33'>33</a>, <a href='#Page_34'>34</a>, <a href='#Page_35'>35</a>, <a href='#Page_36'>36</a>, <a href='#Page_37'>37</a>, <a href='#Page_38'>38</a>, <a href='#Page_89'>89</a>, <a href='#Page_91'>91</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Messinier, Assist. Surgeon E. B., M.C., <a href='#Page_378'>378</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Mexico, <a href='#Page_23'>23</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Middlesex Regiment, <a href='#Page_89'>89</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Milligan, Lieut., <a href='#Page_340'>340</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Milligan, Lieut. J., <a href='#Page_128'>128</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Milne, Major, <a href='#Page_276'>276</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Milne, Major-General Geo. F., <a href='#Page_267'>267</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Min Post, <a href='#Page_328'>328</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Minto, Lord, <a href='#Page_10'>10</a>, <a href='#Page_11'>11</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Minto, Lady, <a href='#Page_11'>11</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Mir, Naik Sar, <a href='#Page_48'>48</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Misr, No. 2029 Naik Ramji, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_369'>369</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Mistakin, No. 4305 Sepoy, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_371'>371</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Moated Grange Street, <a href='#Page_328'>328</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Moberly, Lieut., <a href='#Page_339'>339</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Mohmand Expedition, <a href='#Page_9'>9</a>, <a href='#Page_252'>252</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Mohmands, <a href='#Page_39'>39</a>, <a href='#Page_40'>40</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Molloy, Major G., <a href='#Page_86'>86</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Morney, Capt. H., <a href='#Page_163'>163</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Money, Capt., <a href='#Page_145'>145</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Mons, <a href='#Page_25'>25</a>, <a href='#Page_27'>27</a>, <a href='#Page_32'>32</a>, <a href='#Page_77'>77</a>, <a href='#Page_161'>161</a>, <a href='#Page_178'>178</a>, <a href='#Page_202'>202</a></li> + <li class='c016'><span class='pageno' id='Page_412'>412</span>Moodkee, <a href='#Page_216'>216</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Moody, Capt. F. H. M., M.C., <a href='#Page_350'>350</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Moore, Thomas, quotation from, <a href='#Page_109'>109</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Moore, Capt., <a href='#Page_184'>184</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Moore, Capt., <a href='#Page_215'>215</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Moore, Lieut. C. F. F., M.C., <a href='#Page_258'>258</a>, <a href='#Page_375'>375</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Moore, Lieut.-Col. C. H. G., D.S.O., C.M.G., <a href='#Page_97'>97</a>, <a href='#Page_348'>348</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Moorhead, Lieut.-Col. A. H., M.B., afterwards Brevet Col., <a href='#Page_97'>97</a>, <a href='#Page_380'>380</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Morant, Mrs., <a href='#Page_101'>101</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Moroccan Brigade, <a href='#Page_257'>257</a>, <a href='#Page_261'>261</a>, <a href='#Page_262'>262</a> + <ul> + <li>4th, <a href='#Page_265'>265</a></li> + </ul> + </li> + <li class='c016'>Morris, Colonel, <a href='#Page_76'>76</a>, <a href='#Page_332'>332</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Morris, Lieut. E., <a href='#Page_108'>108</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Motor Cycle Corps, <a href='#Page_255'>255</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Moule, Major, <a href='#Page_290'>290</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Moulin du Piètre, <a href='#Page_327'>327</a>, <a href='#Page_334'>334</a>, <a href='#Page_335'>335</a>, <a href='#Page_338'>338</a>, <a href='#Page_339'>339</a>, <a href='#Page_340'>340</a>, <a href='#Page_341'>341</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Moutray, Lieut. A. G., <a href='#Page_108'>108</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Muhammad, No. 3191 Havildar Dost, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_368'>368</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Muhammad, No. 1815 Driver Fakir, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_381'>381</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Muhammad, No. 2524 Colour-Havildar Ghulam, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_371'>371</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Muhammad, No. 3450 Sapper Saleh, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_354'>354</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Muir, Capt. A. H., <a href='#Page_261'>261</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Muktiara, No. 3893 Sepoy, Russian Medal of St. George, 4th Class, <a href='#Page_362'>362</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Mula, No. 1574 Havildar, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_357'>357</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Mullaly, Capt. C. M., <a href='#Page_271'>271</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Mullaly, Lieut. J. C., <a href='#Page_68'>68</a>, <a href='#Page_72'>72</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Mulloo, No. 7455 Bearer, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_380'>380</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Munipoor, <a href='#Page_1'>1</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Munn, Lieut. F. L. R., M.C., <a href='#Page_302'>302</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Murray, Lieut.-Col., <a href='#Page_248'>248</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Murray, Major, <a href='#Page_33'>33</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Murray, Capt. K. D., <a href='#Page_64'>64</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Murray, Capt. Owen J. E., <a href='#Page_213'>213</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Murray, Capt. R., <a href='#Page_214'>214</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Murray, Lieut. R. G. H., M.C., <a href='#Page_217'>217</a>, <a href='#Page_376'>376</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Murray, Major T. F., <a href='#Page_162'>162</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Murree, <a href='#Page_1'>1</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Musalmans, <a href='#Page_72'>72</a>, <a href='#Page_234'>234</a>, <a href='#Page_297'>297</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Muspratt, Colonel F. C., C.M.G., <a href='#Page_348'>348</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Mysore, <a href='#Page_92'>92</a>, <a href='#Page_233'>233</a>, <a href='#Page_300'>300</a></li> + <li class='c002'>Nagpore, Bishop of, <a href='#Page_316'>316</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Nanton, Colonel H. C., afterwards Brig.-General, <a href='#Page_204'>204</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Napier, <a href='#Page_164'>164</a></li> + <li class='c016'><span class='pageno' id='Page_413'>413</span>Narayan, Lieut. Maharaja Kumar Hitandra, of Kuch Behar, <a href='#Page_22'>22</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Narayan, No. 2583 Naik, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_366'>366</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Narian, No. 7330 Bearer, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_380'>380</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Neale, Major E. B. afterwards Brevet Lieut.-Col., <a href='#Page_360'>360</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Needham, Major R. A., D.S.O., <a href='#Page_378'>378</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Negi, No. 1810 Havildar Alam Sing, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_182'>182</a>, <a href='#Page_360'>360</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Negi, No. 2480 Rifleman Banchu, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_361'>361</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Negi, Havildar Buta Sing, <a href='#Page_210'>210</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Negi, No. 762 Havildar Butha Sing, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_362'>362</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Negi, No. 1598 Rifleman Chandar Sing, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_362'>362</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Negi, Subadar Dan Sing, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_361'>361</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Negi, No. 1909 Naik Darwan Sing, V.C., <a href='#Page_132'>132</a>, <a href='#Page_211'>211</a>, <a href='#Page_347'>347</a>, <a href='#Page_360'>360</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Negi, Subadar Dhan Sing, M.C., <a href='#Page_131'>131</a>, <a href='#Page_360'>360</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Negi, No. 1715 Rifleman Dhan Sing, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_360'>360</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Negi, Jemadar Ghantu Sing, <a href='#Page_211'>211</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Negi, No. 1085 Rifleman Gobar Sing, V.C., <a href='#Page_210'>210</a>, <a href='#Page_347'>347</a>, <a href='#Page_361'>361</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Negi, Jemadar Goman Sing, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_361'>361</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Negi, No. 2285 Rifleman Jawarihu, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_361'>361</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Negi, No. 2103 Lance-Naik Jit Sing, Russian Medal of St. George, 4th Class, <a href='#Page_361'>361</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Negi, Jemadar Prem Sing, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_300'>300</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Negi, No. 1085 Rifleman Raichand, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_361'>361</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Negi, Jemadar Sangram Sing, M.C., <a href='#Page_361'>361</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Nelson, Capt., <a href='#Page_339'>339</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Nepal, <a href='#Page_3'>3</a>, <a href='#Page_30'>30</a>, <a href='#Page_56'>56</a>, <a href='#Page_76'>76</a>, <a href='#Page_85'>85</a>, <a href='#Page_96'>96</a>, <a href='#Page_187'>187</a>, <a href='#Page_271'>271</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Nethersole, Lieut. J., M.C., <a href='#Page_351'>351</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Neuve Chapelle, <a href='#Page_3'>3</a>, <a href='#Page_22'>22</a>, <a href='#Page_46'>46</a>, <a href='#Page_49'>49</a>, <a href='#Page_52'>52</a>, <a href='#Page_54'>54</a>, <a href='#Page_57'>57</a>, <a href='#Page_60'>60</a>, <a href='#Page_63'>63</a>, <a href='#Page_64'>64</a>, <a href='#Page_65'>65</a>, <a href='#Page_67'>67</a>, <a href='#Page_68'>68</a>, <a href='#Page_69'>69</a>, <a href='#Page_70'>70</a>, <a href='#Page_71'>71</a>, <a href='#Page_75'>75</a>, <a href='#Page_82'>82</a>, <a href='#Page_91'>91</a>, <a href='#Page_95'>95</a>, <a href='#Page_119'>119</a>, <a href='#Page_150'>150</a>, <a href='#Page_180'>180</a>, <a href='#Page_188'>188</a>, <a href='#Page_189'>189</a>, <a href='#Page_195'>195</a>, <a href='#Page_196'>196</a>, <a href='#Page_200'>200</a>, <a href='#Page_201'>201</a>, <a href='#Page_202'>202</a>, <a href='#Page_203'>203</a>, <a href='#Page_209'>209</a>, <a href='#Page_210'>210</a>, <a href='#Page_211'>211</a>, <a href='#Page_215'>215</a>, <a href='#Page_216'>216</a>, <a href='#Page_218'>218</a>, <a href='#Page_220'>220</a>, <a href='#Page_222'>222</a>, <a href='#Page_223'>223</a>, <a href='#Page_224'>224</a>, <a href='#Page_226'>226</a>, <a href='#Page_229'>229</a>, <a href='#Page_230'>230</a>, <a href='#Page_232'>232</a>, <a href='#Page_233'>233</a>, <a href='#Page_234'>234</a>, <a href='#Page_235'>235</a>, <a href='#Page_236'>236</a>, <a href='#Page_239'>239</a>, <a href='#Page_241'>241</a>, <a href='#Page_243'>243</a>, <a href='#Page_244'>244</a>, <a href='#Page_245'>245</a>, <a href='#Page_254'>254</a>, <a href='#Page_259'>259</a>, <a href='#Page_268'>268</a>, <a href='#Page_269'>269</a>, <a href='#Page_277'>277</a>, <a href='#Page_293'>293</a>, <a href='#Page_332'>332</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Newar, No. 4203 Rifleman Deotinarain, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_375'>375</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Newar, Subadar-Major Fateh Sing, Bahadur, <a href='#Page_84'>84</a>, <a href='#Page_378'>378</a></li> + <li class='c016'><span class='pageno' id='Page_414'>414</span>Newnham, Major (temp. Lieut.-Col.), afterwards Brevet Lieut.-Col., C. C., <a href='#Page_350'>350</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Niamutullah, Jemadar, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_354'>354</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Nicholson, John, <a href='#Page_28'>28</a>, <a href='#Page_182'>182</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Nicolay, Major B. A., <a href='#Page_155'>155</a>, <a href='#Page_156'>156</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Nicolay, Major H., <a href='#Page_217'>217</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Nicolls, Lieut., <a href='#Page_340'>340</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Nieppe Forest, <a href='#Page_246'>246</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Nieuport, <a href='#Page_116'>116</a>, <a href='#Page_245'>245</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Nijni Novgorod Fair, <a href='#Page_26'>26</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Nikka, No. 3000 Havildar, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_380'>380</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Nir, No. 4280 Naik Sar, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_371'>371</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Norfolk Regiment, <a href='#Page_78'>78</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Norie, Lieut.-Col. C. E. de M., D.S.O., afterwards Brevet Col., <a href='#Page_84'>84</a>–6, <a href='#Page_342'>342</a>, <a href='#Page_378'>378</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Norie, Major F. H., D.S.O., <a href='#Page_372'>372</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Norman, Lieut. S., <a href='#Page_172'>172</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Northamptonshire Regiment, <a href='#Page_167'>167</a>, <a href='#Page_317'>317</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Northumberland Brigade, <a href='#Page_254'>254</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Nosworthy, Lieut., <a href='#Page_76'>76</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Nosworthy, Capt. J. P., M.C., <a href='#Page_255'>255</a>, <a href='#Page_353'>353</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Nott-Bower, Lieut., <a href='#Page_283'>283</a></li> + <li class='c002'>Odell, Capt. W. F., M.C., <a href='#Page_370'>370</a></li> + <li class='c016'>O’Neill, Capt. J. S., M.C., <a href='#Page_378'>378</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Oost Taverne, <a href='#Page_34'>34</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Orakzais, <a href='#Page_238'>238</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Orchard, the, <a href='#Page_149'>149</a>, <a href='#Page_150'>150</a>, <a href='#Page_151'>151</a>, <a href='#Page_152'>152</a>, <a href='#Page_158'>158</a>, <a href='#Page_167'>167</a>, <a href='#Page_169'>169</a>, <a href='#Page_224'>224</a>, <a href='#Page_283'>283</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Orleans, <a href='#Page_4'>4</a>, <a href='#Page_17'>17</a>, <a href='#Page_20'>20</a>, <a href='#Page_25'>25</a>, <a href='#Page_26'>26</a>, <a href='#Page_27'>27</a>, <a href='#Page_180'>180</a>, <a href='#Page_252'>252</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Ormsby, Lieut.-Col. V. A., C.B., <a href='#Page_110'>110</a>, <a href='#Page_210'>210</a>, <a href='#Page_211'>211</a>, <a href='#Page_219'>219</a>, <a href='#Page_374'>374</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Orton, Capt. S., <a href='#Page_130'>130</a>, <a href='#Page_131'>131</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Ouderdom, <a href='#Page_246'>246</a>, <a href='#Page_262'>262</a>, <a href='#Page_265'>265</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Oudh, <a href='#Page_101'>101</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Oudh Auxiliary Force, Cavalry Regiment of the, <a href='#Page_312'>312</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Ouseley, Colonel, <a href='#Page_53'>53</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Outram, General, <a href='#Page_182'>182</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Ouvert, Rue d’, <a href='#Page_327'>327</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Ovens, Lieut. J., <a href='#Page_89'>89</a></li> + <li class='c002'>Paardeberg, <a href='#Page_338'>338</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Padday, Capt. W. H., <a href='#Page_175'>175</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Padhujar, Havildar Diwan Sing, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_362'>362</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Palestine, <a href='#Page_199'>199</a>, <a href='#Page_237'>237</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Pande, No. 2867 Naik Angad, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_357'>357</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Pandir, Havildar Ranjir Sing, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_362'>362</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Paris, <a href='#Page_23'>23</a>, <a href='#Page_269'>269</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Paris, Capt., <a href='#Page_71'>71</a></li> + <li class='c016'><span class='pageno' id='Page_415'>415</span>Park, Capt. Kenneth, <a href='#Page_271'>271</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Parker, temp. Lieut. A. H., M.C., <a href='#Page_382'>382</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Parshad, 2nd Class Sen. Sub-Assist. Surgeon Mahadeo, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_379'>379</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Pass, Lieut. F. A. de, V.C., <a href='#Page_134'>134</a>–5, <a href='#Page_347'>347</a>, <a href='#Page_352'>352</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Paterson, Capt. G. F. J., M.C., <a href='#Page_359'>359</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Pathans, <a href='#Page_7'>7</a>, <a href='#Page_10'>10</a>, <a href='#Page_34'>34</a>, <a href='#Page_39'>39</a>, <a href='#Page_57'>57</a>, <a href='#Page_62'>62</a>, <a href='#Page_79'>79</a>, <a href='#Page_245'>245</a>, <a href='#Page_269'>269</a>, <a href='#Page_321'>321</a> + <ul> + <li>40th, <a href='#Page_238'>238</a>, <a href='#Page_240'>240</a>, <a href='#Page_247'>247</a>–50, <a href='#Page_266'>266</a>, <a href='#Page_312'>312</a></li> + </ul> + </li> + <li class='c016'>Patrick, Capt. R. M. F., M.C., <a href='#Page_363'>363</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Payne, Capt., <a href='#Page_33'>33</a>, <a href='#Page_89'>89</a>, <a href='#Page_90'>90</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Peck, Major, afterwards Brevet Lieut.-Col., A. W., <a href='#Page_50'>50</a>, <a href='#Page_350'>350</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Pegu, <a href='#Page_300'>300</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Peishwa, <a href='#Page_164'>164</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Peploe, Lieut., <a href='#Page_134'>134</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Perkins, Major, <a href='#Page_250'>250</a></li> + <li class='c016'><i>Persia</i>, <a href='#Page_39'>39</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Persia, s.s., <a href='#Page_95'>95</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Peru, <a href='#Page_23'>23</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Peshawar, <a href='#Page_41'>41</a>, <a href='#Page_74'>74</a>, <a href='#Page_230'>230</a>, <a href='#Page_297'>297</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Peshawar Division, <a href='#Page_12'>12</a>, <a href='#Page_93'>93</a>, <a href='#Page_241'>241</a>, <a href='#Page_270'>270</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Pharswan, No. 1465 Rifleman Gopal Sing, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_362'>362</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Phillips, Major E. H., <a href='#Page_90'>90</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Picquet House, <a href='#Page_165'>165</a>, <a href='#Page_166'>166</a>, <a href='#Page_167'>167</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Piètre, <a href='#Page_232'>232</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Pike, Capt. G. D., M.C., <a href='#Page_376'>376</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Pindar River, <a href='#Page_132'>132</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Pioneers, 106th, <a href='#Page_299'>299</a> + <ul> + <li>107th, <a href='#Page_20'>20</a>, <a href='#Page_27'>27</a>, <a href='#Page_78'>78</a>, <a href='#Page_111'>111</a>, <a href='#Page_120'>120</a>, <a href='#Page_121'>121</a>, <a href='#Page_122'>122</a>, <a href='#Page_123'>123</a>, <a href='#Page_124'>124</a>, <a href='#Page_131'>131</a>, <a href='#Page_132'>132</a>, <a href='#Page_134'>134</a>, <a href='#Page_150'>150</a>, <a href='#Page_166'>166</a>, <a href='#Page_167'>167</a>, <a href='#Page_206'>206</a>, <a href='#Page_233'>233</a>, <a href='#Page_240'>240</a>, <a href='#Page_284'>284</a>, <a href='#Page_299'>299</a>, <a href='#Page_342'>342</a></li> + </ul> + </li> + <li class='c016'>Pipon, temp. Capt. P. J. G., C.I.E., M.C., <a href='#Page_311'>311</a>, <a href='#Page_382'>382</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Pirie, Major-General C. P. W., C.B., <a href='#Page_348'>348</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Pitts-Tucker, Lieut. C., <a href='#Page_162'>162</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Plumer, General Sir Herbert, <a href='#Page_267'>267</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Plumer’s Force, <a href='#Page_202'>202</a>, <a href='#Page_263'>263</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Plutz, General, <a href='#Page_263'>263</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Polo, Marco, <a href='#Page_264'>264</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Pont-à-Vendin, <a href='#Page_327'>327</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Pont Logy, <a href='#Page_82'>82</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Poona Horse, 84th, <a href='#Page_20'>20</a>, <a href='#Page_84'>84</a>, <a href='#Page_86'>86</a>, <a href='#Page_87'>87</a>, <a href='#Page_134'>134</a>, <a href='#Page_135'>135</a>, <a href='#Page_171'>171</a>, <a href='#Page_175'>175</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Port Arthur, <a href='#Page_204'>204</a>, <a href='#Page_210'>210</a>, <a href='#Page_214'>214</a>, <a href='#Page_218'>218</a>, <a href='#Page_219'>219</a>, <a href='#Page_222'>222</a>, <a href='#Page_224'>224</a>, <a href='#Page_233'>233</a>, <a href='#Page_279'>279</a>, <a href='#Page_280'>280</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Potijze, <a href='#Page_245'>245</a>, <a href='#Page_257'>257</a>, <a href='#Page_260'>260</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Pott, Lieut. D., M.C., <a href='#Page_351'>351</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Potter, Major H. W., <a href='#Page_42'>42</a>, <a href='#Page_144'>144</a>, <a href='#Page_145'>145</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Potts, Colonel, <a href='#Page_53'>53</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Powell, 2nd Lieut, (temp. Lieut.) F., M.C., <a href='#Page_377'>377</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Price, Capt., <a href='#Page_341'>341</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Primrose, Capt. the Hon. Neil, <a href='#Page_54'>54</a>, <a href='#Page_193'>193</a></li> + <li class='c016'><span class='pageno' id='Page_416'>416</span>Pringle, Capt., <a href='#Page_155'>155</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Probyn, Sir Dighton, <a href='#Page_191'>191</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Pryce, Major (temp. Lieut.-Col.) H. E. Rhys, C.M.G., <a href='#Page_348'>348</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Pun, No. 2392 Lance-Naik Amar Sing, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_373'>373</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Pun, No. 3266 Rifleman Jagtea, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_218'>218</a>, <a href='#Page_373'>373</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Pun, No. 3530 Rifleman Kharkbir, Russian Medal of St. George, 3rd Class, <a href='#Page_374'>374</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Pun, No. 1760 Naik Rupdan, Russian Medal of St. George, 2nd Class, <a href='#Page_374'>374</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Punjab, <a href='#Page_1'>1</a>, <a href='#Page_12'>12</a>, <a href='#Page_63'>63</a>, <a href='#Page_110'>110</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Punjabi Infantry, 5th, <a href='#Page_79'>79</a> + <ul> + <li>Mahomedans, <a href='#Page_7'>7</a>, <a href='#Page_57'>57</a></li> + <li>Musalmans, <a href='#Page_34'>34</a>, <a href='#Page_39'>39</a>, <a href='#Page_63'>63</a>, <a href='#Page_79'>79</a>, <a href='#Page_87'>87</a>, <a href='#Page_238'>238</a></li> + <li>Regiment, 19th, <a href='#Page_285'>285</a></li> + <li>Regiment, 21st, <a href='#Page_242'>242</a></li> + <li>Regiment, 28th, <a href='#Page_77'>77</a></li> + <li>Regiment, 33rd, <a href='#Page_300'>300</a>, <a href='#Page_328'>328</a>, <a href='#Page_334'>334</a>, <a href='#Page_335'>335</a>, <a href='#Page_340'>340</a>, <a href='#Page_341'>341</a></li> + <li>Regiment, 69th, <a href='#Page_300'>300</a>, <a href='#Page_302'>302</a>, <a href='#Page_333'>333</a>, <a href='#Page_334'>334</a>, <a href='#Page_335'>335</a>, <a href='#Page_339'>339</a>, <a href='#Page_341'>341</a></li> + <li>Regiment, 74th, <a href='#Page_339'>339</a></li> + <li>Regiment, 82nd, <a href='#Page_276'>276</a></li> + <li>Regiment, 84th, <a href='#Page_283'>283</a></li> + <li>Regiment, 89th, <a href='#Page_300'>300</a>, <a href='#Page_307'>307</a></li> + </ul> + </li> + <li class='c016'>Pyper, 2nd Lieut., <a href='#Page_259'>259</a></li> + <li class='c002'>Quetta, <a href='#Page_297'>297</a> + <ul> + <li>Indian Staff College at, <a href='#Page_12'>12</a></li> + </ul> + </li> + <li class='c016'>Quinque, La, Rue, <a href='#Page_149'>149</a>, <a href='#Page_165'>165</a>, <a href='#Page_279'>279</a>, <a href='#Page_286'>286</a></li> + <li class='c002'>Rafiuddin, No. 1526 Lance-Naik, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_381'>381</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Rahman, No. 2192 Sapper Shaikh Abdul, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_212'>212</a>, <a href='#Page_353'>353</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Rai, No. 2417 Rifleman Bhandoj, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_375'>375</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Railton, Lieut., <a href='#Page_271'>271</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Rait, Miss H. A. M., Royal Red Cross Decoration, 1st Class, <a href='#Page_378'>378</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Rait-Kerr, Lieut., <a href='#Page_71'>71</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Rajputs, <a href='#Page_7'>7</a>, <a href='#Page_72'>72</a>, <a href='#Page_297'>297</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Ralston, Capt. W. H., M.C., <a href='#Page_364'>364</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Ram, No. 4423 Sepoy Beli, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_361'>361</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Ram, Jemadar Incha, M.C., <a href='#Page_118'>118</a>, <a href='#Page_356'>356</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Ram, Subadar Inchha, Bahadur, <a href='#Page_356'>356</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Ram, Jemadar Lakhi, M.C., I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_356'>356</a>, <a href='#Page_357'>357</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Ram, Subadar Lekh, <a href='#Page_271'>271</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Ram, No. 2632 Sepoy Palla, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_365'>365</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Ram, No. 772 1st Class Sub-Assist. Surgeon Pohlo, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_379'>379</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Ram, Ressaidar Udmi, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_350'>350</a></li> + <li class='c016'><span class='pageno' id='Page_417'>417</span>Rambhagat, No. 2960 Sepoy, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_357'>357</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Ramdasia, <a href='#Page_63'>63</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Ramzan, No. 2869 Lance-Naik Shaikh, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_354'>354</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Rana, No. 2698 Rifleman Anarupe, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_378'>378</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Rana, Jemadar Arjun, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_378'>378</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Rana, No. 798 Lance-Naik Asbir, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_375'>375</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Rana, No. 1840 Havildar Bhakat Sing, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_264'>264</a>, <a href='#Page_375'>375</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Rana, Subadar Dalbahadur, <a href='#Page_84'>84</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Rana, No. 289 Rifleman Kesar Sing, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_362'>362</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Rana, Subadar Kharak Sing, M.C., <a href='#Page_378'>378</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Rana, Jemadar Nain Sing, <a href='#Page_258'>258</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Rana, No. 2417 Rifleman Partab, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_361'>361</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Rane, 3rd Class Sub-Assist. Surgeon, G. R. R., I.O.M., <a href='#Page_379'>379</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Ranowde, No. 3134 Lance-Naik Bhan, afterwards Naik, <a href='#Page_355'>355</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Ranowde, No. 3132 Lance-Naik Narayan, afterwards Naik, <a href='#Page_355'>355</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Rao, No. 255 Dafadar Shankar, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_175'>175</a>, <a href='#Page_351'>351</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Rathore Rajputs, <a href='#Page_87'>87</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Ratna, Subadar, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_357'>357</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Ravenshaw, Lieut.-Col. H., <a href='#Page_33'>33</a>, <a href='#Page_89'>89</a>, <a href='#Page_108'>108</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Rawat, Subadar Baij Sing, Bahadur, <a href='#Page_360'>360</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Rawat, Subadar Bishan Sing, M.C., <a href='#Page_360'>360</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Rawat, Jemadar Daulat, <a href='#Page_181'>181</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Rawat, No. 2172 Rifleman Ghantu, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_360'>360</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Rawat, Gopal Singh, <a href='#Page_85'>85</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Rawat, Subadar Jagat Sing, Bahadur, <a href='#Page_181'>181</a>, <a href='#Page_360'>360</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Rawat, Subadar Kedar Sing, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_214'>214</a>, <a href='#Page_361'>361</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Rawat, Jemadar Lachman Sing, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_362'>362</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Rawat, No. 541 Rifleman Madan Sing, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_362'>362</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Rawat, No. 870 Rifleman Nain Sing, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_362'>362</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Rawat, No. 1729 Havildar Padam Sing, Russian Order of St. George, 4th Class, <a href='#Page_361'>361</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Rawlinson, Lieut.-Gen. Sir Henry, <a href='#Page_284'>284</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Rawlinson’s 14th Corps, <a href='#Page_201'>201</a>, <a href='#Page_203'>203</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Raymond, Capt. E. D., M.C., <a href='#Page_349'>349</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Reardon, Lieut., <a href='#Page_38'>38</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Red Cross Association, <a href='#Page_100'>100</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Reed, Capt. H. R. B., M.C., <a href='#Page_349'>349</a></li> + <li class='c016'><span class='pageno' id='Page_418'>418</span>Reed, Capt. T., <a href='#Page_228'>228</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Reid, Lieut. J., <a href='#Page_83'>83</a>, <a href='#Page_85'>85</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Reilly, Lieut. R. A., <a href='#Page_128'>128</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Rennick, Lieut.-Col., <a href='#Page_238'>238</a>, <a href='#Page_249'>249</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Rheims, <a href='#Page_241'>241</a>, <a href='#Page_289'>289</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Richardson, Lieut.-Col. H. L., afterwards Brevet Col., <a href='#Page_365'>365</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Richardson, Captain J. S., <a href='#Page_70'>70</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Richebourg l’Avoué, <a href='#Page_75'>75</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Richebourg St. Vaast, <a href='#Page_205'>205</a>, <a href='#Page_215'>215</a>, <a href='#Page_221'>221</a>, <a href='#Page_238'>238</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Ridgway, Colonel, <a href='#Page_341'>341</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Rifle Brigade (British), 12th, <a href='#Page_336'>336</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Rifles, 55th (Coke’s), <a href='#Page_34'>34</a>, <a href='#Page_130'>130</a>, <a href='#Page_131'>131</a>, <a href='#Page_248'>248</a>, <a href='#Page_251'>251</a> + <ul> + <li>57th (Wilde’s, Frontier Force), <a href='#Page_19'>19</a>, <a href='#Page_33'>33</a>–6, <a href='#Page_39'>39</a>, <a href='#Page_44'>44</a>, <a href='#Page_48'>48</a>, <a href='#Page_78'>78</a>, <a href='#Page_120'>120</a>, <a href='#Page_122'>122</a>, <a href='#Page_126'>126</a>, <a href='#Page_129'>129</a>–31, <a href='#Page_133'>133</a>, <a href='#Page_144'>144</a>, <a href='#Page_164'>164</a>, <a href='#Page_170'>170</a>, <a href='#Page_173'>173</a>, <a href='#Page_206'>206</a>, <a href='#Page_240'>240</a>, <a href='#Page_248'>248</a>–9, <a href='#Page_251'>251</a>–2, <a href='#Page_258'>258</a>, <a href='#Page_288'>288</a>, <a href='#Page_295'>295</a>–6, <a href='#Page_300'>300</a>–302, <a href='#Page_314'>314</a></li> + <li>58th (Vaughan’s, Frontier Force), <a href='#Page_79'>79</a>, <a href='#Page_120'>120</a>–23, <a href='#Page_128'>128</a>–9, <a href='#Page_160'>160</a>, <a href='#Page_165'>165</a>, <a href='#Page_167'>167</a>–169, <a href='#Page_176'>176</a>, <a href='#Page_208'>208</a>, <a href='#Page_239'>239</a>, <a href='#Page_242'>242</a></li> + <li>59th (Frontier Force), <a href='#Page_19'>19</a>, <a href='#Page_61'>61</a>–2, <a href='#Page_64'>64</a>, <a href='#Page_154'>154</a>, <a href='#Page_156'>156</a>–7, <a href='#Page_171'>171</a>, <a href='#Page_206'>206</a>, <a href='#Page_226'>226</a>–8, <a href='#Page_240'>240</a>, <a href='#Page_248'>248</a>–9, <a href='#Page_298'>298</a></li> + <li>125th (Napier’s), <a href='#Page_19'>19</a>, <a href='#Page_162'>162</a>, <a href='#Page_164'>164</a>, <a href='#Page_165'>165</a>, <a href='#Page_205'>205</a>–6, <a href='#Page_239'>239</a>, <a href='#Page_272'>272</a>, <a href='#Page_284'>284</a>, <a href='#Page_304'>304</a></li> + </ul> + </li> + <li class='c016'>Risal, No. 3426 Sepoy, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_118'>118</a>, <a href='#Page_357'>357</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Ritchie, Lieut.-Col., <a href='#Page_169'>169</a>, <a href='#Page_219'>219</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Rithal, No. 1448 Rifleman Karam Sing, Russian Medal of St. George, 4th Class, <a href='#Page_362'>362</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Robecq, <a href='#Page_205'>205</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Roberts, Field-Marshal Lord, <a href='#Page_1'>1</a>, <a href='#Page_28'>28</a>, <a href='#Page_48'>48</a>, <a href='#Page_103'>103</a>–6 + <ul> + <li>and the Indian Army, <a href='#Page_8'>8</a>, <a href='#Page_182'>182</a>, <a href='#Page_183'>183</a>, <a href='#Page_188'>188</a></li> + </ul> + </li> + <li class='c016'>Roberts, Lieut. G. B., <a href='#Page_249'>249</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Robertson, General, <a href='#Page_192'>192</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Robertson-Glasgow, Capt. A. W., <a href='#Page_110'>110</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Robinson, Capt., <a href='#Page_290'>290</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Robinson, Capt. D. G., D.S.O., <a href='#Page_348'>348</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Robson, Lieut. R. E., <a href='#Page_123'>123</a>–30, <a href='#Page_131'>131</a>, <a href='#Page_132'>132</a>, <a href='#Page_148'>148</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Roche, Lieut.-Col. H. J., C.B., <a href='#Page_113'>113</a>, <a href='#Page_166'>166</a>, <a href='#Page_356'>356</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Roe, Capt. C. D., D.S.O., <a href='#Page_315'>315</a>–16, <a href='#Page_375'>375</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Rogers, Lieut. L. C. C., M.C., <a href='#Page_376'>376</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Rohde, Lieut., <a href='#Page_70'>70</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Roka, No. 2515 Rifleman Hastobir, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_218'>218</a>, <a href='#Page_373'>373</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Romilly, Captain, <a href='#Page_150'>150</a>, <a href='#Page_152'>152</a>, <a href='#Page_212'>212</a>, <a href='#Page_213'>213</a>, <a href='#Page_332'>332</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Romola, No. 1321 Lance-Naik Dangwa, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_361'>361</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Ronaldson, Colonel, <a href='#Page_154'>154</a>–5</li> + <li class='c016'><span class='pageno' id='Page_419'>419</span>Roomes trench, <a href='#Page_224'>224</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Roos-Keppel, Colonel Sir George, <a href='#Page_16'>16</a>, <a href='#Page_17'>17</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Ross, Major, <a href='#Page_85'>85</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Ross, Capt. Alan, <a href='#Page_174'>174</a>, <a href='#Page_175'>175</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Ross, Capt. A. C., D.S.O., <a href='#Page_351'>351</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Ross, Capt. R. C., D.S.O., <a href='#Page_356'>356</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Roubaix, <a href='#Page_225'>225</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Rouge Croix, <a href='#Page_67'>67</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Rouge Croix East Post, <a href='#Page_328'>328</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Rouges Bancs, <a href='#Page_75'>75</a>, <a href='#Page_260'>260</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Row, Lieut. H., <a href='#Page_228'>228</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Royal Field Artillery, 5th, 11th, and 18th Brigades, <a href='#Page_19'>19</a>, <a href='#Page_224'>224</a> + <ul> + <li>4th, 9th, and 13th Brigades, <a href='#Page_20'>20</a></li> + <li>9th, 28th Battery, <a href='#Page_90'>90</a></li> + </ul> + </li> + <li class='c016'>Royal Horse Artillery, N Battery, <a href='#Page_20'>20</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Royal Scots Fusiliers, <a href='#Page_84'>84</a>, <a href='#Page_89'>89</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Royal Scots Regiment, the, <a href='#Page_68'>68</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Rugby Post, <a href='#Page_328'>328</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Rundall, Colonel, <a href='#Page_158'>158</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Rundall, Capt. A. M., <a href='#Page_162'>162</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Rundall, Lieut. L. B., <a href='#Page_157'>157</a>–8</li> + <li class='c016'>Rustam, <a href='#Page_114'>114</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Ryall, Lieut., <a href='#Page_332'>332</a></li> + <li class='c002'>Sabatu, No. 8910 Bearer Ram, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_379'>379</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Sadardin, No. 3890 Sepoy, Russian Medal of St. George, 4th Class, <a href='#Page_369'>369</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Sadik, No. 2352 Naik Muhammad, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_369'>369</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Safirullah, No. 3457 Naik, Russian Medal of St. George, 3rd Class, <a href='#Page_308'>308</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Sahai, No. 2093 Havildar Debi, Russian Cross of the Order of St. George, 4th Class, <a href='#Page_357'>357</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Sahi, No. 2772 Rifleman Manbahadur, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_377'>377</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Sahi, No. 3055 Rifleman Ranbahadur, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_377'>377</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Saidak, No. 3572 Havildar, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_367'>367</a></li> + <li class='c016'>St. Clair, Capt. the Hon., <a href='#Page_150'>150</a></li> + <li class='c016'>St. Eloi, <a href='#Page_245'>245</a></li> + <li class='c016'>St. George, Lieut., <a href='#Page_258'>258</a></li> + <li class='c016'>St. Jean, <a href='#Page_247'>247</a>, <a href='#Page_248'>248</a></li> + <li class='c016'>St. Julien, <a href='#Page_246'>246</a>, <a href='#Page_247'>247</a>, <a href='#Page_254'>254</a></li> + <li class='c016'>St. Omer, <a href='#Page_20'>20</a></li> + <li class='c016'>St. Pol, <a href='#Page_116'>116</a></li> + <li class='c016'>St. Vaast, <a href='#Page_280'>280</a>, <a href='#Page_284'>284</a></li> + <li class='c016'>St. Venant, <a href='#Page_100'>100</a>, <a href='#Page_320'>320</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Sajwan, No. 1342 Rifleman Ganesh Sing, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_95'>95</a>, <a href='#Page_362'>362</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Saki, Ran Bahadur, <a href='#Page_110'>110</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Salisbury, <a href='#Page_75'>75</a>, <a href='#Page_204'>204</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Salles, Capitaine, <a href='#Page_176'>176</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Sandhurst, <a href='#Page_1'>1</a></li> + <li class='c016'><span class='pageno' id='Page_420'>420</span>Sangster, Major, <a href='#Page_185'>185</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Sappers and Miners, 20th and 21st Companies, <a href='#Page_19'>19</a>, <a href='#Page_27'>27</a>, <a href='#Page_61'>61</a>, <a href='#Page_65'>65</a>, <a href='#Page_67'>67</a>, <a href='#Page_68'>68</a>, <a href='#Page_69'>69</a>, <a href='#Page_70'>70</a>, <a href='#Page_71'>71</a>, <a href='#Page_94'>94</a>, <a href='#Page_108'>108</a>, <a href='#Page_116'>116</a>, <a href='#Page_206'>206</a>, <a href='#Page_240'>240</a>, <a href='#Page_284'>284</a>, <a href='#Page_291'>291</a>–2, <a href='#Page_329'>329</a>, <a href='#Page_342'>342</a> + <ul> + <li>3rd and 4th Companies, <a href='#Page_20'>20</a>, <a href='#Page_27'>27</a>, <a href='#Page_65'>65</a>, <a href='#Page_111'>111</a>, <a href='#Page_112'>112</a>, <a href='#Page_116'>116</a>, <a href='#Page_132'>132</a>, <a href='#Page_206'>206</a>, <a href='#Page_240'>240</a>, <a href='#Page_255'>255</a>, <a href='#Page_262'>262</a>, <a href='#Page_280'>280</a>, <a href='#Page_284'>284</a>, <a href='#Page_291'>291</a>–2, <a href='#Page_342'>342</a></li> + </ul> + </li> + <li class='c016'>Saran, No. 2702 Sepoy Ram, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_366'>366</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Sardar, No. 3866 Naik, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_367'>367</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Sarfaraz, No. 3136 Havildar, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_367'>367</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Sarki, No. 1280 Havildar Judhia, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_378'>378</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Sarewit, No. 1360 3rd Class Sub-Assist. Surgeon Mathura Parshad, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_380'>380</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Saunders, Capt., <a href='#Page_259'>259</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Savy, Colonel, <a href='#Page_257'>257</a>, <a href='#Page_261'>261</a>, <a href='#Page_262'>262</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Scale, Capt., <a href='#Page_157'>157</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Scinde, <a href='#Page_312'>312</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Scinde Camel Corps, <a href='#Page_62'>62</a>, <a href='#Page_63'>63</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Scobie, Lieut. J. A. M., M.C., <a href='#Page_157'>157</a>, <a href='#Page_368'>368</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Scoones, Lieut. G. A. P., M.C., <a href='#Page_373'>373</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Scott, Capt., <a href='#Page_250'>250</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Scott, Brig.-General A. B., <a href='#Page_53'>53</a>, <a href='#Page_204'>204</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Scott, Capt. H. L., M.C., <a href='#Page_349'>349</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Scott, Capt. W. F., <a href='#Page_64'>64</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Seaforth Highlanders, 1st, <a href='#Page_19'>19</a>, <a href='#Page_55'>55</a>, <a href='#Page_92'>92</a>, <a href='#Page_107'>107</a>, <a href='#Page_140'>140</a>, <a href='#Page_206'>206</a>, <a href='#Page_214'>214</a>, <a href='#Page_215'>215</a>, <a href='#Page_218'>218</a>, <a href='#Page_219'>219</a>, <a href='#Page_230'>230</a>, <a href='#Page_270'>270</a>, <a href='#Page_271'>271</a>, <a href='#Page_272'>272</a>, <a href='#Page_274'>274</a>, <a href='#Page_328'>328</a> + <ul> + <li>4th, <a href='#Page_153'>153</a>, <a href='#Page_154'>154</a>, <a href='#Page_158'>158</a>, <a href='#Page_159'>159</a>, <a href='#Page_160'>160</a>, <a href='#Page_165'>165</a>, <a href='#Page_166'>166</a>, <a href='#Page_167'>167</a>, <a href='#Page_168'>168</a>, <a href='#Page_169'>169</a>, <a href='#Page_176'>176</a>, <a href='#Page_206'>206</a>, <a href='#Page_217'>217</a>, <a href='#Page_221'>221</a>, <a href='#Page_230'>230</a>, <a href='#Page_270'>270</a>, <a href='#Page_271'>271</a>, <a href='#Page_272'>272</a>, <a href='#Page_274'>274</a>, <a href='#Page_328'>328</a></li> + </ul> + </li> + <li class='c016'>Searle, 2nd Lieut. C. S., M.C., <a href='#Page_377'>377</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Sebastopol, <a href='#Page_92'>92</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Secunderabad Cavalry Brigade, <a href='#Page_20'>20</a>, <a href='#Page_22'>22</a>, <a href='#Page_27'>27</a>, <a href='#Page_72'>72</a>, <a href='#Page_73'>73</a>, <a href='#Page_82'>82</a>, <a href='#Page_106'>106</a>, <a href='#Page_116'>116</a>, <a href='#Page_119'>119</a>, <a href='#Page_120'>120</a>, <a href='#Page_122'>122</a>, <a href='#Page_134'>134</a>, <a href='#Page_138'>138</a>, <a href='#Page_159'>159</a>, <a href='#Page_163'>163</a>, <a href='#Page_170'>170</a>, <a href='#Page_174'>174</a>, <a href='#Page_175'>175</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Seine River, <a href='#Page_23'>23</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Sempill, Major the Hon. Forbes, <a href='#Page_215'>215</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Seringapatam, <a href='#Page_216'>216</a>, <a href='#Page_233'>233</a>, <a href='#Page_338'>338</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Seton-Browne, 2nd Lieut. M., <a href='#Page_132'>132</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Shah, No. 1406 Driver Abdullah, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_381'>381</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Shah, Subadar Fazl, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_354'>354</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Shah, No. 3154 Sowar Firman, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_135'>135</a>, <a href='#Page_352'>352</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Shah, No. 1209 Naik Imam, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_356'>356</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Shah, No. 2634 Naik Zargun, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_367'>367</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Shankar, 1st Class Sub-Assist. Surgeon Game, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_379'>379</a></li> + <li class='c016'><span class='pageno' id='Page_421'>421</span>Shea, Lieut.-Col., afterwards Brevet Col., J. S. M., D.S.O., C.B., <a href='#Page_348'>348</a>, <a href='#Page_350'>350</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Sheppard, Lieut.-Col. (temp. Col.), G. S., C.M.G., <a href='#Page_246'>246</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Sher, No. 13 Naik Bari, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_355'>355</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Sher, No. 2602 Sepoy Gul, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_318'>318</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Sher, No. 2813 Sepoy Lal, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_49'>49</a>, <a href='#Page_371'>371</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Sher, No. 2760 Naik Sahab, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_366'>366</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Sheringham, Capt. A. T., D.S.O., <a href='#Page_369'>369</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Sherston, Lieut. R. V., M.C., <a href='#Page_351'>351</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Shinde, No. 298 2nd Class Sub-Assist. Surgeon Ram Krishna Ganpat, M.C., <a href='#Page_378'>378</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Shiraz, No. 3362 Colour-Havildar, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_362'>362</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Shubrati, No. 986 Driver, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_381'>381</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Sialkote, <a href='#Page_70'>70</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Sialkote Cavalry Brigade, <a href='#Page_176'>176</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Sidhu, No. 306 Sepoy, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_363'>363</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Signal Company, <a href='#Page_19'>19</a>, <a href='#Page_20'>20</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Sikhs, <a href='#Page_2'>2</a>, <a href='#Page_7'>7</a>, <a href='#Page_15'>15</a>, <a href='#Page_34'>34</a>, <a href='#Page_38'>38</a>, <a href='#Page_56'>56</a>–7, <a href='#Page_63'>63</a>, <a href='#Page_65'>65</a>, <a href='#Page_72'>72</a>, <a href='#Page_79'>79</a>, <a href='#Page_297'>297</a> + <ul> + <li>9th, <a href='#Page_68'>68</a></li> + <li>15th, <a href='#Page_19'>19</a>, <a href='#Page_61'>61</a>, <a href='#Page_63'>63</a>–5, <a href='#Page_91'>91</a>, <a href='#Page_144'>144</a>–5, <a href='#Page_205'>205</a>, <a href='#Page_226'>226</a>, <a href='#Page_229'>229</a>, <a href='#Page_240'>240</a>, <a href='#Page_254'>254</a>, <a href='#Page_257'>257</a>, <a href='#Page_260'>260</a>–63, <a href='#Page_281'>281</a>, <a href='#Page_284'>284</a>–5, <a href='#Page_287'>287</a>–9, <a href='#Page_296'>296</a>, <a href='#Page_304'>304</a></li> + <li>34th (Pioneers), <a href='#Page_19'>19</a>, <a href='#Page_61'>61</a>, <a href='#Page_63'>63</a>–5, <a href='#Page_120'>120</a>–122, <a href='#Page_124'>124</a>–6, <a href='#Page_133'>133</a>, <a href='#Page_145'>145</a>, <a href='#Page_205'>205</a>–6, <a href='#Page_240'>240</a>, <a href='#Page_255'>255</a>, <a href='#Page_262'>262</a>, <a href='#Page_329'>329</a></li> + <li>45th, <a href='#Page_285'>285</a>, <a href='#Page_287'>287</a></li> + <li>47th, <a href='#Page_19'>19</a>, <a href='#Page_61'>61</a>–70, <a href='#Page_88'>88</a>, <a href='#Page_162'>162</a>–3, <a href='#Page_171'>171</a>, <a href='#Page_175'>175</a>, <a href='#Page_206'>206</a>, <a href='#Page_216'>216</a>, <a href='#Page_226'>226</a>, <a href='#Page_228'>228</a>, <a href='#Page_231'>231</a>, <a href='#Page_240'>240</a>, <a href='#Page_248'>248</a>–50, <a href='#Page_266'>266</a>, <a href='#Page_296'>296</a></li> + <li>54th, <a href='#Page_169'>169</a></li> + <li>Rattray’s, <a href='#Page_287'>287</a></li> + </ul> + </li> + <li class='c016'>Simla, <a href='#Page_6'>6</a>, <a href='#Page_18'>18</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Sinclair, Lieut., <a href='#Page_276'>276</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, Colonel Sir Ganga, Bahadur, Maharajah of Bikanir, <a href='#Page_21'>21</a>, <a href='#Page_106'>106</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, Major Sir Madan, Bahadur, Maharaja Dhiraj of Kishengarh, <a href='#Page_21'>21</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, Lieut.-General Sir Partab, Bahadur, <a href='#Page_21'>21</a>, <a href='#Page_87'>87</a>, <a href='#Page_106'>106</a>, <a href='#Page_237'>237</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, Lieut. Maharaja Kumar Gopal Saran Narain, of Tikari, <a href='#Page_22'>22</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, Lieut. Raj-Kumar Hira of Panna, <a href='#Page_22'>22</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, No. 2980 Naik Achar, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_370'>370</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, No. 4902 Sepoy Albel, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_363'>363</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, No. 2206 Havildar Amar, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_357'>357</a></li> + <li class='c016'><span class='pageno' id='Page_422'>422</span>Singh, No. 8201 Sepoy Asa, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_364'>364</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, No. 2609 Naik Atma, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_251'>251</a>, <a href='#Page_365'>365</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, Ressaidar Badan, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_352'>352</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, Subadar Badawa, <a href='#Page_251'>251</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, Subadar Bakshi, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_364'>364</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, No. 698 Sepoy Bakshi, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_261'>261</a>, <a href='#Page_358'>358</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, No. 3156 Sepoy Banta, Russian Medal of St. George, 4th Class, <a href='#Page_368'>368</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, No. 312 Havildar Basant, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_354'>354</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, No. 708 Sapper Basant, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_354'>354</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, No. 91 Sapper Bawani, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_355'>355</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, No. 3417 Havildar Bhagat, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_370'>370</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, No. 482 Havildar Bhagat, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_364'>364</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, No. 1776 Sepoy Bhagat, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_356'>356</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, Naik Bhagat, afterwards Havildar, <a href='#Page_365'>365</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, No. 53, Lance-Naik Bhagwan, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_358'>358</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, No. 2277 Sepoy Bhagwan, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_364'>364</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, No. 5510 Sepoy Bhan, I.D.S.M., Russian Medal of St. George, 3rd Class, <a href='#Page_25'>25</a>, <a href='#Page_366'>366</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, No. 228 Havildar Bhola, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_364'>364</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, No. 3106 Bugler Bhup, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_357'>357</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, Subadar-Major Bhure, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_357'>357</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, No. 2103 Havildar Bir, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_364'>364</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, Jemadar Bir, M.C., I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_358'>358</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, No. 2071 Naik Bir, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_359'>359</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, Subadar Bishan, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_368'>368</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, No. 4011 Havildar Bishan, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_358'>358</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, No. 4576 Naik Bishn, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_358'>358</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, No. 1991 Havildar, afterwards Jemadar, Bur, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_366'>366</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, No. 3705 Lance-Naik Buta, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_368'>368</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, No. 2266 Sepoy Buta, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_364'>364</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, No. 1773 Sapper Channan, Russian Medal of St. George, 3rd Class, <a href='#Page_355'>355</a></li> + <li class='c016'><span class='pageno' id='Page_423'>423</span>Singh, Subadar Chet, <a href='#Page_85'>85</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, No. 3795 Sapper Dalip, I.O.M., Russian Cross of the Order of St. George, 4th Class, <a href='#Page_353'>353</a>, <a href='#Page_355'>355</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, No. 435 Sepoy Dan, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_358'>358</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, No. 1033 Lance-Naik Devi, Russian Medal of St. George, 4th Class, <a href='#Page_363'>363</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, No. 2758 Naik Dewa, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_367'>367</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, No. 3374 Sepoy Dewa, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_367'>367</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, No. 1389 Lance-Naik Dhiyan, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_363'>363</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, Subadar Diwan, Bahadur, <a href='#Page_359'>359</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, No. 219 Sepoy Diwan, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_358'>358</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, No. 1036 Sepoy Fateh, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_358'>358</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, No. 514 Havildar Gajjan, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_228'>228</a>–9, <a href='#Page_364'>364</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, No. 1339 Sepoy Ganda, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_358'>358</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, No. 2614 Acting Lance-Dafadar Ganga, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_351'>351</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, No. 830 Sowar Gokul, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_351'>351</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, No. 3013 Sepoy Gopal, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_360'>360</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, No. 1907 Naik Guja, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_359'>359</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, Jemadar Gujar, I.O.M., I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_363'>363</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, No. 1011 Havildar Gujar, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_363'>363</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, No. 7 Sapper Gujar, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_356'>356</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, No. 3108 Naik Gurmukh, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_354'>354</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, Jemadar Harchand, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_367'>367</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, No. 1910 Lance-Naik Hari, <a href='#Page_354'>354</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, Subadar Harnam, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_228'>228</a>, <a href='#Page_364'>364</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, Sub-Assist. Surgeon Harnam, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_125'>125</a>, <a href='#Page_379'>379</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, No. 2720 Naik Harnam, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_354'>354</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, No. 1528 Havildar Harnam, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_369'>369</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, No. 1360 Sepoy Harnam, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_358'>358</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, Capt. Indajit, <a href='#Page_133'>133</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, Havildar Indar, <a href='#Page_128'>128</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, Jemadar Indar, M.C., I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_365'>365</a>, <a href='#Page_366'>366</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, No. 4052 Sapper Indar, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_354'>354</a></li> + <li class='c016'><span class='pageno' id='Page_424'>424</span>Singh, No. 2316 Sepoy Indar, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_369'>369</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, Capt. Kunwar Indarjit, M.C., <a href='#Page_378'>378</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, No. 2742 Sepoy Isar, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_125'>125</a>, <a href='#Page_367'>367</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, No. 2578 Sepoy Ishar, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_360'>360</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, No. 355 Naik Jagat, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_364'>364</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, Subadar Jai, I.D.S.M., Russian Cross of the Order of St. George, 3rd Class, <a href='#Page_276'>276</a>, <a href='#Page_363'>363</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, No. 42 Sapper Jai, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_356'>356</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, No. 1090 Lance-Naik Jamit, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_363'>363</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, No. 3475 Sepoy Jetta, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_356'>356</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, Risaldar-Major Jharmal, <a href='#Page_175'>175</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, No. 2889 Lance-Dafadar Jit, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_351'>351</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, Subadar-Major Jwala, Sardar Bahadur, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_359'>359</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, Jemadar Kapur, <a href='#Page_38'>38</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, No. 1811 Havildar Karam, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_79'>79</a>, <a href='#Page_367'>367</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, No. 333 Dafadar Karam, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_350'>350</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, No. 2830 Naik Kashmir, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_367'>367</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, No. 2398 Sepoy Katha, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_360'>360</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, No. 1308 Sepoy Kehr, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_364'>364</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, No. 4474 Lance-Naik Kesar, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_358'>358</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, No. 1410 Sepoy Kesar, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_364'>364</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, Jemadar Kharak, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_359'>359</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, Jemadar Kirpa, <a href='#Page_251'>251</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, No. 1246, 2nd Class Sub-Assist. Surgeon Kishan, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_380'>380</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, No. 2116 Naik Kishen, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_364'>364</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, Subadar-Major Labh, Bahadur, <a href='#Page_370'>370</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, Subadar Labh, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_134'>134</a>, <a href='#Page_370'>370</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, No. 337 Havildar Lachman, I.D.S.M., I.O.M., Russian Cross of the Order of St. George, 3rd Class, <a href='#Page_364'>364</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, No. 322 Dafadar and Head Salutri Lachman, afterwards Jemadar, <a href='#Page_350'>350</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, No. 2479 Lance-Havildar Lal, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_364'>364</a></li> + <li class='c016'><span class='pageno' id='Page_425'>425</span>Singh, No. 702 Sepoy Lal, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_358'>358</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, No. 4095 Sepoy Lal, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_358'>358</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, Jemadar Lehna, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_250'>250</a>, <a href='#Page_362'>362</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, No. 4349 Bearer Madan, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_380'>380</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, No. 859 Naik Magh, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_354'>354</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, No. 4727 Havildar Mahan, I.O.M., Russian Medal of St. George, 1st Class, <a href='#Page_358'>358</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, Subadar Malla, M.C., I.O.M., <a href='#Page_71'>71</a>, <a href='#Page_353'>353</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, No. 3133 Sepoy Maluk, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_367'>367</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, Dafadar Mangal, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_356'>356</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, Jemadar Mangal, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_368'>368</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, Jemadar Mangal, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_157'>157</a>, <a href='#Page_365'>365</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, No. 3623 Havildar Mangal, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_252'>252</a>, <a href='#Page_359'>359</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, No. 131 Lance-Naik Mangal, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_285'>285</a>, <a href='#Page_358'>358</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, Jemadar Maingha, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_359'>359</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, No. 4397 Bearer Mastan, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_380'>380</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, No. 4563 Sepoy Mastan, I.O.M., Russian Medal of St. George, 3rd Class, <a href='#Page_359'>359</a>, <a href='#Page_360'>360</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, Subadar Mehar, Bahadur, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_363'>363</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, No. 2616 Sepoy Mihan, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_356'>356</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, No. 1189 Naik Mit, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_364'>364</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, Subadar Mota, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_364'>364</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, Jemadar Mota, Russian Cross of the Order of St. George, 4th Class, <a href='#Page_364'>364</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, No. 1336 Naik Mota, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_364'>364</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, No. 2882 Havildar Mula, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_364'>364</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, No. 1116 1st Class Sub-Assist. Surgeon Nagindar, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_378'>378</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, No. 231 Havildar, afterwards Jemadar, Narain, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_364'>364</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, No. 1452 Havildar Narayan, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_360'>360</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, Subadar Natha, I.O.M., Bahadur, <a href='#Page_64'>64</a>, <a href='#Page_125'>125</a>, <a href='#Page_359'>359</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, No. 1871 Havildar Nikka, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_125'>125</a>, <a href='#Page_359'>359</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, No. 1148 Havildar Pala, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_125'>125</a>, <a href='#Page_359'>359</a></li> + <li class='c016'><span class='pageno' id='Page_426'>426</span>Singh, No. 1230 2nd Class Sub-Assist. Surgeon Pargan, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_379'>379</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, Subadar Parshada, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_357'>357</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, No. 3991 Sepoy Phaga, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_370'>370</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, No. 3131 Lance-Naik Phangan, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_367'>367</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, Subadar Phuman, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_367'>367</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, No. 1576 Havildar Prem, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_360'>360</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, Subadar Ram, <a href='#Page_125'>125</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, No. 862 1st Class Sub-Assist. Surgeon Ram, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_379'>379</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, Jemadar Ram Rup, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_353'>353</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, No. 862 Driver Rup, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_381'>381</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, No. 2270 Sepoy Rur, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_228'>228</a>, <a href='#Page_364'>364</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, Jemadar Sada Bahadur, <a href='#Page_353'>353</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, Risaldar Saddha Bahadur, <a href='#Page_350'>350</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, Subadar Sant, M.C., <a href='#Page_359'>359</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, No. 3063 Sepoy Sant, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_360'>360</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, No. 1025 Havildar Santa, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_367'>367</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, No. 962 Sepoy Sapuran, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_358'>358</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, No. 1255 Sepoy Sarain, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_358'>358</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, No. 295 Dafadar Sardar, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_175'>175</a>, <a href='#Page_351'>351</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, No. 409 Havildar Saudagar, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_363'>363</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, Subadar Saudagar, Bahadur, <a href='#Page_364'>364</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, Subadar Sher, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_359'>359</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, No. 2063 Naik Sohan, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_366'>366</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, Sapper Suba, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_354'>354</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, Jemadar Sucha, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_364'>364</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, No. 322 Havildar Sucha, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_354'>354</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, No. 638 Sepoy Sucha, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_358'>358</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, No. 2636 Sepoy Sucha, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_356'>356</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, Subadar Suhel, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_367'>367</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, Jemadar Suhel, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_367'>367</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, Subadar Sundar, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_354'>354</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, Subadar Sundar, Bahadur, <a href='#Page_353'>353</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, Subadar Sundar, Bahadur, <a href='#Page_368'>368</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, Jemadar Sundar, <a href='#Page_125'>125</a></li> + <li class='c016'><span class='pageno' id='Page_427'>427</span>Singh, No. 2164 Havildar Sundar, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_367'>367</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, No. 319 Lance-Naik Sundar, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_381'>381</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, No. 1249 Sepoy Sundar, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_358'>358</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, No. 2762 Sepoy Sundar, Russian Cross of the Order of St. George, 4th Class, <a href='#Page_370'>370</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, No. 547 Naik Surjan, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_363'>363</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, Sepoy Tawand, <a href='#Page_88'>88</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, No. 1804 Lance-Naik Teja Singh, Russian Medal of St. George, 4th Class, <a href='#Page_360'>360</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, Subadar Thakur, M.C., <a href='#Page_364'>364</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, No. 529 Sepoy Tilok, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_358'>358</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, No. 2775 Lance-Naik Tota, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_125'>125</a>, <a href='#Page_359'>359</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, No. 1001 Sepoy Ujagar, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_358'>358</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, Jemadar Uttam, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_353'>353</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, No. 1791 Sepoy Waryam, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_364'>364</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, Subadar Wasawa, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_389'>389</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Singh, Jemadar Wazir, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_358'>358</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Sirhind Brigade, <a href='#Page_19'>19</a>, <a href='#Page_20'>20</a>, <a href='#Page_51'>51</a>, <a href='#Page_61'>61</a>, <a href='#Page_65'>65</a>, <a href='#Page_78'>78</a>, <a href='#Page_96'>96</a>, <a href='#Page_138'>138</a>, <a href='#Page_143'>143</a>, <a href='#Page_149'>149</a>, <a href='#Page_150'>150</a>, <a href='#Page_154'>154</a>, <a href='#Page_158'>158</a>, <a href='#Page_159'>159</a>, <a href='#Page_160'>160</a>, <a href='#Page_161'>161</a>, <a href='#Page_162'>162</a>, <a href='#Page_164'>164</a>, <a href='#Page_165'>165</a>, <a href='#Page_166'>166</a>, <a href='#Page_170'>170</a>, <a href='#Page_174'>174</a>, <a href='#Page_175'>175</a>, <a href='#Page_205'>205</a>, <a href='#Page_215'>215</a>, <a href='#Page_218'>218</a>, <a href='#Page_221'>221</a>, <a href='#Page_224'>224</a>, <a href='#Page_226'>226</a>, <a href='#Page_229'>229</a>, <a href='#Page_231'>231</a>, <a href='#Page_240'>240</a>, <a href='#Page_247'>247</a>, <a href='#Page_248'>248</a>, <a href='#Page_253'>253</a>, <a href='#Page_254'>254</a>, <a href='#Page_255'>255</a>, <a href='#Page_257'>257</a>, <a href='#Page_258'>258</a>, <a href='#Page_259'>259</a>, <a href='#Page_260'>260</a>, <a href='#Page_261'>261</a>, <a href='#Page_263'>263</a>, <a href='#Page_265'>265</a>, <a href='#Page_278'>278</a>, <a href='#Page_279'>279</a>, <a href='#Page_280'>280</a>, <a href='#Page_281'>281</a>, <a href='#Page_284'>284</a>, <a href='#Page_286'>286</a>, <a href='#Page_287'>287</a>, <a href='#Page_288'>288</a>, <a href='#Page_289'>289</a>, <a href='#Page_291'>291</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Skeen, Major and Brevet Lieut.-Col., afterwards Brevet Col., A., <a href='#Page_349'>349</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Smith, Capt. A. D., M.C., <a href='#Page_373'>373</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Smith, Capt. Dallas, <a href='#Page_217'>217</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Smith, Major the Hon. F. E., K.C., M.P., afterwards Lieut.-Col., afterwards Lord Birkenhead, <a href='#Page_54'>54</a>, <a href='#Page_55'>55</a>, <a href='#Page_239'>239</a>, <a href='#Page_243'>243</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Smith, Corporal Issy, V.C., <a href='#Page_249'>249</a>, <a href='#Page_347'>347</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Smith, Major W. F., afterwards Brevet Lieut.-Col., <a href='#Page_381'>381</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Smith-Dorrien, General Sir Horace, <a href='#Page_53'>53</a>, <a href='#Page_60'>60</a>, <a href='#Page_69'>69</a>, <a href='#Page_74'>74</a>, <a href='#Page_75'>75</a>, <a href='#Page_78'>78</a>, <a href='#Page_138'>138</a>, <a href='#Page_178'>178</a>, <a href='#Page_247'>247</a>, <a href='#Page_266'>266</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Smyth, Lieut. J. G., V.C., Russian Order of St. George, 4th Class, <a href='#Page_285'>285</a>–6, <a href='#Page_347'>347</a>, <a href='#Page_357'>357</a>, <a href='#Page_358'>358</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Snelling, Sergeant R., <a href='#Page_171'>171</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Sobraon, <a href='#Page_87'>87</a>, <a href='#Page_118'>118</a>, <a href='#Page_234'>234</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Somaliland, <a href='#Page_50'>50</a>, <a href='#Page_226'>226</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Somme River, <a href='#Page_212'>212</a>, <a href='#Page_232'>232</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Soneput, <a href='#Page_12'>12</a></li> + <li class='c016'><span class='pageno' id='Page_428'>428</span>Sotheby, Lieut., <a href='#Page_338'>338</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Soudan, <a href='#Page_1'>1</a>, <a href='#Page_180'>180</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Southey, Lieut.-Col, (temp. Brig.-General), afterwards Brevet Col., W. M., C.M.G., <a href='#Page_39'>39</a>, <a href='#Page_41'>41</a>, <a href='#Page_42'>42</a>, <a href='#Page_45'>45</a>, <a href='#Page_122'>122</a>, <a href='#Page_123'>123</a>, <a href='#Page_126'>126</a>, <a href='#Page_129'>129</a>, <a href='#Page_206'>206</a>, <a href='#Page_209'>209</a>, <a href='#Page_349'>349</a>, <a href='#Page_370'>370</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Sparrow, Capt., <a href='#Page_213'>213</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Squires, Capt. E. K., M.C., <a href='#Page_353'>353</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Stack, Capt. E., <a href='#Page_76'>76</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Stainforth, Lieut.-Col. H. G., C.M.G., <a href='#Page_350'>350</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Stansfield, Major, <a href='#Page_339'>339</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Steele, Major St. G., <a href='#Page_54'>54</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Steven, Lieut., <a href='#Page_234'>234</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Stevens, Lieut.-Col. N. M. C., C.M.G., <a href='#Page_369'>369</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Stewart, Private, <a href='#Page_127'>127</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Stewart, Major J. H. K., D.S.O., <a href='#Page_348'>348</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Stewart, Lieut, the Hon. K., <a href='#Page_276'>276</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Stewart, Capt. W., D.S.O., <a href='#Page_185'>185</a>, <a href='#Page_220'>220</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Stewart, Lieut. W., <a href='#Page_163'>163</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Stokes, Brig.-General, <a href='#Page_265'>265</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Strickland, Colonel, afterwards Brigadier· General, <a href='#Page_170'>170</a>, <a href='#Page_171'>171</a>, <a href='#Page_175'>175</a>, <a href='#Page_206'>206</a>, <a href='#Page_224'>224</a>, <a href='#Page_227'>227</a>, <a href='#Page_230'>230</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Strong, Major A., D.S.O., <a href='#Page_348'>348</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Stuart, Major, afterwards Brevet Lieut.-Col., A. G., <a href='#Page_350'>350</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Sturdee, Lieut., <a href='#Page_86'>86</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Suffolk Regiment, 4th, <a href='#Page_153'>153</a>, <a href='#Page_170'>170</a>, <a href='#Page_171'>171</a>, <a href='#Page_206'>206</a>, <a href='#Page_220'>220</a>, <a href='#Page_228'>228</a>, <a href='#Page_240'>240</a>, <a href='#Page_248'>248</a>, <a href='#Page_250'>250</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Sukal, 1st Class Sub-Assist. Surgeon Narayan Parshad, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_379'>379</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Suleiman, No. 3275 Sepoy, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_369'>369</a></li> + <li class='c016'><cite>Summary of News Extract</cite>, 1st-5th June 1915, <a href='#Page_318'>318</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Sunken Street, <a href='#Page_328'>328</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Surjoo, No. 7032 Lance-Naik, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_379'>379</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Surjoo, No. 11018 Lance-Naik, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_379'>379</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Sussex, (Royal) Regiment, <a href='#Page_167'>167</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Sutherland, Sergeant, <a href='#Page_152'>152</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Swan, Private, <a href='#Page_129'>129</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Swanston, Lieut.-Col. C. O., <a href='#Page_86'>86</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Swifte, Major, <a href='#Page_38'>38</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Swiney, Lieut.-Col. E. R., afterwards Brevet Col., <a href='#Page_95'>95</a>, <a href='#Page_123'>123</a>, <a href='#Page_129'>129</a>–32, <a href='#Page_210'>210</a>, <a href='#Page_213'>213</a>, <a href='#Page_215'>215</a>, <a href='#Page_361'>361</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Sydenham, Lady, <a href='#Page_101'>101</a></li> + <li class='c002'>Talab, Subadar Raj, D.S.O., I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_367'>367</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Talbot, Major, <a href='#Page_250'>250</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Tarrant, Capt., <a href='#Page_253'>253</a>, <a href='#Page_260'>260</a>, <a href='#Page_262'>262</a>, <a href='#Page_264'>264</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Tayler, Lieut., <a href='#Page_283'>283</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Taylor, Lieut., <a href='#Page_332'>332</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Taylor, Major G. H., <a href='#Page_95'>95</a>, <a href='#Page_108'>108</a>, <a href='#Page_110'>110</a></li> + <li class='c016'><span class='pageno' id='Page_429'>429</span>Taylor, Capt. J., D.S.O., <a href='#Page_215'>215</a>, <a href='#Page_378'>378</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Tel-el-Kebir, <a href='#Page_338'>338</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Templer, Lieut.-Col. C. F., C.M.G., <a href='#Page_382'>382</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Tennant, Lieut., <a href='#Page_271'>271</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Tennyson, Alfred Lord, quoted, <a href='#Page_105'>105</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Territorial Battalion, 142nd, <a href='#Page_144'>144</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Thapa, Subadar Autbir, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_372'>372</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Thapa, No. 1628 Havildar Bag Sing, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_373'>373</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Thapa, Havildar Bahadur, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_110'>110</a>, <a href='#Page_211'>211</a>, <a href='#Page_374'>374</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Thapa, No. 2205 Rifleman Balbir, I.O.M., Russian Medal of St. George, 3rd Class, <a href='#Page_372'>372</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Thapa, No. 2814 Rifleman Baliram, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_372'>372</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Thapa, Subadar Bara Sing, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_374'>374</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Thapa, Subadar Bhim Sing, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_211'>211</a>, <a href='#Page_374'>374</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Thapa, No. 1517 Naik Bhimbahadur, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_373'>373</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Thapa, No. 1348 Rifleman Budhiman, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_376'>376</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Thapa, Subadar Chandrabir, Bahadur, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_376'>376</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Thapa, No. 2650 Rifleman Chitabir, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_372'>372</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Thapa, No. 4078 Rifleman Dhamraj, Russian Medal of St. George, 4th Class, <a href='#Page_376'>376</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Thapa, No. 2118 Rifleman Ganpati, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_110'>110</a>, <a href='#Page_374'>374</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Thapa, Havildar Hara Sing, <a href='#Page_156'>156</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Thapa, Jemadar Harak Bahadur, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_374'>374</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Thapa, No. 3110 Havildar Hari Parshad, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_375'>375</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Thapa, Rifleman Jangia, <a href='#Page_156'>156</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Thapa, No. 1757 Lance-Naik Jhaman Sing, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_374'>374</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Thapa, No. 2719 Rifleman Jilman, I.O.M., Russian Cross of the Order of St. George, 4th Class, <a href='#Page_372'>372</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Thapa, Lance-Naik Kabiram, <a href='#Page_110'>110</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Thapa, Subadar Kharak Bahadur, Bahadur, <a href='#Page_374'>374</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Thapa, Jemadar Kharakbir, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_372'>372</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Thapa, No. 2129 Rifleman Kulbir, V.C., <a href='#Page_332'>332</a>, <a href='#Page_347'>347</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Thapa, Jemadar Lachman Sing, <a href='#Page_174'>174</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Thapa, No. 1946 Rifleman Lalbir, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_372'>372</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Thapa, No. 1593 Naik Patiram, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_373'>373</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Thapa, Jemadar Puran Sing, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_374'>374</a></li> + <li class='c016'><span class='pageno' id='Page_430'>430</span>Thapa, No. 1843 Naik Ramkishan, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_258'>258</a>, <a href='#Page_374'>374</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Thapa, No. 1473 Naik Ramparshad, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_373'>373</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Thapa, Jemadar Sasidhar, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_374'>374</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Thobal, <a href='#Page_46'>46</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Thompson, Corporal N., <a href='#Page_213'>213</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Thomson, Lieut., <a href='#Page_287'>287</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Thomson, Major A. G., D.S.O., <a href='#Page_127'>127</a>, <a href='#Page_366'>366</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Thornhill, Capt. C. M., M.C., <a href='#Page_371'>371</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Tillard, Major A., <a href='#Page_211'>211</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Tilleloy, Trench, <a href='#Page_328'>328</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Timour, <a href='#Page_29'>29</a>, <a href='#Page_37'>37</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Tinley, Colonel G. F., <a href='#Page_309'>309</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Tinley, Lieut. G. F., M.C., <a href='#Page_351'>351</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Tirah, <a href='#Page_53'>53</a>, <a href='#Page_63'>63</a>, <a href='#Page_85'>85</a>, <a href='#Page_87'>87</a>, <a href='#Page_110'>110</a>, <a href='#Page_164'>164</a>, <a href='#Page_216'>216</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Tiwana, Capt. the Hon. Malik Sir Umar Hayat Khan, <a href='#Page_21'>21</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Tiwari, No. 1088 Colour-Havildar Hira, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_369'>369</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Tombe Willot, La, <a href='#Page_208'>208</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Tomkins, Major, afterwards Brevet Col., H. L., <a href='#Page_50'>50</a>, <a href='#Page_77'>77</a>, <a href='#Page_350'>350</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Tooley, Lieut., <a href='#Page_152'>152</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Torrie, Capt. C. J., D.S.O., <a href='#Page_355'>355</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Tosh, Major, <a href='#Page_339'>339</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Touquet, le, <a href='#Page_143'>143</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Tourelle, La, <a href='#Page_270'>270</a>, <a href='#Page_279'>279</a>, <a href='#Page_280'>280</a>, <a href='#Page_286'>286</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Touret, Le, <a href='#Page_166'>166</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Trail, Capt. W. S., <a href='#Page_46'>46</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Treherne, Surgeon-General, <a href='#Page_50'>50</a>, <a href='#Page_204'>204</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Tribe, Lieut.-Col. C. W., C.M.G., <a href='#Page_276'>276</a>, <a href='#Page_363'>363</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Tulloch, Lieut. D., <a href='#Page_80'>80</a>, <a href='#Page_90'>90</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Turnbull, Capt., <a href='#Page_134'>134</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Turnbull, Capt. (temp. Major) G. O., D.S.O., <a href='#Page_359'>359</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Tuson, Colonel, <a href='#Page_260'>260</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Twining, Lieut.-Col. P., <a href='#Page_53'>53</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Twiss, Major W. L., <a href='#Page_50'>50</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Twiss, Capt. W. L. O., M.C., <a href='#Page_349'>349</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Tyler, Colonel, <a href='#Page_53'>53</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Tyson, Lieut., <a href='#Page_332'>332</a></li> + <li class='c002'>Uhlans, 16th, <a href='#Page_308'>308</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Umar, No. 937 1st Class Sub-Assist. Surgeon Muhammad, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_379'>379</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Ussher, Capt., <a href='#Page_145'>145</a></li> + <li class='c002'>Vaughan, Lieut., <a href='#Page_276'>276</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Vaughan, Major (temp. Lieut.-Col.) L. R., D.S.O., <a href='#Page_348'>348</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Vaughan, Lieut.-Col., afterwards Brevet Col., R. E., D.S.O., <a href='#Page_97'>97</a>, <a href='#Page_349'>349</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Vaughan-Sawyer, Capt. G. H., <a href='#Page_64'>64</a></li> + <li class='c016'><span class='pageno' id='Page_431'>431</span>Venour, Colonel W. E., <a href='#Page_78'>78</a>, <a href='#Page_79'>79</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Venters, Private, <a href='#Page_127'>127</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Verdun, <a href='#Page_232'>232</a>, <a href='#Page_269'>269</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Vermelle, <a href='#Page_142'>142</a>–3</li> + <li class='c016'>Vieille Chapelle, <a href='#Page_67'>67</a>, <a href='#Page_153'>153</a>, <a href='#Page_205'>205</a>, <a href='#Page_208'>208</a>, <a href='#Page_215'>215</a>, <a href='#Page_218'>218</a>, <a href='#Page_224'>224</a>, <a href='#Page_278'>278</a>, <a href='#Page_280'>280</a>, <a href='#Page_284'>284</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Villiers-Stuart, Capt. J. P., D.S.O., <a href='#Page_348'>348</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Vincent, Capt., <a href='#Page_341'>341</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Vincent, Major Barclay, <a href='#Page_50'>50</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Violaines, <a href='#Page_279'>279</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Vivian, Major C. A., afterwards Brevet Lieut.-Col., <a href='#Page_261'>261</a>, <a href='#Page_358'>358</a></li> + <li class='c002'>Wade, Lieut. H., <a href='#Page_72'>72</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Wadeson, Col. (temp. Brig.-General) F. W. G., C.B., <a href='#Page_20'>20</a>, <a href='#Page_106'>106</a>, <a href='#Page_171'>171</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Wadhawa, No. 4009 Naik, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_379'>379</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Wahab, No. 3063 Havildar Abdul, I.O.M., Russian Medal of St. George, 2nd Class, <a href='#Page_157'>157</a>, <a href='#Page_368'>368</a>, <a href='#Page_369'>369</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Wake, Major, <a href='#Page_76'>76</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Walcott, Lieut. J. H., <a href='#Page_85'>85</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Walker, Col. (temp. Brig.-General), afterwards Major-General, W. G., V.C., C.B., <a href='#Page_205'>205</a>, <a href='#Page_226'>226</a>, <a href='#Page_230'>230</a>, <a href='#Page_287'>287</a>, <a href='#Page_349'>349</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Walker, Lieut.-Col., <a href='#Page_339'>339</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Wall, Lieut.-Col. F., C.M.G., <a href='#Page_97'>97</a>, <a href='#Page_378'>378</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Wallis, Lieut. B. H., M.C., <a href='#Page_134'>134</a>, <a href='#Page_369'>369</a></li> + <li class='c016'>War Office, the, and the Indian Army, <a href='#Page_13'>13</a>, <a href='#Page_14'>14</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Wardell, Capt. C. G., <a href='#Page_242'>242</a>, <a href='#Page_340'>340</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Wardell, Major W. H., <a href='#Page_130'>130</a>, <a href='#Page_131'>131</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Warneton, <a href='#Page_143'>143</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Waterfield, Capt. F. C., <a href='#Page_287'>287</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Waterloo, <a href='#Page_29'>29</a>, <a href='#Page_338'>338</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Waters, Capt., <a href='#Page_250'>250</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Watkis, Lieut.-General H. B. B., K.C.B., <a href='#Page_18'>18</a>, <a href='#Page_50'>50</a>, <a href='#Page_64'>64</a>, <a href='#Page_106'>106</a>, <a href='#Page_149'>149</a>, <a href='#Page_154'>154</a>, <a href='#Page_162'>162</a>, <a href='#Page_163'>163</a>, <a href='#Page_170'>170</a>, <a href='#Page_171'>171</a>, <a href='#Page_175'>175</a>, <a href='#Page_177'>177</a>, <a href='#Page_179'>179</a>, <a href='#Page_347'>347</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Watkis, Capt. H. L., M.C., <a href='#Page_349'>349</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Watt, Major D., D.S.O., <a href='#Page_159'>159</a>, <a href='#Page_217'>217</a>, <a href='#Page_372'>372</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Watt, Miss P. F., Royal Red Cross Decoration, 1st Class, <a href='#Page_378'>378</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Wauchope, Major A. G., afterwards Brig.-General, <a href='#Page_128'>128</a>–9, <a href='#Page_166'>166</a>, <a href='#Page_169'>169</a>, <a href='#Page_336'>336</a>, <a href='#Page_338'>338</a>, <a href='#Page_342'>342</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Weir, Capt. D. L., <a href='#Page_212'>212</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Welchman, Lieut. J., <a href='#Page_131'>131</a>, <a href='#Page_213'>213</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Welsh (Royal) Fusiliers, <a href='#Page_51'>51</a></li> + <li class='c016'><span class='pageno' id='Page_432'>432</span>West Kent Regiment, <a href='#Page_66'>66</a>, <a href='#Page_68'>68</a></li> + <li class='c016'>West Riding Regiment, <a href='#Page_78'>78</a>, <a href='#Page_260'>260</a></li> + <li class='c016'>West Riding Regiment, 49th, <a href='#Page_241'>241</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Westmacott, General, <a href='#Page_167'>167</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Wheeler, Lieut. E. O., <a href='#Page_112'>112</a></li> + <li class='c016'>White, Lieut.-Col. W. W., afterwards Brevet Col., <a href='#Page_97'>97</a>, <a href='#Page_380'>380</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Whitton, Sergeant, <a href='#Page_156'>156</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Wickham, Capt. J. C., D.S.O., <a href='#Page_353'>353</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Wicks, Capt. H., <a href='#Page_107'>107</a>, <a href='#Page_169'>169</a>, <a href='#Page_214'>214</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Wicres, <a href='#Page_306'>306</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Widdicombe, Lieut.-Col. G. T., C.B., <a href='#Page_169'>169</a>, <a href='#Page_223'>223</a>, <a href='#Page_376'>376</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Wieltje, <a href='#Page_245'>245</a>, <a href='#Page_247'>247</a>, <a href='#Page_248'>248</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Willans, Major T. J., D.S.O., <a href='#Page_37'>37</a>, <a href='#Page_38'>38</a>, <a href='#Page_46'>46</a>, <a href='#Page_251'>251</a>, <a href='#Page_365'>365</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Willcocks, Lieut. J. L., <a href='#Page_54'>54</a>, <a href='#Page_55'>55</a>, <a href='#Page_177'>177</a>, <a href='#Page_235'>235</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Williams, Major A. F. C., D.S.O., Russian Order of St. Stanislas, 3rd Class, with Swords, <a href='#Page_352'>352</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Wilson, Sergeant, <a href='#Page_129'>129</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Wilson, Capt. G. E., <a href='#Page_125'>125</a>, <a href='#Page_127'>127</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Wilson, Capt. R. S., <a href='#Page_92'>92</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Wiltshire Regiment, <a href='#Page_66'>66</a>, <a href='#Page_67'>67</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Winchester Road, <a href='#Page_337'>337</a> + <ul> + <li>Street, <a href='#Page_328'>328</a></li> + </ul> + </li> + <li class='c016'>Wood, Lieut., <a href='#Page_332'>332</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Wood, Capt. C. A., M.B., M.C., <a href='#Page_378'>378</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Wright, Capt. H., <a href='#Page_76'>76</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Wulverghem, <a href='#Page_33'>33</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Wylie, Captain M., <a href='#Page_174'>174</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Wytschaete, <a href='#Page_33'>33</a>, <a href='#Page_34'>34</a>, <a href='#Page_35'>35</a>, <a href='#Page_36'>36</a>, <a href='#Page_37'>37</a>, <a href='#Page_38'>38</a></li> + <li class='c002'>Xenophon, <a href='#Page_264'>264</a></li> + <li class='c002'>Yates, Capt. R. C., <a href='#Page_162'>162</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Yeusafzais, <a href='#Page_238'>238</a></li> + <li class='c016'>York and Lancaster Regiment, <a href='#Page_260'>260</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Young, Major A., <a href='#Page_169'>169</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Young, Major D., <a href='#Page_229'>229</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Yousafzai, <a href='#Page_22'>22</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Ypres, <a href='#Page_24'>24</a>, <a href='#Page_35'>35</a>, <a href='#Page_44'>44</a>, <a href='#Page_46'>46</a>, <a href='#Page_48'>48</a>, <a href='#Page_53'>53</a>, <a href='#Page_61'>61</a>, <a href='#Page_67'>67</a>, <a href='#Page_73'>73</a>, <a href='#Page_119'>119</a>, <a href='#Page_161'>161</a>, <a href='#Page_177'>177</a>, <a href='#Page_178'>178</a>, <a href='#Page_202'>202</a>, <a href='#Page_232'>232</a>, <a href='#Page_244'>244</a>, <a href='#Page_246'>246</a>, <a href='#Page_247'>247</a>, <a href='#Page_248'>248</a>, <a href='#Page_249'>249</a>, <a href='#Page_250'>250</a>, <a href='#Page_252'>252</a>, <a href='#Page_254'>254</a>, <a href='#Page_261'>261</a>, <a href='#Page_265'>265</a>, <a href='#Page_266'>266</a>, <a href='#Page_268'>268</a>, <a href='#Page_298'>298</a>, <a href='#Page_300'>300</a>, <a href='#Page_307'>307</a></li> + <li class='c002'>Zakka Khel Expedition, <a href='#Page_9'>9</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Zaman, Subadar Khan, I.O.M., <a href='#Page_370'>370</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Zaman, No. 44 Naik Khan, I.D.S.M., <a href='#Page_234'>234</a>, <a href='#Page_355'>355</a></li> + <li class='c016'>Zelobes, <a href='#Page_208'>208</a></li> +</ul> + +<div class='nf-center-c0'> +<div class='nf-center c002'> + <div><span class='small'><i>Printed in Great Britain by</i> <span class='sc'>R. & R. Clark, Limited</span>, <i>Edinburgh</i>.</span></div> + </div> +</div> + +<hr class='c031'> +<div class='footnote' id='f1'> +<p class='c013'><a href='#r1'>1</a>. General name for Sikhs = chosen people.</p> +</div> +<div class='footnote' id='f2'> +<p class='c013'><a href='#r2'>2</a>. Black; a term applied to the sea.</p> +</div> +<div class='footnote' id='f3'> +<p class='c013'><a href='#r3'>3</a>. Mahabharut or “Great War”; the great epic poem of India.</p> +</div> +<div class='footnote' id='f4'> +<p class='c013'><a href='#r4'>4</a>. The Sikh war-cry.</p> +</div> +<div class='footnote' id='f5'> +<p class='c013'><a href='#r5'>5</a>. Mother India.</p> +</div> +<div class='footnote' id='f6'> +<p class='c013'><a href='#r6'>6</a>. War-cries of Hindus, Sikhs, Mahomedans, and Gurkhas.</p> +</div> +<div class='footnote' id='f7'> +<p class='c013'><a href='#r7'>7</a>. God.</p> +</div> +<div class='footnote' id='f8'> +<p class='c013'><a href='#r8'>8</a>. I was rejoiced to see in the <cite>London Gazette</cite> of 4th September 1919 that +this very gallant officer had been given the Victoria Cross.</p> +</div> +<div class='footnote' id='f9'> +<p class='c013'><a href='#r9'>9</a>. Indian battalions were in these days formed in eight companies.</p> +</div> +<div class='footnote' id='f10'> +<p class='c013'><a href='#r10'>10</a>. In indexing the many Indian names the indexer has followed the method used in +the India Office <i>English</i> catalogues.</p> +</div> +<div class='pbb'> + <hr class='pb c003'> +</div> +<div class='border'> + +<div class='nf-center-c0'> +<div class='nf-center c005'> + <div><span class='xlarge'>THE WAR IN MESOPOTAMIA AND PALESTINE</span></div> + </div> +</div> + +</div> +<div class='border'> + +<div class='nf-center-c0'> +<div class='nf-center c002'> + <div>THE LIFE OF LIEUT.-GENERAL</div> + <div class='c003'>SIR STANLEY MAUDE</div> + <div class='c003'>K.C.B., C.M.G., D.S.O.</div> + <div class='c003'>By Major-General Sir <span class='sc'>C. E. Callwell</span>, K.C.B., Author of “The Dardanelles,” etc. Illustrations and Maps. Demy 8vo.</div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c013'>This important book is the authorised memorial biography of the famous +soldier who in Mesopotamia was in command of the gallant effort to relieve +Kut, who conquered Baghdad, and died of cholera in November 1917. +Major-General Callwell has had access to every family and official record, and +his book contains, in their own words, the estimates of Maude as a man and a +soldier formed by the officers and others most closely associated with him +during his career.</p> + +<p class='c013'><i>Contents</i>:—Ancestry and Early Years—From 1884 to 1899—The South +African War—The Time in Canada—From 1905 to 1914—1914: On the Staff +of the Third Corps in France—In Command of the 14th Infantry Brigade—The +Dardanelles—The Move from Egypt to Mesopotamia—The Effort to relieve +Kut—From Divisional to Army Commander—Preparations for an Offensive +Campaign—The Campaign of Baghdad—Consolidating the Conquest—The +Death of Maude—An Appreciation—Index.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c0'> +<div class='nf-center c002'> + <div>HOW JERUSALEM WAS WON</div> + <div class='c003'>By <span class='sc'>W. T. Massey</span>, C.B.E. Illustrated.</div> + </div> +</div> + +<div class='nf-center-c0'> +<div class='nf-center c002'> + <div>ALLENBY’S FINAL TRIUMPH</div> + <div class='c003'>By <span class='sc'>W. T. Massey</span>, C.B.E. Illustrated.</div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c013'>These two volumes by the Official Correspondent of the London newspapers +with the E.E.F. from a comprehensive record of Allenby’s victorious +campaigns in Palestine.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c0'> +<div class='nf-center c002'> + <div>THE NAVY IN MESOPOTAMIA</div> + <div class='c003'>THE NAVY EVERYWHERE</div> + <div class='c003'>By <span class='sc'>Conrad Cato</span>. Maps and Illustrations.</div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c013'>Two volumes of brilliant description of naval operations in the more +remote theatres of war.</p> + +<p class='c013'>CONSTABLE & CO. LTD. 10–12 ORANGE STREET LONDON W.C.2.</p> + +</div> + +<div class='border'> + +<div class='nf-center-c0'> +<div class='nf-center c005'> + <div><span class='xlarge'>❧      THE WAR IN FRANCE      ❧</span></div> + </div> +</div> + +</div> +<div class='border'> + +<div class='nf-center-c0'> +<div class='nf-center c002'> + <div>1914</div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c019'>By Field-Marshal Lord <span class='sc'>French</span> of Ypres, K.P., O.M., etc. With a +Preface by Marshal <span class='sc'>Foch</span>. Second Edition, with a Preface by +the Author. Maps. Demy 8vo.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c0'> +<div class='nf-center c002'> + <div>YPRES 1914</div> + </div> +</div> + +<p class='c019'>An official account published by order of the German General Staff. +With Introduction and Note by the Historical Section (Military +Section) of the Committee of Imperial Defence.</p> + +<div class='nf-center-c0'> +<div class='nf-center c002'> + <div>R.A.M.C. AND THE GREAT WAR</div> + <div class='c003'>MONS: THE MARNE: THE AISNE</div> + <div class='c003'>By Lt.-Col. <span class='sc'>F. E. Brereton</span>, R.A.M.C. Maps. Demy 8vo.</div> + </div> +</div> + +<div class='nf-center-c0'> +<div class='nf-center c002'> + <div>NOTES OF A CAMP-FOLLOWER ON THE WESTERN FRONT</div> + <div class='c003'>A picture of the work of the Y.M.C.A. Huts by <span class='sc'>E. W. Hornung</span>.</div> + </div> +</div> + +<div class='nf-center-c0'> +<div class='nf-center c002'> + <div>THE ROMANCE OF THE BATTLE LINE IN FRANCE</div> + <div class='c003'>An Historical Guide to the Invaded Regions.</div> + <div class='c003'>By <span class='sc'>J. E. C. Bodley</span>, Author of “France.” Maps.</div> + </div> +</div> + +<div class='nf-center-c0'> +<div class='nf-center c002'> + <div>ENGLAND IN FRANCE</div> + <div class='c003'>Mainly with the 59th Division.</div> + <div class='c003'>Illustrations by <span class='sc'>Sydney A. Jones</span>. Text by <span class='sc'>Charles Vince</span>.</div> + </div> +</div> + +</div> +<div class='border'> + +<div class='nf-center-c0'> + <div class='nf-center'> + <div>CONSTABLE & CO. LTD. 10–12 ORANGE STREET LONDON W.C.2.</div> + </div> +</div> + +</div> + +<div class='pbb'> + <hr class='pb c003'> +</div> +<div class='tnotes x-ebookmaker'> + +<div class='chapter ph2'> + +<div class='nf-center-c0'> +<div class='nf-center c005'> + <div>TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES</div> + </div> +</div> + +</div> + +<table class='table0'> + <tr> + <th class='c022'>Page</th> + <th class='c022'>Changed from</th> + <th class='c023'>Changed to</th> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class='c024'><a href='#t2nd'>2nd</a></td> + <td class='c032'>154–6, 161–4, 174, 234, 240, 253–4, 257, 260, 262, 264, 285, 291</td> + <td class='c033'>2nd, 154–6, 161–4, 174, 234, 240, 253–4, 257, 260, 262, 264, 285, 291</td> + </tr> + <tr> + <td class='c024'><a href='#t5th'>6th</a></td> + <td class='c032'>Brigade, 5th, 232</td> + <td class='c033'>Brigade, 6th, 232</td> + </tr> +</table> + + <ul class='ul_1'> + <li>Typos fixed; non-standard spelling and dialect retained. + + </li> + <li>Used numbers for footnotes, placing them all at the end of the last chapter. + </li> + </ul> + +</div> + +<div style='text-align:center'>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 77003 ***</div> + </body> + <!-- created with ppgen.py 3.57e (with regex) on 2025-09-16 14:55:39 GMT --> +</html> + diff --git a/77003-h/images/cover.jpg b/77003-h/images/cover.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..31a9dce --- /dev/null +++ b/77003-h/images/cover.jpg diff --git a/77003-h/images/i_b_075fp.jpg b/77003-h/images/i_b_075fp.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..8209376 --- /dev/null +++ b/77003-h/images/i_b_075fp.jpg diff --git a/77003-h/images/i_b_165.jpg b/77003-h/images/i_b_165.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..471d26f --- /dev/null +++ b/77003-h/images/i_b_165.jpg diff --git a/77003-h/images/i_b_234fp.jpg b/77003-h/images/i_b_234fp.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..8104f7c --- /dev/null +++ b/77003-h/images/i_b_234fp.jpg diff --git a/77003-h/images/i_b_267fp.jpg b/77003-h/images/i_b_267fp.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..2cb2876 --- /dev/null +++ b/77003-h/images/i_b_267fp.jpg diff --git a/77003-h/images/i_b_317afp.jpg b/77003-h/images/i_b_317afp.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..81b7b6e --- /dev/null +++ b/77003-h/images/i_b_317afp.jpg diff --git a/77003-h/images/i_b_317bfp.jpg b/77003-h/images/i_b_317bfp.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..cf4d126 --- /dev/null +++ b/77003-h/images/i_b_317bfp.jpg diff --git a/77003-h/images/i_b_319fp.jpg b/77003-h/images/i_b_319fp.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..c09522f --- /dev/null +++ b/77003-h/images/i_b_319fp.jpg diff --git a/77003-h/images/i_b_343.jpg b/77003-h/images/i_b_343.jpg Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..c530bdc --- /dev/null +++ b/77003-h/images/i_b_343.jpg diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..b5dba15 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This book, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this book outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..5ad9e7a --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for book #77003 +(https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/77003) |
