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Military News
January
70th Burma Rifles and the Burma Ford Motor Van Company
Burman Troops Inspected by Lieut-Governor
All roads led to the bivouac of the Burman soldiers, the 70th Burma Rifles and the Burma Ford Motor Van Company on Saturday when they were inspected by the Lieut-Governor. Early in the morning the Burma Rifles arrived from Maymyo in two train sections of from fifteen to twenty cars each; they met with unparalleled enthusiasm en route to Rangoon, great crowds greeting them at every station on the way. On arrival there were present at the appointed place to meet them the Commissioner of Police, the Hon. U Po Tha, Mr R.G.P.P. McDonnell, Mr P.A. Churchward, C.I.E., Mr Austin, Superintendent, Port Police, Lt. Ronthiff? Lt. Grist and a number of railway officials and elders of the Burmese community, as well as members of the committee of arrangements and Burmese bar. The attendance was greatly augmented as the morning wore. When the Lieut-Governor accompanied by Major Meade, who on Saturday took over the duties of Private Secretary from Mr Lister, arrived a very large and representative gathering was present which included the Chief Secretary, heads of all Government departments as well as many military officers and representatives of the various professions and trades of Rangoon.
At the bivouac arrangements had been made for the feeding of the men by Daw Son and family of Pazundaung in conjunction with the Hon. U Po Tha and a very substantial meal was furnished to each, which the men appreciated after their long hot ride in the train. As the Rifles in the second train section were still detraining, the 1st Burma Ford Motor Van Company under Major Marris, who have been training hard for weeks past on the western slopes of the Shwe Dagon pagoda, with the Punjabis’ band at their head came into view and took up a position close to the Burma Rifles. They were coming from a route march through Kemmendine, having left their depot in Cantonment at 7 30 a.m. Their route led along Ahlone rd., Shan rd., Innes rd., Kemmendine rd., Commissioner rd., Sule Pagoda rd. All along the route they were greeted with cheers and the greatest enthusiasm was manifested, particularly when passing through Kemmendine when the pupils of a school turned out and cheered them to the echo.
At the place where breakfast was served were two anyein pwes. In one were Ba Kyine, B.A., Aye Myine and McKenzie Than Nyun; while in the other were Bozadouk Ohn Kin and Protea Thein Kin. They were heavily welcomed by the soldiers and public, particularly the former. Some of the soldiers were so carried away, especially the Upper Burma men, that they took a hand in the pwes and danced also to the great delight of their comrades and the onlookers. The merry-making came to an end with the sounding of the “Assembly” for the Burma Rifles and the way the men fell in showed the excellent training they had received. The men formed in column of fours and with the I.D.F. band at their head started on a route march through the Pabandan, Taroktan and Lanmadaw quarters and back through the same quarters along the route already notified. A fatigue party was in charge of the bivouac. The band of the Burma Railways Regt. led the second half of the Regiment. The men of the Burma Ford Motor Van Company now received their breakfast and afterwards enjoyed the pwes. While the Burma Rifles were on their route march they passed a detachment of a British infantry regiment with the Rifle Brigade band at their head. The latter stopped and facing the company front formation, stood to attention until their Burman comrades in arms had gone by and then continued their march.
The Lieut-Governor arrived before the Burma Rifles had returned from their route march, but it was not long before the music of the bands was heard in the distance and the regiment came into view and filed into their bivouac where Sir Reginald Craddock inspected them and the Ford Van Company. The officers on parade were:- Burma Rifles, Lt.-Col. Stuart, I.A., in command ; Captains Grant, Mallet and Kenny, and Lieutenants Owen, Bell and Grigson ; Ford Van Company, Major Marris, in command ; Captain Lynn, Lieutenants Allen, Bruce and Cockman.
At the conclusion of the inspection the Lieut.-Governor, who had been met on arrival by Colonel Pollen, commanding the Rangoon Brigade in the absence on tour of General Young, mounted a temporary platform and spoke to the Burma Rifles as follows:-
Lieut.-Governor’s Speech
Lt.-Col. Stuart, officers, non-commissioned officers and men of the 70th Burma Rifles, it is a source of the greatest pleasure to me that one of the very earliest public acts that has fallen to me, after assuming charge of the province, to perform, is to welcome and speed on their way the first battalion of the 70th Burma Rifles. The occasion is a unique one in the annals of Burma. Until quite recently it seemed to be general assumption that Burmans would not supply good recruiting material for the army. Nobody ever impugned the courage of the Burman or his willingness to fight if occasion demanded. But it was thought that they were too easy-going a people to submit readily to the long and laborious training and the restraints of discipline which are so indispensable to the making of a soldier. And it came to be considered that the people of Burma must be regarded as among the non-fighting races of the Empire. But time has shown the error of many such beliefs and assumptions. They have been falsified in Great Britain itself; they have been falsified in India and now they are being falsified in Burma. Thus, peace-loving men have come from the plough, the factory and the counter and taken their places with the bravest of the brave. Contingents drawn from the indigenous races of Burma have already left these shores. The 85th Burma Rifles is partly composed of Burmese and the Burma Company of Sappers and Miners is on active service in Mesopotamia. They have, on all the information that we possess, acquitted themselves well and justified their selection. But [you are] the first complete battalion of B[urmans] which has ever left Burma, and upon you rests, both as a regiment and as individuals, a great responsibility. You have got to show what Burmans can do. You have to demonstrate in your persons that Burmans can undergo discipline and profit by it as readily as any race. You have to lead the way that other Burmans may follow.
You are now going to complete your training in India and it may be (and I am sure that every man among you desires nothing more) that when that training is complete, the chance may be [given] you of showing your value as fighting men. Remember this, that you carry with you the honour of Burma and of the people of Burma. If you do well, you will establish the reputation of your race as soldiers ; but if you do ill you may damage it irretrievably. If any man among you should at any time feel home-sick or be tried of the toil and discipline, let him say to himself “the honour of Burma and of the people of Burma depends upon me,” and let him shake off his weariness and bear himself like a man.
Soldiers, and through you I am addressing a wider audience of Burmese, we want more Burmans to come forward to fight for the Empire. We want them to come forward, as you have done, gladly and of your own free will. We want no compulsion, no undue influence, no bribe, and no mercenary inducements. The Empire has called for its man power and the King Emperor needs your services. The labourer is worthy of his hire and the solider of his pay and rewards. But the motives that call you out must be: We Burmans are the King Emperor’s men and we answer to the call of the Empire. We want to show alike to our friends and to our enemies that the Burman can fight and if need be, the Burman can die in a sacred cause, as well as any other sons of the Empire. Let every district vie with each other in answering to this call. I do not know whether it is possible to form district companies in the battalions that may be raised, but if it is, I will warmly support this course.
I have said that the Empire has need of its man-power, but it is not only fighting men that are required. There are those who fight and those who work behind the line; each is indispensable to the other if victory is to be won. Let no man despise him who works behind the line. This work is honourable and of great value and we ask of Burma to give us also a supply of those who work behind the line. You have already sent out a Labour Corps of such men to the seat of war and they have played their part right well. But the numbers must be kept up and more and more men are wanted. Burma has twelve million people. Let it not be said to Burma’s discredit that she could not supply even a few thousand for a labour corps. India has supplied the men for an Army which has shown its deathless valour in the battle-fields of the world and India is also pouring out men for labour corps and for those who work behind the line. Let Burma show that in both fields she can hold her own and play her proper part. Burmans, Shans, Karens, Chins, Kachins, [all the] races of this Province, all are [wanted?] all are sons of the Empire, all are loyal subjects of the King Emperor. The Sawbwas of Yawnghwe and Hsipaw have shown a good example to their brother Shan Chiefs. The American Baptist Missionaries have sent is many recruits from among their Karen flock. Now is the time for the leading people and the elders to spur on the flower of Burma’s manhood. The spirit of your religion is sacrifice. The Lord Buddha sacrificed his all to search for the truth. The cause of the Empire is the cause of truth. For the Allied are fighting against the greatest organised mendacity that the work has ever seen. Let all work together, the trusted officer of Government who have done so much to encourage and the elders of the people who trust their officers on the one side and who are trusted by their young men on the other. It is a time for encouragement, a time for gaining merit; whether you be workers or fighters, to both is equal honour.
Officer and men, I wish you God-speed, success, honour and a happy return. May you be able to say when that day comes, we went forth as the first fruits of Burma’s hope and Burma’s courage and we have come back and no man can now say that Burma cannot play her part and send out her fighting men, whether it be to protect her own frontiers or to fight the battles of the Empire in foreign lands. Go out now and do your duty to the Empire for the honour of Burma. The Lieut.-Governor was heartily cheered by the men, Col. Stuart calling for the cheers. Sir Reginald then went to the Ford Van Company and spoke to them.
The Ford Van Company
His Honour spoke as follows:- Major Marris, officers, non-commissioned officers and men of the Burma Ford Van Company – I welcome this opportunity of wishing you farewell and Godspeed on your departure from Burma, It is good to hear that a second company is in course of formation and that recruiting for it is progressing well. The fact that it is only a little more than two months since your company was formed is signal testimony to the skill and energy shown by Major Marris and those helping him in training you and to your zeal and application in the learning. Most of what I have already said in my address to the 70th Burma Rifles applied equally to you. The qualities required of you are, besides mechanical skill, coolness, courage and endurance; and it will be a source of pride to your fellow-countrymen if they should learn that in this field of work also Burmans have been able to bear honourable comparison with the men of other similar units serving in his Majesty’s Army. I feel confident that every man among you will do his best to earn distinction for his company and his race. In the name of Burma I wish you all success and a happy return to your country with a fine record of duties honourably performed and of service faithfully rendered.
Lusty cheers were given for him by this unit after which he had presented to him Daw Sone (sic) and her sons, whom he thanked for their public-spiritedness in feeding the troops. He then bade those present good bye and entering his motor car was driven back to Government House.
After the Lieut.-Governor’s departure the pwes were resumed and general merry-making took place until late in the afternoon. A number of pleasing incidents took place during the day, among them being the presentation of roses and thabye leaves, emblematic of victory, to all ranks by Miss May Oung who was heartily cheered. Baskets of oranges were distributed at breakfast time by U May Oung and the following other presents were made over to the commanding officers of the two units:- 1000 cigarettes .... There were also individual presents, too numerous to mention.
The men of both units looked very well. They are well set up and look as if they would not be found wanting where courage is required. There can be no doubt that their appearance and discipline were a revelation to many who saw them. A novel way of distinguishing the principal officers of the Burma Rifles was noticed. An orderly carrying a red flag is always in attendance on the commanding officer, while the same system is carried out in respect to the adjutant and the quartermaster, only with different coloured flags. Anyone looking for any of these officers could by the colour of the orderly’s flag easily distinguish from a distance where they were.
Burman Troops Inspected by Lieut-Governor
All roads led to the bivouac of the Burman soldiers, the 70th Burma Rifles and the Burma Ford Motor Van Company on Saturday when they were inspected by the Lieut-Governor. Early in the morning the Burma Rifles arrived from Maymyo in two train sections of from fifteen to twenty cars each; they met with unparalleled enthusiasm en route to Rangoon, great crowds greeting them at every station on the way. On arrival there were present at the appointed place to meet them the Commissioner of Police, the Hon. U Po Tha, Mr R.G.P.P. McDonnell, Mr P.A. Churchward, C.I.E., Mr Austin, Superintendent, Port Police, Lt. Ronthiff? Lt. Grist and a number of railway officials and elders of the Burmese community, as well as members of the committee of arrangements and Burmese bar. The attendance was greatly augmented as the morning wore. When the Lieut-Governor accompanied by Major Meade, who on Saturday took over the duties of Private Secretary from Mr Lister, arrived a very large and representative gathering was present which included the Chief Secretary, heads of all Government departments as well as many military officers and representatives of the various professions and trades of Rangoon.
At the bivouac arrangements had been made for the feeding of the men by Daw Son and family of Pazundaung in conjunction with the Hon. U Po Tha and a very substantial meal was furnished to each, which the men appreciated after their long hot ride in the train. As the Rifles in the second train section were still detraining, the 1st Burma Ford Motor Van Company under Major Marris, who have been training hard for weeks past on the western slopes of the Shwe Dagon pagoda, with the Punjabis’ band at their head came into view and took up a position close to the Burma Rifles. They were coming from a route march through Kemmendine, having left their depot in Cantonment at 7 30 a.m. Their route led along Ahlone rd., Shan rd., Innes rd., Kemmendine rd., Commissioner rd., Sule Pagoda rd. All along the route they were greeted with cheers and the greatest enthusiasm was manifested, particularly when passing through Kemmendine when the pupils of a school turned out and cheered them to the echo.
At the place where breakfast was served were two anyein pwes. In one were Ba Kyine, B.A., Aye Myine and McKenzie Than Nyun; while in the other were Bozadouk Ohn Kin and Protea Thein Kin. They were heavily welcomed by the soldiers and public, particularly the former. Some of the soldiers were so carried away, especially the Upper Burma men, that they took a hand in the pwes and danced also to the great delight of their comrades and the onlookers. The merry-making came to an end with the sounding of the “Assembly” for the Burma Rifles and the way the men fell in showed the excellent training they had received. The men formed in column of fours and with the I.D.F. band at their head started on a route march through the Pabandan, Taroktan and Lanmadaw quarters and back through the same quarters along the route already notified. A fatigue party was in charge of the bivouac. The band of the Burma Railways Regt. led the second half of the Regiment. The men of the Burma Ford Motor Van Company now received their breakfast and afterwards enjoyed the pwes. While the Burma Rifles were on their route march they passed a detachment of a British infantry regiment with the Rifle Brigade band at their head. The latter stopped and facing the company front formation, stood to attention until their Burman comrades in arms had gone by and then continued their march.
The Lieut-Governor arrived before the Burma Rifles had returned from their route march, but it was not long before the music of the bands was heard in the distance and the regiment came into view and filed into their bivouac where Sir Reginald Craddock inspected them and the Ford Van Company. The officers on parade were:- Burma Rifles, Lt.-Col. Stuart, I.A., in command ; Captains Grant, Mallet and Kenny, and Lieutenants Owen, Bell and Grigson ; Ford Van Company, Major Marris, in command ; Captain Lynn, Lieutenants Allen, Bruce and Cockman.
At the conclusion of the inspection the Lieut.-Governor, who had been met on arrival by Colonel Pollen, commanding the Rangoon Brigade in the absence on tour of General Young, mounted a temporary platform and spoke to the Burma Rifles as follows:-
Lieut.-Governor’s Speech
Lt.-Col. Stuart, officers, non-commissioned officers and men of the 70th Burma Rifles, it is a source of the greatest pleasure to me that one of the very earliest public acts that has fallen to me, after assuming charge of the province, to perform, is to welcome and speed on their way the first battalion of the 70th Burma Rifles. The occasion is a unique one in the annals of Burma. Until quite recently it seemed to be general assumption that Burmans would not supply good recruiting material for the army. Nobody ever impugned the courage of the Burman or his willingness to fight if occasion demanded. But it was thought that they were too easy-going a people to submit readily to the long and laborious training and the restraints of discipline which are so indispensable to the making of a soldier. And it came to be considered that the people of Burma must be regarded as among the non-fighting races of the Empire. But time has shown the error of many such beliefs and assumptions. They have been falsified in Great Britain itself; they have been falsified in India and now they are being falsified in Burma. Thus, peace-loving men have come from the plough, the factory and the counter and taken their places with the bravest of the brave. Contingents drawn from the indigenous races of Burma have already left these shores. The 85th Burma Rifles is partly composed of Burmese and the Burma Company of Sappers and Miners is on active service in Mesopotamia. They have, on all the information that we possess, acquitted themselves well and justified their selection. But [you are] the first complete battalion of B[urmans] which has ever left Burma, and upon you rests, both as a regiment and as individuals, a great responsibility. You have got to show what Burmans can do. You have to demonstrate in your persons that Burmans can undergo discipline and profit by it as readily as any race. You have to lead the way that other Burmans may follow.
You are now going to complete your training in India and it may be (and I am sure that every man among you desires nothing more) that when that training is complete, the chance may be [given] you of showing your value as fighting men. Remember this, that you carry with you the honour of Burma and of the people of Burma. If you do well, you will establish the reputation of your race as soldiers ; but if you do ill you may damage it irretrievably. If any man among you should at any time feel home-sick or be tried of the toil and discipline, let him say to himself “the honour of Burma and of the people of Burma depends upon me,” and let him shake off his weariness and bear himself like a man.
Soldiers, and through you I am addressing a wider audience of Burmese, we want more Burmans to come forward to fight for the Empire. We want them to come forward, as you have done, gladly and of your own free will. We want no compulsion, no undue influence, no bribe, and no mercenary inducements. The Empire has called for its man power and the King Emperor needs your services. The labourer is worthy of his hire and the solider of his pay and rewards. But the motives that call you out must be: We Burmans are the King Emperor’s men and we answer to the call of the Empire. We want to show alike to our friends and to our enemies that the Burman can fight and if need be, the Burman can die in a sacred cause, as well as any other sons of the Empire. Let every district vie with each other in answering to this call. I do not know whether it is possible to form district companies in the battalions that may be raised, but if it is, I will warmly support this course.
I have said that the Empire has need of its man-power, but it is not only fighting men that are required. There are those who fight and those who work behind the line; each is indispensable to the other if victory is to be won. Let no man despise him who works behind the line. This work is honourable and of great value and we ask of Burma to give us also a supply of those who work behind the line. You have already sent out a Labour Corps of such men to the seat of war and they have played their part right well. But the numbers must be kept up and more and more men are wanted. Burma has twelve million people. Let it not be said to Burma’s discredit that she could not supply even a few thousand for a labour corps. India has supplied the men for an Army which has shown its deathless valour in the battle-fields of the world and India is also pouring out men for labour corps and for those who work behind the line. Let Burma show that in both fields she can hold her own and play her proper part. Burmans, Shans, Karens, Chins, Kachins, [all the] races of this Province, all are [wanted?] all are sons of the Empire, all are loyal subjects of the King Emperor. The Sawbwas of Yawnghwe and Hsipaw have shown a good example to their brother Shan Chiefs. The American Baptist Missionaries have sent is many recruits from among their Karen flock. Now is the time for the leading people and the elders to spur on the flower of Burma’s manhood. The spirit of your religion is sacrifice. The Lord Buddha sacrificed his all to search for the truth. The cause of the Empire is the cause of truth. For the Allied are fighting against the greatest organised mendacity that the work has ever seen. Let all work together, the trusted officer of Government who have done so much to encourage and the elders of the people who trust their officers on the one side and who are trusted by their young men on the other. It is a time for encouragement, a time for gaining merit; whether you be workers or fighters, to both is equal honour.
Officer and men, I wish you God-speed, success, honour and a happy return. May you be able to say when that day comes, we went forth as the first fruits of Burma’s hope and Burma’s courage and we have come back and no man can now say that Burma cannot play her part and send out her fighting men, whether it be to protect her own frontiers or to fight the battles of the Empire in foreign lands. Go out now and do your duty to the Empire for the honour of Burma. The Lieut.-Governor was heartily cheered by the men, Col. Stuart calling for the cheers. Sir Reginald then went to the Ford Van Company and spoke to them.
The Ford Van Company
His Honour spoke as follows:- Major Marris, officers, non-commissioned officers and men of the Burma Ford Van Company – I welcome this opportunity of wishing you farewell and Godspeed on your departure from Burma, It is good to hear that a second company is in course of formation and that recruiting for it is progressing well. The fact that it is only a little more than two months since your company was formed is signal testimony to the skill and energy shown by Major Marris and those helping him in training you and to your zeal and application in the learning. Most of what I have already said in my address to the 70th Burma Rifles applied equally to you. The qualities required of you are, besides mechanical skill, coolness, courage and endurance; and it will be a source of pride to your fellow-countrymen if they should learn that in this field of work also Burmans have been able to bear honourable comparison with the men of other similar units serving in his Majesty’s Army. I feel confident that every man among you will do his best to earn distinction for his company and his race. In the name of Burma I wish you all success and a happy return to your country with a fine record of duties honourably performed and of service faithfully rendered.
Lusty cheers were given for him by this unit after which he had presented to him Daw Sone (sic) and her sons, whom he thanked for their public-spiritedness in feeding the troops. He then bade those present good bye and entering his motor car was driven back to Government House.
After the Lieut.-Governor’s departure the pwes were resumed and general merry-making took place until late in the afternoon. A number of pleasing incidents took place during the day, among them being the presentation of roses and thabye leaves, emblematic of victory, to all ranks by Miss May Oung who was heartily cheered. Baskets of oranges were distributed at breakfast time by U May Oung and the following other presents were made over to the commanding officers of the two units:- 1000 cigarettes .... There were also individual presents, too numerous to mention.
The men of both units looked very well. They are well set up and look as if they would not be found wanting where courage is required. There can be no doubt that their appearance and discipline were a revelation to many who saw them. A novel way of distinguishing the principal officers of the Burma Rifles was noticed. An orderly carrying a red flag is always in attendance on the commanding officer, while the same system is carried out in respect to the adjutant and the quartermaster, only with different coloured flags. Anyone looking for any of these officers could by the colour of the orderly’s flag easily distinguish from a distance where they were.
The Anglo-Indian Soldier - Commendation from late R.V.R. Adjutant
Lt.-Col. W.A. Stewart writes from Basrah to the Hon. Mr J.E. DuBern - You will be somewhat surprised to hear from me, but as a matter of fact since I took up this appointment it has been in my mind to write to you. I have seen a good deal of the Anglo-Indian Force a few of them being always under my direct command. It has been a great satisfaction to me to find that the force has quite reached the standard which I found my five years of experience of Anglo-Indian volunteers and expected it would attain. On every side I have heard commendations of the men and from my own knowledge of them whilst serving under my command I can testify to their very soldierly qualities. I have found them as regulars, smart, keen, willing and very cheerful soldiers. They don’t go sick easily and are very clean always. Knowing the very great interest you have always taken in the Anglo-Indian community I have thought that you would be interested to hear this opinion from one who had until now only known the Anglo-Indian as a volunteer and not as a “pukha soldier.”
Lt.-Col. W.A. Stewart writes from Basrah to the Hon. Mr J.E. DuBern - You will be somewhat surprised to hear from me, but as a matter of fact since I took up this appointment it has been in my mind to write to you. I have seen a good deal of the Anglo-Indian Force a few of them being always under my direct command. It has been a great satisfaction to me to find that the force has quite reached the standard which I found my five years of experience of Anglo-Indian volunteers and expected it would attain. On every side I have heard commendations of the men and from my own knowledge of them whilst serving under my command I can testify to their very soldierly qualities. I have found them as regulars, smart, keen, willing and very cheerful soldiers. They don’t go sick easily and are very clean always. Knowing the very great interest you have always taken in the Anglo-Indian community I have thought that you would be interested to hear this opinion from one who had until now only known the Anglo-Indian as a volunteer and not as a “pukha soldier.”
Maung Maung Cup Presented to Burma Rifles
On Monday the 1-70th Burma Rifles paraded for the special purpose of receiving a silver cup, the gift of the Hon. Mr Herbert Thompson, Financial Commissioner and Chairman of the Burma recruiting committee. Before presenting the cup Major-General Raitt addressed the battalion, which is about to leave for Secunderabad, as follows:- I have been asked by the Hon. Mr Thompson, Chairman of the Burma recruiting committee to present this handsome cup on his behalf to the regiment in memory of Maung Maung, the only son of U Aung Zan, the first Burman District Judge in Burma. He was educated at St. Paul’s, Rangoon, at the Leys School, Cambridge and at Oxford University, where he was a members of the Officers’ Training Corps. He was studying for the bar at the Inns of Court when the war broke out and he at once enlisted into the London Irish Rifles. With this regiment he proceeded to France, where he was for a considerable period in the front line trenches on the Somme, as one of the regimental bombers. He was invalided back from France with pneumonia in 1916 and returned to Burma where he at once proceeded to render valuable assistance by recruiting for this regiment, which was then being raised. He had offered to serve in this regiment in any capacity and was about to be given a commission as a Jemadar when he was accidentally drowned by the capsizing of a motor launch in the Irrawaddy in the Myaungmya district. He had set a magnificent example to his fellow countrymen and his death was a great loss to Burma and particularly to this regiment. It is very fitting that the first Burma Battalion to be raised should commemorate a Burman who has set so fine an example to his countrymen and to the other nations of the empire and who, had he lived, would have been one of your officers. Maung Maung required no invitation or pressing to join the army; of his own free will he joined the ranks of a British regiment and served in the glorious fighting on the river Somme. After his record in France he might well have asked for a commission in this regiment and although he was to have been given one, he had offered to serve in any capacity. His patriotism and service ought to be made known in every village in Burma and his name should never be forgotten in your regiment. You are about to proceed to India, where your fellow countrymen will expect you to show that a Burmese battalion can be as good as the best in the King Emperor’s Army. You must never forget that good discipline is the great test of military fitness and that good discipline cam show in peace as well as in war. I have no doubt every man here is anxious to go to the front; the best way to get there is to show yourselves a smart and well disciplined battalion, On your departure a second battalion is to be raised for your regiment. The best thing you can do to help is to write to your friends at home telling them to send the best of the young men in the villages to join it. The 70th Burma Rifles only want the best. They will not have men of indifferent physique or bad character. In doing this you will be following in the footsteps of Maung Maung, who was engaged in recruiting for your battalion when he met his death. In presenting this cup the Hon. Mr Thompson has shown his great interest in your battalion and I am sure you will be grateful to him for giving you the opportunity of associating Maung Maung’s name with the regiment. This address was repeated to the battalion in Burmese.
Lt.-Col. D.N. Stuart, Commanding 170 Burma Rifles, replied to Major-General Raitt’s address as follows:- General Raitt and Mr Thompson – On behalf of the officers and men of the 1st Battalion, 70th Burma Rifles, I thank you sir for having come down here today to make this presentation and I thank Mr Thompson for his kindness in giving us this handsome cup. Maung Maung was personally known to many of us and I feel sure that all who knew him realised that he was a man among men. His death was a great loss to the regiment and to me personally as I have no doubt that his services would have been of great value. However I am sure that the association of Maung Maung’s name with the regiment will always be a fine inspiration to the men to try to act up to his fine example. The cup will be kept as a challenge cup for inter-platoon shooting and I hope that it will materially assist in maintaining a very high standard of shooting in the regiment.
As the regiment is very shortly leaving Burma, I take this opportunity of thanking Mr Thompson for the interest he has always taken in the regiment and for the friendly advice that he has always been ready to give me. This was repeated to the battalion in Burmese.
On Monday the 1-70th Burma Rifles paraded for the special purpose of receiving a silver cup, the gift of the Hon. Mr Herbert Thompson, Financial Commissioner and Chairman of the Burma recruiting committee. Before presenting the cup Major-General Raitt addressed the battalion, which is about to leave for Secunderabad, as follows:- I have been asked by the Hon. Mr Thompson, Chairman of the Burma recruiting committee to present this handsome cup on his behalf to the regiment in memory of Maung Maung, the only son of U Aung Zan, the first Burman District Judge in Burma. He was educated at St. Paul’s, Rangoon, at the Leys School, Cambridge and at Oxford University, where he was a members of the Officers’ Training Corps. He was studying for the bar at the Inns of Court when the war broke out and he at once enlisted into the London Irish Rifles. With this regiment he proceeded to France, where he was for a considerable period in the front line trenches on the Somme, as one of the regimental bombers. He was invalided back from France with pneumonia in 1916 and returned to Burma where he at once proceeded to render valuable assistance by recruiting for this regiment, which was then being raised. He had offered to serve in this regiment in any capacity and was about to be given a commission as a Jemadar when he was accidentally drowned by the capsizing of a motor launch in the Irrawaddy in the Myaungmya district. He had set a magnificent example to his fellow countrymen and his death was a great loss to Burma and particularly to this regiment. It is very fitting that the first Burma Battalion to be raised should commemorate a Burman who has set so fine an example to his countrymen and to the other nations of the empire and who, had he lived, would have been one of your officers. Maung Maung required no invitation or pressing to join the army; of his own free will he joined the ranks of a British regiment and served in the glorious fighting on the river Somme. After his record in France he might well have asked for a commission in this regiment and although he was to have been given one, he had offered to serve in any capacity. His patriotism and service ought to be made known in every village in Burma and his name should never be forgotten in your regiment. You are about to proceed to India, where your fellow countrymen will expect you to show that a Burmese battalion can be as good as the best in the King Emperor’s Army. You must never forget that good discipline is the great test of military fitness and that good discipline cam show in peace as well as in war. I have no doubt every man here is anxious to go to the front; the best way to get there is to show yourselves a smart and well disciplined battalion, On your departure a second battalion is to be raised for your regiment. The best thing you can do to help is to write to your friends at home telling them to send the best of the young men in the villages to join it. The 70th Burma Rifles only want the best. They will not have men of indifferent physique or bad character. In doing this you will be following in the footsteps of Maung Maung, who was engaged in recruiting for your battalion when he met his death. In presenting this cup the Hon. Mr Thompson has shown his great interest in your battalion and I am sure you will be grateful to him for giving you the opportunity of associating Maung Maung’s name with the regiment. This address was repeated to the battalion in Burmese.
Lt.-Col. D.N. Stuart, Commanding 170 Burma Rifles, replied to Major-General Raitt’s address as follows:- General Raitt and Mr Thompson – On behalf of the officers and men of the 1st Battalion, 70th Burma Rifles, I thank you sir for having come down here today to make this presentation and I thank Mr Thompson for his kindness in giving us this handsome cup. Maung Maung was personally known to many of us and I feel sure that all who knew him realised that he was a man among men. His death was a great loss to the regiment and to me personally as I have no doubt that his services would have been of great value. However I am sure that the association of Maung Maung’s name with the regiment will always be a fine inspiration to the men to try to act up to his fine example. The cup will be kept as a challenge cup for inter-platoon shooting and I hope that it will materially assist in maintaining a very high standard of shooting in the regiment.
As the regiment is very shortly leaving Burma, I take this opportunity of thanking Mr Thompson for the interest he has always taken in the regiment and for the friendly advice that he has always been ready to give me. This was repeated to the battalion in Burmese.
Moulmein Volunteer Artillery
Under instructions from the authorities in the Indian Defence Force the Moulmein Volunteer Artillery Corps is now merged into that of the Moulmein Rifles and to commemorate the passing of the corps the members past and present in Moulmein dined together in their club, “Salween View,” on Saturday night. Covers were laid for fifty and the guests of the evening were Major Foucar, V.D., and Major Buchanan, past and present commandants respectively. Among the guests of individual members were Messrs. Christie, Lt.-Col. Castor, I.M.S., Commander Danson, A.J. Darwood, C.W. Darwood, Jennings, Shaw and Major Lord, I.A. The dinner which was excellently served in the club billiard room was a work of culinary art and was much appreciated by all. The toast of “The King” having been loyally responded to, Lt. Cuningham, who presided, proposed the health of past and present commandants, including Majors Foucar and Buchanan, in a neat and polished speech, reminding those present of how much both these officers had done to promote and maintain the efficiency of the corps, Major Foucar having been connected with it since its inception in the year 1885. This toast was drunk with musical honours, all standing and singing “For they are jolly good fellows.”
Both gentlemen then replied in brief speeches, Major Buchanan speaking first, and thanked the members for having so enthusiastically responded to the toast and also for their support and loyalty in everything pertaining to the work of the corps in the past. It was a great regret to both these officers that they would no longer have the pleasure of commanding so fine a body of men and they trusted that the loyalty and devotion in service that had been shown to them personally would be continued towards their new officers whoever these might be. Major Buchanan also referred to the football trophies on the table which he along with other members of the corps in days gone by had played for and won and Major Foucar trusted that the present function would be an annual event for old times’ sake. Mr Dawn then proposed the toast of absent members, especially those who were serving in the various fronts of the King Emperor’s forces. Of the Moulmein Volunteer Artillery no fewer than 38 members had joined “the great adventure” in one capacity or another, several of these had made the supreme sacrifice, one had gained the Military Cross (Lt. J. Wensley Gray,) and he trusted that they would all have good luck and a safe and happy return to their respective homes at the conclusion of the war. This toast having been duly honoured with acclamation, Mr C.W. Law, gave the toast of the M.V.A.” in a speech full of interesting and humorous reminiscences, he having been a member of the corps during almost all its lifetime also, and hoped that the dinner or reunion would be an annual event. Major Lord and Commander Danson also spoke a few felicitous words, trusting the men would carry on with the same old zeal and efficiency as they has shown in the past and Lt. Mitchell, having proposed the health of the guests present Mr Christie responded for them in a few appropriate words. A sing-song was then indulged in until the early hours of the following morning, all returning home very happy.
Previous to the dinner the members of the M.V.A. club entertained their youngsters to the number of about eighty to tea and a Christmas tree at the club. In the afternoon games and sports were engaged in and tea and cakes etc. served on the tennis court until dusk when an adjournment was made upstairs where a gorgeous tree, resplendent with bright things dear to the hearts of children, was on view. This was quickly denuded of its teeming “fruit” and the gifts handed to each child by Mrs McNeill in lieu of Father Christmas. Much praise is due to the committee of ladies and gentlemen, including Sergt. and Mrs Cloutman, for the success and happiness of this entertainment.
On Monday night the new year was ushered in by a dance in the M.V.A. club premised at which quite a large number of members and their friends were present. The band of the Rifles was in attendance and dancing was kept up until well into Tuesday morning.
Under instructions from the authorities in the Indian Defence Force the Moulmein Volunteer Artillery Corps is now merged into that of the Moulmein Rifles and to commemorate the passing of the corps the members past and present in Moulmein dined together in their club, “Salween View,” on Saturday night. Covers were laid for fifty and the guests of the evening were Major Foucar, V.D., and Major Buchanan, past and present commandants respectively. Among the guests of individual members were Messrs. Christie, Lt.-Col. Castor, I.M.S., Commander Danson, A.J. Darwood, C.W. Darwood, Jennings, Shaw and Major Lord, I.A. The dinner which was excellently served in the club billiard room was a work of culinary art and was much appreciated by all. The toast of “The King” having been loyally responded to, Lt. Cuningham, who presided, proposed the health of past and present commandants, including Majors Foucar and Buchanan, in a neat and polished speech, reminding those present of how much both these officers had done to promote and maintain the efficiency of the corps, Major Foucar having been connected with it since its inception in the year 1885. This toast was drunk with musical honours, all standing and singing “For they are jolly good fellows.”
Both gentlemen then replied in brief speeches, Major Buchanan speaking first, and thanked the members for having so enthusiastically responded to the toast and also for their support and loyalty in everything pertaining to the work of the corps in the past. It was a great regret to both these officers that they would no longer have the pleasure of commanding so fine a body of men and they trusted that the loyalty and devotion in service that had been shown to them personally would be continued towards their new officers whoever these might be. Major Buchanan also referred to the football trophies on the table which he along with other members of the corps in days gone by had played for and won and Major Foucar trusted that the present function would be an annual event for old times’ sake. Mr Dawn then proposed the toast of absent members, especially those who were serving in the various fronts of the King Emperor’s forces. Of the Moulmein Volunteer Artillery no fewer than 38 members had joined “the great adventure” in one capacity or another, several of these had made the supreme sacrifice, one had gained the Military Cross (Lt. J. Wensley Gray,) and he trusted that they would all have good luck and a safe and happy return to their respective homes at the conclusion of the war. This toast having been duly honoured with acclamation, Mr C.W. Law, gave the toast of the M.V.A.” in a speech full of interesting and humorous reminiscences, he having been a member of the corps during almost all its lifetime also, and hoped that the dinner or reunion would be an annual event. Major Lord and Commander Danson also spoke a few felicitous words, trusting the men would carry on with the same old zeal and efficiency as they has shown in the past and Lt. Mitchell, having proposed the health of the guests present Mr Christie responded for them in a few appropriate words. A sing-song was then indulged in until the early hours of the following morning, all returning home very happy.
Previous to the dinner the members of the M.V.A. club entertained their youngsters to the number of about eighty to tea and a Christmas tree at the club. In the afternoon games and sports were engaged in and tea and cakes etc. served on the tennis court until dusk when an adjournment was made upstairs where a gorgeous tree, resplendent with bright things dear to the hearts of children, was on view. This was quickly denuded of its teeming “fruit” and the gifts handed to each child by Mrs McNeill in lieu of Father Christmas. Much praise is due to the committee of ladies and gentlemen, including Sergt. and Mrs Cloutman, for the success and happiness of this entertainment.
On Monday night the new year was ushered in by a dance in the M.V.A. club premised at which quite a large number of members and their friends were present. The band of the Rifles was in attendance and dancing was kept up until well into Tuesday morning.
Indian Defence Force
The second contingent of the Indian Defence Force from Burma for training in India have left for their destination. The Rangoon Rifles detachment marched to the wharf where a crowd had gathered to see them off. Major Houldey was in command, the other officers being Capt. Yeomans and Lieutenants Henderson and Campbell. They were joined at the wharf by the draft of the Upper Burma Rifles under Capt. Liddell and those of the Moulmein Rifles, Burma Railways’ Regiment and Port Defence. When the contingent had all arrived they were formed in line on one of the sheds on the wharf and inspected by General Young, with whom were Major McRae, Brigade-Major, Lt.-Col. Stevens, Commandant, Capt. Hill, Adjutant and Major Lloyd, Rangoon Rifles. At the conclusion of the inspection, General Young wished the officers and men good luck and a safe voyage. The first contingent had recently returned with a very good name and he wanted those who were now going to keep up that good name. They were not going to undergo any great hardship but they had a duty to perform and he wanted them to stick to that duty ; to do their duty and do it with all their hearts and all would be well.
Major Houldey called for three cheers for General Young which were heartily given. General Young shook hands with the officers and wished them good luck. The men embarked and were given a rousing send off by the large crowd on the wharf. There were no refreshments on the wharf as on the occasion of the departure of the first contingent and no music beyond the playing of the R.R. men from headquarters to the wharf.
The second contingent of the Indian Defence Force from Burma for training in India have left for their destination. The Rangoon Rifles detachment marched to the wharf where a crowd had gathered to see them off. Major Houldey was in command, the other officers being Capt. Yeomans and Lieutenants Henderson and Campbell. They were joined at the wharf by the draft of the Upper Burma Rifles under Capt. Liddell and those of the Moulmein Rifles, Burma Railways’ Regiment and Port Defence. When the contingent had all arrived they were formed in line on one of the sheds on the wharf and inspected by General Young, with whom were Major McRae, Brigade-Major, Lt.-Col. Stevens, Commandant, Capt. Hill, Adjutant and Major Lloyd, Rangoon Rifles. At the conclusion of the inspection, General Young wished the officers and men good luck and a safe voyage. The first contingent had recently returned with a very good name and he wanted those who were now going to keep up that good name. They were not going to undergo any great hardship but they had a duty to perform and he wanted them to stick to that duty ; to do their duty and do it with all their hearts and all would be well.
Major Houldey called for three cheers for General Young which were heartily given. General Young shook hands with the officers and wished them good luck. The men embarked and were given a rousing send off by the large crowd on the wharf. There were no refreshments on the wharf as on the occasion of the departure of the first contingent and no music beyond the playing of the R.R. men from headquarters to the wharf.
Burma Railways
Sergt.-Major Vollor, Burma Railways Regiment, has been discharged from the service on pension and granted transportation to Bangalore.
Sergt.-Major Vollor, Burma Railways Regiment, has been discharged from the service on pension and granted transportation to Bangalore.
Burma Military Labour Corps
The Commissioner of the Sagaing Divn. writes to us as follows:-
“Lt. Walter Street, Deputy Commissioner of Kindat, who left Burma in command of the first draft of the Military Labour Corp which embarked at Rangoon in November, writing from Alexandria says that the draft had just been inspected by a General who first joined the Army in 1886 in Upper Burma. He says that throughout the journey the Burmans and Chins have won nothing but praise on account of their having been well drilled and consequently embarking, disembarking, entraining and detraining much quicker than is usually the case.
He says that the men receive splendid rations, tea, milk, sugar, fresh vegetables, jam, sheep, as well as rice, ghee, etc. They are getting a change of vegetables every day – cabbages, cauliflowers etc. Like the original corps, which embarked last July the men are delighted at seeing the wonders of the world and have enjoyed the journey immensely. The Labour Corps Comforts Fund money has proved of the greatest value and Lt. Street has been able to buy all sorts of little things for the men. The next draft for France is not yet complete and there are vacancies for Burmans. All young men who wish to see Europe and serve the Empire in France should apply for enrolment at once. ...
The Commissioner of the Sagaing Divn. writes to us as follows:-
“Lt. Walter Street, Deputy Commissioner of Kindat, who left Burma in command of the first draft of the Military Labour Corp which embarked at Rangoon in November, writing from Alexandria says that the draft had just been inspected by a General who first joined the Army in 1886 in Upper Burma. He says that throughout the journey the Burmans and Chins have won nothing but praise on account of their having been well drilled and consequently embarking, disembarking, entraining and detraining much quicker than is usually the case.
He says that the men receive splendid rations, tea, milk, sugar, fresh vegetables, jam, sheep, as well as rice, ghee, etc. They are getting a change of vegetables every day – cabbages, cauliflowers etc. Like the original corps, which embarked last July the men are delighted at seeing the wonders of the world and have enjoyed the journey immensely. The Labour Corps Comforts Fund money has proved of the greatest value and Lt. Street has been able to buy all sorts of little things for the men. The next draft for France is not yet complete and there are vacancies for Burmans. All young men who wish to see Europe and serve the Empire in France should apply for enrolment at once. ...
Indian Army Reserve of Officers
Messrs. A. Kennedy and J. Metcalfe, Messrs. Rowe & Co., have been appointed second lieutenants of infantry, I.A.R.O.
2nd Lt. A. Williamson, I.A.R.O., appointed from Burma, has been posted to the Officers Training School at Bangalore.
Posting
Sergt. Major W. Denney, Rangoon Rifles, who has been the head of the headquarters stall since the departure of Sergt.-Major Greenwood several years ago, has been given a commission and posted to the Moulmein Rifles as Adjutant where he has already taken over charge from Capt. Macdougall, Reserve of Officers, Territorial Force, who has been acting as Adjutant to the Corps. Capt. Macdougall, it is understood, has been posted to one of the Indian schools of musketry as an instructor.
Messrs. A. Kennedy and J. Metcalfe, Messrs. Rowe & Co., have been appointed second lieutenants of infantry, I.A.R.O.
2nd Lt. A. Williamson, I.A.R.O., appointed from Burma, has been posted to the Officers Training School at Bangalore.
Posting
Sergt. Major W. Denney, Rangoon Rifles, who has been the head of the headquarters stall since the departure of Sergt.-Major Greenwood several years ago, has been given a commission and posted to the Moulmein Rifles as Adjutant where he has already taken over charge from Capt. Macdougall, Reserve of Officers, Territorial Force, who has been acting as Adjutant to the Corps. Capt. Macdougall, it is understood, has been posted to one of the Indian schools of musketry as an instructor.
Moulmein Rifles
The Adjutant of this Corps, Capt. MacDougall, having been appointed to the temporary school of musketry at Rawalpindi, left Moulmein for India on Tuesday evening. There was a large turnout of the corps strength, including officers and the band at the railway jetty as a guard-of-honour, also Mr Christie, Commissioner, and a host of other friends to wish Capt. and Mrs MacDougall goodbye. In a brief speech Capt. MacDougall thanked the Corps for the compliment they had paid him in turning out in strength taht evening and said he regretted much leaving Moulmein, where he had spent a very happy three years as their Adjutant. He trusted he would be back again and find them even better soldiers than they were at present. The band played some Scottish selections ... and amidst the cheers the launch steamed away for Martaban. Sergt.-Major W. Denney, late of the Rangoon Rifles, has been given a commission and took over the duties of the Adjutancy from Capt. MacDougall last week. The Corps goes into camp at Nat-taung on the afternoon of the 20th instant and remains there for a week.
The Adjutant of this Corps, Capt. MacDougall, having been appointed to the temporary school of musketry at Rawalpindi, left Moulmein for India on Tuesday evening. There was a large turnout of the corps strength, including officers and the band at the railway jetty as a guard-of-honour, also Mr Christie, Commissioner, and a host of other friends to wish Capt. and Mrs MacDougall goodbye. In a brief speech Capt. MacDougall thanked the Corps for the compliment they had paid him in turning out in strength taht evening and said he regretted much leaving Moulmein, where he had spent a very happy three years as their Adjutant. He trusted he would be back again and find them even better soldiers than they were at present. The band played some Scottish selections ... and amidst the cheers the launch steamed away for Martaban. Sergt.-Major W. Denney, late of the Rangoon Rifles, has been given a commission and took over the duties of the Adjutancy from Capt. MacDougall last week. The Corps goes into camp at Nat-taung on the afternoon of the 20th instant and remains there for a week.
Postings/Appointments
2nd Lt. W.H.A. Webster, I.A.R.O., has returned to Burma from the officers training school at Bangalore on posting to the 70th Burma Rifles. Lt. Webster was appointed to the I.A.R.O. from the Imperial Police, Burma and was D.S.P., Insein, at the time of appointment. 2nd Lt. W.E.P. Bleathman, I.A.R.O., has also arrived from India on posting to the same regiment.
Lt. H. St. C. Smallwood, I.A.R.O., who was appointed from Burma, has been appointed a Flight Commander, Military Wing, Royal Flying Corps and to hold the temporary rank of Captain.
Second Lieutenants W.A. Darnell, G.S. Clarke, A. Williams, J.M. Conder and H.R. Aston, all of I.A.R.O., have been posted to the officers training school at Bangalore, on first appointment.
2nd Lt. W.H.A. Webster, I.A.R.O., has returned to Burma from the officers training school at Bangalore on posting to the 70th Burma Rifles. Lt. Webster was appointed to the I.A.R.O. from the Imperial Police, Burma and was D.S.P., Insein, at the time of appointment. 2nd Lt. W.E.P. Bleathman, I.A.R.O., has also arrived from India on posting to the same regiment.
Lt. H. St. C. Smallwood, I.A.R.O., who was appointed from Burma, has been appointed a Flight Commander, Military Wing, Royal Flying Corps and to hold the temporary rank of Captain.
Second Lieutenants W.A. Darnell, G.S. Clarke, A. Williams, J.M. Conder and H.R. Aston, all of I.A.R.O., have been posted to the officers training school at Bangalore, on first appointment.
Lieut. S.S. Angelo, I.A.R.O., who was appointed from Burma has been granted the temporary rank of Captain while holding the appointment of Railway Transport Officer.
Mr A.J.L. Corban Lucas, D.S.P., Pyapon, has been appointed a 2nd Lt., I.A.R.O. and ordered to an officers training school in India. He has arrived in Rangoon.
Mr A.J.L. Corban Lucas, D.S.P., Pyapon, has been appointed a 2nd Lt., I.A.R.O. and ordered to an officers training school in India. He has arrived in Rangoon.
The following are appointed to the I.A.R.O. - To be second lieutenants.
Cavalry Branch
A.H. Mackay
Cavalry Branch
A.H. Mackay
Infantry Branch
|
S.L. Oggier
H. Phibbs T.C. Forbes |
E.F. Smith
K.A. Knyvett-Hough A.G.H. Sievwright |
M.V. Ringrow
V.H. Hoogwerf S.V. Guest |
A.H. Bunt
J.G.M. Hilton |
Appointments/Postings
Staff Sergt. Instruction B. Walding, Upper Burma Rifles, has been appointed acting Sergt.-Major, Rangoon Rifles.
The following movements of officers have been noted at Brigade office, Rangoon:-
Arrivals
Dredging Master F. Wilson, Port Authorities and Conservancy, from Basra on leave.
Departures
Capt. W. White, A.O.D., to Port Blair
2nd Lt. J.P. Rushall, S. & T. Corps to Pegu
2nd Lt. G.H. Bramwell, Bedfords to Thamakhan
Staff Sergt. Instruction B. Walding, Upper Burma Rifles, has been appointed acting Sergt.-Major, Rangoon Rifles.
The following movements of officers have been noted at Brigade office, Rangoon:-
Arrivals
Dredging Master F. Wilson, Port Authorities and Conservancy, from Basra on leave.
Departures
Capt. W. White, A.O.D., to Port Blair
2nd Lt. J.P. Rushall, S. & T. Corps to Pegu
2nd Lt. G.H. Bramwell, Bedfords to Thamakhan
February
Burma Railways Regt.
Staff Sergt. Instructor J. Folan, (Black Watch) Burma Railways Regt., Insein, has been promoted to acting Sergt.-Major and posted to the 2nd Madras and Southern Mahratta Railway Rifles, and leaves shortly for his new post. Sergt.-Major Folan joined the B.R.V.C. in 1909 and was later transferred to the R.V.R. where he remained several years, re-transferring about two years ago to the B.R.V.C.
Staff Sergt. Instructor J. Folan, (Black Watch) Burma Railways Regt., Insein, has been promoted to acting Sergt.-Major and posted to the 2nd Madras and Southern Mahratta Railway Rifles, and leaves shortly for his new post. Sergt.-Major Folan joined the B.R.V.C. in 1909 and was later transferred to the R.V.R. where he remained several years, re-transferring about two years ago to the B.R.V.C.
Rangoon Rifles
A very successful day was carried out by the Rangoon Rifles on Sunday in the vicinity of Kambe, the exercises being most enjoyable and instructive. Between 450 and 500 of all ranks took part, the corps being divided into two columns the Red or Rangoon force under Major I.G. Lloyd and the Pegu force under Capt. G.C. Whigham. In the Rangoon force were B,F and D. Companies with a half troop of mounted men. The Pegu force consisted of A.C. and F. Companies and a half troop of cavalry.
The corps fell in at headquarters at 6 a.m. and were to have left for their destinations, the Rangoon force for Tamwe and the Pegu force for Bauktaw by the 6.40 train from Lanmadaw station but did not get away until after seven o’clock, the train being twenty five minutes late and consequently operations did not start until long after the time intended.
The general idea of the field was that Pegu and Rangoon, two neighbouring states, were at war with each other. Pegu had attacked Rangoon suddenly, penetrating Rangoon territory and taking up a position therein that extended from Insein on the west to Kyaikasan on the east. The Pegu forces consisted of three battalions of infantry and a troop of horse and were encamped at Yegu village. The Rangoon force was of the same strength and composition.
The Pegu force on detraining at Bauktaw moved to the Kambe pagoda while the Rangoon force, detraining at Kambe, marched to the south end of the metalled road, where they took up their position. The special idea for the Pegu force was that the officer commanding at Yegu had pushed forward an advanced observation post consisting of two companies of infantry to the Chinese burial ground between Tamwe and Kyaikasan roads and was sending a convoy of supplies to them guarded by 300 infantry and half a troop of mounted men.
The special idea for the Rangoon force was that the general officer commanding Rangoon had heard from inhabitants of the territory adjacent to the enemy’s position that carts had been requisitioned by the enemy to go to Tamwe, pushed out a force of 300 infantry and half a troop of mounted infantry with instructions to capture or destroy any convoy that might be met with.
On arriving at Bauktaw the Yegu force found the mounted men in waiting and at once set of for the Tamwe pagoda where they fund carts in waiting at the red road near the Kambe pagoda. The convoy then started. In the meantime the Rangoon force had picked up their mounted force on arriving at Kambe. This force was divided into two columns, one under Major Lloyd and the other under Capt. Primrose Wells, the idea being to take the convoy on both flanks.
This was only partially successful for whereas Capt. Wells’ force held up the convoy on his flank, the convoy drove back Major Lloyd’s force but they were unable to proceed, when “cease firing” sounded.
The battalion now formed into a single column and marched to the Kokine Club, where the corps band was in waiting and with it at their head marched to headquarters which was reached about midday.
The umpire-in-chief for the field day was Lt.-Col. Stevens, Commandant, with Major Crosthwaite, Burma Railways Regt., and Capt. McKeand, Rangoon Rifles, as umpires.
A very successful day was carried out by the Rangoon Rifles on Sunday in the vicinity of Kambe, the exercises being most enjoyable and instructive. Between 450 and 500 of all ranks took part, the corps being divided into two columns the Red or Rangoon force under Major I.G. Lloyd and the Pegu force under Capt. G.C. Whigham. In the Rangoon force were B,F and D. Companies with a half troop of mounted men. The Pegu force consisted of A.C. and F. Companies and a half troop of cavalry.
The corps fell in at headquarters at 6 a.m. and were to have left for their destinations, the Rangoon force for Tamwe and the Pegu force for Bauktaw by the 6.40 train from Lanmadaw station but did not get away until after seven o’clock, the train being twenty five minutes late and consequently operations did not start until long after the time intended.
The general idea of the field was that Pegu and Rangoon, two neighbouring states, were at war with each other. Pegu had attacked Rangoon suddenly, penetrating Rangoon territory and taking up a position therein that extended from Insein on the west to Kyaikasan on the east. The Pegu forces consisted of three battalions of infantry and a troop of horse and were encamped at Yegu village. The Rangoon force was of the same strength and composition.
The Pegu force on detraining at Bauktaw moved to the Kambe pagoda while the Rangoon force, detraining at Kambe, marched to the south end of the metalled road, where they took up their position. The special idea for the Pegu force was that the officer commanding at Yegu had pushed forward an advanced observation post consisting of two companies of infantry to the Chinese burial ground between Tamwe and Kyaikasan roads and was sending a convoy of supplies to them guarded by 300 infantry and half a troop of mounted men.
The special idea for the Rangoon force was that the general officer commanding Rangoon had heard from inhabitants of the territory adjacent to the enemy’s position that carts had been requisitioned by the enemy to go to Tamwe, pushed out a force of 300 infantry and half a troop of mounted infantry with instructions to capture or destroy any convoy that might be met with.
On arriving at Bauktaw the Yegu force found the mounted men in waiting and at once set of for the Tamwe pagoda where they fund carts in waiting at the red road near the Kambe pagoda. The convoy then started. In the meantime the Rangoon force had picked up their mounted force on arriving at Kambe. This force was divided into two columns, one under Major Lloyd and the other under Capt. Primrose Wells, the idea being to take the convoy on both flanks.
This was only partially successful for whereas Capt. Wells’ force held up the convoy on his flank, the convoy drove back Major Lloyd’s force but they were unable to proceed, when “cease firing” sounded.
The battalion now formed into a single column and marched to the Kokine Club, where the corps band was in waiting and with it at their head marched to headquarters which was reached about midday.
The umpire-in-chief for the field day was Lt.-Col. Stevens, Commandant, with Major Crosthwaite, Burma Railways Regt., and Capt. McKeand, Rangoon Rifles, as umpires.
Burma Jail Porter Corps
The first Corps of men for transport work overseas from the inmates of the jails of Burma have left to do their but in the great fight. The Corps numbers three British officers, Capt. McGrath, Bombay Burmah Trading Corporation, in command, 2nd Lt. Morris, Burma Prisons Dept., and 2nd Lt. Mills, Burma Police, with four Jemadars, ten Havildars and 48 Naiks. The total strength of the Corps is just over 1,300. Lt. Dalal, I.M.S., goes in medical charge and Capt. Hollands, Commandant, Combined Jail Labour Corps depots, who has been in Burma since the beginning of last month in connection with the organisation of the Corps, will accompany it as far as Bombay, Several Corps of the prison population of the various provinces of India were formed and sent overseas to help in transport and other work and these Corps did so well that Major Knapp, I.M.S., Inspector General of Prisons, Burma, started forming preliminary Corps in the jails here about a year ago, but the idea was not approved by the higher authorities and the matter was allowed to drop. In November last word was received from the Government of India that volunteers from the jail population here, if sufficient were secured, could be formed into a Jail Porter Corps to be known as the 12th (Burma) Jail Porter Corps and about the middle of December, Capt. Hollands, Commandant of Combined Jail Labour Corps depots in India, came over to Burma in connection with the organisation of the new Corps. The working of drilling etc, started on 27th December and those who saw the men as they marched through the street preparatory to their embarkation could hardly believe that they had not been under much longer training for they presented a very soldier like appearance in their khaki uniforms and puggarees with grey putties and marched quite well. The ordinary strength of the Corps is 1,200 but an additional 100 were taken and the Corps will be kept up to full strength by volunteer recruitment from the jail population. The Corps is composed mainly of members of the indigenous races of Burma with a small percentage of Indians. The Jemadars and Havildars have been appointed from the Burma Police. The members of the Corps are men with unexpired sentences ranging from five years downwards and the moment they went aboard ship they were practically free men with the chance of a life time to rehabilitate themselves. They have been released on certain conditions, the principal ones being that they will behave themselves, will obey all orders and work properly and that they will work overseas. The Naiks will receive Rs. 15 a month, the Privates Rs. 10 a month, all found to both, a bonus of a month’s pay is given for each satisfactory six months service. When a man’s period of sentence is up, it is the intention to transfer him to a free company, where his pay will be more and the conditions under which he works more pleasant. Any one failing to observe the conditions will be returned to jail and compelled to serve out the unexpired sentence. When the proposal or call for volunteers was put before the men in the various jails of the province the reply was instant in favour of it and great keenness was shown when instructors took up the work of elementary training in drill, in which they have shown great aptitude.
The formation of the Corps has been looked upon here as an excellent thing by the jail authorities, who are not without a great hope that the men will make good. The officers with the Corps are all capable men who speak Burmese and having been brought into close contact with Burmans have a wide experience of them. These officers too are confident that their charges will make good.
The men marched from the Central Jail here under an armed guard of 200 non commissioned officers and men of the Bedfords and Rifle Brigade under the command of Capt. Waters, Rifle Brigade, four other British officers being in attendance.
At the wharf, on their arrival, were Sir David Twomey, Mr Morgan Webb, Mr J.J. Anderson, Col. DesVoeux, Capt. Vale, R.I.M., Mr Justice Ormond, Mr Justice Maung Kin, Mr Justice Pratt, Mr Justice and Mrs Young, Miss Bailey, Major Knapp, I.M.S., Major Saigol, I.M.S., Mr J.J. Nolan, Mr Mackney, Mr A.L. D’Castro, Mr Holmes, Mr Roger, Lt. Prescott Day, Lt. Grist, the Hon. U Po Tha, Fr. Mamy, U Ba Thein, U Mon, U Hone Thein, Mr S.S. Agabob, Mr Algie, D.S.P., Superintendent, Insein Jail, Mr Gavin Scott, the Hon, Mr Gut Rutledge, Mr Shuttleworth, Mr Ross, Mr Comber, Mr Austin, Mr E. Brown, Inspectors Smith, Perry and Edwards, Rangoon Town Police.
The public were not allowed on the wharf except by special pass, the arrangements by Mr Primrose Wells, Traffic Manager, being excellently carried out by the Port Police and Sergeants of the Mogul Guard.
Chief Judge’s Address
When the men had all been lined up in no. 2 shed, Sir Daniel Twomey addressed them saying-
“Men of the 12th (Burma) Jail Porter Corps. You are all making a fresh start in life today. Whatever mistakes you may have made in the past, you can now retrieve them and can earn for yourselves a good name that will last for the rest of your lives. More than this, you have the privilege of playing a manly and useful part in the great war which concerns every part of the British Empire. Your fellow countrymen and the Government will follow your career with interest. We hope that you will use the opportunity of service now given to you so as to be a credit to Burma and so as to justify the confidence shown to you by Government. Always remember that your officers and non commissioned officers are your best friends. Obey them in everything and whatever tasks you are called upon to perform put your whole strength and will into them. Thus, when the war is over you will be able to return to Burma with heads erect and with duty stoutly done. I wish you good luck and a safe return.”
This was translated into Burmese by U Ba Thein, Municipal Commissioner, who spoke earnestly himself urging the men to drop all differences and work together in a cheerful spirit for their own honour and that of Burma.
On behalf of Ko Ba Oh, President, Burma Moslem Association, U Ba Thein, U Mon, Mr S.S. Agabob and U Hnwe Thin, distributed 25 cheroots and two oranges to each man. The Hon. U Po Tha made a gift to the Corps of 15,000 ticals of jiggery, 5,000 oranges and 10,000 cheroots which were taken charge of by Capt. Hollands so that the men who were only being allowed their first smoke when getting on board, would not overdo it.
Three Anglo-Indian prisoners go with the Corps in a clerical capacity under the same conditions as the men. They are D’Vaz, Mickie and Shand.
Capt. Hollands in speaking of the Corps, said it was as fine a body of men physically as he had seen and one which should prove fit and capable of the work to be carried out.
The first Corps of men for transport work overseas from the inmates of the jails of Burma have left to do their but in the great fight. The Corps numbers three British officers, Capt. McGrath, Bombay Burmah Trading Corporation, in command, 2nd Lt. Morris, Burma Prisons Dept., and 2nd Lt. Mills, Burma Police, with four Jemadars, ten Havildars and 48 Naiks. The total strength of the Corps is just over 1,300. Lt. Dalal, I.M.S., goes in medical charge and Capt. Hollands, Commandant, Combined Jail Labour Corps depots, who has been in Burma since the beginning of last month in connection with the organisation of the Corps, will accompany it as far as Bombay, Several Corps of the prison population of the various provinces of India were formed and sent overseas to help in transport and other work and these Corps did so well that Major Knapp, I.M.S., Inspector General of Prisons, Burma, started forming preliminary Corps in the jails here about a year ago, but the idea was not approved by the higher authorities and the matter was allowed to drop. In November last word was received from the Government of India that volunteers from the jail population here, if sufficient were secured, could be formed into a Jail Porter Corps to be known as the 12th (Burma) Jail Porter Corps and about the middle of December, Capt. Hollands, Commandant of Combined Jail Labour Corps depots in India, came over to Burma in connection with the organisation of the new Corps. The working of drilling etc, started on 27th December and those who saw the men as they marched through the street preparatory to their embarkation could hardly believe that they had not been under much longer training for they presented a very soldier like appearance in their khaki uniforms and puggarees with grey putties and marched quite well. The ordinary strength of the Corps is 1,200 but an additional 100 were taken and the Corps will be kept up to full strength by volunteer recruitment from the jail population. The Corps is composed mainly of members of the indigenous races of Burma with a small percentage of Indians. The Jemadars and Havildars have been appointed from the Burma Police. The members of the Corps are men with unexpired sentences ranging from five years downwards and the moment they went aboard ship they were practically free men with the chance of a life time to rehabilitate themselves. They have been released on certain conditions, the principal ones being that they will behave themselves, will obey all orders and work properly and that they will work overseas. The Naiks will receive Rs. 15 a month, the Privates Rs. 10 a month, all found to both, a bonus of a month’s pay is given for each satisfactory six months service. When a man’s period of sentence is up, it is the intention to transfer him to a free company, where his pay will be more and the conditions under which he works more pleasant. Any one failing to observe the conditions will be returned to jail and compelled to serve out the unexpired sentence. When the proposal or call for volunteers was put before the men in the various jails of the province the reply was instant in favour of it and great keenness was shown when instructors took up the work of elementary training in drill, in which they have shown great aptitude.
The formation of the Corps has been looked upon here as an excellent thing by the jail authorities, who are not without a great hope that the men will make good. The officers with the Corps are all capable men who speak Burmese and having been brought into close contact with Burmans have a wide experience of them. These officers too are confident that their charges will make good.
The men marched from the Central Jail here under an armed guard of 200 non commissioned officers and men of the Bedfords and Rifle Brigade under the command of Capt. Waters, Rifle Brigade, four other British officers being in attendance.
At the wharf, on their arrival, were Sir David Twomey, Mr Morgan Webb, Mr J.J. Anderson, Col. DesVoeux, Capt. Vale, R.I.M., Mr Justice Ormond, Mr Justice Maung Kin, Mr Justice Pratt, Mr Justice and Mrs Young, Miss Bailey, Major Knapp, I.M.S., Major Saigol, I.M.S., Mr J.J. Nolan, Mr Mackney, Mr A.L. D’Castro, Mr Holmes, Mr Roger, Lt. Prescott Day, Lt. Grist, the Hon. U Po Tha, Fr. Mamy, U Ba Thein, U Mon, U Hone Thein, Mr S.S. Agabob, Mr Algie, D.S.P., Superintendent, Insein Jail, Mr Gavin Scott, the Hon, Mr Gut Rutledge, Mr Shuttleworth, Mr Ross, Mr Comber, Mr Austin, Mr E. Brown, Inspectors Smith, Perry and Edwards, Rangoon Town Police.
The public were not allowed on the wharf except by special pass, the arrangements by Mr Primrose Wells, Traffic Manager, being excellently carried out by the Port Police and Sergeants of the Mogul Guard.
Chief Judge’s Address
When the men had all been lined up in no. 2 shed, Sir Daniel Twomey addressed them saying-
“Men of the 12th (Burma) Jail Porter Corps. You are all making a fresh start in life today. Whatever mistakes you may have made in the past, you can now retrieve them and can earn for yourselves a good name that will last for the rest of your lives. More than this, you have the privilege of playing a manly and useful part in the great war which concerns every part of the British Empire. Your fellow countrymen and the Government will follow your career with interest. We hope that you will use the opportunity of service now given to you so as to be a credit to Burma and so as to justify the confidence shown to you by Government. Always remember that your officers and non commissioned officers are your best friends. Obey them in everything and whatever tasks you are called upon to perform put your whole strength and will into them. Thus, when the war is over you will be able to return to Burma with heads erect and with duty stoutly done. I wish you good luck and a safe return.”
This was translated into Burmese by U Ba Thein, Municipal Commissioner, who spoke earnestly himself urging the men to drop all differences and work together in a cheerful spirit for their own honour and that of Burma.
On behalf of Ko Ba Oh, President, Burma Moslem Association, U Ba Thein, U Mon, Mr S.S. Agabob and U Hnwe Thin, distributed 25 cheroots and two oranges to each man. The Hon. U Po Tha made a gift to the Corps of 15,000 ticals of jiggery, 5,000 oranges and 10,000 cheroots which were taken charge of by Capt. Hollands so that the men who were only being allowed their first smoke when getting on board, would not overdo it.
Three Anglo-Indian prisoners go with the Corps in a clerical capacity under the same conditions as the men. They are D’Vaz, Mickie and Shand.
Capt. Hollands in speaking of the Corps, said it was as fine a body of men physically as he had seen and one which should prove fit and capable of the work to be carried out.
Musketry Course
The following officers have qualified at the 10th musketry course at Satara:- ...
South Andaman Rifles, Lt. F.C. Scott
The following officers have qualified at the 10th musketry course at Satara:- ...
South Andaman Rifles, Lt. F.C. Scott
Leave
Staff Sergt. J.H. Willis, Upper Burma Rifles, is granted 35 days leave on medical certificate.
Staff Sergt. J.H. Willis, Upper Burma Rifles, is granted 35 days leave on medical certificate.
Posting
Intimation has been received that the under mentioned will be accepted for appointment in the I.A.R.O. and will join a school of instruction commencing on 8th April 1918:- Mr A.I. Davis, Burma Mines Ltd., Bawdwin.
The under mentioned officers on probation for appointment to the Indian Army Reserve of Officers are expected to arrive in India shortly and will be attached to the units noted against their names:- 2nd Lt. H. Conway, general list, I.A.R.O., to 63rd Palamcottahs ; 2nd Lt. W. Mayers, general list, I.A.R.O., to 2-70th Burma Rifles.
Intimation has been received that the under mentioned will be accepted for appointment in the I.A.R.O. and will join a school of instruction commencing on 8th April 1918:- Mr A.I. Davis, Burma Mines Ltd., Bawdwin.
The under mentioned officers on probation for appointment to the Indian Army Reserve of Officers are expected to arrive in India shortly and will be attached to the units noted against their names:- 2nd Lt. H. Conway, general list, I.A.R.O., to 63rd Palamcottahs ; 2nd Lt. W. Mayers, general list, I.A.R.O., to 2-70th Burma Rifles.
Letter from Prisoner of War
Mr P.A. Churchward has received the following postcard dated 7th Sept. 1917, from Gunner Mick Hogan, Volunteer Artillery Battery, prisoner of war at Angora, Turkey. “Dear Sir, I would be very much obliged if you could help me in the way of groceries, boots, clothing, tobacco and money, being a Rangoon boy. I was one who formed the garrison at Kut-al-Amara, at present prisoner of war at Angora.” This postcard is published for the information of relations and friends of Gunner Hogan and in the hope that they or some war fund, will send him what he requires.
Mr P.A. Churchward has received the following postcard dated 7th Sept. 1917, from Gunner Mick Hogan, Volunteer Artillery Battery, prisoner of war at Angora, Turkey. “Dear Sir, I would be very much obliged if you could help me in the way of groceries, boots, clothing, tobacco and money, being a Rangoon boy. I was one who formed the garrison at Kut-al-Amara, at present prisoner of war at Angora.” This postcard is published for the information of relations and friends of Gunner Hogan and in the hope that they or some war fund, will send him what he requires.
Burma Rifles
A movement is on foot to start an army hut in Meiktila for the 70th Burma Rifles on the lines of the Y.M.C.A. huts. This will be run by the American Baptist Mission and it is hoped thereby to provide entertainment among the Burmese and Karen Christians of the regiment, among whom are many good singers. Arthur Yaba, a Karen Christian schoolmaster, who enlisted in the regiment, is a host in himself, it is stated, as an entertainer and he takes a great interest in the men, who are glad to have a man of his type with them. Among the last batch of recruits to reach the depot were six who can read music and play various instruments and it is intended to use them as a nucleus for the formation of a band for the regiment, if some person or persons generously inclined can be found to present the instruments. The men are taking the keenest interest in their work and are becoming proficient. They are proving very amenable to discipline and all are anxious to prove the second battalion equal if not superior to the first.
A movement is on foot to start an army hut in Meiktila for the 70th Burma Rifles on the lines of the Y.M.C.A. huts. This will be run by the American Baptist Mission and it is hoped thereby to provide entertainment among the Burmese and Karen Christians of the regiment, among whom are many good singers. Arthur Yaba, a Karen Christian schoolmaster, who enlisted in the regiment, is a host in himself, it is stated, as an entertainer and he takes a great interest in the men, who are glad to have a man of his type with them. Among the last batch of recruits to reach the depot were six who can read music and play various instruments and it is intended to use them as a nucleus for the formation of a band for the regiment, if some person or persons generously inclined can be found to present the instruments. The men are taking the keenest interest in their work and are becoming proficient. They are proving very amenable to discipline and all are anxious to prove the second battalion equal if not superior to the first.
March
Posting/Appointment
2nd Lieutenants G. Clark and E.W. Hill, I.A.R.O., have arrived from the Officers’ Training School at Bangalore on posting to the Sappers and Miners.
2nd Lieut. Cuningham, I.A.R.O., attached to the Ford Van Company, Rangoon, has been appointed temporary Major and to command the Company.
2nd Lieutenants G. Clark and E.W. Hill, I.A.R.O., have arrived from the Officers’ Training School at Bangalore on posting to the Sappers and Miners.
2nd Lieut. Cuningham, I.A.R.O., attached to the Ford Van Company, Rangoon, has been appointed temporary Major and to command the Company.
Rangoon Soldier Wins D.C.M.
Official notification has been received that Sergt.-Major R.T. Heales, Volunteer Mobile Battery, who was captured at Kut-el-Amara and is now a prisoner of war in the hands of the Turks, has been awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for bravery during the siege of Kut. Sergt.-Major Heales joined the 2nd Calcutta Volunteer Rifles in July, 1899 and was transferred to the 1st Battn. of the corps in 1901. He came to Burma in 1904 and in June of that year transferred to the Naval Division of the R.P.D.V. joining the artillery companies as a gunner on its disbandment in 1908 when a leading seaman. He was promoted to Bombardier in 1909, to Corporal in 1911 and to Sergeant in 1914. On the formation of the Volunteer Mobile Battery he left with the first detachment. He holds proficiency certificates in both the infantry and artillery. With Bombardier Stewart of the same battery, who was killed at Kut-el-Amara during the siege, he helped to supervise the building of the present Sule Pagoda wharf.
Official notification has been received that Sergt.-Major R.T. Heales, Volunteer Mobile Battery, who was captured at Kut-el-Amara and is now a prisoner of war in the hands of the Turks, has been awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for bravery during the siege of Kut. Sergt.-Major Heales joined the 2nd Calcutta Volunteer Rifles in July, 1899 and was transferred to the 1st Battn. of the corps in 1901. He came to Burma in 1904 and in June of that year transferred to the Naval Division of the R.P.D.V. joining the artillery companies as a gunner on its disbandment in 1908 when a leading seaman. He was promoted to Bombardier in 1909, to Corporal in 1911 and to Sergeant in 1914. On the formation of the Volunteer Mobile Battery he left with the first detachment. He holds proficiency certificates in both the infantry and artillery. With Bombardier Stewart of the same battery, who was killed at Kut-el-Amara during the siege, he helped to supervise the building of the present Sule Pagoda wharf.
Resignation
The King has approved the resignation of and grant of honorary rank to Lieutenant Archie Ripon Anderson, I.A.R.O., in consequence of ill health, due to field service. Lt. Anderson, who was with the Bombay Burmah Trading Corporation in Moulmein at the outbreak of the war, joined the I.A.R.O. on November 20th 1914 and saw service with Prince Albert Victor’s Rajputs.
The King has approved the resignation of and grant of honorary rank to Lieutenant Archie Ripon Anderson, I.A.R.O., in consequence of ill health, due to field service. Lt. Anderson, who was with the Bombay Burmah Trading Corporation in Moulmein at the outbreak of the war, joined the I.A.R.O. on November 20th 1914 and saw service with Prince Albert Victor’s Rajputs.
Burma Railways Regt.
Staff-Sergeants Folan and Coffey, Burma Railways Regt., have been ordered to India to take up the posts of acting Sergeant-Majors to which they were recently promoted. Staff-Sergt. Folan goes to the Madras and Southern Mahratta Railway Rifles and Staff-Sergt. Coffey to the Great Indian Peninsular Railway Rifles.
Staff-Sergeants Folan and Coffey, Burma Railways Regt., have been ordered to India to take up the posts of acting Sergeant-Majors to which they were recently promoted. Staff-Sergt. Folan goes to the Madras and Southern Mahratta Railway Rifles and Staff-Sergt. Coffey to the Great Indian Peninsular Railway Rifles.
Ford Van Company
C.F. Pyett, Arracan Co. has been appointed a 2nd Lieut. I.A.R.O. and posted to the Ford Van Company. Mr Pyett, who has been a member of the Rangoon Rifles, late, R.V.R. for many years, is also a noted athlete. He had played full back for the Gymkhana Club in a number of winning rugger teams and has also been successful both in that position and in the half back line on their soccer teams.
Mr A.J. Bennison, Garage Manager, Messrs. Watson and Son, has also been appointed a 2nd Lieut., I.A.R.O. and posted to the Ford Van Company.
C.F. Pyett, Arracan Co. has been appointed a 2nd Lieut. I.A.R.O. and posted to the Ford Van Company. Mr Pyett, who has been a member of the Rangoon Rifles, late, R.V.R. for many years, is also a noted athlete. He had played full back for the Gymkhana Club in a number of winning rugger teams and has also been successful both in that position and in the half back line on their soccer teams.
Mr A.J. Bennison, Garage Manager, Messrs. Watson and Son, has also been appointed a 2nd Lieut., I.A.R.O. and posted to the Ford Van Company.
Y.M.C.A.
Students Hostel - The ordinary activities of this branch have been continued during the year. We have to report that Mr A.M. Paterson obtained a commission in the I.A.R.O. and was succeeded by Mr W.T.M. Clewes who has done nearly three years’ successful work with the association ... “
ABL note:- An entry in March lists a Y.M.C.A. War Roll
Students Hostel - The ordinary activities of this branch have been continued during the year. We have to report that Mr A.M. Paterson obtained a commission in the I.A.R.O. and was succeeded by Mr W.T.M. Clewes who has done nearly three years’ successful work with the association ... “
ABL note:- An entry in March lists a Y.M.C.A. War Roll
Tank Corps
A Brave Arakanese
The following letter has been received by U Tun Aung Gyaw, pensioned Circle Thugyi, Nawli Quarter, Akyab, from Capt. W. Start of the Tank Corps, regarding his son Maung Tun San, who was a student at an engineering college in London when the war broke out. He enlisted about November 1914 and served in France continuously until he fell on 21st November last driving his tank into action in our victorious advance near Cambrai. He was the only Arakanese – as the late Maung Maung was the only Burman – serving with our army in France. Our readers will be glad to learn that this brave young Arakanese was not killed for a cable from the War Office has just reached his father that he was taken prisoner only slightly wounded and is now at Lemberg : “Dear Sir, It is with the deepest regret what I have to inform you that your son 201232 Pte. T. San is missing and believed killed in action upon Rumilly village on November 21st His tank was seen to get a direct hit from shell fire and after that no movement of the crew was observed. It was impossible for us to get up to the tank afterwards owing to the fact that it had been surrounded by the enemy – in fact is still in their hands. I have made every inquiry possible, but up to the present I can obtain noting definite. There is a very slight hope that you son is wounded and in German hands but I must ask you not to bank on this possibility. In any case I will let you know at once should I get any information that may be relied upon. Your son was a very great favourite in the company for his gentle manner and extreme generosity and at all times made a great impression upon his English comrades who in their turn would have done anything for him. He was a most conscientious worker and the keenest of soldiers and all ranks beg to tender you their heartfelt sympathy in your great bereavement to which I beg to add my own. Our hearts are sore with the loss of our gallant comrades but their memory will never fade. England is proud of her sons that are gone. May they rest in peace.”
A Brave Arakanese
The following letter has been received by U Tun Aung Gyaw, pensioned Circle Thugyi, Nawli Quarter, Akyab, from Capt. W. Start of the Tank Corps, regarding his son Maung Tun San, who was a student at an engineering college in London when the war broke out. He enlisted about November 1914 and served in France continuously until he fell on 21st November last driving his tank into action in our victorious advance near Cambrai. He was the only Arakanese – as the late Maung Maung was the only Burman – serving with our army in France. Our readers will be glad to learn that this brave young Arakanese was not killed for a cable from the War Office has just reached his father that he was taken prisoner only slightly wounded and is now at Lemberg : “Dear Sir, It is with the deepest regret what I have to inform you that your son 201232 Pte. T. San is missing and believed killed in action upon Rumilly village on November 21st His tank was seen to get a direct hit from shell fire and after that no movement of the crew was observed. It was impossible for us to get up to the tank afterwards owing to the fact that it had been surrounded by the enemy – in fact is still in their hands. I have made every inquiry possible, but up to the present I can obtain noting definite. There is a very slight hope that you son is wounded and in German hands but I must ask you not to bank on this possibility. In any case I will let you know at once should I get any information that may be relied upon. Your son was a very great favourite in the company for his gentle manner and extreme generosity and at all times made a great impression upon his English comrades who in their turn would have done anything for him. He was a most conscientious worker and the keenest of soldiers and all ranks beg to tender you their heartfelt sympathy in your great bereavement to which I beg to add my own. Our hearts are sore with the loss of our gallant comrades but their memory will never fade. England is proud of her sons that are gone. May they rest in peace.”
70th Burma Rifle
The announcement that Maung Aung Din, bar-at-law, had joined the 70th Burma Rifles as a Subadar was received with genuine satisfaction by not only the Burmese bar but the whole Burmese community. The new Subadar is a son of U Tha Din, Additional Dist. Judge, retired, who resides at Insein and who received the commendation of Government in the late eighties for his work against lawless characters and in 1886 was presented by Government with a sporting gun. Maung Aung Din was educated in Rangoon and completed his studies in England, passing out from Gray’s Inn as a Barrister-at-law in 1907. On his return to Rangoon he at once started practice and has been continuously at it ever since. He is a cousin of Dr. Ma Saw Sa who is in charge of the Dufferin Hospital and has two cousins Maung Ba Htin and Maung Ba Thaw at the front in France ; both are Subalterns, one with the Medical Service and the other with the Burma Labour Corps. Both are doing well. A number of friends and relations bade him goodbye at the station when he left on Tuesday for Meiktila.
The announcement that Maung Aung Din, bar-at-law, had joined the 70th Burma Rifles as a Subadar was received with genuine satisfaction by not only the Burmese bar but the whole Burmese community. The new Subadar is a son of U Tha Din, Additional Dist. Judge, retired, who resides at Insein and who received the commendation of Government in the late eighties for his work against lawless characters and in 1886 was presented by Government with a sporting gun. Maung Aung Din was educated in Rangoon and completed his studies in England, passing out from Gray’s Inn as a Barrister-at-law in 1907. On his return to Rangoon he at once started practice and has been continuously at it ever since. He is a cousin of Dr. Ma Saw Sa who is in charge of the Dufferin Hospital and has two cousins Maung Ba Htin and Maung Ba Thaw at the front in France ; both are Subalterns, one with the Medical Service and the other with the Burma Labour Corps. Both are doing well. A number of friends and relations bade him goodbye at the station when he left on Tuesday for Meiktila.
I.A.R.O.
Information has been received that the under mentioned will be appointed to the I.A.R.O. in the rank of 2nd Lieut. from 29th March and will attend a school of instruction at Sabathu commencing on 8th April:-
S. Young of Rowe & Co., Mergui
B.J. Winstanley of Steel Bros., Pyinmana
A.K. Thompson of Rangoon
C.E. Cabot of the Burma Oil Co,, Rangoon
A. Fairweather of Steel Bros., Rangoon
A.I. Davis of Burma Mines
Information has been received that the under mentioned will be appointed to the I.A.R.O. in the rank of 2nd Lieut. from 29th March and will attend a school of instruction at Sabathu commencing on 8th April:-
S. Young of Rowe & Co., Mergui
B.J. Winstanley of Steel Bros., Pyinmana
A.K. Thompson of Rangoon
C.E. Cabot of the Burma Oil Co,, Rangoon
A. Fairweather of Steel Bros., Rangoon
A.I. Davis of Burma Mines
Burma Labour Corps
The King today received at Buckingham Palace a party of Officers and Non-commissioned Officers of the Indian Labour Corps under Capt. Fowler, representing two thousand hillmen from the Chin Hills now serving in France. Hus Majesty greeted them cordially and expressed appreciation of their services.
The King today received at Buckingham Palace a party of Officers and Non-commissioned Officers of the Indian Labour Corps under Capt. Fowler, representing two thousand hillmen from the Chin Hills now serving in France. Hus Majesty greeted them cordially and expressed appreciation of their services.
Myitkyina
Indian Defence Force
The reconstitution and reorganisation of the old Volunteer Corps in Burma as units of the Indian Defence Force has brought about a change in the title of the Corps to which the Myitkyina Company belongs. The local company is now known as D Company of the 34th Upper Burma Battalion of the Indian Defence Force and consists of detachments at Myitkyina, Katha, Shwebo and Monywa. The Company is under the command of Capt. A.R. Godber, V.D. Capt. C.R. Wilkinson, 2nd Lt. H. Tonkinson are the other Company officers at present. Staff Sergt. Instructors M. MacIntyre, the Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders and J. Thomas, South Lancashire Regt. are attached to the Company as instructors. A large number from this district are going to the forthcoming camp of exercise at Sitha, near Anisakan and include all the members of the Burma Railways Battalion stationed in the districts included in D Company with which the railway members do their parades and musketry. Several clerks from the district offices are now training at Mandalay with the non European section of the force.
Indian Defence Force
The reconstitution and reorganisation of the old Volunteer Corps in Burma as units of the Indian Defence Force has brought about a change in the title of the Corps to which the Myitkyina Company belongs. The local company is now known as D Company of the 34th Upper Burma Battalion of the Indian Defence Force and consists of detachments at Myitkyina, Katha, Shwebo and Monywa. The Company is under the command of Capt. A.R. Godber, V.D. Capt. C.R. Wilkinson, 2nd Lt. H. Tonkinson are the other Company officers at present. Staff Sergt. Instructors M. MacIntyre, the Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders and J. Thomas, South Lancashire Regt. are attached to the Company as instructors. A large number from this district are going to the forthcoming camp of exercise at Sitha, near Anisakan and include all the members of the Burma Railways Battalion stationed in the districts included in D Company with which the railway members do their parades and musketry. Several clerks from the district offices are now training at Mandalay with the non European section of the force.
Meiktila
Prisoners of War Camp
The past week has been one of moving. Early in the week the new prisoners of war camp was occupied by the Turkish prisoners of war. Later the old prisoners of war camp was taken possession of by the Burma Rifles. The new prisoners of war camp is wonderfully complete and we sometimes wonder if our prisoners of war fare as well in other countries as the prisoners of war whom we have taken fare with us. Our Government has spared no pains to make her prisoners of war happy and content. This spirit of magnanimity is again shown in the new camp. It comprises about one hundred acres of high ground in the east of cantonments within the area of which have been erected about twenty barrack buildings, each on a standard pattern being about one hundred and sixty feet long by thirty broad and being two stories high. Each building has a good frame for timber with board flooring, bamboo walling and thekka roofing. The buildings are airy and well adapted to the purpose for which they were erected. A pumping engine has been put in position on the lake side and waterworks have been constructed over small hillocks and small ravines to furnish the occupants of the new camp with a supply of good water for both drinking and bathing. ...
Prisoners of War Camp
The past week has been one of moving. Early in the week the new prisoners of war camp was occupied by the Turkish prisoners of war. Later the old prisoners of war camp was taken possession of by the Burma Rifles. The new prisoners of war camp is wonderfully complete and we sometimes wonder if our prisoners of war fare as well in other countries as the prisoners of war whom we have taken fare with us. Our Government has spared no pains to make her prisoners of war happy and content. This spirit of magnanimity is again shown in the new camp. It comprises about one hundred acres of high ground in the east of cantonments within the area of which have been erected about twenty barrack buildings, each on a standard pattern being about one hundred and sixty feet long by thirty broad and being two stories high. Each building has a good frame for timber with board flooring, bamboo walling and thekka roofing. The buildings are airy and well adapted to the purpose for which they were erected. A pumping engine has been put in position on the lake side and waterworks have been constructed over small hillocks and small ravines to furnish the occupants of the new camp with a supply of good water for both drinking and bathing. ...
The Burma Rifles
An intimation above, the Burma Rifles now quite numerous, have moved from the west side of the lake to their new quarters in the old prisoner of war camp in the cantonments on the east side of the lake. A new officers mess has to be opened, and the bungalow, formerly occupied by Major Sandeman, with its beautiful compound, has been converted into a mess for the officers of the Burma Rifle. Fresh recruits are arriving almost daily and among them many fine lads of fairly good education. One of the latest recruits has just completed high higher grade teacher-ship exams. and is a B.A. student ; another was a theological graduate, a preacher in the Henzada district. Several of the boys hold certificates for teacher. While several of them have considerable experience as teachers. Other professions are represented also. ...
An intimation above, the Burma Rifles now quite numerous, have moved from the west side of the lake to their new quarters in the old prisoner of war camp in the cantonments on the east side of the lake. A new officers mess has to be opened, and the bungalow, formerly occupied by Major Sandeman, with its beautiful compound, has been converted into a mess for the officers of the Burma Rifle. Fresh recruits are arriving almost daily and among them many fine lads of fairly good education. One of the latest recruits has just completed high higher grade teacher-ship exams. and is a B.A. student ; another was a theological graduate, a preacher in the Henzada district. Several of the boys hold certificates for teacher. While several of them have considerable experience as teachers. Other professions are represented also. ...
April
Burma Sapper and Miners
We are very pleased to hear that Havildar Maung Lat, of the 15th Coy. Q.V.O. Sappers and Miners, has been awarded the Meritorious Service Medal for good work in Mesopotamia. The Sappers and Miners have the only Burmans in the fighting line and it is very good news to hear that they are acquitting themselves well and bringing honour on the country to which they belong. The war has opened a new chapter in the history of Burma. Maung Lat, to whom we offer our hearty congratulations, is a Mandalay man.
We are very pleased to hear that Havildar Maung Lat, of the 15th Coy. Q.V.O. Sappers and Miners, has been awarded the Meritorious Service Medal for good work in Mesopotamia. The Sappers and Miners have the only Burmans in the fighting line and it is very good news to hear that they are acquitting themselves well and bringing honour on the country to which they belong. The war has opened a new chapter in the history of Burma. Maung Lat, to whom we offer our hearty congratulations, is a Mandalay man.
Indian Defence Force
The following members of the Indian Defence Force units in Burma have been granted the volunteer long service medal:-
18th (Rangoon) Battn.
Riflemen
H. Paxton
H.C. Lutter
The following members of the Indian Defence Force units in Burma have been granted the volunteer long service medal:-
18th (Rangoon) Battn.
Riflemen
H. Paxton
H.C. Lutter
21st (Burma Railways) Battn.
Colour-Sergt, E.M. Igo
Sergt. G.W. Rayner
Sergt. G. Thurston
Corpl. A. D’Cruz
Colour-Sergt, E.M. Igo
Sergt. G.W. Rayner
Sergt. G. Thurston
Corpl. A. D’Cruz
Privates
|
A. Baker
A.P. Deboys M.J. D’Gama G. Dunning A.H. Elmore |
M. Fernandez
P. Fernandez A.E. Floate F. Friedlander A. Fuller |
J. Hayter
S.M. Ivers C.W. Lee P.J. Mariano U. Nasse |
S.M. Nazaruth
A. Nelson K. Pain B. Reay J. Smart |
E. Thompson
G.J. Whitbread G. Wooten |
Military Cross
Lt. Rainald Hugo Burne, I.A.R.O., who has been awarded the Military Cross is a son of Mr R.G. Burne, who was for many years connected with Messrs. Foucar & Co. He was educated in Devonshire after which he entered the Royal Navy and served four years. He resigned and came out to Burma and joined Messrs. Foucar & Co. and was on duty for them in the Pegu and Katha districts. On the outbreak of war he applied for the I.A.R.O. and was appointed a Lieutenant on 14th November 1914. While training in India he was ordered to France with a draft of Gurkhas and on his arrival was posted to the Mahrattas and later to the Garhwal Rifles and saw service there with them. When they were ordered back for recruitment, he was transferred to the Scinde Rifles with whom he saw strenuous times in Mesopotamia, being wounded twice. His parents, who have retired from Burma, are living in England.
Lt. Rainald Hugo Burne, I.A.R.O., who has been awarded the Military Cross is a son of Mr R.G. Burne, who was for many years connected with Messrs. Foucar & Co. He was educated in Devonshire after which he entered the Royal Navy and served four years. He resigned and came out to Burma and joined Messrs. Foucar & Co. and was on duty for them in the Pegu and Katha districts. On the outbreak of war he applied for the I.A.R.O. and was appointed a Lieutenant on 14th November 1914. While training in India he was ordered to France with a draft of Gurkhas and on his arrival was posted to the Mahrattas and later to the Garhwal Rifles and saw service there with them. When they were ordered back for recruitment, he was transferred to the Scinde Rifles with whom he saw strenuous times in Mesopotamia, being wounded twice. His parents, who have retired from Burma, are living in England.
Indian Defence Force
Royal Artillery Inspected
The Brigade Commander carried out an inspection of Wednesday evening of the 3rd (Rangoon Port Defence) Group, Garrison Artillery on the corps ground in Lewis street. There were 278 of all ranks on parade of the Artillery and Engineer Companies under the command of Col. G.H. Evans, C.I.E., A.D.C., all available officers being on parade including Capt. Casson, I.A.R.O., Adjutant. The Corps cadets were absent as school is closed and they are away on their holidays. Genl. Young, who was accompanied by Major Macleod, Brigade Major, was given the general salute on arrival, the corps being lined up facing the north. After the inspection the men marched past in columns of companies and returned in close columns formation and then took up their original alignment and advanced in review order, giving the general salute. This was followed by a short address by General Young who congratulated the corps on its good work during the year, particularly at their camp of instruction at Aung Ban where the cadets who had been in camp alone had done remarkably well. The engineers he must also congratulate and thank for the help they were rendering Government in looking after the river lights and search lights. ...
Royal Artillery Inspected
The Brigade Commander carried out an inspection of Wednesday evening of the 3rd (Rangoon Port Defence) Group, Garrison Artillery on the corps ground in Lewis street. There were 278 of all ranks on parade of the Artillery and Engineer Companies under the command of Col. G.H. Evans, C.I.E., A.D.C., all available officers being on parade including Capt. Casson, I.A.R.O., Adjutant. The Corps cadets were absent as school is closed and they are away on their holidays. Genl. Young, who was accompanied by Major Macleod, Brigade Major, was given the general salute on arrival, the corps being lined up facing the north. After the inspection the men marched past in columns of companies and returned in close columns formation and then took up their original alignment and advanced in review order, giving the general salute. This was followed by a short address by General Young who congratulated the corps on its good work during the year, particularly at their camp of instruction at Aung Ban where the cadets who had been in camp alone had done remarkably well. The engineers he must also congratulate and thank for the help they were rendering Government in looking after the river lights and search lights. ...
Indian Defence Force
The contingent of officers and men of the Indian Defence Force of the 3rd (Rangoon Port Defence) Group Garrison Artillery, 14th (Tenasserim) Battn., 21st (Burma Railways) Battn., 18th (Rangoon) Battn., and 34th (Upper Burma) Battn., who under the command of Major J.E. Houldey of the 18th Battalion have been training at Madras for the past three months, returned to Burma yesterday morning and disembarked at Sparks street jetty shortly before eight o’clock. Major Houldey returned by way of Calcutta several days ago, the command of the contingent during the journey home devolved to Capt. R.R. Yeomans, 18th Battn. With him were Captain R.E. Henderson, same battalion and Capt. W.T. Liddell, 34th Battn. Lt. Campbell, 18th Battn. and 2nd Lt. Mullins, 21st Battn., returned by way of Calcutta and also arrived yesterday morning, meeting the contingent at the jetty. Major Houldey, Capt. Hill and a number of officers of the 18th Battn. were present on the jetty and after the men had disembarked and lined up on the foreshore, Major Houldey took command of the detachment from his unit from Capt. Yeomans and marched them off to headquarters. The officers and men of the other units followed in order, Railways Battn., Port Defence Battn., Upper Burma Battn and Tenasserim Battn.
The men looked very fit and their bearing, handling of arms and marching were up to the standard of regulars. On the foreshore were many relatives and friends of the returning men. On Major Houldey’s arrival the men who were still on the vessel gave him a hearty cheer. Speaking of the three months that had now finished one of the non-commissioned officers and several of the men spoke in warm terms of their work. There had been plenty of it, they said, but Major Houldey and their officers while they gave them plenty to do, looked after their comfort as well and they would not have missed the trip and training for anything. The out of town units left yesterday for their respective headquarters.
Capt. A. V. Rooth, I.A.R.O., attached to 47th Sikhs, who has been awarded the D.S.O., was at the outbreak of war with the Bombay Burma Trading Corpn. in Burma and was appointed to the I.A.R.O. on November 20th 1914 and posted to the Royal Sussex at Peshawar for training, from which he went to his present unit, being promoted Lieutenant in November 1915 and Captain a short time ago. He recently left Burma for Bareilly, having spent two months leave here and in Maymyo.
The contingent of officers and men of the Indian Defence Force of the 3rd (Rangoon Port Defence) Group Garrison Artillery, 14th (Tenasserim) Battn., 21st (Burma Railways) Battn., 18th (Rangoon) Battn., and 34th (Upper Burma) Battn., who under the command of Major J.E. Houldey of the 18th Battalion have been training at Madras for the past three months, returned to Burma yesterday morning and disembarked at Sparks street jetty shortly before eight o’clock. Major Houldey returned by way of Calcutta several days ago, the command of the contingent during the journey home devolved to Capt. R.R. Yeomans, 18th Battn. With him were Captain R.E. Henderson, same battalion and Capt. W.T. Liddell, 34th Battn. Lt. Campbell, 18th Battn. and 2nd Lt. Mullins, 21st Battn., returned by way of Calcutta and also arrived yesterday morning, meeting the contingent at the jetty. Major Houldey, Capt. Hill and a number of officers of the 18th Battn. were present on the jetty and after the men had disembarked and lined up on the foreshore, Major Houldey took command of the detachment from his unit from Capt. Yeomans and marched them off to headquarters. The officers and men of the other units followed in order, Railways Battn., Port Defence Battn., Upper Burma Battn and Tenasserim Battn.
The men looked very fit and their bearing, handling of arms and marching were up to the standard of regulars. On the foreshore were many relatives and friends of the returning men. On Major Houldey’s arrival the men who were still on the vessel gave him a hearty cheer. Speaking of the three months that had now finished one of the non-commissioned officers and several of the men spoke in warm terms of their work. There had been plenty of it, they said, but Major Houldey and their officers while they gave them plenty to do, looked after their comfort as well and they would not have missed the trip and training for anything. The out of town units left yesterday for their respective headquarters.
Capt. A. V. Rooth, I.A.R.O., attached to 47th Sikhs, who has been awarded the D.S.O., was at the outbreak of war with the Bombay Burma Trading Corpn. in Burma and was appointed to the I.A.R.O. on November 20th 1914 and posted to the Royal Sussex at Peshawar for training, from which he went to his present unit, being promoted Lieutenant in November 1915 and Captain a short time ago. He recently left Burma for Bareilly, having spent two months leave here and in Maymyo.
Meiktila
Burma Rifles
The recruits are arriving so fast that it is no easy task to place them all. Every officer from Col. Rigg down seem to be kept busy from early till late while the housing of the officers is a problem by itself. For the recruits, a recreation hit is to be opened at once under the management of Mr R.P. Currier, who has been a professor at the Baptist College in Rangoon for the past four or five years. Mr Currier visited Meiktila last Saturday and Sunday to have a look over the ground and do what was required. A bungalow has been set aside for him and a barrack building has been turned over to him for the work among the lads. This barrack building will be run on the lines of the Y.M.C.A. huts, with its reading room, its game room and lecture room. Outdoor games are to be organised and before Mr Currier returned to Rangoon he made arrangements for the levelling of ground for the making of two basket-ball courts at once. Lantern lectures will be arranged for the evenings. Recreation of the whole body and mind of the lads will be the work of the recreation hut. It will be the rendezvous of the camp, the place to have a good time during the hours off duty. The Karens, of whom there are about three hundred under the command of Lt. Macpherson are enthusiastic over the opening of the hut but the hut is for the whole camp and the lads will appreciate it.
Burma Rifles
The recruits are arriving so fast that it is no easy task to place them all. Every officer from Col. Rigg down seem to be kept busy from early till late while the housing of the officers is a problem by itself. For the recruits, a recreation hit is to be opened at once under the management of Mr R.P. Currier, who has been a professor at the Baptist College in Rangoon for the past four or five years. Mr Currier visited Meiktila last Saturday and Sunday to have a look over the ground and do what was required. A bungalow has been set aside for him and a barrack building has been turned over to him for the work among the lads. This barrack building will be run on the lines of the Y.M.C.A. huts, with its reading room, its game room and lecture room. Outdoor games are to be organised and before Mr Currier returned to Rangoon he made arrangements for the levelling of ground for the making of two basket-ball courts at once. Lantern lectures will be arranged for the evenings. Recreation of the whole body and mind of the lads will be the work of the recreation hut. It will be the rendezvous of the camp, the place to have a good time during the hours off duty. The Karens, of whom there are about three hundred under the command of Lt. Macpherson are enthusiastic over the opening of the hut but the hut is for the whole camp and the lads will appreciate it.
Paulians At The Front
Brother John, Director, St. Paul’s Institute, Rangoon, has received the following letter from Gunner R.A. Blake on behalf of the Paulians with the Volunteer Artillery Battery – “Dear Brother, the gifts you sent through Father Whittaker were given to us last Sunday after church parade. You cannot imagine the delight of the boys on receiving them, and they all join me in thanking you for the same. The dear old school is well represented in the battery now and we found some difficulty in dividing some of the gifts, we had to cut for them, but I am glad to say that the lucky boy shared his good luck with his friends. We hope you will thank all the boys that contributed towards the gifts.”
Brother John, Director, St. Paul’s Institute, Rangoon, has received the following letter from Gunner R.A. Blake on behalf of the Paulians with the Volunteer Artillery Battery – “Dear Brother, the gifts you sent through Father Whittaker were given to us last Sunday after church parade. You cannot imagine the delight of the boys on receiving them, and they all join me in thanking you for the same. The dear old school is well represented in the battery now and we found some difficulty in dividing some of the gifts, we had to cut for them, but I am glad to say that the lucky boy shared his good luck with his friends. We hope you will thank all the boys that contributed towards the gifts.”
Training School
Sergt. Shead, Mogul Guard, has been granted a commission as second Lieut., I.A.R.O. and ordered to hold himself in readiness to report to an officers’ training school, the place and date to be notified later. He is a son of Mr G.W. Shead, Telegraph Master, Rangoon and President, Telegraphs Assoc. Club.
Sergt. Shead, Mogul Guard, has been granted a commission as second Lieut., I.A.R.O. and ordered to hold himself in readiness to report to an officers’ training school, the place and date to be notified later. He is a son of Mr G.W. Shead, Telegraph Master, Rangoon and President, Telegraphs Assoc. Club.
Letter from Gr. H.C. Deetjen
We have received the following letter addressed “The Editor, Rangoon Gazette, Sparks St., Rangoon, Burmah, care of G.P.O., London.
No. 9 Gr. H.C. Deetjen, Vol. Arty. Baty., Gelebek, Turkey, care of The Commander, E.B.S.K.S. 3, November 29 1917. Sir – Since I have been a prisoner of war I have no letter from home and all this while I have been sending letters and post cards every fortnight and to my surprise none have been answered. If you can find out the cause I shall be very grateful. About ten months ago I received a parcel of clothes from home and a letter from a friend saying all was well at home. My father’s name is J.C. Deetjen, Head Clerk, Rangoon Circle, Secretariat. I have three brothers studying in St. Paul’s Institution. Hope to hear soon from you or my father and tanking you in anticipation. I remain your sincerely, H.C. Deetjen.”
We have received the following letter addressed “The Editor, Rangoon Gazette, Sparks St., Rangoon, Burmah, care of G.P.O., London.
No. 9 Gr. H.C. Deetjen, Vol. Arty. Baty., Gelebek, Turkey, care of The Commander, E.B.S.K.S. 3, November 29 1917. Sir – Since I have been a prisoner of war I have no letter from home and all this while I have been sending letters and post cards every fortnight and to my surprise none have been answered. If you can find out the cause I shall be very grateful. About ten months ago I received a parcel of clothes from home and a letter from a friend saying all was well at home. My father’s name is J.C. Deetjen, Head Clerk, Rangoon Circle, Secretariat. I have three brothers studying in St. Paul’s Institution. Hope to hear soon from you or my father and tanking you in anticipation. I remain your sincerely, H.C. Deetjen.”
The Anglo-Indian Force At Madras
The Director of St. Paul’s Institution, Rangoon has received the following letter from Walter Loader with the A.I. Force at Fort St. George, Madras:-
"Dear Rev. Brother Director. Just a few lines to let you know that we are quite well, and that we have arrived quite safely at Madras. It took us five days to come down and we were jolly glad when we got out of the train, as we were all sick and tired of the journey. We travelled all the way from Pindi in large military cars which were very large and comfortable. We only changed once and that was at Jhansi. On our way we passed through many a famous town which we have read of in our school days. One very noticeable thing was the change of race, we well as of scenery, as we came further south. From bare, rocky, barren plains we came down to well cultivated lands. We saw trees which we had never seen over 18 months, such as the coconut, palm, etc. On entering the Fort, we were delighted to see so many of our Burma friends, who had come along with the Indian Defence Force. The barracks were disturbed that night, till quite early in the morning. Everywhere there were friends laughing and talking of the things that had happened in the past. Oh, what a fine sight it was. I shall never forget it as long as I live. We pulled on very well with them during their short stay here and they were quite pleased with what they saw. I asked some of them if they wanted to join, but they said that they had had enough already. At present our company is split in two. One detachment doing duty at Fort St. George, Madras ; and another at Malapuram, a town on the west coast of India. Percy , I am sorry to say is at Malapuram. In fact all the Burma boys are there. He is getting on very well and is in charge of the six-pounders. We are 140 strong here in Madras and are having rather a busy time with guards, furnishing men for three guards, which amount to about forty men a day. The poor chaps in consequence are only having one and two nights in bed now. It is very warm here and we really do not know what we would do if we hadn’t the sea close by. It is simply lovely, I go down there every morning and evening to enjoy the breeze. We have become quite at home ; and most of our boys are out of an evening at their friends’ places. All our boys are getting on well and hope our friends in school are the same. Please remember me to all the brothers, masters and boys I know and give them my very best wishes. Shall now close with best wishes and kind regards."
The Director of St. Paul’s Institution, Rangoon has received the following letter from Walter Loader with the A.I. Force at Fort St. George, Madras:-
"Dear Rev. Brother Director. Just a few lines to let you know that we are quite well, and that we have arrived quite safely at Madras. It took us five days to come down and we were jolly glad when we got out of the train, as we were all sick and tired of the journey. We travelled all the way from Pindi in large military cars which were very large and comfortable. We only changed once and that was at Jhansi. On our way we passed through many a famous town which we have read of in our school days. One very noticeable thing was the change of race, we well as of scenery, as we came further south. From bare, rocky, barren plains we came down to well cultivated lands. We saw trees which we had never seen over 18 months, such as the coconut, palm, etc. On entering the Fort, we were delighted to see so many of our Burma friends, who had come along with the Indian Defence Force. The barracks were disturbed that night, till quite early in the morning. Everywhere there were friends laughing and talking of the things that had happened in the past. Oh, what a fine sight it was. I shall never forget it as long as I live. We pulled on very well with them during their short stay here and they were quite pleased with what they saw. I asked some of them if they wanted to join, but they said that they had had enough already. At present our company is split in two. One detachment doing duty at Fort St. George, Madras ; and another at Malapuram, a town on the west coast of India. Percy , I am sorry to say is at Malapuram. In fact all the Burma boys are there. He is getting on very well and is in charge of the six-pounders. We are 140 strong here in Madras and are having rather a busy time with guards, furnishing men for three guards, which amount to about forty men a day. The poor chaps in consequence are only having one and two nights in bed now. It is very warm here and we really do not know what we would do if we hadn’t the sea close by. It is simply lovely, I go down there every morning and evening to enjoy the breeze. We have become quite at home ; and most of our boys are out of an evening at their friends’ places. All our boys are getting on well and hope our friends in school are the same. Please remember me to all the brothers, masters and boys I know and give them my very best wishes. Shall now close with best wishes and kind regards."
I.A.R.O.
In connection with the recommendations by the Commissioner of Police for commissions in the I.A.R.O. as announced in these columns on Monday, the Lt.-Governor has notified Mr Shuttleworth that he accepts the recommendations, except in the case of Mr Shuttleworth himself. Sir Reginald regrets he will be unable to spare Mr Shuttleworth’s services. All those recommended have been notified that if they are willing to accept a commission in the I.A.R.O. and are accepted by the military authorities they must hold themselves in readiness to leave for whatever destination ordered at short time. Deputy inspector Jennings has asked that his name be sent forward by Mr Shuttleworth as an applicant.
In connection with the recommendations by the Commissioner of Police for commissions in the I.A.R.O. as announced in these columns on Monday, the Lt.-Governor has notified Mr Shuttleworth that he accepts the recommendations, except in the case of Mr Shuttleworth himself. Sir Reginald regrets he will be unable to spare Mr Shuttleworth’s services. All those recommended have been notified that if they are willing to accept a commission in the I.A.R.O. and are accepted by the military authorities they must hold themselves in readiness to leave for whatever destination ordered at short time. Deputy inspector Jennings has asked that his name be sent forward by Mr Shuttleworth as an applicant.
Burma Labour Corps
Advices from Sagaing state that the recruits for the Burma Labour Corps at Sagaing have been sent to the S. Shan States, where they will be disbanded and paid off, being given the option of joining the 70th or 85th Burma Rifles, or Military Police. The reason for the disbandment has not been stated.
Advices from Sagaing state that the recruits for the Burma Labour Corps at Sagaing have been sent to the S. Shan States, where they will be disbanded and paid off, being given the option of joining the 70th or 85th Burma Rifles, or Military Police. The reason for the disbandment has not been stated.
Municipal Rifle Club
The annual prize distribution of the ... which was held in abeyance last season, took the form of a concert and dance this year during which the prizes for both years 1917 and 1918 were given away by Mrs Bennett, wife of Lt. W. Bennett, 18th (Rangoon) Battn., I.D.F. to which most of the members of the club belong. ... Mr and Mrs C.C. Cameron, Dr. and Mrs Marshall, Mrs and Mrs M.L. Friedlander, L.P. Marshall, Mr and Mrs J.J. Nolan, W.A. Strong ... Mrs Banvard Horley sang delightfully ... Mr Hector Long’s fine voice was heard to good advantage ... a charming but very difficult number for the violin, was Mrs Lewty’s selection and she played it with rare charm and feeling ... Mrs Nicholas delighted all by her singing ... Mr A.E. Pereira caused hearty laughter with the old comic song ... and Mrs Nowell was warmly applauded for her singing ... Mr Abraham who closed the programme have an amusing rendering of the comic song ... The prize distribution took place ... The winners were as follows:-
The annual prize distribution of the ... which was held in abeyance last season, took the form of a concert and dance this year during which the prizes for both years 1917 and 1918 were given away by Mrs Bennett, wife of Lt. W. Bennett, 18th (Rangoon) Battn., I.D.F. to which most of the members of the club belong. ... Mr and Mrs C.C. Cameron, Dr. and Mrs Marshall, Mrs and Mrs M.L. Friedlander, L.P. Marshall, Mr and Mrs J.J. Nolan, W.A. Strong ... Mrs Banvard Horley sang delightfully ... Mr Hector Long’s fine voice was heard to good advantage ... a charming but very difficult number for the violin, was Mrs Lewty’s selection and she played it with rare charm and feeling ... Mrs Nicholas delighted all by her singing ... Mr A.E. Pereira caused hearty laughter with the old comic song ... and Mrs Nowell was warmly applauded for her singing ... Mr Abraham who closed the programme have an amusing rendering of the comic song ... The prize distribution took place ... The winners were as follows:-
Chin Tsong Cup
1917 - Corpl. D.G. Wilson
1918 - Private C.R. Gomes
1917 - Corpl. D.G. Wilson
1918 - Private C.R. Gomes
Laurie Trophy for Section Shooting
1917
Sergt. H.S. Best
Lce. Corporals:- F.J. Meacher ; H.S. Monin
Privates:- D.I. Caldecourt ; J.L. Dumont ; J.S. Abraham ; S.G.A. Spranklin ; W.J. Taylor ; M. Day
1917
Sergt. H.S. Best
Lce. Corporals:- F.J. Meacher ; H.S. Monin
Privates:- D.I. Caldecourt ; J.L. Dumont ; J.S. Abraham ; S.G.A. Spranklin ; W.J. Taylor ; M. Day
1918
Sergt. Lackersteen
Staff-Sergt. H.J. Green
Lce. Corporals:- F.J. Meacher ; H.S. Monin ; D.G. Wilson ; E.C. Pegg
Privates:- S.G.A. Spranklin ; C.R. Gomez
Sergt. Lackersteen
Staff-Sergt. H.J. Green
Lce. Corporals:- F.J. Meacher ; H.S. Monin ; D.G. Wilson ; E.C. Pegg
Privates:- S.G.A. Spranklin ; C.R. Gomez
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Prize Shoot - 1917
Lce. Corpl. H.S. Monin Private L.S. Coombes Private S.I. Caldecourt |
Class Prizes
A Class – Sergt. V.J. Fairhurst B Class – Lce. Corpl. E.C. Pegg C Class – Private R.S. Stahlman |
Spoon Shoots
Staff Sergt. W.G. White Private Stahlman |
Classification Prize
Best shot in class competitions Private A. Jamieson |
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Thugyis Cup - 1918
Staff Sergt. W.G. White |
Bennett Cup – 1918
Private R.S. Stahlamn |
Rangoon Mounted Rifles Club
The annual general meeting of the ... adjourned from November 20th last, was held on Friday evening at the old clubhouse in Godwin road, now the Sergeant’s mess, 18th (Rangoon) Battn., I.D.F. Capt. McKeand was in the chair, there being about forty members present. The chairman presented the account ... the meeting unanimously decided to give the funds ... to the war charities. A cordial vote of thanks was given to Sergt. G.B. Hall, the honorary secretary, who had so ably run the club for over two years past. He leaves shortly for home on leave and Sergt. Clifton has agreed to act as honorary secretary in his place until the club is wound up. A hearty vote of thanks to the chair brought the meeting to an end.
The annual general meeting of the ... adjourned from November 20th last, was held on Friday evening at the old clubhouse in Godwin road, now the Sergeant’s mess, 18th (Rangoon) Battn., I.D.F. Capt. McKeand was in the chair, there being about forty members present. The chairman presented the account ... the meeting unanimously decided to give the funds ... to the war charities. A cordial vote of thanks was given to Sergt. G.B. Hall, the honorary secretary, who had so ably run the club for over two years past. He leaves shortly for home on leave and Sergt. Clifton has agreed to act as honorary secretary in his place until the club is wound up. A hearty vote of thanks to the chair brought the meeting to an end.
I.A.R.O.
The Government of Burma some time ago was asked by the Commander-in-Chief, India, to nominate a number of gentlemen from Government service and civil employment in Burma who could be called on at a moment’s notice for training in staff work and in administrative duties and who on being called up would be granted temporary commissions in the I.A.R.O., their services being utilised in the carious duties they might be needed for. A list of twenty-six names was sent in and these are given below with the officer under whom they will train and the place:-
The Government of Burma some time ago was asked by the Commander-in-Chief, India, to nominate a number of gentlemen from Government service and civil employment in Burma who could be called on at a moment’s notice for training in staff work and in administrative duties and who on being called up would be granted temporary commissions in the I.A.R.O., their services being utilised in the carious duties they might be needed for. A list of twenty-six names was sent in and these are given below with the officer under whom they will train and the place:-
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With Supply Depot Officer, Rangoon
Prof. G.R.T. Ross, Rangoon College, Rangoon F.W. Campbell, Bulloch Bros., Rangoon H.A. Roberts, Bombay Burmah Trading Corpn., Rangoon T.O. Rees, Steel Bros., Rangoon J.N. McDonnell, Burma Secretariat, Rangoon E.F. Baum, I.C.S., Deputy Commissioner, Akyab D.N. Johnson, Bulloch Bros., Rangoon E. Thompstone, Burma Agricultural Dept., (sic) Mandalay E.F. Dunk, Bombay Burmah Trading Corpn., Rangoon E.G. Moylan, Steel Bros., Rangoon J. Clegue, Deputy Director of Land records, Burma |
With Supply Depot Officer, Calcutta
A. Lawrence, Deputy Conservator of Forests, Burma, Toungoo Divn. F.W. Collings, Deputy Conservator of Forests, Burma, Nyaunglebin Divn. T. Couper, Director of Agriculture, (sic) Burma A.P. Davis, Deputy Conservator of Forests, Burma, Insein Divn. With Railway Transport Officer, Karachi H. Marsland, Executive Engr., P.W.D., Magwe C.E. Scovell, Executive Engr., P.W.D., Pakokku T. Hare, Executive Engr., P.W.D., Shwebo With Staff Captain, Rangoon Brigade F.L.J. Williamson, Superintendent, Mong Mit State, N. Shan States |
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With Treasure Chest Officer, Bombay
L.F. Saunders, Rangoon College, Rangoon W.L. Liddell, Steel Bros., Mandalay H.H. Mackney, I.C.S. H.C. Walker, Deputy Conservator of Forests, Kindat Divn. |
With the Deputy Asst. Quartermaster Genl., Burma
E.J. Farmer, I.C.S. With the Deputy Asst. Adjutant Genl., Burma A.E.H. Killick, Asst. Secy. to the Financial Commissioner, Burma |
Prisoner with the Turks
Gunner C.A. Archer, Volunteer Artillery Battery, a prisoner of war with the Turks at Serai-Ini, Turkey in Asia, in the course of a letter to his mother at Myaungmya dated January 6th says:-
“I am trying to look at things on the bright side. I am in pretty good health and am weathering the winter a great deal better, although last year the weather was not nearly so bad as it is this year. Though I am becoming acclimatised I am still longing to be in the land of sunshine. Christmas was very quiet with us. We had a chicken stew for dinner and pretty well the same for tea, with an extra dish “dessert” a rice pudding. We had the same performance repeated on New Year’s day. I managed to scrape up enough money and we had a bottle of koniak among four. ... (sic) The weather is fine today lovely sunshine and a sea of whiteness all round, caused by a second fall of snow. The time is getting on and dinner is ready – boiled wheat. We don’t at all care for this but it has to be eaten or done without as there is nothing else; everything is do dear.”
Gunner C.A. Archer, Volunteer Artillery Battery, a prisoner of war with the Turks at Serai-Ini, Turkey in Asia, in the course of a letter to his mother at Myaungmya dated January 6th says:-
“I am trying to look at things on the bright side. I am in pretty good health and am weathering the winter a great deal better, although last year the weather was not nearly so bad as it is this year. Though I am becoming acclimatised I am still longing to be in the land of sunshine. Christmas was very quiet with us. We had a chicken stew for dinner and pretty well the same for tea, with an extra dish “dessert” a rice pudding. We had the same performance repeated on New Year’s day. I managed to scrape up enough money and we had a bottle of koniak among four. ... (sic) The weather is fine today lovely sunshine and a sea of whiteness all round, caused by a second fall of snow. The time is getting on and dinner is ready – boiled wheat. We don’t at all care for this but it has to be eaten or done without as there is nothing else; everything is do dear.”
Commissions Granted
Messrs. Marsland and Scovell have received their commissions as 2nd Lieutenants of Infantry and have been ordered to report to Quetta by May 10th to begin preliminary training. Mr Killick has also got his commission as 2nd Lieutenant and has been ordered to report to Divisional Headquarters, Maymyo. Training under the scheme will begin on May 1st and Government has been asked how soon thereafter they can spare men from Government departments.
Messrs. Marsland and Scovell have received their commissions as 2nd Lieutenants of Infantry and have been ordered to report to Quetta by May 10th to begin preliminary training. Mr Killick has also got his commission as 2nd Lieutenant and has been ordered to report to Divisional Headquarters, Maymyo. Training under the scheme will begin on May 1st and Government has been asked how soon thereafter they can spare men from Government departments.
An Appeal For Comforts
The Brother Director, St. Paul’s Institute, forwards the following letter. “Constantinople, Psamatia, Nov. 5th 1917. – My dear Brother Director, just these lines informing you that I have been in captivity these last 18 months and haven’t received any parcel whatsoever and being an old school boy of yours I hope you will be kind enough to send me some comforts through the Red Cross Society. Thanking you in anticipation, I beg to remain, Yours obediently, (Signed) Gunner G. Abraham, Volunteer Artillery Battery.” The Brother Director hopes that old Paulians will come to the help of Gnr. Abraham and other Paulians in captivity.
The Brother Director, St. Paul’s Institute, forwards the following letter. “Constantinople, Psamatia, Nov. 5th 1917. – My dear Brother Director, just these lines informing you that I have been in captivity these last 18 months and haven’t received any parcel whatsoever and being an old school boy of yours I hope you will be kind enough to send me some comforts through the Red Cross Society. Thanking you in anticipation, I beg to remain, Yours obediently, (Signed) Gunner G. Abraham, Volunteer Artillery Battery.” The Brother Director hopes that old Paulians will come to the help of Gnr. Abraham and other Paulians in captivity.
Appointment
Major B.E. Morgan (93rd Burmas) attached to 70th Burma Rifles, has been appointed Commandant 3rd-70th Burma Rifles. Major Morgan is well known in Burma, having been here many years with the 93rd Burmas, the old 3rd Burma Battalion.
Major B.E. Morgan (93rd Burmas) attached to 70th Burma Rifles, has been appointed Commandant 3rd-70th Burma Rifles. Major Morgan is well known in Burma, having been here many years with the 93rd Burmas, the old 3rd Burma Battalion.
Moulmein War Distinctions
The Military Cross has been awarded to the following:-
Lt. Louis Edward Cameron Everard, C. Gds., Spc. Res. acting as Battalion Intelligence Officer, he led a party of scouts forward and successfully dealt with several enemy posts, killing and capturing many of the enemy and personally capturing one of their officers. It was due to his fearlessness and initiative that our line was advanced across a canal and throughout the operation he set a magnificent example to his men.” Lt. Everard was an Assistant with Messrs. T.D. Findlay & Son at the outbreak of war and relinquished his position to join the home army.
Second Lieut. Emile Charles Victor Foucar, Lond. R. – For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty when commanding a raiding party. Having penetrated the enemy’s front line of wire, he formed up about 150 yards from the enemy’s main trench and then assaulted from its rear a hostile post, the garrison of which were all killed or wounded. He accounted for one of them himself and throughout the operation displayed great dash and gallantry. 2nd Lt. Foucar is the eldest son of Mr E.J. Foucar of Moulmein.
The Military Cross has been awarded to the following:-
Lt. Louis Edward Cameron Everard, C. Gds., Spc. Res. acting as Battalion Intelligence Officer, he led a party of scouts forward and successfully dealt with several enemy posts, killing and capturing many of the enemy and personally capturing one of their officers. It was due to his fearlessness and initiative that our line was advanced across a canal and throughout the operation he set a magnificent example to his men.” Lt. Everard was an Assistant with Messrs. T.D. Findlay & Son at the outbreak of war and relinquished his position to join the home army.
Second Lieut. Emile Charles Victor Foucar, Lond. R. – For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty when commanding a raiding party. Having penetrated the enemy’s front line of wire, he formed up about 150 yards from the enemy’s main trench and then assaulted from its rear a hostile post, the garrison of which were all killed or wounded. He accounted for one of them himself and throughout the operation displayed great dash and gallantry. 2nd Lt. Foucar is the eldest son of Mr E.J. Foucar of Moulmein.
Rangoon Mounted Rifles
A Short History
At the adjourned annual general meeting of the R.M.R. Club held on Friday evening, April 19th, after parade in the old club house, now the Sergeant’s Mess of the 18th (Rangoon) Battalion, I.D.F., by permission of the commanding officer, the curtain was rung down on what was in its time one of the most useful little institutions in Rangoon. The club was actually closed on October 31st 1917 but six months was taken by the members to test the I.D.F. canteens before deciding whether to dispose of the funds or retain them for the revival of the club after the war. That the members would decide to dispose of the funds and leave the future to itself seemed a foregone conclusion and now they are to be congratulated on their decision to present such a nice little sum as nearly Rs. 11,500 to war charities.
In January 1910, when the Rangoon Mounted Rifles flourished and mustered two companies with a Major in command, some of the keener members conceived of the idea of starting a club. The suggestion received the sympathetic support of Major C.T. Graham, commanding the R.M.R., and Lt.-Col. Sir Campbell Kirkman Finlay, the then commandant of the Corps. A committee was formed at whose head was the then Lt. Archie Hamilton, who was later to take the first Burma Contingent home and eventually gave his life for his country on the hills of Gallipoli as a Captain in his Majesty’s service, got to work with such an energetic head and the necessary funds to carry on with were secured by borrowing from the charger fund committee on the assurance that they would be repaid, and they were, for Lt. Hamilton started a lottery sweep on the Rangoon Derby which proved so successful that he completely wiped out the club’s indebtedness. Once the funds were obtained to start the venture it was not long before it was a fait accompli.
The moving spirits in the formation of the club in addition to Lt.-Col. Sir C. Kirkman Finlay and Major Graham, were Lt. Archie Hamilton, 2nd Lt. Basil Stephenson, who won the Military Cross in Gallipoli, 2nd Lt. B.J.B. Stephens, Sergt. C.H. Taylor, now a Lieutenant in the Royal Air Service, Sergt. A. McKeand and Sergt. W.E. Robinson, who became the first honorary secretary. The club immediately justified its formation and took a leading place in the volunteer life of Rangoon. In connection therewith a very successful rifle club was run and it was almost always represented by an unbeatable rowing four at the annual boat races at the Royal Lakes.
In those pre-war days the R.M.R. was the only unit, barring the Rangoon Port Defence Volunteers, the young Britisher could join on coming to the country and it soon found in its ranks the men who have been keen volunteers or territorials at home before coming to Burma. Like many successful concerns of its kind, there came a time when others became jealous of it and its supporters had a hard time to maintain its existence. There are still many in Rangoon who will remember how towards the end of 1913 the powers that be decided that the club must be closed in the interests of the corps, but by ways mysterious the flag was kept flying and the outbreak of the war still found it open – and a veritable god-send it proved. Its members formed the nucleus of the new companies that then took mushroom growth, its walls afforded protection from the monsoon for the many mufti coats and caps that found their way to headquarters. In spite of its proved usefulness it was still allowed to continue only in sufferance and it was not long before the question of its removal was again raised. By this time many of its members had gone to answer their country’s call. Those who were left felt it was up to them to “keep the home fires burning,” till the boys came home and how they succeeded in carrying on the good work right down to October 1917 need not be mentioned here.
With the inauguration of the Indian Defence Force, a club where officers, non-commissioned officers and men all foregathered however became an impossibility and in spite of a sympathetic Colonel the club had to go. There will be many (especially among the old members on active service) who will be sorry to hear that the club, where so many happy days were spent, is now a thing of the past, but those who return will doubtless receive a fitting welcome after the war at the Sergeants’ Mess. The club was keeping a Roll of Honour of its members, which will, no doubt, be carried on.
A Short History
At the adjourned annual general meeting of the R.M.R. Club held on Friday evening, April 19th, after parade in the old club house, now the Sergeant’s Mess of the 18th (Rangoon) Battalion, I.D.F., by permission of the commanding officer, the curtain was rung down on what was in its time one of the most useful little institutions in Rangoon. The club was actually closed on October 31st 1917 but six months was taken by the members to test the I.D.F. canteens before deciding whether to dispose of the funds or retain them for the revival of the club after the war. That the members would decide to dispose of the funds and leave the future to itself seemed a foregone conclusion and now they are to be congratulated on their decision to present such a nice little sum as nearly Rs. 11,500 to war charities.
In January 1910, when the Rangoon Mounted Rifles flourished and mustered two companies with a Major in command, some of the keener members conceived of the idea of starting a club. The suggestion received the sympathetic support of Major C.T. Graham, commanding the R.M.R., and Lt.-Col. Sir Campbell Kirkman Finlay, the then commandant of the Corps. A committee was formed at whose head was the then Lt. Archie Hamilton, who was later to take the first Burma Contingent home and eventually gave his life for his country on the hills of Gallipoli as a Captain in his Majesty’s service, got to work with such an energetic head and the necessary funds to carry on with were secured by borrowing from the charger fund committee on the assurance that they would be repaid, and they were, for Lt. Hamilton started a lottery sweep on the Rangoon Derby which proved so successful that he completely wiped out the club’s indebtedness. Once the funds were obtained to start the venture it was not long before it was a fait accompli.
The moving spirits in the formation of the club in addition to Lt.-Col. Sir C. Kirkman Finlay and Major Graham, were Lt. Archie Hamilton, 2nd Lt. Basil Stephenson, who won the Military Cross in Gallipoli, 2nd Lt. B.J.B. Stephens, Sergt. C.H. Taylor, now a Lieutenant in the Royal Air Service, Sergt. A. McKeand and Sergt. W.E. Robinson, who became the first honorary secretary. The club immediately justified its formation and took a leading place in the volunteer life of Rangoon. In connection therewith a very successful rifle club was run and it was almost always represented by an unbeatable rowing four at the annual boat races at the Royal Lakes.
In those pre-war days the R.M.R. was the only unit, barring the Rangoon Port Defence Volunteers, the young Britisher could join on coming to the country and it soon found in its ranks the men who have been keen volunteers or territorials at home before coming to Burma. Like many successful concerns of its kind, there came a time when others became jealous of it and its supporters had a hard time to maintain its existence. There are still many in Rangoon who will remember how towards the end of 1913 the powers that be decided that the club must be closed in the interests of the corps, but by ways mysterious the flag was kept flying and the outbreak of the war still found it open – and a veritable god-send it proved. Its members formed the nucleus of the new companies that then took mushroom growth, its walls afforded protection from the monsoon for the many mufti coats and caps that found their way to headquarters. In spite of its proved usefulness it was still allowed to continue only in sufferance and it was not long before the question of its removal was again raised. By this time many of its members had gone to answer their country’s call. Those who were left felt it was up to them to “keep the home fires burning,” till the boys came home and how they succeeded in carrying on the good work right down to October 1917 need not be mentioned here.
With the inauguration of the Indian Defence Force, a club where officers, non-commissioned officers and men all foregathered however became an impossibility and in spite of a sympathetic Colonel the club had to go. There will be many (especially among the old members on active service) who will be sorry to hear that the club, where so many happy days were spent, is now a thing of the past, but those who return will doubtless receive a fitting welcome after the war at the Sergeants’ Mess. The club was keeping a Roll of Honour of its members, which will, no doubt, be carried on.
Rangoon Boy’s Gallantry
Below we give three letters recently received from the Western Front, which testify in no uncertain manner to an incident of great bravery and resource on the part of Lt. Guy Eric DuBern, elder son of Mr A.G. DuBern, Hony. Secretary of the B.A.A. and grand nephew of the Hon. Mr J.E. DuBern. Lt. DuBern, who is only twenty-two years old, began his education at St. Paul’s High School, Rangoon, from which he went to North Point, Darjeeling. Early in 1913 he and his younger brother left for England to compete their education. In 1915 Lt. DuBern went to Pembroke College, Cambridge, became a member of the Officers Training Corps of the University and in February 1916 he volunteered for military service and was given a commission in the R.G.A. Six months later, in August, he left for the Western Front and has been in the thick of it ever since.
The letters are as follows:-
Letter from Officer Commanding – Labour Coy. to Officer Commanding – Heavy Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery.
“May I offer to you and yours my heartfelt thanks for all you so nobly did for the three men, one of whom died on the way to the A.D.S., of this Coy., who were wounded at – Siege Battery on 12th December. I should particularly like to express my appreciation to the subaltern officer who so gallantly risked his life by going alone to their assistance. I understand that one of your men was killed while returning from the A.D.S., where he had assisted to take the wounded. Will you please convey my gratitude and sympathy to his relatives? This is just one more instance in my personal experience of the gallantry and spirit of comradeship shown by the Royal Garrison Artillery.” In the Field, 14th Dec. 1917.
Letter from Major – Officer Commanding – Heavy Battery, R.G.A., to Lt. G.E. DuBern.
“Dear DuBern, I enclose a letter received from the officer in command of the men to whose rescue you and some of your men went under such heavy shell fire. I had a vivid description of all you did and the cool deliberate way in which you conducted operations under such difficulties. You have brought credit not only to yourself, but also to the Battery and I am only sorry your noble work was not rewarded by a well earned decoration. I hope you will keep the enclosed letter and feel that your work was not unappreciated. And again my heartfelt thanks for the fine example you set to those around you at the time.” 15th Dec. 1917.
Extracts from Lt. DuBern’s letter to his father.
"You will be pleased to hear that I was recommended for the M.C. ; unfortunately nothing has come of it. We were summoned to the aid of a neighbouring battery which was only 100 yards from ours. When we got there we found their gun pit on fire and we soon put it out. We then helped to put the wounded men on stretchers. The men who were wounded belonged to a Labour Battalion and were doing fatigues for this battery. Four of my men took them down to the dressing station, and honestly under very heavy shell fire from 8 inch, 5.9 inch and 4.2 inch guns. On their way back, I lost one of my men, the poor chap was hit in the side by a shell splinter. I recommended all three men to our Major, who put them in for the M.M., but I am sorry to say for some reason or another they got nothing. Of course, I do not agree with this as it was an act of gallantry and my men ought to have been rewarded. My name was subsequently put in for a Belgian decoration ; the Major was away at the time on leave and the Captain did not quite know the ropes ; anyway, he sent it in but the form was returned as it was not filled in correctly. The “Group” wanted it returned same evening, properly filled in. Just as luck would have it the Captain was away at the Wagon lines and I happened to be Senior Officer at the Battery. I naturally could not blow my own trumpet, so I substituted the name of one of the men who was with me and he has just received the “Croix-de-Guerre.”
Below we give three letters recently received from the Western Front, which testify in no uncertain manner to an incident of great bravery and resource on the part of Lt. Guy Eric DuBern, elder son of Mr A.G. DuBern, Hony. Secretary of the B.A.A. and grand nephew of the Hon. Mr J.E. DuBern. Lt. DuBern, who is only twenty-two years old, began his education at St. Paul’s High School, Rangoon, from which he went to North Point, Darjeeling. Early in 1913 he and his younger brother left for England to compete their education. In 1915 Lt. DuBern went to Pembroke College, Cambridge, became a member of the Officers Training Corps of the University and in February 1916 he volunteered for military service and was given a commission in the R.G.A. Six months later, in August, he left for the Western Front and has been in the thick of it ever since.
The letters are as follows:-
Letter from Officer Commanding – Labour Coy. to Officer Commanding – Heavy Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery.
“May I offer to you and yours my heartfelt thanks for all you so nobly did for the three men, one of whom died on the way to the A.D.S., of this Coy., who were wounded at – Siege Battery on 12th December. I should particularly like to express my appreciation to the subaltern officer who so gallantly risked his life by going alone to their assistance. I understand that one of your men was killed while returning from the A.D.S., where he had assisted to take the wounded. Will you please convey my gratitude and sympathy to his relatives? This is just one more instance in my personal experience of the gallantry and spirit of comradeship shown by the Royal Garrison Artillery.” In the Field, 14th Dec. 1917.
Letter from Major – Officer Commanding – Heavy Battery, R.G.A., to Lt. G.E. DuBern.
“Dear DuBern, I enclose a letter received from the officer in command of the men to whose rescue you and some of your men went under such heavy shell fire. I had a vivid description of all you did and the cool deliberate way in which you conducted operations under such difficulties. You have brought credit not only to yourself, but also to the Battery and I am only sorry your noble work was not rewarded by a well earned decoration. I hope you will keep the enclosed letter and feel that your work was not unappreciated. And again my heartfelt thanks for the fine example you set to those around you at the time.” 15th Dec. 1917.
Extracts from Lt. DuBern’s letter to his father.
"You will be pleased to hear that I was recommended for the M.C. ; unfortunately nothing has come of it. We were summoned to the aid of a neighbouring battery which was only 100 yards from ours. When we got there we found their gun pit on fire and we soon put it out. We then helped to put the wounded men on stretchers. The men who were wounded belonged to a Labour Battalion and were doing fatigues for this battery. Four of my men took them down to the dressing station, and honestly under very heavy shell fire from 8 inch, 5.9 inch and 4.2 inch guns. On their way back, I lost one of my men, the poor chap was hit in the side by a shell splinter. I recommended all three men to our Major, who put them in for the M.M., but I am sorry to say for some reason or another they got nothing. Of course, I do not agree with this as it was an act of gallantry and my men ought to have been rewarded. My name was subsequently put in for a Belgian decoration ; the Major was away at the time on leave and the Captain did not quite know the ropes ; anyway, he sent it in but the form was returned as it was not filled in correctly. The “Group” wanted it returned same evening, properly filled in. Just as luck would have it the Captain was away at the Wagon lines and I happened to be Senior Officer at the Battery. I naturally could not blow my own trumpet, so I substituted the name of one of the men who was with me and he has just received the “Croix-de-Guerre.”
A Burman Officer in Mesopotamia
The following is an extract from a letter from Capt. Richard Tha, I.M.S., attached to the Lancers in Mesopotamia. Richard Tha, son of Kwe Di Aung of Akyab, was at Edinburgh University when he was given a commission in the I.M.S. and for two years now he has been attached to the Lancers in Mesopotamia:-
“I did not receive the two parcels of short bread, cakes and mittens. However I thank the Red Cross at Akyab for kind thoughts. Transport up here has rather been difficult and camels are being utilised to bring in letters every fortnight. We are out in the desert, miles away from everywhere. The sunrise and the sunset here are grand.
Last month I was busy taking notes of wells, as this would be of immense importance when the cavalry comes up. This week and the week before there has been much fighting. I am quite safe and well and there is nothing to be anxious about. I always go out with my regiment and I generally take my sub-assistant surgeon and my ward orderly with me. The exercise if good for one, and I must show to others that I am not sparing myself in any way. I am a soldier and as a soldier I have a duty to do. Our Colonel, Lt.-Colonel, Major, Captain, Lieutenant, 2nd Lieutenant all have to go out. I am very happy in my regiment. You should see out Lancers galloping towards a certain likely spot ; it is a sight for the gods. My sub-assistant surgeon is rather raw, but my ward orderly, a Sikh, is a fine fellow. I am living a hard but good life.
I have always been told I was a bit selfish – Well! I hope this war and trails would knock all the selfishness and conceit out of me. I shall come out a fitter and better man. We have had lots of hardships. We are everyday out doing reconnaissance and keeping all hills clear. Our aeroplanes bomb the Turks every day. The troops are quite cheery, though homesick at times and each is glad to do his part of the work. I am always cutting and clipping some poor fellow. I must say, mine is a godly profession. Leave opens immediately after these operations – that should be very soon. I know my name is down for the first batch – I feel tired and should like to have a glimpse of the old, old home.”
The following is an extract from a letter from Capt. Richard Tha, I.M.S., attached to the Lancers in Mesopotamia. Richard Tha, son of Kwe Di Aung of Akyab, was at Edinburgh University when he was given a commission in the I.M.S. and for two years now he has been attached to the Lancers in Mesopotamia:-
“I did not receive the two parcels of short bread, cakes and mittens. However I thank the Red Cross at Akyab for kind thoughts. Transport up here has rather been difficult and camels are being utilised to bring in letters every fortnight. We are out in the desert, miles away from everywhere. The sunrise and the sunset here are grand.
Last month I was busy taking notes of wells, as this would be of immense importance when the cavalry comes up. This week and the week before there has been much fighting. I am quite safe and well and there is nothing to be anxious about. I always go out with my regiment and I generally take my sub-assistant surgeon and my ward orderly with me. The exercise if good for one, and I must show to others that I am not sparing myself in any way. I am a soldier and as a soldier I have a duty to do. Our Colonel, Lt.-Colonel, Major, Captain, Lieutenant, 2nd Lieutenant all have to go out. I am very happy in my regiment. You should see out Lancers galloping towards a certain likely spot ; it is a sight for the gods. My sub-assistant surgeon is rather raw, but my ward orderly, a Sikh, is a fine fellow. I am living a hard but good life.
I have always been told I was a bit selfish – Well! I hope this war and trails would knock all the selfishness and conceit out of me. I shall come out a fitter and better man. We have had lots of hardships. We are everyday out doing reconnaissance and keeping all hills clear. Our aeroplanes bomb the Turks every day. The troops are quite cheery, though homesick at times and each is glad to do his part of the work. I am always cutting and clipping some poor fellow. I must say, mine is a godly profession. Leave opens immediately after these operations – that should be very soon. I know my name is down for the first batch – I feel tired and should like to have a glimpse of the old, old home.”
I.A.R.O.
Orders have been received from army headquarters, India, calling up five more of the nominees of the Govt. of Burma for training in staff and administrative work. All have been appointed temporary Lieutenants, I.A.R.O., Infantry Branch and posted to the Supply and Transport Corps to report as under:-
J.W. McDonald, Burma Secretariat, Rangoon, posted to Poona and will report to the officer-in-charge of Supply Depot there.
F.W. Collings, Deputy Conservator of Forests, Nyaunglebin, Mr A. Lawrence, Deputy Conservator of Forests, Toungoo, A.P. Davis, Deputy Conservator of Forests, Insein, all posted to Supply Depot at Lahore.
Prof. G.R.T. Ross, Rangoon College and J. Clague, Deputy Director of Land Records, Rangoon, both posted to the Supply Depot at Calcutta.
Orders have been received from army headquarters, India, calling up five more of the nominees of the Govt. of Burma for training in staff and administrative work. All have been appointed temporary Lieutenants, I.A.R.O., Infantry Branch and posted to the Supply and Transport Corps to report as under:-
J.W. McDonald, Burma Secretariat, Rangoon, posted to Poona and will report to the officer-in-charge of Supply Depot there.
F.W. Collings, Deputy Conservator of Forests, Nyaunglebin, Mr A. Lawrence, Deputy Conservator of Forests, Toungoo, A.P. Davis, Deputy Conservator of Forests, Insein, all posted to Supply Depot at Lahore.
Prof. G.R.T. Ross, Rangoon College and J. Clague, Deputy Director of Land Records, Rangoon, both posted to the Supply Depot at Calcutta.
I.D.F. “Shirkers”
General Raitt’s Views
The General Officer Commanding Burma Division visited the Indian Defence Force camp at Sitha on the 20th instant where detachments of the 34th Upper Burma Battalion 9I.D. Force) and the 21st Burma Railway Battn., (I.D. Force) are under training. After inspecting them in line he saw the Officers at platoon and company drill.
Addressing the men at the close of the parade he said that being scattered country corps, where very often only two or three men could be got together for drill, the same proficiency in the handling of arms and at drill could not be expected from them as from the corps in large towns, such as Rangoon, and that he was glad to observe that within the last year there had been a great improvement in these respects.
He advised them to stick to platoon and company drill and not to go in much for tactical schemes at present. He criticised the slowness and length of the pace and explained how calculations of time and space, which were the basis of all military movements, and on which the bringing up of reserves in time to the great battle in Flanders depended rested on the calculation of 30 inches to the pace and 120 paces to the minute. If troops were not carefully trained to the length and time of the pace, the most serious miscalculations might result.
One thing the country had a right to expect from town and country corps alike was good will. He presumed those present were actuated by good will. He called attention to the fact that with under 200 men present sixteen had evaded the parade by reporting sick. Unless there was an epidemic in camp, four to six men was about the number which might reasonably be expected to be sick. He considered that at least ten men had reported sick without reasonable cause and he hoped their comrades would rub the fact well into them before they had finished breakfast. He was also informed that some men who had been sent up to the hospital at Maymyo had been sent back with a report that there was nothing the matter. These men should have been tried by court martial. He pointed out that the opinion of their comrades carried much more weight than the penalties of military law and it was up to every man there to make shirkers ashamed of themselves.
He could tell them that a very unpleasant feeling existed among the men of the Territorials and Garrison Battalions in Burma as regards the young men to be seen everywhere doing their business in the morning and taking their recreation in the afternoon and evenings. Apparently they considered that drill for an hour or two a week covered their obligations to their country. The men protecting the businesses and population of Burma were nearly all volunteers, a large proportion over military age, who had come forward early in the war and offered to serve anywhere in any capacity. They has left their wives and families and their businesses and employment were gone. For over three years they had been protecting these young men and their businesses. And now from the letters in the press it appeared that these young men were prepared to undertake to do a guard occasionally “on conditions,” the conditions being that the men who had been protecting them should go to the front. He considered that with the example of these men in their midst and the terrible strain which the country was undergoing, many of the applications to the exemption tribunals were disgraceful to the applicants or their employers.
The foregoing is a general summary of the General Officer Commanding’s remarks. But to avoid misunderstanding, if such a misunderstanding of the feelings of British soldiers could be possible, he desires to add that he knows every soldier in the country is longing to go to the front. But to go there for the sake of the country or for the love of fighting, is a very different thing from being sent as a matter of bargain under which able-bodied and younger men give up from business and pleasure a day a week to so to do guard duty. The General Officer Commanding has been officially informed by those who should know that while guard duty would willingly be undertaken to set free men for the front, great discontent would be created if the Indian Defence Force were called out to relieve the very heavy pressure of duty on the men who have been protecting them for the past three and a half years. He abstains from expressing his opinion on that attitude, but evidently the spirit that led the men of the Territorial and Garrison Battalions early four years ago to offer to go anywhere and do anything has not spread as widely as it should in Burma.
General Raitt’s Views
The General Officer Commanding Burma Division visited the Indian Defence Force camp at Sitha on the 20th instant where detachments of the 34th Upper Burma Battalion 9I.D. Force) and the 21st Burma Railway Battn., (I.D. Force) are under training. After inspecting them in line he saw the Officers at platoon and company drill.
Addressing the men at the close of the parade he said that being scattered country corps, where very often only two or three men could be got together for drill, the same proficiency in the handling of arms and at drill could not be expected from them as from the corps in large towns, such as Rangoon, and that he was glad to observe that within the last year there had been a great improvement in these respects.
He advised them to stick to platoon and company drill and not to go in much for tactical schemes at present. He criticised the slowness and length of the pace and explained how calculations of time and space, which were the basis of all military movements, and on which the bringing up of reserves in time to the great battle in Flanders depended rested on the calculation of 30 inches to the pace and 120 paces to the minute. If troops were not carefully trained to the length and time of the pace, the most serious miscalculations might result.
One thing the country had a right to expect from town and country corps alike was good will. He presumed those present were actuated by good will. He called attention to the fact that with under 200 men present sixteen had evaded the parade by reporting sick. Unless there was an epidemic in camp, four to six men was about the number which might reasonably be expected to be sick. He considered that at least ten men had reported sick without reasonable cause and he hoped their comrades would rub the fact well into them before they had finished breakfast. He was also informed that some men who had been sent up to the hospital at Maymyo had been sent back with a report that there was nothing the matter. These men should have been tried by court martial. He pointed out that the opinion of their comrades carried much more weight than the penalties of military law and it was up to every man there to make shirkers ashamed of themselves.
He could tell them that a very unpleasant feeling existed among the men of the Territorials and Garrison Battalions in Burma as regards the young men to be seen everywhere doing their business in the morning and taking their recreation in the afternoon and evenings. Apparently they considered that drill for an hour or two a week covered their obligations to their country. The men protecting the businesses and population of Burma were nearly all volunteers, a large proportion over military age, who had come forward early in the war and offered to serve anywhere in any capacity. They has left their wives and families and their businesses and employment were gone. For over three years they had been protecting these young men and their businesses. And now from the letters in the press it appeared that these young men were prepared to undertake to do a guard occasionally “on conditions,” the conditions being that the men who had been protecting them should go to the front. He considered that with the example of these men in their midst and the terrible strain which the country was undergoing, many of the applications to the exemption tribunals were disgraceful to the applicants or their employers.
The foregoing is a general summary of the General Officer Commanding’s remarks. But to avoid misunderstanding, if such a misunderstanding of the feelings of British soldiers could be possible, he desires to add that he knows every soldier in the country is longing to go to the front. But to go there for the sake of the country or for the love of fighting, is a very different thing from being sent as a matter of bargain under which able-bodied and younger men give up from business and pleasure a day a week to so to do guard duty. The General Officer Commanding has been officially informed by those who should know that while guard duty would willingly be undertaken to set free men for the front, great discontent would be created if the Indian Defence Force were called out to relieve the very heavy pressure of duty on the men who have been protecting them for the past three and a half years. He abstains from expressing his opinion on that attitude, but evidently the spirit that led the men of the Territorial and Garrison Battalions early four years ago to offer to go anywhere and do anything has not spread as widely as it should in Burma.
Editorial
Shirkers
General Raitt is nothing if not emphatic, and his speech to the members of the I.D.F. camp at Sithla leaves nothing to be desired in point of vigour. According to General Raitt the Territorials and regular Battalions in Burma are unpleasantly affected by the sight of young men going about their business in the morning and taking their recreation in the afternoon and evening ; the furthest that those men were prepared to go was to do “guard” occasionally on condition that the Territorials and regulars should go to the front. There is of course, a certain amount of justification for General Raitt’s view that there are some young men here whose lives have remained unaltered by the war. The number of such men is so small as to almost negligible and it is hardly fair to base a sweeping generalisation on exceptions to the rule.
Apart from the immediate supply of necessary material, food, oil, timber, there are other considerations which make it imperative that European businesses should not be allowed to lapse. At Simla these considerations have been universally recognised and there is no need to elaborate so obvious a point. It is hard that men who have been kept from the war by the direction of Government and who are devoting to the Indian Defence Force just as much time as, or perhaps a little more than, is compatible with the carrying on of their necessary civil work – it is hard that these men should be lumped together in one comprehensive damnation with the few real shirkers at whom General Raitt aims his shafts. In the same sweeping fashion the General dawns invidious comparisons between the spirit which animated the Territorials in 1914 and the discontent which would be created – who are the General’s official informants? – if the I.D.F. were called upon to relieve any heavy pressure of duties now weighing upon the Territorials.
The conditions are so utterly different that we are content merely to point out that the highest military representative in the country has made the comparison and in all seriousness. At the back of this vehemence is undoubtedly the thought, which everyone must share, that Burma has not yet done enough for the war. Steps, however, are being taken to do more and it is somewhat discouraging when minds have been made up to make further sacrifices, to have it suggested that we have done nothing at all and that what we want to do is only one-hundredth part of what we ought to do. The authority of a man in General Raitt’s position will be quoted for the accusation that Europeans in India have done nothing in the war. It is unfortunate that on the eve of the departure of a General who has done more for the province than any of his predecessors, he should impair the good impression created, by a few hasty words so uncompromising in their universality as to obliterate whatever truth they held.
Shirkers
General Raitt is nothing if not emphatic, and his speech to the members of the I.D.F. camp at Sithla leaves nothing to be desired in point of vigour. According to General Raitt the Territorials and regular Battalions in Burma are unpleasantly affected by the sight of young men going about their business in the morning and taking their recreation in the afternoon and evening ; the furthest that those men were prepared to go was to do “guard” occasionally on condition that the Territorials and regulars should go to the front. There is of course, a certain amount of justification for General Raitt’s view that there are some young men here whose lives have remained unaltered by the war. The number of such men is so small as to almost negligible and it is hardly fair to base a sweeping generalisation on exceptions to the rule.
Apart from the immediate supply of necessary material, food, oil, timber, there are other considerations which make it imperative that European businesses should not be allowed to lapse. At Simla these considerations have been universally recognised and there is no need to elaborate so obvious a point. It is hard that men who have been kept from the war by the direction of Government and who are devoting to the Indian Defence Force just as much time as, or perhaps a little more than, is compatible with the carrying on of their necessary civil work – it is hard that these men should be lumped together in one comprehensive damnation with the few real shirkers at whom General Raitt aims his shafts. In the same sweeping fashion the General dawns invidious comparisons between the spirit which animated the Territorials in 1914 and the discontent which would be created – who are the General’s official informants? – if the I.D.F. were called upon to relieve any heavy pressure of duties now weighing upon the Territorials.
The conditions are so utterly different that we are content merely to point out that the highest military representative in the country has made the comparison and in all seriousness. At the back of this vehemence is undoubtedly the thought, which everyone must share, that Burma has not yet done enough for the war. Steps, however, are being taken to do more and it is somewhat discouraging when minds have been made up to make further sacrifices, to have it suggested that we have done nothing at all and that what we want to do is only one-hundredth part of what we ought to do. The authority of a man in General Raitt’s position will be quoted for the accusation that Europeans in India have done nothing in the war. It is unfortunate that on the eve of the departure of a General who has done more for the province than any of his predecessors, he should impair the good impression created, by a few hasty words so uncompromising in their universality as to obliterate whatever truth they held.
May
Letter to the Editor
Nicobarese Soldier From St. Michael’s, Kemmendine
Sir, Will you kindly allow me to correct a mistake in your representative’s recent account of the Ford Van camp? The Nicobarese boy mentioned is probably the only one serving in His Majesty’s forces and it is only fair to the missionary who is labouring in the Nicobar Islands and to this school, to say that he is a member of the Church of England and has received his education here. He, with six other Christian boarders, joined up in January last, bringing the number of our boys serving up to thirty. Yours etc. J.G. Caldicott.
Nicobarese Soldier From St. Michael’s, Kemmendine
Sir, Will you kindly allow me to correct a mistake in your representative’s recent account of the Ford Van camp? The Nicobarese boy mentioned is probably the only one serving in His Majesty’s forces and it is only fair to the missionary who is labouring in the Nicobar Islands and to this school, to say that he is a member of the Church of England and has received his education here. He, with six other Christian boarders, joined up in January last, bringing the number of our boys serving up to thirty. Yours etc. J.G. Caldicott.
I.A.R.O.
Telegraphic orders have been received from Army Headquarters, India, appointing six more of the nominees of the Government of Burma for Staff and Administrative training, temporary second Lieutenants, I.A.R.O. and they have been called up for training. They are, with the Corps to which posted and places, as follows:-
Telegraphic orders have been received from Army Headquarters, India, appointing six more of the nominees of the Government of Burma for Staff and Administrative training, temporary second Lieutenants, I.A.R.O. and they have been called up for training. They are, with the Corps to which posted and places, as follows:-
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Supply and Transport Corps, Rangoon
E.F. Baum, I.C.S., Deputy Commissioner, Akyab F.W. Campbell, Bulloch Bros., Rangoon E.F. Dunk, Bombay Burmah Trading Corpn., Rangoon |
Supply and Transport Corps, Proona
T. Couper, Director of Land Records, (sic) Burma E. Thompstone, Deputy Director, (sic) Agriculture, Burma Supply and Transport Corps, Lahore J.V. Young, Divnl. Forest Officer, Myitkyina |
Burma Labour Corps
The Daily Mirror of March 19th has photographs of members of the Burma Labour Corps. One is a group of Capt. E.O. Fowler with nine men. Others are pictures of non commissioned officers, thus described – “Non commissioned officers of the India Labour Corps, who with Capt. E.O. Fowler were presented to the King on the occasion of their visit to London. They are men from the Chin Hills in Upper Burma, where the tribes at one time gave the British a great deal of trouble. Since then, however, they have become among the most loyal subjects of the Crown and have done fine labour work at the front.
The Daily Mirror of March 19th has photographs of members of the Burma Labour Corps. One is a group of Capt. E.O. Fowler with nine men. Others are pictures of non commissioned officers, thus described – “Non commissioned officers of the India Labour Corps, who with Capt. E.O. Fowler were presented to the King on the occasion of their visit to London. They are men from the Chin Hills in Upper Burma, where the tribes at one time gave the British a great deal of trouble. Since then, however, they have become among the most loyal subjects of the Crown and have done fine labour work at the front.
Mandalay
The hot weather this year has made several attempts to get established ... We are also sorry to lose for the time being our Deputy Director of Agriculture, Mr E. Thompstone, who had got a commission in the I.A.R.O. and goes at once to Poona for two months training in the Supply and Transport Dept. After that he will presumably be posted to Burma to carry on his new duties.
The hot weather this year has made several attempts to get established ... We are also sorry to lose for the time being our Deputy Director of Agriculture, Mr E. Thompstone, who had got a commission in the I.A.R.O. and goes at once to Poona for two months training in the Supply and Transport Dept. After that he will presumably be posted to Burma to carry on his new duties.
Sapper and Miners
Our Mandalay correspondent writes:- After an absence of year and a half in Mesopotamia Major Bushell, commanding the 15th Coy. Queen’s Own Sapper and Miners, is returning to Mandalay on short leave. With him are returning Subadar Bo Chan, who has won the Indian Distinguished Service Medal and 40 other Burmans who have also been at the front since October 1916. Major Bushell and his men have given an excellent account of themselves and established the good name of the Burma Sapper and Mines in Mesopotamia. They went out an known quantity; they return full of honours. The Sappers and Miners were the first Burmans to leave their country to engage in the great war and it is hard to overestimate how much depended on their conduct. It is not too much to say that the success of these men who went out as pioneers to test the Burman under actual war conditions has made it possible to recruit the Burma regiments that are now in existence. Had the Sappers and Miners failed to “make good” we should probably have heard no more of the Burman soldier in this war. That they did not fail, but made a highly creditable name for themselves and for Burma is due both to their own sturdy qualities and in a large measure to Major Bushell himself. He and they will receive a hearty welcome back to Mandalay after their long absence.
We must heartily congratulate Capt. Clarke, who has received the Military Cross for good work done in Mesopotamia with the Sappers and Miners.
Our Mandalay correspondent writes:- After an absence of year and a half in Mesopotamia Major Bushell, commanding the 15th Coy. Queen’s Own Sapper and Miners, is returning to Mandalay on short leave. With him are returning Subadar Bo Chan, who has won the Indian Distinguished Service Medal and 40 other Burmans who have also been at the front since October 1916. Major Bushell and his men have given an excellent account of themselves and established the good name of the Burma Sapper and Mines in Mesopotamia. They went out an known quantity; they return full of honours. The Sappers and Miners were the first Burmans to leave their country to engage in the great war and it is hard to overestimate how much depended on their conduct. It is not too much to say that the success of these men who went out as pioneers to test the Burman under actual war conditions has made it possible to recruit the Burma regiments that are now in existence. Had the Sappers and Miners failed to “make good” we should probably have heard no more of the Burman soldier in this war. That they did not fail, but made a highly creditable name for themselves and for Burma is due both to their own sturdy qualities and in a large measure to Major Bushell himself. He and they will receive a hearty welcome back to Mandalay after their long absence.
We must heartily congratulate Capt. Clarke, who has received the Military Cross for good work done in Mesopotamia with the Sappers and Miners.
70th Burma Rifles
The following temporary appointments of honorary commissions in the India Army are announced for the duration of the war: Maung Po Min and Maung San Lin, honorary Subadars ; Maung E Ni, Maung Ne Din, Maung San Nyun (1) Maung San Nyun (2) and Maung Po Tin to be honorary Jemadars.
Nineteen recruits were sent away to the Meiktila depot of the regiment on Thursday. On Saturday twenty others were awaiting enrolment while a similar number were sent for medical examination.
The following temporary appointments of honorary commissions in the India Army are announced for the duration of the war: Maung Po Min and Maung San Lin, honorary Subadars ; Maung E Ni, Maung Ne Din, Maung San Nyun (1) Maung San Nyun (2) and Maung Po Tin to be honorary Jemadars.
Nineteen recruits were sent away to the Meiktila depot of the regiment on Thursday. On Saturday twenty others were awaiting enrolment while a similar number were sent for medical examination.
Indian Defence Force
14th Tenasserim Battalion
The under mentioned gentlemen are granted temporary commissions:-
To be Lt.-Col. and to command the Battalion: F.H.T. Buchanan.
To be Major and 2nd in command: G.P. Andrew.
To be Captains: W.R.C. Beadon, A.J. S. Darwood, H.S. Rhodes, W.B. Brander.
To be Lieutenants: D. Chalmers, T. Couper, J.B.H. Tennent.
To be 2nd Lieutenants: T.O. Rees, H.L. Mullins, C.M.A. Bruce.
14th Tenasserim Battalion
The under mentioned gentlemen are granted temporary commissions:-
To be Lt.-Col. and to command the Battalion: F.H.T. Buchanan.
To be Major and 2nd in command: G.P. Andrew.
To be Captains: W.R.C. Beadon, A.J. S. Darwood, H.S. Rhodes, W.B. Brander.
To be Lieutenants: D. Chalmers, T. Couper, J.B.H. Tennent.
To be 2nd Lieutenants: T.O. Rees, H.L. Mullins, C.M.A. Bruce.
Distinguished Service Order and Promotion for Burma Man
T. (Lt.) (A. Capt.) E.C.T. Minet, M.C., M.G. Corps – For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty when in command of his company. At a most critical period, when the attack was held up he took charge of all the troops in the vicinity an established a defensive flank. He rushed up two of his guns into a strong point and dispersed enemy parties as they were forming for attack. He moved about the front line all day controlling fire, encouraging all ranks to greater efforts. His great coolness and courage were an example to all ranks.
Capt. Minet, since the above, has received two promotions, one to Major and the other to Lieut.-Colonel and the command of a Battalion of the Middlesex Regiment. Lt.-Col. then Mr Minet came out to India in 1903 to Messrs. John Dickinson & Co., Calcutta, and three years later he came across to the firm’s Rangoon office. He left this to join Mr Channing Arnold in the publication of the Burma Critic, and was on its staff during the discussion of the so-called Victoria Point scandals. He went home in 1915 and enlisted as a Private. A little over a fortnight later he was commissioned a second Lieutenant. Promotion to Lieutenant followed and he was awarded the Military Cross for exceptional bravery during a gas attack. He was then made acting Captain and received the D.S.O. as stated above. While in Rangoon Minet, who was of splendid physique, played full back for the Rangoon Gymkhana Club soccer team.
T. (Lt.) (A. Capt.) E.C.T. Minet, M.C., M.G. Corps – For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty when in command of his company. At a most critical period, when the attack was held up he took charge of all the troops in the vicinity an established a defensive flank. He rushed up two of his guns into a strong point and dispersed enemy parties as they were forming for attack. He moved about the front line all day controlling fire, encouraging all ranks to greater efforts. His great coolness and courage were an example to all ranks.
Capt. Minet, since the above, has received two promotions, one to Major and the other to Lieut.-Colonel and the command of a Battalion of the Middlesex Regiment. Lt.-Col. then Mr Minet came out to India in 1903 to Messrs. John Dickinson & Co., Calcutta, and three years later he came across to the firm’s Rangoon office. He left this to join Mr Channing Arnold in the publication of the Burma Critic, and was on its staff during the discussion of the so-called Victoria Point scandals. He went home in 1915 and enlisted as a Private. A little over a fortnight later he was commissioned a second Lieutenant. Promotion to Lieutenant followed and he was awarded the Military Cross for exceptional bravery during a gas attack. He was then made acting Captain and received the D.S.O. as stated above. While in Rangoon Minet, who was of splendid physique, played full back for the Rangoon Gymkhana Club soccer team.
Burma Officer Promoted
Lt. C.H. Tayler, Royal Flying Corps (Lt. R.V.R.) who was with Messrs. Finlay, Fleming & Co. Rangoon, at the outbreak of the war and was given a commission in the I.A.R.O., has been promoted to be Captain and Flight Commander. Going to France with the Indian Cavalry, he joined the Flying Corps and came out to India, taking part in operations on the North West Frontier. He has now gone to Salonika.
Lt. C.H. Tayler, Royal Flying Corps (Lt. R.V.R.) who was with Messrs. Finlay, Fleming & Co. Rangoon, at the outbreak of the war and was given a commission in the I.A.R.O., has been promoted to be Captain and Flight Commander. Going to France with the Indian Cavalry, he joined the Flying Corps and came out to India, taking part in operations on the North West Frontier. He has now gone to Salonika.
Letters from Old Paulians
The Rev’d. Brother Director, St. Paul’s Institution, Rangoon, has received the following letters:-
From Bombardier J.R. Baroni, Volunteer Artillery Battery, Amanus, Airan, No. 2016-16 – “Very Rev’d. Brothers, I am so glad to be able to pen you these few lines. By the Almighty’s holy grace, I am well and pray you be the same. I ask for your prayers, for our speedy return, which means peace. My good wishes to all my friends.”
From Gunner Mick Hogan, Volunteer Artillery Battery, Sumatia, Constantinople, No. 34, care of Ottoman Red Crescent Society, Constantinople – “Dear Bro. John, just a few lines to state I have written many letters in the past to the old school and I haven’t had any rely to any of them. I am taking the liberty of writing to you and I hope you will receive this card. Before I left for service I was told I could ask the school for a few comforts I needed. I can do with some grocery parcels, a pound weekly, also cigarettes.”
The Rev’d. Brother Director, St. Paul’s Institution, Rangoon, has received the following letters:-
From Bombardier J.R. Baroni, Volunteer Artillery Battery, Amanus, Airan, No. 2016-16 – “Very Rev’d. Brothers, I am so glad to be able to pen you these few lines. By the Almighty’s holy grace, I am well and pray you be the same. I ask for your prayers, for our speedy return, which means peace. My good wishes to all my friends.”
From Gunner Mick Hogan, Volunteer Artillery Battery, Sumatia, Constantinople, No. 34, care of Ottoman Red Crescent Society, Constantinople – “Dear Bro. John, just a few lines to state I have written many letters in the past to the old school and I haven’t had any rely to any of them. I am taking the liberty of writing to you and I hope you will receive this card. Before I left for service I was told I could ask the school for a few comforts I needed. I can do with some grocery parcels, a pound weekly, also cigarettes.”
Posting
Mr John Cowan, who was known in Rangoon in connection with religious work just before the outbreak of war, has, says a private letter received from France, been commissioned a Lieutenant and posted to a Chinese Labour Corps now on duty on the Western Front.
Mr John Cowan, who was known in Rangoon in connection with religious work just before the outbreak of war, has, says a private letter received from France, been commissioned a Lieutenant and posted to a Chinese Labour Corps now on duty on the Western Front.
Tavoy Recruits
The premises of the Government Anglo-Vernacular High School, Tavoy were en fete this evening for the purpose of bidding farewell to fourteen recruits leaving for Meiktila to enlist in the 70th Burmans. ... The following were the recruits:- Ohn Hlaing, Than Pe, Kya Lun, Sit Nyit, Po Mya, Tun Pe, Maung Yow Ba, Kya Thin, Tun Lin, Po Ngwe, Maung Pa Hmwe Maing and two others. ...
The premises of the Government Anglo-Vernacular High School, Tavoy were en fete this evening for the purpose of bidding farewell to fourteen recruits leaving for Meiktila to enlist in the 70th Burmans. ... The following were the recruits:- Ohn Hlaing, Than Pe, Kya Lun, Sit Nyit, Po Mya, Tun Pe, Maung Yow Ba, Kya Thin, Tun Lin, Po Ngwe, Maung Pa Hmwe Maing and two others. ...
70th Burma Rifles
The 1st Battalion, 70th Burma Rifles, as already announced, left Secunderabad on May 1st for service at the front. They left full of good cheer and all delighted to be going. About 300 men of the depot remain behind and return to Burma. The battalion made wonderful progress during its three and a half months’ stay in India ; they arrived at Secunderabad a mixed lot ; they left it a very likely looking battalion. The British Sergt.-Instructors who were attached to the battalion were largely instrumental in making the progress mentioned. Before leaving India the regiment received a gift of over Rs. 8000 towards its funds. This was announced publically to the men ; all ranks were delighted and all ranks wish to thank these, the Red Cross and their other benefactors for the kindnesses they have received. It is hoped the Red Cross and Soldiers’ Comfort Funds will not forget the first Burmese battalion which has ever gone out to fight under the flag of the King Emperor. The 1st of May 1918 is a great day in Burmese history.
The 1st Battalion, 70th Burma Rifles, as already announced, left Secunderabad on May 1st for service at the front. They left full of good cheer and all delighted to be going. About 300 men of the depot remain behind and return to Burma. The battalion made wonderful progress during its three and a half months’ stay in India ; they arrived at Secunderabad a mixed lot ; they left it a very likely looking battalion. The British Sergt.-Instructors who were attached to the battalion were largely instrumental in making the progress mentioned. Before leaving India the regiment received a gift of over Rs. 8000 towards its funds. This was announced publically to the men ; all ranks were delighted and all ranks wish to thank these, the Red Cross and their other benefactors for the kindnesses they have received. It is hoped the Red Cross and Soldiers’ Comfort Funds will not forget the first Burmese battalion which has ever gone out to fight under the flag of the King Emperor. The 1st of May 1918 is a great day in Burmese history.
Indian Defence Force
2nd Lt. E.C. Down, 21st (Burma Railways) Battalion I.D.F., is called out for actual military duty on appointment as Company Officer to the 2nd Company Burma Infantry (I.D.F.)
Sergt. R. Murray, The King’s Regt. is appointed Staff Sergt. Instructor to the 14th (Tenasserim) Battn., I.D.F., vice Staff Sergt. Instructor R. Magee, appointed Quartermaster to the 18th (Rangoon) Battn., I.D.F.
2nd Lt. E.C. Down, 21st (Burma Railways) Battalion I.D.F., is called out for actual military duty on appointment as Company Officer to the 2nd Company Burma Infantry (I.D.F.)
Sergt. R. Murray, The King’s Regt. is appointed Staff Sergt. Instructor to the 14th (Tenasserim) Battn., I.D.F., vice Staff Sergt. Instructor R. Magee, appointed Quartermaster to the 18th (Rangoon) Battn., I.D.F.
Letter to the Editor - Non-European I.D.F.
Sir, In the report connected with the above there is one item which I wish to correct it is only a matter of spelling but as it stands it is unrecognisable. I meant Lance Naik Dakmalai. This is one of our boys his name is Da Kwa Lai. We sent twelve boys to be examined by the doctor after the recruiting meeting in Toungoo and I think eleven of them put in their three months and returned perfectly happy. Some of them would, I feel sure, be ready to undergo further training preparatory to going to the front, only they are still young and their mothers object to their making the plunge. Yours etc., T. Fisher, Principal, St. Luke’s A.V. High School, Toungoo. May 14th 1918.
Sir, In the report connected with the above there is one item which I wish to correct it is only a matter of spelling but as it stands it is unrecognisable. I meant Lance Naik Dakmalai. This is one of our boys his name is Da Kwa Lai. We sent twelve boys to be examined by the doctor after the recruiting meeting in Toungoo and I think eleven of them put in their three months and returned perfectly happy. Some of them would, I feel sure, be ready to undergo further training preparatory to going to the front, only they are still young and their mothers object to their making the plunge. Yours etc., T. Fisher, Principal, St. Luke’s A.V. High School, Toungoo. May 14th 1918.
Letter to the Editor - Burmese Mess Secretary’s Letter From Mesopotamia
Sir, May I be permitted to thank the postal officials of Burma through the medium of your paper? The officials are so kind as to provide us with Burmese musical instruments called “patalar” in Burmese, gramophone records, Burmese novels, soun, flutes, etc. by which act of kindness our men who are serving in the field find the way of amusing themselves in their leisure hours, instead of sitting down and worrying their brains by thinking of the dear land left in the East.
It is indeed a great encouragement to our men and that we are now just as the same as we were at our places. (sic) We should also like to thank Col. H.A. Sams, I.C.S., who took so much trouble for the Burma postal officials to give all sorts of comforts by having concerts in the shape of competitions among the different messes. We are also provided with different kinds of games, such as football, hockey, chin-lone, cricket and badminton.
Now we again thank them in acknowledging the receipt of the war gifts and comforts. But, on the other hand, we are sorry to express that we do not get our long felt desire of the great Po Sein’s gramophone records. We shall therefore be very much thankful to receive them as he is the leading and famous actor among Burmans and hope the Burma official will no doubt fulfil the only want of the Mesopotamia Burman.
Yours etc.,Sub-Conductor Ba Than, Burmese Mess Secretary, Mes. Ex. Force D., Basrah, April 24th
Sir, May I be permitted to thank the postal officials of Burma through the medium of your paper? The officials are so kind as to provide us with Burmese musical instruments called “patalar” in Burmese, gramophone records, Burmese novels, soun, flutes, etc. by which act of kindness our men who are serving in the field find the way of amusing themselves in their leisure hours, instead of sitting down and worrying their brains by thinking of the dear land left in the East.
It is indeed a great encouragement to our men and that we are now just as the same as we were at our places. (sic) We should also like to thank Col. H.A. Sams, I.C.S., who took so much trouble for the Burma postal officials to give all sorts of comforts by having concerts in the shape of competitions among the different messes. We are also provided with different kinds of games, such as football, hockey, chin-lone, cricket and badminton.
Now we again thank them in acknowledging the receipt of the war gifts and comforts. But, on the other hand, we are sorry to express that we do not get our long felt desire of the great Po Sein’s gramophone records. We shall therefore be very much thankful to receive them as he is the leading and famous actor among Burmans and hope the Burma official will no doubt fulfil the only want of the Mesopotamia Burman.
Yours etc.,Sub-Conductor Ba Than, Burmese Mess Secretary, Mes. Ex. Force D., Basrah, April 24th
Akyab I.D.F. Sports
Before a fairly large and appreciative gathering the members of the local detachment of the I.D.F. held their sports on the Gymkhana grounds on Saturday 27th April ... The ladies who were responsible for the turning out of the cakes and sweets deserve credit ... There were ten items on the programme and the smoothness with which these were gone thorough ... especially as some of the heats had to be run of the same day. In this connection Capt. Clifford, the officer commanding and S.S.I. Larman worked extremely hard. ... The best sportsman of the evening was Private Simons, Asst. Jailor. He figured in every item except bomb throwing. The particulars of events are as follows:-
Before a fairly large and appreciative gathering the members of the local detachment of the I.D.F. held their sports on the Gymkhana grounds on Saturday 27th April ... The ladies who were responsible for the turning out of the cakes and sweets deserve credit ... There were ten items on the programme and the smoothness with which these were gone thorough ... especially as some of the heats had to be run of the same day. In this connection Capt. Clifford, the officer commanding and S.S.I. Larman worked extremely hard. ... The best sportsman of the evening was Private Simons, Asst. Jailor. He figured in every item except bomb throwing. The particulars of events are as follows:-
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100 yds. flat race
1st Pte. Durnford 2nd Pte. Simons 3rd Pte. Lazaro High jump 1st Pte. Simons 2nd Pte. Lazaro 3rd Pte. Law |
Three-legged race
1st Ptes. Conway and Lovejoy 2nd Ptes. Simon and Moultrie 3rd Ptes. Law and Willson Ptes. Durnford and D’Mello, who led throughout the course, were disqualified. |
Long jump
1st Pte. Simon 2nd Pte. Lovejoy 3rd Pte. Nelthropp Hurdle race 1st Pte. Simon 2nd Pte. Graham 3rd Pte. Wilson |
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Bomb throwing
A military event. Two trenches with regulation distance between were provided and the competitors were required to stand in one and throw a regulation bomb into the other. Sergt. Bocker succeeded three times out of six. Corpl. Buttress who stood second got two in, while Sergt. Baguley tied with Ptes. Conway and Lovejoy, one each and after several tries Baguley beat the other two taking the third place. Considering there were 21 entries the results were good. Tug-of-war Four teams of six men each entered and they all appeared to be equally matched. The winning team was composed of Sergeants Baguley and Platel, Corporals Crawford and Buttress, Privates Simon and Nelthropp. |
Ladies Nomination Race
In this event the ladies had to run a short distance and present a small slip with pencil enclosed in a cover to selected gentlemen partners, get a sum on the slip worked out and return to the starting point. Mrs Baguley returned first and Mrs Lees second. They received cushion covers and table cloths respectively. Ladies Tug-of-war Two teams of 5 each entered. This seemed to be the most attractive event of the evening and was keenly contested. Mesdames Lees, Morgan, J. Ezekiel, Larman and Middleton formed the winning team. A prize of Rs. 15 was awarded them. Children’s handicap 1st Betty Morgan, received a fountain pen and 2nd Arthur Middleton got a watch. |
The distribution of prizes by Mrs Fraser followed and a large number of shooting prizes were also given away it was quite dusk before this was completed. The recipients of the shooting prizes were:-
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Maracan Cup Competition
Lt. Barrington – the Cup Lance-Corpl. Mendonca and Pte. Lees – received a spoon each Annual course of Musketry each received a spoon Part 1- Sergt. Bocker and Pte. Morgan Part 2 – Pte. Lees and Capt. Clifford Part 3 – Corpl. Dorrat and Pte. Dickie |
Rifle Club Shoots
each received a spoon 1st event – Pte. Lees and Sergt. Bocker 2nd event – S.S.I. Larman and Pte. Sutherland 3rd event – Pte. Lees and Sergt. Bocker 4th event – Pte. Maple and S.S.I. Larman 5th event – Capt. Clifford and Sergt. Baguley 6th event – Sergt. Baguley and Corpl. Crawford |
A Burman Officer in Mesopotamia - Letters from Capt. Tha
Capt. R. Tha, attached to the Lancers in Mesopotamia writes a follows to a friend in Akyab:-
March 25th – “Just a few lines. We shall be attacking the Turks within these few days. The whole division is here with the Cavalry Brigade and lots of guns. The Turks are about ten miles away entrenched. They will have a very bad time very soon. We shall probably capture a good deal this time in shaper of ammunition and wagons, etc. I am afraid this battle is going to be a big affair. There are bound to be many casualties. Whatever remains of the Turkish force will be captured, I feel sure. They retired from Hit and Sahilyat hurriedly, but I think they mean to fight at the next place. We are ten miles above Hit, near the river. The camps stretch for over two miles. We did all the advance guard work at Hit and Sahilyat and went through very arduous times. This show won’t last long now. I am very well and have not had a scratch so far and I hope I shall be alive by the end of the week. I don’t think we shall be under any sort of heavy fire. The Infantry will do all the attacking ; the Cavalry will see to the flanks, and when they retire ride through them or surround them. Don’t be anxious as the Cavalry does not run grave risks like the Infantry. I am looking forward to leave. An order came round asking for names of officers who have been out here more than a year. Leave opens from 8th April.”
April 3rd – “I am safe and well. We were right through the recent fighting round Khan Bagdadi and we had two men wounded and three horses killed. Shell fire was terrific from 2 a.m. till 6 p.m. and we had some very narrow shaves. One shell fell right among our horses and men but it was a dud ( did not burst) and it hit a horse plump on its neck and made a hole into which one could put one’s head. It was a nerve racking affair the whole day. We rode 48 miles that day and night chasing the Turks. Altogether there were over 5,000 prisoners, two Generals and about a dozen Germans. We captured four Germans and rounded up hundreds and hundreds of Turks. After a few hours rest we went another 14 miles. The roads from Khan Bagdadi to Ana, about 56 miles, were strewn with all sorts –wagons, rifles etc. It was a great victory altogether and there isn’t a Turk left on this front now. The Cavalry Brigade and our regiment did all the chasing together with the armoured cars. We are tired and are craving for our well earned rest. I hope to get leave this month and be home in May. I am very fit and well. All is over in this front now. We shall be going into summer quarters soon. No letters for weeks and weeks. No news from home whatever.”
Capt. R. Tha, attached to the Lancers in Mesopotamia writes a follows to a friend in Akyab:-
March 25th – “Just a few lines. We shall be attacking the Turks within these few days. The whole division is here with the Cavalry Brigade and lots of guns. The Turks are about ten miles away entrenched. They will have a very bad time very soon. We shall probably capture a good deal this time in shaper of ammunition and wagons, etc. I am afraid this battle is going to be a big affair. There are bound to be many casualties. Whatever remains of the Turkish force will be captured, I feel sure. They retired from Hit and Sahilyat hurriedly, but I think they mean to fight at the next place. We are ten miles above Hit, near the river. The camps stretch for over two miles. We did all the advance guard work at Hit and Sahilyat and went through very arduous times. This show won’t last long now. I am very well and have not had a scratch so far and I hope I shall be alive by the end of the week. I don’t think we shall be under any sort of heavy fire. The Infantry will do all the attacking ; the Cavalry will see to the flanks, and when they retire ride through them or surround them. Don’t be anxious as the Cavalry does not run grave risks like the Infantry. I am looking forward to leave. An order came round asking for names of officers who have been out here more than a year. Leave opens from 8th April.”
April 3rd – “I am safe and well. We were right through the recent fighting round Khan Bagdadi and we had two men wounded and three horses killed. Shell fire was terrific from 2 a.m. till 6 p.m. and we had some very narrow shaves. One shell fell right among our horses and men but it was a dud ( did not burst) and it hit a horse plump on its neck and made a hole into which one could put one’s head. It was a nerve racking affair the whole day. We rode 48 miles that day and night chasing the Turks. Altogether there were over 5,000 prisoners, two Generals and about a dozen Germans. We captured four Germans and rounded up hundreds and hundreds of Turks. After a few hours rest we went another 14 miles. The roads from Khan Bagdadi to Ana, about 56 miles, were strewn with all sorts –wagons, rifles etc. It was a great victory altogether and there isn’t a Turk left on this front now. The Cavalry Brigade and our regiment did all the chasing together with the armoured cars. We are tired and are craving for our well earned rest. I hope to get leave this month and be home in May. I am very fit and well. All is over in this front now. We shall be going into summer quarters soon. No letters for weeks and weeks. No news from home whatever.”
Burma Military Items
Lt. J.R.D. Glascott, 21st (Burma Railways) Battalion, I.D.F., has been granted seven weeks leave in Kalaw.
Capt. J.E.T. Green, on arrival from England shortly, will be posted to the Rifle Brigade.
Another draft of Jail Porter Corps men have proceeded on service overseas.
Lt. J.R.D. Glascott, 21st (Burma Railways) Battalion, I.D.F., has been granted seven weeks leave in Kalaw.
Capt. J.E.T. Green, on arrival from England shortly, will be posted to the Rifle Brigade.
Another draft of Jail Porter Corps men have proceeded on service overseas.
70th Burma Rifles
1st – 70th Depot Arrive From India
The depot of the 1st - 70th Burma Rifles en route to Maymyo arrived from India on Saturday under the command of Capt. Kenny. The Battalion recently left for field service from Secunderabad and the party which arrived on Saturday only awaited the arrival of the 2nd - 70th Battalion there to return to Burma and establish themselves. The party consists of 255 of all ranks, Lieutenants Aur, Cane, Spargo and Davis accompanying the depot. The steamer arrived early, the men being met at the wharf by the elders of the Burmese community, Magistrates, Pagoda Trustees and others of the Burmese Soldiers’ Reception Committee, who informed the Commandant that breakfast has been prepared and was waiting for the men at the Sadditha Zayat at the southern entrance to the Shwe Dagon Pagoda. When disembarkation had been accomplished the men were taken in batches in tramcars to the Zayat where the Hon. U Po Tha, the Pagoda Trustees and many other influential Burmans were present to greet them. When all had been regaled with a hearty breakfast the men settled down to enjoy the Anyein Pwes. Bozadauk Ma On Kin and Hamari Ma On Myaing, that had been provided for their amusement, Many of the lads who returned remembered theses dancers at the reception given on the occasion of the departure of the battalion for India and gave them an enthusiastic greeting. While the men were at breakfast, occasion was taken by some of the officers whose first visit to Burma it was, to look round the Pagoda and they were delighted with it. After watching the Pwes for some time the men returned to the wharf, their officers thanking those who has so warmly welcomed them and aided in their entertainment. Among those who returned are a number of sick, but nothing so serious that a week or two in Burma will not make them all right. There was a military bearing about the men and the quick manner in which they carried out their orders showed all who saw them that their training in India had done them a world of good. They left by the evening train for Maymyo. On the same train were several recruits for the third battalion of the regiment at Meiktila.
1st – 70th Depot Arrive From India
The depot of the 1st - 70th Burma Rifles en route to Maymyo arrived from India on Saturday under the command of Capt. Kenny. The Battalion recently left for field service from Secunderabad and the party which arrived on Saturday only awaited the arrival of the 2nd - 70th Battalion there to return to Burma and establish themselves. The party consists of 255 of all ranks, Lieutenants Aur, Cane, Spargo and Davis accompanying the depot. The steamer arrived early, the men being met at the wharf by the elders of the Burmese community, Magistrates, Pagoda Trustees and others of the Burmese Soldiers’ Reception Committee, who informed the Commandant that breakfast has been prepared and was waiting for the men at the Sadditha Zayat at the southern entrance to the Shwe Dagon Pagoda. When disembarkation had been accomplished the men were taken in batches in tramcars to the Zayat where the Hon. U Po Tha, the Pagoda Trustees and many other influential Burmans were present to greet them. When all had been regaled with a hearty breakfast the men settled down to enjoy the Anyein Pwes. Bozadauk Ma On Kin and Hamari Ma On Myaing, that had been provided for their amusement, Many of the lads who returned remembered theses dancers at the reception given on the occasion of the departure of the battalion for India and gave them an enthusiastic greeting. While the men were at breakfast, occasion was taken by some of the officers whose first visit to Burma it was, to look round the Pagoda and they were delighted with it. After watching the Pwes for some time the men returned to the wharf, their officers thanking those who has so warmly welcomed them and aided in their entertainment. Among those who returned are a number of sick, but nothing so serious that a week or two in Burma will not make them all right. There was a military bearing about the men and the quick manner in which they carried out their orders showed all who saw them that their training in India had done them a world of good. They left by the evening train for Maymyo. On the same train were several recruits for the third battalion of the regiment at Meiktila.
Burma Railways Volunteer Corps
Lt.-Col. B.H. [H.B.] Huddleston, O.B.E., V.D., on retirement, to retain his rank.
Lt.-Col. B.H. [H.B.] Huddleston, O.B.E., V.D., on retirement, to retain his rank.
General Raitt’s Inspection
Major-General Raitt, C.B., Commandant, Burma Division, inspected the 32nd and 39th (reserve) Mountain Batteries on Saturday prior to their departure for active service. After the inspection he addressed them as follows:- “Major Lindsay, Major Troup, officers and men of the 32nd and 29th Mountain Batteries, I congratulate you all on the honour and good fortune that has befallen you in being at length selected to take part in the Great War. I am confident that you will uphold and even increase the great reputation gained by all branches of the Royal Artillery in every one of the theatres of war. I wish you every good luck and Ii hope you will return with honour and glory to your country and your homes. The Mountain Batteries inspected by General Raitt recently at Maymyo arrived in Rangoon quietly and have proceeded on service overseas. On the same steamer was a large draft of men for the Burma Jail and Porter Corps.
Major-General Raitt, C.B., Commandant, Burma Division, inspected the 32nd and 39th (reserve) Mountain Batteries on Saturday prior to their departure for active service. After the inspection he addressed them as follows:- “Major Lindsay, Major Troup, officers and men of the 32nd and 29th Mountain Batteries, I congratulate you all on the honour and good fortune that has befallen you in being at length selected to take part in the Great War. I am confident that you will uphold and even increase the great reputation gained by all branches of the Royal Artillery in every one of the theatres of war. I wish you every good luck and Ii hope you will return with honour and glory to your country and your homes. The Mountain Batteries inspected by General Raitt recently at Maymyo arrived in Rangoon quietly and have proceeded on service overseas. On the same steamer was a large draft of men for the Burma Jail and Porter Corps.
1st Ford Van Company
In a circular memorandum dated April 5th 1918 from the Assistant Director of Transport, Mesopotamia Expeditionary Force, the following mention is made of the 1st Ford Van Company under its new name:- “I should like you to know that No. 1023 (Burma) M.T. Company, A.S.C., driven entirely by Burmese, with one section of various classes of Indians, left the base on the 15th February 1918. From that date it has been continually at work and up to the present date viz 5th Apr. 1918, the total number of springs broken by his unit has been four. I have seen this company on the road on two or three occasions and the pace at which the vehicles are driven has caused me the greatest satisfaction and it is considered that to a great extent the number of breakages of springs of other companies can be considerably modified.”
In a circular memorandum dated April 5th 1918 from the Assistant Director of Transport, Mesopotamia Expeditionary Force, the following mention is made of the 1st Ford Van Company under its new name:- “I should like you to know that No. 1023 (Burma) M.T. Company, A.S.C., driven entirely by Burmese, with one section of various classes of Indians, left the base on the 15th February 1918. From that date it has been continually at work and up to the present date viz 5th Apr. 1918, the total number of springs broken by his unit has been four. I have seen this company on the road on two or three occasions and the pace at which the vehicles are driven has caused me the greatest satisfaction and it is considered that to a great extent the number of breakages of springs of other companies can be considerably modified.”
June
Capt. Keeling
It is understood that Capt. Keeling, who recently escaped from Kastamuni, has written to the War Office, drawing attention to the heavy expenses which officers who are prisoner in Asia Minor now have to incur and urging that some allowance be given to them. ...
Capt. Keeling and Lt. Davern
News of Capt. E.H. Keeling and Lt. F.B. Davern, both well known in Rangoon, (the latter now a prisoner of war at Yozgad, Anatolia,) is contained in the following letters sent to Mrs M. Davern, mother of Lt. Davern, in England. We are permitted to publish them through the courtesy of Mrs Davern, Rangoon, wife of Lt. Davern.
7th Apr. 1918. Junior Army and Naval Club ... [London]
Dear Mrs Davern, Mrs Booty (sic) has showed me your letter of March 21st. Yes, I knew your son very well both in Rangoon and Mesopotamia. We were both in the Port Trust and both in the Rangoon Volunteer Artillery, though I did not go with the latter to Mesopotamia. I should very much like to hear whether he is well by the latest accounts you have received. I last saw him at Angora, in June 1916, when his party left for Yozgad while we went to Kastamuni. He was quite well then. There is an account of our journey from Kut to Angora and Kastamani in Blackwood’s Magazine for February : your son must have had similar experiences. I hope that something will be done by the authorities to improve the financial position of prisoners. ... Yours sincerely, E.H. Keeling.
8th April same address
Dear Mrs Davern, many thanks for your letter, I am very glad to have all this information about your son and am glad to hear he is fairly well. The summer in Asia Minor is not too hot and very dry and most of us kept very well all the year round. I will try to answer your questions in order. If the W.O. told you as recently as March 23 that he would be gazetted Lieutenant at an early date, I would give them a little longer. They have so many thousands of officers to deal with that these things take time. If I went to them now – so soon after their letter – I should, I think, do more harm than good. If their promise is not carried out by the end of this month I suggest that you remind them of it. I am going to the Mediterranean on an Intelligence job and do not expect to return to Rangoon till the end of the war. I am afraid there is no prospect of your son being exchanged while he remains well. An agreement has been made with the Turks (though they have not yet ratified) for exchange of invalid prisoners. I think I gave you a message to send your son to show him that you had heard from me. You might send the following regarding exchange :- “An agreement has been made with Frank’s hosts, but has not yet been confirmed, providing for swapping of invalids. Nothing doing as regards others.” Do you happen to have kept the cutting about yourself? I have not seen it. If I can do anything more for your son please let me know, as I shall be delighted. Yours very sincerely, E.H. Keeling.
It is understood that Capt. Keeling, who recently escaped from Kastamuni, has written to the War Office, drawing attention to the heavy expenses which officers who are prisoner in Asia Minor now have to incur and urging that some allowance be given to them. ...
Capt. Keeling and Lt. Davern
News of Capt. E.H. Keeling and Lt. F.B. Davern, both well known in Rangoon, (the latter now a prisoner of war at Yozgad, Anatolia,) is contained in the following letters sent to Mrs M. Davern, mother of Lt. Davern, in England. We are permitted to publish them through the courtesy of Mrs Davern, Rangoon, wife of Lt. Davern.
7th Apr. 1918. Junior Army and Naval Club ... [London]
Dear Mrs Davern, Mrs Booty (sic) has showed me your letter of March 21st. Yes, I knew your son very well both in Rangoon and Mesopotamia. We were both in the Port Trust and both in the Rangoon Volunteer Artillery, though I did not go with the latter to Mesopotamia. I should very much like to hear whether he is well by the latest accounts you have received. I last saw him at Angora, in June 1916, when his party left for Yozgad while we went to Kastamuni. He was quite well then. There is an account of our journey from Kut to Angora and Kastamani in Blackwood’s Magazine for February : your son must have had similar experiences. I hope that something will be done by the authorities to improve the financial position of prisoners. ... Yours sincerely, E.H. Keeling.
8th April same address
Dear Mrs Davern, many thanks for your letter, I am very glad to have all this information about your son and am glad to hear he is fairly well. The summer in Asia Minor is not too hot and very dry and most of us kept very well all the year round. I will try to answer your questions in order. If the W.O. told you as recently as March 23 that he would be gazetted Lieutenant at an early date, I would give them a little longer. They have so many thousands of officers to deal with that these things take time. If I went to them now – so soon after their letter – I should, I think, do more harm than good. If their promise is not carried out by the end of this month I suggest that you remind them of it. I am going to the Mediterranean on an Intelligence job and do not expect to return to Rangoon till the end of the war. I am afraid there is no prospect of your son being exchanged while he remains well. An agreement has been made with the Turks (though they have not yet ratified) for exchange of invalid prisoners. I think I gave you a message to send your son to show him that you had heard from me. You might send the following regarding exchange :- “An agreement has been made with Frank’s hosts, but has not yet been confirmed, providing for swapping of invalids. Nothing doing as regards others.” Do you happen to have kept the cutting about yourself? I have not seen it. If I can do anything more for your son please let me know, as I shall be delighted. Yours very sincerely, E.H. Keeling.
Burma’s Part in the War
The shades of General Bandoola, of Myat Tun of Danubyu and of the guerrilla leaders of the third Burmese War will stare aghast at the spectacle of Burmese soldiers fighting side by side with the warriors of Great Britain and India. The great general had fought the Kalas “right well and worshipfully” till an unlucky cannon ball ended the career of Burma’s greatest soldier ; the Bo of Danubyu, in the second Burmese War, had planted his stockades and checked the victorious Ingalaik, while later the guerrilla leaders – call them dacoits if you will – played a long losing game rather them see Burma lie defenceless at the proud foot of a conqueror.
They in their day had fought and had died, but they fought for Imperial Burma and bore the golden peacock fluttering on the white ensign of the Kings. Scarce a generation has passed since the fall of Theebaw, but the Burman fights already as a soldier of the British Empire and in the service of is conquerors. How has this come about? Who will explain the riddle? Has the Burman so short a memory that he has forgotten his ancient Kings, or has he become so tamed that he but works the will of his masters?
Ask him. In the red heat of Mesopotamia you will find dapper little Burmans in khaki driving the Turk back yard by yard ; in the wilds of Cameroon you may find a Burman helping to fire a parting shot at the disappearing German ; behind the lines in Flanders, but within range of the guns, you will find the Burma Labour Corps doing its duty ; and many thousand miles eastward, in their own country, where the sun always smiles, you will find regiments of Burmese Pioneers preparing for the day when they will be fully trained. Go to them and ask them why they are straining their muscles and risking their lives for England ; they will tell you why.
They will tell you with shame that the House of Alaungphaya is no more and that Burma is a conquered country ; but they will add with pride that Burmans are now free citizens of a great Empire, that England is their friend, that the future of Burma depends upon the future of England and that they are fighting not only for England but for Burma and for freedom. This then is the solution of the riddle of Burma’s part in the war.
Burmans have realised this ever since the beginning of the war. In clear terms they declared their faith in the Allied cause, insisted upon the formation of new Burmese regiments and have spontaneously raised large sums in connection with the war. They have sent ambulances, aeroplanes, doctors and soldiers without regard to the cost ; after all Burmans are not very numerous and not very rich. But Burman generosity has a habit of rising to the occasion and all the races of Burma have helped, the Shan, the Yakhaing, the Karen and the Chin are all helping in this cause.
Perhaps in a sleepy corner of England or in some mountain vastness of the Highlands, there may be found a man who has not heard of this war. But you will look in vain in Burma for so deaf a man. News travels very fast in the east, though not by telegraph or by telephone. All Burma is concerned, all Burma has helped and waits intently for news.
For she also has sent her sons in this righteous cause. Burmans, standing side by side with other sons of the empire, meet the onrush of Teuton hoards, face showers of death-dealing shrapnel and brave the fumes of poison gas. In Burma also, mothers wait for the return of their gallant sons and sweethearts say tearful farewells to some who will never return.
In prosperity East is East and West is West ; but in adversity East and West can meet and in Burma of all countries, there is no barrier between the East and the West. Perhaps from the sufferings of this war there will arise a tie that binds firmer than all others and England and Burma, in common with other British Dominions, will march side by side along the path of progress and liberty.
[Maung Tin Tut in The Peacock.]
The shades of General Bandoola, of Myat Tun of Danubyu and of the guerrilla leaders of the third Burmese War will stare aghast at the spectacle of Burmese soldiers fighting side by side with the warriors of Great Britain and India. The great general had fought the Kalas “right well and worshipfully” till an unlucky cannon ball ended the career of Burma’s greatest soldier ; the Bo of Danubyu, in the second Burmese War, had planted his stockades and checked the victorious Ingalaik, while later the guerrilla leaders – call them dacoits if you will – played a long losing game rather them see Burma lie defenceless at the proud foot of a conqueror.
They in their day had fought and had died, but they fought for Imperial Burma and bore the golden peacock fluttering on the white ensign of the Kings. Scarce a generation has passed since the fall of Theebaw, but the Burman fights already as a soldier of the British Empire and in the service of is conquerors. How has this come about? Who will explain the riddle? Has the Burman so short a memory that he has forgotten his ancient Kings, or has he become so tamed that he but works the will of his masters?
Ask him. In the red heat of Mesopotamia you will find dapper little Burmans in khaki driving the Turk back yard by yard ; in the wilds of Cameroon you may find a Burman helping to fire a parting shot at the disappearing German ; behind the lines in Flanders, but within range of the guns, you will find the Burma Labour Corps doing its duty ; and many thousand miles eastward, in their own country, where the sun always smiles, you will find regiments of Burmese Pioneers preparing for the day when they will be fully trained. Go to them and ask them why they are straining their muscles and risking their lives for England ; they will tell you why.
They will tell you with shame that the House of Alaungphaya is no more and that Burma is a conquered country ; but they will add with pride that Burmans are now free citizens of a great Empire, that England is their friend, that the future of Burma depends upon the future of England and that they are fighting not only for England but for Burma and for freedom. This then is the solution of the riddle of Burma’s part in the war.
Burmans have realised this ever since the beginning of the war. In clear terms they declared their faith in the Allied cause, insisted upon the formation of new Burmese regiments and have spontaneously raised large sums in connection with the war. They have sent ambulances, aeroplanes, doctors and soldiers without regard to the cost ; after all Burmans are not very numerous and not very rich. But Burman generosity has a habit of rising to the occasion and all the races of Burma have helped, the Shan, the Yakhaing, the Karen and the Chin are all helping in this cause.
Perhaps in a sleepy corner of England or in some mountain vastness of the Highlands, there may be found a man who has not heard of this war. But you will look in vain in Burma for so deaf a man. News travels very fast in the east, though not by telegraph or by telephone. All Burma is concerned, all Burma has helped and waits intently for news.
For she also has sent her sons in this righteous cause. Burmans, standing side by side with other sons of the empire, meet the onrush of Teuton hoards, face showers of death-dealing shrapnel and brave the fumes of poison gas. In Burma also, mothers wait for the return of their gallant sons and sweethearts say tearful farewells to some who will never return.
In prosperity East is East and West is West ; but in adversity East and West can meet and in Burma of all countries, there is no barrier between the East and the West. Perhaps from the sufferings of this war there will arise a tie that binds firmer than all others and England and Burma, in common with other British Dominions, will march side by side along the path of progress and liberty.
[Maung Tin Tut in The Peacock.]
Extracts From The Peacock
Maung Ba Thin, of Guy’s Hospital and University College, London, has been doing national service in the War propaganda Dept. He is a son of U Tha Nyo, retired Myook.
We congratulate 2nd Lt. L. Htin Wah on being gazetted as a probationary officer in the Royal Flying Corps. He has the honour of being the first Burman to receive the King’s commission in a combatant branch of the British Army and everyone is confident that he will be a credit to his country and to the gallant corps to which he belongs. He was educated at the Rangoon College and his name is down in the list of medical students at Middlesex hospital.
Lt. Alfred Ba Thaw, M.B., Ch.B., after receiving a temporary commission in the Indian Medical Service, proceeded to France in January. He is at present at an Indian base depot where he was given an ovation by the Burmese troops present. Lt. Ba Thaw is the eldest son of U Po Hla, retired E.A.C. of Bassein and was educated at St. Paul’s High School, Rangoon, the Rangoon College and Edinburgh University.
We regret to announce that Gunner-Driver Tun San of the Tank Corps has been slightly wounded and is a prisoner in German hands, First of all, his Colonel wrote to say that he was dead, but to our great relief we received a postcard from Tun San himself saying that he is a prisoner, but otherwise quite well. He was a student of engineering and enlisted in the East Surreys in 1915 being later transferred to the Machine Gun Corps, Heavy Section, which became the tank corps. He fought in France for several months.
Maung Ba Thin, of Guy’s Hospital and University College, London, has been doing national service in the War propaganda Dept. He is a son of U Tha Nyo, retired Myook.
We congratulate 2nd Lt. L. Htin Wah on being gazetted as a probationary officer in the Royal Flying Corps. He has the honour of being the first Burman to receive the King’s commission in a combatant branch of the British Army and everyone is confident that he will be a credit to his country and to the gallant corps to which he belongs. He was educated at the Rangoon College and his name is down in the list of medical students at Middlesex hospital.
Lt. Alfred Ba Thaw, M.B., Ch.B., after receiving a temporary commission in the Indian Medical Service, proceeded to France in January. He is at present at an Indian base depot where he was given an ovation by the Burmese troops present. Lt. Ba Thaw is the eldest son of U Po Hla, retired E.A.C. of Bassein and was educated at St. Paul’s High School, Rangoon, the Rangoon College and Edinburgh University.
We regret to announce that Gunner-Driver Tun San of the Tank Corps has been slightly wounded and is a prisoner in German hands, First of all, his Colonel wrote to say that he was dead, but to our great relief we received a postcard from Tun San himself saying that he is a prisoner, but otherwise quite well. He was a student of engineering and enlisted in the East Surreys in 1915 being later transferred to the Machine Gun Corps, Heavy Section, which became the tank corps. He fought in France for several months.
News from Myaungmya Boy
Gunner C.A. Archer, a prisoner of war with the Turks at Serai-Mi, in the course of a letter dated February 18th 1918, to his father, E.A. Archer, Advocate, Myaungmya, says “I received your letter of the first of October 1917 yesterday. The letter before that I received in December last, thought it was dated July 1917. I am sticking it out well and intend seeing home once again. I feel miserable at times but I have a good friend who always tries to console me when I am in that mood. Don’t trouble yourself about the parcels and things any more as it isn’t worthwhile. I dare say I have told you about the Royal Artillery Fund sending us money and parcels. I have received from them several lots of money and am expecting parcels which have been forwarded but are undelivered. I am sorry to say I have not been called on for exchange. We have had many rumours about this but nothing has happened as far as we are concerned. The weather has changed beautifully during these last few days and I think will keep fine. There s plenty of work for us here but the people are reasonable and we take things pretty easy. We are free to go about as we please and sometimes almost forget we are prisoners of which we are reminded when we sit down to meals. Stews and wheat are the principal dishes. My mate, our cook, is baking some “spuds” for our “snacks.”
Gunner C.A. Archer, a prisoner of war with the Turks at Serai-Mi, in the course of a letter dated February 18th 1918, to his father, E.A. Archer, Advocate, Myaungmya, says “I received your letter of the first of October 1917 yesterday. The letter before that I received in December last, thought it was dated July 1917. I am sticking it out well and intend seeing home once again. I feel miserable at times but I have a good friend who always tries to console me when I am in that mood. Don’t trouble yourself about the parcels and things any more as it isn’t worthwhile. I dare say I have told you about the Royal Artillery Fund sending us money and parcels. I have received from them several lots of money and am expecting parcels which have been forwarded but are undelivered. I am sorry to say I have not been called on for exchange. We have had many rumours about this but nothing has happened as far as we are concerned. The weather has changed beautifully during these last few days and I think will keep fine. There s plenty of work for us here but the people are reasonable and we take things pretty easy. We are free to go about as we please and sometimes almost forget we are prisoners of which we are reminded when we sit down to meals. Stews and wheat are the principal dishes. My mate, our cook, is baking some “spuds” for our “snacks.”
Notes From The Southern Shan States
There has been little news published from The S.S.S. since recruiting for the Labour Corps was stopped on the disbandment of the Corps at Sagaing. Of the forty odd men from the Yawnghwe state who actually crossed the Bay, one returned from Bombay and two from Europe. One died in France and the rest are still in France. Mr de Glanville came to Yawnghwe for his holiday and took back fifteen men for the Ford Van Company. Fourteen were accepted and one was rejected for a deformity of his left elbow. Most of them has been in the Labour Corps at Sagaing. Those interested in the Shan States were disappointed to find that there were no representatives from the Shan States at the war conference at Rangoon. The Shan member of the Legislative Council was not asked if he would like to attend. Had Sir Sao Mawny been there he would have said something about the Southern Shan States and what they had done in connection with the war and would have urged that one of the new battalions of the 70th or 60th regiment should be raised in the Shan States.
There ought to be no great difficulty in raising companies of Shans, Karens, including Taungthus, Inthas, Taungyos, Danus and Plaungs if an energetic officer like Mr Grose, of Kengtung, were put on recruiting in the Northern and Southern Shan States where he is well known and officers like Major Landon to knock them into shape. Young men from the Chief’s School at Taunggyi would be forthcoming for the higher grades and Chiefs like Yawnghwe, Kengtung, Hsipaw and Tawngpeng would take greater interest in the regiment if they were given some sort of honorary rank in the Shan States Battalion. When the Sawbwa was lately asked why Shans did not join the regiments of Burmans he replied “They would be like zidhis (plum stones) in a basket of paddy.” Anyhow he and his brother Chiefs should be given an opportunity of showing what they could do to raising a battalion in their own states.
Fifteen hundred Turkish prisoners of war were moved to Uthagan camp in the Yawnghwe state and started work on the Uthagan-Heho section of the Southern Shan States Railway extension on 1st April. They finished the earth work by the 22nd May and were then moved to a camp in the Pwels state. Capt. Mossop in charge of the party is now enjoying a rest with his bride at the Sawbwa’s house in the middle of Inle Lake.
Eight Turks escaped from a camp in the Hsamonghkan state on or about the 16th. The Kunlon villagers of the Yawnghwe state ran them down after they had looted two houses and robbed two men on the road to Lawksawk. Two of the Turks were killed and one was wounded. Mr Gahan, the Government Magistrate, has gone to the spot to hold an inquiry.
There has been little news published from The S.S.S. since recruiting for the Labour Corps was stopped on the disbandment of the Corps at Sagaing. Of the forty odd men from the Yawnghwe state who actually crossed the Bay, one returned from Bombay and two from Europe. One died in France and the rest are still in France. Mr de Glanville came to Yawnghwe for his holiday and took back fifteen men for the Ford Van Company. Fourteen were accepted and one was rejected for a deformity of his left elbow. Most of them has been in the Labour Corps at Sagaing. Those interested in the Shan States were disappointed to find that there were no representatives from the Shan States at the war conference at Rangoon. The Shan member of the Legislative Council was not asked if he would like to attend. Had Sir Sao Mawny been there he would have said something about the Southern Shan States and what they had done in connection with the war and would have urged that one of the new battalions of the 70th or 60th regiment should be raised in the Shan States.
There ought to be no great difficulty in raising companies of Shans, Karens, including Taungthus, Inthas, Taungyos, Danus and Plaungs if an energetic officer like Mr Grose, of Kengtung, were put on recruiting in the Northern and Southern Shan States where he is well known and officers like Major Landon to knock them into shape. Young men from the Chief’s School at Taunggyi would be forthcoming for the higher grades and Chiefs like Yawnghwe, Kengtung, Hsipaw and Tawngpeng would take greater interest in the regiment if they were given some sort of honorary rank in the Shan States Battalion. When the Sawbwa was lately asked why Shans did not join the regiments of Burmans he replied “They would be like zidhis (plum stones) in a basket of paddy.” Anyhow he and his brother Chiefs should be given an opportunity of showing what they could do to raising a battalion in their own states.
Fifteen hundred Turkish prisoners of war were moved to Uthagan camp in the Yawnghwe state and started work on the Uthagan-Heho section of the Southern Shan States Railway extension on 1st April. They finished the earth work by the 22nd May and were then moved to a camp in the Pwels state. Capt. Mossop in charge of the party is now enjoying a rest with his bride at the Sawbwa’s house in the middle of Inle Lake.
Eight Turks escaped from a camp in the Hsamonghkan state on or about the 16th. The Kunlon villagers of the Yawnghwe state ran them down after they had looted two houses and robbed two men on the road to Lawksawk. Two of the Turks were killed and one was wounded. Mr Gahan, the Government Magistrate, has gone to the spot to hold an inquiry.
Rangoon Police and the I.A.R.O.
The Commissioner of Police on May 31st received a communication by wire from the Chief Secretary to the Govt. of Burma asking for a immediate rely giving the names and designations etc. of the members of the Rangoon Town Police who could be spared for commissions in the I.A.R.O. Mr Shuttleworth replied giving the desired information. The list as now sent is as follows:-
D.J. Ross, Imperial Police, Asst. commissioner of Police ; Inspectors J.W. Edwards, P.A. Korb and H. Jennings ; Deputy Inspectors A. Tingley, G.W. Mecredy, W. Mecredy, A.E. Brown, R.E. Crisp and J.H. Deighton ; Crown Sergeant D. Buckley ; Sergeants W. Perry, Gallagher, Penfold, Nelson, McSweeney and Paxton – seventeen in all.
The Commissioner of Police on May 31st received a communication by wire from the Chief Secretary to the Govt. of Burma asking for a immediate rely giving the names and designations etc. of the members of the Rangoon Town Police who could be spared for commissions in the I.A.R.O. Mr Shuttleworth replied giving the desired information. The list as now sent is as follows:-
D.J. Ross, Imperial Police, Asst. commissioner of Police ; Inspectors J.W. Edwards, P.A. Korb and H. Jennings ; Deputy Inspectors A. Tingley, G.W. Mecredy, W. Mecredy, A.E. Brown, R.E. Crisp and J.H. Deighton ; Crown Sergeant D. Buckley ; Sergeants W. Perry, Gallagher, Penfold, Nelson, McSweeney and Paxton – seventeen in all.
Alleged Burma Deserters Arrested
A Burman alleged to be Maung Poon, no. 1802, a deserter from the 3rd – 70th Burma Rifles at Meiktila, was arrested in Godwin Road on Friday morning by the Cantonment Police patrols, Constables ... took him to the guard. He is being made over to the military authorities. He is said to have been absent from Meiktila for the last ten days. Later in the morning the same patrols arrested Nga Kun, another alleged deserter from the same regiment, who they state was in possession of a fowl which it is stated he had stolen from the garden of Oosman Adam in Kokine. He also is being made over to the military authorities.
A Burman alleged to be Maung Poon, no. 1802, a deserter from the 3rd – 70th Burma Rifles at Meiktila, was arrested in Godwin Road on Friday morning by the Cantonment Police patrols, Constables ... took him to the guard. He is being made over to the military authorities. He is said to have been absent from Meiktila for the last ten days. Later in the morning the same patrols arrested Nga Kun, another alleged deserter from the same regiment, who they state was in possession of a fowl which it is stated he had stolen from the garden of Oosman Adam in Kokine. He also is being made over to the military authorities.
Mandalay
A letter received by friends brings the news that Capt. Alexander King, a son of Mr A.W. King, at one time proprietor of Curtis & Co. and for many years a well known figure in Mandalay and a grandson of Mr L.M. D’Silva, proprietor Mandalay Herald, was presented with the Military Cross in London on the 6th April by his Majesty the King. Capt. King is attached to the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders and has been employed as an Instructor in bomb throwing on the western front. A younger and only brother of Capt. King was killed in action in France some months ago.
A letter received by friends brings the news that Capt. Alexander King, a son of Mr A.W. King, at one time proprietor of Curtis & Co. and for many years a well known figure in Mandalay and a grandson of Mr L.M. D’Silva, proprietor Mandalay Herald, was presented with the Military Cross in London on the 6th April by his Majesty the King. Capt. King is attached to the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders and has been employed as an Instructor in bomb throwing on the western front. A younger and only brother of Capt. King was killed in action in France some months ago.
Burma Jail Porter Corps
The following letter has been received by Maung Ba Oh, President of the Burma Moslem Society, from Capt. McGrath, Burma Jail Porter Corps, dated 23rd May: “Dear Maung Ba Oh, - Yesterday I received your letter enclosing copy of inscription in Burmese on the gold leaf dedicated on behalf of the 12th Burma Jail Porter corps. I paraded the corps yesterday evening, showed it and then had it read out to them. The men were very pleased indeed. I have several other things to thanks you for, the Burmese newspapers you are kindly sending, which are very much appreciated. I also see from copy of Rangoon offices letters to the Red Cross that you have sent us no less than eight Burmese gongs. There will be great music when these arrive. Hope you did not mind me taking advantage of your generosity and asking for a small brass Buddha. The men are very anxious to put up a small shrine in the camp. Please remember me to Mr S.S. Agabob, U Mon, K.S.M., U Ba Thein and U Hmwe Thin and tender to them the thanks for the corps. You will all, I am sure, be pleased to hear that the corps. is doing well and making a name for itself.”
In addition to the gold leaf inscription already sent, Mr Agabob has despatched more of it and au basa to Capt. McGrath for distribution to the men of the corps. as well as a statement of accounts, the former through the Comforts Fund, the latter by post. One of the gold leaf inscriptions has been framed and hung in the show zayat on the platform of the Shwe Dagon Pagoda for public exhibition and for the gratification of the men when they return to Burma.
The following letter has been received by Maung Ba Oh, President of the Burma Moslem Society, from Capt. McGrath, Burma Jail Porter Corps, dated 23rd May: “Dear Maung Ba Oh, - Yesterday I received your letter enclosing copy of inscription in Burmese on the gold leaf dedicated on behalf of the 12th Burma Jail Porter corps. I paraded the corps yesterday evening, showed it and then had it read out to them. The men were very pleased indeed. I have several other things to thanks you for, the Burmese newspapers you are kindly sending, which are very much appreciated. I also see from copy of Rangoon offices letters to the Red Cross that you have sent us no less than eight Burmese gongs. There will be great music when these arrive. Hope you did not mind me taking advantage of your generosity and asking for a small brass Buddha. The men are very anxious to put up a small shrine in the camp. Please remember me to Mr S.S. Agabob, U Mon, K.S.M., U Ba Thein and U Hmwe Thin and tender to them the thanks for the corps. You will all, I am sure, be pleased to hear that the corps. is doing well and making a name for itself.”
In addition to the gold leaf inscription already sent, Mr Agabob has despatched more of it and au basa to Capt. McGrath for distribution to the men of the corps. as well as a statement of accounts, the former through the Comforts Fund, the latter by post. One of the gold leaf inscriptions has been framed and hung in the show zayat on the platform of the Shwe Dagon Pagoda for public exhibition and for the gratification of the men when they return to Burma.
Wounded
A cablegram was received in Rangoon on Wednesday by Messrs. S. Oppenheimer & Co. from Major Wingrove, M.C., who was recently mentioned in a casualty list under the heading of “wounded.” The cablegram says “Arrived here wounded, progressing satisfactorily towards complete recovery.”
A cablegram was received in Rangoon on Wednesday by Messrs. S. Oppenheimer & Co. from Major Wingrove, M.C., who was recently mentioned in a casualty list under the heading of “wounded.” The cablegram says “Arrived here wounded, progressing satisfactorily towards complete recovery.”
Burma Anglican Clergy And The War
On Saturday May 4th a meeting of clergy in and about Rangoon was held ... It was resolved that a voluntary offer of all men available should be made to the military authorities of the province for any war service required but asking that Chaplaincies for the troops should be filled before the clergy are posted to other work. The Rev’d. C.R. Purser has applied for a commission in the I.A.R.O. with a view to serving in a Burmese regiment. ... There can be few more remote parts of the Empire the Car Nicobar Island. It is, none the less, “doing its bit.” Two boys from our mission school have volunteered. John Richardson, our Nicobarese Catechist, wished to do so, but that would have involved the collapse of the mission, so he has been dissuaded.
On Saturday May 4th a meeting of clergy in and about Rangoon was held ... It was resolved that a voluntary offer of all men available should be made to the military authorities of the province for any war service required but asking that Chaplaincies for the troops should be filled before the clergy are posted to other work. The Rev’d. C.R. Purser has applied for a commission in the I.A.R.O. with a view to serving in a Burmese regiment. ... There can be few more remote parts of the Empire the Car Nicobar Island. It is, none the less, “doing its bit.” Two boys from our mission school have volunteered. John Richardson, our Nicobarese Catechist, wished to do so, but that would have involved the collapse of the mission, so he has been dissuaded.
Notice
All British ranks employed as Instructors to Indian and Burman units will, in the absence of special orders to the contrary, be attached for all administrative purposes to the unit whose men they are instructing. For administrative purposes, all Indian details in Maymyo will be attached to the Gurkha Rifles depot and all Burman details to the 1-70th Burma Rifles depot.
All British ranks employed as Instructors to Indian and Burman units will, in the absence of special orders to the contrary, be attached for all administrative purposes to the unit whose men they are instructing. For administrative purposes, all Indian details in Maymyo will be attached to the Gurkha Rifles depot and all Burman details to the 1-70th Burma Rifles depot.
Henry Watts
Mr H.W. Watts, Messrs. Arthur Barnes & Co., has received word from the Adjutant General, India, informing him that his son Henry, who is a Private in the Northamptonshire Regiment, has been dangerously wounded on the western front, and expressing regret. Henry Cyril Watts, who is twenty years old, is the youngest son of Mr Watts and was born in Burma. At the outbreak of the war he was at school at home preparing for college. He enlisted in the London Irish in 1915 and a year later went to France where he transferred to the London’s and with them saw much heavy fighting and he was with this regiment when he last wrote to his father. The notification that he was with the Northamptons was the first intimation that his father had of his transfer. There could be no mistake as the regimental number was the same. Mr Watts’ eldest son Arthur Leonard Watts, who is twenty eight years old, is a Surgeon in the Royal Navy and on duty with the auxiliary cruiser Andes where he has been for the past eighteen months. Mr Watts’ second son is an officer in the Royal Engineers and has been on active service for nearly two years. The third son Reginald Charles Watts, who was twenty two years old was drowned on the Transylvania on his way to Egypt last year. He had been accepted for the Army Service Corps and posted to the clerical staff. All four sons of Mr Watts it will be seen have therefore given their services to their country and one his life.
Mr H.W. Watts, Messrs. Arthur Barnes & Co., has received word from the Adjutant General, India, informing him that his son Henry, who is a Private in the Northamptonshire Regiment, has been dangerously wounded on the western front, and expressing regret. Henry Cyril Watts, who is twenty years old, is the youngest son of Mr Watts and was born in Burma. At the outbreak of the war he was at school at home preparing for college. He enlisted in the London Irish in 1915 and a year later went to France where he transferred to the London’s and with them saw much heavy fighting and he was with this regiment when he last wrote to his father. The notification that he was with the Northamptons was the first intimation that his father had of his transfer. There could be no mistake as the regimental number was the same. Mr Watts’ eldest son Arthur Leonard Watts, who is twenty eight years old, is a Surgeon in the Royal Navy and on duty with the auxiliary cruiser Andes where he has been for the past eighteen months. Mr Watts’ second son is an officer in the Royal Engineers and has been on active service for nearly two years. The third son Reginald Charles Watts, who was twenty two years old was drowned on the Transylvania on his way to Egypt last year. He had been accepted for the Army Service Corps and posted to the clerical staff. All four sons of Mr Watts it will be seen have therefore given their services to their country and one his life.
Letter to the Editor
Departure of Ford Van Co.
Sir, In your issue of today you have paid at least one military officer the compliment of proficiency in camouflage on the occasion of the departure of the 2nd Ford Van Company last Friday. The Brigade Commander inspected the Company when drawn up on parade about 5.15 p.m. outside the train on Soolay Pagoda wharf and expressed his wishes for the future success of the company to the senior officer on parade. He then viewed the very daintily laid out repast so kindly provided in the shed by the local well-wishers of the departing warriors and had to leave at once to keep an appointment at 5.30 p.m. in connection with the safety of the port, which engaged his attention until 9 p.m. Others of the Brigade staff could not be present owing to sickness and military duties which could not be delayed. Yours etc., Col. A.F. Pullen, June 17th.
Departure of Ford Van Co.
Sir, In your issue of today you have paid at least one military officer the compliment of proficiency in camouflage on the occasion of the departure of the 2nd Ford Van Company last Friday. The Brigade Commander inspected the Company when drawn up on parade about 5.15 p.m. outside the train on Soolay Pagoda wharf and expressed his wishes for the future success of the company to the senior officer on parade. He then viewed the very daintily laid out repast so kindly provided in the shed by the local well-wishers of the departing warriors and had to leave at once to keep an appointment at 5.30 p.m. in connection with the safety of the port, which engaged his attention until 9 p.m. Others of the Brigade staff could not be present owing to sickness and military duties which could not be delayed. Yours etc., Col. A.F. Pullen, June 17th.
Ex Members of the V.A. Battery - Government Appealed to for Aid and Employment
The following has been addressed by the Hon. Mr J.E. DuBern, President, A.I.E., League, Burma Branch, to the Chief Secretary to the Government of Burma, Rangoon, dated, Rangoon, 13th June 1918:-
Sir, I have the honour to address you on the subject of providing appointments for the men who have been invalided or discharged from the Army on completion of their term of service.
2. As you are probably aware, the Burma Provincial Branch of the Anglo-Indian Empire League has been instrumental in the recruitment of men for various branches of the British Army, such as the Burma units of the V.A. Battery and Machine Gun section for service in Mesopotamia and east Africa respectively; the Anglo-Indian Force, Motor Ambulance etc. A number of the recruits were boys just out from school or apprentices in one or other of the engineering workshops in the province ; others were in private employ and threw up their appointments to enlist. The Machine Gun section recruited for service in East Africa was disbanded some eight months ago. The Volunteer Artillery Battery is still in service, but many men whose period of service in that unit has expired are being discharged and returned to Burma, while several have been invalided as a result of sickness, wounds or injuries sustained while on active service. Such of these men as have no lien on their appointments or who had no appointment at the time of enlistment, or threw up their posts to enlist have come to the League for assistance in securing appointments. As the Anglo-Indian Empire League was instrumental in their recruitment, these men naturally look to it and to the leaders of the community in securing them appointments. The cases of such men are particularly hard, as in all cases they have experienced and are experiencing delays and difficulties in getting their out-standings settled by the military authorities. The A.I.E. League has rendered such men temporary assistance in the shape of loans to provide clothing and other little necessities. But the League is not in a financial position to indefinitely assist these men with pecuniary aid till such time as they succeed in securing appointments. I attach a statement of the circumstances in which three discharged men have applied to the League for assistance. You will be able to judge from these, the facts of which have been verified by the League, how deserving the applicants are.
3. As you probably know 200 are still required to complete the complement of 1,200 men sanctioned two years ago by the Government of India for the Anglo-Indian Force and a special appeal has been made to the committee of this branch of the League to endeavour to get as many men as possible to join up. It might be stated incidentally that Burma produced 162 recruits, or nearly three platoons instead of the two asked for from this province. Recently a call for 25 more men for the V.A. Battery has been made and the committee of the League are anxious that it should be possible to secure this quota. You will, however, understand that if the men who have come back are given special facilities towards securing appointments, it will go a great way to induce the young men of the community to join up. There seems to be no doubt that, as matters stand at present, many possible recruits are kept back by the fear that they may, on return from service, be placed in the same position as their confrères who have just returned. It has been suggested that if the Local Government made a pronouncement that preferential treatment should be accorded to men who have accepted military service, recruitment for both the Anglo-Indian Force and V.A. Battery would speed up.
4. I have the honour therefore to ask that, with the permission of his Honour Sir Reginald Craddock, you may be pleased to suggest to heads of Government departments and all local fund bodies and the principals of mercantile firms that when they are filling up vacant appointments they should not overlook the claims of men who have rendered military service. It might perhaps be advisable for Government to appoint a special committee for the purposes of enquiring into the cases of men who have returned from the front and are out of employment with a view to assisting such men in obtaining employment without any unnecessary delay. My committee consider it to be highly undesirable that men who have returned from the front should be without employment and reduced in many instances to beggary. I trust that it will be possible for you to take very early action in the matter on the lines indicated or on such other lines as you consider advisable.
History of Applicants
The following is a brief history of cases of applicants for assistance from the Burma Recruits Necessaries and Comforts Fund. – Ex Gunner C.E. Henderson of the V.A. Battery. Was educated at St. Patrick’s, Moulmein up to the 7th Standard. Joined the I.F. Company’s workshop at Moulmein as an apprentice in 1915 being 18 years of age then ; was nine months in the I.F. Company when he left to join the V.A. Battery in response to the call for men. Was discharged from the V.A. Battery on the 4th February 1918 on expiry of his term of service; he was in the Battery in Mesopotamia for about 20 months. He has not yet received two months’ pay from the military authorities, amounting to about Rs. 80. He lost his father when he was 9 months of age; his mother, who had not married again, is a nurse in the Civil Hospital, Myitkyina; she receives a pay of Rs. 50 and has to support an unmarried sister of his. States he cannot rejoin the I.F. Company because he is unable to get total exemption from the I.D.F. Has not yet succeeded in getting an appointment. Applied to the League for a temporary loan to provide himself with civil clothing and for assistance in securing an appointment. Was given a loan of Rs. 50 from the Burma Recruits Necessaries and Comforts Fund. Is at present dependent on the generosity of a distant connection for shelter and food. The Anglo-Indian Empire League is endeavouring to get him an appointment.
Ex Gunner J.L. Grant of the V.A. Battery. Was employed in Rowe & Co., Rangoon on a salary of Rs. 125. Obtained permission from the firm to join the first Burma Contingent, but was rejected by General Johnson on the question of colour. Registered for second Burma Contingent, but as permission was refused by his employers he resigned his appointment to join that contingent. Was again rejected by the military authorities and promptly joined the V.A. Battery then in course of formation and after 8 months’ training proceeded with the first batch of reinforcements to Mesopotamia. Served with the V.A. Battery in Mesopotamia for 2 years and 6 months. Was wounded and underwent 9 operations on his right arm; was invalided from the Battery in March 1918; has no relatives except a widowed aunt and a young unmarried sister. He is anxious to secure an appointment, preferably an outdoor one, but has not yet succeeded. Has not yet received his pay and allowance from the military authorities amounting to about Rs. 200. Asked the Anglo Indian Empire League for pecuniary assistance to provide himself with clothing. Was given a loan of Rs. 85 by the Burma Recruits Necessaries and Comforts Fund. The President and committee of the league have been endeavouring to get him an appointment but so far unsuccessfully.
Ex Gunner D. Brophy of the V.A. Battery. Was a fireman on the S.S. “Fairfield” and while in Rangoon was admitted into the General Hospital for a sprained ankle. Got his discharge from his steamer and joined the Mobile Battery. He is an Irishman and belongs to Bir, King’s County, Ireland. Joined the V.A. Battery on 1st May 1916 and went to Mesopotamia with one of the batches of reinforcements. Was discharged at Kirkee in the beginning of May and was given a passage warrant to Rangoon. He is due back pay at three pence a day since date of enlistment in addition to the amount at his credit which is estimated at Rs. 200; has not yet secured an appointment and wants one urgently. Applied to the League for money for clothing. Suits to the value of Rs. 36 have been provided by the Burma Recruits Necessaries and Comfort Fund.
Appeal to Imperial Indian War Relief Fund
The following letter has been sent to the President and committee of the Burma section of the Imperial Indian War Relief Fund, under date of June 13th 1918 by the Hon. Mr J. E. DuBern, President of the Burma Branch, Anglo-Indian Empire League:- I have the honour to address you on the subject of a grant from the Burma War Relief Fund to be applied to the relief of men who have been invalided or discharged from the Army on completion of their term of service.
2. (same as 2. Above)
3. Unfortunately the Anglo-Indian Empire League is not rich and it has no established fund which could assist such men. Shortly after local recruitment for the various arms of the British Army was started the committee of the Burma Branch of the League took steps to inaugurate two funds. One of these, which was formerly known as the Mobile Battery Dependents Fund but is now known as Burma Fighting Men’s Dependents Fund, was instituted early in 1916 with the object of providing for and assisting the dependents of men proceeding on military service in any capacity. The scope of the fund was later extended to include the dependents of all Europeans and Anglo-Indians enlisting in Burma or who had gone with the Burma Contingents. This fund is controlled by a committee consisting of the President of the A.I.E. League as Chairman and Messrs. O. de Glanville, O.B.E., bar-at-law, C.H. Campagnac, bar-at-law, H.C. Elsey, I.G. Lloyd, I.C.S., J.E. Houldey, I.C.S. and the President of the Rangoon Trades Assoc., with a Secretary who is a member of the Anglo-Indian Empire League. Mr R.G. Nicoil of the Mercantile Bank, Rangoon is the Hony. Treasurer of the fund. The Mercantile Bank of Rangoon are the fund’s bankers. The other fund inaugurated by the League is the Burma Recruits Necessaries and Comforts Fund. This fund was formed because it was found by the committee of the Anglo-Indian Empire League that the military authorities were helpless to assist in boarding and lodging the recruits between the date of their arrival in Rangoon from outstations and the date of actual enlistment. In such cases the League had had to provide the actual train or steamer fare of the recruit and furnish them with certain clothing and utensils, besides paying foe board whilst in Rangoon. The Burma Recruits Necessaries and Comforts Fund was therefore established by the League with the object of providing necessaries and comforts for recruits joining the A.I. Force or the V.A. Battery prior to their departure to their depots. The cost of Christmas hampers for the men in military service during the past two Christmas seasons has also been met from this fund. This fund is of small dimensions and derives its support from the profits of certain entertainments got up and managed by the committee of the Burma Branch of the League.
4. From the account given in paragraph 3 above, it will be seen that it is impossible to assist the fighting men themselves from the Burma Fighting Men’s Dependents Fund. The resources of the other fund mentioned, which are entirely at the disposal of the League, have already been exhausted in assisting several men who have returned to Burma on discharge or on leave. I attach a statement of the circumstances in which three discharged men out of several others have been compelled to apply for assistance from the Burma Recruits Necessaries and Comforts Fund. You will be able to judge from these cases, the facts of which have been verified by the League, how deserving the applicants are.
5. It is understood that the Burma War Relief Fund, like the Imperial Indian War Relief Fund, is meant to help the fighting men themselves on their return from service if they need assistance; and that the committee of the Burma Fighting Men’s Dependents Fund has applied to you for a special grant from the Burma War Relief Fund in order that they may be in a position to assist cases of the nature referred to in this letter. I have the honour, on behalf of the committee of this branch of the League, to support the application already made to you by the Burma Fighting Men’s Dependents Fund and to express a sincere hope that you may be able to see your way o order a fairly substantial sum to be placed at the disposal of the committee of that fund s soon as possible.
The following has been addressed by the Hon. Mr J.E. DuBern, President, A.I.E., League, Burma Branch, to the Chief Secretary to the Government of Burma, Rangoon, dated, Rangoon, 13th June 1918:-
Sir, I have the honour to address you on the subject of providing appointments for the men who have been invalided or discharged from the Army on completion of their term of service.
2. As you are probably aware, the Burma Provincial Branch of the Anglo-Indian Empire League has been instrumental in the recruitment of men for various branches of the British Army, such as the Burma units of the V.A. Battery and Machine Gun section for service in Mesopotamia and east Africa respectively; the Anglo-Indian Force, Motor Ambulance etc. A number of the recruits were boys just out from school or apprentices in one or other of the engineering workshops in the province ; others were in private employ and threw up their appointments to enlist. The Machine Gun section recruited for service in East Africa was disbanded some eight months ago. The Volunteer Artillery Battery is still in service, but many men whose period of service in that unit has expired are being discharged and returned to Burma, while several have been invalided as a result of sickness, wounds or injuries sustained while on active service. Such of these men as have no lien on their appointments or who had no appointment at the time of enlistment, or threw up their posts to enlist have come to the League for assistance in securing appointments. As the Anglo-Indian Empire League was instrumental in their recruitment, these men naturally look to it and to the leaders of the community in securing them appointments. The cases of such men are particularly hard, as in all cases they have experienced and are experiencing delays and difficulties in getting their out-standings settled by the military authorities. The A.I.E. League has rendered such men temporary assistance in the shape of loans to provide clothing and other little necessities. But the League is not in a financial position to indefinitely assist these men with pecuniary aid till such time as they succeed in securing appointments. I attach a statement of the circumstances in which three discharged men have applied to the League for assistance. You will be able to judge from these, the facts of which have been verified by the League, how deserving the applicants are.
3. As you probably know 200 are still required to complete the complement of 1,200 men sanctioned two years ago by the Government of India for the Anglo-Indian Force and a special appeal has been made to the committee of this branch of the League to endeavour to get as many men as possible to join up. It might be stated incidentally that Burma produced 162 recruits, or nearly three platoons instead of the two asked for from this province. Recently a call for 25 more men for the V.A. Battery has been made and the committee of the League are anxious that it should be possible to secure this quota. You will, however, understand that if the men who have come back are given special facilities towards securing appointments, it will go a great way to induce the young men of the community to join up. There seems to be no doubt that, as matters stand at present, many possible recruits are kept back by the fear that they may, on return from service, be placed in the same position as their confrères who have just returned. It has been suggested that if the Local Government made a pronouncement that preferential treatment should be accorded to men who have accepted military service, recruitment for both the Anglo-Indian Force and V.A. Battery would speed up.
4. I have the honour therefore to ask that, with the permission of his Honour Sir Reginald Craddock, you may be pleased to suggest to heads of Government departments and all local fund bodies and the principals of mercantile firms that when they are filling up vacant appointments they should not overlook the claims of men who have rendered military service. It might perhaps be advisable for Government to appoint a special committee for the purposes of enquiring into the cases of men who have returned from the front and are out of employment with a view to assisting such men in obtaining employment without any unnecessary delay. My committee consider it to be highly undesirable that men who have returned from the front should be without employment and reduced in many instances to beggary. I trust that it will be possible for you to take very early action in the matter on the lines indicated or on such other lines as you consider advisable.
History of Applicants
The following is a brief history of cases of applicants for assistance from the Burma Recruits Necessaries and Comforts Fund. – Ex Gunner C.E. Henderson of the V.A. Battery. Was educated at St. Patrick’s, Moulmein up to the 7th Standard. Joined the I.F. Company’s workshop at Moulmein as an apprentice in 1915 being 18 years of age then ; was nine months in the I.F. Company when he left to join the V.A. Battery in response to the call for men. Was discharged from the V.A. Battery on the 4th February 1918 on expiry of his term of service; he was in the Battery in Mesopotamia for about 20 months. He has not yet received two months’ pay from the military authorities, amounting to about Rs. 80. He lost his father when he was 9 months of age; his mother, who had not married again, is a nurse in the Civil Hospital, Myitkyina; she receives a pay of Rs. 50 and has to support an unmarried sister of his. States he cannot rejoin the I.F. Company because he is unable to get total exemption from the I.D.F. Has not yet succeeded in getting an appointment. Applied to the League for a temporary loan to provide himself with civil clothing and for assistance in securing an appointment. Was given a loan of Rs. 50 from the Burma Recruits Necessaries and Comforts Fund. Is at present dependent on the generosity of a distant connection for shelter and food. The Anglo-Indian Empire League is endeavouring to get him an appointment.
Ex Gunner J.L. Grant of the V.A. Battery. Was employed in Rowe & Co., Rangoon on a salary of Rs. 125. Obtained permission from the firm to join the first Burma Contingent, but was rejected by General Johnson on the question of colour. Registered for second Burma Contingent, but as permission was refused by his employers he resigned his appointment to join that contingent. Was again rejected by the military authorities and promptly joined the V.A. Battery then in course of formation and after 8 months’ training proceeded with the first batch of reinforcements to Mesopotamia. Served with the V.A. Battery in Mesopotamia for 2 years and 6 months. Was wounded and underwent 9 operations on his right arm; was invalided from the Battery in March 1918; has no relatives except a widowed aunt and a young unmarried sister. He is anxious to secure an appointment, preferably an outdoor one, but has not yet succeeded. Has not yet received his pay and allowance from the military authorities amounting to about Rs. 200. Asked the Anglo Indian Empire League for pecuniary assistance to provide himself with clothing. Was given a loan of Rs. 85 by the Burma Recruits Necessaries and Comforts Fund. The President and committee of the league have been endeavouring to get him an appointment but so far unsuccessfully.
Ex Gunner D. Brophy of the V.A. Battery. Was a fireman on the S.S. “Fairfield” and while in Rangoon was admitted into the General Hospital for a sprained ankle. Got his discharge from his steamer and joined the Mobile Battery. He is an Irishman and belongs to Bir, King’s County, Ireland. Joined the V.A. Battery on 1st May 1916 and went to Mesopotamia with one of the batches of reinforcements. Was discharged at Kirkee in the beginning of May and was given a passage warrant to Rangoon. He is due back pay at three pence a day since date of enlistment in addition to the amount at his credit which is estimated at Rs. 200; has not yet secured an appointment and wants one urgently. Applied to the League for money for clothing. Suits to the value of Rs. 36 have been provided by the Burma Recruits Necessaries and Comfort Fund.
Appeal to Imperial Indian War Relief Fund
The following letter has been sent to the President and committee of the Burma section of the Imperial Indian War Relief Fund, under date of June 13th 1918 by the Hon. Mr J. E. DuBern, President of the Burma Branch, Anglo-Indian Empire League:- I have the honour to address you on the subject of a grant from the Burma War Relief Fund to be applied to the relief of men who have been invalided or discharged from the Army on completion of their term of service.
2. (same as 2. Above)
3. Unfortunately the Anglo-Indian Empire League is not rich and it has no established fund which could assist such men. Shortly after local recruitment for the various arms of the British Army was started the committee of the Burma Branch of the League took steps to inaugurate two funds. One of these, which was formerly known as the Mobile Battery Dependents Fund but is now known as Burma Fighting Men’s Dependents Fund, was instituted early in 1916 with the object of providing for and assisting the dependents of men proceeding on military service in any capacity. The scope of the fund was later extended to include the dependents of all Europeans and Anglo-Indians enlisting in Burma or who had gone with the Burma Contingents. This fund is controlled by a committee consisting of the President of the A.I.E. League as Chairman and Messrs. O. de Glanville, O.B.E., bar-at-law, C.H. Campagnac, bar-at-law, H.C. Elsey, I.G. Lloyd, I.C.S., J.E. Houldey, I.C.S. and the President of the Rangoon Trades Assoc., with a Secretary who is a member of the Anglo-Indian Empire League. Mr R.G. Nicoil of the Mercantile Bank, Rangoon is the Hony. Treasurer of the fund. The Mercantile Bank of Rangoon are the fund’s bankers. The other fund inaugurated by the League is the Burma Recruits Necessaries and Comforts Fund. This fund was formed because it was found by the committee of the Anglo-Indian Empire League that the military authorities were helpless to assist in boarding and lodging the recruits between the date of their arrival in Rangoon from outstations and the date of actual enlistment. In such cases the League had had to provide the actual train or steamer fare of the recruit and furnish them with certain clothing and utensils, besides paying foe board whilst in Rangoon. The Burma Recruits Necessaries and Comforts Fund was therefore established by the League with the object of providing necessaries and comforts for recruits joining the A.I. Force or the V.A. Battery prior to their departure to their depots. The cost of Christmas hampers for the men in military service during the past two Christmas seasons has also been met from this fund. This fund is of small dimensions and derives its support from the profits of certain entertainments got up and managed by the committee of the Burma Branch of the League.
4. From the account given in paragraph 3 above, it will be seen that it is impossible to assist the fighting men themselves from the Burma Fighting Men’s Dependents Fund. The resources of the other fund mentioned, which are entirely at the disposal of the League, have already been exhausted in assisting several men who have returned to Burma on discharge or on leave. I attach a statement of the circumstances in which three discharged men out of several others have been compelled to apply for assistance from the Burma Recruits Necessaries and Comforts Fund. You will be able to judge from these cases, the facts of which have been verified by the League, how deserving the applicants are.
5. It is understood that the Burma War Relief Fund, like the Imperial Indian War Relief Fund, is meant to help the fighting men themselves on their return from service if they need assistance; and that the committee of the Burma Fighting Men’s Dependents Fund has applied to you for a special grant from the Burma War Relief Fund in order that they may be in a position to assist cases of the nature referred to in this letter. I have the honour, on behalf of the committee of this branch of the League, to support the application already made to you by the Burma Fighting Men’s Dependents Fund and to express a sincere hope that you may be able to see your way o order a fairly substantial sum to be placed at the disposal of the committee of that fund s soon as possible.
July
H.H. Watts
Mr Watts, Messrs. Arthur Barnes & Co., has had another communication from the military authorities concerning his son who was recently wounded on the western front. The message says that the wound is in the left leg, is from a gunshot and that he is improving.
Mr Watts, Messrs. Arthur Barnes & Co., has had another communication from the military authorities concerning his son who was recently wounded on the western front. The message says that the wound is in the left leg, is from a gunshot and that he is improving.
Burma Labour Corps
That the Burma Labour Corps were glad to return home can be readily understood by all who have endured the discomforts of a long voyage on a transport. The accounts of their work in France all agree in recording excellent work faithfully carried out in a distressing climate, an entirely strange country and amidst surroundings so novel and in part so terrible that no blame could have attached to anybody had the experiment of a Burma Labour Corps proved a complete failure. Its success adds one more proof, if further proof were needed, that a man is a man all the world over. Col. Obbard’s announcement of the concessions allowed to the returning labourites is a welcome recognition of a real service rendered to the Empire by a remote and sometimes neglected outpost. The good results achieved by the Labour Corps are not to be measured merely by their work in France. The return of so many men whose experience of life has been so widely enlarged must react on the narrow environment of their hill-homes. Amongst the Chins we shall not be surprised if the return of the Labour Corps proves the inauguration of a new era of civilisation, industry and prosperity. It is possible for half a dozen men to spend over a year in the heart of a European war without retaining more than a general impression of strangeness and discomfort. It is utterly impossible that a large body of men should return to absolute contentment with medieval customs and medieval comforts. Discontent is the father of all progress and we look forward to considerable developments as the result of the broadening of experience gathered not only by the Labour Corps but by all units from Burma who have served their King and country in the field.
That the Burma Labour Corps were glad to return home can be readily understood by all who have endured the discomforts of a long voyage on a transport. The accounts of their work in France all agree in recording excellent work faithfully carried out in a distressing climate, an entirely strange country and amidst surroundings so novel and in part so terrible that no blame could have attached to anybody had the experiment of a Burma Labour Corps proved a complete failure. Its success adds one more proof, if further proof were needed, that a man is a man all the world over. Col. Obbard’s announcement of the concessions allowed to the returning labourites is a welcome recognition of a real service rendered to the Empire by a remote and sometimes neglected outpost. The good results achieved by the Labour Corps are not to be measured merely by their work in France. The return of so many men whose experience of life has been so widely enlarged must react on the narrow environment of their hill-homes. Amongst the Chins we shall not be surprised if the return of the Labour Corps proves the inauguration of a new era of civilisation, industry and prosperity. It is possible for half a dozen men to spend over a year in the heart of a European war without retaining more than a general impression of strangeness and discomfort. It is utterly impossible that a large body of men should return to absolute contentment with medieval customs and medieval comforts. Discontent is the father of all progress and we look forward to considerable developments as the result of the broadening of experience gathered not only by the Labour Corps but by all units from Burma who have served their King and country in the field.
Burma Rifles
The following appointments have been approved:-
2-70th Burma Rifles. Major R.W. Macdonald to be temporary second-in-command vice Capt. A.C. Gordon-Smythe.
The following appointments have been approved:-
2-70th Burma Rifles. Major R.W. Macdonald to be temporary second-in-command vice Capt. A.C. Gordon-Smythe.
Burma Rifles
Major R.W. Macdonald, D.S.O., Indian Army, who has been appointed temporary second-in-command of the third (sic) battalion of the 70th Burma Rifles vice Capt. A.C. Gordon-Smythe, is well known in Burma where he saw considerable service in the Imperial Police here being a District Superintendent. At the outbreak of the war he was acting as Personal Assistant to the Inspector-General of Police and when the first lot of Military Officers in the police reverted to military duty he was amongst them. He has been awarded the D.S.O. for services in the field during the present war, the particulars of which are not available. Major Macdonald is an all round athlete and captained the Thaton Dist. Football team in the B.A. competition for District Teams in the year previous to the war. He knows the Burman thoroughly and his appointment will be received with great favour by Burmans.
Major R.W. Macdonald, D.S.O., Indian Army, who has been appointed temporary second-in-command of the third (sic) battalion of the 70th Burma Rifles vice Capt. A.C. Gordon-Smythe, is well known in Burma where he saw considerable service in the Imperial Police here being a District Superintendent. At the outbreak of the war he was acting as Personal Assistant to the Inspector-General of Police and when the first lot of Military Officers in the police reverted to military duty he was amongst them. He has been awarded the D.S.O. for services in the field during the present war, the particulars of which are not available. Major Macdonald is an all round athlete and captained the Thaton Dist. Football team in the B.A. competition for District Teams in the year previous to the war. He knows the Burman thoroughly and his appointment will be received with great favour by Burmans.
I.A.R.O.
The following are appointed to the I.A.R.O. to be 2nd Lieutenants:-
The following are appointed to the I.A.R.O. to be 2nd Lieutenants:-
|
W.M. McNichol
J.A. Smith G. Sanderson W.C. Dalrymple H.J. Hill Murray C.H. Shaw F.E. Skinner |
R.S. Hall
W.C. Turner W.E. Trueman E.P.T. Woutersz E. Morgan K.C. Beats W.T.B. Deale |
S.O. Hatton
G.W. Linberry Kerr J.D. Penny C.A.N. Shillingford W.S. Rawlands G.E. Kingston A.S. Harrison |
G.D. Rogers
S.G.V.F. Gerald E.R. Hullock T.W. Cox W.G. Burke J.C. Middleton-Stewart L.C. Hartless |
Rangoon Firms and I.A.R.O.
In connection with the man power resolution passed at the meeting at the Jubilee Hall recently in regard to the firms letting men go in order to join the Indian Army Reserve of Officers, it has been learned that letters have been despatched and should reach the firms today or tomorrow from the Secretariat, in which Government notifies that approximately one hundred men from the firms in Rangoon have been accepted. This means that practically all the men offered by these firms have been accepted by Government. It means also much additional work on those who are left behind and very hard work too for should handed as they were before they will now have to do a lot more and this without having been able to get home for vacation. Winning the war is the first consideration. This who have been chosen have long wanted to get away and now have their desires fulfilled. Those who wished to go but are compelled to remain behind should consider that they are doing their bit as much as those who go.
In connection with the man power resolution passed at the meeting at the Jubilee Hall recently in regard to the firms letting men go in order to join the Indian Army Reserve of Officers, it has been learned that letters have been despatched and should reach the firms today or tomorrow from the Secretariat, in which Government notifies that approximately one hundred men from the firms in Rangoon have been accepted. This means that practically all the men offered by these firms have been accepted by Government. It means also much additional work on those who are left behind and very hard work too for should handed as they were before they will now have to do a lot more and this without having been able to get home for vacation. Winning the war is the first consideration. This who have been chosen have long wanted to get away and now have their desires fulfilled. Those who wished to go but are compelled to remain behind should consider that they are doing their bit as much as those who go.
The Burma Labour Corps
Another detachment of the Burma Labour Corps has returned to Burma and like the batch which came earlier in the week they week given a warm welcome back. They arrived on Saturday morning under the command of 2nd Lt. Willis, with the detachment also being 2nd Lt. Maung Pe who was commissioned on the field for gallant work, having left Burma as a Supervisor of the Corps.
The detachment numbered 400 of all ranks. On the wharf when the steamer came alongside were the members of the Reception Committee, Mr Shuttleworth, the Station Staff Officer and others. The embarkation was carried out smoothly and by the time the men had got ashore and “stand easy” was given in the shed, there were present to greet them, the Hon. U Po Tha, Maung Ba Kin, T.D.M., M.R.A.S., U Po Sein, U.E. Choe, S.R. Reddiar, H.S. Mall, U Po Yee, U Po Aung, U Po Mya and a number of others. During the morning Mr Justice and Mrs Rigg paid a visit to the wharf.
Breakfast was served early as the Government officials and Brigade Commander were not due to arrive until later in the morning. After breakfast 5000 cigarettes were distributed among the men, the gift of Mr S.R. Reddiar, who was warmly thanked on behalf of the men. They were then allowed to roam about and at once crowded around the Anyein pwe where the Awba-Thoung troupe kept them amused.
Meanwhile Major-General Young, who was accompanied by Major MacLeod, Brigade Major, arrived at the wharf, being followed by Mr J.E. Houldey, Dist. magistrate, Lt.-Col. Obbard arrived shortly after this and after introductions of the officers of the Corps had been made, Col. Obbard made a similar address to that which he delivered on the arrival of the first detachment, except that he now referred to the work that had gained Supervisor Maung Pe a commission as second Lieutenant. U Ba Kin translated the address into Burmese, cheers being given at the conclusion.
The arrangements were quickly and smoothly carried out and shortly after the departure of the Brigade Command, Col. Obbard and the other officials, the “assembly” sounded and the men forming in columns of fours marched out of the wharf enclosure with the bands of the Rangoon Battalion I.D.F. and the Punjabis in attendance. Lt. Maung Pe was in command and took the detachment to the Shwe Dagon Pagoda marching through the western part of town. At the Pagoda patriotic prayers were said and short addresses were made and after being allowed to wander about the platform and visit the shrines the men were marched back to the wharf where they watched the pwe until dinner time after which they entrained for their depot in Upper Burma. U Po Mya, Secretary of the Trustees of the Shwe Dagon Pagoda, as on former occasions, had successful charge of the messing arrangements for the Committee.
The men were very fit looking and like their predecessors garbed in non-descript clothing, having lost everything in the retreat. No sickness of any kind was reported on the way out but little while they were in France. They brought back plenty of souvenirs in the shape of gas masks, buttons pieces of shell etc., and were very enthusiastic over their work in France.
Among those who returned with the detachment was Sergt. Maung Than Maung, who is a son of U On Nyun, Township Officer at Shwebo, who with four others of his company, Maung Po Lon, Maung Mya, Maung Ya Mya and Maung Ba Zaw, were among those presented to the King-Emperor at Buckingham Palace, where his Majesty decorated Sergt. Maung Than Maung with the Meritorious Service Medal. The men who were taken to Buckingham Palace from the Burma Labour Corps were selected from the various companies as being most deserving of the honour.
Capt. Holman-Hunt sends news of how James Macfarquhar, a Burma man who accompanied No. 59 Company of the Burma Labour Corps to France as a Supervisor, has been awarded the Distinguished Service Medal for brave conduct in evacuating the company’s hospital under fire during a heavy German attack and how Than Maung won his medal. Macfarquhar was left in charge of the hospital when it became necessary for the Company to retire. He was promised that a wagon would be sent back for the sick men, but the wagon was delayed and Macfarquhar was ordered by an officer on the spot to get the sick men away at once and as best he could. Macfarquhar collected them and with a party of thirteen, several of whom were seriously ill, he left the camp. After proceeding along the road about a mile an ambulance was met and he placed the invalids inside, but before proceeding many yards the ambulance had to be emptied with the exception of three very sick men in favour of wounded cases being carried along the road. After depositing these wounded cases at a casualty clearing station the ambulance met the party under Macfarquhar at a prearranged place and they proceeded to where the company had marched during the retirement. The party was bombed and machine gunned but Macfarquhar succeeded in bringing them all through without any casualties. Capt. H.L. Holman-Hunt upon arrival at his destination eight miles distant was informed that the German advance was too great to allow of his sending the horse wagons back ; he therefore had to send Macfarquhar a message informing him of the fact and instructing him to come away. This was about 1 a.m. He called for a volunteer and Maung Than Maung asked to be allowed to go and although fighting was raging round the camp at the time, he reached it and reached for Macfarquhar who had already departed. In spite of the situation he managed to collect some belongings that he had left behind and returned to Capt. Holman-Hunt, arriving back at 4 p.m.
Another detachment of the Burma Labour Corps has returned to Burma and like the batch which came earlier in the week they week given a warm welcome back. They arrived on Saturday morning under the command of 2nd Lt. Willis, with the detachment also being 2nd Lt. Maung Pe who was commissioned on the field for gallant work, having left Burma as a Supervisor of the Corps.
The detachment numbered 400 of all ranks. On the wharf when the steamer came alongside were the members of the Reception Committee, Mr Shuttleworth, the Station Staff Officer and others. The embarkation was carried out smoothly and by the time the men had got ashore and “stand easy” was given in the shed, there were present to greet them, the Hon. U Po Tha, Maung Ba Kin, T.D.M., M.R.A.S., U Po Sein, U.E. Choe, S.R. Reddiar, H.S. Mall, U Po Yee, U Po Aung, U Po Mya and a number of others. During the morning Mr Justice and Mrs Rigg paid a visit to the wharf.
Breakfast was served early as the Government officials and Brigade Commander were not due to arrive until later in the morning. After breakfast 5000 cigarettes were distributed among the men, the gift of Mr S.R. Reddiar, who was warmly thanked on behalf of the men. They were then allowed to roam about and at once crowded around the Anyein pwe where the Awba-Thoung troupe kept them amused.
Meanwhile Major-General Young, who was accompanied by Major MacLeod, Brigade Major, arrived at the wharf, being followed by Mr J.E. Houldey, Dist. magistrate, Lt.-Col. Obbard arrived shortly after this and after introductions of the officers of the Corps had been made, Col. Obbard made a similar address to that which he delivered on the arrival of the first detachment, except that he now referred to the work that had gained Supervisor Maung Pe a commission as second Lieutenant. U Ba Kin translated the address into Burmese, cheers being given at the conclusion.
The arrangements were quickly and smoothly carried out and shortly after the departure of the Brigade Command, Col. Obbard and the other officials, the “assembly” sounded and the men forming in columns of fours marched out of the wharf enclosure with the bands of the Rangoon Battalion I.D.F. and the Punjabis in attendance. Lt. Maung Pe was in command and took the detachment to the Shwe Dagon Pagoda marching through the western part of town. At the Pagoda patriotic prayers were said and short addresses were made and after being allowed to wander about the platform and visit the shrines the men were marched back to the wharf where they watched the pwe until dinner time after which they entrained for their depot in Upper Burma. U Po Mya, Secretary of the Trustees of the Shwe Dagon Pagoda, as on former occasions, had successful charge of the messing arrangements for the Committee.
The men were very fit looking and like their predecessors garbed in non-descript clothing, having lost everything in the retreat. No sickness of any kind was reported on the way out but little while they were in France. They brought back plenty of souvenirs in the shape of gas masks, buttons pieces of shell etc., and were very enthusiastic over their work in France.
Among those who returned with the detachment was Sergt. Maung Than Maung, who is a son of U On Nyun, Township Officer at Shwebo, who with four others of his company, Maung Po Lon, Maung Mya, Maung Ya Mya and Maung Ba Zaw, were among those presented to the King-Emperor at Buckingham Palace, where his Majesty decorated Sergt. Maung Than Maung with the Meritorious Service Medal. The men who were taken to Buckingham Palace from the Burma Labour Corps were selected from the various companies as being most deserving of the honour.
Capt. Holman-Hunt sends news of how James Macfarquhar, a Burma man who accompanied No. 59 Company of the Burma Labour Corps to France as a Supervisor, has been awarded the Distinguished Service Medal for brave conduct in evacuating the company’s hospital under fire during a heavy German attack and how Than Maung won his medal. Macfarquhar was left in charge of the hospital when it became necessary for the Company to retire. He was promised that a wagon would be sent back for the sick men, but the wagon was delayed and Macfarquhar was ordered by an officer on the spot to get the sick men away at once and as best he could. Macfarquhar collected them and with a party of thirteen, several of whom were seriously ill, he left the camp. After proceeding along the road about a mile an ambulance was met and he placed the invalids inside, but before proceeding many yards the ambulance had to be emptied with the exception of three very sick men in favour of wounded cases being carried along the road. After depositing these wounded cases at a casualty clearing station the ambulance met the party under Macfarquhar at a prearranged place and they proceeded to where the company had marched during the retirement. The party was bombed and machine gunned but Macfarquhar succeeded in bringing them all through without any casualties. Capt. H.L. Holman-Hunt upon arrival at his destination eight miles distant was informed that the German advance was too great to allow of his sending the horse wagons back ; he therefore had to send Macfarquhar a message informing him of the fact and instructing him to come away. This was about 1 a.m. He called for a volunteer and Maung Than Maung asked to be allowed to go and although fighting was raging round the camp at the time, he reached it and reached for Macfarquhar who had already departed. In spite of the situation he managed to collect some belongings that he had left behind and returned to Capt. Holman-Hunt, arriving back at 4 p.m.
Officers for I.A.R.O.
The following s a list of members of firms whom the Lt.-Governor has decided should apply for commissions in the I.A.R.O.
The following s a list of members of firms whom the Lt.-Governor has decided should apply for commissions in the I.A.R.O.
Burma Oil Co.
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A.B. O’Connor
J.M. Pymm E. Sausman H.H. Goff G.D. Forrester H. Moore |
A.G. Forbes
J.P. Kiel A. McPhedran T.D. McLean F.J. Oliver |
W.D. Scott
D. Graham N.A. Blaquiere I. Nesbit A.G.L. Lewis |
A.D. Butchart
R.S. McWhinnie G.C. Cooke R.H. Bert A.T. Buchanan |
P. Baillie
D.H. Girsham W. Beards H. Rainford (sic) T.J. Grisham |
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Rowe & Co.
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Steel Bros.
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P. Orr & Sons
|
|
J.S Mathews
D.B. McCreadie J.D. Ross A. Irvine R. Clelland A.T. Farley |
W. Stewart
T.P. Bertie M. King H.K. Kennedy J.S. Metcalf |
T.O. Rees
W.T. Liddell G. Howison D.A.R. Rawlings J.H. Fleming W.B. King |
D.J. Gidley
P. Belton C.R. Major R.H. Baker J.I. Nelson |
W.E. Trueman
J. Britton |
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Bulloch Bros.
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Bombay Burmah Trading Corporation
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H.C. McEwen
C.A.G. Gill B.J. Corcoran L.O.B. Harding |
J.W. Leggat
C.T. Grant I.M. Johnson |
E.F. Dunk
T.L. Browne A.B. Freeman R.A.S. Havelock |
|
Whiteaway, Laidlaw & Co.
G.M. Beale J. Ruecroft |
Arracan Co.
W.S. Hepburn A.B. Foot J. Lowry A.P. Somerville |
Finlay Fleming & Co.
D. Meikle A.C. DeMorgan A.I. MacPherson |
T.D. Findlay & Son, Moulmein
A.E. Walden W.J. Gray E.J. Beale |
|
Burma Mines Ltd., Namtu
F.A. Battle T.J. Mackay C.H. Garstin Chas. R. Cowie & Co. J.K. Heughan J.P. McHaffie National Bank of India G. Kennedy Watson & Son J.V. Watson |
Irrawaddy Flotilla Co.
J.P. Frew A. Tait Coombes Co. Ltd H. Edwards B.I.S.N. Co. J.H.H. Middleton Motor House Co. J. Ritchie E.M. deSouza & Co. G. Ingram |
Bowyer & Sowden
W.C. Andrews Fabricius & Co. L.U.G. Tripp George Gillespie & Co. H.W. Child Zollikofer & Co. A.U. Kuoni D. Bern & Co. J. Hickie |
Shwegyin (Burma) Rubber Estate Ltd.
C.B. Gillbanks P.G. St. John (in Aug. his initials appear as F.G.) Rangoon Electric Tramway & Supply Co. F.F. Parish Rangoon Times Press G.A. Brown, General Manager Rangoon Para Rubber Estates Ltd. R.C. Chorley Rangoon Gazette J. Peacock |
Governments Letter to Applicants
To each of the above men the following letter has been despatched:-
From the Hon. Mr W.F. Rice, C.S.I., Chief Secretary to the Government of Burma.
To – Rangoon, the – July 1918
Sir, In reply to your letter dated the --- 1918, I am directed to say that that the Lieutenant-Governor has received with pleasure the offer of your services in connection with the war and has given it his careful attention after ascertaining the views of your employers.
Your employers having reported that they are prepared to surrender your services and having regard to the third resolution which was passed at the public meeting at Rangoon on 14th May 1918, his Honour is now pleased to decide that you should apply for a commission in the Indian Army Reserve of Officers.
Your application should be presented to the General Officer Commanding, Rangoon Brigade at Rangoon, or to the General Officer Commanding, Burma Division at Maymyo, according as you are residing in the Rangoon or Mandalay Brigade area (sic) ; and you may state in your application that it is made with the Local Government’s concurrence.
Unsuccessful Applicants
We understand that in the case of between two and three hundred applicants who offered their services unreservedly to the Local Government his Honour decided that they should not be included in the above list.
To each of the above men the following letter has been despatched:-
From the Hon. Mr W.F. Rice, C.S.I., Chief Secretary to the Government of Burma.
To – Rangoon, the – July 1918
Sir, In reply to your letter dated the --- 1918, I am directed to say that that the Lieutenant-Governor has received with pleasure the offer of your services in connection with the war and has given it his careful attention after ascertaining the views of your employers.
Your employers having reported that they are prepared to surrender your services and having regard to the third resolution which was passed at the public meeting at Rangoon on 14th May 1918, his Honour is now pleased to decide that you should apply for a commission in the Indian Army Reserve of Officers.
Your application should be presented to the General Officer Commanding, Rangoon Brigade at Rangoon, or to the General Officer Commanding, Burma Division at Maymyo, according as you are residing in the Rangoon or Mandalay Brigade area (sic) ; and you may state in your application that it is made with the Local Government’s concurrence.
Unsuccessful Applicants
We understand that in the case of between two and three hundred applicants who offered their services unreservedly to the Local Government his Honour decided that they should not be included in the above list.
Competition for Burmese Marching Songs
... The terms of the competition were simple. The words were to be Burmese and the tune could be English or Burmese, the soldiers themselves were to be the judges. ... The response, however, so far regards the number of entries, has been quite encouraging. ... There was a strong entry from Kyaukse where the Burmese Academy f Literature under the Presidency of Ko Chit Maung, fosters the study and practice of Burmese verse. Several entries were received from the American Baptist Burmese Mission in Bassein. ... It is intended to publish the entries in book form and devote the profits to regimental funds. This publication will show those who tried and failed the kind of thing that was, and still is wanted and may encourage others to try their hand. The 70th Burmans recommended for a prize an entry submitted by Saya Bwa of Toungoo with Burmese music by Mr P.A. Mariano. The Sappers found that two entries stood out above the rest as suitable for singing on the march ; they were not quite the right songs, but they were songs of a kind. The prizes are awarded in accordance with these recommendations:- The first prize of Rs. 25 goes to Messrs. P.A. Mariano and Saya Bwa for their song “Aung ze kyaung ; taung su ban.” The second prize of Rs. 25 is divided between Havildar Maung Ba Shein of the Sappers for his song to the air of “Marching through Georgia,” and Maung Ba Geor of the American Baptist Burmese Mission, Bassein, for his song to the air of “John Brown’s Body.” ...
... The terms of the competition were simple. The words were to be Burmese and the tune could be English or Burmese, the soldiers themselves were to be the judges. ... The response, however, so far regards the number of entries, has been quite encouraging. ... There was a strong entry from Kyaukse where the Burmese Academy f Literature under the Presidency of Ko Chit Maung, fosters the study and practice of Burmese verse. Several entries were received from the American Baptist Burmese Mission in Bassein. ... It is intended to publish the entries in book form and devote the profits to regimental funds. This publication will show those who tried and failed the kind of thing that was, and still is wanted and may encourage others to try their hand. The 70th Burmans recommended for a prize an entry submitted by Saya Bwa of Toungoo with Burmese music by Mr P.A. Mariano. The Sappers found that two entries stood out above the rest as suitable for singing on the march ; they were not quite the right songs, but they were songs of a kind. The prizes are awarded in accordance with these recommendations:- The first prize of Rs. 25 goes to Messrs. P.A. Mariano and Saya Bwa for their song “Aung ze kyaung ; taung su ban.” The second prize of Rs. 25 is divided between Havildar Maung Ba Shein of the Sappers for his song to the air of “Marching through Georgia,” and Maung Ba Geor of the American Baptist Burmese Mission, Bassein, for his song to the air of “John Brown’s Body.” ...
70th Burma Rifles
The Government of India have sanctioned the formation of a combined depot for the whole of the 70th Burma Rifles, which will be designated the 70th Burma Rifles Combined Depot and will be entitled to all the allowances admissible to an Indian Infantry depot of a unit on service. The present depot of the 1st - 70th Burma Rifles will be formed into the combined depot.
The Government of India have sanctioned the formation of a combined depot for the whole of the 70th Burma Rifles, which will be designated the 70th Burma Rifles Combined Depot and will be entitled to all the allowances admissible to an Indian Infantry depot of a unit on service. The present depot of the 1st - 70th Burma Rifles will be formed into the combined depot.
Prisoner of War
Gunner C.A. Archer, Volunteer Artillery Battery, now a prisoner of war at Serai-Ini, Turkey, in a letter dated March 3rd to his father, Mr E.A. Archer, Advocate, Myaungmya, says that he is still at Serai-Ini camp and that he has been working since his capture. He asked that no more parcels be sent to him as it is a waste of money and energy since the parcels never reach him. He mentions that there is a decided change in the weather, the days being quite warm, he also says that the winter was a very severe one in Turkey, in fact severer than for the past fifty years.
Gunner C.A. Archer, Volunteer Artillery Battery, now a prisoner of war at Serai-Ini, Turkey, in a letter dated March 3rd to his father, Mr E.A. Archer, Advocate, Myaungmya, says that he is still at Serai-Ini camp and that he has been working since his capture. He asked that no more parcels be sent to him as it is a waste of money and energy since the parcels never reach him. He mentions that there is a decided change in the weather, the days being quite warm, he also says that the winter was a very severe one in Turkey, in fact severer than for the past fifty years.
I.A.R.O.
Mr F.E. Skinner, Wesleyan Mission, Pakokku, has been appointed to the I.A.R.O. in the rank of 2nd Lieutenant and has been attached to the depot 1-91st Punjabis. He will attend a school of instruction commencing on the 29th July 1918.
Mr F.E. Skinner, Wesleyan Mission, Pakokku, has been appointed to the I.A.R.O. in the rank of 2nd Lieutenant and has been attached to the depot 1-91st Punjabis. He will attend a school of instruction commencing on the 29th July 1918.
Meiktila
The Labour Corps
On July 4th 640 of the returning Labour Corps and on Sunday the 7th about 395 more of them passed through Thazi on their way to Sagaing from which station they had been recruited. The Supply and Transport department of Meiktila had breakfast prepared and served to the lads on their way through. For this purposed one of the staff went down to Thazi and hired some Burmese cooks who prepared the meal in the early morning against the arrival of the train. There was an abundance for all “and then some.” Among the lads who came up on Sunday was the lads who received the medal for signal bravery. He was the centre of an admiring group. At the Thazi station there were some pathetic scenes, for the mothers and sisters of some of the lads had gone down to meet the boys on their return and after hugging and kissing them they seemed afraid to lose them again and clung to their clothing with great joy at having them in their presence again. It is no secret that most of the parents and many of the friends of these lads never expected to see them again. It was believe by great numbers that they would never again return, just as it is still believed buy some that the money they put in the war loan will never be returned to them. Of course, it is a mistake, but the fact remains. The return of these boys will help greatly to dispel these false notions.
Burma Rifles
The barrack accommodation being inadequate for the housing comfortably of all the recruits, a large new building is nearing completion. The 4th Battalion is filling up rapidly. The present lot of lads seem more happy and contented than the first lot who came. The discipline is much better, so that there are fewer lads found about the town at night than when the camp was first opened.
The Labour Corps
On July 4th 640 of the returning Labour Corps and on Sunday the 7th about 395 more of them passed through Thazi on their way to Sagaing from which station they had been recruited. The Supply and Transport department of Meiktila had breakfast prepared and served to the lads on their way through. For this purposed one of the staff went down to Thazi and hired some Burmese cooks who prepared the meal in the early morning against the arrival of the train. There was an abundance for all “and then some.” Among the lads who came up on Sunday was the lads who received the medal for signal bravery. He was the centre of an admiring group. At the Thazi station there were some pathetic scenes, for the mothers and sisters of some of the lads had gone down to meet the boys on their return and after hugging and kissing them they seemed afraid to lose them again and clung to their clothing with great joy at having them in their presence again. It is no secret that most of the parents and many of the friends of these lads never expected to see them again. It was believe by great numbers that they would never again return, just as it is still believed buy some that the money they put in the war loan will never be returned to them. Of course, it is a mistake, but the fact remains. The return of these boys will help greatly to dispel these false notions.
Burma Rifles
The barrack accommodation being inadequate for the housing comfortably of all the recruits, a large new building is nearing completion. The 4th Battalion is filling up rapidly. The present lot of lads seem more happy and contented than the first lot who came. The discipline is much better, so that there are fewer lads found about the town at night than when the camp was first opened.
Burma Rifles Promotions
2nd Lieutenants D.A. Davis and E.M. Smith, first and second Battalions, respectively, 70th Burma Rifles, have been promoted to be Lieutenants.
Capt. C.E. Kenny has been promoted to be acting Major while commanding the depot of the 1st Battn. 70th Burma Rifles.
Lieut. G.V.A. Prideaux, 1st Battn. 70th Burma Rifles has been promoted to acting Captain and Adjutant of his battalion.
2nd Lieutenants D.A. Davis and E.M. Smith, first and second Battalions, respectively, 70th Burma Rifles, have been promoted to be Lieutenants.
Capt. C.E. Kenny has been promoted to be acting Major while commanding the depot of the 1st Battn. 70th Burma Rifles.
Lieut. G.V.A. Prideaux, 1st Battn. 70th Burma Rifles has been promoted to acting Captain and Adjutant of his battalion.
Indian Defence Force
The second batch of the non-European section of the I.D.F. which was undergoing training in Maymyo has now arrived in Mandalay where it will remain till the 22nd instant when it will be discharged. The company was inspected by Major General Raitt on Thursday last and made a favourable impression. The men were drawn up in three platoons with a full complement of officers and instructors when the General arrived punctually at 7.30 a.m. accompanied by Lt.-Col. Todd. After the general salute was given the platoons were put through various drills, number one platoon doing physical drill under 2nd Lt. Down ; number two platoon, arms drill and platoon drill under Havildar Ahmed Shah, 85th Burma Infantry ; and number three platoon, platoon drill under Havildar Ali Akbar Shah of the Shwebo Military Police. The company was under the command of Capt. H.H. Craw, I.C.S., I.A.R.O., the commanding officer who had under him 2nd Lt. Down, Subadar Jitman Chatri of the Myitkyina Military Police Battn. and Jemadar Zaman Ali Khan of the Bhamo Military Police. The inspection lasted half an house. The company left Maymyo by special rain, leaving Maymyo station at noon on Saturday and arriving Mandalay at 3.30 in the afternoon. They are put up in the fort in barracks near the 85th Burma Infantry. The remaining period of the time will be spent in shooting, for which special purpose the company has been brought to Mandalay. The men will be discharged on the 22nd instant when the third batch will be taken on training. The men have been well received in Mandalay, though there was no public reception for them on account of their sudden appearance. It is understood that several citizens are arranging entertainments during the fortnight the men will stay in Mandalay.
The second batch of the non-European section of the I.D.F. which was undergoing training in Maymyo has now arrived in Mandalay where it will remain till the 22nd instant when it will be discharged. The company was inspected by Major General Raitt on Thursday last and made a favourable impression. The men were drawn up in three platoons with a full complement of officers and instructors when the General arrived punctually at 7.30 a.m. accompanied by Lt.-Col. Todd. After the general salute was given the platoons were put through various drills, number one platoon doing physical drill under 2nd Lt. Down ; number two platoon, arms drill and platoon drill under Havildar Ahmed Shah, 85th Burma Infantry ; and number three platoon, platoon drill under Havildar Ali Akbar Shah of the Shwebo Military Police. The company was under the command of Capt. H.H. Craw, I.C.S., I.A.R.O., the commanding officer who had under him 2nd Lt. Down, Subadar Jitman Chatri of the Myitkyina Military Police Battn. and Jemadar Zaman Ali Khan of the Bhamo Military Police. The inspection lasted half an house. The company left Maymyo by special rain, leaving Maymyo station at noon on Saturday and arriving Mandalay at 3.30 in the afternoon. They are put up in the fort in barracks near the 85th Burma Infantry. The remaining period of the time will be spent in shooting, for which special purpose the company has been brought to Mandalay. The men will be discharged on the 22nd instant when the third batch will be taken on training. The men have been well received in Mandalay, though there was no public reception for them on account of their sudden appearance. It is understood that several citizens are arranging entertainments during the fortnight the men will stay in Mandalay.
Diocesan Chaplains on Service
The Rangoon Diocesan Magazine contains the following:- News has been recently received of three of the Chaplains from this diocese who are on active service. We congratulate Rev’d W.R. Park, C.I.E. on his appointment as Senior Chaplain of the 1st Corps which means apparently that his responsibilities are greater, though his duties are perhaps less onerous than before. He tells us that the hot weather had set in when he wrote (May 15th) but the fact that a ration of ice is now served out daily shows the comparative comfort of the troops compared with the hardships of the early campaign. The Rev’d. E.H. Dunkley is on his way home and intends to apply for a Chaplaincy on the western front. He was last heard of at Alexandria, where he was chafing somewhat at the delay in his journey. Rev’d. G.A.R. Thursfield also writes hopefully of his work. In the absence of more Senior Chaplains he has been acting as Senior Chaplain of Amara.
The Rangoon Diocesan Magazine contains the following:- News has been recently received of three of the Chaplains from this diocese who are on active service. We congratulate Rev’d W.R. Park, C.I.E. on his appointment as Senior Chaplain of the 1st Corps which means apparently that his responsibilities are greater, though his duties are perhaps less onerous than before. He tells us that the hot weather had set in when he wrote (May 15th) but the fact that a ration of ice is now served out daily shows the comparative comfort of the troops compared with the hardships of the early campaign. The Rev’d. E.H. Dunkley is on his way home and intends to apply for a Chaplaincy on the western front. He was last heard of at Alexandria, where he was chafing somewhat at the delay in his journey. Rev’d. G.A.R. Thursfield also writes hopefully of his work. In the absence of more Senior Chaplains he has been acting as Senior Chaplain of Amara.
I.A.R.O.
Mr W.E. Trueman of Messrs. P. Orr and Sons, Rangoon, has been appointed to the I.A.R.O. in the rank of 2nd Lieut. and attached to the 2nd Sappers and Miners. He will attend a school of Instruction commencing on 29th instant.
Mr W.E. Trueman of Messrs. P. Orr and Sons, Rangoon, has been appointed to the I.A.R.O. in the rank of 2nd Lieut. and attached to the 2nd Sappers and Miners. He will attend a school of Instruction commencing on 29th instant.
The returned Labour Corps
General Raitt attended a parade of the two batches of Labour Corps men who have just returned from France at 8 o’clock on the morning of the 8th instant at Sagaing. He was accompanied by Sir Bertram Carey, the Commissioner, the Deputy Commissioner, the Dist. Superintendent of Police and Captians Hill and Prideaux of the 70th Burma Rifles. The speech was translated by Subadar-Major Maung Po Than, T.D.M. of the 70th Burma Rifles. After the parade the men marched past in fours in excellent style and the General expressed himself as much pleased with their appearance and the way they moved on parade.
The General said: “About a year ago I came here to congratulate you on your good fortune in being sent to the war in Europe and to wish you very good luck. Today I have great pleasure in welcoming you home again, safe and well. You have had a year of great experience during which time you have earned a good name for yourselves and your country. We here in Burma have followed your doings with great interest and it has been a matter of pride to all of us that every account we received showed that you were making the name of the Burma Labour Corps to be respected as one of the very best that went to France. That you have done so well is a great satisfaction to Sir Bertram Carey and other officers of the Government who never ceased to urge that the Burmans, Chins and other indigenous races should be allowed the honour and privilege of taking their share with the other nations of the Empire in the great war.
When you went out we did not expect that you would get up to the battle line, but it was your good fortune to be right in the thick of the great battle that began on the 21st March and which is not decided yet. I and all other soldiers in Burma envy you your good work. We should have all liked to be there. You will have great tales to tell when you get home to your villages. I hope you will also tell the young men that this war is a great chance for them of seeing the world and of earning honour that will last for their life time and of which their sons and their sons will speak with pride for generations to come. Some of the young men who have enlisted in the army at Meiktila have deserted as soon as they found they had a little work to do or because they did not like something they had to do. I hope you will tell them that they ought to be ashamed of themselves; they have not only disgraced themselves and brought discredit and not honour on their country but that they have missed a great opportunity of seeing wonderful things, of taking their share in great events.
I hope you will find your friends well and happy when you get home and that after you have had a good holiday you will come back and join the Burma Battalions, when we will arm you this time with rifles and let you have an opportunity of showing that you can fight as well as you have worked.
General Raitt attended a parade of the two batches of Labour Corps men who have just returned from France at 8 o’clock on the morning of the 8th instant at Sagaing. He was accompanied by Sir Bertram Carey, the Commissioner, the Deputy Commissioner, the Dist. Superintendent of Police and Captians Hill and Prideaux of the 70th Burma Rifles. The speech was translated by Subadar-Major Maung Po Than, T.D.M. of the 70th Burma Rifles. After the parade the men marched past in fours in excellent style and the General expressed himself as much pleased with their appearance and the way they moved on parade.
The General said: “About a year ago I came here to congratulate you on your good fortune in being sent to the war in Europe and to wish you very good luck. Today I have great pleasure in welcoming you home again, safe and well. You have had a year of great experience during which time you have earned a good name for yourselves and your country. We here in Burma have followed your doings with great interest and it has been a matter of pride to all of us that every account we received showed that you were making the name of the Burma Labour Corps to be respected as one of the very best that went to France. That you have done so well is a great satisfaction to Sir Bertram Carey and other officers of the Government who never ceased to urge that the Burmans, Chins and other indigenous races should be allowed the honour and privilege of taking their share with the other nations of the Empire in the great war.
When you went out we did not expect that you would get up to the battle line, but it was your good fortune to be right in the thick of the great battle that began on the 21st March and which is not decided yet. I and all other soldiers in Burma envy you your good work. We should have all liked to be there. You will have great tales to tell when you get home to your villages. I hope you will also tell the young men that this war is a great chance for them of seeing the world and of earning honour that will last for their life time and of which their sons and their sons will speak with pride for generations to come. Some of the young men who have enlisted in the army at Meiktila have deserted as soon as they found they had a little work to do or because they did not like something they had to do. I hope you will tell them that they ought to be ashamed of themselves; they have not only disgraced themselves and brought discredit and not honour on their country but that they have missed a great opportunity of seeing wonderful things, of taking their share in great events.
I hope you will find your friends well and happy when you get home and that after you have had a good holiday you will come back and join the Burma Battalions, when we will arm you this time with rifles and let you have an opportunity of showing that you can fight as well as you have worked.
Correction
A well wisher, late of the 1st Battn., Border Regt. writes – “Kindly allow me to correct an error which appeared in your issue of 15th instant with reference to Lt. A. Loader. Lt. A. Loader enlisted as a Private in the 1st Battn. Border Regt. at Wellington in the early part of 1910, not as stated therein (at Bangalore in 1916.) It will be seen by reading your issue properly that it would be impossible for man to enlist in 1916 and yet to leave Burma with his Regiment and be at the landing at Gallipoli which took place in 1915. Well, good luck to him, and may he live long enough to enjoy what he had earned.” ABL note: We have been through the 15th July issue that we hold (twice) and found no reference to an article regarding Mr A. Loader.
A well wisher, late of the 1st Battn., Border Regt. writes – “Kindly allow me to correct an error which appeared in your issue of 15th instant with reference to Lt. A. Loader. Lt. A. Loader enlisted as a Private in the 1st Battn. Border Regt. at Wellington in the early part of 1910, not as stated therein (at Bangalore in 1916.) It will be seen by reading your issue properly that it would be impossible for man to enlist in 1916 and yet to leave Burma with his Regiment and be at the landing at Gallipoli which took place in 1915. Well, good luck to him, and may he live long enough to enjoy what he had earned.” ABL note: We have been through the 15th July issue that we hold (twice) and found no reference to an article regarding Mr A. Loader.
Labour Corps
A press note says:- Maung Ba Tin, Myook, who left Burma last year as a Supervisor in the Burma Labour Corps, has been appointed by the Lt.-Governor to be an Extra Asst. Commissioner, in recognition of his excellent services with the Labour Corps in France. Maung Ba Tin has been appointed a temporary 2nd Lieut. in the Indian Land Forces, while serving with the Labour Crops.
I.A.R.O.
Lt. A.F. Dickson
Sir Reginald Craddock records with much regret the death in action on the 14th July 1918 of Lt. A.F. Dickson, I.A.R.O., attached 34th Poona Horse, a member of the Imperial Forest Service in Burma. Mr Dickson first arrived in Burma in December 1914 and volunteered for military service in June 1915. The Imperial Forest Service has to mourn the loss of a promising and gallant young officer who gave his life for his country.
A press note says:- Maung Ba Tin, Myook, who left Burma last year as a Supervisor in the Burma Labour Corps, has been appointed by the Lt.-Governor to be an Extra Asst. Commissioner, in recognition of his excellent services with the Labour Corps in France. Maung Ba Tin has been appointed a temporary 2nd Lieut. in the Indian Land Forces, while serving with the Labour Crops.
I.A.R.O.
Lt. A.F. Dickson
Sir Reginald Craddock records with much regret the death in action on the 14th July 1918 of Lt. A.F. Dickson, I.A.R.O., attached 34th Poona Horse, a member of the Imperial Forest Service in Burma. Mr Dickson first arrived in Burma in December 1914 and volunteered for military service in June 1915. The Imperial Forest Service has to mourn the loss of a promising and gallant young officer who gave his life for his country.
18th Battalion Prize List
The following is the list of 18th Battn. winners:-
Best Shot in headquarters companies – No. 96 Orderly Room Sergt. H.J. Green
Best shot in outstation companies – No. 1288 Corpl. W. Dorrat
Officers’ Musketry course Part III, Capt. A. McKeand
Officers’ Revolver course – Capt. J.H.P. Wells
The following is the list of 18th Battn. winners:-
Best Shot in headquarters companies – No. 96 Orderly Room Sergt. H.J. Green
Best shot in outstation companies – No. 1288 Corpl. W. Dorrat
Officers’ Musketry course Part III, Capt. A. McKeand
Officers’ Revolver course – Capt. J.H.P. Wells
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Best shot in companies:-
A Co. - No. 454 Pte. A.V.C. Sadler B Co. - No. 84 L-Sergt. D.A. Lonsdale C Co. - No. 79 Sergt. J.B. Glass, (dismounted) D Co. - No. 99 Sergt. W.R. Wall, (mounted) D Co. - No. 2048 Corpl. H.S. Wilson E Co. - No. 2408 Pte. A. Peacock F Co. - No. 1767 Cadet C. Pinder |
Best shot in Recruits Course
No. 1305 Pte. C.J. Watts |
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Best shot in Platoons - Active
1. No. 72 Sergt. A. Scobie 2. No. 200 Pte. D.S. Abraham 3. No. 630 Pte. P.V. Peters 4. No. 621 Pte. H.N. Monin 5. No. 43 C.Q.M.S., M.H. Ady 6. No. 92 Sergt. P.R. Henderson 7. No. 63 Sergt. A. Sofaer 8. No. 742 Pte. G. Kirkham 9. No. 239 Pte. W.A. Davidson 10. No. 374 L-Corpl. H.S. Monin 11. No. 88 Sergt. J.P. McHaffie 12. No. 481 L-Corpl. C.O. Dudt 13. No. 54 L-Sergt. R.M.H. Kidd 14. No. 406 Pte. C.F. Ballard 15. No. 245 Pte. J.L. Robinson 16. No. 1485 Pte. J.A. Robin |
Best shot in Platoons - Reserve
1. No. 1944 Pte. R.C. Millward 2. No. 1954 Pte. J. Sandon 3. No. 2026 Pte. J.M.B. King 4. No. 1351 L-Corpl. F. Meacher 5. No. 1185 Bugler Sergt. G.F. Brabrook 6. No. 1559 Pte. J.P. Collins 7. No. 1751 L-Corpl. C.L. Baretto 8. No. 1773 Corpl. J. Wright |
Best shot in Platoons - Outstation
65 Sergt. J.D. Howe (Syriam) No. 1234 Pte. R. Pitkethly (Syriam) No. 1138 Pte. R.L. Wilson (Akyab) No. 1270 Pte. S. Lees (Akyab) No. 1252 Pte. D.G. Smith (Kanoungtoe) No. 598 Pte. C.J. Oliver (Twante) No. 1149 Pte. P.F. Moses (Myaungmya) No. 2458 Pte. J.H. Reynaud (Maubin) |
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Staff Sergt. Instructor’s Competition
Staff Sergt. Instructor A.E. Brookman Best shot, Madras Guard’s Cup No. 293 Corpl. L.P. Wilson |
Kirkman Finlay Trophy
Won by No. 7 Platoon, F. Company, Commanded by 2nd Lt. W. Whyte |
Consolation Prize
No. 282 Corpl. F.C. Turner |
Burma Labour Corps
A detachment of the Burma Labour Corps from France composed entirely of Chins and under the command of Capt. H. Rundle, I.A.R.O., (Asst. Superintendent, Chin Hills) with Subadar Maung Ton in attendance, arrived from India on Sunday, July 14th but did not come ashore until Monday morning at seven o’clock at the Sule Pagoda wharf. The detachment numbered 265 of all ranks. On the wharf to greet the returning men were the Station Staff Officer, the Hon. U Po Tha, U Ba Kin, T.D.M., M.R.A.S., Mr Ba Shin, U Po Mya of the reception Committee. Later in the morning Mr W.F. Grahame, I.C.S., Deputy Commissioner, Hanthawaddy Dist., arrived and a number of others. Shortly after getting ashore the men were given a hearty breakfast, the band of the Palamcottahs being present and enlivening things by their programme of popular music. The detachment seen some exciting times in France among them bringing up ammunition and material for defence under heavy barrage when the retreat from Cambrai took place. Previous to that they were on the lines of communication and behind one of the most important sectors on the western front, in all of which they earned the highest praise from the commanders under whom they served. They were in fact as they came ashore yesterday the fittest looking of any of the detachments that have arrived and were very enthusiastic at being once more in Burma. After a rest at their homes, it is believed that the majority of them will join up again. A train was in waiting on the siding when the steamer came alongside and shortly after 11 a.m. the journey to Upper Burma was begun. The arrival was so quiet that few knew of it and in consequence there was hardly anybody on the wharf to greet them.
The Military Registration of Americans in Burma
The American Consulate has just completed the registration under the Selected Service Act of all American citizens residing in Burma who were born after June 5th 1886 and are now more than 21 years of age. The list includes the names of fifty persons who are now subject to draft. Some of these have been registered for more than a year, while others have registered but recently, as at first no pressure was brought to bear on citizens residing abroad concerning registration for military service. The cards of forty-four registrants were forwarded by the consulate and five registered in the United States before coming to Burma. The card of one citizen who has gone to India has not yet reached the consulate. Medical examiners have been appointed for the physical examinations of registrants when they are ordered to take such examinations. The following physicians have been named as examiners: Dr. B. Black, M.D., Rangoon ; Dr. A.B. Bull, M.D., Yenangyaung ; Dr. C.H. Sills, M.D., Namtu. Of the fifty Americans on the above mentioned list, six have left Burma since registering. Of this number three went to the United States to join the army and one went to France to join the aviation corps.
ABL note:- The American Consul, Mr L.P. Briggs supplies a few more facts and figures regarding the number of American's in Burma in a statement entitled Registration of America Citizens in Burma which can be found in the General section for the month of July.
A detachment of the Burma Labour Corps from France composed entirely of Chins and under the command of Capt. H. Rundle, I.A.R.O., (Asst. Superintendent, Chin Hills) with Subadar Maung Ton in attendance, arrived from India on Sunday, July 14th but did not come ashore until Monday morning at seven o’clock at the Sule Pagoda wharf. The detachment numbered 265 of all ranks. On the wharf to greet the returning men were the Station Staff Officer, the Hon. U Po Tha, U Ba Kin, T.D.M., M.R.A.S., Mr Ba Shin, U Po Mya of the reception Committee. Later in the morning Mr W.F. Grahame, I.C.S., Deputy Commissioner, Hanthawaddy Dist., arrived and a number of others. Shortly after getting ashore the men were given a hearty breakfast, the band of the Palamcottahs being present and enlivening things by their programme of popular music. The detachment seen some exciting times in France among them bringing up ammunition and material for defence under heavy barrage when the retreat from Cambrai took place. Previous to that they were on the lines of communication and behind one of the most important sectors on the western front, in all of which they earned the highest praise from the commanders under whom they served. They were in fact as they came ashore yesterday the fittest looking of any of the detachments that have arrived and were very enthusiastic at being once more in Burma. After a rest at their homes, it is believed that the majority of them will join up again. A train was in waiting on the siding when the steamer came alongside and shortly after 11 a.m. the journey to Upper Burma was begun. The arrival was so quiet that few knew of it and in consequence there was hardly anybody on the wharf to greet them.
The Military Registration of Americans in Burma
The American Consulate has just completed the registration under the Selected Service Act of all American citizens residing in Burma who were born after June 5th 1886 and are now more than 21 years of age. The list includes the names of fifty persons who are now subject to draft. Some of these have been registered for more than a year, while others have registered but recently, as at first no pressure was brought to bear on citizens residing abroad concerning registration for military service. The cards of forty-four registrants were forwarded by the consulate and five registered in the United States before coming to Burma. The card of one citizen who has gone to India has not yet reached the consulate. Medical examiners have been appointed for the physical examinations of registrants when they are ordered to take such examinations. The following physicians have been named as examiners: Dr. B. Black, M.D., Rangoon ; Dr. A.B. Bull, M.D., Yenangyaung ; Dr. C.H. Sills, M.D., Namtu. Of the fifty Americans on the above mentioned list, six have left Burma since registering. Of this number three went to the United States to join the army and one went to France to join the aviation corps.
ABL note:- The American Consul, Mr L.P. Briggs supplies a few more facts and figures regarding the number of American's in Burma in a statement entitled Registration of America Citizens in Burma which can be found in the General section for the month of July.
Recruits for Burma Rifles
A batch of a dozen men from Ken Tung and neighbouring states went down this week to join the 4-70th Burma Rifles. They were under charge of Mr Grose. Among them were an adopted son of Princess Tiptila and a son of the Sawbwa of Loika. Several of these men have already seen service in the Labour Corps and we wish them all success in their new undertaking.
Turkish Prisoners’ Work
The Turkish prisoners are doing the work of the railway extension well. At the Heho end the earthwork is practically complete and at the Aung Ban end also, with the exception of a certain amount of bridging, which is somewhat slow. The chief piece of work on which the men are now engaged is the height at Loi Kaw. This is one of the hardest bits of the whole line – the hill lying between Thamakan and the Heho valley. The earthwork and bridging are likely to be completed by the end of the year, although it is hardly to be expected that the line will be opened before the declaration of peace, owing to the impossibility of procuring rails and fittings necessary.
A batch of a dozen men from Ken Tung and neighbouring states went down this week to join the 4-70th Burma Rifles. They were under charge of Mr Grose. Among them were an adopted son of Princess Tiptila and a son of the Sawbwa of Loika. Several of these men have already seen service in the Labour Corps and we wish them all success in their new undertaking.
Turkish Prisoners’ Work
The Turkish prisoners are doing the work of the railway extension well. At the Heho end the earthwork is practically complete and at the Aung Ban end also, with the exception of a certain amount of bridging, which is somewhat slow. The chief piece of work on which the men are now engaged is the height at Loi Kaw. This is one of the hardest bits of the whole line – the hill lying between Thamakan and the Heho valley. The earthwork and bridging are likely to be completed by the end of the year, although it is hardly to be expected that the line will be opened before the declaration of peace, owing to the impossibility of procuring rails and fittings necessary.
Appointments/Postings etc.
Lt. B. Freeman, I.A.R.O., has been ordered to the Officers’ Training School at Sabathu, (sic) on first appointment.
Capt. J.M.B. Stuart, Sappers and Miners, en route to Mandalay ; from Benares, 2nd Lt. R.A. Butcher, 85th Burma Rifles, en route to Mandalay ; from Sabathu Training School for Officers, en route to Meiktila, 2nd Lt. A. Fairweather, 4th-70th Burma Rifles ; from Meiktila, Major W.J. Massy, 4th-70th Burma Rifles ; from Karachi, 2nd Lt. C.E. Scovell, I.A.R.O.
From Sabathu Officers Training School, en route to 4th-70th Burma Rifles, 2nd Lt. B.J. Winstanley ; from Mandalay, 2nd Lt. E.C. Down, Burma Railways Battn., I.D.F., en route to Bassein on completion of duty.
Lt. B. Freeman, I.A.R.O., has been ordered to the Officers’ Training School at Sabathu, (sic) on first appointment.
Capt. J.M.B. Stuart, Sappers and Miners, en route to Mandalay ; from Benares, 2nd Lt. R.A. Butcher, 85th Burma Rifles, en route to Mandalay ; from Sabathu Training School for Officers, en route to Meiktila, 2nd Lt. A. Fairweather, 4th-70th Burma Rifles ; from Meiktila, Major W.J. Massy, 4th-70th Burma Rifles ; from Karachi, 2nd Lt. C.E. Scovell, I.A.R.O.
From Sabathu Officers Training School, en route to 4th-70th Burma Rifles, 2nd Lt. B.J. Winstanley ; from Mandalay, 2nd Lt. E.C. Down, Burma Railways Battn., I.D.F., en route to Bassein on completion of duty.
Letter to the Editor
3rd Batch Non-European Section, I.D.F.
Sir, Some time back I read in one of the columns of your paper that notifications had been issued to those of the 3rd batch of the non-European section, I.D.F., who are shortly to go for training at Mandalay. Up to this time neither I, although I have written on the subject as desired by divisional headquarters at Maymyo, nor others, who I know have enrolled in the said force, are in receipt of these notifications. Many (including myself) were called by the police who merely ascertained from us whether we would go or not when called up. This is all and nothing has come of it since. Are we to understand from this that the police will inform us alter when to go and where to go, or are we to wait for orders from the military authorities? As almost all the men of the 3rd batch are employees in Government service and in mercantile firms, it is very desirable that the military authorities give us ample time before calling us up. This will enable us to make the arrangements that will undoubtedly be necessary when we leave for training. Yours etc., A Burman Recruit.
3rd Batch Non-European Section, I.D.F.
Sir, Some time back I read in one of the columns of your paper that notifications had been issued to those of the 3rd batch of the non-European section, I.D.F., who are shortly to go for training at Mandalay. Up to this time neither I, although I have written on the subject as desired by divisional headquarters at Maymyo, nor others, who I know have enrolled in the said force, are in receipt of these notifications. Many (including myself) were called by the police who merely ascertained from us whether we would go or not when called up. This is all and nothing has come of it since. Are we to understand from this that the police will inform us alter when to go and where to go, or are we to wait for orders from the military authorities? As almost all the men of the 3rd batch are employees in Government service and in mercantile firms, it is very desirable that the military authorities give us ample time before calling us up. This will enable us to make the arrangements that will undoubtedly be necessary when we leave for training. Yours etc., A Burman Recruit.
59th Burma Labour Co.
The officer commanding the 59th Burma Labour Company has received the following letter from General Rawlinson, commanding the Fourth Army. “On the occasion of the 59th Indian Labour Company leaving the Fourth Army to return to India, I wish to convey through you to the officers and men my appreciation of the efficient manner in which they have always performed the tasks allotted to them. By their loyalty and devotion to duty they have shown an excellent example to others. I congratulate you on the successful manner in which you have commanded your company and also on the honours which your men have grained.”
The officer commanding the 59th Burma Labour Company has received the following letter from General Rawlinson, commanding the Fourth Army. “On the occasion of the 59th Indian Labour Company leaving the Fourth Army to return to India, I wish to convey through you to the officers and men my appreciation of the efficient manner in which they have always performed the tasks allotted to them. By their loyalty and devotion to duty they have shown an excellent example to others. I congratulate you on the successful manner in which you have commanded your company and also on the honours which your men have grained.”
Appointment
J.E. Houldey, Dist. Magistrate, Rangoon, has been appointed a Captain in the I.A.R.O. and posted to the 70th Burma Rifles at Meiktila. It is understood that Mr Macknay, whose services were placed at the disposal of the Government of India, is returning to Burma and will relieve Mr Houldey. Mr Houldey’s appointment has been expected for some time and it will give the greatest satisfaction that he is appointed to one of the new Burma Battalions for he is known as one of the most efficient and one of the keenest officers in the Indian Defence Force, having been in command of the contingent that went to Madras from Rangoon for training.
Major C.W. Wingrove, M.C.
When the news came recently that Major C.W. Wingrove, M.C. has been wounded again, Mr Maurice Oppenheimer, with whose firm Major Wingrove was before the outbreak of war, cabled to his London agent to obtain full particulars of the extent of the injury. A letter has now been received from the agent which states that Major Wingrove had arrived from France and was under treatment at Lady Northcliffe’s Hospital, no. 14 Grosvenor Crescent, S.W.1 and that Major Wingrove had written to him on May 17 as follows:
“I stopped a lump of H.E. casing with my leg on the 14th April in the fight for Neuve Eglise. Thank goodness the leg has been saved but it was touch and go and after a month in a hospital in France I am now comfortably fixed up at the above address. How my leg will be at the finish I don’t quite know yet but I think it will be good enough for all ordinary purposes although it won’t look quite so elegant in a puttee as it did before. I think I shall have to apply to wear my gold stripe on my calf, or where the calf ought to be instead of on my sleeve.”
A further letter from the agent to Mr Oppenheimer states that he visited Major Wingrove at the hospital after receiving his letter and found him propped up in bed under special mechanical treatment for his leg but he was very cheerful and receiving the best of attention. He sent his best wishes to Mr Oppenheimer and all his Rangoon friends.
I.A.R.O.
Mandalay
Mr J. Bennison, B.A., I.C.S., Cantonment Magistrate, Mandalay, has received a commission in the I.A.R.O. and left last Monday for Sabatu (sic) for training. Mr Bennison has been a very keen member of the I.D.F. and only last April was promoted from Private to Sergeant of the Headquarters Companies when at camp at Sitha.
Mr J. Neal, Principal, Royal School, Mandalay, has applied for a commission in the I.A.R.O. and is now awaiting orders.
J.E. Houldey, Dist. Magistrate, Rangoon, has been appointed a Captain in the I.A.R.O. and posted to the 70th Burma Rifles at Meiktila. It is understood that Mr Macknay, whose services were placed at the disposal of the Government of India, is returning to Burma and will relieve Mr Houldey. Mr Houldey’s appointment has been expected for some time and it will give the greatest satisfaction that he is appointed to one of the new Burma Battalions for he is known as one of the most efficient and one of the keenest officers in the Indian Defence Force, having been in command of the contingent that went to Madras from Rangoon for training.
Major C.W. Wingrove, M.C.
When the news came recently that Major C.W. Wingrove, M.C. has been wounded again, Mr Maurice Oppenheimer, with whose firm Major Wingrove was before the outbreak of war, cabled to his London agent to obtain full particulars of the extent of the injury. A letter has now been received from the agent which states that Major Wingrove had arrived from France and was under treatment at Lady Northcliffe’s Hospital, no. 14 Grosvenor Crescent, S.W.1 and that Major Wingrove had written to him on May 17 as follows:
“I stopped a lump of H.E. casing with my leg on the 14th April in the fight for Neuve Eglise. Thank goodness the leg has been saved but it was touch and go and after a month in a hospital in France I am now comfortably fixed up at the above address. How my leg will be at the finish I don’t quite know yet but I think it will be good enough for all ordinary purposes although it won’t look quite so elegant in a puttee as it did before. I think I shall have to apply to wear my gold stripe on my calf, or where the calf ought to be instead of on my sleeve.”
A further letter from the agent to Mr Oppenheimer states that he visited Major Wingrove at the hospital after receiving his letter and found him propped up in bed under special mechanical treatment for his leg but he was very cheerful and receiving the best of attention. He sent his best wishes to Mr Oppenheimer and all his Rangoon friends.
I.A.R.O.
Mandalay
Mr J. Bennison, B.A., I.C.S., Cantonment Magistrate, Mandalay, has received a commission in the I.A.R.O. and left last Monday for Sabatu (sic) for training. Mr Bennison has been a very keen member of the I.D.F. and only last April was promoted from Private to Sergeant of the Headquarters Companies when at camp at Sitha.
Mr J. Neal, Principal, Royal School, Mandalay, has applied for a commission in the I.A.R.O. and is now awaiting orders.
August
Appointment
Mr C.K. Hargreaves, Divnl. Forest Officer, Pegu Divn., has been granted a commission as a second Lieutenant I.A.R.O. and posted to the 4th-70th Burma Rifles.
I.A.R.O.
P.M. Bernard
The members of the Accountants Association, Burma, entertained their President Mr P.M. Bernard, a senior Accountant of the Burma Public Works Dept. to tea at the premises of the United Services Club, Dalhousie St., which was lent for the occasion, on the occasion of his departure to Bombay as a second Lieutenant in the Indian Army Reserve of Officers. Almost all the members stationed in Rangoon met at the office of the Accountant-General Burma. A move was them made to the premises of Messrs. T.N. Ahuja & Co., photographers, where a group photograph was taken with Mr Bernard in his military uniform as a central figure. The party proceeded to the club where light refreshments, both European and Indian, with tea and aerated waters were served. Mr U Set, Asst. Accountant-General, the Chairman, eulogised the good qualities of Mr Bernard and presented him with a gold wristlet watch on behalf of the Association. Mr V.R. Sivasankaram, one of the member, with the permission of the chair, said that the members of the Association met there with regret and joy, regret at losing a friend, adviser and sympathizer and joy at his appointment when he will have occasion to serve King and country. Mr Bernard replied in suitable terms. Among those present were H.R. Jones, A. Aukim, T.R. Masilamony, Assistant Accounts Officers.
Burma Recruiting Committee
At a meeting of the Burma Recruiting Committee held in the Secretariat building, Rangoon, on Tuesday it was decided to recommend to the Local Government certain measures to secure the preferential treatment in Government employment of ex soldiers with approved Army service. A proposal to suggest an addition to the Defence of India Rules to put a stop to the practice of “hiring” recruits was adopted and the committee agreed that every effort should be made to encourage Burmans who have undergone training in the non-European section of the Indian Defence Force to enlist in the Army with a view to become non-commissioned officers or officers. The establishment of a temporary depot for the 70th Burma Rifles at Akyab was recommended and the committee resolved to take steps to correct the erroneous impression said to prevail in some quarters that officers in Government employ who join the Army draw furlough pay for the period only for which furlough is due to them. No such restriction is laid down and such officers draw their civil furlough pay in addition to the pay of their rank in military employ so long as they serve in the Army.
Burma Rifles
Lt. K. Nyun, I.M.S. has assumed charge (medically) of the 4th-70th Burma Rifles.
Appointment
Lt. H.J. Green, 85th Burma Rifles, has been appointed Depot Quartermaster of his battalion, vice Lt. V. de la M. Hurst, relieved.
Lieut. A. Frazer
A letter had been received in Rangoon from A. Frazer, late of the Irrawaddy Flotilla Company, Rangoon, from the 4th London General Hospital, dated 9th June. He went to the front as a Lieutenant in December 1917 and was appointed to the 60th Burman Indian Labour Corps. It is presumed that during the recent German push all fit men were put in the trenches, because he writes that while in the trenches he got a bad go of “trench feet” and it was eight days before he could be relieved and when he was relieved it was found necessary to amputate one of his feet. He is getting a dummy foot but his fighting days are done.
Indian Army Reserve of Officers
The following are appointed to the I.A.R.O. - To be 2nd Lieutenants (Infantry Branch)
C.M. Curtis ; C.M. Kerr ; S.G. Stubbs ; W.A. Davies ; J.A. Doherty ; J.P. Hogg ; C. Mackay ; L.C. Whetman ; C.K. Hargraves ; A.C. Mortimer l J.S. Shirley ; A.V. Brockbanke ; W.A. Seaton ; A.C. Molesworth ; J. Over ; V.G. Wilky ; T.W. Wilkinson ; A.F. Yuill ; A.C. Ashe ; J.H Neal ; F.L. Vokes ; C.P. Luck ; W.G. Fraser ; W.H. Johnstone.
Letter to Editor
Sir, Some letters appearing in your columns show that many Burmese, Karens and others throughout the province are not aware that an organisation exists for the supply of comforts to troops and others who have left Burma on duty overseas. It is a pity there should be the duplication of funds that the correspondence shows. The Comforts Fund in De Souza’s Buildings send weekly consignments of comforts to the following:-
15th (Burma) Coy., 2nd Q.V.O., Sappers and Miners, 85th Burmans, 1st Burma Mechanical Transport, 12th Burma Jail Porter Corps, 1st 70th Burma Rilfes, 2nd Burma Mechanical Transport, Persia Labour Corps, 2nd 70th Burma Rifles, Burma Mounted Infantry “A” and “B” Squadrons, Volunteer Artillery Battery (Burma Unit) in all some 8000 men. Burmese, Karens, etc., have each their own special consignments. If the centres which are now disputing about supplies would send us their money and their goods, we would be able to increase the present scale of supply and insure delivery to those whom the givers wish to reach. The Fund is in need of money and Burmans, Karens and others are asked to contribute sums monthly towards the supplying of Burmese and Karen comforts to their friends and countrymen on active service overseas. Yours etc., G. Linn Ure, Hony. Superintendent, War Work Depot, De Souza’s Buildings, Dalhousie St., Rangoon.
Burma Labour Corps
Among the passengers that arrived from Calcutta on Thursday, the mail boat, were a detachment of the 40th Burma Labour Corps under the command of 2nd Lt. M.F. Crisp, R.G.A., consisting of Jemadar Maung Maung, twenty-four Privates and seven interpreters and clerks. The commanding officer and four of the other members of the detachment are from Rangoon.
2nd Lt. Crisp was born in Rangoon, he being a son of Mr Mayflower F. Crisp, who was a member of the firm of Messrs. Crisp & Co. which carried on a rice milling and brokerage business here, but of late years has carried on a timber business in Tavoy. His grandfather was Capt. Crisp who came to Moulmein in a sailing ship many years ago and established the shipbuilding firm of that name in Moulmein. There are other branches of the same family throughout the province. Five years ago Lt. Crisp went to England to complete his education and having done so at the outbreak of the war he at once joined the army and later received a commission. He is on a trip to the East on transfer to an Indian regiment and being on his way to Rangoon he was given command of the detachment.
The other Rangoon men in the detachment are Company-Sergt.-Majors Maung Ba Ket and Maung Tin Maung, Quarter-Master-Sergt. Maung Kin and Interpreter Maung Myint. The rest of the men are from Upper Burma.
They were taken on leave to England under command of Capt. Holman Hunt and were presented to the King-Emperor at Buckingham Palace, where two of their number, Lt. Macfarquhar and Sergt. Maung Than Maung, who arrived back in Burma on Saturday, July 6th, received the Distinguished Service Medal for acts of bravery already mentioned in these columns, and Capt. Holman Hunt received his C.I.E. from his Majesty’s hands.
The men all look very fit and are glad to be home again. They express themselves as highly pleased with the way they have been treated since joining up. Lt. Macfarquhar did not return with the detachment having been posted to duty on the western front, as was Capt. Holman Hunt, now in the Royal Engineers. Unlike the occasion when other detachments have arrived from the front, there was no one on the jetty from the Burma Recruiting Committee to receive or entertain them. This may have been due to the fact that the steamer was booked to go alongside Latter street wharf but went alongside Sparks street jetty instead.
Mr C.K. Hargreaves, Divnl. Forest Officer, Pegu Divn., has been granted a commission as a second Lieutenant I.A.R.O. and posted to the 4th-70th Burma Rifles.
I.A.R.O.
P.M. Bernard
The members of the Accountants Association, Burma, entertained their President Mr P.M. Bernard, a senior Accountant of the Burma Public Works Dept. to tea at the premises of the United Services Club, Dalhousie St., which was lent for the occasion, on the occasion of his departure to Bombay as a second Lieutenant in the Indian Army Reserve of Officers. Almost all the members stationed in Rangoon met at the office of the Accountant-General Burma. A move was them made to the premises of Messrs. T.N. Ahuja & Co., photographers, where a group photograph was taken with Mr Bernard in his military uniform as a central figure. The party proceeded to the club where light refreshments, both European and Indian, with tea and aerated waters were served. Mr U Set, Asst. Accountant-General, the Chairman, eulogised the good qualities of Mr Bernard and presented him with a gold wristlet watch on behalf of the Association. Mr V.R. Sivasankaram, one of the member, with the permission of the chair, said that the members of the Association met there with regret and joy, regret at losing a friend, adviser and sympathizer and joy at his appointment when he will have occasion to serve King and country. Mr Bernard replied in suitable terms. Among those present were H.R. Jones, A. Aukim, T.R. Masilamony, Assistant Accounts Officers.
Burma Recruiting Committee
At a meeting of the Burma Recruiting Committee held in the Secretariat building, Rangoon, on Tuesday it was decided to recommend to the Local Government certain measures to secure the preferential treatment in Government employment of ex soldiers with approved Army service. A proposal to suggest an addition to the Defence of India Rules to put a stop to the practice of “hiring” recruits was adopted and the committee agreed that every effort should be made to encourage Burmans who have undergone training in the non-European section of the Indian Defence Force to enlist in the Army with a view to become non-commissioned officers or officers. The establishment of a temporary depot for the 70th Burma Rifles at Akyab was recommended and the committee resolved to take steps to correct the erroneous impression said to prevail in some quarters that officers in Government employ who join the Army draw furlough pay for the period only for which furlough is due to them. No such restriction is laid down and such officers draw their civil furlough pay in addition to the pay of their rank in military employ so long as they serve in the Army.
Burma Rifles
Lt. K. Nyun, I.M.S. has assumed charge (medically) of the 4th-70th Burma Rifles.
Appointment
Lt. H.J. Green, 85th Burma Rifles, has been appointed Depot Quartermaster of his battalion, vice Lt. V. de la M. Hurst, relieved.
Lieut. A. Frazer
A letter had been received in Rangoon from A. Frazer, late of the Irrawaddy Flotilla Company, Rangoon, from the 4th London General Hospital, dated 9th June. He went to the front as a Lieutenant in December 1917 and was appointed to the 60th Burman Indian Labour Corps. It is presumed that during the recent German push all fit men were put in the trenches, because he writes that while in the trenches he got a bad go of “trench feet” and it was eight days before he could be relieved and when he was relieved it was found necessary to amputate one of his feet. He is getting a dummy foot but his fighting days are done.
Indian Army Reserve of Officers
The following are appointed to the I.A.R.O. - To be 2nd Lieutenants (Infantry Branch)
C.M. Curtis ; C.M. Kerr ; S.G. Stubbs ; W.A. Davies ; J.A. Doherty ; J.P. Hogg ; C. Mackay ; L.C. Whetman ; C.K. Hargraves ; A.C. Mortimer l J.S. Shirley ; A.V. Brockbanke ; W.A. Seaton ; A.C. Molesworth ; J. Over ; V.G. Wilky ; T.W. Wilkinson ; A.F. Yuill ; A.C. Ashe ; J.H Neal ; F.L. Vokes ; C.P. Luck ; W.G. Fraser ; W.H. Johnstone.
Letter to Editor
Sir, Some letters appearing in your columns show that many Burmese, Karens and others throughout the province are not aware that an organisation exists for the supply of comforts to troops and others who have left Burma on duty overseas. It is a pity there should be the duplication of funds that the correspondence shows. The Comforts Fund in De Souza’s Buildings send weekly consignments of comforts to the following:-
15th (Burma) Coy., 2nd Q.V.O., Sappers and Miners, 85th Burmans, 1st Burma Mechanical Transport, 12th Burma Jail Porter Corps, 1st 70th Burma Rilfes, 2nd Burma Mechanical Transport, Persia Labour Corps, 2nd 70th Burma Rifles, Burma Mounted Infantry “A” and “B” Squadrons, Volunteer Artillery Battery (Burma Unit) in all some 8000 men. Burmese, Karens, etc., have each their own special consignments. If the centres which are now disputing about supplies would send us their money and their goods, we would be able to increase the present scale of supply and insure delivery to those whom the givers wish to reach. The Fund is in need of money and Burmans, Karens and others are asked to contribute sums monthly towards the supplying of Burmese and Karen comforts to their friends and countrymen on active service overseas. Yours etc., G. Linn Ure, Hony. Superintendent, War Work Depot, De Souza’s Buildings, Dalhousie St., Rangoon.
Burma Labour Corps
Among the passengers that arrived from Calcutta on Thursday, the mail boat, were a detachment of the 40th Burma Labour Corps under the command of 2nd Lt. M.F. Crisp, R.G.A., consisting of Jemadar Maung Maung, twenty-four Privates and seven interpreters and clerks. The commanding officer and four of the other members of the detachment are from Rangoon.
2nd Lt. Crisp was born in Rangoon, he being a son of Mr Mayflower F. Crisp, who was a member of the firm of Messrs. Crisp & Co. which carried on a rice milling and brokerage business here, but of late years has carried on a timber business in Tavoy. His grandfather was Capt. Crisp who came to Moulmein in a sailing ship many years ago and established the shipbuilding firm of that name in Moulmein. There are other branches of the same family throughout the province. Five years ago Lt. Crisp went to England to complete his education and having done so at the outbreak of the war he at once joined the army and later received a commission. He is on a trip to the East on transfer to an Indian regiment and being on his way to Rangoon he was given command of the detachment.
The other Rangoon men in the detachment are Company-Sergt.-Majors Maung Ba Ket and Maung Tin Maung, Quarter-Master-Sergt. Maung Kin and Interpreter Maung Myint. The rest of the men are from Upper Burma.
They were taken on leave to England under command of Capt. Holman Hunt and were presented to the King-Emperor at Buckingham Palace, where two of their number, Lt. Macfarquhar and Sergt. Maung Than Maung, who arrived back in Burma on Saturday, July 6th, received the Distinguished Service Medal for acts of bravery already mentioned in these columns, and Capt. Holman Hunt received his C.I.E. from his Majesty’s hands.
The men all look very fit and are glad to be home again. They express themselves as highly pleased with the way they have been treated since joining up. Lt. Macfarquhar did not return with the detachment having been posted to duty on the western front, as was Capt. Holman Hunt, now in the Royal Engineers. Unlike the occasion when other detachments have arrived from the front, there was no one on the jetty from the Burma Recruiting Committee to receive or entertain them. This may have been due to the fact that the steamer was booked to go alongside Latter street wharf but went alongside Sparks street jetty instead.
Parade Ground For Prome
A correspondent writes: Capt. Claydon, Adjutant of the 21st Battalion (Burma Railways) I.D.F. arrived in Prome on Saturday, with the main object, I understand, of fixing upon a parade ground for the local members of the battalion. The site selected is immediately behind the goods shed in the railway yard. ...
A correspondent writes: Capt. Claydon, Adjutant of the 21st Battalion (Burma Railways) I.D.F. arrived in Prome on Saturday, with the main object, I understand, of fixing upon a parade ground for the local members of the battalion. The site selected is immediately behind the goods shed in the railway yard. ...
I.A.R.O. and Man-Power Resolution
List of Applicants
Members of Firms etc.
The following is a complete list of members of firms and others, not being Government Servants, who have been advised by the Lt.-Governor with reference to the man-power resolution passed at the public meeting held at Rangoon on 14th May 1918, to apply for commissions in the Indian Army Reserve of Officers
List of Applicants
Members of Firms etc.
The following is a complete list of members of firms and others, not being Government Servants, who have been advised by the Lt.-Governor with reference to the man-power resolution passed at the public meeting held at Rangoon on 14th May 1918, to apply for commissions in the Indian Army Reserve of Officers
Burmah Oil Co.
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A.B. O’Connor
J.M. Pymm E. Sausman H.H. Goff G.D. Forrester H. Moore |
T.G. O’Connor
J.P. Kiel A. McPhedran T.D. McLean F.J. Oliver |
W.D. Scott
D. Graham N.A. Blaquiere I. Nesbit A.G.L. Lewis |
A.D. Butchart
R.S. McWhinnie G.C. Cooke R.H. Bert A.T. Buchanan |
P. Baillie
D.H. Girsham W. Beards G.H. Rainford T.J. Grisham C.A. Phillips |
|
Rowe & Co.
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Steel Bros.
|
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J.S Mathews
D.B. McCreadie J.D. Ross A. Irvine R. Clelland A.T. Farley |
W. Stewart
T.P. Bertie M. King H.K. Kennedy J.S. Metcalf |
T.O. Rees
W.T. Liddell G. Howison D.A.R. Rawlings J.H. Fleming W.B. King D.J. Gidley |
P. Belton
C.R. Major R.H. Baker J.I. Nelson A.C. Clark G. Sinclair |
P. Orr & Sons
W.E. Trueman J. Britton Foucar & Co. M.H. Trevor Roy H.R. White |
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Bulloch Bros.
H.C. McEwen C.A.G. Gill B.J. Corcoran L.O.B. Harding J.W. Leggat C.T. Grant I.M. Johnson |
Whiteaway, Laidlaw & Co.
G.M. Beal (sic) J. Ruecroft Finlay Fleming & Co. D. Meikle A.C. DeMorgan A.I. MacPherson |
Bombay Burmah Trading Corporation
E.F. Dunk T.L. Browne A.B. Freeman R.A.S. Havelock T.D. Findlay & Son, Moulmein A.E. Walden W.J. Gray E.J. Beale |
Arracan Co.
W.S. Hepburn A.B. Foot J. Lowry A.P. Somerville |
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Burma Mines Ltd., Namtu
F.A. Battle T.J. Mackay C.H. Garstin Chas. R. Cowie & Co. J.K. Heughan J.P. McHaffie Watson & Son J.V. Watson G. McKenzie & Co. H. Dupree T.G.H. Brown Binning & Co. J.A. Johnston |
Irrawaddy Flotilla Co.
J.P. Frew A. Tait Coombes Co. Ltd R.S. Pescod B.I.S.N. Co. J.H.H. Middleton Motor House Co. J. Ritchie E.M. deSouza & Co. G. Ingram Burma Para Rubber Co. E.W. Summers P.H. Prosser |
Bowyer & Sowden
W.C. Andrews George Gillespie & Co. H.W. Child V. Zollikefer & Co. (sic) A.U. Kuoni D. Bern & Co. J. Hickie Macgregor & Co. G.T.A. Burns J.P. Inglis T.W. Baird G.G. Fleming A. Mackinnon |
Shwegyin (Burma) Rubber Estate Ltd.
C.B. Gillbanks F.G. St. John (sic) Rangoon Electric Tramway & Supply Co. F.F. Parish Rangoon Para Rubber Estates Ltd. R.C. Chorley Rangoon Gazette J. Peacock London-Rangoon Trading Co. R.E. McKenzie W.H. James W.G. Barrie |
The following are also included in the lists:-
Rev’d. E.W. Blyth, Church of England Missionary to the Karens.
G.E. Farrier, Rangoon
C.P. Vlieland, Thaton Dist.
S.R. Foy, bar-at-law, Toungoo
W.H.F. Kirkpatrick, Thazi
J.H. Neal, Headmaster, Anglo-Vern. School, Winchester Diocesan Mission, Mandalay
A.H. Whittaker, St. Paul’s High School, Rangoon
Rev’d. E.W. Blyth, Church of England Missionary to the Karens.
G.E. Farrier, Rangoon
C.P. Vlieland, Thaton Dist.
S.R. Foy, bar-at-law, Toungoo
W.H.F. Kirkpatrick, Thazi
J.H. Neal, Headmaster, Anglo-Vern. School, Winchester Diocesan Mission, Mandalay
A.H. Whittaker, St. Paul’s High School, Rangoon
The following is a list of the Local Government Officers who have been set free, or are in course of being set free,
for military service, since the man-power resolution of the 14th may was passed:-
for military service, since the man-power resolution of the 14th may was passed:-
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Burma Commission
J. Clague, I.C.S., called up for Military Service C.R.P. Cooper, I.C.S., called up for Military Service A.E.H. Killick, I.C.S., called up for Military Service J.E. Houldey, I.C.S., called up for Military Service J.E. Gillies, I.C.S., called up for Military Service J. St. C. Saunder, I.C.S., called up for Military Service J.M. Baguley, I.C.S. A.S.A.S. Gilbert, I.C.S. H.F. Dunkley, I.C.S. E.J. Farmer, I.C.S., called up for Military Service J.J. Bennison, I.C.S., called up for Military Service T. Couper, I.C.S., called up for Military Service |
Police Dept.
F.A. McMahon, Asst. Superintendent of Police R.C. Paton, Deputy Superintendent of Police W.G. Chalk, Inspector, called up for Military Service S. Nelson, Inspector A.T. Fay, Deputy Superintendent of Police J.W.C. Olney, Sergt., called up for Military Service H.W. Farquhar, Sergt. |
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Rangoon Town Police
D.J. Ross, Asst. Commissioner of Police, called up for Military Service J.W. Edwards, Inspector P.A. Korb, Inspector, called up for Military Service H.W. Jennings, Inspector G.W. McCredy, Deputy Inspector, called up for Military Service A. Tingley, Deputy Inspector W. McCredy, Deputy inspector, called up for Military Service R.E. Crisp, Deputy Inspector A.E. Brown, Deputy Inspector E.K. Deighton, Deputy Inspector D. Buckley, European Sergeant W.L. Perry, European Sergeant W. Nelson, European Sergeant, called up for Military Service H.J. Paxton, European Sergeant C.H. Sweeney, European Sergeant M.G. Gallagher, European Sergeant E.M. Penfold, European Sergeant |
Officers Under The Steam-Boilers & Prime-Movers Act. 1910
R. Watson, Inspector of Steam Boilers & Prime Movers. Excise Dept. L.A. Havelock, Superintendent of Excise W.E. Jones, Superintendent of Excise S.C.D. Edwardes, Superintendent of Excise Educational Dept. G.H. Luce, Professor, Govt. College, Rangoon, called up for Military Service W.G. Fraser, Professor, Govt. College, Rangoon J.M. Symns, Inspector of Schools J.P. Buchanan, Asst. Master, Govt. High School for Europeans, Maymyo |
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Forest Dept.
F.W. Collings, Deputy Conservator of Forests, called up for Military Service A.H.M. Barrtington, Deputy Conservator of Forests, called up for Military Service A.P. Davis, Deputy Conservator of Forests, called up for Military Service J.B. Mercer Adam, Deputy Conservator of Forests C.K. Hargreaves, Deputy Conservator of Forests G.S. Shirley, Deputy Conservator of Forests E.W. Carroll, Asst. Conservator of Forests, called up for Military Service A.E. Eden, Asst. Conservator of Forests D.A. Allan, Extra Deputy Conservator of Forests F.W. Wright, Extra Asst. Conservator of Forests C.E. Parkinson, Extra Asst. Conservator of Forests, called up for Military Service F.G. Edwards, probationary Extra Asst. Conservator of Forests G.P. Walden, probationary Extra Asst. Conservator of Forests |
Public Works Dept.
R. Stanley Baker, Executive Engr. B.L. St. C. Miller, Asst. Engr. L. St. C. Rundlett, Asst. Engr. A.O. Molesworth, Executive Engr. B.E. Blaney, Apprentice Engr. A.P. Morris, Executive Engr. |
The above are in addition to the 143 gazetted officers whom, as the Lt.-Governor announced at the meeting of 14th May, the Local Government had at that time already set free for Military Service.
Not Advised To Join
No list of names will be published, we are in a position to state, of those who offered their services unreservedly to the Local Government in connection with the man-power resolution above named but whom the Lt.-Governor informed that in his opinion they should remain in their present employment. We understand that this is at the request of the firms and the individuals themselves.
Not Advised To Join
No list of names will be published, we are in a position to state, of those who offered their services unreservedly to the Local Government in connection with the man-power resolution above named but whom the Lt.-Governor informed that in his opinion they should remain in their present employment. We understand that this is at the request of the firms and the individuals themselves.
Sergt. W.E. Hardinge
Among the recent arrivals from Mesopotamia on completion of his service with the Volunteer Artillery Battery is Sergt. W.E. Hardinge, who left Rangoon as a Gunner and received his promotion for good service in the field. At the formation of the V.A.B. Sergt. Hardinge was studying at the Government High School, Maymyo, at the same time trying for a state scholarship tenable for three years at an English University. He gave up his studies and went out and “did his bit” and now on his return he receives word that a state scholarship has been awarded to him. It is for £120 a year and he intends proceeding to Manchester where he will study Electrical Engineering.
Sergt. Hardinge will be remembered as a fine athlete while in school at Maymyo where he was coached and trained by Capt. Milne, Gurkha Rifles, the B.A.A. sprint champion. Sergt. Hardinge won the title of schools champion at the last B.A.A. annual sports. He has just completed his twenty first year. He is the son of Mr W.E. Hardinge, Sub-engineer of the Kalaw Sub-divn., P.W.D. Sergt Hardinge’s example in leaving his studies and giving his services to his country could be emulated by other young men in the province with advantage to themselves and their country and it seems more than probable that Sergt. Hardinge’s military service has counted for a good deal when his claims for a scholarship were considered.
Among the recent arrivals from Mesopotamia on completion of his service with the Volunteer Artillery Battery is Sergt. W.E. Hardinge, who left Rangoon as a Gunner and received his promotion for good service in the field. At the formation of the V.A.B. Sergt. Hardinge was studying at the Government High School, Maymyo, at the same time trying for a state scholarship tenable for three years at an English University. He gave up his studies and went out and “did his bit” and now on his return he receives word that a state scholarship has been awarded to him. It is for £120 a year and he intends proceeding to Manchester where he will study Electrical Engineering.
Sergt. Hardinge will be remembered as a fine athlete while in school at Maymyo where he was coached and trained by Capt. Milne, Gurkha Rifles, the B.A.A. sprint champion. Sergt. Hardinge won the title of schools champion at the last B.A.A. annual sports. He has just completed his twenty first year. He is the son of Mr W.E. Hardinge, Sub-engineer of the Kalaw Sub-divn., P.W.D. Sergt Hardinge’s example in leaving his studies and giving his services to his country could be emulated by other young men in the province with advantage to themselves and their country and it seems more than probable that Sergt. Hardinge’s military service has counted for a good deal when his claims for a scholarship were considered.
I.A.R.O.
The following civilians in Burma have been granted commissions as second Lieutenants in the I.A.R.O. and posted as stated after their names:-
C.B. Gillibanks, Shwegyin Rubber Estate - 2-70th Burma Rifles
L.O’B Harding, Bulloch Bros., Rangoon - 2-70th Burma Rifles
B.J. Corcoran, Bulloch Bros., Rangoon - 2-21st Punjabis
A. Irvine, 5 Franklin Rd., Rangoon – 74th Punjabis
F.A. McMahon, Imperial Police, D.S.P., Yamethin - 2-70th Burma Rifles
J.I. Nelson, Steel Bros., Rangoon - 2-70th Burma Rifles
L.A. Havelock, Supdt. of Excise, Bassein to the Combined Labour Corps Depot at Lucknow
W.J.G. Wootton, Govt. Press, Rangoon to 12th Jail Porter Corps
D.A.R. Rawlings, Steel Bros., to Depot, 85th Burma Rifles
A.I. Macpherson, Riverside Mansions, Rangoon, to Palamcottahs
R.H. Baker, Steel Bros., Rangoon to 4th-70th Burma Rifles
A.C. de Morgan, Finlay Fleming & Co., Rangoon to Depot, 85th Burma Rifles
J.P. McHaffie, C.R. Cowie & Co., to Depot, 75th Carnatics
The following civilians in Burma have been granted commissions as second Lieutenants in the I.A.R.O. and posted as stated after their names:-
C.B. Gillibanks, Shwegyin Rubber Estate - 2-70th Burma Rifles
L.O’B Harding, Bulloch Bros., Rangoon - 2-70th Burma Rifles
B.J. Corcoran, Bulloch Bros., Rangoon - 2-21st Punjabis
A. Irvine, 5 Franklin Rd., Rangoon – 74th Punjabis
F.A. McMahon, Imperial Police, D.S.P., Yamethin - 2-70th Burma Rifles
J.I. Nelson, Steel Bros., Rangoon - 2-70th Burma Rifles
L.A. Havelock, Supdt. of Excise, Bassein to the Combined Labour Corps Depot at Lucknow
W.J.G. Wootton, Govt. Press, Rangoon to 12th Jail Porter Corps
D.A.R. Rawlings, Steel Bros., to Depot, 85th Burma Rifles
A.I. Macpherson, Riverside Mansions, Rangoon, to Palamcottahs
R.H. Baker, Steel Bros., Rangoon to 4th-70th Burma Rifles
A.C. de Morgan, Finlay Fleming & Co., Rangoon to Depot, 85th Burma Rifles
J.P. McHaffie, C.R. Cowie & Co., to Depot, 75th Carnatics
Burma Jail Porter Corps
The following letter dated July 15th from Capt. W.H. McGrath, Commanding the Burma Jail Porter Corps in Mesopotamia, has been received by Mr S.S. Agabob, no. 60 Hpoosgyi road, Rangoon:-
Dear Sir, Thank you for your letter of the 1st June and the enclosures mentioned including the parcel of Aubasas and copies of inscription of the gold leaf in connection with the dedication ceremony on behalf of this Corps. This parcel, kindly forwarded by the Burma Depot for War work, has reached us safely. The men are very pleased at receiving these and asked me to tender their best thanks to you and your friends. We were all very sorry indeed to hear of the sad death of U Ba Thein ; please tender our condolences to his family over their great loss. We were also sorry to hear you yourself had been ill and hope you have quite recovered. Statement of accounts sent for the money subscribed by the men on leaving Rangoon has been shown and explained to them and they wish me to thank Mr and Mrs Bah Oh, Mrs U Ba Thein, Mrs Agabob and yourself for the subscriptions added in order to made the ceremony a success. The Corps much appreciate all the trouble the late U Ba Thein, U Mon, U Hmwe Thin and yourself took over this dedication on their behalf and also for all your good wishes.
The following letter dated July 15th from Capt. W.H. McGrath, Commanding the Burma Jail Porter Corps in Mesopotamia, has been received by Mr S.S. Agabob, no. 60 Hpoosgyi road, Rangoon:-
Dear Sir, Thank you for your letter of the 1st June and the enclosures mentioned including the parcel of Aubasas and copies of inscription of the gold leaf in connection with the dedication ceremony on behalf of this Corps. This parcel, kindly forwarded by the Burma Depot for War work, has reached us safely. The men are very pleased at receiving these and asked me to tender their best thanks to you and your friends. We were all very sorry indeed to hear of the sad death of U Ba Thein ; please tender our condolences to his family over their great loss. We were also sorry to hear you yourself had been ill and hope you have quite recovered. Statement of accounts sent for the money subscribed by the men on leaving Rangoon has been shown and explained to them and they wish me to thank Mr and Mrs Bah Oh, Mrs U Ba Thein, Mrs Agabob and yourself for the subscriptions added in order to made the ceremony a success. The Corps much appreciate all the trouble the late U Ba Thein, U Mon, U Hmwe Thin and yourself took over this dedication on their behalf and also for all your good wishes.
Leave
2nd Lt. W.E. Kingsley, Burma Labour Corps, had been granted war leave and is proceeding to Kalaw.
New Orders Regarding Name Change
The following telegram has been received by the Brigade Commander, Rangoon, from headquarters of Burma Division, Maymyo – Information is now received that the regulation under the Defence of the Realm Act provides that no person other than a natural British Subject shall after the 19th August use any name other than that by which he was known at the commencement of the war unless the Secy. of State grants him exemption or he has the Royal License.
2nd Lt. W.E. Kingsley, Burma Labour Corps, had been granted war leave and is proceeding to Kalaw.
New Orders Regarding Name Change
The following telegram has been received by the Brigade Commander, Rangoon, from headquarters of Burma Division, Maymyo – Information is now received that the regulation under the Defence of the Realm Act provides that no person other than a natural British Subject shall after the 19th August use any name other than that by which he was known at the commencement of the war unless the Secy. of State grants him exemption or he has the Royal License.
3rd Ford Van Co.
The 3rd Ford Van Company or Burma Mechanical Transport Company as it is now officially known, was sanctioned some time ago but the work of organisation was held in abeyance until recently when the Commandant and workshop officers were appointed ; their names appeared in the Monday issue of this paper. Telegraphic orders have been received that the work of organisation is to proceed without delay and that the depot will be at Mandalay and not at Rangoon as in the case of the first two companies. The non commissioned officers who will be required for this company will be a Quartermaster-Sergt. and four section Sergeants. The pay of the Quartermaster-Sergt. will be infantry pay of a Quartermaster-Sergt., less proficiency pay, plus corps pay of Rs. 1.4 a day. The pay of the section Sergeants will be the same as that of an Infantry Sergeant, with the same corps pay as the Quartermaster-Sergt. without proficiency pay. It is the desire of the divisional commander to obtain these non-commissioned officers from among the British units in Burma but they must be medically fit for duty in Mesopotamia with the Mechanical Transport Service. A knowledge of Burmese and motor driving is desirable but not essential. The Quartermaster-Sergt. will be require to have a knowledge of Quartermaster’s stores and the section Sergeants of drill and discipline.
There will be four Havildars, seven Naiks and 175 Sepoys in the driver’s department. The conditions for these are that they will be selected only from Burman, Karens and other indigenous races of Burma. Members of other races who are able to drive motor cars will be accepted in the Rangoon Depot unless contrary orders are issued by the Military Authorities. The pay of Havildars will be as follows:- ... The age of recruitment must be between 18 and 35 years of age. Pensions will be as for the Indian Army and pensions will be granted to the father, mother, widow, son or daughter, as the case may be of a driver who dies on active service at the rates laid down. The enlistment will be for the duration of the war and six months afterwards. All drivers will be medically examined and tested in Ford cars and effecting running repairs before being attested. The formation of a fourth company had been sanctioned and will be proceeded with later.
The 3rd Ford Van Company or Burma Mechanical Transport Company as it is now officially known, was sanctioned some time ago but the work of organisation was held in abeyance until recently when the Commandant and workshop officers were appointed ; their names appeared in the Monday issue of this paper. Telegraphic orders have been received that the work of organisation is to proceed without delay and that the depot will be at Mandalay and not at Rangoon as in the case of the first two companies. The non commissioned officers who will be required for this company will be a Quartermaster-Sergt. and four section Sergeants. The pay of the Quartermaster-Sergt. will be infantry pay of a Quartermaster-Sergt., less proficiency pay, plus corps pay of Rs. 1.4 a day. The pay of the section Sergeants will be the same as that of an Infantry Sergeant, with the same corps pay as the Quartermaster-Sergt. without proficiency pay. It is the desire of the divisional commander to obtain these non-commissioned officers from among the British units in Burma but they must be medically fit for duty in Mesopotamia with the Mechanical Transport Service. A knowledge of Burmese and motor driving is desirable but not essential. The Quartermaster-Sergt. will be require to have a knowledge of Quartermaster’s stores and the section Sergeants of drill and discipline.
There will be four Havildars, seven Naiks and 175 Sepoys in the driver’s department. The conditions for these are that they will be selected only from Burman, Karens and other indigenous races of Burma. Members of other races who are able to drive motor cars will be accepted in the Rangoon Depot unless contrary orders are issued by the Military Authorities. The pay of Havildars will be as follows:- ... The age of recruitment must be between 18 and 35 years of age. Pensions will be as for the Indian Army and pensions will be granted to the father, mother, widow, son or daughter, as the case may be of a driver who dies on active service at the rates laid down. The enlistment will be for the duration of the war and six months afterwards. All drivers will be medically examined and tested in Ford cars and effecting running repairs before being attested. The formation of a fourth company had been sanctioned and will be proceeded with later.
Changes at Maymyo ( Aug. 28th )
Mr Stanley Baker, Executive Engineer, has been given a commission in the I.A.R.O. with the rank of Major and is ordered to take charge of the Mechanical Transport Depot at Mandalay. While we are all pleased that Mr Baker has been selected for the charge for which he is so well qualified we shall miss him in a great many ways. It is a pity he has had to leave the new lake only partially constructed – the lake which will add so much to the attractiveness of Maymyo, for he has now learned all the idiosyncrasies of the soil and unlooked for springs and has grappled with and overcome most of the difficulties which they involve. He has also been responsible for roads and buildings here, both civil and military, and even visitors from Rangoon bear testimony to the excellence of our roads and when the repairs to the Mandalay-Lashio road through the bazaar are completed Maymyo people will have better roads than any other place in Burma. Mr Stanley Baker takes with him Mr Stevens and most of the artificers and fitters from the P.W.D. workshop, so motor car owners will genuinely regret this change, for the workshop has been the only place in Maymyo where minor and major repairs could be effected promptly and efficiently.
The Soldiers Home has lost a good friend in the departure of its secretary Mr Dancey, who has left the station on Military Duty. His keenness and enthusiasm in the matter of games has been the means of providing the men with numerous tournaments in tennis, billiards, ping pong etc. at the Home, while the suppers Mrs Dancey has provided have made the men feel more at home than they have ever been since they left “Blighty.”
Mr Stanley Baker, Executive Engineer, has been given a commission in the I.A.R.O. with the rank of Major and is ordered to take charge of the Mechanical Transport Depot at Mandalay. While we are all pleased that Mr Baker has been selected for the charge for which he is so well qualified we shall miss him in a great many ways. It is a pity he has had to leave the new lake only partially constructed – the lake which will add so much to the attractiveness of Maymyo, for he has now learned all the idiosyncrasies of the soil and unlooked for springs and has grappled with and overcome most of the difficulties which they involve. He has also been responsible for roads and buildings here, both civil and military, and even visitors from Rangoon bear testimony to the excellence of our roads and when the repairs to the Mandalay-Lashio road through the bazaar are completed Maymyo people will have better roads than any other place in Burma. Mr Stanley Baker takes with him Mr Stevens and most of the artificers and fitters from the P.W.D. workshop, so motor car owners will genuinely regret this change, for the workshop has been the only place in Maymyo where minor and major repairs could be effected promptly and efficiently.
The Soldiers Home has lost a good friend in the departure of its secretary Mr Dancey, who has left the station on Military Duty. His keenness and enthusiasm in the matter of games has been the means of providing the men with numerous tournaments in tennis, billiards, ping pong etc. at the Home, while the suppers Mrs Dancey has provided have made the men feel more at home than they have ever been since they left “Blighty.”
Announcement
The Commander-in-Chief, at the request of the Domiciled European and Anglo-Indian Federation, has decided to reconvert the Anglo-Indian Battery into a mounted unit and recruits are being called for this.
The Commander-in-Chief, at the request of the Domiciled European and Anglo-Indian Federation, has decided to reconvert the Anglo-Indian Battery into a mounted unit and recruits are being called for this.
Mesopotamia Awards
Burma Names
C.S.I.
Major A.J. Anderson, Rangoon Port Defence Volunteers, now 3rd Rangoon Group, Garrison Artillery, at the outbreak of war was with the Bombay Burmah Trading Corpn. and held a commission in the R.P.D.V. On the formation of the Volunteer Artillery Battery he was given command of it as Major and was with it in the memorable siege of Kut-el-Amara and was captured. As far as we know he is still a prisoner in the hands of the Turks and in good health.
C.I.E.
Lieut. F.B. Davern, Rangoon Port Defence Volunteers, at the outbreak of the war was Chief Clerk of the Port Commissioners, Rangoon, having come here from Bombay. Like Major Anderson, he held a commission in the R.P.D.V., and when the V.M.B. was formed was posted to it as a temporary second Lieut. and got his promotion later, while on service. He took part with the battery in the defence of Kut-el-Amara and is now a prisoner of war in the hands of the Turks.
Burma Names
C.S.I.
Major A.J. Anderson, Rangoon Port Defence Volunteers, now 3rd Rangoon Group, Garrison Artillery, at the outbreak of war was with the Bombay Burmah Trading Corpn. and held a commission in the R.P.D.V. On the formation of the Volunteer Artillery Battery he was given command of it as Major and was with it in the memorable siege of Kut-el-Amara and was captured. As far as we know he is still a prisoner in the hands of the Turks and in good health.
C.I.E.
Lieut. F.B. Davern, Rangoon Port Defence Volunteers, at the outbreak of the war was Chief Clerk of the Port Commissioners, Rangoon, having come here from Bombay. Like Major Anderson, he held a commission in the R.P.D.V., and when the V.M.B. was formed was posted to it as a temporary second Lieut. and got his promotion later, while on service. He took part with the battery in the defence of Kut-el-Amara and is now a prisoner of war in the hands of the Turks.
Burman Subadar-Major
Maung Po Chu, demonstrator in Chemistry, Rangoon College, is now acting as a Subadar-Major, 4th Battalion, 70th Burma Rifles. He has risen from an ordinary volunteer in the old R.V.R. to the highest N.C.O. rank attainable in a Burmese regiment. A cadet of the R.V.R. in 1903, he rose to Lance-Corpl. In 1907, to Corporal in 1909 and to Colour-Sergt. in 1910. He passed the proficiency test in 1909 and was largely instrumental in successfully reorganising the old “G” Coy. (Rangoon College) of the R.V.R. His company secured extra efficiency of 100 per cent for two successive years in 1910-11 and 1911-12. As team commander of the company, he showed himself an excellent marksman in various competitions. He was also the best shot of the company for many years. He acted as Platoon Commander in the I.D.F. for some time and attended the higher training classes, mapping sections etc. for Platoon Sergeants and Officers only. He is the only Burman who had served for such a long period in the old R.V.R. as well as in the 18th (Rangoon) Battalion, I.D.F. In 1916 he was honoured with the “Oppenheimer Cup” presented by Lt.-Col. Cameron, O.C., for being the best all round man.
Maung Po Chu, demonstrator in Chemistry, Rangoon College, is now acting as a Subadar-Major, 4th Battalion, 70th Burma Rifles. He has risen from an ordinary volunteer in the old R.V.R. to the highest N.C.O. rank attainable in a Burmese regiment. A cadet of the R.V.R. in 1903, he rose to Lance-Corpl. In 1907, to Corporal in 1909 and to Colour-Sergt. in 1910. He passed the proficiency test in 1909 and was largely instrumental in successfully reorganising the old “G” Coy. (Rangoon College) of the R.V.R. His company secured extra efficiency of 100 per cent for two successive years in 1910-11 and 1911-12. As team commander of the company, he showed himself an excellent marksman in various competitions. He was also the best shot of the company for many years. He acted as Platoon Commander in the I.D.F. for some time and attended the higher training classes, mapping sections etc. for Platoon Sergeants and Officers only. He is the only Burman who had served for such a long period in the old R.V.R. as well as in the 18th (Rangoon) Battalion, I.D.F. In 1916 he was honoured with the “Oppenheimer Cup” presented by Lt.-Col. Cameron, O.C., for being the best all round man.
September
Indian Army Reserve of Officers
The following appointments as second Lieutenants of the Infantry branch of the Indian Army Reserve of Officer are announced, the majority of whom are from Rangoon firms:-
Burma Oil Co.
N.A. Blaquiere
D.M. Meikle
J.M. Pymm
T.D. Mclean (sic)
A.G.L. Lewis
F.J. Oliver
A.B. O’Connor
London & Rangoon Trading Co:- R.E. McKenzie
Bombay Burmah Trading Corpn:- R.A.S. Havelock
Binning & Co:- J.A. Johnson
The Arracan Co:- J. Lowry
George Gillespie & Co.
H.W. Child
A.S.A.S. (sic) Gilbert, I.C.S.
C.P. Vlieland, Thaton
The following additional appointments were received at the Rangoon Brigade office yesterday:- Stork & Co., C.H. Stork posted to the 3rd Mechanical (Burma Ford Van) Transport Company.
Bulloch Bros., J.W. Leggatt and C.T. Grant posted to the Mechanical Transport Company at Rawalpindi.
The resent list of appointments to the I.A.R.O. contains the name of Mr R.G. Sutherland-Stevens. He is a student of Rangoon College and hails from Mandalay where his father is Secretary of the Mandalay Municipality. He is in his first year in the B. Sc. Course.
The following postings are announced for the recent appointments from Burma to the Indian Army Reserve of Officers: 2nd Lieutenants A.B. O’Connor, J.M. Pymm and R.G. Sutherland-Stevens to the 91st Punjabis ; 2nd Lieutenants A.T. Farley and T.D. McLean to 79th Carnatics ; 2nd Lieutenants J. Lowry and J.A. Johnson to 3rd 70th Burma Rifles ; 2nd Lieutenants F.J. Oliver ad H.W. Child, 1st - 70th Burma Rifles ; 2nd Lieutenant N.A. Blaquiere to 2nd - 70th Burma Rifles ; 2nd Lieutenants C.P. Vlieland and R.E. McKenzie to 2nd Sappers and Miners ; 2nd Lieutenant A.S.A.S. Gilbert to 3rd Burma Mechanical Transport (Ford Van) Company ; 2nd Lieutenant A.G. Lewis to 105th Mahrattas
The following appointments as second Lieutenants of the Infantry branch of the Indian Army Reserve of Officer are announced, the majority of whom are from Rangoon firms:-
Burma Oil Co.
N.A. Blaquiere
D.M. Meikle
J.M. Pymm
T.D. Mclean (sic)
A.G.L. Lewis
F.J. Oliver
A.B. O’Connor
London & Rangoon Trading Co:- R.E. McKenzie
Bombay Burmah Trading Corpn:- R.A.S. Havelock
Binning & Co:- J.A. Johnson
The Arracan Co:- J. Lowry
George Gillespie & Co.
H.W. Child
A.S.A.S. (sic) Gilbert, I.C.S.
C.P. Vlieland, Thaton
The following additional appointments were received at the Rangoon Brigade office yesterday:- Stork & Co., C.H. Stork posted to the 3rd Mechanical (Burma Ford Van) Transport Company.
Bulloch Bros., J.W. Leggatt and C.T. Grant posted to the Mechanical Transport Company at Rawalpindi.
The resent list of appointments to the I.A.R.O. contains the name of Mr R.G. Sutherland-Stevens. He is a student of Rangoon College and hails from Mandalay where his father is Secretary of the Mandalay Municipality. He is in his first year in the B. Sc. Course.
The following postings are announced for the recent appointments from Burma to the Indian Army Reserve of Officers: 2nd Lieutenants A.B. O’Connor, J.M. Pymm and R.G. Sutherland-Stevens to the 91st Punjabis ; 2nd Lieutenants A.T. Farley and T.D. McLean to 79th Carnatics ; 2nd Lieutenants J. Lowry and J.A. Johnson to 3rd 70th Burma Rifles ; 2nd Lieutenants F.J. Oliver ad H.W. Child, 1st - 70th Burma Rifles ; 2nd Lieutenant N.A. Blaquiere to 2nd - 70th Burma Rifles ; 2nd Lieutenants C.P. Vlieland and R.E. McKenzie to 2nd Sappers and Miners ; 2nd Lieutenant A.S.A.S. Gilbert to 3rd Burma Mechanical Transport (Ford Van) Company ; 2nd Lieutenant A.G. Lewis to 105th Mahrattas
Burma Mechanical Transport (Ford Van Company)
The 3rd Burma Mechanical Transport Company, lock, stock and barrel, has left Rangoon and gone to Mandalay, Lt. Linskill who was in command of the depot in Rangoon being in command. There were 127 Burman non-commissioned officers and drivers and three British non-commissioned and Warrant officers in the party. One arrival at Mandalay, Major Baker took command. Lieutenants Kiernander and Stork have joined and Lieutenants Gilbert and Carruthers are expected shortly, Lieutenant Carruthers who was with the 2nd Company, now on active service, having been too ill to go with them. In connection with this new branch of the service in Burma it is understood that the question of recruiting for it is to be pushed and it is being made known widely that no branch of the service opens up so great advantages to Burman youth who have passed the sixth and seventh standard as does this company. Two hundred and fifty men are wanted for this company and it is hoped the deficiency will be made up without delay.
With the 2nd Company in Mespot.
A letter was received in Rangoon by the last mail by the relatives of one of the artificers who went away with the 2nd Ford Van Company in which he tells of convalescing from fever and spending it in --- where they have a Y.M.C.A. with a recreation room and where music and reading made life pass very pleasantly. Paper was supplied there for the men to write home letters and everything was done for them there. Now they are at another place and the Y.M.C.A. has not reached there yet they miss it badly. In spite of the climate, the letter states, the Burma lads are doing splendidly and the keen interest they take in their Ford cars has been remarked on most favourably. He asks when the 3rd Ford Van Company is coming as they can be used to good advantage. He asks if anything concerning No. 2 Company has appeared in the papers and states that their Commandant will never be satisfied until he has reached the standard and fame of the first company or better and every man in No. 2 is going on with his work with that end in view. Papers and books would be very acceptable to relieve the monotony of one’s spare time. The health of No. 2 Company was good.
The 3rd Burma Mechanical Transport Company, lock, stock and barrel, has left Rangoon and gone to Mandalay, Lt. Linskill who was in command of the depot in Rangoon being in command. There were 127 Burman non-commissioned officers and drivers and three British non-commissioned and Warrant officers in the party. One arrival at Mandalay, Major Baker took command. Lieutenants Kiernander and Stork have joined and Lieutenants Gilbert and Carruthers are expected shortly, Lieutenant Carruthers who was with the 2nd Company, now on active service, having been too ill to go with them. In connection with this new branch of the service in Burma it is understood that the question of recruiting for it is to be pushed and it is being made known widely that no branch of the service opens up so great advantages to Burman youth who have passed the sixth and seventh standard as does this company. Two hundred and fifty men are wanted for this company and it is hoped the deficiency will be made up without delay.
With the 2nd Company in Mespot.
A letter was received in Rangoon by the last mail by the relatives of one of the artificers who went away with the 2nd Ford Van Company in which he tells of convalescing from fever and spending it in --- where they have a Y.M.C.A. with a recreation room and where music and reading made life pass very pleasantly. Paper was supplied there for the men to write home letters and everything was done for them there. Now they are at another place and the Y.M.C.A. has not reached there yet they miss it badly. In spite of the climate, the letter states, the Burma lads are doing splendidly and the keen interest they take in their Ford cars has been remarked on most favourably. He asks when the 3rd Ford Van Company is coming as they can be used to good advantage. He asks if anything concerning No. 2 Company has appeared in the papers and states that their Commandant will never be satisfied until he has reached the standard and fame of the first company or better and every man in No. 2 is going on with his work with that end in view. Papers and books would be very acceptable to relieve the monotony of one’s spare time. The health of No. 2 Company was good.
Gunner C. Sharp
News has just been received of the death of Gunner C. Sharp, son of Mr P. Sharp, pensioned Schoolmaster, Syriam, who joined the Volunteer Artillery Battery in 1915. He went with his detachment to Mesopotamia and was present at the battle of Ctesiphon and the advance to Kut-el-Amara. He was taken prisoner at the surrender of Kut on April 26th 1916 and was sent to Adana, from which place he wrote in August. The official report just received from the War Office, sent through Woolwich, states that he died from enteritis on September 2nd 1916, exactly two years ago.
Mr C. Sharp was, up to the time of his leaving for Mesopotamia, employed as an Assistant Master at St. John’s College, Rangoon, of which institution he was an “old boy,” having joined the school in 1909. On completing his school career he was trained as a Schoolmaster in the Normal department there and passing the teacher-ship examination was appointed on the school staff in May 1913.
At the opening of school on Monday, the Principal said that he deeply regretted to have to announce the news that he had just received of the death of Mr C. Sharp, a member of the school staff and said that he was sure he might express the sympathy of the staff and school with his relatives in their bereavement. A memorial service will be held in the school chapel at 8 a.m. on Sunday next.
News has just been received of the death of Gunner C. Sharp, son of Mr P. Sharp, pensioned Schoolmaster, Syriam, who joined the Volunteer Artillery Battery in 1915. He went with his detachment to Mesopotamia and was present at the battle of Ctesiphon and the advance to Kut-el-Amara. He was taken prisoner at the surrender of Kut on April 26th 1916 and was sent to Adana, from which place he wrote in August. The official report just received from the War Office, sent through Woolwich, states that he died from enteritis on September 2nd 1916, exactly two years ago.
Mr C. Sharp was, up to the time of his leaving for Mesopotamia, employed as an Assistant Master at St. John’s College, Rangoon, of which institution he was an “old boy,” having joined the school in 1909. On completing his school career he was trained as a Schoolmaster in the Normal department there and passing the teacher-ship examination was appointed on the school staff in May 1913.
At the opening of school on Monday, the Principal said that he deeply regretted to have to announce the news that he had just received of the death of Mr C. Sharp, a member of the school staff and said that he was sure he might express the sympathy of the staff and school with his relatives in their bereavement. A memorial service will be held in the school chapel at 8 a.m. on Sunday next.
Transferred I.D.F. Officers
With regard to the seniority of officers of the I.D.F. when transferred to other corps, it has been decided that an officer transferred from one corps of the I.D.F. to another takes his place on the supernumerary or active list of his new corps in the position to which he is entitled by his seniority in the I.D.F. as a whole.
With regard to the seniority of officers of the I.D.F. when transferred to other corps, it has been decided that an officer transferred from one corps of the I.D.F. to another takes his place on the supernumerary or active list of his new corps in the position to which he is entitled by his seniority in the I.D.F. as a whole.
I.A.R.O.
The following additional appointments have been made to those already announced in the Infantry Branch of the Indian Army Reserve of Officer:-
J.P. Buchanan, Asst. Master, Govt. High School for Europeans, Maymyo
H.C. McEwen,, Messrs. Bulloch Bros., Rangoon
J.M. Hickie, Messrs. D. Bern & Co., Rangoon
T.L. Browne, Bombay Burmah trading Co., Rangoon
2nd Lieut. Hickie has been posted to the 83rd Wallajahbads and 2nd Lieut. McEwen to the 2nd – 98th Infantry.
The following additional appointments have been made to those already announced in the Infantry Branch of the Indian Army Reserve of Officer:-
J.P. Buchanan, Asst. Master, Govt. High School for Europeans, Maymyo
H.C. McEwen,, Messrs. Bulloch Bros., Rangoon
J.M. Hickie, Messrs. D. Bern & Co., Rangoon
T.L. Browne, Bombay Burmah trading Co., Rangoon
2nd Lieut. Hickie has been posted to the 83rd Wallajahbads and 2nd Lieut. McEwen to the 2nd – 98th Infantry.
Mandalay
Sapper and Miners
Another detachment of the Burma Sappers and Miners left for service by mail train on Saturday afternoon. The detachment consisted of Subadar Bo Thaw and 24 Sappers and were seen off by most of the officers from the Sapper lines and also a large body of men of all ranks. The newly arrived Mechanical Transport Company motored the men to the station, an attention that was much appreciated. There was a big crowd of relations at the station to see the men off and the greatest enthusiasm prevailed, as the men were in the very best of spirits. The majority of the men were returning to their unit from leave but there was a sprinkling of recruits and as most of them hailed from Mandalay the scene on the platform was decidedly picturesque. It was noticeable, however, that people are getting used to these “send-offs” and the fact that the men come back on leave at stated intervals minimises the amount of grief that was so pronounced when the first contingent left. The real send off of the men however, took place on the evening of the 27th at the Buddhist High School when they were lavishly entertained by the committee of the Burmese Soldiers’ Fund. The principal guests of the evening were Subadar Bo Thaw, D.S.M. and Maung Maung, son of U Ba, Income Tax Assessor ; but the rest of the 24 men who were going as the draft to service were by no means forgotten. There were many speeches made on the occasion, all of them of course in Burmese. ... There was a number of Burmese gentlemen present and also several officers from teh garrison, amongst them was Capt. J.A. Stewart, M.C., who, in addressing the meeting said that the Sappers and Miners were the premier regiment of Burmans ; the regiment that was first established ; who had proved themselves under service conditions and who bore a fair name. Therefore they were the unit that men of the right spirit should. Apply to for enrolment. A batch of 45 recruits from Yamethin rolled up to the Sappers’ lines on Friday last, amongst whom were some promising looking men.
The Mechanical Transport Companies
The Depot of Nos. 1 and 2 Companies of the Burma Mechanical Transport unit have been transferred from Rangoon to Mandalay and arrived on Friday morning in charge of Lt. Linskill, O.C. Depot and were met at the station by Major Stanley Baker and officers of the newly sanctioned 3rd Company. Besides Lt. Linskill there were three British non-commissioned officers and 127 of other ranks, together with the whole office, baggage and eighteen Ford cars. The men alighted at the main station soon after the arrival of the train and marched to their barracks in the Fort, which are situated immediately to the north of the barracks of the Burma Rifles. These barracks are both commodious and airy and provide more than sufficient accommodation required by both the depot and the 250 men which are to be recruited for the third company. The housing of the officers is a somewhat more difficult matter but as it is expected that the company now being raised will be moved on at a very early date, the inconvenience occasioned will only be of a very temporary nature. It is fully expected that there will be something resembling a scramble to get into the new company, as not only is the pay good but the allowances when on actual service are even better and added to this is the fact that a motor car has attractions for most youths. Major Stanley Baker is, however, anxious to secure a high class man for his company, as besides physical fitness, educational qualifications will be taken into consideration and it is said that no one who has not passed his VII standard except in very exceptional cases, will be entertained. This, therefore, should not in any way interfere with the recruiting for either the Sappers and Miners or Burma Rifles. The officers of the new company under Major Stanley Baker are Capt. T.HG.H. Brown (late of Messrs. G. McKenzie’s Mandalay branch, who will be in charge of the workshops,) and 2nd Lieutenants Stork, Gilbert, Kiernander and Carruthers. The preliminary training of drivers will take place on the vacant ground to the north east of their lines where there are only a few trees with which to come to grief.
Sapper and Miners
Another detachment of the Burma Sappers and Miners left for service by mail train on Saturday afternoon. The detachment consisted of Subadar Bo Thaw and 24 Sappers and were seen off by most of the officers from the Sapper lines and also a large body of men of all ranks. The newly arrived Mechanical Transport Company motored the men to the station, an attention that was much appreciated. There was a big crowd of relations at the station to see the men off and the greatest enthusiasm prevailed, as the men were in the very best of spirits. The majority of the men were returning to their unit from leave but there was a sprinkling of recruits and as most of them hailed from Mandalay the scene on the platform was decidedly picturesque. It was noticeable, however, that people are getting used to these “send-offs” and the fact that the men come back on leave at stated intervals minimises the amount of grief that was so pronounced when the first contingent left. The real send off of the men however, took place on the evening of the 27th at the Buddhist High School when they were lavishly entertained by the committee of the Burmese Soldiers’ Fund. The principal guests of the evening were Subadar Bo Thaw, D.S.M. and Maung Maung, son of U Ba, Income Tax Assessor ; but the rest of the 24 men who were going as the draft to service were by no means forgotten. There were many speeches made on the occasion, all of them of course in Burmese. ... There was a number of Burmese gentlemen present and also several officers from teh garrison, amongst them was Capt. J.A. Stewart, M.C., who, in addressing the meeting said that the Sappers and Miners were the premier regiment of Burmans ; the regiment that was first established ; who had proved themselves under service conditions and who bore a fair name. Therefore they were the unit that men of the right spirit should. Apply to for enrolment. A batch of 45 recruits from Yamethin rolled up to the Sappers’ lines on Friday last, amongst whom were some promising looking men.
The Mechanical Transport Companies
The Depot of Nos. 1 and 2 Companies of the Burma Mechanical Transport unit have been transferred from Rangoon to Mandalay and arrived on Friday morning in charge of Lt. Linskill, O.C. Depot and were met at the station by Major Stanley Baker and officers of the newly sanctioned 3rd Company. Besides Lt. Linskill there were three British non-commissioned officers and 127 of other ranks, together with the whole office, baggage and eighteen Ford cars. The men alighted at the main station soon after the arrival of the train and marched to their barracks in the Fort, which are situated immediately to the north of the barracks of the Burma Rifles. These barracks are both commodious and airy and provide more than sufficient accommodation required by both the depot and the 250 men which are to be recruited for the third company. The housing of the officers is a somewhat more difficult matter but as it is expected that the company now being raised will be moved on at a very early date, the inconvenience occasioned will only be of a very temporary nature. It is fully expected that there will be something resembling a scramble to get into the new company, as not only is the pay good but the allowances when on actual service are even better and added to this is the fact that a motor car has attractions for most youths. Major Stanley Baker is, however, anxious to secure a high class man for his company, as besides physical fitness, educational qualifications will be taken into consideration and it is said that no one who has not passed his VII standard except in very exceptional cases, will be entertained. This, therefore, should not in any way interfere with the recruiting for either the Sappers and Miners or Burma Rifles. The officers of the new company under Major Stanley Baker are Capt. T.HG.H. Brown (late of Messrs. G. McKenzie’s Mandalay branch, who will be in charge of the workshops,) and 2nd Lieutenants Stork, Gilbert, Kiernander and Carruthers. The preliminary training of drivers will take place on the vacant ground to the north east of their lines where there are only a few trees with which to come to grief.
Prisoner with the Turks
Gunner C.A. Archer of the Volunteer Artillery Battery, a prisoner of war at Serai-Mi in Turkey, in a letter on May 19th to his father Mr E.A. Archer, Advocate, Myaungmya, says that he had not had any letters from Burma since November and was still expecting his Christmas mail. The writer mentions that there were rumours of peace negotiations afloat. Their monthly allowance had been increased to six Turkish pounds, but he was “fed up” with his life of captivity.
Gunner C.A. Archer of the Volunteer Artillery Battery, a prisoner of war at Serai-Mi in Turkey, in a letter on May 19th to his father Mr E.A. Archer, Advocate, Myaungmya, says that he had not had any letters from Burma since November and was still expecting his Christmas mail. The writer mentions that there were rumours of peace negotiations afloat. Their monthly allowance had been increased to six Turkish pounds, but he was “fed up” with his life of captivity.
Indian Army Reserve
The following appointments to the Indian Army Reserve of Officers of men in Rangoon and Burma are announced as second Lieutenants of Infantry:-
Burma Oil Co. - T.G. O’Connor
Arracan Co. - W.S. Hepburn and A.P. Somerville
St. Paul’s High School - A.H. Whittaker
Burma Educational Dept. - J.M. Symns, inspector of School
Steel Bros. - G. Howieson, W.T. Liddell, W.B. King and C.R. Major
Irrawaddy Flotilla Co. - J.P. Frew
Rowe & Co. - W. Stewart and J. Stuart
Foucar & Co. - H.R. White
Steel Bros. - P. Belton
For the above the following postings have been received:-
2nd Lieutenants Liddell and Major to Depot 1st – 70th Burma Rifles,, Maymyo
2nd Lieutenants W. Stewart to Palamcottahs, Rangoon
2nd Lieutenants King and Stuart to Depot, 18th Infantry
2nd Lieutenants P. Belton, Depot of 122nd Infantry
2nd Lieutenant Frew to Depot, 1st – 7th Rajputs
2nd Lieutenant Somerville to 94th Russell’s Infantry
2nd Lieutenant Hepburn to 95th Infantry
2nd Lieutenant White to 1st - 67th Punjabis
2nd Lieutenant Howieson to Depot, 1st – 125th Napier’s Rifles
The following appointments to the Indian Army Reserve of Officers of men in Rangoon and Burma are announced as second Lieutenants of Infantry:-
Burma Oil Co. - T.G. O’Connor
Arracan Co. - W.S. Hepburn and A.P. Somerville
St. Paul’s High School - A.H. Whittaker
Burma Educational Dept. - J.M. Symns, inspector of School
Steel Bros. - G. Howieson, W.T. Liddell, W.B. King and C.R. Major
Irrawaddy Flotilla Co. - J.P. Frew
Rowe & Co. - W. Stewart and J. Stuart
Foucar & Co. - H.R. White
Steel Bros. - P. Belton
For the above the following postings have been received:-
2nd Lieutenants Liddell and Major to Depot 1st – 70th Burma Rifles,, Maymyo
2nd Lieutenants W. Stewart to Palamcottahs, Rangoon
2nd Lieutenants King and Stuart to Depot, 18th Infantry
2nd Lieutenants P. Belton, Depot of 122nd Infantry
2nd Lieutenant Frew to Depot, 1st – 7th Rajputs
2nd Lieutenant Somerville to 94th Russell’s Infantry
2nd Lieutenant Hepburn to 95th Infantry
2nd Lieutenant White to 1st - 67th Punjabis
2nd Lieutenant Howieson to Depot, 1st – 125th Napier’s Rifles
Jail Porter Corps
A Press note says:- The following information concerning the Porter Corps recruited from elected prisoners serving their sentences in Burma has been received. The Corps numbering 1,303 under the command of Capt. W.H. McGrath with 2nd Lt. J.S. Morris and 2nd Lt. H.C. Mills as Asst. Commandants, left Rangoon on 29th January 1918. On the voyage to Calcutta the men gave no trouble and the ship’s personnel and several passengers commended on their quiet behaviour. This was probably due to their changed life and new experience. They promised to get into their stride all right when they got used to things. The Hon. Col. Aplin, C.S.I., and the Hon. U Ba Tu, Burma’s representatives on the Viceroy’s Council, were among the passengers ; both paid a visit to the men and the latter addressed them. On arrival at their destination the Commandant reported that the corps contained a large number of artisans and was informed that artisans were badly wanted.
Arrangements were made to employ temporarily as much skilled labour as possible to test the capabilities of the artisans selected and soon after the arrival of the Corps, a large number of carpenters, blacksmiths, masons, brick-makers and tinsmiths were transferred to the works department and to the electrical and mechanical section. Good reports were received from both departments. All selected for artisans’ work were quite happy and contented. Further opportunities of employing the men as artisans were soon offered and constant demands were made on the Corps by various departments for carpenters, blacksmiths, tinsmiths, turners, fitters, moulders, coppersmiths, engine men and pattern makers. On the occasion of an inspection of the Corps towards the end of March a list of skilled and semi-skilled labour corps was made and the total number of skilled men was found to be 640, approximately half the strength of the corps. The reports received on the conduct and work of skilled and unskilled labours alike have been uniformly satisfactory.
Col. Lane, C.I.E., I.M.S., Inspector of Disciplinary Corps, has twice inspected the Corps. On the second occasion he was struck with the appearance of the men and remarked how fit and well they looked. They had quite settled down to their work, they understood what was expected of them and appeared to be contented. The few requests made were for the increased rate of pay for prisoners whose sentences had expired. At the inspection a request was made from one prisoner who wished to be a Hpoongyi to the Corps for two months. Col. Lane is not averse to the appointment of a Hypoongy to the Corps of a good and suitable man can be sent from Burma. The camp on inspection was found to be very clean and neat, the cook-houses were large and sanitation excellent, and the water supply good and sufficient. It is considered that there are many good men in the rank and file who can rise in position. Warders carefully selected from the Corps itself will in course of time be the backbone of the Corps just as the Sergeants are the backbone of the Army. Subordinate officers recruited from the Corps and appointed in the field when the Corps is set going and well in hand will, it is anticipated, compare in efficiency with military or civil police Havildars.
On the arrival of the Corps no on envied Capt. McGrath and his two British Officer, 2nd Lt. M.C. Mills and 2nd Lt. J.S. Morris, their task. They now have the Corps well in hand, the men are contented and happy, though their surroundings are the very reverse of what they have been accustomed to in Burma, and satisfaction with their work has been expressed by those who are employing them. Lt. Mills and Lt. Morris have done yeoman’s service and have not spared themselves. The present efficient and contented state of the Corps is largely due to Capt. McGrath. The men trust him and know that he is in sympathy with them. He has started a coffee shop for them ad is arranging a recreation tent. At his request a friend and well-wisher of the Corps sent a lot of Burmese newspapers and others will be regularly despatched. This is an example which might be followed with advantage.
The thanks of the Corps are due to the subscribers and committee of the Burma Comforts Fund who are sending a weekly consignment of comforts. Some Burmese gongs and musical instruments have been applied for. The men want amusement and recreation after work, and it would be of great assistance to the Corps if suitable articles for this purpose could be sent through the medium of the Burma Comforts Fund, Central Depot, Rangoon.
A Press note says:- The following information concerning the Porter Corps recruited from elected prisoners serving their sentences in Burma has been received. The Corps numbering 1,303 under the command of Capt. W.H. McGrath with 2nd Lt. J.S. Morris and 2nd Lt. H.C. Mills as Asst. Commandants, left Rangoon on 29th January 1918. On the voyage to Calcutta the men gave no trouble and the ship’s personnel and several passengers commended on their quiet behaviour. This was probably due to their changed life and new experience. They promised to get into their stride all right when they got used to things. The Hon. Col. Aplin, C.S.I., and the Hon. U Ba Tu, Burma’s representatives on the Viceroy’s Council, were among the passengers ; both paid a visit to the men and the latter addressed them. On arrival at their destination the Commandant reported that the corps contained a large number of artisans and was informed that artisans were badly wanted.
Arrangements were made to employ temporarily as much skilled labour as possible to test the capabilities of the artisans selected and soon after the arrival of the Corps, a large number of carpenters, blacksmiths, masons, brick-makers and tinsmiths were transferred to the works department and to the electrical and mechanical section. Good reports were received from both departments. All selected for artisans’ work were quite happy and contented. Further opportunities of employing the men as artisans were soon offered and constant demands were made on the Corps by various departments for carpenters, blacksmiths, tinsmiths, turners, fitters, moulders, coppersmiths, engine men and pattern makers. On the occasion of an inspection of the Corps towards the end of March a list of skilled and semi-skilled labour corps was made and the total number of skilled men was found to be 640, approximately half the strength of the corps. The reports received on the conduct and work of skilled and unskilled labours alike have been uniformly satisfactory.
Col. Lane, C.I.E., I.M.S., Inspector of Disciplinary Corps, has twice inspected the Corps. On the second occasion he was struck with the appearance of the men and remarked how fit and well they looked. They had quite settled down to their work, they understood what was expected of them and appeared to be contented. The few requests made were for the increased rate of pay for prisoners whose sentences had expired. At the inspection a request was made from one prisoner who wished to be a Hpoongyi to the Corps for two months. Col. Lane is not averse to the appointment of a Hypoongy to the Corps of a good and suitable man can be sent from Burma. The camp on inspection was found to be very clean and neat, the cook-houses were large and sanitation excellent, and the water supply good and sufficient. It is considered that there are many good men in the rank and file who can rise in position. Warders carefully selected from the Corps itself will in course of time be the backbone of the Corps just as the Sergeants are the backbone of the Army. Subordinate officers recruited from the Corps and appointed in the field when the Corps is set going and well in hand will, it is anticipated, compare in efficiency with military or civil police Havildars.
On the arrival of the Corps no on envied Capt. McGrath and his two British Officer, 2nd Lt. M.C. Mills and 2nd Lt. J.S. Morris, their task. They now have the Corps well in hand, the men are contented and happy, though their surroundings are the very reverse of what they have been accustomed to in Burma, and satisfaction with their work has been expressed by those who are employing them. Lt. Mills and Lt. Morris have done yeoman’s service and have not spared themselves. The present efficient and contented state of the Corps is largely due to Capt. McGrath. The men trust him and know that he is in sympathy with them. He has started a coffee shop for them ad is arranging a recreation tent. At his request a friend and well-wisher of the Corps sent a lot of Burmese newspapers and others will be regularly despatched. This is an example which might be followed with advantage.
The thanks of the Corps are due to the subscribers and committee of the Burma Comforts Fund who are sending a weekly consignment of comforts. Some Burmese gongs and musical instruments have been applied for. The men want amusement and recreation after work, and it would be of great assistance to the Corps if suitable articles for this purpose could be sent through the medium of the Burma Comforts Fund, Central Depot, Rangoon.
Volunteer Artillery Battery
The following is an extract from the Daily Orders Part II No. 34 of Volunteer Artillery Battery, Basrahm dated 17th Aug. 18918:- Appointments and promotions:-
Bombardier Pymn, W.G., promoted Corporal
Gunnner Biggwither, J., promoted Bombardier
Bombardier Cornelius, P.B., promoted Corporal
Gunner Scully, G.F.J., promoted Bombardier
Bombardier McNerney, R.J., absorbed into establishment
Gunners C.G.M. Pyne, W. DeSantos, R.A. Blake, R. David, W.H. Barden, V. Abraham, B. D’Silva, promoted Bombardier
The following is an extract from the Daily Orders Part II No. 34 of Volunteer Artillery Battery, Basrahm dated 17th Aug. 18918:- Appointments and promotions:-
Bombardier Pymn, W.G., promoted Corporal
Gunnner Biggwither, J., promoted Bombardier
Bombardier Cornelius, P.B., promoted Corporal
Gunner Scully, G.F.J., promoted Bombardier
Bombardier McNerney, R.J., absorbed into establishment
Gunners C.G.M. Pyne, W. DeSantos, R.A. Blake, R. David, W.H. Barden, V. Abraham, B. D’Silva, promoted Bombardier
Burma Mechanical Transport Companies
Sanction having been accorded the formation of the 4th and 5th Burma Mechanical Transport (Ford Van) Companies, a call is now made for officers for them – a Major who will command, a Capt. for the workshop, who must have had actual workshop experience, and four Sbalterns. Preference will be given in appointing the workshop Captain to one with experience who can also bring artificers with him. The pay for the posts will be : Major, Rs. 940 a month, Capt., Rs. 650 and Subalterns Rs. 530. All those who make application for the appointments are instructed to send in their names and qualifications, especially as regards their Military experience, knowledge of Burmese and motor cars, on the ordinary application form for a commission in the I.A.R.O., to the Director of Recruiting, Maymyo. Such application forms are obtainable at the Rangoon Brigade office or the headquarters of the Burma Division. The Divisional Commander permits gentlemen who have already applied for the I.A.R.O. to send in their names. The pay for the subordinate ranks of these new companies will be the same as that for the company now being organised
Three men for the 3rd Burma Mechanical Transport (Ford Van) Company were enrolled and sent away to Mandalay on Wednesday. Five men were enrolled for the 70th Burma Rifles the same day but none were despatched.
Sanction having been accorded the formation of the 4th and 5th Burma Mechanical Transport (Ford Van) Companies, a call is now made for officers for them – a Major who will command, a Capt. for the workshop, who must have had actual workshop experience, and four Sbalterns. Preference will be given in appointing the workshop Captain to one with experience who can also bring artificers with him. The pay for the posts will be : Major, Rs. 940 a month, Capt., Rs. 650 and Subalterns Rs. 530. All those who make application for the appointments are instructed to send in their names and qualifications, especially as regards their Military experience, knowledge of Burmese and motor cars, on the ordinary application form for a commission in the I.A.R.O., to the Director of Recruiting, Maymyo. Such application forms are obtainable at the Rangoon Brigade office or the headquarters of the Burma Division. The Divisional Commander permits gentlemen who have already applied for the I.A.R.O. to send in their names. The pay for the subordinate ranks of these new companies will be the same as that for the company now being organised
Three men for the 3rd Burma Mechanical Transport (Ford Van) Company were enrolled and sent away to Mandalay on Wednesday. Five men were enrolled for the 70th Burma Rifles the same day but none were despatched.
Burma Casualty
A short time ago there appeared in the casualty lists from home under the heading of “wounded” the name of Capt. C.H. Taylor, Royal Air Force. It was thought at the time that this referred to Capt. Tayler, formerly with Messrs. Finlay Fleming & Co., in Rangoon, but no verification could be obtained as to the correctness of the report. A letter has now been received from Capt. Tayler in which he states that he is the casualty referred to. He says he was reconnoitring over the enemy lines and had gone about thirty miles when he was caught in the right arm and stunned by a piece of “Archie” when about 8000 feet up. He lost control of his plane temporarily but recovering he regained control and made a successful descent into British lines where it was found that he had sustained a compound fracture of the right arm. He wrote the letter, he said, with his left hand but it was pretty slow work. They had done him very well in the hospital where he was writing from under date of August 20th and his progress had been good but slow. He hoped by the time the letter reached here to be on his way to ”Blighty.” In all respects except the arm he was in the finest possible condition.
Capt. Tayler on joining the I.A.R.O. in December 1914 was sent to a Cavalry regiment in India for training and was promoted to Lieutenant in March 1915 and later transferred to the Royal Flying Corps as a flying officer. After some considerable service on the Indian Frontier he was transferred to Aden. He was in Rangoon on a visit not many months ago and in April 1918 was promoted to be Captain.
A short time ago there appeared in the casualty lists from home under the heading of “wounded” the name of Capt. C.H. Taylor, Royal Air Force. It was thought at the time that this referred to Capt. Tayler, formerly with Messrs. Finlay Fleming & Co., in Rangoon, but no verification could be obtained as to the correctness of the report. A letter has now been received from Capt. Tayler in which he states that he is the casualty referred to. He says he was reconnoitring over the enemy lines and had gone about thirty miles when he was caught in the right arm and stunned by a piece of “Archie” when about 8000 feet up. He lost control of his plane temporarily but recovering he regained control and made a successful descent into British lines where it was found that he had sustained a compound fracture of the right arm. He wrote the letter, he said, with his left hand but it was pretty slow work. They had done him very well in the hospital where he was writing from under date of August 20th and his progress had been good but slow. He hoped by the time the letter reached here to be on his way to ”Blighty.” In all respects except the arm he was in the finest possible condition.
Capt. Tayler on joining the I.A.R.O. in December 1914 was sent to a Cavalry regiment in India for training and was promoted to Lieutenant in March 1915 and later transferred to the Royal Flying Corps as a flying officer. After some considerable service on the Indian Frontier he was transferred to Aden. He was in Rangoon on a visit not many months ago and in April 1918 was promoted to be Captain.
New Army Orders
The following new instructions as to saluting appear in the Army Orders for July:-
“The left hand salute by Warrant Officers, non-commissioned officers and men is abolished. The salute will be given by all ranks with the right hand. When saluting to the side, the head will be turned towards the person saluted. In cases where from physical incapacity a right hand salute is impossible, the salute will be given with the left hand.
The following new instructions as to saluting appear in the Army Orders for July:-
“The left hand salute by Warrant Officers, non-commissioned officers and men is abolished. The salute will be given by all ranks with the right hand. When saluting to the side, the head will be turned towards the person saluted. In cases where from physical incapacity a right hand salute is impossible, the salute will be given with the left hand.
Indian Army Reserve of Officers
New Burma Appointments and Postings
The following appointments as Lieutenants to the Indian Army Reserve of Officers have been received at the Rangoon Brigade Office with the postings as given after each name:-
H.L. Waldon, Rangoon College to the 87th Punjabis
W. Lecky Thompson to the 2nd - 95th Russell’s Infantry (Lt. Thompson is the third of three brothers to join the Army ; Fred was killed at Kut and Leo, who also went to Mesopotamia has not been heard from for two years. Will, who has now got his commission, will be remembered as one of [the] sweetest singers the Diocesan Boys’ High School has ever had. He passed out from the school last year and entered Rangoon College where he is now.)
E.W. Summers, Burma Para Rubber Co., to the 2nd – 95th Russell’s Infantry
H.T. Roy, Messrs. Foucar & Co., to 2nd – 99th Infantry
T. Bertie, Messrs. Rowe & Co., to Mountain Artillery Corps, Rawalpindi (Lt. Bertie went to the front in Mesopotamia with the Volunteer Artillery Battery and served his two years and came back and resumed work with his firm.)
C.H. Kingsley, Rangoon, to 95th Russell’s Infantry (Lt. Kingsley is the youngest brother of Dr. Kingsley and is well known in athletic and football circles in Rangoon.)
R.C. Chorley, Rangoon Para Rubber Estates, to 121st Pioneers
R.N. Taylor, son of Mr Taylor, Asst. Engineer, Rangoon Municipality, to 1-120th Rajputanas
D. Graham, Burma Oil Co., to 4th – 9th Bhopals
D.J. Gidley, Messrs. Steel Bros., to 1st Rajputs
G.M. Beale, Messrs. Whiteaway, Laidlaw & Co., Tavoy, to 4th – 70th Burma Rifles.
New Burma Appointments and Postings
The following appointments as Lieutenants to the Indian Army Reserve of Officers have been received at the Rangoon Brigade Office with the postings as given after each name:-
H.L. Waldon, Rangoon College to the 87th Punjabis
W. Lecky Thompson to the 2nd - 95th Russell’s Infantry (Lt. Thompson is the third of three brothers to join the Army ; Fred was killed at Kut and Leo, who also went to Mesopotamia has not been heard from for two years. Will, who has now got his commission, will be remembered as one of [the] sweetest singers the Diocesan Boys’ High School has ever had. He passed out from the school last year and entered Rangoon College where he is now.)
E.W. Summers, Burma Para Rubber Co., to the 2nd – 95th Russell’s Infantry
H.T. Roy, Messrs. Foucar & Co., to 2nd – 99th Infantry
T. Bertie, Messrs. Rowe & Co., to Mountain Artillery Corps, Rawalpindi (Lt. Bertie went to the front in Mesopotamia with the Volunteer Artillery Battery and served his two years and came back and resumed work with his firm.)
C.H. Kingsley, Rangoon, to 95th Russell’s Infantry (Lt. Kingsley is the youngest brother of Dr. Kingsley and is well known in athletic and football circles in Rangoon.)
R.C. Chorley, Rangoon Para Rubber Estates, to 121st Pioneers
R.N. Taylor, son of Mr Taylor, Asst. Engineer, Rangoon Municipality, to 1-120th Rajputanas
D. Graham, Burma Oil Co., to 4th – 9th Bhopals
D.J. Gidley, Messrs. Steel Bros., to 1st Rajputs
G.M. Beale, Messrs. Whiteaway, Laidlaw & Co., Tavoy, to 4th – 70th Burma Rifles.
Registration of Americans for Military Service
The American Consul writes: During the past few weeks this office has received several letters from American citizens residing in Burma inquiring about the registration of American citizens outside the United States and asking for registration cards. This office has received no official confirmation of the passage of Man Power Bill, nor any intimation that the registration of Americans outside the United States is desired. But cards have been printed and all Americans who desire to register may do so. Mr J.S. Seiple Nyounghla, has been appointed Registrar for the Oil fields and Mr Louis J. Mayreis, Namtu, for the Burma Mines. Other Americans should come to this office to register ; if not, they should write to have a Registrar appointed at some convenient place.
The American Consul writes: During the past few weeks this office has received several letters from American citizens residing in Burma inquiring about the registration of American citizens outside the United States and asking for registration cards. This office has received no official confirmation of the passage of Man Power Bill, nor any intimation that the registration of Americans outside the United States is desired. But cards have been printed and all Americans who desire to register may do so. Mr J.S. Seiple Nyounghla, has been appointed Registrar for the Oil fields and Mr Louis J. Mayreis, Namtu, for the Burma Mines. Other Americans should come to this office to register ; if not, they should write to have a Registrar appointed at some convenient place.
Mandalay
The Ford Van Company
The third Ford Van Company or more correctly the third Mechanical Transport Company is doing remarkably well with its recruiting and is attracting a particularly good class of men. A big batch of recruits from Moulmein arrived in charge of 2nd Lt. Gilbert on Sunday, this consisted of 41 men of quite the right stamp. Those sending in recruits, at all events from a distance, should have them undergo a preliminary medical examination before doing so, as many aspirants to join do not come up to the necessary standard as regards chest measurement which must at the very least be 32 inches. Two more companies of Mechanical Transport are to be formed, so at least five hundred additional recruits are required, a number which it should not be difficult to find.
The Ford Van Company
The third Ford Van Company or more correctly the third Mechanical Transport Company is doing remarkably well with its recruiting and is attracting a particularly good class of men. A big batch of recruits from Moulmein arrived in charge of 2nd Lt. Gilbert on Sunday, this consisted of 41 men of quite the right stamp. Those sending in recruits, at all events from a distance, should have them undergo a preliminary medical examination before doing so, as many aspirants to join do not come up to the necessary standard as regards chest measurement which must at the very least be 32 inches. Two more companies of Mechanical Transport are to be formed, so at least five hundred additional recruits are required, a number which it should not be difficult to find.
Appointment
Mr C.A. Phillips, Burma Oil Co., has been appointed a second Lieutenant of Infantry, I.A.R.O. and posted to the 2nd 88th Infantry.
Mr C.A. Phillips, Burma Oil Co., has been appointed a second Lieutenant of Infantry, I.A.R.O. and posted to the 2nd 88th Infantry.
Upper Burma I.D.F. Shooting Programme
The programme and rules for the prize shooting season 1918-19 of the 34th Upper Burma Battalion, I.D.F., has recently been published and is as comprehensive as ever, as besides the handicap, open and cadet matches, there are two competitions new to the programme and one for prizes most sportingly offered by 2nd Lt. Burbidge of the Tramway Co. and Sergt. Britton of Messrs. Fabricius & Co. Of course the usual cups and prizes presented by the Commandant, Adjutant and Lt.-Governor figure on the list and likewise the prizes presented by the B.B. Trading Corpn., Messrs. Bowyer Sowden & Co., Messrs. Rowe & Co., Messrs Whiteaway, Laidlaw & Co., the Burma Corporation and the officers. ...
The programme and rules for the prize shooting season 1918-19 of the 34th Upper Burma Battalion, I.D.F., has recently been published and is as comprehensive as ever, as besides the handicap, open and cadet matches, there are two competitions new to the programme and one for prizes most sportingly offered by 2nd Lt. Burbidge of the Tramway Co. and Sergt. Britton of Messrs. Fabricius & Co. Of course the usual cups and prizes presented by the Commandant, Adjutant and Lt.-Governor figure on the list and likewise the prizes presented by the B.B. Trading Corpn., Messrs. Bowyer Sowden & Co., Messrs. Rowe & Co., Messrs Whiteaway, Laidlaw & Co., the Burma Corporation and the officers. ...
October
Burman Recruiting
It was decided at a visit by the Deputy Director of recruiting to Moulmein in Aug. that Mr Gilbert, who was joining the 3rd M.T. Company, should try to raise a full section of 50 drivers in Amherst district to accompany him. ... Lt. Gilbert obtained permission to send 10 days in collecting the recruits and the number of recruits originally expected has been largely exceeded. The schools were visited and an active campaign organised. ...
It was decided at a visit by the Deputy Director of recruiting to Moulmein in Aug. that Mr Gilbert, who was joining the 3rd M.T. Company, should try to raise a full section of 50 drivers in Amherst district to accompany him. ... Lt. Gilbert obtained permission to send 10 days in collecting the recruits and the number of recruits originally expected has been largely exceeded. The schools were visited and an active campaign organised. ...
Indian Army reserve
In the list of appointments to the Indian Army Reserve of Officer, announced from Simla in a Gazette Extraordinary dated Sept. 27th appear the names of several Burma men. They are appointed second Lieutenants of Infantry, but no postings are given. They are:-
P.H Prosser, Burma Pars Rubber Co., Rangoon
W.H. James, London and Rangoon Trading Co., Rangoon
C.A. Phillips, Burma Oil Co., Rangoon, who received his notification earlier this week.
W.D. Scott, Burma Oil Co., has been granted a commission as 2nd Lieut. of Infantry and posted to the 63rd Mechanical Transport Co.
In the list of appointments to the Indian Army Reserve of Officer, announced from Simla in a Gazette Extraordinary dated Sept. 27th appear the names of several Burma men. They are appointed second Lieutenants of Infantry, but no postings are given. They are:-
P.H Prosser, Burma Pars Rubber Co., Rangoon
W.H. James, London and Rangoon Trading Co., Rangoon
C.A. Phillips, Burma Oil Co., Rangoon, who received his notification earlier this week.
W.D. Scott, Burma Oil Co., has been granted a commission as 2nd Lieut. of Infantry and posted to the 63rd Mechanical Transport Co.
I.A.R.O.
Mr S. Smith, Accountant-General’s Office, has been appointed a 2nd Lieut., Indian Army Reserve of Officers, and posted to the depot of the 91st Punjabis. Lt. Smith is an old boys of the Diocesan Boys’ High School, from which he passed out in 1914 and entered the Rangoon College, where he remained for two years. In both school and college he was prominent in athletics and played in the school football, hockey and cricket teams and also in the lawn tennis tournaments ; he kept up his interest in sports after entering college until he met with an accident.
Mr S. Smith, Accountant-General’s Office, has been appointed a 2nd Lieut., Indian Army Reserve of Officers, and posted to the depot of the 91st Punjabis. Lt. Smith is an old boys of the Diocesan Boys’ High School, from which he passed out in 1914 and entered the Rangoon College, where he remained for two years. In both school and college he was prominent in athletics and played in the school football, hockey and cricket teams and also in the lawn tennis tournaments ; he kept up his interest in sports after entering college until he met with an accident.
I.A.R.O.
J.M. Baguley, I.C.S., District Judge, Burma, has been appointed a second Lieut. of Infantry, I.A.R.O.
2nd Lieut. H. Kennedy, I.A.R.O. has been posted to the 2nd-91st Pubjabi
J.M. Baguley, I.C.S., District Judge, Burma, has been appointed a second Lieut. of Infantry, I.A.R.O.
2nd Lieut. H. Kennedy, I.A.R.O. has been posted to the 2nd-91st Pubjabi
Indian Army Reserve
The following additional appointments to the Indian Army Reserve of Officers and postings for Burma men are announced:-
S.W. Campbell, Messrs. Bulloch Bros., Rangoon to Combined Labour & Porter Corps, Lucknow.
A.E. Walden, Messrs. T.D. Findlay & Co., Moulmein, to 2nd - 95th Russell’s Infantry.
H.K. Kennedy, Messrs. Rowe & Co., Rangoon to 2nd - 94th Junjabis (sic)
C.W. Stevens, Rangoon, to 63rd Light Infantry.
The following additional appointments to the Indian Army Reserve of Officers and postings for Burma men are announced:-
S.W. Campbell, Messrs. Bulloch Bros., Rangoon to Combined Labour & Porter Corps, Lucknow.
A.E. Walden, Messrs. T.D. Findlay & Co., Moulmein, to 2nd - 95th Russell’s Infantry.
H.K. Kennedy, Messrs. Rowe & Co., Rangoon to 2nd - 94th Junjabis (sic)
C.W. Stevens, Rangoon, to 63rd Light Infantry.
Burma Man Decorated
In the Reuter’s telegrams appeared the name of headman G. Macfarquhar, Indian Labour Corps, as having been awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for the evacuation of a hospital under heavy fire on the western front. This is the man who accompanied the Burma Labour Corps to France under Capt. Holman Hunt. He was born in Burma and is of Scottish and Burmese parentage. He was taken on as Mechanist by Messrs. G McKenzie and Co. shortly before they moved into their present premises and when the B.O.C. opened up a lorry scheme in Taunggyi for the distribution of their products, oil, petrol, etc. through the Southern Shan States. Mr Macfarquhar was sent up there to take charge of it for them and his wife is still carrying on the business during his absence. The news awarding of the medal and the fact that Lt. Macfarquhar had got his commission have already been published by us. Yesterday’s telegram is the first official announcement of the award of the medal.
In the Reuter’s telegrams appeared the name of headman G. Macfarquhar, Indian Labour Corps, as having been awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for the evacuation of a hospital under heavy fire on the western front. This is the man who accompanied the Burma Labour Corps to France under Capt. Holman Hunt. He was born in Burma and is of Scottish and Burmese parentage. He was taken on as Mechanist by Messrs. G McKenzie and Co. shortly before they moved into their present premises and when the B.O.C. opened up a lorry scheme in Taunggyi for the distribution of their products, oil, petrol, etc. through the Southern Shan States. Mr Macfarquhar was sent up there to take charge of it for them and his wife is still carrying on the business during his absence. The news awarding of the medal and the fact that Lt. Macfarquhar had got his commission have already been published by us. Yesterday’s telegram is the first official announcement of the award of the medal.
Appointment
2nd Lt. W.S. Girsham, recently appointed to the I.A.R.O. from the Rangoon College, has been posted to the Officers’ School of Instruction at Bangalore.
Burma Casualties
In the 749th casualty list of the Indian Expeditionary Force appears the name of acting Capt. G.H. Ogilvie, I.A.R.O., under the heading “wounded.” George Hamilton Ogilvie was an Asst. Conservator of Forests under the Burma Government when the war broke out, being on duty in the Prome division. He was born in February 1888 and came to Burma on December 2nd, 1917 and was posted to Tharrawaddy and later to Prome, Yaw and back to Prome again. He was appointed to the I.A.R.O. on December 1st 1914.
In another list of the same Expeditionary Force appears under the heading “wounded” the name of Capt. M.A.S. Cousins, I.A.R.O. Capt. Cousins at the outbreak of war was with the Bombay Burmah Trading Corpn., from which he was appointed to the I.A.R.O. in December 1914. He was posted to the West Riding Regt. at Sialkot and afterwards transferred to a Brahmin Regt.
I.A.R.O.
2nd Lt. H.R. Lanktree, I.A.R.O., attached to Burma Police, has been promoted to be Lieutenant.
2nd Lt. W.S. Girsham, recently appointed to the I.A.R.O. from the Rangoon College, has been posted to the Officers’ School of Instruction at Bangalore.
Burma Casualties
In the 749th casualty list of the Indian Expeditionary Force appears the name of acting Capt. G.H. Ogilvie, I.A.R.O., under the heading “wounded.” George Hamilton Ogilvie was an Asst. Conservator of Forests under the Burma Government when the war broke out, being on duty in the Prome division. He was born in February 1888 and came to Burma on December 2nd, 1917 and was posted to Tharrawaddy and later to Prome, Yaw and back to Prome again. He was appointed to the I.A.R.O. on December 1st 1914.
In another list of the same Expeditionary Force appears under the heading “wounded” the name of Capt. M.A.S. Cousins, I.A.R.O. Capt. Cousins at the outbreak of war was with the Bombay Burmah Trading Corpn., from which he was appointed to the I.A.R.O. in December 1914. He was posted to the West Riding Regt. at Sialkot and afterwards transferred to a Brahmin Regt.
I.A.R.O.
2nd Lt. H.R. Lanktree, I.A.R.O., attached to Burma Police, has been promoted to be Lieutenant.
Appointments
Sergt. B. Hunneybun, Rangoon Town Police, has been granted a commission as 2nd Lieut. I.A.R.O. and posted to the 3rd – 70th Burma Rifles. Sergt. Hunneybun wears the silver badge for service in this war, having served in East Africa and France.
Staff Sergt. Instructor McIntyre, 34th Upper Burma Battalion, I.D.F., has been appointed acting Sergt. -Major of the Corps, vice acting Sergt.-Major Town, attached to the Burma Mechanical Transport Companies.
Staff Sergt. Instructor W.G. White, 18th (Rangoon) Battalion, I.D.F., has been appointed Sergt.-Major of the Burma Mechanical Transport Companies at Mandalay and has left for his new post. Sergt.-Major White came to Rangoon with the Devons and later joined the Rangoon Municipality from which he was seconded to the military department for the period of the war.
Sergt. B. Hunneybun, Rangoon Town Police, has been granted a commission as 2nd Lieut. I.A.R.O. and posted to the 3rd – 70th Burma Rifles. Sergt. Hunneybun wears the silver badge for service in this war, having served in East Africa and France.
Staff Sergt. Instructor McIntyre, 34th Upper Burma Battalion, I.D.F., has been appointed acting Sergt. -Major of the Corps, vice acting Sergt.-Major Town, attached to the Burma Mechanical Transport Companies.
Staff Sergt. Instructor W.G. White, 18th (Rangoon) Battalion, I.D.F., has been appointed Sergt.-Major of the Burma Mechanical Transport Companies at Mandalay and has left for his new post. Sergt.-Major White came to Rangoon with the Devons and later joined the Rangoon Municipality from which he was seconded to the military department for the period of the war.
Comforts for Jail Porter Corps
The following is a letter sent to Capt. W.H. McGrath of the Jail Porter Corps by Maung Bah Oh, rice mill owner:- Dear Sir, Recently some prominent members of Rangoon, well known for their sympathy and interest for the corps under your charge, received a request that they be supplied with certain articles that would make their sojourn in a foreign land more home like. Unfortunately some to whom this appeal was addresses have since passed away. I have, however, inserted the appeal in the vernacular papers but with little response. Tin Myat Shwe (of the Burmese Royal Family) of Mandalay sent photographs of famous Pagodas in Burma, U Po of Insein, (pensioner) sent on Kyeesee (goung used at prayer time) and one glass image of the Buddha. I have purchased the other articles such as drums, flutes, cymbals, clappers etc., at a cost of about Rs. 125. This amount is my gift to the corps. I have handed over all these at the depot of the Red Cross in Rangoon to be sent on to you at first opportunity. Kindly acknowledge receipt. I hope the men will find the articles of real use and pleasure to them. We expect to see you all return soon in good health. We are proud of you.
The following is a letter sent to Capt. W.H. McGrath of the Jail Porter Corps by Maung Bah Oh, rice mill owner:- Dear Sir, Recently some prominent members of Rangoon, well known for their sympathy and interest for the corps under your charge, received a request that they be supplied with certain articles that would make their sojourn in a foreign land more home like. Unfortunately some to whom this appeal was addresses have since passed away. I have, however, inserted the appeal in the vernacular papers but with little response. Tin Myat Shwe (of the Burmese Royal Family) of Mandalay sent photographs of famous Pagodas in Burma, U Po of Insein, (pensioner) sent on Kyeesee (goung used at prayer time) and one glass image of the Buddha. I have purchased the other articles such as drums, flutes, cymbals, clappers etc., at a cost of about Rs. 125. This amount is my gift to the corps. I have handed over all these at the depot of the Red Cross in Rangoon to be sent on to you at first opportunity. Kindly acknowledge receipt. I hope the men will find the articles of real use and pleasure to them. We expect to see you all return soon in good health. We are proud of you.
Appointments
The following appointments to the Indian Army Reserve of Officers as second Lieutenants and postings to the Burma Mechanical Transport companies (Ford Van) at Mandalay are announced:- Inspectors J.W. Edwards and H. Jennings, Rangoon Town Police and Mr G. Sinclair, Messrs. Steel Bros.
Lt. V. Matthews, Staff, English Expeditionary Force in France, formerly Transport Sergt.-Major, Rangoon Brigade, is now a Railway Transport Officer on duty in Paris.
The following appointments to the Indian Army Reserve of Officers as second Lieutenants and postings to the Burma Mechanical Transport companies (Ford Van) at Mandalay are announced:- Inspectors J.W. Edwards and H. Jennings, Rangoon Town Police and Mr G. Sinclair, Messrs. Steel Bros.
Lt. V. Matthews, Staff, English Expeditionary Force in France, formerly Transport Sergt.-Major, Rangoon Brigade, is now a Railway Transport Officer on duty in Paris.
Meiktila
Meiktila might well be called the Salisbury Plain of Burma. Several thousands of men destined for the Army have been trained here during the past year or so and formed into regiments which are now serving overseas or next door to it. This is a marvellous tribute to British thoroughness and probably no other nation in the world could have raised so efficient a fighting machine in so short a time.
Meiktila might well be called the Salisbury Plain of Burma. Several thousands of men destined for the Army have been trained here during the past year or so and formed into regiments which are now serving overseas or next door to it. This is a marvellous tribute to British thoroughness and probably no other nation in the world could have raised so efficient a fighting machine in so short a time.
Released from Germany
The letter below is from Sergt. H.M. Purser, brother of Rev’d. W.C.B. Purser, St. Michael’s Kemmendine, written to a relative in England -
The Young Men’s Christian Association with the British prisoners of war interned in Holland. Reply to H.M. Purser, Sergt. 15, Canadians, Group 5. 2nd April 1918 -
After my sentence of a thousand three score and two days in Deutschland, I am at last a free man. I would calculate this in hours minutes and seconds that would be even more formidable to look at, but I have forgotten, among a legion of other things, all the maths I ever knew! Left Stendal on March 20th 1920. I’m sorry it was not the 19th. Henceforth we must celebrate the 19th and 20th. The Germans gave me a sentry all for myself right from Stendal to Aachen. The journey took me from 6 a.m. the 20th to 9 30 a.m. the 21st ultimo.
We changed at Hanover and Dusseldorf. As I was clad in Highland war paint my uniform attracted crowds of the curious. En route I saw very little of war interest. The gentle frauliens who were in charge of the guard’s department of the trains looked much amazed at my feminine attire. I had no opportunity to explain that the old gladiators went into the arena with shorter skirts even than mine. The topsy-turvydom that I, a man, wore skirts and that they women wore trousers seemed to be the most astounding of all perplexities. Fortunately they were not hostile or possibly they might have arranged a nice little railway accident for my special benefit.
I had a little conversation with a few German soldiers in the train. They asked me if there were any possibility of an understanding with England. I felt somewhat flattered that they took me for Lloyd George, so that in my best pigeon German I told them that when Germany is a true democracy we may consider the matter. Chorus of Fritzes “Aber wir sind alle Democraten.” “Yes,” I said, “but that is a secret you dare not divulge.”
I stayed at Aachen two and a half days and fed on German “fare-well” soup. They thought that by making this soup specially savoury it would take away the taste of the soup I ate three years ago. What a hope! The first German soup I tasted was like the sweepings of a fish market after a busy wet Saturday night. I tried my stomach with it but it rebelled and I had to retire very hurriedly from the banqueting hall. After being warned not to escape we were marched to the train at Aachen at 10 a.m. March 23rd. We crossed the border just after 3 o’clock the same afternoon. At the first Dutch station we stopped and were presented with huge sandwiches, we heard English from the lips of an English lady who distributed English cigarettes, English newspapers and most charming of all the English delights, English smiles. It was a treat to see someone whose looks did not betray a desire to spit upon us. I sent you a P.C. from this station and also to Mr Morton.
At length we entrained again and as we steamed out of the station the men gave vent to their pent up feelings of delight by huge cheers. The populace waved welcomes to us which reminded us of Devonport days. At 9 p.m. we reached Amsterdam. Here our civilian prisoners joined the train, among whom was Steve Bloomer, the old Derby County International football player. We arrived at the Hague about 10.15 p.m. All the interned soldiers of previous batches were down at the station to meet us. They made a long narrow lane, right from the station to the hotel, down which we had to march in single file.
We met comrades whom we thought were dead. It seems to be a revelation of the resurrection. As a man recognised his comrade he gave a terrific yell and the handshakes almost dislocated the shoulder blades. So far I have only come across one N.C.O. of my company. There are about 25 N.C.O’s of our regiment and six officers here. From them I hear that the Lieutenant who was in charge of my platoon is now the Lieutenant-Colonel in charge of the battalion. He was a great boy and we always thought that with luck he would do well. At the hotel we were ushered into the large reception hall and received an address of welcome from the general and the British Ambassador. Lady Townley gave every man a Dutch tulip. (mine I enclose you herewith,) cigarettes and cigars and we had a dinner of real meat. Afterwards we boarded electric cars for our billets.
Our billets are new private houses hastily prepared for our occupation. Y.M.C.A.’s abound and are very necessary. Here we supplement our rations with dovvee and cakes. They (the Y.M.C.A.’s) make us very comfortable : there are reading and writing rooms and we feel like Kings.
The letter below is from Sergt. H.M. Purser, brother of Rev’d. W.C.B. Purser, St. Michael’s Kemmendine, written to a relative in England -
The Young Men’s Christian Association with the British prisoners of war interned in Holland. Reply to H.M. Purser, Sergt. 15, Canadians, Group 5. 2nd April 1918 -
After my sentence of a thousand three score and two days in Deutschland, I am at last a free man. I would calculate this in hours minutes and seconds that would be even more formidable to look at, but I have forgotten, among a legion of other things, all the maths I ever knew! Left Stendal on March 20th 1920. I’m sorry it was not the 19th. Henceforth we must celebrate the 19th and 20th. The Germans gave me a sentry all for myself right from Stendal to Aachen. The journey took me from 6 a.m. the 20th to 9 30 a.m. the 21st ultimo.
We changed at Hanover and Dusseldorf. As I was clad in Highland war paint my uniform attracted crowds of the curious. En route I saw very little of war interest. The gentle frauliens who were in charge of the guard’s department of the trains looked much amazed at my feminine attire. I had no opportunity to explain that the old gladiators went into the arena with shorter skirts even than mine. The topsy-turvydom that I, a man, wore skirts and that they women wore trousers seemed to be the most astounding of all perplexities. Fortunately they were not hostile or possibly they might have arranged a nice little railway accident for my special benefit.
I had a little conversation with a few German soldiers in the train. They asked me if there were any possibility of an understanding with England. I felt somewhat flattered that they took me for Lloyd George, so that in my best pigeon German I told them that when Germany is a true democracy we may consider the matter. Chorus of Fritzes “Aber wir sind alle Democraten.” “Yes,” I said, “but that is a secret you dare not divulge.”
I stayed at Aachen two and a half days and fed on German “fare-well” soup. They thought that by making this soup specially savoury it would take away the taste of the soup I ate three years ago. What a hope! The first German soup I tasted was like the sweepings of a fish market after a busy wet Saturday night. I tried my stomach with it but it rebelled and I had to retire very hurriedly from the banqueting hall. After being warned not to escape we were marched to the train at Aachen at 10 a.m. March 23rd. We crossed the border just after 3 o’clock the same afternoon. At the first Dutch station we stopped and were presented with huge sandwiches, we heard English from the lips of an English lady who distributed English cigarettes, English newspapers and most charming of all the English delights, English smiles. It was a treat to see someone whose looks did not betray a desire to spit upon us. I sent you a P.C. from this station and also to Mr Morton.
At length we entrained again and as we steamed out of the station the men gave vent to their pent up feelings of delight by huge cheers. The populace waved welcomes to us which reminded us of Devonport days. At 9 p.m. we reached Amsterdam. Here our civilian prisoners joined the train, among whom was Steve Bloomer, the old Derby County International football player. We arrived at the Hague about 10.15 p.m. All the interned soldiers of previous batches were down at the station to meet us. They made a long narrow lane, right from the station to the hotel, down which we had to march in single file.
We met comrades whom we thought were dead. It seems to be a revelation of the resurrection. As a man recognised his comrade he gave a terrific yell and the handshakes almost dislocated the shoulder blades. So far I have only come across one N.C.O. of my company. There are about 25 N.C.O’s of our regiment and six officers here. From them I hear that the Lieutenant who was in charge of my platoon is now the Lieutenant-Colonel in charge of the battalion. He was a great boy and we always thought that with luck he would do well. At the hotel we were ushered into the large reception hall and received an address of welcome from the general and the British Ambassador. Lady Townley gave every man a Dutch tulip. (mine I enclose you herewith,) cigarettes and cigars and we had a dinner of real meat. Afterwards we boarded electric cars for our billets.
Our billets are new private houses hastily prepared for our occupation. Y.M.C.A.’s abound and are very necessary. Here we supplement our rations with dovvee and cakes. They (the Y.M.C.A.’s) make us very comfortable : there are reading and writing rooms and we feel like Kings.
November
Appointments
Lt. H.P. Beatty, I.A.R.O., attached to the Censors’ Dept., having completed h term of his appointment as Assistant Cable Censor, is posted to the 3rd- 70th Burma Infantry.
Mr Friedlander, better known as Fred. Lander, Turf Accountant, one of the popular bookmakers that have stood up in Rangoon in recent years, has been given a commission as second Lieutenant in the I.A.R.O. and posted to the 5th Burma Mechanical Transport (Ford Van) Company.
Lt. H.P. Beatty, I.A.R.O., attached to the Censors’ Dept., having completed h term of his appointment as Assistant Cable Censor, is posted to the 3rd- 70th Burma Infantry.
Mr Friedlander, better known as Fred. Lander, Turf Accountant, one of the popular bookmakers that have stood up in Rangoon in recent years, has been given a commission as second Lieutenant in the I.A.R.O. and posted to the 5th Burma Mechanical Transport (Ford Van) Company.
Expeditionary Force
Rev’d. E.H. Dunkley, S.P.G., Burma, has been mentioned in dispatches. He has been serving as Chaplain to the Egyptian Expeditionary Force since early in the war.
Rev’d. E.H. Dunkley, S.P.G., Burma, has been mentioned in dispatches. He has been serving as Chaplain to the Egyptian Expeditionary Force since early in the war.
Second Bar to D.S.O.
Major W.J.F. Halliday, D.S.O., R.F.A., has been awarded a second bar to his D.S.O. Major Halliday is a son of Mr James Halliday of Harrow and of the Arracan Company. The official note of the service for which he was awarded the second bar says: “He kept his battery in action till the enemy were within eight hundred yards, getting his guns away under rifle and machine-guns fire and bringing them to action again in another position under very heavy fire from hostile field guns. He went forward and brought back valuable information and subsequently covered the retirement of other troops. He commanded his battery with remarkable coolness and ability.” Major Halliday’s, D.S.O. was gazetted on Aug. 6th? 1917 and his first bar on July 26th 1918. He was gassed on 7th Sept. and was last reported to be in hospital at Boulogne and getting on as well as could be expected.
Major W.J.F. Halliday, D.S.O., R.F.A., has been awarded a second bar to his D.S.O. Major Halliday is a son of Mr James Halliday of Harrow and of the Arracan Company. The official note of the service for which he was awarded the second bar says: “He kept his battery in action till the enemy were within eight hundred yards, getting his guns away under rifle and machine-guns fire and bringing them to action again in another position under very heavy fire from hostile field guns. He went forward and brought back valuable information and subsequently covered the retirement of other troops. He commanded his battery with remarkable coolness and ability.” Major Halliday’s, D.S.O. was gazetted on Aug. 6th? 1917 and his first bar on July 26th 1918. He was gassed on 7th Sept. and was last reported to be in hospital at Boulogne and getting on as well as could be expected.
Katha
Germany’s Surrender
The welcome and expected news of Germany’s acceptance of the Allies’ armistice terms reached Katha on the 12th instant. The first to get the news were the railway authorities who received it at about 11 o’clock in the morning. It appears that Mr Huddleston, Agent, Burma Railways, caused the news to be telegraphed to every station on the line. ...
Germany’s Surrender
The welcome and expected news of Germany’s acceptance of the Allies’ armistice terms reached Katha on the 12th instant. The first to get the news were the railway authorities who received it at about 11 o’clock in the morning. It appears that Mr Huddleston, Agent, Burma Railways, caused the news to be telegraphed to every station on the line. ...
Appointments
The following appointments have been made:- Reception Depot. 70th Burma Rifles – 2nd Lt. A. Standish to be acting Adjutant from 25th Oct. 1918 ; 70th Burma Rifles – 2nd Lt. F.B. Leach to be acting Coy. Commander vice Lt. S.F.H. Griffin and 2nd Lt. H.F. Searle to be acting Coy. Commander vice Lt. W.F. Hervey. Carnatic Infantry: 2nd Lt. G.H. Felton to be Station Staff Officer, Shwebo vice Capt. P.I. Kelly.
The following appointments have been made:- Reception Depot. 70th Burma Rifles – 2nd Lt. A. Standish to be acting Adjutant from 25th Oct. 1918 ; 70th Burma Rifles – 2nd Lt. F.B. Leach to be acting Coy. Commander vice Lt. S.F.H. Griffin and 2nd Lt. H.F. Searle to be acting Coy. Commander vice Lt. W.F. Hervey. Carnatic Infantry: 2nd Lt. G.H. Felton to be Station Staff Officer, Shwebo vice Capt. P.I. Kelly.
Indian Defence Force
Under the provisions of Section 23 (c) Indian Defence Force Rules the under mentioned members of the Electrical Engineers Coy. 3rd (Rangoon Port Defence Group) Garrison Artillery were called out for actual military duty with effect from 2nd Nov. 1918:- 2nd Lt. J.P. Rintoul, Coy. Sergt. Major E. R. Wilkins, Corpl. C. D’Lastic, L.-Corpl. J. Hutchinson, Sappers F. Abraham, F. Williams, R. Garnier, G.S. Beale, W.C. Lionel, C.C. Cooper, H. White, E.J. Cooper, V. Garnier, J. Thomas, E. Martin, G.S. Almond, W.T. Blake, R. McDonald, C.H. Perkins, A. (or A.A.) Texter, E. Eadon, A. Francis, J.E. Grant, J.O. Yaull and J. Crawford.
Under the provisions of Section 23 (c) Indian Defence Force Rules the under mentioned members of the Electrical Engineers Coy. 3rd (Rangoon Port Defence Group) Garrison Artillery were called out for actual military duty with effect from 2nd Nov. 1918:- 2nd Lt. J.P. Rintoul, Coy. Sergt. Major E. R. Wilkins, Corpl. C. D’Lastic, L.-Corpl. J. Hutchinson, Sappers F. Abraham, F. Williams, R. Garnier, G.S. Beale, W.C. Lionel, C.C. Cooper, H. White, E.J. Cooper, V. Garnier, J. Thomas, E. Martin, G.S. Almond, W.T. Blake, R. McDonald, C.H. Perkins, A. (or A.A.) Texter, E. Eadon, A. Francis, J.E. Grant, J.O. Yaull and J. Crawford.
Mechanical Transport Corps
The next company (otherwise known as the “Christian” Company) of the M.T.C. is under formation. Recruiting for this company is very rapid, yet it is not certain whether it will be possible to raise a whole company exclusively of Christians. The company is under command of Major Liddell, who before joining the I.A.R.O. was an Assistant in Steel Bros. here. Major Liddell was a very keen volunteer sergeant and, later on, an I.D.F. officer.
The next company (otherwise known as the “Christian” Company) of the M.T.C. is under formation. Recruiting for this company is very rapid, yet it is not certain whether it will be possible to raise a whole company exclusively of Christians. The company is under command of Major Liddell, who before joining the I.A.R.O. was an Assistant in Steel Bros. here. Major Liddell was a very keen volunteer sergeant and, later on, an I.D.F. officer.
Appointment
Mr A.P. Whittaker, 39th street, Rangoon, has been appointed a second Lieutenant, I.A.R.O. and posted to the Palamcottahs in Rangoon.
Mr A.P. Whittaker, 39th street, Rangoon, has been appointed a second Lieutenant, I.A.R.O. and posted to the Palamcottahs in Rangoon.
December
Appointment
Miss D.M. O‘Driscoll of Rangoon has been appointed as a temporary nurse to the Station Hospital, Rangoon, on probation for one month.
Miss D.M. O‘Driscoll of Rangoon has been appointed as a temporary nurse to the Station Hospital, Rangoon, on probation for one month.
4th Burma Mechanical Transport Coy.
The 4th Burma Mechanical Transport (Ford Van) Company, under the command of acting Major T. Couper, arrived in Rangoon from Mandalay by special train on Thursday afternoon at about three o’clock at the Sule Pagoda wharf and disembarked and spent the night on the wharf. The Rangoon Reception Committee were on hand and saw to it that the men were given dinner and the District Magistrate, Mr Mackney, also visited the wharf. It had been intended that a pwe should entertain the men but owing to the victory celebrations the committee were unable to obtain one so the men amused themselves with their own band and an improvised pwe, the artists being made up from among their own members. A very enjoyable evening was passed. The band of the company consists of innumerable mouth organs, flutes, cymbals and a kettledrum painted in the corps colours. It is surprising what an amount of music can be got out of such a varied lot of instruments but the lads like it and they march splendidly to the playing. The company is a very good one and well disciplined and drilled. Most of the officers know Burmese fluently and are able to speak to their men easily, while a large number of the lads are from school and some have passed as high as the ninth standard, while others have left to join the company before taking their examination. They are a clean cut, steady lot and chock full of enthusiasm. This could be seen from the way they entertained themselves on the wharf on Thursday night and again yesterday morning until the embarkation took place. They are on their way to Rawalpindi to complete their training. In addition to the names of officers going with the company is that of Lt. Mya Aung, I.M.D., who is in medical charge of the men. In the company which numbers 225 of all ranks, not 325 as previously stated, there is one whole section from the Arakanese littoral. Among those who visited the wharf shortly after the arrival of the company from Mandalay were Mrs Hla Oung, U B Kin, T.D.M., Mr Ba Shin, U Po Mya and others. The company left by the Arankola yesterday, there being few on the wharf when the steamer left and very little demonstration. The Quartermaster Sergt. of the company is A.H. Riding, formerly of the B.O.C. and one of the best mile runners that ever came to Burma, while among the section Sergeants is R.K. Smith of the Hampshire Regiment, the well known Hampshire cricketer. Q.M.Sergt. Riding has been, since the outbreak of the war, at the prisoners of war camp at Thayetmyo. 2nd Lt. Woods-Jennings who goes with the company is well known in Rangoon, where he was connected with the Rangoon Town Police for many years. Lt. Kingsley only returned from France a few months ago with one of the Burma Labour Corps with which he served there.
The 4th Burma Mechanical Transport (Ford Van) Company, under the command of acting Major T. Couper, arrived in Rangoon from Mandalay by special train on Thursday afternoon at about three o’clock at the Sule Pagoda wharf and disembarked and spent the night on the wharf. The Rangoon Reception Committee were on hand and saw to it that the men were given dinner and the District Magistrate, Mr Mackney, also visited the wharf. It had been intended that a pwe should entertain the men but owing to the victory celebrations the committee were unable to obtain one so the men amused themselves with their own band and an improvised pwe, the artists being made up from among their own members. A very enjoyable evening was passed. The band of the company consists of innumerable mouth organs, flutes, cymbals and a kettledrum painted in the corps colours. It is surprising what an amount of music can be got out of such a varied lot of instruments but the lads like it and they march splendidly to the playing. The company is a very good one and well disciplined and drilled. Most of the officers know Burmese fluently and are able to speak to their men easily, while a large number of the lads are from school and some have passed as high as the ninth standard, while others have left to join the company before taking their examination. They are a clean cut, steady lot and chock full of enthusiasm. This could be seen from the way they entertained themselves on the wharf on Thursday night and again yesterday morning until the embarkation took place. They are on their way to Rawalpindi to complete their training. In addition to the names of officers going with the company is that of Lt. Mya Aung, I.M.D., who is in medical charge of the men. In the company which numbers 225 of all ranks, not 325 as previously stated, there is one whole section from the Arakanese littoral. Among those who visited the wharf shortly after the arrival of the company from Mandalay were Mrs Hla Oung, U B Kin, T.D.M., Mr Ba Shin, U Po Mya and others. The company left by the Arankola yesterday, there being few on the wharf when the steamer left and very little demonstration. The Quartermaster Sergt. of the company is A.H. Riding, formerly of the B.O.C. and one of the best mile runners that ever came to Burma, while among the section Sergeants is R.K. Smith of the Hampshire Regiment, the well known Hampshire cricketer. Q.M.Sergt. Riding has been, since the outbreak of the war, at the prisoners of war camp at Thayetmyo. 2nd Lt. Woods-Jennings who goes with the company is well known in Rangoon, where he was connected with the Rangoon Town Police for many years. Lt. Kingsley only returned from France a few months ago with one of the Burma Labour Corps with which he served there.
Appointment
Sergt. B. McRae, 34th upper Burma Battn., I.D.F. has been called out for military duty with effect from 24th Oct. to officiate as Staff Sergt. Instructor to that unit vice Staff Sergt. Instructor G. Wilson, proceeded to the School of Musketry, Satara.
Sergt. B. McRae, 34th upper Burma Battn., I.D.F. has been called out for military duty with effect from 24th Oct. to officiate as Staff Sergt. Instructor to that unit vice Staff Sergt. Instructor G. Wilson, proceeded to the School of Musketry, Satara.
Gunner A.A. Watson - Prisoner of War
The following letter from Gunner A.A. Watson, one of the Rangoon Y.M.C.A. member, may prove interesting:- From Haidar Pasha, Constantinople, 23rd July 1918.
Just a line to say that all is well. You will see by the above address that I have been shifting to a new camp. I am here working with about thirty other Englishmen. Haidar Pasha is opposite to Constantinople just across what is known as the Golden Horn, a stretch of water at the entrance to the Bosphorus. (sic) It is very beautiful here and that is one of the main things in this country. We are right on the sea and we are allowed to swim and we are also close to the Embassy and set money and all that we want. The work is easy, so you see we are not badly off, and in this working party I am acting as an interpreter of Turkish French and German and I am learning Greek also. Looking across to the city from where we are at sunrise is supposed to be one of the finest sights of the world. It is a daily sight to us and no doubt it is all it is said to be, but for me a sight of the old homestead, I think, the home of my people would suit me much better. I am ever looking forward to the time that will never seem to come, that day when I shall be once again at liberty and amongst friends and people whom I ever long to see again, It is nearly 2½ years now; since I fell in the hands of the Turks, a 2½ years of experience such as any man could wish for. Yes, I will have much to tell you when I arrive home again. I hope the Junior Y.M.C.A., the Boys’ Department, the Boy Scouts are all doing well and boys from different schools are joining and the number increasing. I wish good luck to the old and new boys.
The following letter from Gunner A.A. Watson, one of the Rangoon Y.M.C.A. member, may prove interesting:- From Haidar Pasha, Constantinople, 23rd July 1918.
Just a line to say that all is well. You will see by the above address that I have been shifting to a new camp. I am here working with about thirty other Englishmen. Haidar Pasha is opposite to Constantinople just across what is known as the Golden Horn, a stretch of water at the entrance to the Bosphorus. (sic) It is very beautiful here and that is one of the main things in this country. We are right on the sea and we are allowed to swim and we are also close to the Embassy and set money and all that we want. The work is easy, so you see we are not badly off, and in this working party I am acting as an interpreter of Turkish French and German and I am learning Greek also. Looking across to the city from where we are at sunrise is supposed to be one of the finest sights of the world. It is a daily sight to us and no doubt it is all it is said to be, but for me a sight of the old homestead, I think, the home of my people would suit me much better. I am ever looking forward to the time that will never seem to come, that day when I shall be once again at liberty and amongst friends and people whom I ever long to see again, It is nearly 2½ years now; since I fell in the hands of the Turks, a 2½ years of experience such as any man could wish for. Yes, I will have much to tell you when I arrive home again. I hope the Junior Y.M.C.A., the Boys’ Department, the Boy Scouts are all doing well and boys from different schools are joining and the number increasing. I wish good luck to the old and new boys.
Burma Railways V. Corps
Capt. S.H. Parker is permitted, on retirement to retain his rank.
Capt. S.H. Parker is permitted, on retirement to retain his rank.
Promotion
14th Tenasserim Battalion, I.D.F., 2nd Lt. to be Lieutenant, H.L. Mullins, from 19th May 1918.
Appointment
34th Upper Burma Battalion: The under mentioned is granted a temporary commission: To be Lieut. (Supernumerary List) C.B. Smales from 1st April.
14th Tenasserim Battalion, I.D.F., 2nd Lt. to be Lieutenant, H.L. Mullins, from 19th May 1918.
Appointment
34th Upper Burma Battalion: The under mentioned is granted a temporary commission: To be Lieut. (Supernumerary List) C.B. Smales from 1st April.
Military News
Word has been received in Rangoon from one of the Volunteer Artillery Battery who was captured at Kut-el-Amara that he and the other prisoners have been released and are on their way to England.
Military Order
It is ordered from Army Headquarters, India, that officers and men entitled to wear the wound distinction badges and overseas chevrons must do so. They will be worn on service dress uniforms only.
Military News
Sanction has been accorded by the Govt. of India to the conversion of No. 12 Burma Jail Porter Corps into a Labour Corps to be designated No. 148 Burma Jail Labour Corps.
Word has been received in Rangoon from one of the Volunteer Artillery Battery who was captured at Kut-el-Amara that he and the other prisoners have been released and are on their way to England.
Military Order
It is ordered from Army Headquarters, India, that officers and men entitled to wear the wound distinction badges and overseas chevrons must do so. They will be worn on service dress uniforms only.
Military News
Sanction has been accorded by the Govt. of India to the conversion of No. 12 Burma Jail Porter Corps into a Labour Corps to be designated No. 148 Burma Jail Labour Corps.
War Memorial
The public of Mandalay, especially the Buddhist public, are building a Recreation Hall for the Q.V.O. Sappers and Miners at their lines at Mandalay hill. This hall is to take the form of a War Memorial and is to be a lasting remembrance of the gallantry of the sappers at the front. The Hon. U Nyun said that the cost of the hall was to be some Rs. 6000 of which Rs. 4000 had already been subscribed and proposed that the municipality contribute the sum of Rs. 100 thereto. This was seconded by Maung Su but did not meet with the approval of the European members as it was pointed out that the building would be outside municipal limits. The voting resulted in 7 being in favour of the proposal and 7 against it, the Chairman’s casting vote against deciding it.
The public of Mandalay, especially the Buddhist public, are building a Recreation Hall for the Q.V.O. Sappers and Miners at their lines at Mandalay hill. This hall is to take the form of a War Memorial and is to be a lasting remembrance of the gallantry of the sappers at the front. The Hon. U Nyun said that the cost of the hall was to be some Rs. 6000 of which Rs. 4000 had already been subscribed and proposed that the municipality contribute the sum of Rs. 100 thereto. This was seconded by Maung Su but did not meet with the approval of the European members as it was pointed out that the building would be outside municipal limits. The voting resulted in 7 being in favour of the proposal and 7 against it, the Chairman’s casting vote against deciding it.
Recruiting in Burma
The Burma Battalions
The next question to be taken up was the proposal to make permanent the four battalions of the Burma Rifles organised during the war. A letter containing this suggestion was lid before the meeting by the honorary secretary, it also being suggested that the Sappers and Miners be made into a corps distinct from Madras. The letter pointed out that as the men at present serving in the battalions were engaged for six months after the war, they would have to enlist again and this time for a period of three years. The letter stated that it was understood that the men of the battalions and also their relatives were anxious that the battalions be made permanent. This letter was gone into at some length, the discussion being ended by the proposal by the Hon. U Ba Too, which the Hon. U Po Tha supported, that the four battalions should be retained as permanent units. This was unanimously carried. Lt.-Col. Kirkwood proposed that the committee was of the opinion that in order to encourage the men already serving to extend their service for a further term of three years a bonus should be offered as an inducement. U Po Tha seconding this, it was also carried unanimously.
The Burma Battalions
The next question to be taken up was the proposal to make permanent the four battalions of the Burma Rifles organised during the war. A letter containing this suggestion was lid before the meeting by the honorary secretary, it also being suggested that the Sappers and Miners be made into a corps distinct from Madras. The letter pointed out that as the men at present serving in the battalions were engaged for six months after the war, they would have to enlist again and this time for a period of three years. The letter stated that it was understood that the men of the battalions and also their relatives were anxious that the battalions be made permanent. This letter was gone into at some length, the discussion being ended by the proposal by the Hon. U Ba Too, which the Hon. U Po Tha supported, that the four battalions should be retained as permanent units. This was unanimously carried. Lt.-Col. Kirkwood proposed that the committee was of the opinion that in order to encourage the men already serving to extend their service for a further term of three years a bonus should be offered as an inducement. U Po Tha seconding this, it was also carried unanimously.
2nd Ford Van Company
In a letter received by the last mail Mechaist Sergt. Major V.N. Bogle of the 2nd Burma Mechanical Transport (Ford Van) Company, writes from Mesopotamia to a friend in Rangoon to tell him how fine the lads of the 2nd Burma Mechanical Transport Company on active service in Mesopotamia are getting along. “The boys,” he says, “are in the best of ... This is the company in which Major Cuningham, their Commandant, whose death is just announced from dysentery, took such a great pride.
In a letter received by the last mail Mechaist Sergt. Major V.N. Bogle of the 2nd Burma Mechanical Transport (Ford Van) Company, writes from Mesopotamia to a friend in Rangoon to tell him how fine the lads of the 2nd Burma Mechanical Transport Company on active service in Mesopotamia are getting along. “The boys,” he says, “are in the best of ... This is the company in which Major Cuningham, their Commandant, whose death is just announced from dysentery, took such a great pride.
Prisoners
The following letter ha been received by Messrs. Rowe & Co. form Sergt. J.G. Rollo, Volunteer Artillery Battery, who was taken prisoner at Kut-el-Amara. Sergt. Rollo was employed with the firm in Rangoon and was actively interested in Y.M.C.A. work when the war broke out and promptly joined up and was among the first to get away. His letter is dated, A Camp, Gabbari, Alexandria, Nov. 17th 1918 and reads:-
“Dear Sirs:- Among the many regrets during my captivity was the fact of my being unable to communicate with you direct, but now I have the opportunity and hasten to inform you of my return into British hands again. Owing to my health not being of the best I got through the medical board on the exchange of sick prisoners. On arrival at this place the option of England or India was given us and after mature consideration I decided the better curse was to proceed west. We are now under orders for home and may move off any day. I understand there is going to be no delay discharging the irregular men, in which case I will immediately communicate with London and await your instruction. I am glad to say my health has improved considerably.”
Prisoner
E.J. Quick, late Assistant, Messrs. Arthur Barnes & Co. who went away with the first Burma Contingent, has written to a friend in Rangoon that he has been a prisoner in German hands since April 9th 1918.
The following letter ha been received by Messrs. Rowe & Co. form Sergt. J.G. Rollo, Volunteer Artillery Battery, who was taken prisoner at Kut-el-Amara. Sergt. Rollo was employed with the firm in Rangoon and was actively interested in Y.M.C.A. work when the war broke out and promptly joined up and was among the first to get away. His letter is dated, A Camp, Gabbari, Alexandria, Nov. 17th 1918 and reads:-
“Dear Sirs:- Among the many regrets during my captivity was the fact of my being unable to communicate with you direct, but now I have the opportunity and hasten to inform you of my return into British hands again. Owing to my health not being of the best I got through the medical board on the exchange of sick prisoners. On arrival at this place the option of England or India was given us and after mature consideration I decided the better curse was to proceed west. We are now under orders for home and may move off any day. I understand there is going to be no delay discharging the irregular men, in which case I will immediately communicate with London and await your instruction. I am glad to say my health has improved considerably.”
Prisoner
E.J. Quick, late Assistant, Messrs. Arthur Barnes & Co. who went away with the first Burma Contingent, has written to a friend in Rangoon that he has been a prisoner in German hands since April 9th 1918.
Chaplain Hardy, V.C., D.S.O.
Dr. Pedley sends us the following letter from the daughter of the late Chaplain Hardy, V.C. Read in connection with our account in our issue of the 10th of the bravery of Rev’d Mr Hardy, it is pathetic and interesting. His daughter is a nurse in France. The family are relations of Dr Pedley’s late wife.
You will be surprised to get a joint letter from Father and me but what I have wanted for so long has actually come to pass now and Father is spending some days near me and owing to the fact that he had a sharp attack of flue last week his petition for three days’ leave in France has been changed to ten. That gives him time to have a proper rest and he is already a good deal better, though still not by any means well. He came here with me on Saturday after one of the most thrilling experiences that I have ever had. On Thursday evening when I came on duty, I was greeted with the news that I was to be relieved at midnight because the next morning a car was coming to take me to see my father decorated. Everything was very vague and I had not the slightest idea as to where I was going. However, the next day an open touring car came from the 3rd Army Headquarters just for me and took me about 100 miles through most interesting, though quite peaceful, country to a rather picturesque and most beautifully situated chateau. No one in authority was there when I arrived but preparations were being made for a great ceremony under a most efficient sergeant.
It was all very interesting, especially when various staff officers began to roll up one by one and finally about three o’clock Father himself arrived in an ambulance from the hospital where he was by this time a convalesant patient. He was looking very tired and ill, I thought, but it was simply gorgeous to see him again, for the first time since our leave in March. He knew less about the ceremony than I did and was very much surprised to hear that it was the actual cross he was to receive, not just the ribbon. Gradually more and more generals rolled up and finally at 4.30 or thereabouts, came the King. I had never seen him properly before and was, of course, very much thrilled. The whole affair was very simple and informal and therefore all the most interesting. The generals and others about thirty of them, French, American, New Zealand and others, who had come just to be presented to the Kind were lined up facing a door of the chateau which led out on to a terrace at the back. The King came out through this door and the first proceeding was his walking along the line of guests, being told their names and shaking hands with each of them. Then he went back near a little table for the distribution of medals.
There were only four people to be decorated, two other V.C.’s and a K.C.B. (the N.Z. General.) Just before it began, the Military Secretary came up to me who was standing as much in the background as possible, feeling rather an intruder among all this military grandeur, and said the King particularly wished me to come up quite close so that I could have a good view. He took me right up to the King who shook hands and conversed with me for three or four minutes and then the distribution began. Father came first, naturally, and had to stand for nearly a quarter of an hour while some staff captain read out a very long and detailed account of his achievement.
It was a proud time for me but, Father looked and felt absolutely miserable, almost hanging his head and looking just like a schoolboy being scolded. All the time there was a cinema operating on him so he will probably appear in London picture house in all his misery. The King spoke very nicely and appreciatively to him and after the ceremony we bother were specially invited to tea in the General’s inner room, sitting at a round table with ten or eleven other people, I being next but one to the King. It was a very pleasant meal lasting for about half an hour. When we went away I was presented with the flowers that had been on the tea table and felt like the Queen at least, as we drove off in a most luxurious closed car to the hospital where Father had been a patient.
We spent the night there and then the next morning the same car came for us and brought us back here via G.H.Q. where we had to call for Father’s special pass which we had to have in order to spend ten days here. It was a most delightful drive and lasted practically the whole day with pauses for lunch and tea. We felt of some importance I can tell you, having a car of that kind at our beck and call. Here Father is in a very comfortable billet with a Padre of the hospital and I am ale to spend quite a good deal of time with him every day. You can imagine what a gorgeous feeling it is to wake up and feel that I am going soon to see him.
Yesterday the King paid an altogether surprise visit to the hospital. It was about midday and I, being on night duty, was just getting into bed, when one of the other V.A.D.’s came into my room in a great state of excitement, to say that the King was here and had asked for me, so I had to dress again and put on my best cap and apron and things and I had another five minutes’ conversation with George, who ended up by telling me to go back to bed. It is not every day that one is send to bed by a King. Today we have had a very jolly picnic on the shore about three miles away, four V.A.D.’s and five officers (including the V.C.) Everybody here is frightfully envious of me. I will leave Father t continue this later. It is almost five o’clock and time for me to waken my patients.
Dr. Pedley sends us the following letter from the daughter of the late Chaplain Hardy, V.C. Read in connection with our account in our issue of the 10th of the bravery of Rev’d Mr Hardy, it is pathetic and interesting. His daughter is a nurse in France. The family are relations of Dr Pedley’s late wife.
You will be surprised to get a joint letter from Father and me but what I have wanted for so long has actually come to pass now and Father is spending some days near me and owing to the fact that he had a sharp attack of flue last week his petition for three days’ leave in France has been changed to ten. That gives him time to have a proper rest and he is already a good deal better, though still not by any means well. He came here with me on Saturday after one of the most thrilling experiences that I have ever had. On Thursday evening when I came on duty, I was greeted with the news that I was to be relieved at midnight because the next morning a car was coming to take me to see my father decorated. Everything was very vague and I had not the slightest idea as to where I was going. However, the next day an open touring car came from the 3rd Army Headquarters just for me and took me about 100 miles through most interesting, though quite peaceful, country to a rather picturesque and most beautifully situated chateau. No one in authority was there when I arrived but preparations were being made for a great ceremony under a most efficient sergeant.
It was all very interesting, especially when various staff officers began to roll up one by one and finally about three o’clock Father himself arrived in an ambulance from the hospital where he was by this time a convalesant patient. He was looking very tired and ill, I thought, but it was simply gorgeous to see him again, for the first time since our leave in March. He knew less about the ceremony than I did and was very much surprised to hear that it was the actual cross he was to receive, not just the ribbon. Gradually more and more generals rolled up and finally at 4.30 or thereabouts, came the King. I had never seen him properly before and was, of course, very much thrilled. The whole affair was very simple and informal and therefore all the most interesting. The generals and others about thirty of them, French, American, New Zealand and others, who had come just to be presented to the Kind were lined up facing a door of the chateau which led out on to a terrace at the back. The King came out through this door and the first proceeding was his walking along the line of guests, being told their names and shaking hands with each of them. Then he went back near a little table for the distribution of medals.
There were only four people to be decorated, two other V.C.’s and a K.C.B. (the N.Z. General.) Just before it began, the Military Secretary came up to me who was standing as much in the background as possible, feeling rather an intruder among all this military grandeur, and said the King particularly wished me to come up quite close so that I could have a good view. He took me right up to the King who shook hands and conversed with me for three or four minutes and then the distribution began. Father came first, naturally, and had to stand for nearly a quarter of an hour while some staff captain read out a very long and detailed account of his achievement.
It was a proud time for me but, Father looked and felt absolutely miserable, almost hanging his head and looking just like a schoolboy being scolded. All the time there was a cinema operating on him so he will probably appear in London picture house in all his misery. The King spoke very nicely and appreciatively to him and after the ceremony we bother were specially invited to tea in the General’s inner room, sitting at a round table with ten or eleven other people, I being next but one to the King. It was a very pleasant meal lasting for about half an hour. When we went away I was presented with the flowers that had been on the tea table and felt like the Queen at least, as we drove off in a most luxurious closed car to the hospital where Father had been a patient.
We spent the night there and then the next morning the same car came for us and brought us back here via G.H.Q. where we had to call for Father’s special pass which we had to have in order to spend ten days here. It was a most delightful drive and lasted practically the whole day with pauses for lunch and tea. We felt of some importance I can tell you, having a car of that kind at our beck and call. Here Father is in a very comfortable billet with a Padre of the hospital and I am ale to spend quite a good deal of time with him every day. You can imagine what a gorgeous feeling it is to wake up and feel that I am going soon to see him.
Yesterday the King paid an altogether surprise visit to the hospital. It was about midday and I, being on night duty, was just getting into bed, when one of the other V.A.D.’s came into my room in a great state of excitement, to say that the King was here and had asked for me, so I had to dress again and put on my best cap and apron and things and I had another five minutes’ conversation with George, who ended up by telling me to go back to bed. It is not every day that one is send to bed by a King. Today we have had a very jolly picnic on the shore about three miles away, four V.A.D.’s and five officers (including the V.C.) Everybody here is frightfully envious of me. I will leave Father t continue this later. It is almost five o’clock and time for me to waken my patients.
I.A.R.O.
The following are appointed to the I.A.R.O. while service with the Burma Military Police: L.D. Wilson, R.G.B. Lawson, H.W. Darney, J. St. H. Cleburne, F.H. Fearnley Whittingstall, G.J. Harvey, R.G.B. Prescott, A.G. Adams, W.D. Grantham, M.O. Tanner, A.J. Welsh, V.A. Hulme Beaver, R.M. Anderson, W.E. Jones and E.G. Robertson. All have been promoted to be Lieutenants except the last four mentioned.
The following are appointed to the I.A.R.O. while service with the Burma Military Police: L.D. Wilson, R.G.B. Lawson, H.W. Darney, J. St. H. Cleburne, F.H. Fearnley Whittingstall, G.J. Harvey, R.G.B. Prescott, A.G. Adams, W.D. Grantham, M.O. Tanner, A.J. Welsh, V.A. Hulme Beaver, R.M. Anderson, W.E. Jones and E.G. Robertson. All have been promoted to be Lieutenants except the last four mentioned.
Moulmein
I.D.F. Camp
The headquarters detachment of the 14th (Tenasserim) Battalion, I.D.F. returned to Moulmein on the 22nd instant after a strenuous week in camp at Nattaung, 5½ miles on the Amherst road from Moulmein, on the old Moulmein Volunteer Artillery camping ground and close to the Corps rifle range. The detachment with machine guns and crews in command of Lt.-Col. Buchanan with Captains Darwood and Denny (Adjutant) and Lt. Bruce, marched out on the previous Sunday afternoon and all were accommodated in mat sheds instead of the orthodox tents. The regulations pertaining to camp life were very strictly observed by officers and men alike and some very useful company, section and platoon drill was put in, as well as musketry and machine gun practice and tactical exercises. Altogether there was in attendance of about 100 rank and file present in camp throughout the week. Onn Saturday morning Major-General Young, accompanied by his staff officer, came over from Rangoon and visited the camp, putting the men through numerous exercises both on the parade ground and at the firing range. He expressed himself as being quite pleased on the whole with what the men had done and thought their drill and smartness a great improvement on last year’s. On Saturday afternoon the officers and members of the Corps were At Home to friends at the camp when an interesting programme of military and other sports was gone through and numerous prizes awarded. There was a considerable attendance of visitors from Moulmein and all were regaled with refreshments ad libitum.
I.D.F. Camp
The headquarters detachment of the 14th (Tenasserim) Battalion, I.D.F. returned to Moulmein on the 22nd instant after a strenuous week in camp at Nattaung, 5½ miles on the Amherst road from Moulmein, on the old Moulmein Volunteer Artillery camping ground and close to the Corps rifle range. The detachment with machine guns and crews in command of Lt.-Col. Buchanan with Captains Darwood and Denny (Adjutant) and Lt. Bruce, marched out on the previous Sunday afternoon and all were accommodated in mat sheds instead of the orthodox tents. The regulations pertaining to camp life were very strictly observed by officers and men alike and some very useful company, section and platoon drill was put in, as well as musketry and machine gun practice and tactical exercises. Altogether there was in attendance of about 100 rank and file present in camp throughout the week. Onn Saturday morning Major-General Young, accompanied by his staff officer, came over from Rangoon and visited the camp, putting the men through numerous exercises both on the parade ground and at the firing range. He expressed himself as being quite pleased on the whole with what the men had done and thought their drill and smartness a great improvement on last year’s. On Saturday afternoon the officers and members of the Corps were At Home to friends at the camp when an interesting programme of military and other sports was gone through and numerous prizes awarded. There was a considerable attendance of visitors from Moulmein and all were regaled with refreshments ad libitum.
Mandalay Divisional Durbar
List of Awards
1. To Major Newcombe I.A., Commandant, Mandalay Battn. Military Police, Mandalay, the 1914 star for service in France in 1914.
19. To George Edward Owen, Jailor, Mandalay, who has rendered over 27 years approved and faithful service under Government. The officers under whom he has served have formed a very high opinion of his conduct, work and character. In recognition of his long and faithful service, His Honour the Lt.-Governor is pleased to present Mr George Edward Owen with a gold watch and this certificate.
List of Awards
1. To Major Newcombe I.A., Commandant, Mandalay Battn. Military Police, Mandalay, the 1914 star for service in France in 1914.
19. To George Edward Owen, Jailor, Mandalay, who has rendered over 27 years approved and faithful service under Government. The officers under whom he has served have formed a very high opinion of his conduct, work and character. In recognition of his long and faithful service, His Honour the Lt.-Governor is pleased to present Mr George Edward Owen with a gold watch and this certificate.
October - N
December
2nd Lt. Crisp
2nd Lt. R.E. Crisp, I.A.R.O., enrolling officer, Burma Recruits’ Reception Depot, Meiktila, who has been in Rangoon giving testimony in the 26th Street dacoity case, has returned to Meiktila.
2nd Lt. R.E. Crisp, I.A.R.O., enrolling officer, Burma Recruits’ Reception Depot, Meiktila, who has been in Rangoon giving testimony in the 26th Street dacoity case, has returned to Meiktila.