CHAPTER IX
PALESTINE—3RD BN. 1ST PUNJAB REGIMENT—WAZIRISTAN
[Sidenote: 1920.]
The Battalion sailed for Egypt at the end of February under the command of Major S. van B. Laing, D.S.O., M.C., and arrived at Sarafend in Palestine on March 24th, 1920, where it joined the 9th Brigade of the 3rd Lahore Division.
The Depot was left at Dhond, but subsequently moved to Kirkee, Bellary, and Jhelum before rejoining the Battalion at Lucknow in 1922.
On April 28th, 1920, the Battalion proceeded to Haifa, whence, owing to constant raiding by Arabs from across the Jordan, it despatched detachments to various places for their protection. A company was also sent to Cairo to be trained as a Mounted Camel Company.
A party of Mussalmans was also enabled to perform the pilgrimage to Mecca.
[Sidenote: 1921.]
On July 27th the Battalion proceeded to Jerusalem, whence about half the strength proceeded on detachment to various towns. The Battalion arrived at Beni Suef in Egypt in December, and took part in manœuvres near Cairo in March. In April the Camel Company, which had been employed on patrol work between Beersheba and the Dead Sea, rejoined, and in May the whole Battalion arrived in Alexandria and provided detachments in and around that city. The salutary sea air quickly dispelled the many cases of malaria which were a legacy from the Jordan Valley.
[Sidenote: 1922.]
In December, 1921, the Commandant, Lieut.-Colonel E. Milford, D.S.O., rejoined from leave, and the Battalion proceeded to Kantara to await orders to embark for India. Owing, however, to serious disturbances in Cairo, the Battalion was hurriedly despatched thither on Christmas Eve, and remained there till March 23rd. It then moved to Suez and embarked for India, arriving at Lucknow on April 7th, where it was joined by the Depot.
[Sidenote: 3/1st Punjab Regiment.]
In accordance with the Reorganization Scheme, the Jat Company was now replaced by Rajputs from Rajputana, and on December 1st the Battalion became the 3rd Battalion of the 1st Punjab Regiment, the other battalions being:—
1st 62nd Punjabis. 2nd 66th Punjabis. 4th 1st Brahmans. 5th 82nd Punjabis. 10th 84th Punjabis, who became the Training Battalion for the Group or Regiment.
The badges of the Elephant subscribed “Assaye,” and the Golden Dragon wearing an Imperial Crown, worn by certain of the battalions, were taken into use by all battalions of the new Regiment. The uniform remained scarlet, but the facings were changed to grass-green.
[Sidenote: 1923.]
The following officers were posted permanently to the Battalion on reorganization:—
Lieut.-Colonel E. Milford, D.S.O. Major A. F. Harper. Major S. van B. Laing, D.S.O., M.C. Major T. B. Minniken, rejoined from 2/76th. Major G. van R. Reyne, D.S.O., M.V.O., rejoined from 2/76th. Major G. F. Turner, M.C., from 82nd. Captain E. J. D. McElwaine, O.B.E. Captain C. C. J. Kellie, from 1st Brahmans.[*] Captain A. G. Lester-Garland, M.C. Captain S. F. Irwin.[*] Captain W. A. Whitehead. Captain J. B. Dalison, from 2/76th. Captain H. T. Davison, from 2/76th.[*] Captain M. J. Murray, from 2/76th.[*] Captain C. G. Sallai, from 2/76th. Lieutenant E. J. Austen.[*] Lieutenant H. W. Murphy. Lieutenant A. W. Lowther. Lieutenant G. E. Attwell.
[*] Seconded.
During the hot weather the Battalion was honoured by being selected to provide the Simla detachment to find the guards on the Residences of His Excellency the Viceroy, and His Excellency the Commander-in-Chief, under the command of Major S. van B. Laing, D.S.O., M.C.
[Sidenote: 1924.]
On November 21st the Battalion left Lucknow and proceeded to Waziristan, arriving at Razani on November 30th. Here it remained for six months, being employed in finding permanent piquets and road protection parties. It then proceeded to join the 7th Brigade at Razmak, and on arrival marched with the Movable Column to Sarwekai and back. This demonstration march occupied fourteen days and a certain amount of sniping was experienced, Subadar Surat Singh and ten other ranks being wounded.
In August the Battalion proceeded to Tauda China for a month, where it provided protection and also working parties in connection with the completion of the circular road. Two men were wounded during this period.
In November the Battalion moved with a column to Piaza Raghza, where it remained for six months performing protective duties in connection with the improvement of the road and convoys, and providing about one company in permanent picquets.
During the Battalion’s tour of duty in Waziristan, 2 men were killed, 1 Indian officer and 13 men wounded, by enemy action.
[Sidenote: 1925.]
In December, 1925, the Battalion, under the command of Lieut.-Colonel A. F. Harper, moved to Nowshera in the North-West Frontier Province, where it formed part of the 4th Brigade.
[Sidenote: 1926.]
Thus, in the 150th year of its existence, the Battalion is serving in Nowshera. Its services in Waziristan have been rewarded by the grant of the General Service Medal, India, with a clasp for “Waziristan, 1921-24,” and it has also been honoured by again being selected to find the detachment at Simla during the hot months.
APPENDICES
APPENDIX I
DECORATIONS AWARDED TO OFFICERS AND MEN.
1. PRIOR TO THE GREAT WAR.
RANK AND NAME. REMARKS.
Subadar-Major Sheik Ibram Pensioned March 17th, 1826, for zealous, active and meritorious service with the 5th Brigade of the Madras Troops on Foreign Service in Arracan, on full pay and staff allowance of Subadar-Major. Presented with a Sword and Palankeen and usual allowance (Rupees 70) for its support. After decease a pension of half the pay of a Subadar-Major to be granted to his nearest heir for the support of his family.
_The Indian Order of Merit, 3rd Class._
626 Private Cotapah Sasseedroog, 1844. 1135 Private Veerapah Sasseedroog, 1844. 773 Private Hyder Ally Khan Panalghur, 1844. 113 Havildar Moodoo Kistuah } 288 L./Naik Mohammed Ghalil } 270 Private Syed Imarm } 185 Drill-Havildar Shaik Abdood Cawder } Azimghur, 1858. 338 L./Naik Mohammed Kassim } 293 Private Mohammed Ally } 273 Private Jyanah }
2. DURING THE GREAT WAR.
_Commander of the British Empire._
Lieut.-Colonel R. H. Dewing (retired).
_Distinguished Service Order._
Major N. V. L. Rybot. Captain P. B. Bharucha, I.M.S. Captain G. v. R. Reyne. Major E. Milford. Major S. van B. Laing.
_Order of the British Empire._
Captain E. J. D. MacElwaine. Honorary Captain Ajab Khan.
_Military Cross._
Captain S. van B. Laing.
_Order of British India, 1st Class._
Subadar-Major Ajab Khan.
_Order of British India, 2nd Class._
Subadar-Major Ajab Khan. Subadar-Major Hussain Shah. Subadar Indar Singh. Subadar Sundar Singh. Subadar Bahadur Shah.
_Indian Order of Merit, 2nd Class._
Subadar-Major Ajab Khan. 894 Havildar Kesar Singh. 1029 Naik Karam Dad. 1549 Sepoy Shiv Ram. Subadar Mehdi Khan. 1009 Sepoy Burhan Ali. 880 Naik Ram Singh. 1326 Sepoy Jalam. 398 Sepoy Bagga Khan. 533 L./Naik Hukam Singh. 536 Naik Sundar Singh. 313 Havildar Ganda Singh. Subadar-Major Hussain Shah. 773 L./Naik Battan Singh.
_The Indian Distinguished Service Medal._
709 L./Naik Chajja Singh. 1815 Sepoy Karim Dad. 198 Bugler Gul Sher. 172 L./Naik Lal Khan. 991 L./Naik Ban Sher. 1588 Sepoy Badan. 259 Havildar Said Zaman. 1302 Havildar Hamidullah. 1231 L./Naik Nawais Ali. 999 Sepoy Afsar Khan. 996 Sepoy Bostan Khan. 762 Havildar Hukam Dad. 733 Havildar Allah Dad. 510 L./Naik Chajja Singh. 1546 Sepoy Dharam Singh. 1365 Sepoy Thakur Singh. 883 L./Naik Zaman Khan. 1218 Naik Feroze Khan. 1053 Sepoy Sattar Mohommed. 573 L./Naik Badlu. 274 Sepoy Ranjit. 280 Sepoy Mathura. 1638 Sepoy Gobardhan. 1791 Sepoy Harphul. 1610 Sepoy Bela Singh. 589 Sepoy Bakar Khan. 1761 Sepoy Sajawal Khan. 1495 Sepoy Sher Dil. 688 Sepoy Feroze Khan. 1499 Sepoy Mah Wali. 1866 Sepoy Nadir Ali. 915 Sepoy Ganga Sahai. Subadar Bahadur Shah. Subadar Hussain Shah. Jemadar Ram Sarup. Jemadar Gulzara Singh. 529 Sepoy Ishar Singh. 1301 Ward Orderly Ralla Singh. Sub-Assistant Surgeon Barkatullah (Indian Subordinate Medical Department). 73 Havildar Gul Sher. 1941 Sepoy Ram Nath. Subadar Ghulam Mohommed. 773 L./Naik Battan Singh. 414 Havildar Narain Singh. 693 Havildar Kalandar Khan. 1033 Havildar Feroze Khan. 304 Havildar Bhola Singh. 675 Havildar Mangi Sher. 533 Havildar Hukam Singh. 881 Havildar Jamna Das. 710 Havildar Beant Singh. 793 Havildar Shan Khan.
_Bar to the Indian Distinguished Service Medal._
573 Havildar Badlu.
_Foreign Orders._
RANK AND NAME. NAME OF ORDER.
Subadar Bahadur Shah French Croix de Guerre. Subadar Ghulam Mohammed French Croix de Guerre. Honorary Captain Ajab Khan Hedjaz Order. 943 Havildar Nand Singh Serbian Order of Karageorgewich.
_Granted Honorary King’s Commissions._
RANK AND NAME. RANK GRANTED.
Subadar-Major Ajab Khan Captain. Subadar-Major Hussain Shah Lieutenant. Subadar-Major Ahmad Khan Lieutenant. Subadar-Major Indar Singh Lieutenant.
_The Meritorious Service Medal._
932 Sepoy Abdul Rehman. 942 Havildar Fazal Dad. 999 Naik Afsar Khan. 2068 Naik Bahadur Khan. 881 Colour-Havildar Jamna Das. 1645 Havildar-Major Rafiullah. 1127 Havildar Des Raj. 1384 Naik Hari Ram. 3694 Sepoy Gur Narain.
APPENDIX II.
MENTIONED IN DESPATCHES.
KHAFAJIYAH, 1915.
Lieut.-Colonel A. C. H. Smithett. Major C. L. Perrin. Lieutenant R. D. E. Darell. Subadar-Major Ajab Khan. Jemadar Mehdi Khan. 894 Havildar Kesar Singh. 709 L./Naik Chajja Singh. 1029 L./Naik Karam Dad. 1815 L./Naik Karim Khan. 198 Bugler Gul Sher. 172 L./Naik Lai Khan. 991 L./Naik Ban Sher. 999 Sepoy Afsar Khan. 996 Sepoy Bostan Khan. 1271 L./Naik Nawais Ali. 1549 Sepoy Shiv Ram. 1588 Sepoy Badan. 1638 Sepoy Gobardhan. 1927 Sepoy Harphul. 1302 Naik Hamidullah. 259 Havildar Said Zaman. 589 Naik Bakar Khan. 1610 Sepoy Bela Singh. 536 Naik Sundar Singh. 1009 Sepoy Burhan Ali. 1761 Sepoy Sajawal Khan. 1495 Sepoy Sher Dil. 688 Sepoy Feroze Khan. 1499 Sepoy Mah Wali. 1866 Sepoy Nadir Ali.
EUPHRATES, 1915.
Lieut.-Colonel A. C. H. Smithett. Major C. L. Perrin. Major N. V. L. Rybot. Captain S. van B. Laing. Captain G. van R. Reyne. Lieutenant R. D. E. Darell. Lieutenant E. J. D. McElwaine. 2/Lieutenant R. W. Gosney. 2/Lieutenant N. McD. Hathorn. Subadar-Major Ajab Khan. Subadar Bahadur Shah. Subadar Hussain Shah. Jemadar Gulzara Singh. Jemadar Mehdi Khan. Jemadar Ram Sarup. 880 Naik Ram Singh. 1326 Sepoy Jalam. 398 Sepoy Bagga Khan. Captain P. B. Bharucha (Indian Medical Service). 762 Havildar Hukam Dad. 883 L./Naik Zaman Khan. 733 Havildar Allah Dad. 1218 Naik Feroze Khan. 1053 Sepoy Sattar Mohommed. 673 Sepoy Faiz Talab. 394 Sepoy Jabra Khan. 533 L./Naik Hukam Singh. 323 Colour-Havildar Harnam Singh. 512 L./Naik Hukam Singh. 514 Sepoy Basant Singh. 915 L./Naik Ganga Sahai. 313 Havildar Ganda Singh. 636 Naik Sundar Singh. 510 L./Naik Chajja Singh. 1546 Sepoy Dharm Singh. 1365 Sepoy Thakur Singh. 529 Sepoy Ishar Singh. 1530 Sepoy Mir Zaman. 1494 Sepoy Karam Khan. 1268 Sepoy Kala Khan. 1151 Sepoy Kewal. 1988 Sepoy Attar Singh. 1561 Sepoy Kallu Khan. 573 L./Naik Badlu. 274 Sepoy Ranjit. 280 L./Naik Mathura. Sub-Assistant Surgeon Barkatullah (Indian Subordinate Medical Department). 1301 Ward Orderly Ralla Singh.
CTESIPHON, 1915.
Lieut.-Colonel A. C. H. Smithett. Major C. L. Perrin. Captain G. van R. Reyne. 2/Lieutenant W. Muirhead. Subadar-Major Hussain Shah. 741 Havildar Neki Ram. 1304 Sepoy Gurdiyal. 857 Sepoy Kure. 1941 Sepoy Ram Nath. 73 Havildar Gul Sher. 687 Havildar Bostan Khan. 284 Havildar Nandu Ram.
SIEGE OF KUT-AL-AMARAH.
Major H. J. Cotton (99th). Major N. V. L. Rybot. Captain S. van B. Laing. Captain G. van R. Reyne. Major E. Milford. Subadar Ghulam Mohammed. 414 Havildar Narain Singh. 693 Havildar Kalandar Khan. 1033 Havildar Feroze Khan.
SMYRNA, 1918.
Major N. V. L. Rybot.
1919.
Captain G. van R. Reyne (twice).
APPENDIX III.
THE THIRD AFGHAN WAR: DECORATIONS AND MENTIONS.
SIEGE OF JANDOLA.
RANK AND NAME. DECORATIONS AND MENTIONS.
Captain R. C. Anderson Military Cross. 991 Havildar Bari Sher Indian Order of Merit, 2nd Class. Bhisti Gurdit Singh Indian Order of Merit, 2nd Class.
OPERATIONS AGAINST AFGHANISTAN.
RANK AND NAME. DECORATIONS AND MENTIONS.
74 Havildar Karam Khan Indian Distinguished Service Medal. 2550 L./Naik Kartar Singh Indian Distinguished Service Medal. Lieutenant P. Proctor Mentioned in Despatches. Captain A. Culley Mentioned in Despatches. 991 Havildar Bari Sher Mentioned in Despatches. Jemadar Mohommed Rasul Mentioned in Despatches. 74 Havildar Karam Khan Mentioned in Despatches. 2550 L./Naik Kartar Singh Mentioned in Despatches. Bhisti Gurdit Singh Mentioned in Despatches.
APPENDIX IV.
BRITISH OFFICERS KILLED AND WOUNDED.
RANK AND NAME. REMARKS.
Ensign John Haynes Wounded, Battle of Porto Novo, 1781.
Captain Andrew French Killed on March 29th, 1825, at the attack on the Heights of Arracan.
Lieutenant J. K. Luard Wounded on March 29th, 1825, at the attack on the Heights of Arracan.
Lieutenant F. B. White Wounded on March 29th, 1825, at the attack on the Heights of Arracan.
Lieutenant R. S. Gledstanes Wounded on March 29th, 1825, at the attack on the Heights of Arracan.
Lieutenant F. C. Rynd (20th Wounded near Ningyan (Pyminanah) Madras Infantry), attached North Burma, on August 15th, 1886, 10th Madras Infantry. when on duty with escort for coolies cutting roads.
Lieutenant J. F. Greenwood Killed on November 21st, 1886, when in command of advance guard on the road between Ningyan (Pyminanah), North Burma, and Yemethen.
2/Lieutenant N. G. Hathorn Killed at Nasiriyeh, Euphrates, 14th July, 1915, taking the village of Shakhair.
Lieut.-Colonel A. C. H. Smithett Wounded, Action in the Gurma Safeh, July 5th, 1915; killed, Battle of Ctesiphon, November 22nd, 1915.
Major C. L. Perrin Killed, Battle of Ctesiphon, November 22nd, 1915.
2/Lieutenant R. W. Gosney Killed, Battle of Ctesiphon, November 22nd, 1915.
2/Lieut. G. W. Muirhead Killed, Siege of Kut-al-Amarah, December 12th, 1915.
Lieutenant T. M. Graves Wounded, Action on the Gurma Safeh, July 5th, 1915; killed with Relief Force, Kut-al-Amarah.
Lieutenant A. H. Dobbs Killed with Relief Force, Kut-al-Amarah, April 21st, 1916.
Captain S. M. Bailie (87th Wounded, Action on the Gurma Safeh, Punjabis) July 5th, 1915.
Lieutenant R. D. E. Darell Wounded, Nasiriyeh, July 24th, 1915.
Lieutenant E. J. D. MacElwaine Wounded, Nasiriyeh, July 24th, 1915.
2/Lieutenant C. W. Spowart Wounded, Battle of Ctesiphon, November 22nd, 1915.
Captain G. van R. Reyne Wounded, Siege of Kut-al-Amarah.
Major H. G. Cotton, 99th Infantry Accidentally wounded, Kut-al-Amarah, (attached) June 10th, 1916; died whilst prisoner-of-war, Baghdad, June, 1916.
Major J. J. D. Sillery (retired) Killed in Gallipoli while serving with the Manchester Regt, 1915.
Captain B. H. B. Magrath (resigned) Killed in France while serving with New Armies.
Captain A. G. Dawson (exchanged) Killed in France with Middlesex Regiment.
APPENDIX V.
GREAT WAR CASUALTIES.
BRITISH INDIAN INDIAN OFFICERS. OFFICERS. OTHER RANKS. FOLLOWERS Killed in action 5 5 89 2 Died of wounds 2 — 32 1 Died of disease 2 — 35 3 Wounded 10 13 542 7 Died whilst prisoners of war 1 1 86 15
APPENDIX VI.
LIST OF COMMANDANTS, 1903-1926.
Lieut.-Colonel J. Jackson, 16th Madras Infantry 1903-30/11/05
Lieut.-Colonel T. McKay 1/12/05-25/10/08
Lieut.-Colonel R. H. Dewing 26/10/08-1/10/12
Lieut.-Colonel A. C. Hamilton Smithett 2/10/12-25/11/15 (died of wounds)
Major H. C. Cotton, 99th Infantry, attached } Temporarily during Major N. V. L. Rybot, D.S.O. } the Siege of Kut. Captain E. Milford }
Lieut.-Colonel Rodney-Anderson, from 82nd Punjabis 26/11/15 (Never joined: died in India).
Captain R. D. E. Darell (Acting) On reformation of the Regiment on 1/1/17.
Lieut.-Colonel W. L. Malcolm, from 31st Punjabis 1/3/17-31/1/18
Lieut.-Colonel L. A. Watson, from 74th Punjabis 1/2/18-15/5/18
Lieutenant-Colonel J. F. Woodham 8/6/18-10/11/19
Major S. van B. Laing, D.S.O., M.C. (acting) 11/11/19-31/3/21
Lieut.-Colonel E. Milford, D.S.O. 1/4/21-31/1/25
Lieut.-Colonel A. F. Harper 1/2/25