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Gunner Wilson .....

Posted: Sun Jan 09, 2005 9:51 am
by Moonwatcher
Once again I'm looking at a photo of my dad with his comrades when he was stationed in India between 1946 and 1948. On the back are the words 'In the Himalayas – A photo of comradeship, B Troop India Command'. His release papers show that he served as a gunner with the 72nd Regiment Royal Field Artillery at that time. Other photos show him with a line of 25 pounder field guns (the type that until recently fired the one o clock gun from Edinburgh Castle), presumably in the Himalayan foothills 'waiting for the order to fire'.

The back of the photos also give a list of the names of his comrades and, in some cases, their home towns.

I ask two things;

Would there be any value to anyone in listing the names of those mentioned?

Does anyone have any reference material that would shed light on the activities of the
72 Rgt RFA in India 1946-48?

I've tried unsuccessfully to obtain information through many on-line sources but it appears as though the British Army's involvement in this period of India's history (Partition) has been wiped from the record.

Thanks

Bob.

The Gunners

Posted: Sun Jan 09, 2005 4:07 pm
by mesklin
Bob

Is always value in listing the other names. Most of the history of that period is in personal recollections.
It was a period when Great Britain couldn't ditch its Empire fast enough! I remember one squaddie who was demobbed in Burma, and left to find his own way home. War had finished in May1945 (in Europe) and nobody wanted to know about war any more. Truly, was 'The Forgotten Army'.
By the time of Indian Partition, was mad race to get out before the two sides started first (of several) wars.

The End of Empire was not one of Britain's glorious eras. So very few Brits wanted to know about it, and all the newly independant countries started to re-write their histories.

Dave
[Always interested in the bits that were lost]

Posted: Sun Jan 09, 2005 4:35 pm
by Moonwatcher
Hi Dave.

'Forgotten Army' is certainly the appropriate expression in this case.
Here are the inscriptions and names on the back of the photos for anyone who may be interested.

Photo 1

Feb. 1947
One Englishman and Four Jocks
Gnr Middleton of Wolverhampton
Gnr Wilson of Glasgow
Gnr Russell of Falkirk
Gnr MacLean of Dundee
Gnr Smith of Elgin

'A photo of Comradeship of B. Troop. India Command.'


Photo 2

Feb. 1947
Driver E. Hurst.
Driver J. Preece.
Gnr. B. Middleton
Gnr. R Wilson (me)

'The Guard on The Gun is Gnr. G Yeatman.'


Photo 3

May 1947
The Four Jocks
Jock Smith (Elgin)
Jock MacLean (Dundee)
Jock Reid (Glasgow) and Myself

'P.S. All reading the final results of the first round of the Scottish Cup Season 1946-47'

Another photo with no names shows a line of 25 pounder field guns lined up near some woodland with the crews sitting in groups. An inscription on the back reads 'In the Himalayas – waiting for the order to fire'. There's no date.

Cheers

Bob.

Posted: Thu Jan 20, 2005 3:06 pm
by CatrionaL
Bob,
I seem to remember you asking if anyone knew of sites for Indian research.
I've recently comme across two. Perhaps you know them already. In that case they may be useful to someone else.

Army cemeteries:

www.indian-cemeteries.org

East India Company Records:

http://search.fibis.org/

Can't wait for Sunday!

Catriona

Posted: Fri Jan 21, 2005 12:17 pm
by Moonwatcher
Thanks for that Catriona,

Had a look at these sites last night and I've saved them for future reference. As far as I'm aware none of my family ever died in India so the cemetery records dont mean much at present - but who knows what lies around the corner? Likewise the East India records relate to to aspects that, at present, dont link in with the old man - but good to have just in case. Thanks again.

Bob.

Posted: Fri Jan 21, 2005 1:16 pm
by mesklin
Bob

A lot of units were transferred from the British Army to the Indian Army upon Independance. It may be that the Artillery Regiment, attached to the appropriate India Division, may have seen action in Kashmir.
India, Pakistan and China have fought it out on that patch, and prompt artillery fire is credited with stopping the Chinese incursions.

The records you want may be in India.

Dave

Posted: Sun Feb 13, 2005 6:41 pm
by HK
Hello Moonwatcher,could your Dad have been involved with the battles in and around Burma at this time.I found an article on this yesterday.If you think it would be of help I'll get you a copy.
HK

Posted: Sun Feb 13, 2005 6:58 pm
by Moonwatcher
Heather,

As I said in my post, the only clue I have is a photo on which he has written 'taken in the Himalayas'. I've been betting on the Kashmir border region, but you've got me thinking now. I'd really like to have have a look at the article you speak of. Thanks.

Bob.

Posted: Fri Aug 26, 2005 8:16 pm
by scouse-proud
BOB, have you searched on 1837online? when i first started out looking for rellies one of the easiet to find was a paternal g/g/father who was stationed in India in 1881 all his children were born there except for my grandmother who was born in England, they even had his marriage although the cert said he was married in Curragh camp Co kildare,he didn't die out in India, so if any of the lads on the photo were married had children or died then it will be there for you to see, it will then give you an idea of the area they were stationed Good luck ...MOE!