077
641
DIARY
OF
2/4th Battalion The Border Regiment,
1914-19.
CARLISLE :
CHAS. THURNAM & SONS, PRINTERS, 11 ENGLISH STREET
1920.
FOREWORD.
THE following pages, compiled chiefly by Captain L. MacGlasson,
are nothing more than a straightforward statement of the doings of
the Battalion. They are put in diary form, and it is hoped will
serve all ranks as a record of the part they took with the Battalion
in the Great War and the Afghan Campaign.
F. W. HALTON, Lieut. -Colonel,
Late Commanding 2 /4th Border Regiment.
9th December, 1920.
Carlisle.
WARRANT OFFICERS AND SENIOR N.C.O.'S WHO
SERVED WITH THE BATTALION IN INDIA.
Date of
Appointment. REGIMENTAL SERGEANT-MAJOR.
24/10/14 Colour Sergeant Instructor "W. A. Price.
30/ 4/15 Company Sergeant-Major F. H. Eender.
7/ 4/17 Company Sergeant-Major P. Harrison.
REGIMENTAL QUARTERMASTER-SERGEANT.
25/10/14 Colour Sergeant A. Molyneux.
20/ 3/17 Company Quartermaster-Sergeant F. W. Hallaway.
16/ 4/18 Company Quartermaster-Sergeant T. P. Welsh.
4/ 2/19 Company Quartermaster-Sergeant P. Wilson.
COMPANY SERGEANT-MAJOR.
Colour Sergeant R. Beamer.
Company Quartermaster-Sergeant J. Hodgson.
Company Quartermaster-Sergeant T. Earl.
Company Quartermaster-Sergeant R. Bell.
Company Quartermaster-Sergeant G. D. Knight.
Company Quartermaster-Sergeant W. Straughan.
Company Quartermaster-Sergeant H. Finlayson.
Company Quartermaster-Sergeant R. Downs.
Company Quartermaster-Sergeant W. Dowson.
Company Quartermaster-Sergeant J. E. Bell.
Sergeant S. Graves.
Company Quartermaster-Sergeant A. Nixon.
COMPANY QUARTERMASTER -SER GEANT .
29 / 1/15 Colour Sergeant G. Barrow.
30/ 4/15 Sergeant G. L. Watson.
16 / 4/18 Sergeant J. Mc.Vey.
16 / 4/18 Sergeant R. Irving.
4/ 2/19 Sergeant J. Davidson.
11 / 7/19 Sergeant E. Merron.
19/10/19 Sergeant T. Atkinson.
19/10/19 Sergeant W. Turner.
ORDERLY ROOM SERGEANT.
28 / 6/16 Colour Sergeant R, P. Wallace.
DIARY.
7,974.
Oct. 24th — The 2 /4th Border Regiment, or the 4th Border (Reserve)
Regiment as it was originally called, was formed during the
Great War, at Kendal, on the 24th October, 1914, under
the command of Lieut. -Col. J. F. Haswell, V.D., with
Captain F. W. Halton, T.D., as Adjutant, and Colour
Sergeant Instructor W. A. Price as Regimental Sergeant-
Major. It consisted of 350 men recruited for the Battalion,
and 193 N.C.O.'s and men, many of whom were recruits
transferred from the I/ 4th Border Regiment on the
departure of that Battalion from Sittingboume, Kent, to
Burmah. The detachment from Sittingboume arrived at
Kendal on the 27th October, 1914, and the whole Battalion
was billeted in the town. The period during which the
Battalion remained at Kendal was spent in preliminary
training, recruiting, and, as far as possible, equipping the
Battalion.
Dec. 1st — C.S.-M. J. J. Brooks, of the 6th Border Regiment,
appointed Lieutenant and Quartermaster.
,, 7th — The Battalion, consisting of 13 officers and 791 other ranks,
proceeded to Blackpool, and was billeted at South Shore,
Battalion Headquarters being established at the Grand
Hotel.
One officer and 10 other ranks were left at Kendal to
form a Depot. The Battalion was attached to the South
Lancashire Brigade, under Brigadier-General Campbell.
No Brigade work was attempted, but preliminary training
was carried out in earnest, the seashore and adjoining
country providing a most excellent training ground. The
four company system was adopted. Squad and company
drill, route marching, preliminary musketry, physical train-
ing and bayonet fighting, night operations and outpost
schemes, were enthusiastically tackled, in spite of the
shortage of rifles and equipment, which proved the most
serious obstacle to training, the shortage of rifles especially
retarding the musketry training.
1914.
During the Battalion's stay at Blackpool the activity
of the German submarines off the mouth of the Mersey and
in the Irish Channel necessitated the patrolling of the
shores. The Battalion had to find the South Shore picket,
which patrolled the shore at night for three miles in the
direction of St. Annes, and also the guard on the South
Shore Pier.
1916.
Jany. 5th — A draft of 30 men arrived from the Depot at Kendal.
,, 12th — The Battalion, together with the remainder of the Brigade,
was inspected by Lieut. -General Sir R. Pole-Carew, K.C.B.,
Inspector-General of the Territorial Force, and on the 15th
a special Brigade Order was published congratulating all
units of the Brigade on their satisfactory appearance at the
inspection.
,, 22nd — A draft of 17 men arrived from the Depot at Kendal.
,, 29th — A draft of 53 men arrived from the Depot at Kendal, com-
pleting the strength of the Battalion.
In January the Battalion was asked to supply a draft
to the 5th Battalion The Border Regiment proceeding to
France, but the request was finally cancelled.
Feby. 16th — Captain V. S. Jones, 4 officers, and 167 other ranks pro-
ceeded to Fleetwood to provide the guards on the Arsenal
and the Harbour.
,, 22nd — The Battalion was asked to volunteer for service in
Burmah. Practically every man volunteered, but owing
to a considerable number being too young for Foreign
Service, only 767 N.C.O.'s and men were available.
Japanese rifles had been received with which to arm the
Battalion. These were, however, never issued, and Lee-
Enfield Mark 1* rifles were substituted. Owing to the
previous shortage of rifles, and the necessity of using a
certain number for guard duties, very few men had fired on
an open range, except some of those transferred from
Sittingbourne, and a small number who were exercised at
Fleetwood.
8
1915.
Feby. 28th — Captain F. W. Haltou, T.D., promoted Major aiid
appointed Second in Command. Lieut. H. Thomson
appointed Adjutant.
Mar. 2nd — Two officers and 329 other ranks were transferred to the
Depot. In order to partially equip the men proceeding to
Burinah it was necessary to take practically every service-
able article of clothing from the men transferred to Kendal.
,, 3rd — The Battalion, consisting of 28 officers and 767 other ranks,
left Blackpool in two parties for Avoumouth.
The final destination of the Battalion was changed from
Burinah to Poona, Bombay Presidency, India. The
Battalion had no mess property, but money grants were
received in lieu.
,, 4th — The Battalion arrived at Avonuiouth at noon, and imme-
diately embarked on H.M.T. Donyola, together with a draft
of East Lancashire R.E.'s and other drafts proceeding over-
seas to various places in the East, and Naval ratings
proceeding to Aden and Bombay. The transport, escorted
by two torpedo boats, sailed at night, but collided shortly
after midnight with a steamer in the Bristol Channel off
Barry, which necessitated the landing of the troops and
women and children in tugs and the ship's boats at Barry,
and the dry docking of H.M.T. Donyola. The Battalion
was thanked for its conduct by the Army Council. (Copy
of the Army Council's letter is appended.)
}> 5th — " C " and " D " Companies were landed at Barry and
quartered at the docks; "A" and " B " Companies were
taken to Cardiff, quartered at the docks, and most hospitably
treated by the National Reserve Detachment of the Man-
chester Regiment.
,, 6th — "A" and " B " Companies returned to Barry, the stores
were transferred from H.M.T. Dongola to H.M.T. Tunisian,
the Battalion embarking on H.M.T. Tunisian the same
night, with Captain John Hall as captain of the transport.
,, 7th — H.M.T. Tunisian left Barry Docks at 10.00 hours, anchored
outside owing to the presence of a German submarine in
the Bristol Channel, and sailed at 23.00 hours, with all
lights out, escorted by two torpedo boat destroyers. Owing
to the fusing of an electric wire a fire broke out at the
moment of sailing, but was extinguished by the ship's crew.
9
1915.
Mar. 8th — 2 /Lieut. G. H. Mc.Vittie (Penrith) died from meningitis
and was buried at sea. Owing to the danger of submarines,
a course was steered well to the West of the usual steamer
route, and land was not sighted until Gibraltar, which was
reached on the morning of the 12th.
,, 12th — After six hours the transport proceeded to Port Said, passing
the Island of Pantalaria oil the morning of the 15th.
,, 19th — Port Said was reached early on the 19th. Officers and
senior N.C.O.'s were allowed two hours ashore, and after
coaling, the transport passed through the lines of the
British and French warships (assembled for the attack on
the Dardanelles) and into the Suez Canal.
,, 24th — Suez was reached the next day, and Aden on the night of
the 24th. The majority of the Naval ratings transferred at
Aden to the Empress of Japan, which was being employed
in maintaining the blockade of the German East African
ports. Aden was left on the afternoon of the 25th, and on
the morning of the 81st Bombay was reached.
,, 31st — The Battalion disembarked in the evening, and left by train
at night for Pooua.
April 1st — Arrived at Poona. Met at Ghorpuri Siding by Brigadier-
General H. T. Brooking, C.B., and the officers of the 2/4th
Wiltshire Regiment, who kindly sent their band to play the
Battalion into the station. Stationed in Ghorpuri Barracks.
Lieut. P. L. Corban-Lucas and 40 other ranks of the 1st
Battalion The Royal Sussex Regiment were attached to the
Battalion as an instructional party. The month of April
was spent in company training and preliminary musketry,
officers and N.C.O.'s being sent to Schools of Instruction at
Quetta, Pachmari, and Satara.
,, 29th — The Battalion was inspected by Major-General C. G. Donald,
Inspector of the Territorial Force in India.
,, 30th — The Battalion took part in the Brigade parade for the
presentation of medals by Brigadier-General H. T. Brooking,
C.B., to the 102nd K.E.O. Grenadiers, lately returned from
Muscat.
10
1915.
May 1st — "A" and " C " Companies, under the command of Captain
J. E. C. Graham, proceeded to Kirkee as the Detachment
for providing the British guards at the Arsenal and Aminui-
tion Factory, in relief of the 2 /4th Wiltshire Regiment.
Musketry was commenced by " B " and " D " Companies
on the Wanowrie range. Owing to the very large number
of recruits in the Battalion, the majority of the men had
to fire both Table A and Table B, which necessitated firing
on the range until the end of May, 1916.
June 1st — The Battalion tactical schemes (an attack on the ridge
and 2nd beyond the Bund Bridge, and the defence of Holkar Bridge)
were carried out under the supervision of Brigadier-General
H. T. Brooking, C.B.
June 19th — One officer and 24 other ranks proceeded from Kirkee to
Bombay, escorting explosives for Mesopotamia and East
Africa.
,, 22nd — Captain M. G. Fisher, 1 officer, and 50 other ranks, left
Pooua to escort 1,200 Turkish prisoners of war from
Mesopotamia by sea from Bombay to Rangoon, proceeding
to the Prisoners of War Camp at Thyetmyo. After the
completion of this duty the escort preceded to Singapore,
brought the Indian mutineers from Singapore to Calcutta,
and thence to Madras, returning by rail to Poona on the
24th July.
July Sth — Inspection of the Battalion by Brigadier-General Cowper,
G.O.C. Poona Divisional Area.
,, 15th — Lieut. E. P. Hardy and the Machine Gun Section proceeded
to Satara.
,, 16th — One officer and 26 other ranks proceeded from Kirkee to
Bombay as escort to ammunition train.
,, 19th — One officer and 26 other ranks proceeded from Kirkee to
Bombay as escort to ammunition train.
,, 31st — "A" and " C " Companies, under the command of Captain
J. E. C. Graham, returned to Headquarters. The Detach-
ment suffered very severely from malaria fever whilst
stationed at Kirkee.
11
1915.
August 4th — Intercession Service at St. Mary's Church, Poona.
,, 13th — Two N.C.O.'s and 13 privates left Poona as a draft to the
1st Battalion The Oxford and Bucks Light Infantry on
service with Expeditionary Force " D." This small draft
was part of General Townshend's force which advanced on
Baghdad, took part in the Battle of Ctesiphon, the subse-
quent retreat, and finally was besieged in Kut.
Oct. 28th — Arroyo dos Molinos Day commemorated and regimental
sports held.
Nov. 12th — " B " and " D " Companies, under the command of Major
G. H. Heelis, who was posted to this Battalion from the
I/ 4th The Border Regiment, proceeded to Kirkee as the
British Infantry Detachment, in relief of the 2/4th Wilt-
shire Regiment.
,, 29th — Headquarters and "A" and " C " Companies left Poona
for Kamptee, Central Provinces.
,, 30th — " B " and " D " Companies, under the command of Major
G. H. Heelis, left Kirkee for Allahabad.
Dec. 1st — Headquarters and "A" and " C " Companies arrived at
Kamptee and relieved the I/ 5th Buffs proceeding to
Mesopotamia, 2 officers and 92 other ranks forming the
Infantry Detachment at Fort Sitabuldi, Nagpur.
,, 2nd — " B " and " D " Companies, under Major G. H. Heelis,
arrived Allahabad and relieved the I/ 5th Hampshire Regi-
ment, 2 officers and 104 other ranks forming the Infantry
Detachment at Fort Allahabad.
At Poona, in spite of a number of men unavailable for
parade owing to guard duties, very substantial progress had
been made in the training of the Battalion. Officers and
N.C.O.'s had attended schools of instruction. Platoon,
company, and battalion drill had been well learned. Pre-
liminary musketry had been finished. Table A had been
fired, and a considerable part of the Battalion had completed
Table B. Scouts and signallers were trained. Simple com-
pany schemes had been carried out, and the Battalion had
learned how to look after itself in India.
,, 14th — Lieut. E. C. Kinghorn proceeded to Mesopotamia and was
attached to 1st Oxford and Biicks Light Infantry.
12
1915.
Dec. 22nd — Inspection of half Battalion by Brigadier-General C. G.
Prendergast, C.B., G.O.C. Jubbulpore Infantry Brigade.
„ 25th— Major F. W. Halton, T.D., appointed D.A.Q.M.G. 6th
(Poona) Divisional Area.
1916.
Jany. 20th — "A" Company proceeded to Sooradavee in order to complete
field firing. Returned 24th January, 1916.
,, 24th — " B " Company proceeded to Shankargarh for company
training. Returned 5th February, 1916.
,, 27th — " C '" Company proceeded to Sooradavee for field firing and
company training. Returned 18th February, 1916.
Feby. 7th — " D " Company proceeded to Shankargarh for company
training. Returned 19th February, 1916.
,, 14th — Inspection of Allahabad Detachment by Major-General
May, G.O.C. the 8th (Lucknow) Division.
,, 18th — "A" Company proceeded to Sooradavee for company train-
ing. Returned 4th March, 1916.
Mar. 7th — Inspection of half Battalion by Brigadier-General C. G.
nnd 8th Prendergast, C.B., G.O.C. Jubbulpore Infantry Brigade,
a company attack, supported by the Machine Gun Section,
being carried out at Sooradavee on the second day.
,, 19th— Headquarters, "A," and " C " Companies left Kamptee
for Peshawar, North-west Frontier Province, having been
relieved by the 1st Garrison Battalion Scottish Rifles.
Whilst at Kamptee the Battalion found the garrison
(strength 2 officers and 92 other ranks) for Fort Sitabuldi,
Nagpur. This Detachment, in addition to the ordinary
duties, were instructed in the artillery and machine guns
which formed part of the armament of the Fort. An
attached section was formed for the Depot of the I/ 5th
Buffs, to which many of that battalion returned from Meso-
potamia sick and wounded after the unsuccessful attempts
to relieve the troops under General Townshend, besieged in
Kut.
The Detachment at Allahabad found the Detachment
for the Allahabad Fort. The companies proceeded to Shan-
kargarh for company training and field firing.
13
1916.
The Detachment was inspected by both the G.O.C.
Allahabad Brigade (Brigadier-General Johnston) and the
G.O.C. the 8th (Lucknow) Division (Major-General May).
Mar. 20th—" B " and " D " Companies left Allahabad for Peshawar,
having been relieved by the 1st Garrison Battalion The
Manchester Regiment.
,, 23rd — " B " and " D " Companies arrived at Peshawar. The
whole battalion was accommodated in mobilisation tents
(opposite the 72nd Punjabi lines), where it remained until
6th May. It was attached to the 1st (Peshawar) Infantry
Brigade, under Brigadier-General L. C. Dunsterville, C.B.,
A.D.C.
,, 29th — The Battalion was inspected by the G.O.C. 1st (Peshawar)
Infantry Brigade.
April 1st — One officer and 70 other ranks took over the duties of the
Peshawar Fort Detachment.
,, 4th — The troops at Peshawar paraded 011 the Brigade Parade
Ground to celebrate the assumption of Viceroy and
Governor-General in India by the Right Honourable Sir
Frederick John Napier Thesiger, P.C., G.C.M.G., G.C.S.I.,
G.C.I.E., Baron Chelmsford.
,, 6th — Tactical scheme by Peshawar Infantry Brigade, under
Brigadier-General L. C. Dunsterville, C.B., A.D.C., between
Shah and Katcha Garhi, "A" Company acting as escort to
the Signal Section beyond Shah on the Michni Road.
,, 20th — The Battalion was inspected by Major-General Sir F. Camp-
bell, K.C.B., G.O.C. 1st (Peshawar) Division.
May 6th — Headquarters, " C," and " D " Companies proceeded to
Gharial Spur, Murree Hills, by route march, from Rawal
Pindi. Arrived llth May.
"A" and " B " Companies moved into Roberts
Barracks, Peshawar.
June 2-5th — A draft of 35 N.C.O.'s and men arrived at Gharial Spur
from the 3 /4th Border Regiment, England.
August 1st — " D " Company left Gharial Spur for Peshawar.
,, 2nd — "A" Company arrived at Gharial Spur from Peshawar.
One officer and 70 other ranks, " D " Company, took
over the duties of the Peshawar Fort.
14
1916.
Aug. 26th — A draft of 3 officers and 243 other ranks arrived at Gharial
Spur from the 3 /4th Border Regiment, England.
Sept. -5th — Inspection of the Battalion at Chamiari Camp by Brigadier-
General H. Isacke, C.M.G., Director of Military Training
India.
,, 8th — Inspection of the Peshawar Detachment by the G.O.C. 1st
(Peshawar) Infantry Brigade.
,, 12th — Inspection of the Battalion at Chamiari Camp by the
Northern Army Commander, Lieut. -General Sir A. A.
Barrett, G.C.B., K.C.S.I.
Captains W. C. S. Angus and R. Hargreaves proceeded to
Mesopotamia, and were attached to the I/ 5th East Kents.
,, 15th — Detachment ordered to be held in readiness to proceed to
Aden for attachment to the 1 /4th Duke of Cornwall's Light
Infantry. This order was subsequently countermanded.
Oct. 1st — The 1st (Peshawar) Division mobilised for active service
against the Mohinands.
,, 3rd — Headquarters, " A," and " C :" Companies left Gharial for
Peshawar. Arrived 7th October, 1916.
,, 23rd — Lieut. J. Glasson proceeded to Shab Kadr on duty as Officer
Commanding Advanced Base Depot. Returned 30th
November.
,, 28th — Arroyo dos Molinos Day commemorated. Battalion shoot,
sports, football match, and concert held.
Nov. 1st — Inspection by G.O.C. 1st (Peshawar) Division (Major-
General Sir F. Campbell, K.C.B., D.S.O.).
,, 12th — Captain V. S. Jones proceeded to Shab Kadr as Officiating
Staff Captain to the 1st (Peshawar) Infantry Brigade.
Returned 4th December.
,, 15th — Captain P. S. Hamilton, 4 officers, and 150 other ranks
proceeded to Adozai, acted as reserve in the engagement
against the Mohmands at Hafiz Kor on the same day, and
afterwards as escort to the 16th Artillery Brigade.
One officer and 70 other ranks of " C ' Company took
over the duties of the Peshawar Fort Detachment.
,, 19th — Two officers and 38 other ranks returned from Adozai.
,, 21st — Captain P. S. Hamilton, 2 officers, and 110 other ranl<<
returned from Adozai.
15
1916.
Nov. 30th — The Battalion moved from the Roberts Barracks into cainp
near Taikal Cemetery. Eight officers arrived from England
for attachment to the Battalion.
Dec. 6th — Two officers arrived from England for attachment to the
Battalion.
,, 7th — A draft of 2 officers and 40 other ranks arrived from the
3 /4th Border Regiment, England.
,, 13th — His Excellency the Commander-in-Chief, General Sir Charles
Munro, K.C.M.G., K.C.B., inspected the troops of the
Peshawar Garrison on the Brigade Parade Ground.
1917.
Jany. 1st — New Year's Day Proclamation Parade under the G.O.C. 1st
(Peshawar) Division.
,, 3rd \ Tactical schemes at Kacha Garhi under Brigadier L. C.
10th, Dunsterville, C.B. Battalion proceeded to and returned
24th, f from Bara on " Kitchener's Test."
31st, }
Feby. 3rd — Ten attached officers proceeded to Anibala.
,, 4th — Mobilisation of the Battalion for the Mohmand Blockade
Line.
,, oth — Inspection by the G.O.C. 1st (Peshawar) Infantry Brigade.
,, 7th — The Battalion (17 officers and 642 other ranks), under the
command of Lieut. -Colonel J. F. Haswell, V.D., proceeded,
with the 5th Gurkhas, to Sadar Garhi, for service on the
Mohmand Blockade Line ; camped for the night in the Peri-
meter Canip, Adozai, the whole force being under Brigadier-
General N. Woodyatt, C.B.
,, Sth — Marched from Adozai to Sadar Garhi. Arrived at 13 hours,
and took over blockhouses Nos. 4 to 16 (inclusive), in relief
of the 1st Battalion The Durham Light Infantry (" C "
Company, Nos. 4 to 7; "A" Company, Nos. 8 to 11; " B "
Company, Nos. 12 to 16; Headquarters, " D " Company,
and one section Mountain Battery in the Perimeter Camp,
Sadar Garhi).
,, 14th — Lieut. L. MacGlasson appointed Adjutant vice Captain
H. Thomson.
,, 22nd — Communication trenches completed from Nos. 5 to 16 block-
houses.
16
1917.
Mar. 1st — Lieut. R. T. Bruckmau, 2 officers, aiid 100 other ranks,
proceeded at 04.30 hours to join the column under Brigadier-
General N. Woodyatt, C.B., for the destruction of the
villages of Jahaugirpura and Wazir Kalai.
Detachment returned at 18.45 hours, having marched
twenty-six miles and destroyed the villages.
,, 7th — One officer and 50 other ranks arrived at Sadar Garhi from
the Depot.
,, 8th — Ten officers arrived at the Depot at Peshawar for attachment
to the Battalion.
,, 10th — Enemy sniped No. 15 Blockhouse during the morning from
sangars on the hill to the north-west.
,, 13th — No. 7 Blockhouse and the listening post on the left attacked
at 20.50 hours by tribesmen from the front and from the
nullah to the east of the blockhouse. The tribesmen were
driven off, the wire remaining intact.
,, 22nd — Tribesmen attempted to break through the wire near No. 11
Blockhouse at 23.30 hours. Driven off by the listening post.
April 5th — Detachment, supported by armoured car, demolished the
sangars 1,700 yards in front of No. 11 Blockhouse.
,, 9th — Five Afghans taken prisoners in front of No. 10 Blockhouse
stated that they had come from Dakka and were proceeding
to Peshawar to draw their allowance as pensioners of the
Indian Army. Sent to Shab Kadr under escort.
,, 10th — His Excellency the Viceroy, Baron Chelmsford, visited the
Mohmand Blockade Line and inspected No. 12 Blockhouse.
The Battalion picketed the Abazai Road near Matta, and
the three hills to the north of No. 12 Blockhouse.
Mohmands sniped the picket on Hill 1461 from 14.00 hours
to 17.30 hours, when the pickets were withdrawn, the
enemy following up the retirement until dispersed by the
fire from No. 8 Mountain Battery.
,, 18th — Took over Nos. 1, 2, and 3 Blockhouses from the Frontier
Constabulary.
,, 24th — Took over Munda Kala Post (1 officer and 25 other ranks)
from the 35th Sikhs.
,, 26th — Relieved at Munda Kala by the 35th Sikhs.
17
1917.
April 28th — Four or five Pathans entered the Bhoosa Agent's tent sixty
yards outside the Sadar Garhi Camp. Sentry fired on the
raiders, and the raiders dispersed, i'he Bhoosa Agent was
brought into the camp seriously wounded and died shortly
afterwards.
,, 29th — Relieved by the 106th Hazara Pioneers, who took over Nos.
1 to 1C Blockhouses (inclusive) from the Battalion.
,, 30th — Left Sadar Ghari and marched to Nagamou. Bivouacked
for the night.
May 1st — Marched from Nagoman to Peshawar. Strength of Battalion
returning 14 officers, G attached officers, and 627 other ranks.
The Moniand Blockade Line stretched for seventeen
miles from the gorge on the Swat River to the Kabul River
beyond Michni Fort. The line consisted of a chain of block-
houses from 300 to 1,000 yards apart, built on the north
side of the Michni-Abazai Road, but clear of the foothills.
A barbed wire entanglement was built from end to end
of the line, with live wire placed in front. A communica-
tion trench was dug, connecting all the blockhouses, along
which listening posts were stationed between dusk and
dawn. Brigade Headquarters were established at Fort
Shab Kadr, while Battalion Headquarters were estab-
lished at Sadar Garhi, Shab Kadr, Subaii Khwar, and
Michni, a Detachment of the 35th Sikhs being at Abazai
Fort and the Frontier Constabulary at Matta.
,, 4th — One officer and 71 other ranks of " D " Company took over
the duties of the Infantry Detachment at Fort Peshawar.
,, llth — Headquarters and "A" Company proceeded to Lower
Gharial, Murree Hills.
,, 12th — " D " Company proceeded to Gharial.
,, 13th — Detachment of 2 officers and 150 other ranks proceeded to
Nowshera.
,, 17th — Headquarters and "A" Company arrived at Lower Gharial.
,, 18th — " B " Company arrived at Lower Gharial.
June 1st — Lieut. E. P. Hardy and 18 other ranks proceeded to Mhow
on transfer to the 4th Machine Gun Corps.
,, 15th — A draft of 40 N.C.O.'s and men arrived from the 3/4th
Border Regiment, England.
18
1917.
July 1st — Lieut. -Colonel J. F. Haswell, V.D., relinquished the com-
mand of the Battalion on transfer to the R.A.M.C.
8th— Lieut.-Colonel J. F. Haswell, V.D., left Lower Gharial
for Quetta.
,, 25th — Lieut. J. L. Strang and 40 other ranks proceeded to Mhow
on transfer to the Machine Gun Corps.
August 6 th— Lieut.-Colonel F. W. Halton, T.D., from D.A.Q.M.G. Gth
(Poona) Division, assumed command oi' the Battalion vice
Major G. H. Heelis, relieved.
Sept. 25th — A draft of 123 N.C.O.'s and men arrived at Bombay from
England, and proceeded to Cherat, N.W.F.P.
Nov. 1st — " B " Company left Lower Gharial for Cherat.
,, 2nd — Headquarters and "A" Company left Lower Gharial for
Cherat.
,, 5th — Peshawar Detachment left Peshawar for Cherat, by road.
Nowshera Detachment left Nowshera for Cherat.
,, 7th — The Battalion arrived at Cherat.
,, llth — "A" and " B " Companies proceeded to Dag on company
training.
,, 28th — Inspection by G.O.C. 1st (Peshawar) Division (Major-
General Sir F. Campbell, K.C.B.).
,, 29th — " C " and " D " Companies proceeded to Dag on company
training; "A" and " B " Companies returned to Head-
quarters. A draft of 70 N.C.O.'s and men arrived from the
3 /4th Border Regiment, England.
Dec. 12th — Celebrated "Arroyo dos Molinos " Day. Sports in the
afternoon, football match and concert at night.
,, 28th — Brigadier-General G. D. Crocker assumed the command of
the 1st (Peshawar) Infantry Brigade vice Brigadier-
General L. C. Dunsterville, C.B., A.D.C., proceeded on
service.
1918.
Jany. 1st — New Year's Day. Station parade.
,, 12th — The Battalion (15 officers and 4G7 other ranks) proceeded to
Jallozai for battalion training.
,, 23rd — The Battalion left Jallozai and proceeded to Nowshera
Thana.
19
1918.
Jany. 24th — The Battalion left Nowshera Thana and arrived at Walai
for brigade training with the 1st Infantry Brigade, con-
sisting of 2nd Battalion Somerset Light Infantry, the 15th
Sikhs and the 35th Sikhs, No. 6 Mountain Battery, No. 263
Machine Gun Company ; one squadron 33rd Cavalry and one
section 1st Sappers and Miners were attached to the Brigade.
Feby. 1st — Inspection of the Brigade in the field by the G.O.C. 1st
and 2nd (Peshawar) Division.
Feby. 4th — Inspection of Brigade in the field by the Northern Army
and 5th Commander (General Sir A. A. Barrett, K.C.B.).
Feby. 7th— The Battalion left Walai. Arrived Nowshera Thana 7th,
Pabbi 8th, Upper Dag 9th, Cherat 10th.
,, 20th — Inspection of the Battalion by Brigadier-General G. D.
Crocker, G.O.C. 1st Infantry Brigade.
April 22nd — "A" Company left Cherat for Peshawar.
•M 2.fo7— Headquarters, " C," and " D " Companies left Cherat for
Lower Gharial.
,, 24th — "A" Company arrived at Peshawar.
,, 29th — Headquarters, " C," and " D " Companies arrived at Lower
Gharial.
May 2nd — " B " Company marched from Cherat to Nowshera via the
Manki Pass.
Nov. 1st — Headquarters, " C," and " D " Companies left Lower
Gharial for Cherat.
,, 7th — Arrived Cherat and joined " B " Company, which had left
Nowshera in October, marching to Cherat via the Manki
Pass.
,, 16th — Station parade to hear the Armistice terms read.
,, 20th — The Battalion celebrated the signing of the Armistice.
,, 22nd — Ten days' holiday by order of the Commander-in-Chief,
India.
Dec. 12th— Headquarters, " B," " C," and " D " Companies left
Cherat for Peshawar. Arrived 14th, quartered in the
Khyber Barracks.
20
1919.
Jany. 1st — New Year's Day. Proclamation parade under the G.O.C.
1st (Peshawar) Division.
,, 5th — Brigade tactical scheme near Kacha Garhi and Jamrud.
,, 6th — The Battalion moved into Taikal Camp.
Feby. 19th — Tactical scheme under G.O.C. 1st Infantry Brigade west of
Pallozai Khwar.
April llth — Advance party proceeded to Lower Barian.
,, 18th — Disturbances in Peshawar City.
and 19th
May 6th — Received orders to mobilise against Afghanistan.
,, 7th — Mobilisation completed. Strength, 17 officers and 548 other
ranks.
,, 8th — Detachment, 1 officer and 60 other ranks, proceeded to
Risalpur as protection to the Royal Air Force aerodrome.
,, 10th — Detachment, 1 officer and 64 other ranks, .stationed at Camp-
bellpur also proceeded to Risalpur.
,, 13th — The Signal Section (1 officer and 26 other ranks) arrived from
Lower Barian.
,, 16th — The Battalion moved from Taikal Camp into Roberts
Barracks.
,, 20th — Detachment of 1 officer and 12 other ranks provided for the
armoured train between Pabbi and Jamrud.
,, 26th — One officer and 49 other ranks arrived from Lower Barian.
A picket of 1 officer and 11 other ranks provided for the
Bara Aqueduct nightly until 31st May.
,, 28th — Captain A. W. Anderson, 2 officers, and 100 other ranks
proceeded to Kohat at 14.00 hours to join the Thai Relief
Force.
,, 29th — The Detachment arrived at Kohat at 06.00 hours, and pro-
ceeded to Hangu by motor lorries at 10.00 hours.
,, 30th — The Detachment joined the Thai Relief Force under
Brigadier-General R. E. H. Dyer, C.B. Left Hangu at
16.00 hours and marched to Togh, arriving 23.30 hours.
,, 31st— The Detachment left Togh at 04.00 hours, marched to
Doaba (17£ miles), arriving 12.00 hours.
21
1919.
June 1st — The Detachment left Doaba at OG.OO hours as escort to the
artillery. The artillery came into action near the aero-
drome N.N.E. of Thai. Bivouacked for the night on the
artillery position.
,, 2nd — The armoured train between Pabbi and Jamrud was attacked
and partly derailed by tribesmen between Kacha Garhi and
Jamrud at 00.30 hours. Corporal Murray and Private
Brown of " C " Company wounded.
The Detachment with the Thai Relief Force moved out
at 09.00 hours and attacked the enemy holding a small hill
north of Thai, the enemy evacuating the position. Returned
to camp at 14.30 hours.
,, 3rd — The Detachment proceeded four miles on the Parachinar
Road beyond Thai, forded the Kurram River, and marched
to the Afghan camp at Yusuf Khel. The camp was found
deserted except for two wounded Afghans. Returned to
Thai.
,, 4th — Captain Anderson, 4 officers, and 200 Indian ranks, pro-
ceeded to Yusuf Khel to clear the camp and ammunition
dump abandoned by the Afghans. Returned 19.30 hours.
,, 6th — The Detachment from Risalpur (2 officers, 120 other ranks)
returned to Peshawar.
,, 8th — The Thai Detachment left by train for Kohat and proceeded
to Peshawar.
,, 9th — The Detachment arrived Peshawar and bivouacked at the
City Station.
,, 10th — The Detachment proceeded to the Cholera Segregation Camp
at Budni Bridge, returning to Headquarters on the 19th.
,, 13th — Two pickets of 16 N.C.O.'s and men provided to form part
of the cordon at night around the cantonment.
Section taken over, Taikal Road to Jamrud Road.
,, 21st — Fifteen officers and 282 other ranks proceeded at 01.30 hours
to Bara, less 2 officers and 80 other ranks who preceded
Headquarters at 20.00 hours on the 20th to picket the
villages of Sarband and Pushta Khera during the night
20 /21st, rejoining at Bara at 05.45 hours.
The Battalion formed part of the force under Major-
General Shepherd to clear the Kajauri Plain of raiders, who
had been active at Peshawar, Kacha, Garhi, and Bara.
Forty prisoners taken. Battalion left Bara at 11.30 hours,
reaching Peshawar at 13.30 hours.
22
1919.
July 17th — The Armoured Train Detachment cancelled.
,, 24th — Escort of 1 N.C.O. and 3 men provided for His Excellency
and 26th the Comniander-in-Chief during his visit to Dakka and the
Peshawar area.
,, 28th — Believed of the two pickets between Jainrud and Taikal
Roads.
Aug. 10th — A guard of 1 officer and 54 other ranks provided for His
and 14th Excellency the Viceroy during his visit to Dakka and the
Peshawar area.
,, 12th — Inspection of the Peshawar area troops by His Excellency
the Viceroy.
,, 23rd — Lieut. B. F. Chester appointed Adjutant vice Captain L.
MacGlasson, resigned on transfer to Home Establishment.
In addition to finding the Detachments for Thai,
Risalpur, &c., the Battalion found the Infantry Detach-
ment for Peshawar Fort, and a very large number of the
garrison guards. At the commencement of the Afghan War,
owing to the departure of the Regular Battalions, the
Battalion had to find all the duties in the station, the men
remaining on permanent guards from ten to fourteen days
until relieved by battalions from other Divisions. Numerous
escorts had also to be found to proceed to Dakka and Jamrud
with the Northern Army Commander, Afghan Envoys,
prisoners, ammunition, &c.
The Battalion was from time to time under the com-
mand of Major G. H. Heelis whilst Lieut. -Colonel Halton,
T.D., was employed as Commanding Peshawar Station,
Administrative Commandant Peshawar, on the Lines of
Communication, vice Brigadier-General Lane, and com-
manding Peshawar Divisional Area vice Brigadier-Genenil
L. Y. Campbell, C.M.G.
Sept. 8th — Peace Treaty with Afghanistan signed.
,, 13th — Six officers and 200 other ranks proceeded to Cherat.
,, 20th — A draft of 27 men left Peshawar for demobilisation.
,, 30th — Six officers and 200 other ranks returned to Peshawar from
Cherat.
23
1919.
Oct. 13th — A draft of 53 men left Peshawar for demobilisation.
,, 19th — A draft of 77 men left Peshawar for demobilisation.
,, 23rd — A draft of 4 officers and 104 other ranks left Peshawar for
demobilisation .
.,, 26th — A draft of 1 officer and 111 other ranks left Peshawar for
demobilisation.
Nov. 7th — A draft of 3 officers and 69 other ranks left Peshawar for
demobilisation.
,, llth — The Battalion, consisting of 13 officers and 202 other ranks,
left Peshawar for demobilisation, having been on the North-
west Frontier for 3 years and 8 months without the loss of
a single rifle or a round of ammunition. The band of the
2nd Battalion Somerset Light Infantry played the Battalion
to the railway station.
,, 15th — The Battalion embarked at Bombay on H.M.T. Friedrichsruh
for England.
Dec. 9th — The Battalion disembarked at Plymouth and proceeded to
its various dispersal stations, with the exception of a Cadre
of 3 officers and 7 other ranks, which entrained for Kendal.
The Cadre was subsequently moved to the Infantry Drill
Hall, Carlisle, and from there dispersed on the 31st
January, 1920.
24
DIED.
Date.
No. Rank. Name. Coy. Place of Death.
Home.
1915.
8th March 2460 2/Lieut. Mc.Vittie, G. H. C At Sea, on Board Penrith
H.M.T. Tunisian
2 1st July 2461 Private Clarkson, R. D. A Station Hospital, Kendal
Wanowrie
9th Nov. 1665 Corporal Prickett, T. H. A
22nd Nov. 2244 Private Walker, H.
22nd Nov. 200591 L/Cpl. Thomas, B.
1916.
25th May 2693 Private Keddie, R.
27th May 2875 Private Walker, J.
30th May 2477 Drummer Park, J. T.
22nd June 2271 Private Parmley, W.
25th June 2963 Private Tinkler, W.
30th June 2509 Private Qoudie, F.
8th July 2909 Private Forster, H. W. B
20th Aug. 1696 Corporal Pearson, F.
A
Do.
Ambleside
D
Killed in Action,
Ctesiphon
Carlisle
0
Died of Wounds.
Ctesiphon
Carlisle
A
Station Hospital,
Peshawar
Carlisle
D
Station Hospital,
Gharial Spur
Kirkby Thore
D
Station Hospital,
Peshawar
Carlisle
C
Asia Minor
(Prisoner of War)
Penrith
B
Station Hospital,
Peshawar
Carlisle
B
Do.
Do.
B
Do.
Do.
B
Do.
Penrith
24th Nov. 1753 Private Bond, H. C. B Whilst Interned, Milnthorpe
Konia, Asia Minor
1917.
20th June 201445 Private Atkinson, G. B Station Hospital, Stav«ley
Murree
25
Date.
No. Bank. Name. Coy. Place of Death. Home.
1917.
24th Sept. 201719 Private Pugmire, R. A Station Hospital.
Peshawar
— Oct. Lieut. Sewell, W. A. B B. E. F., France
1918.
7th March 200233 Corporal Irving, J. G. D Station Hospital,
Burhan Camp
23rd May 34481 Private Mc.Gee, J. D Station Hospital,
Peshawar
10th July 203517 Private Thompson, J. T. A
12th July 202172 Private Pearson, W. C
13th July 203580 Private Me. Sherry, J. A
Do.
Do.
Do.
Penrith
Lynsteacl,
Kent
Carlisle
Whitehaven
Burnley
Manchester
Whitehaven
22nd July 203604 Private Barker, C. H. A
29th July 200473 Private Gibson, J.
14th Aug. 202017 Private Cross, B.
Do.
Kirkby Thore
A B.E.F., Mesopotamia Windermere
D Station Hospital, Preston
Peshawar
12th Sept. 201806 Corporal Proctor, J. D Station Hospital, End Moor
Gharial
23rd Sept. 201793 L/Cpl. Gibson, J.
22nd Oct. 201559 Private Birkett, R.
23rd Oct. 201424 Private Hetherington, W. A
D Malaria Convalescent Sedbergh
Dep6t, Dagshai
A Station Hospital, Kendal
Peshawar
26th Oct. 200666 Private Douthwaite, H. A
Do.
Do.
Carlisle
Brampton
30th Oct. 201572 Private Brown, F.
D
Do.
Patterdale
Date.
No.
Rank. Name.
Coy.
Place of Death.
Home.
1918.
1st Nov.
203656
Private Kirk, B. J.
A
Station Hospital,
Peshawar
Carlisle
1st Nov.
203634
Private Telford, G.
B
Station Hospital,
Nowshera
Caldbeck
5th Nov.
201095
L/Cpl. Little, T. E.
A
Station Hospital,
Peshawar
Cotehill
7th Nov.
200604
Private Teasdale, F.
A
Do.
Kendal
13th Nov.
201475
Private Handford
C
Station Hospital,
Cherat
Threlkeld
14th Nov.
201428
Private Grisdale, E.
B
Station Hospital,
Peshawar
Penrith
16th Nov.
202090
L/Cpl. Walker, J.
C
Station Hospital,
Cherat
Birkenhead
6th Dec.
200475
Private Henshaw, H.
C
Station Hospital,
Peshawar
Kendal
1919.
19th March
203532
Private Mitchell, S.
C
Peshawar
Liverpool
24th June 10327 Private Cuthbert, H. A B.G.H., Rawalpindi Montrose
24th June 203127 Private Ellis, J.
Do.
24th Sept. 201252 Corporal Thompson, W. D Line of March, Graamere
Jallozai
28th Sept. 201401 Private Pryce, A.
30th Sept. 200554 Sergt. Proctor, G.
A Station Hospital, Braitbwaite
Cherat
A Station Hospital, Heversham
Peshawar
27
WOUNDED.
Date.
No Rank.
Name.
Coy.
Unit.
Theatre of
War.
1915.
22nd Nov.
1455 L/Cpl. Irving, J. G. D 1st Oxford & Bucks Ctesiphon,
L. I. Mesopotamia
22nd Nov. 1753 Private Bond, H. O.
D
Do.
Do.
22nd Nov. 1844 Private Button, J. W. D
Do.
Do.
22nd Nov. 2855 Private Sitith, J. E. B
Do.
Do.
22nd Nov. 2295 L/Cpl. Thomas, B. C
Do.
Do.
22nd Nov. 2980 Private Megahy, T. B
Do.
Do.
22nd Nov. 1899 Private Inman, W. T. C
1918.
10th March
Do.
Do.
Mesopotamia
Lieut. Kinghorn, E. C. D Attached 30th
Squadron, R.F.C.
1919.
2nd June 20091 Corporal Murray, W. J. C 2/4th Border Regt. Afghan Cam
paign
2nd June 200894 Private Brown, G.
C
Do.
Do.
1916.
7th Jan.
29th April
29th April
PRISONERS OF WAR.
2956 Private Sanderson, T. B Attached l/5th
Buffs
Simik, Su'ad
Mesopotamia
2471 Private Jackson, >S.
2271 Private Parmley, W.
C Attached 1st Oxford Kut, Mesopo-
& Bucks L.I. taniia
C
Do.
Do.
29th April 1753 Private Bond, H. O. D
Do.
Do.
28
ANNUAL INSPECTION REPORTS.
•5th July, 1915.
The men are cheerful and work well and keenly. In spite of the
numerous Station duties, the Battalion should be fit for service in
another four months after completion of musketry training.
A contented spirit pervades all ranks. A good, useful Battalion.
(Signed) H. T. BROOKING, C.B.,
Brigadier- General,
Commanding Poona Brigade and Divisional Area.
A satisfactory report.
Adjutant-General for Commander-in-Chief in India.
30th September, 1915.
1916. A satisfactory report.
Adjutant-General for Commander-in-Chief in Jndia.
15th November, 1916.
8th Feb. 1917.
The Regiment is fit for war and well trained in all branches.
Their fire and discipline will now be tested on the Mohmand Blockade
Line. The efficiency of the Battalion has improved since last year.
Officers and men work well. The interior economy is good.
(Signed) L. C. DUNSTERVILLE, C.B., A. B.C.,
Brigadier-General,
Commanding the Peshawar Infantry Brigade.
The officers and non-commissioned officers are competent, and
their standard of efficiency as commanders is rising. The rank-aud-
file are physically a fine body of men, well behaved, and keen. The
Battalion shows marked improvement since coming into the Division
five months ago. It is now on the Mohmand Blockade Line, and is
reported to me by the General commanding there to be taking its
place satisfactorily in the Brigade. I consider credit is due to
Lieut. -Colonel Haswel'l for the satisfactory condition of the Battalion.
It is fit for active service.
(Signed) SIR F. CAMPBELL, K.C.B., D.S.O.,
Major-General,
Commanding 1st (Peshawar) Division.
29
I have not seen this Battalion at field training.
It has a fine, smart, well-turned-out body of men, and a keen
lot of officers, so that it ought to do well.
(Signed) A. A. BARRETT,
Lieut. -General,
Commandinff Northern Army.
25th June, 1917.
A very satisfactory report.
Adjutant-General in India for Commander-in-Chief in India.
6th March, 1918.
20th Feb. 1918.
This Battalion is well trained, and has attained a high standard
of efficiency. Drill is very steady and smart, and work on manoeuvre
particularly good. All details of training are thoroughly and care-
fully attended to. The officers as a whole are very zealous, and
possess considerable knowledge of their work. The men are keen, well
disciplined, and show a Arery good spirit. Taking the pre-war
standard of a Regular Battalion as 100, I fix the standard of this
Battalion as 85. Interior economy satisfactory. Fit for service.
(Signed) G. D. CROCKER,
Brigadier-General,
Commanding Peshawar Infantry Brigade.
A well-commanded, well-officered unit. The rank-and-file are
steady ; movement is brisk. All ranks take an interest in training
matters. The standard attained is high, and a very good tone exists
throughout. Fit for service.
(Signed) SIR F. CAMPBELL, K.C.B., D.S.O.,
Lieut. -General,
Commanding 1st (Peshawar) Division.
I was much pleased with what I saw of this Battalion during
Brigade training. The men are very quick movers across country,
and all ranks give evidence of having been carefully instructed.
(Signed) A. A. BARRETT,
General,
Commanding Northern Command.
27th May, 1918.
30
A very satisfactory report.
Adjutant-General for Commander-in-Chief in India.
April, 1919.
28th Jan. 1919.
Instruction and training in all subjects is carried out very
thoroughly. The instructors are particularly capable and up to date,
and the men are keen. Drill is steady and smart, and work on
manffiuvres very good. A well-organised and efficient Battalion.
The officers have a good knowledge of their work, and take an interest
in it. The men are well disciplined, keen, and anxious to do well.
I have a high opinion of this Battalion. It is fit for service. Interior
economy satisfactory.
(Signed) G. D. CROCKER,
Brigadier-General,
Commanding 1st Infantry Brigade .
A very well-disciplined Battalion. All ranks take a pride in
maintaining a soldierly bearing. I have always had confidence in
this unit as being well trained, a valuable asset in the Division,
and as being one which would always do creditably in the field.
This view I maintain. Fit for service.
(Signed) SIR F. CAMPBELL, K.C.B., D.S.O.,
Commanding 1st (Peshawar) Division.
INSPECTION REPORTS BY THE INSPECTOR OF INFANTKY
(NORTHERN).
June, 1917.
I was most favourably impressed throughout by all the work I saw.
Training is being carried out on very sound lines. Great attention is p;ii<l
to detail, and reflects great credit on all concerned.
LETTER FROM GENERAL STAFF IST (PESHAWAR) DIVISION TO THE G.O.C.
IST (PESHAWAR) INFANTRY BRIGADE ENCLOSING ABOVE.
In forwarding a copy of the report of the inspection of the 2 /4th
Border Regiment by the Inspector of Infantry Northern, I am to request
that you will convey to the Officer Commanding the Battalion the pleasure
it gives the Divisional Commander to receive this excellent report.
20th August, 1917.
31
July, 1918.
I only saw Headquarters and two Companies, the other two Com-
panies being on Detachment in the 1st Division. I was satisfied with the
standard of training reached, and all ranks appeared keen.
3rd January, 1919.
This is a very well trained Battalion, which is the more creditable as
it has been much split up, and in places where there was not good
ground. The men are particularly pleasant spoken and keen to do well.
They are very well turned out, and the N.C.O.'s particularly are exceed-
ingly smart and well taught. It would be difficult to find a battalion
with a better spirit or more anxious to do well.
LETTER FROM THE ARMY COUNCIL.
23rd April, 1915.
Sir,
I am commanded by the Army Council to request that your
Excellency will be good enough to inform the Officer Commanding 2 /4th
Border Regiment that the Council have been glad to receive a good report
of the discipline and conduct of the Battalion during the accident to
H.M.T. Donyola on the 5th March last, and during its subsequent transfer
to another ship.
I am, Sir,
Your obedient Servant,
(Signed) B. B. CUBITT.
To His Excellency the Commander-in-Chief in India,
Army Headquarters, India.
COPY or A LETTER FROM His EXCELLENCY THE COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF IN
INDIA TO OFFICERS, NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS AND MEN OF THE
2/4TH (CUMBERLAND AND WESTMORLAND) BATTALION THE BORDER
REGIMENT : —
On your departure from India, I desire to place on record my high
appreciation of your services to the Empire during the period of the
Great War.
Many of you previous to the outbreak of war had, by joining the
Territorial Force, already given proof of that patriotism and public spirit
for which the Force has rendered itself so conspicuous.
32
On the declaration of war your ranks were quickly filled by eager
volunteers, animated by the same spirit of self-sacrifice ; when called upon
to undertake the further obligation of service overseas your response was
immediate and unanimous. By so doing you set free a large number of
Regular units for service in the main theatres of war, at a time when
every trained soldier was of the greatest value.
I share with you the disappointment, which I know you all feel so
keenly, that it has not been your luck to fight the enemy in Europe.
Many of you, however, have seen service on the Indian Frontier, and by
your conduct and bearing have added to the reputation of the famous
regiments whose names you bear.
For the greater portion of your service in India you have been
engaged in the somewhat dull routine of garrison duty. The standard
of efficiency which you attained, both in training for war and in
discipline, reflects the highest credit on you all.
Since the termination of active fighting in all the theatres of war you
have been subjected to the further stress of waiting for your relief. That
you have appreciated the difficulties which the authorities have had to
face in this respect is clear from the patience with which you have borne
this trying period.
You are now returning to your homes in the United Kingdom, and I
bid you good-bye, God-speed, and a happy hoine-coining.
As an old commander of a Territorial Division at home, I am proud
to have again been associated with this Force in India.
(Signed) C. C. MUNBO, General,
Commander-in-Chief in Iru/iti.
June 18th, 1920.
The Thanks of the Government of India, inscribed on vellum, were
received in England.
33
COMPOSITION OF BATTALION, 4xH MARCH, 1915.
The N.C.O.'s and men wlio sailed for India in March, 1915, were
recruited from the following districts in Cumberland and Westmorland : —
Carlisle and District 338
Keswick and Brampton ... ... ... ... 70
Penrith and District ... ... ... ... 95
Milnthorpe, Appleby, Kirkby Lonsdale, &c. ... 86
Kendal, Staveley, and Burneside ... ... 83
Winder mere, Ambleside, and Langdale ... 53
Various ... ... ... ... 42
Total . . 767
MISCELLANEOUS.
REGIMENTAL ANNUAL MUSKETRY RETURN. Table B, Part III.
Year 1915-16 1916-17 1917-18 1918-19
Average 81.2 109.3 127.14 111.3
Marksmen 2 141 457 211
1st Class Shots ... 78 312 264 471
2nd Class Shots ... 377 235 22 98
Failed in Part I ... 138 22 6 2
Failed in Part III ... 124 13 2 29
Partly exercised ... 11 2 15 20
Not exercised 20 27 16 12
750 752 782 843
Year. Best Shooting Coy. Average Score. Battalion Shot.
1915-16 ... "A" Company ... 85.4 ... Pte. Park, "A" Company.
1916-17 ... "B" do. ... 122.7 ... Cpl. Tyson, "B" Company.
1917-18 ... "B" do. ... 137.54... Pte. Stainton, "A" Company.
1918-19 ... "A" do. ... 118.5 ... L/Cpl. Robinson, "A" Company.
For the Musketry Year 1917-18 the Battalion was the best shooting
battalion with the 1914 rifle in India.
EXTRACT FROM BATTALION ORDERS OF 24TH JANUARY, 1915.
The Commanding Officer has much pleasure in publishing for
information that C.Q.M.S. Earl, T., of this Battalion, has been awarded
by the Royal Humane Society a Testimonial on Vellum for having on
the 28th November, 1914, gone to the rescue of a woman who was in
imminent danger of drowning in the river at Kendal, and whdse life he
gallantly saved.
34
ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL.
The Battalion team were ruuuers-up for the Murray Cup, 1918 (open
to all India).
The following- were won : —
Peshawar Divisional Cup, 1919.
Williams Challenge Cup, 1919 (open to all India).
EXTRA REGIMENTAL EMPLOYMENT.
The following extra-regimental employments were held by officers of
the Battalion in India: —
Name.
Lt.-Col. J. F. Haswell, V.D.
Lt.-Col. F. W. Halton, T.D.
Lt.-Col. V. S. Jones
Major G. H. Heelis
Major H. G. Marshall
Capt. J. Jackson
Capt. H. C. Grierson-Jackson
Capt. P. S. Hamilton
Capt. M. G. Fisher
Capt. W. E. Walker
Capt. H. Thomson ...
Capt. B. F. Chester ...
Appointment.
Commanding Station Hospital, Quetta ;
Assistant Director Medical Services,
Baluchistan Area.
Deputy Assistant Quartermaster-General
6th (Poona) Division; Commanding
Cherat ; Administrative Commandant
Peshawar N.W.F.P. ; Commanding
Peshawar Divisional Area.
Station Staff Officer, Peshawar; Assistant
Adjutant and Quartermaster-General
Peshawar Divisional Area; Deputy
Assistant Adjutant-General Peshawar
Divisional Area.
Station Staff Officer and Cantonment
Magistrate, Cherat, N.W.F.P.
Station Staff Officer, Peshawar; Staff
Captain 1st Infantry Brigade ; Deputy
Assistant Adjutant and Quartermaster-
General to the Administrative Com-
mandant, Nowshera, N.W.F.P.
Field Treasure Chest Officer 1st (Pesha-
war) Division during Afghan Cam-
paign.
Post Commandant, Jamrud, N.W.F.P. ;
Station Staff Officer, Jamrud.
General Staff Officer (3) 1st (Peshawar)
Division.
Station Staff Officer and Cantonment
Magistrate, Cherat; Staff Captain
Jubbulpore Bde. ; Brigade Major Jub-
bulpore Bde.
Staff Captain, Army Headquarters, Delhi.
Staff Captain, Southern Command.
Station Staff Officer and Cantonment
Magistrate, Cherat; Station Staff
Officer, Peshawar.
Lieut. E. H. Barker
Lieut. D. G. Perry ..
Lieut. C. F. Ball
Lieut. G. H. Snow .
35
Station Staff Officer, Barian.
Station Staff Officer, Peshawar.
Station Staff Officer and Cantonment
Magistrate, Khanspur and Ghora
Dakka.
Adjutant and Quartermaster, Advanced
Reinforcement Depot, Peshawar.
COURSES TAKEN BY OFFICERS.
Lt.-Col. J. F. Haswell, V.D
Lt.-Col. F. W. Halton, T.D.
Major G. H. Heelis ...
Capt. J. E. C. Graham ...
Capt. V. S. Jones
Capt. J. Jackson
Capt. R. H. Hargraves
Capt. W. C. S. Angus
Capt. P. S. Hamilton
Capt. H. Thomson ...
Capt, M. G. Fisher
Capt. L. MacGlasson
Capt. A. W. Anderson
Capt. H. G. Marshall
Capt. W. R. Walker
Lieut. W. A. Sewell
Lieut. H. E. Coates
Senior Officers' Musketry, Poona; Moun-
tain Warfare, Abbottabad.
Musketry and Machine Gun, Hythe;
Senior Officers' Musketry and Lewis
Gun, Pindi; Mountain Warfare,
Abbottabad.
Lewis Machine Gun Tactical, Pindi;
Senior Officers' Tactical, Cherat;
Mountain Warfare, Abbottabad.
Officers' Training, Chelsea ; Senior Officers'
Musketry, Poona ; Mountain Warfare,
Abbottabad.
Officers' Training, Chelsea ; Senior Officers'
Musketry, Lucknow; Mountain War-
fare, Abbottabad; Staff, Saugor.
Musketry, Lewis Gun, Pindi; Musketry,
Revision, Pindi; Tactical, Cherat;
Mountain Warfare, Abbottabad ;
Equitation, Risalpur.
Musketry, Pachimari.
Musketry, Satara.
Musketry, Altcar; Mountain Warfare,
Abbottabad; Staff, Tangrnarg.
Musketry, Satara; Equitation, Risalpur;
P.T. Demonstration, Amballa.
Musketry, Satara; Lewis and Machine
Gun, Changla ; Staff, Tangmarg.
Musketry and Machine Gun, Satara;
Mountain Warfare, Abbottabad;
Musketry Refresher, Pachmari.
Transport, Poona; Young Officers', Abbot-
tabad ; Mountain Warfare, Abbotta-
bad; Musketry and Lewis Gun,
Changla.
Young Officers', Abbottabad; Musketry,
Pachmari.
Young Officers', Abbottabad.
Young Officers', Abbottabad.
Young Officers', Abbottabad.
36
Lieut. J. L. Strang
Lieut. C. F. Ball
Lieut. B. I. Smith
Lieut. J. Glasson
Lieut. C. Kinghorn ...
Lieut. P. M. Rheam
Capt. H. C. Grierson- Jackson
Lieut. E. P. Hardy
Lieut. G. H. Topham
Lieut. B. T. Bruckman
Lieut. E. H. Barker
Lieut. E. H. Ashburner
Lieiit. A. F. Harrison
Lieut. C. W. Cain
Lieut. B. F. Chester
Lieut. A. A. Brown
Lieut. J. S. Thomson
Lieut. P. V. Curtis
Lieut. 0. D. Gibbings
Lieut. H. S. Priestley
Lieut. Perry ...
Lieut. Pepperell ...
Musketry and Machine Gun, Satara;
Young Officers', Abbottabad; Lewis
Gun, Pindi; Transport, Murree.
Musketry, Pachmari; Young Officers',
Abbottabad ; Signalling, Kasauli.
Young Officers', Abbottabad; Signalling,
Quetta; Musketry and Lewis Gun,
Pindi ; Bange-taking, Pindi ; Equita-
tion, Bisalpur.
P.T., Bayonet Fighting, Kasauli; Mus-
ketry and Lewis Gun, Changla; P.T.
Befresher, Kasauli ; Signalling,
Cherat; P.T., Amballa.
Musketry, Altcar.
Musketry, Satara; Young Officers', Abbot-
tabad; Mountain Warfare, Abbotta-
bad; Mechanical Transport, Pindi.
Musketry, Satara ; Mountain "Warfare,
Abbottabad.
Machine Gun, Satara; Young Officers',
Abbottabad.
Signalling, Quetta.
Musketry, Pachmari; Young Officers',
Abbottabad ; Mountain Warfare,
Abbottabad; Lewis Gun, Changla.
Young Officers' Abbottabad; Musketry
and Lewis Gun, Changla; Bombing,
Lahore.
Young Officers', Abbottabad; Musketry,
Lewis Gun, Pindi; Bombing, Mhow;
Musketry Befresher, Pachmari.
Young Officers', Abbottabad; Signalling,
Cherat.
Young Officers', Abbottabad; Machine
Gun, England.
Musketry, England.
Young Officers', Abbottabad: Mountain
Warfare, Abbottabad; Mechanical
Transport, Pindi.
Young Officers', Abbottabad; P.T. and
Bayonet Fighting, Lucknow.
Stokes Gun, Mhow.
Signalling, Cherat; Mechanical Transport,
Pindi.
Transport; Lewis Gun, Gharial.
Transport, Sunny Bank; Lewis Gun,
Gharial.
Barr and Stroud, Pachmari.
37
The following N.C.O.'s qualified in the following
subjects:—
Musketry.
C.Q.M.S. Watson
Sgt. Irwin
C.Q.M.S. Downs
C.S.M. Finlayson
C.S.M. Harrison
Sgt. Turner
R.Q.M.S. Hallaway
Sgt. Howitt
C.S.M. Knight
Sgt. Storey
Sgt. Wilcock
C.S.M. Earl
Sgt. Lowden
Sgt. Bird
Sgt. Sudlow
C.S.M. Graves
C.S.M. Bell
Sgt. German
Sgt. Tuer
Sgt. Ward
Sgt. Bowness
Sgt. Coulthard
Sgt. Croft
Sgt. Francis
Sgt. Merron
Sgt. Parker
C.S.M. Straughan
Sgt. Tyson
Sgt. Torakins
Machine Gun,
C.S.M. Finlayson
Sgt. Wilcock
Armourer, Bicycles,
and Lewis Gun.
Sgt. Trainer
Cooking.
Sgt. Baxter.
Sgt. Easton
Sgt. Bird
Stokes Gun.
Sgt. Crooks
Cpl. Cartmell
Trench Mortar.
Sgt. Park
Cpl. Cartmell
Cpl. Atkinson
Lewis Gun.
C.S.M. Earl
Sgt. Lowden
Sgt. Bird
C.Q.M.S. Bell
C.S.M. Dowson
C.S.M. Graves
C.S.M. Bell
Sgt. German
Sgt. Tuer
Sgt. Ward
Sgt. Francis
Sgt. Tate
Sgt. Irwin
Sgt. Merron
Sgt. Parker
C.S.M. Straughan
Sgt. Sudlow
Sgt. Tyson
Sgt. Tom kins
P. T. & Bayonet.
Sgt. Francis
C.Q.M.S. Mc.Vey
Sgt. Sudlow
C.S.M. Bell
C.S.M. Nixon
C.Q.M.S. Irving
Cpl. Collinson
Cpl. Nunns
Sgt. Bowness
Sgt. Bowman
Sgt. Cookson
Sgt. R. Crooks
Sgt. J. Crooks
Sgt. Carruthers
Sgt. Sproat
Sgt. Hayton
C.S.M. Dowson
C.Q.M.S. Davidson
Sgt. Foster
Sgt. Woodend
C.S.M. Graves
Sgt. German
Sgt. Pickering
Sgt. Sanderson
Sgt. Stainton
Sgt. Hutchinson
Sgt. Tate
Sgt. Hackett
Sgt. Merron
Sgt. Percival
Sgt. Tindall
Transport.
Sgt. Howe
Sgt. Black
C.Q.M.S. Irving
Sgt. Foster
Sgt. Tomkins
Sgt. Bewley
C.Q.M.S. Turner
Sgt. Pickering
Sgt. Lewthwaite
Sgt. Hackett
Sgt. Carruthers
Cpl. Ferguson
38
Mountain Warfare. Signalling. Bombing.
R.S.M. Render C.Q.M.S. Davidson Sgt. German
R.Q.M.S. Hallaway Sgt. Stogdale Sgt. Proctor
C.S.M. Earl L/Sgt. Sisson Sgt. Foster
Sgt. Howitt L/Sgt. Pears Sgt. Hackett
R.S.M. Harrison L/Sgt. Armstrong Cpl. Jefferys
C.S.M. Beamer L/Sgt. Bentley Sgt. Crooks
C.S.M. Knight Cpl. Telford * Sgt. Sanderson
Cpl. Boustead Sgt. Stainton
Cpl. Phillips
C.S.M. Graves.
HONOURS FOR SERVICES DURING THE OPERATIONS
AGAINST AFGHANISTAN, Dated 1st January, 1920.
To be additional Companion of the Most Eminent Order of the
Indian Empire — Temporary Lieutenant-Colonel John Francis Haswell,
Royal Army Medical Corps.
To be an Officer of the Military Division of the Most Excellent
Order of the British Empire — Captain Vincent Strickland Jones.
To be a Member of the Military Division of the Most Excellent
Order of the British Empire — Lieutenant (Temporary Captain) Patrick
Swinglehurst Hamilton
MENTIONED IN DISPATCHES.
Gazette of India, October, 1918 — Lieut. -Colonel J. F. Haswell, V.D.
Gazette of India, 20th August, 1918— Lieut. -Colonel F. W. Halton,
T.D.
For Distinguished Service during the operations against Afghanistan,
London Gazette, dated 3rd August, 1920 —
Captain J. Brooks.
Captain V. S. Jones.
Lieutenant (Acting Captain) L. MacGlasson.
No. 200822 Sergeant (Acting Company Sergeant-Major) J. E. Bell.
No. 202062 Lance-Corporal (Acting Sergeant) J. E. Morgan, attached
No. 8 Casualty Clearing Hospital.
No. 202065 Private (Acting Lance-Corporal) J. Owen.
MERITORIOUS SERVICE MEDAL.
No. 201411 T/W.O. Cl. II (O.R.S.) R. P. Wallace.
No. 200994 Pte. A. Lawson.
MEDALS.
The British War Medal is issuable under Special A.O. V of 1919 to
those who served overseas between 5th August, 1914, and llth November,
1918.
The Indian General Service Medal, with clasp inscribed
"Afghanistan N.W. Frontier, 1919," is issuable under A.O. 223 of 1920
to those who served west of the Indus between 6th May, 1919, and llth
November, 1919.
It is expected that the award of the Victory Medal, under A.O. 183
of 1920, will extend to the operations on the Mohmand Blockade Line in
1917, but the further A.O. specifying what operations are included has
not been published at the date of the publication of this diary.
The Territorial Force War Medal is issuable, under A.O. 143 of
1920, to all members of the Territorial Force who were serving on August
4th, 1914, or who had completed not less than four years' service with the
Territorial Force before August 4th and rejoined that Force on or before
September 30th, 1914, provided that they undertook, on or before
September 30th, 1914, to serve outside the United Kingdom, were passed
as physically fit for service overseas between August 4th and September
30th, 1914, served outside the United Kingdom between August 5th,
1914, and November llth, 1918, and did not qualify for the 1914 Star
or the 1914-15 Star.
UNION FLAG.
A Silk Union Flag was received after the Battalion had been
dispersed. It is proposed, after Consecration and Presentation, to deposit
this in Kendal Parish Church.
MEMORIAL TABLETS.
Arrangements have been made for placing in the Cathedral at
Carlisle and Kendal Parish Church Cast Bronze Tablets inscribed with
the names of those who died whilst serving, and the cost to be defrayed
from moneys subscribed by all ranks.
At the date of the issue of this Diary there is a movement on foot to
erect a Tablet in the Cathedral at Carlisle to the memory of all of the
Border Regiment who died in the Great War, and to include the Line,
Territorial, and Service Battalions.
In any event, the Tablet in Kendal Parish Church to those of the
2 /4th Battalion will be erected as a Battalion Memorial.
DEPENDENTS.
A sum of money was subscribed in India by all ranks, and will be
distributed, after the Memorial is paid for, amongst the relatives of those
who died whilst serving.
000119460 4
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