Indian Brigades June 1942

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David W
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Indian Brigades June 1942

#1

Post by David W » 14 Apr 2011, 01:19

Does anyone know of the six composite Battalions that went to make up the 25th Indian Infantry Brigade and the 3rd Indian Motorised Infantry Brigade in late June 1942?

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Steen Ammentorp
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Re: Indian Brigades June 1942

#2

Post by Steen Ammentorp » 17 Apr 2011, 10:34

Hi David,

According to Chris Kempton: Loyalty & Honour : The Indian Army : September 1939 - August 1947
Both June 1942.

25th Indian Infantry Brigade was made up of:
2 Royal [Ludhiana Sikhs] /11th Sikh Regiment
1st King's Own Royal Regiment
3/5th Mahratta Light Infantry

The 3rd Indian Motor Brigade consisted of:
2nd Royal Lancers [Gradner's Horse]
Prince Albert Victor's Own Cavalry
18th King Edward VII's Own Cavalry
5 [Vaughan's]/13th Frontier Force Rifles
Kind Regards
Steen Ammentorp
The Generals of World War Two


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David W
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Re: Indian Brigades June 1942

#3

Post by David W » 17 Apr 2011, 10:49

Hello Steem!

Thankyou, that is a brilliant reply.

Can you tell me any more about 5 [Vaughan's]/13th Frontier Force Rifles, they are a unit that I had not placed in North Africa until now. Do you know for instance, when they arrived, and did they see out 1942, or were they withdrawn?

That sound s like an excellent book that you sourced the answer from, I must see if I can get hold of a bargain copy from Amazon or their like.

Best wishes.

Tom from Cornwall
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Re: Indian Brigades June 1942

#4

Post by Tom from Cornwall » 31 Dec 2011, 14:03

David,

not sure if you are still looking for infm about 25 Ind Bde but today found this description of their journey into the Western Desert in the war diary of 2/11 Sikhs (WO169/7771):

"1 June 1942
The Bn halted for a day’s maintenance in HAIFA. Two workshop Units, One Australian and One British were placed at our disposal. There were many repairs necessary. The Workshops were most helpful but could do little for us on account of the lack of Spare parts.

2 June 1942
The Bn moved to ASLUJ a distance of 160 miles. There was an accident on the way and two men were left in 22 Ind. General Hospital, Palestine. The M.T.O. was left in Haifa to bring along the Vehicles which were not ready to move at first light. All Vehicles arrived at Asluj.

3 June 1942
The Bn moved to ISMALIAH a distance of 170 miles. There were several accidents on the road, but only one casualty who was evacuated to 10 Ind. General Hospital. All vehicles arrived. Here orders were received to proceed to Western Desert. Workshops were again of great assistance.

4 June 1942
The Bn moved to AMARIYEH a distance of 209 miles including downing driving through CAIRO. All vehicles arrived although some were on tow. There was one accident at Amariyah. Orders were received to dump our heavy baggage which was done leaving Nk.Sham Singh and three men as a Guard. Two I.Os Jemadar Mohinder Singh and Jemadar Teja Singh were sent with 6 havildars to ALMZA on an A/Tk Gun Course.

5 June 1942
Bn moved to MERSA MATRUH 190 miles without incident. Here we met Major Ashe who had gone on with the Bde Recce group. 1st Reinforcement were left at MERSA MATRUH for despatch to MENA. Jemadar Gulzara Singh and 51 O.Rs were left as Reinforcements."

Regards,

Tom

Tom from Cornwall
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Re: Indian Brigades June 1942

#5

Post by Tom from Cornwall » 31 Dec 2011, 19:16

And for anyone interested in these sort of things:-

"16 June 1942
...Captain Wilson and the men from the local A/Tk Gun (2 pdr) Course returned bringing with him five 2 pdr guns and their Portee’s.

17 June 1942
The new A.Tk.Pl. was formed and named No.7 Pln. It’s strength at present 1 B.O. 2 V.C.Os and 32 I.O.Rs. This will have to be increased to 73 I.O.Rs when the opportunity occurs. Three more guns were received today with Portee’s. All Guns have been in action before and some have suffered but they are a welcome addition to our strength."

Regards

Tom

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David W
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Re: Indian Brigades June 1942

#6

Post by David W » 31 Dec 2011, 21:53

Always interested Tom. Thank you.

Tom from Cornwall
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Re: Indian Brigades June 1942

#7

Post by Tom from Cornwall » 02 Jan 2012, 13:11

After the breakout from Mersa Matruh, the arrival of the 1st reinforcements and the LOB party, and the arrival of several parties of stragglers the strength of the 2/11 Sikhs is recorded as:

"8 July 1942
On this day the strength of the battalion was 8 B.Os, 1 M.O., 15 V.C.Os, 595 I.O.Rs and 29 followers. Our losses in the break out amounting to 1 B.O., 5 V.C.Os, 184 I.O.Rs, 32 followers."

Regards

Tom

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