The British Indian Army during World War II began the war, in 1939, numbering just under 200,000 men.[1] By the end of the war, it had become the largest volunteer army in history, rising to over 2.5 million men in August 1945.[1][2] Serving in divisions of infantry, armour and a fledgling airborne force, they fought on three continents in Africa, Europe and Asia.[1] The British Indian Army fought in Ethiopia against the Italian Army, in Egypt, Libya, Tunisia and Algeria against both the Italian and German Army, and, after the Italian surrender, against the German Army in Italy. However, the bulk of the Indian Army was committed to fighting the Japanese Army, first during the British defeats in Malaya and the retreat from Burma to the Indian border; later, after resting and refitting for the victorious advance back into Burma, as part of the largest British Empire army ever formed. These campaigns cost the lives of over 87,000 Indian servicemen, while another 34,354 were wounded, and 67,340 became prisoners of war.[3][4] Their valour was recognised with the award of some 4,000 decorations, and 18 members of the Indian Army were awarded the Victoria Cross or the George Cross. Field Marshal Claude Auchinleck, Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army from 1942, asserted that the British "couldn't have come through both wars (World War I and II) if they hadn't had the Indian Army."[5][6] British Prime Minister Winston Churchill also paid tribute to "The unsurpassed bravery of Indian soldiers and officers."[5] Above data via: Indian Army during World War II - Wikipedia Quartermaster: originally from the title of a German royal official, the ''Quartiermeister'' or from "master of the quarterdeck" where the helmsman and Captain controlled the ship. Since then it has evolved into a a rank with multiple connections to armies, navies, James Bond, royalty and even pirates.The Captain of a pirate ship could have his orders overruled by the Quartermaster, with the latter been 'elected' by the crew! Above data via: Quartermaster - Wikipedia US Army Quartermaster Museum: U.S. Army Quartermaster Museum - Wikipedia I've already shared a number of posts with you concerning 'specific' Indian Regiments and this one concerns 7 men who served as Quartermasters with that very same army. A search of the CWGC database showed that I had images of the grave-markers of all 7 men - taken in 3 cemeteries within 2 countries - who served as Quartermasters during WW2. Please note that their ages varied from 41-55 (Doughty's age c41 - see post from TD). CWGC search results here: Results This post is in their memory - LEST WE FORGET! Tony Buckley www.asiawargraves.com
1911 England Census Name: Arthur Albert G Doughty Age in 1911: 6 Estimated birth year: abt 1905 Relation to Head: Son Gender: Male Birth Place: Portsmouth, Hampshire, England Civil Parish: Portsmouth Search Photos: Search for 'Portsmouth' in the UK City, Town and Village Photos collection County/Island: Hampshire Country: England Street address: 50 North Street, Portsea Occupation: School Registration district: Portsmouth Registration District Number: 90 Sub-registration district: Portsea and Landport ED, institution, or vessel: 25 Household schedule number: 110 Piece: 5585 Household Members: Name Age Arthur George Doughty 28 Beatrice Doughty 23 Arthur Albert G Doughty 6 Thomas Lawrence Doughty 4 Nellie Elizabeth Doughty 2 Beatrice Doughty 1 England & Wales, Civil Registration Birth Index, 1837-1915 Name: Arthur Albert G Doughty Registration Year: 1905 Registration Quarter: Apr-May-Jun Registration district: Portsmouth Parishes for this Registration District: View Ecclesiastical Parishes associated with this Registration District Inferred County: Hampshire Volume: 2b Page: 488 TD
