I'm hoping someone might help in adding some detail regarding the attached photo. Taken in August 1945 in Karachi, the 1st attachment names the unit, the 2nd features their names & the last is the scan of the men though not the best quality. The soldier I'm following is listed as 'Lt A.J.C. Smale 12 F.F. R.' (1st row standing, far right) I'm assuming this translates to 12th Frontier Force Regiment. Arthur John Caleb Smale was from Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada & enlisted 2nd Battalion Manchester Regiment (M.G.) March 1939. Evacuated from Dunkirk Arthur remained with the Regiment & arrived in India in 1942. In December 1943 Sgt. Smale received an 'Emergency Commission' to that of 2nd Lieutenant. I am in communication with Arthur's family & they are still sorting through the documents they possess, so the questions posed here might soon answer themselves but just in case... Questions 1) Any further details regarding this unit featured in the photograph? 2) Can anyone expand on the 12th Frontier Force Regiment? 3) Where were Officer Cadets trained while in India? How long was the training? 4) Each man's case was different I realize, but typically would the man return to his Regiment after training or would they be re-assigned? 5) Again, merely speculative but could Arthur have returned to the front lines & been involved at Kohima & Imphal? Arthur passed away in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada 1985 age 70. He rests in Saint Paul's Cemetery, Mushaboom, Nova Scotia. I thank you in advance for any insight offered.
The title to the photograph would appear to be No 7 Technical Training Battalion. No 1 Technical Training Camp (Centre?) (Docks & Inland Water Transport). Indian Engineers, Karachi.
Hi Dave, Thanks for posting. You might find this link of interest during your research http://ww2talk.com/forums/topic/59699-1412-frontier-force-regiment-and-the-ajmer-regiment/ There were a number of kind contributions from members of this forum. The British Library were also extremely helpful during my research Thanks and I hope it's helpful George
There are a couple of chapters on training to be an officer at the Indian Military Academy at Dehra Dunn c 1943 in the book One Hell of a Life: An Anglo-Indian Wallah's Memoir from the Last Decades of the Raj by Stan Blackford, from page 133. (Google Books) https://books.google.com.au/books?id=b5GcvYse7vYC&pg=PA133 This book says there were also Officer Training Schools at Bangalore, Belgaum and Mhow There is a short account of the O T S at Bangalore in these links http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ww2peopleswar/stories/07/a3517607.shtml Nazis on the Playing Field Gerald Wheatley The O.T.S Bangalore by John Forster Cheers Maureen
Once again, I appreciate the assistance. Thank you. Look forward to the recommended reading. I'll keep you posted should I find anything additional regarding Arthur. Have attached another item dated & signed April 26, 1944 in Bombay. Might this have been after completing his Officer Training - since he left the 2/Mancs December 1943? Cheers.
