Is there anyone on this thread /forum who could point me in the right direction ?! My grandfather was Commandant 41 Indian /Polish Transit Camp Ahvaz, Iran 1943/45. I have a picture of him with a sikh officer, my grandfather kept this photo in pride of place until his death. I would love to know more about this officer .His name was Captain Janmeja Singh and he looks younger than my grandfather (Who was born in 1902) Unfortunately you cannot see any details on the buttons of his service dress........ Any ideas gratefully received
hello Gingerbadcat would you be able to scan in the photo perhaps forum members will be able to assist further regards Clive
Gingerbadcat - Great name There is a thread on here, in the research section I believe, with details of how to apply for Indian Soldiers Service Records from India. I would seriously consider this route to further your search for info. Cheers Andy
this was Drews post For Indian Army Records Up Until 1947: INDIAN ARMY - SERVICE RECORDS OFFICE The Adjutant General's Office Army HQ, West Block No lll R K Puram New Delhi 110066 INDIA http://www.ww2talk.com/forum/british-indian-army/23236-british-indian-army-records-where-they.html
Well done Clive, saved me a search. GBCat, welcome to the forum. The above address has been successful for me in two instances, but I have to also say that on other occasions I received no reply whatsoever, so a bit hit and miss. You will need something more than just his name I would imagine. Sometimes records are kept at the British Library and the archivists there are very helpful. My greatest success with research into an Indian officer was from the Dogra Regimental HQ, they were fantastic with information. Access to records can also be dependent on whether the soldier in question remained within the British Army after 1947. Good luck Steve
Steve, Is it the same with UK records re cost: £30? How did you apply-typed letter sent to the address or are there forms etc?
Steve, Is it the same with UK records re cost: £30? How did you apply-typed letter sent to the address or are there forms etc? Hi Andy, Three typed letters with two soldiers details on each, one reply in January 2010. No charge was made. I was referred to the Dogra Regimental Centre and they furnished me with some good detail on my man. Thinking about the other two enquiries, these men were from Gurkha Rifle regiments, 3/2 and 10. This is why I feel it can depend on where the unit ended up after independence. Links that proved very useful: Bharat Rakshak :: Land Forces Site - Bharat Rakshak :: Indian Land Forces SOAS Library Cheers Steve
Another useful tool, when you know what you are after is this website. For me the library was very interesting and led me to a couple of decent books. USI of India | USI Library - Colonel Pyara Lal Memorial Library
This is the best I can find..... Subedar Major Janmeja Singh Gill, Indian Army Corps of Clerks. By the way, have you thought of putting your relative's name into your various requests for assistance? It probably wouldn't hurt to pass on what info you already have, like his full name & service number if you know it. Things like Date of Birth & where he lived when he joined up would help too. If you have photos of him in uniform or his pay-book or letters he wrote home or whatever it would be a good idea to scan them and add them to this thread. Anything you already know might lead to finding out another snippet of info. You just never know your luck......
Wow thank you for all this advice! I have very little to go on, a photo which I will attempt to post (need to read how first !) and where they were. Grandads service record is incomplete.... i have info from 1918 to 1939 and a little from 1948 to 54,a summary of jobs and a few photos. I have had success with one of his postings to GHQ Street fighting School which had the added fantastic bonus of a new picture of him..... as Dave said you never know your luck! Thank you all Annie
Hi Gingerbadcat, I know its been a few years since you posted this. I am in similar situation, I am trying to locate my Grandfather who was a Sikh Soldier. Can you advise please?
Reeni, Gingerbadcat was last here in November 2020, so it might be best to start a 'Conversation' (or PM) with them. Click on the post and you will see the option, off you go.
