1/18th Royal Garhwal Rifles

Discussion in 'British Indian Army' started by Wilhar, Mar 14, 2021.

  1. Wilhar

    Wilhar Active Member

    Hi everyone,
    Does any member have a copy of Historical Records of the Royal Garhwal Rifles Volume II 1923-47 by Lt. Gen. R.B. Deedes? If so, could I be favoured with a quick check as to what 1/18th RGR were doing during the month of Mar. 1944, and specifically whether any incidents of note took place on Mar. 25?

    Grateful, as ever, for the group's input.

    Wilhar
     
  2. davidbfpo

    davidbfpo Patron Patron

  3. dryan67

    dryan67 Senior Member

    Unfortunately, I do not have a copy of this history. I wish I did and have been searching for it ever since I saw it at the Ministry of Defence Library back in the 1990s. I did take some notes from the volume at the time.

    Regarding the 1/18th RGR, by March 22nd, the battalion was back under command of the 71st Brigade in the 26th Divisional reserve area in the Awlanbyin-Sinohbyin area. The 71st Brigade relieved the 36th Indian Brigade in the Buthidaung area on April 21st.

    If anyone does have a copy of this history, please let us know.
     
    Rothy likes this.
  4. Fink-Nottle

    Fink-Nottle New Member

    Hello Dryan,
    I have a copy I am looking to sell (along with a number of indian regimentals). Please get in touch if you want more details.

    Regards,
    Ian.
     
    Wilhar likes this.
  5. Wilhar

    Wilhar Active Member

    Go for it dryan67 :D

    I would also be interested to know what you have Ian, I will send you a PM.

    Wilhar
     
  6. dryan67

    dryan67 Senior Member

    Here is what Deedes has to say about operations for the 1/18th Royal Garhwal Rifles for March 25th, 1944. It does appear that there was an incident that is described in detail below.
    1RGR01.jpg 1RGR02.jpg
     
    Rothy likes this.
  7. Wilhar

    Wilhar Active Member

    Thank you, David. And congratulations on the latest addition to your library!

    Of note, Hav. Chander Sing Jagi of 1/18 Royal Garhwal Rifles earned the IDSM during the above action on Mar. 25, 1944 (ref. WO 373/32/20):

    He personally led his pl. on three separate objectives, rallying his men and co-ordinating their advance each time. He was wounded in the thigh on capture of the 1st objective, but continued his attack. On capture of the 3rd objective, his pl. was separated from the rest of the coy. and he was ordered to rally and withdraw them into line with the rest of the force. Hav. Chander Sing was then wounded a second time whilst carrying out these orders. He continued, even under these circumstances, until his pl. was in the position he had been ordered to take up, and refused to be evacuated until ordered personally by his coy. cmd.

    Wilhar
     
  8. Wilhar

    Wilhar Active Member

    dryan67, could I trouble you once more for a lookup in Deedes? Interested in 1/18th RGR's activities on and around Feb. 4, 1945, during the fighting on Ramree Island.

    Many thanks,
    Wilhar
     
  9. dryan67

    dryan67 Senior Member

    There are four pages concerning that date.
    David
    IMG_8307.jpg IMG_8308.jpg IMG_8309.jpg IMG_8311.jpg
     
    Rothy likes this.
  10. Wilhar

    Wilhar Active Member

    Terrific. Thank you David, as always.
     
    dryan67 likes this.
  11. TFairhurst

    TFairhurst New Member

    Hello dryan67 , thank you for sharing the Deedes 1/18th RGR's account, very interesting and greatly appreciated. I am very keen to source a copy of the full account, but mindful it is as rare as a hen's tooth I was wondering if it would be possible to share a full photocopy of the transcript? I am more than happy to reimburse for this as I am trying to source a copy for my father. Alternatively, it would be very useful to know if the account covers the 1/18th experiences during the Bengal famine, and also their relief of the 1/8th Gurkha Rifles in late April/early May 1944 following Bunny Bay? Many thanks, Tom
     
  12. dryan67

    dryan67 Senior Member

    I have started a conversation with you regarding the 18th RGR History.
     

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