Front of medal: GEORGIVS VI G: BR.OMN:REX ET.INDIAE IMP: Back of medal: 1939-1945 On the side: 908 NK. BACHAN SINGH, I. P. C. (The number 908 is not clear. The 8 may be a 9) This sounds like the WW2 War Medal and the unit is the Indian Pioneer Corps. Also this is the War Medal for the 1939-1945 war. Would you please find out further information about this medal belonging to my relative. Thanking you, JSKang
Hi jskang the legend "GEORGIVS VI D: G: BR: OMN: REX ET INDIAE IMP:" appears on a lot of medals, so could you provide a picture. During WW1, Indian Pioneers were highly esteemed, and some served on the Western Front. However, the original Indian Corps of Pioneers was disbanded in 1932, and but was re-raised in 1943. The IPC served all over the world during WW2 From: Royal Pioneer Corps Selection Page “In addition to UK troops, Pioneers were enlisted from the Commonwealth and included Swazis, Basutos, Buchuanas, East and West Africans, Mauritians, Rodriguais and Seychellois, Sinhalese, Indians of all classes, Cypriots and Maltese. Syrians, Palestines and Arabs also joined the Corps. In addition, in NW Europe, Free French, Dutch and Belgian Companies of Pioneers were formed. Worldwide, wherever labour was required to keep the military machine in operation, including control and administration of civilian labour in support of the Forces, Pioneers played their part with distinction. When called upon the Corps took its place alongside the infantry - in France etc. Wherever Pioneers served commanders paid tribute to their work and contribution to final victory. During the war there was practically no task that was not performed by Pioneers. The Corps handled all kinds and types of stores and ammunition, built camps, airfields and fortifications, cleared rubble and demolished roadblocks, built roads, railways and bridges, loaded and unloaded ships, trains and planes, constructed aircraft pens against enemy bombing and a host of other jobs.” They also have a forum, and it may be worthwhile posting a message there for specific information about the IPC. Royal Pioneer Corps Association Forums @ www.ezboard.com The NK stands for Naik (the Indian Army equivalent of corporal).
Kyt, Thanks for your reply, Does anybody know any WW2 Indian Army Records website or email address available to research for this medal above? Very hard to find ww2 Indian medals. I don't know very much about my relative, Bachan Singh. I will be grateful if you can find out WW2 Medal Index card or record for Bachan Singh on the web. Many thanks, MR JSKang
Unfortunately, service records for Indians who served in the British Indian Army before Independance were returned to India after 1947. As of yet, I have been unable to ascertain how to get hold of these records in India, and there is no information on the Indian Governments website. It may be worthwhile contacting the Indian High Commission in London to see if they can shed some light on how to proceed. Medal cards for WW2 are not available at the National Archive and they advise people to write to the following: Armed Services Medal Office AFPAA, (JPAC) , Ministry of Defence Medal Office, RAF Innsworth, Gloucester, GL3 1HW Defence Internet | Defence For... | MOD Medal Office (have a look at the site to see if you recognise the medal and ribbon). Another place to have a look at the medals is: http://users.skynet.be/hendrik/ As to the IPC - unfortunately, its contribution during WW2 is not well recorded on the web, and the only place that I could find that may be able to help is the site that I mentioned in my previous post. Sorry, I couldn't be of more help.
Records for the Indian Pioneer Corps of WW 2 would be held by:- Records, The Pioneers, Bangalore Cantt, Karnataka, India
Your relative was a Naik - a junior nco. I gave Bamboo the address for Indian Army service records - I cant find it now, so maybe if he reads this he can post it, although shahbaaz' address seemsmore relevant as it is for the corps concerned. Regards Pete
Pete I shouldn't worry too much - this thread was started in 2006. jskang - Last Activity: 28-07-2007 07:34 PM
Pete I shouldn't worry too much - this thread was started in 2006. jskang - Last Activity: 28-07-2007 07:34 PM Phew thanks Diane, saved me digging for the address. I sent a letter off to the office and got no response, however, I emailed the Dogra Regimental centre in 2007 and they were fantastic with their help regarding my research.
Didnt spot that, never mind. Still worth adding the info (well, not now that Steve has lost it.....) in case anyone searchs the site in future. Cheers Pete
Didnt spot that, never mind. Still worth adding the info (well, not now that Steve has lost it.....) in case anyone searchs the site in future. Cheers Pete I didn't say I'd lost it Pete, just glad I don't have to find it!!
Here you go, I knew I would find it eventually! Indian Army Service Record Office The Adjutant General's Office Army HQ, West Block No. 111 RK Puram New Delhi 110066 India. Hope it is of use to someone?
