Description
Object description
British officer served with 2nd Bn Seaforth Highlanders in India, 1927-1932
Content description
REEL 1 Recollections of period as officer with 2nd Bn Seaforth Highlanders in India, 1927-1932: background to joining unit; advantages of service in India; description of kit purchased for service in India; preparations for service; religious taboos of Muslim bearers; relations with his bearer; character of voyage aboard HMT Somersetshire from GB to India, 1927; train journey to Lahore.
REEL 2 Continues: question of meanness of Indians; move into cantonment in Lahore; social and recreational activities; sightseeing visits to Amritsar and Orchha; degree of social contact with Indian civilians; mountain warfare training; signallers duties; problems of crowd control duties for officers; story of preparing for wrong visitors; training exercises with RAF; relations with Indian Army officers; operations on Khajuri Plain.
REEL 3 Continues: road building on Khajuri Plain; attitude towards Afridis; story of capture of RAF officer by Afridis; building of camp; incident of being sniped at by tribesmen; support received from RAF during campaign; necessity of varying movements; water supply arrangements; officers' accommodation in Lahore and Jhansi; messing arrangements including food, finances, customs and ceremonies.
REEL 4 Continues: mess guest nights; outline of daily, weekly and annual routine; problems of heat on plains; dealing with men's problems; Hogmanay celebrations; attention to health and sanitation; prevalence of malaria; shooting expeditions around Jhansi and in Kashmir; leave entitlement; pay and promotion details; promotion exams; fairness of court martials.
REEL 5 Continues: lack of problems caused by absence of women; brothels in Bombay; preferred postings; employment of servants in quarters using 'chowkidar' system; preference for Muslims; attitude to service in India; Amy Johnston's landing at Jhansi, 11/5/1930-12/5/1930; circulation of 'red letters' to Europeans; contact with European civilians; lack of questioning of presence of British Army in India; visit by commanding officer's wife to Mahatma Gandhi; disinterest in Indian politics; degree of access to newspapers and radio; belief that Indians not ready for self rule; work of regimental contractor; warning against bribery.