Chapter IX: Palestine—3rd Bn. 1st Punjab Regiment—waziristan

[Sidenote: 1920.]

The Battalion sailed for Egypt at the end of February under the command of Major S. van B. Laing, D.S.O., M.C., and arrived at Sarafend in Palestine on March 24th, 1920, where it joined the 9th Brigade of the 3rd Lahore Division.

The Depot was left at Dhond, but subsequently moved to Kirkee, Bellary, and Jhelum before rejoining the Battalion at Lucknow in 1922.

On April 28th, 1920, the Battalion proceeded to Haifa, whence, owing to constant raiding by Arabs from across the Jordan, it despatched detachments to various places for their protection. A company was also sent to Cairo to be trained as a Mounted Camel Company.

A party of Mussalmans was also enabled to perform the pilgrimage to Mecca.

[Sidenote: 1921.]

On July 27th the Battalion proceeded to Jerusalem, whence about half the strength proceeded on detachment to various towns. The Battalion arrived at Beni Suef in Egypt in December, and took part in manœuvres near Cairo in March. In April the Camel Company, which had been employed on patrol work between Beersheba and the Dead Sea, rejoined, and in May the whole Battalion arrived in Alexandria and provided detachments in and around that city. The salutary sea air quickly dispelled the many cases of malaria which were a legacy from the Jordan Valley.

[Sidenote: 1922.]

In December, 1921, the Commandant, Lieut.-Colonel E. Milford, D.S.O., rejoined from leave, and the Battalion proceeded to Kantara to await orders to embark for India. Owing, however, to serious disturbances in Cairo, the Battalion was hurriedly despatched thither on Christmas Eve, and remained there till March 23rd. It then moved to Suez and embarked for India, arriving at Lucknow on April 7th, where it was joined by the Depot.

[Sidenote: 3/1st Punjab Regiment.]

In accordance with the Reorganization Scheme, the Jat Company was now replaced by Rajputs from Rajputana, and on December 1st the Battalion became the 3rd Battalion of the 1st Punjab Regiment, the other battalions being:—

1st 62nd Punjabis.
2nd 66th Punjabis.
4th 1st Brahmans.
5th 82nd Punjabis.
10th 84th Punjabis, who became the Training Battalion for the
Group or Regiment.

The badges of the Elephant subscribed “Assaye,” and the Golden Dragon wearing an Imperial Crown, worn by certain of the battalions, were taken into use by all battalions of the new Regiment. The uniform remained scarlet, but the facings were changed to grass-green.

[Sidenote: 1923.]

The following officers were posted permanently to the Battalion on reorganization:—

Lieut.-Colonel E. Milford, D.S.O.
Major A. F. Harper.
Major S. van B. Laing, D.S.O., M.C.
Major T. B. Minniken, rejoined from 2/76th.
Major G. van R. Reyne, D.S.O., M.V.O., rejoined from 2/76th.
Major G. F. Turner, M.C., from 82nd.
Captain E. J. D. McElwaine, O.B.E.
Captain C. C. J. Kellie, from 1st Brahmans.[*]
Captain A. G. Lester-Garland, M.C.
Captain S. F. Irwin.[*]
Captain W. A. Whitehead.
Captain J. B. Dalison, from 2/76th.
Captain H. T. Davison, from 2/76th.[*]
Captain M. J. Murray, from 2/76th.[*]
Captain C. G. Sallai, from 2/76th.
Lieutenant E. J. Austen.[*]
Lieutenant H. W. Murphy.
Lieutenant A. W. Lowther.
Lieutenant G. E. Attwell.

[*] Seconded.

During the hot weather the Battalion was honoured by being selected to provide the Simla detachment to find the guards on the Residences of His Excellency the Viceroy, and His Excellency the Commander-in-Chief, under the command of Major S. van B. Laing, D.S.O., M.C.

[Sidenote: 1924.]

On November 21st the Battalion left Lucknow and proceeded to Waziristan, arriving at Razani on November 30th. Here it remained for six months, being employed in finding permanent piquets and road protection parties. It then proceeded to join the 7th Brigade at Razmak, and on arrival marched with the Movable Column to Sarwekai and back. This demonstration march occupied fourteen days and a certain amount of sniping was experienced, Subadar Surat Singh and ten other ranks being wounded.

In August the Battalion proceeded to Tauda China for a month, where it provided protection and also working parties in connection with the completion of the circular road. Two men were wounded during this period.

In November the Battalion moved with a column to Piaza Raghza, where it remained for six months performing protective duties in connection with the improvement of the road and convoys, and providing about one company in permanent picquets.

During the Battalion’s tour of duty in Waziristan, 2 men were killed, 1 Indian officer and 13 men wounded, by enemy action.

[Sidenote: 1925.]

In December, 1925, the Battalion, under the command of Lieut.-Colonel A. F. Harper, moved to Nowshera in the North-West Frontier Province, where it formed part of the 4th Brigade.

[Sidenote: 1926.]

Thus, in the 150th year of its existence, the Battalion is serving in Nowshera. Its services in Waziristan have been rewarded by the grant of the General Service Medal, India, with a clasp for “Waziristan, 1921-24,” and it has also been honoured by again being selected to find the detachment at Simla during the hot months.

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