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We particularly recommend this publication - it is the undoubtedly the best and most accurate work to be have been published.
A REGISTER OF TITLES OF THE UNITS OF THE H.E.I.C. & INDIAN ARMIES 1666 - 1947
By Chris Kempton. Forward by W.Y. Carman F.S.A., F.R.HIST.S.
This publication is the first time an attempt has been made to create a definitive Register of all the units raised in the service of the H.E.I.C. and Indian Armies. Any military infrastructure covering a period from 1666 to 1947 is bound to be complex but the arrangements in India were particularly so because of the take over of the H.E.I.C. Army by the Crown after the Indian Mutiny and the subsequent division into three Presidency armies plus the Punjab Frontier Force and a variety of irregular forces under the direct control of the Indian Government.
In 1895 the Presidency system was abandoned creating the need for major reforms and reorganisations which continued to a greater or lesser degree until the final major upheaval in 1922/3. In addition, during this period the Indian Army expanded considerably due to its involvement in World War I and also started to adopt modern technology, particularly in respect of Signals and MT.
After a relatively slow start the expansion of the Indian Army in World War II, from 1942 onwards, was both rapid and spectacular. By July 1945 the strength of the Indian Army was over 1.5 million men, the largest all volunteer army ever, and the increase in the number and variety of units was equally massive and diverse.
The 'Register of Titles' has 410 pages in 19 Parts plus Appendices, Maps and an Index of Cavalry and Infantry Titles. In scope it covers Cavalry and Infantry both regular and irregular, Artillery and Signals to sub-units and all Corps including the I.G.S.C. to platoon/section level wherever possible. The Auxiliary Force [India], Territorial Force and Princely States [IST & ISF Schemes] are covered and Training Establishments, Schools and Colleges are also listed.
Each entry shows the unit's year of formation, any subsequent changes in title and its final disposal up to August 1947. Every Part has a list of units existing at the time of Independence including Training Establishments as applicable.
The 'Register' contains information from a wide and diverse number of sources, many difficult to access and interpret, and , as well as being of great use to military historians, researchers and those interested in family history, it must appeal to anyone with an interest in the Armies of India, H.E.I.C. or Crown, in particular or military history in general.
ISBN 0-85420-276-5 Hardback Edition £45.00
ISBN 0-85420-281-1 Softback Edition £25.00
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