In war diaries I have come across the following: V.C.O. (Viceroy Commissioned Officer? Were these British or Indian?) I.O. (Indian Officer?) I.O.R. (Indian Other Rank?) P.M. (no idea) Can anyone help with this? Many thanks! Andreas
This link will help with the VCO question: Bharat Rakshak :: Land Forces Site - Rank Insignias I would say your guess about the I.O. and I.O.R. would be correct. What context were they actually used in???
Thanks all, this has been very helpful. Having thought about it a bit more, I now think that P.M. could refer to Punjab Muslims, since the relevant entry talked about different ethnic groups. This all refers to war diary entries, e.g. losses suffered during operations. All the best Andreas
In the Tiger Kills it refers to Punjabi Musselmen if I recall correctly. Sounds interesting. If your statistics have anything to do with 4th Indian Div I'd be interested to hear about them
In the war diary 5th Ind Inf Bgde there is several references to unfamiliar units like the BIM and the TJFF. What are they? I've given up reading for now as I'm very tired and my eyes are in need of rest but this was making me wonder. They were co-operating with the Free French, so could this be one of their units.
TJFF - The Transjordan Frontier Force If BIM referred to French unit than it could be bataillon d'infanterie de marine.
TJFF - The Transjordan Frontier Force If BIM referred to French unit than it could be bataillon d'infanterie de marine. Correct on the BIM Axis History Forum • View topic - Let's Build.. Free French Forces Serving in North Africa. All the best Andreas
Many thanks chaps! The consensus at the Fourth Indian Division History Group meeting today was that it was the Trans Jordan Frontier Force, so I am glad we guessed right! The BIM certainly will refer to the FF forces.
Grab your copy of the Fourth Indian Div history, bottom of page 72 & top of page 73 & half way down page 75 are the BIM . Page 74 1/3 way down , Transjordan Frontier Force garrison in Sheikh Meskine mentioned.
Many thanks chaps! The consensus at the Fourth Indian Division History Group meeting today was that it was the Trans Jordan Frontier Force, so I am glad we guessed right! The BIM certainly will refer to the FF forces. Does that group meet in a phone box? All the best Andreas
In war diaries I have come across the following: V.C.O. (Viceroy Commissioned Officer? Were these British or Indian?) I.O. (Indian Officer?) I.O.R. (Indian Other Rank?) P.M. (no idea) Can anyone help with this? Many thanks! Andreas VCO = Viceroy's Commissioned Officer (All Indians) IO = Indian Officer. Used for the VCOs till about 1922. IOR = Indian Other Rank PM = Punjabi Mussalman. The ethnic class most recruited in the Indian Army. Nearly regimentally ubiquitous.
