Guides Cavalry

Discussion in 'British Indian Army' started by RobG64, Sep 20, 2016.

  1. RobG64

    RobG64 Well-Known Member

    Dryan67 - I am after your help again!

    Kempton mentions that "A" Squadron Guides Cavalry was detatched from the regiment "from 15th June 1941" and sent to Iraq where it served with 8th Indian Division from 15th August. Do you know when it left India and arrived in Basra? Also, was it equipped with IP carriers and trucks?

    Best regards
    RobG64
     
  2. dryan67

    dryan67 Senior Member

    Here is what I have about 'A' Squadron Guide's Cavalry:

    On June 14th, 1941, ‘A’ Squadron left Quetta and was dispatched to Iraq. It sailed from Karachi on June 24th, 1941 and arrived at Basra on July 2nd. It was then sent to Baghdad on July 14th, 1941 and joined the 8th Indian Infantry Division at Basra in August 1941. It was located at Tanoma until August 24th, 1941 exercising with the 18th Indian Infantry Brigade and Rapier Force. It served in the Persian Campaign from August 25th-29th, 1941 under the 8th Indian Infantry Division. The squadron then came under the 6th Indian Infantry Division and moved throughout Persia until it arrived in September 1941 at Senneh in North Persia. It was then detached with the 24th Indian Infantry Brigade to Teheran on October 12th, 1941. Meanwhile, on October 9th, 1941, the rest of the regiment sailed from Karachi to Basra.

    Regarding equipment, I only have what the main regiment's equipment. Here is what I have on that:

    It became the Infantry Division Reconnaissance Regiment of the 9th Indian Infantry Division, but did not go with the division to Malaya in July 1941. It was equipped at this time with old Chevrolet Armoured Cars and Indian Carriers Pattern I. These were replaced in 1941 with Mk II Carriers. The Chevrolets were replaced in 1942 with Ford and Marmon Herrington Armoured Cars. When the 9th Division moved to Malaya in April 1941, the regiment remained at Quetta. The Guide’s Cavalry arrived at Basra, Iraq on October 15th, 1941. It was equipped with old Chevrolet Armoured Cars and new Indian Wheeled Carriers.
     
  3. RobG64

    RobG64 Well-Known Member

    As ever, first rate reply! Thank you very much, it most appreciated

    Regards
    Rob
     

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