Why join the Indian Cavalry?

[Sylviaann]

My grandfather Henry Middleton was in the 1st Indian Cavalry Supply Column

Why would he be in an Indian regiment when he lived in East London all his life?

He later transfered to the RASC Labour Corps.  Does anyone know why or when this would be?

Sylviaann

[old rowley]

Hi Sylviaann,

Can not anwser the first part of your question but I hope that I have it right in relation to the  Labour Corps part.

It would indicate to me that it was the first world war period that your Henry served. it would also indicate to me that he was wounded/injured in some way whilst in his parent regiment and, when deemed fit for serving his country again (but not fit enough to go back to the front) he would have then been transfered to the Labour Corps.

The men that were sent to the Labour Corps were used for a number of things from being messengers, general labourer's used in repair work (roadways, trenches etc), and also in the transportation area's needed by the army near and behind the front line.

I have had a quick look at the MIC's but there are quite a few Henry Middleton's and not having any army service number I would not know which one he would be.

Hope that it helps somewhat.

old rowley

[OldBraggs]

The RASC was a British Army unit. The various companies of the RASC would be posted to various duties. His just happened to be posted to an Indian Cavalry Supply Column. British infantry battalions and cavalry regiments also served in Indian Divisions.

Steve

[harribobs]

The RASC was a British Army unit. The various companies of the RASC would be posted to various duties. His just happened to be posted to an Indian Cavalry Supply Column.

i think we need to see the basic data, but it sounds more like henry was in the 1st Indian Cavalry Supply Column, then the RASC  ( it was originally the ASC and got the Royal in 1918 iirc)

i'm guessing if henry was conscripted, then he was sent where he was needed, rather than with his mates/local regiment

[OldBraggs]

Can the Indian Cavalry Supply Column can be classed as a parent unit? I doubt that people enlisted into the Indian Cavalry Supply Column. It would be something put together from other units to supply an Indian Cavalry Division. Probably elements of ASC, mule corps, S&T corps men etc. A bit like joining the 10th Hussars in Britain and then that regiment being posted to an Indian Cavalry Division for service. "I served in the Indian Cavalry Division" is different than saying "I served in an Indian Cavalry regiment".

The use of the word Column does not suggest permanency. A column is put together from various sources to service a particular need. As the Indian Cavalry Supply Column (which I have also seen referred to as the Indian Cavalry Supply Column Army Service Corps) was divided into companies and its members had ASC style numbers (e.g. M1/7380 L/Cpl. A. Mills, ICSCASC) I believe that its members enlisted/conscripted into the ASC and were posted to the ICSC for service.

If anyone has any evidence that this is wrong I would be interested.
Regards
Steve

[manmack]

syl,is this your grandfather.
private henry,j.middleton
SS/3953, ASC
300401 labour corps
mack

[Sylviaann]

ManMack and everyone

Yes that is him.  I have the medal card.

He arrived in France 19 November 1914 and had the 15Star.

I don't think he was injured but he did go home when his daughter was ill.  While he was way his unit was "wiped out"  This is what his daughter told me but she did get things slightly wrong.

I have copies of the medal pages.

The first is headed 1st Indian supply col
It says he was transferred to the labour corps
The second is headed Labour corps
In the column headed Regimental nos. and units it says 3955 Pte RASC

Thanks for all the help

Sylviaann
Th

[harribobs]

I have copies of the medal pages.

The first is headed 1st Indian supply col
It says he was transferred to the labour corps
The second is headed Labour corps
In the column headed Regimental nos. and units it says 3955 Pte RASC

Thanks for all the help

Sylviaann
Th

Hi Sylviaann

any chance you post the MIC's?

cheers

[harribobs]

syl,is this your grandfather.
private henry,j.middleton
SS/3953, ASC
300401 labour corps
mack

what's an asc SS prefix Mack?  shoeing smith?