Author Topic: Is this Indian Army? (Read 3038 times)

Elliebob · « **on:** Friday 22 June 07 23:04 BST (UK) »

Please can someone tell me if this is an Indian Army uniform? My husband's uncle, James McConnell was in a Punjabi Regt. This picture is of him, but does someone recognise the uniform?

Many thanks

Ellen

Salty · « **Reply #1 on:** Saturday 23 June 07 08:08 BST (UK) »

Hi Ellen,

I cannot find that actual cap badge in my books, but it has the Imperial Crown with what looks like the letters GRR underneath.
It is similar to the Military Provost cap badge, but not quite the same.

The chap in your picture has one Pip on his shoulder which makes him an Officer of the junior rank Subaltern I believe.

Hope someone can come up with an answer for you.

Salty

Salty · « **Reply #2 on:** Saturday 23 June 07 08:09 BST (UK) »

That should read, the letters GRP.

Salty

OldBraggs · « **Reply #3 on:** Saturday 23 June 07 13:41 BST (UK) »

It is GRI - Georgius Rex Imperator (George King Emperor) and yes it was used by the Indian Army.

2nd Lieutenant James Kerr McConnell was commissioned on the Indian Unattached List in 1916. Promoted Lieutenant July 1917. Posted to the 74th Punjabis in December 1917.

Is this your man?

Steve

Elliebob · « **Reply #4 on:** Saturday 23 June 07 14:11 BST (UK) »

Thank you Salty and Steve

Yes this was Bob's uncle. We do know from my f-i-l's autograph book that he was a Capt in 26th Punjabis at some stage.

If anyone can find any further info about when he left the army we would be very grateful. We know that he went back to Ireland at some point. We are pretty sure that his wife lived at 36 Cliftonpark Avenue, Belfast in 1940.

Best wishes

Ellen

OldBraggs · « **Reply #5 on:** Saturday 23 June 07 14:29 BST (UK) »

Ellen,

The last reference that I have is that Major J.K. McConnell transferred to the Unemployed List in April 1936.

I will be going to the Gurkha Museum in July and they have a very good run of Indian Army Lists. I will look him up if I get time.

Steve

mmm45 · « **Reply #6 on:** Saturday 23 June 07 15:50 BST (UK) »

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documentsonline/details-result.asp?Edoc_Id=6524886&queryType=1&resultcount=3

Found this in the NA MICs wonder if its the same McConnell JK.?
Its a poss MID award.
Cant find a MIC for his campaign medals though.

Ady

themonsstar · « **Reply #7 on:** Sunday 24 June 07 09:53 BST (UK) »

Most of the records for Officers in the Indian Army are at the British Library. So you will only get any of his MICs or Indian Army lists info. You could also try getting a copy of the Regiment history

Elliebob · « **Reply #8 on:** Sunday 24 June 07 12:35 BST (UK) »

Thanks for all your help and advice.

We know from a note in Bob's father's address book that Jim died aged 43 of a duodenal ulcer (that would have been about 1938/9). His other brother, Sam, was killed in action in 1942.

There had been a rift with Jim - somthing to do with his wife I think - so Dad didn't speak of them and we understand that he wouldn't visit when the daughter died young!!

Ellen

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