India - can anyone identify this?

[chepstowgirl]

My grandfather was in the British Army most of his adult life. I never knew him and until this year, knew nothing about him. However, contact with relatives has provided me with many photos. This one is from an album that belonged to him and contains many pictures from when he was stationed in India (from 1930-1936).

Can anyone tell me anything about this photograph and why it was in my grandfather's album?

Thanks for your help.

Julie

[Lisa in California]

Hi Julie:

Have you seen the article about the damage to the marble figures?  Is there a chance maybe that he helped get the figures?  Or, while he was stationed there, knew Mr. Weston?
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2001/20010609/himachal.htm#2

[Lisa in California]

A bit more about the Weston's.
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2002/20021110/himachal.htm

Sadly, even more damage was done to the statue.

[Lisa in California]

A bit more
http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Aegean/3944/dagshaibgarticle.html

[chepstowgirl]

Thank you Lisa, this makes very intersting reading. Good questions - I will have to look into this a bit more I think. It was just so strange to find this picture amongst those of big guns, horses and posing soldiers!

Thanks for your help.

[Lisa in California]

Julie:

Years ago I knew someone who travelled and took some photographs of local buildings, churches, etc.  I don't remember what the image was in one photograph, but he was quite touched by the event (I believe it was a local headstone).  Perhaps your grandfather was saddened as well? Or, perhaps he helped take care of the cemetery while he was stationed in the area???  Best of luck in your search.

[toby webb]

Julie,
        I may be saying something that has already been expressed and if that is the case. I'm sorry. However since I have been warned off opening some of the WWW, that is a possibility.
     Dagshai was an important military base in the foothills of the Himalayas and is on the railway line from Kalka to Simla.
     In the India Library  at the National Library in St. Pancras, London there are several volumes on monumental inscriptions and some cover that area. I think this might help and give you some new ideas. Just in case you are not familiar with this library, you cannot just walk in. If you take your passport and possibly a service invoice addressed to where you live, you can get a readers ticket there and then. I wouldn't want you to make a wasted journey.
Good luck, Toby

[chepstowgirl]

Thank you Toby, I may well look into that.

Julie

[maxmax]

Hi Julie
Just wanted to let you know that I found the identical photo last night in my late Father-In-
Laws photo album. It was also with mainly Army Photos .  My father-in-law was CSM Henry Harrison Bell attached to "A" Company 1st Batt. Royal Norfolks.  Was that who your Grand-Dad was with?