To His Excellency the Commander-in-Chief in India, Army Headquarters, India.
COPY OF A LETTER FROM HIS EXCELLENCY THE COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF IN INDIA TO OFFICERS, NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS AND MEN OF THE 2/4TH (CUMBERLAND AND WESTMORLAND) BATTALION THE BORDER REGIMENT:
On your departure from India, I desire to place on record my high appreciation of your services to the Empire during the period of the Great War.
Many of you previous to the outbreak of war had, by joining the Territorial Force, already given proof of that patriotism and public spirit for which the Force has rendered itself so conspicuous.
On the declaration of war your ranks were quickly filled by eager volunteers, animated by the same spirit of self-sacrifice ; when called upon to undertake the further obligation of service overseas your response was immediate and unanimous. By so doing you set free a large number of Regular units for service in the main theatres of war, at a time when every trained soldier was of the greatest value.
I share with you the disappointment, which I know you all feel so keenly, that it has not been your luck to fight the enemy in Europe. Many of you, however, have seen service on the Indian Frontier, and by your conduct and bearing have added to the reputation of the famous regiments whose names you bear.
For the greater portion of your service in India you have been engaged in the somewhat dull routine of garrison duty. The standard of efficiency which you attained, both in training for war and in discipline, reflects the highest credit on you all.
Since the termination of active fighting in all the theatres of war you have been subjected to the further stress of waiting for your relief. That you have appreciated the difficulties which the authorities have had to face in this respect is clear from the patience with which you have borne this trying period.
You are now returning to your homes in the United Kingdom, and I bid you good-bye, God-speed, and a happy hoine-coining.
As an old commander of a Territorial Division at home, I am proud to have again been associated with this Force in India.
(Signed)
C. C. MUNBO, General,
Commander-in-Chief in India.
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