Sgt Lightfoot - Burma 1930-32 - a query

[Bob.NB]

I have been researching the military career of 3519407 Sergeant Jack Lightfoot and have a query:
Sgt Lightfoot’s papers clearly show that he served with the 2nd Battalion in “India” from 23 September 1924 until 21 October 1932 – during this time the battalion served in Burma and were generally awarded the India General service Medal 1908-35 with the “BURMA 1930-32” clasp. However, Sgt Lightfoot’s papers show no entitlement to this medal and he does not appear on the medal roll - so I must assume that he was elsewhere at the time (ie not in Burma at any stage between 22 December 1930 and 25 March 1932).
The question therefore is – where was he?
Lightfoot was appointed “Bandsman” on 24 July 1930, “L Cpl Bandsman” on 31 January 1931 before reverting to private on 29 November 1932. So was the band left behind in India when the rest of the battalion went to Burma and, if so, why?
Or is there another reason for his absence?
Is it relevant that he was due to leave the Army in early 1933, but in the event he signed on again for the “full” 12 years?
Any help and guidance most gratefully received.
Many thanks.
Bob B

[charlie]

Bob,
There are two photos in the Regimental image archive which may help

http://www.manchester-regiment.org.uk/index.php

MR00966 - a named photo of 2nd Bn Bandsmen in India. You could cross reference theirs names with the medal roll. Alternatively check if the Bandmaster is on the roll, the Band would not go anywhere without him. He should be easy enough to find being a WO1.

MR00968 - is a photo of the 2nd Bn Band at Maymyo, Burma, circa 1930.

It was normal for Bandsmen to be absent from the Band for a year while on a course of instruction at the RMSM Knellar Hall.

Charlie

Edit:  there is a group containing the IGS in the Regimental Museum awarded to the Band Sgt.
http://www.themenbehindthemedals.org.uk/index.asp?page=full&mwsquery=(%7BPerson%20identity%7D=%7BWalton,%20WC%7D)

[Bob.NB]

Charlie,
Many thanks for this and for your suggestions.
I have checked many of the names from the two band photographs and several men appear on the medal roll but none are shown as Bandsmen – they may of course have left the band by then or, more probably, the word “Bandsmen” is just not shown on the roll. I note that Band Sgt Waltonis just shown as Walton on the medal roll.
However, I have re-looked at Lightfoot’s service papers and, although he attended a first aid and stretcher bearer’s course in Maymyo in November 1929, he also attended a “1st Combined Cadre Course” in Trimulgherry, India which he completed on 24 May 1932.
So the question is: how long was this course?
When the 2nd Battalion moved from India to Burma in June 1931 did they leave L/Cpl behind in India so that he could go on this course?
As qualification for the “Burma 1930-32” clasp ended on 25 March 1932 I guess he just stayed in India during the qualifying period – it’s a shame to miss out on a medal just because you are on a course but I guess it happened quite a lot.
Thank you once again for taking the time to post your comments.
Best wishes.
Bob B

[themonsstar]

Hi Bob

You could have a look at Maj Gen T.Churchill book "Commando Crusade " as it starts with him in Burma he joined the 2nd Bn in Rangoon, Burma. His brother Jack was already serving with the Bn.

[Bob.NB]

Themonsstar,
Many thanks for this, as you suggest I have just reread the first two chapters of Major Churchill's book - very interesting (although he does steal a few paragraphs from Bell's regimental history).
Strangely I'm off to Myan Mar in a couple of months for a holiday - how times change.
Thanks again and best wishes.
Bob B

[themonsstar]

Enjoy yourselfs Bob

Bring back some pics so we can have a look.


Roy

[Bob.NB]

Will do.
Won't have time to get to THANBYUZAYAT WAR CEMETERY but should get to those in Rangoon (Yangon) - do you have images of the Manchester Regiment graves there?