Care Packages for Indian Troops

Indian troops, December 1914 [Wikipedia]

Tuesday 8th December 1914: The Bedford Centre of the St. John Ambulance Association has received a letter of thanks from Lieutenant-Colonel H. Hennessy, the assistant director of supplies and transport for the Lahore Division for ninety packages sent for the benefit of Indian troops at the Front. Forty have been given to muleteers of the 2nd and 9th Mule Corps; twenty were passed to the Assistant Director of Postal Services with with Lahore Division for his Indian staff; the remainder were given personally to “deserving cases”, individuals attached to smaller units who are often overlooked. The men are delighted with their presents, which included gloves, binder, shirt, vest and more. Many of the Indians have walked several miles to ask for thanks to be passed the ladies who made or collected the clothing. The muleteers who were given parcels included seven who have been recommended for the Indian Order of Merit for gallant conduct.

The Bedford Depot has already sent a second consignment of parcels and a third is ready for dispatch. However, Eleanor Paine, the Honorary Sec. Superintendent of the St. John Ambulance Association tell us that the Centre’s funds are now exhausted. She asks for help from anyone with a special interest in the Indian Army so that they can continue to supply comforts for the brave Indian soldiers. Any gifts of money or handiwork can be handed in at the Association’s depot at 53 Harpur Street between 11 and 1 or between 3 and 4.30. Thursdays are dedicated specifically to the Indian Fund.

Source: Bedffordshire Times 11th December 1914