This India General Service
medal was awarded to Company Sergeant Major R. Bateman
of the 11th Armoured Car Company, Royal Tank Corps, for
service in India during the period 1936-37.
It is one of a group of medals donated by Bateman's family
which are now on display in the Museum's World War One Hall.
The late 1930s was a particularly turbulent period for
the British-controlled North West Frontier of India.
The area was under constant threat of invasion from Afghanistan
and British soldiers faced daily ambush from independent
local tribes.
Light tanks and armoured cars were found to be the most effective
at combating these hit and run tactics.
India General
Service Medal.
The Tank Museum medal collection.
Company Sergeant Major Bateman at Tank Park Razmak, 1935.
One of the most dramatic battles occurred
in 1937 in the Shahur Tangi Valley. A supply column,
escorted by armoured cars, was passing through this valley
when it came under attack from local tribesmen hiding in the
hillsides. In the initial outbreak of fire, many of the Indian
infantrymen accompanying the convoy were killed and several
vehicles disabled, trapping the rest of the column in the
valley. The tribesmen drew swords and knives and repeatedly
attacked the trapped column for 22 hours until help
arrived. Several gallantry medals were awarded to Royal
Tank Corps personnel involved in this incident.
Crossley armoured cars of the Royal Tanks Corps
on the North West Frontier of India between the wars.
The smaller campaigns of the British Empire are often
over-shadowed by the two World Wars. However, these
operations were vital in providing the British Army with
practical experience that would prove invaluable in subsequent
conflicts.
