Indian Long Range Squadron

Indian Long Range Squadron
Active 1941–1945
Allegiance British India
Branch British Indian Army
Role Reconnaissance
Raiding
Part of Long Range Desert Group
Engagements World War II

The Indian Long Range Squadron or ILRS was a unit of the British Indian Army during World War II. It was formed by asking for volunteers from the 2nd Lancers, 11th Cavalry and the 18th Cavalry all part of the 3rd Indian Motor Brigade.[1] It was originally formed to patrol the borders between the Soviet Union and Persia and Afghanistan. The ILRS was trained by and performed some missions with the Long Range Desert Group (LRDG) but was not a part of the LRDG.

Formation

The ILRS was formed on 25 December 1941, and comprised four patrols: 'J' (Jat), 'P' (Punjabi), 'M' (Muslim) and 'S' (Sikh) (S). In December 1941, 'J' and 'R' (Rajput) patrols were attached to the LRDG, their designations were changed to 'I1' and 'I2' to avoid confusion with the New Zealand 'R' Patrol. In October 1942 the other two Indian patrols 'M' and 'S' were also attached to the LRDG and which became the 'I3' and 'I4' patrols.[1]

The commander of the ILRS was Major Samuel Vallis Mcoy MBE,[2] the patrol commanders were:

  • 'J' Patrol Lieutenant James Edward Cantlay[3]
  • 'P' Patrol Captain Travers John Durrant Birdwood[4]
  • 'M' Patrol Captain Alan Browning Rand[5]
  • 'S' Patrol Lieutenant Gilbert William Nangle[6]

References

  1. 1 2 Molinari, p.23
  2. ↑ London Gazette, 18 October 1943
  3. ↑ "C". Indian Army Officers, 1939–1945. Retrieved 25 May 2010.
  4. ↑ "B". Indian Army Officers, 1939–1945. Retrieved 25 May 2010.
  5. ↑ "R". Indian Army Officers, 1939–1945. Retrieved 25 May 2010.
  6. ↑ "N". Indian Army Officers, 1939–1945. Retrieved 25 May 2010.
  • Molinari, Andrea. Desert raiders: Axis and Allied Special Forces 1940-43. Botley, UK: Osprey Publishing, 2007. ISBN 1-84603-006-4

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