Unpublished Records

 

 

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Introduction

 

 

This page gives details of materials relevant to 1940s Calcutta, which although unpublished can be accessed at certain archives and libraries.

The list is of course not comprehensive (most material presented is located in the UK) and any additions (especially ralating to archives in India, especially Calcutta) woud be greatly welcome.

 

Archive Abbreviations

Where the records shown below can be accessed, is indicated by the reference given after the title (in brackets).

 

for: (PRO Reference )

                These records can be accessed at the “Public record Office in Kew

                 (for details see section “Libraries & Collections” on page “Related Organisations &     Institutions”.)

                The letters in the PRO Reference have the following meaning:

                ADM – Records of the Admiralty, Naval Forces, Royal Marines, Coastguard, and related bodies

                AIR – Records created or inherited by the Air Ministry, the Royal Air Force, and related bodies

                AVIA – Records created or inherited by the Ministry of Aviation and successors, the Air                 Registration Board, and related bodies

                BT – Records of the Board of Trade and of successor and related bodies

                CAB – Records of the Cabinet Office

                CN – Photographic prints and negatives extracted from various record series

                CO – Records of the Colonial Office, Commonwealth and Foreign and Commonwealth Offices,    Empire Marketing Board, and related bodies

                CSC – Records of the Civil Service Commission

                DF – Records created and acquired by the Natural History Museum, London

                DO – Records created or inherited by the Dominions Office, and of the Commonwealth Relations                 and Foreign and Commonwealth Offices

                DSIR – Records created or inherited by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, and               of related bodies

                DT – Records of the General Nursing Council for England and Wales

                DV – Records of the Central Midwives Board

                FO – Records created and inherited by the Foreign Office

                HO – Records created or inherited by the Home Office, Ministry of Home Security, and related      bodies

                HS – Records of Special Operations Executive

                HW – Records created and inherited by Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ)

                INF – Records created or inherited by the Central Office of Information

                IR – Records of the Boards of Stamps, Taxes, Excise, Stamps and Taxes, and Inland Revenue

                KV – Records of the Security Service

                LCO – Records of the Lord Chancellor's Office and of various legal commissions and committees

                MAF – Records created or inherited by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Departments, and of                 related bodies

                MINT – Records of the Royal Mint

                MT – Records created or inherited by the Transport Departments and of related bodies, and of the              London Passenger Transport Board

                PIN – Records created or inherited by the Ministry of Pensions and National Insurance, and of    related and successor bodies

                PREM – Records of the Prime Minister's Office

                T – Records created and inherited by HM Treasury

                WO – Records created or inherited by the War Office, Armed Forces, Judge Advocate General,     and related bodies

 

for: (BL shelfmark)

                These record can be accessed at the British Library”

                 (for details see section “Libraries & Collections” on page “Related Organisations &     Institutions”.)

 

for: (OIOC Series )

                These record can be accessed at the Oriental and India Office Collections at the British               Library”

                 (for details see section “Libraries & Collections” on page “Related Organisations &     Institutions”.)

                as well as http://www.bl.uk/collections/oiocfamilyhistory/familyeccles.html

      AEast India Company: Charters, Deeds, Statutes and Treaties c1550-c1950

      BEast India Company: Minutes of the Court of Directors and Court of Proprietors 1599-1858

      CCouncil of India Minutes and Memoranda 1858-1947

      DEast India Company: Minutes and Memoranda of General Committees 1700-1858

      EEast India Company: General Correspondence 1602-1859 - See A2A

      FBoard of Control Records 1784-1858 - See A2A

      GEast India Company Factory Records c1595-1858 - See A2A

      HIndia Office Home Miscellaneous Series c1600-1900

      IRecords relating to other Europeans in India 1475-1824

      J&KEast India College, Haileybury, Records, and Records of other institutions 1749-1925 -   See A2A

      LIndia Office Departmental Records

      L/AGIndia Office: Accountant-General's Records c1601-1974 - See A2A

      L/EIndia Office: Economic Department Records c1876-1950

      L/FIndia Office: Financial Department Records c1800-1948 - See A2A

      L/IIndia Office: Information Department Records 1921-1949

      L/LIndia Office: Legal Adviser's Records c1550-c1950 - See A2A

      L/MARIndia Office: Marine Records c1600-1879

      L/MEDIndia Office: Medical Board Records c1920-1960

      L/MILIndia Office: Military Department Records 1708-1959 - See A2A

      L/PARLIndia Office: Parliamentary Branch Records c1772-1952

      L/POSecretary of State for India: Private Office Papers 1858-1948 - See A2A

      L/PWDIndia Office: Public Works Department 1839-1931

      L/P&JIndia Office: Public and Judicial Department Records 1795-1950 - See A2A

      L/P&SIndia Office: Political and Secret Department Records 1756-c1950

      L/RIndia Office: Record Department Papers 1859-1959

      L/SURIndia Office: Surveyor's Office Records 1837-1934

      L/S&GIndia Office: Services and General Department Records c1920-c1970

      L/WSIndia Office: War Staff Papers 1921-1951

      MBurma Office Records 1932-1948 - See A2A

      NReturns of Baptisms, Marriages and Burials 1698-1969

      OBiographical Series 1702-1948

      PProceedings and Consultations 1702-1945

      QCommission, Committee and Conference Records c1895-1947

      RRecords received in London and incorporated in India Office Records

      R/1India: Crown Representative: Political Department Indian States Records 1880-1947

      R/2India: Crown Representative: Indian States Residencies Records c1789-1947

      R/3 India: Viceroy's Private Office Papers and other Government Records 1899-1948

      R/4India: British High Commission Cemetery Records c1870-1967

      R/5Nepal: Kathmandu Residency Records c1792-1872

      R/8Burma: Records of the Governor's Office 1942-1947

      R/9Malaya: Malacca Orphan Chamber and Council of Justice Records c1685-1835

      R/10China: Canton Factory Records 1623-1841

      R/12Afghanistan: Kabul Legation Records 1923-1948

      R/15Gulf States: Records of the Bushire, Bahrain, Kuwait, Muscat and Trucial States Agencies       1763- 1951

      R/19Egypt: Records of the Cairo, Alexandria and Suez Agencies 1832-1870

      R/20Aden: Records of the British Administrations in Aden 1837-1967

      SLinguistic Survey of India c1900-c1930

      VIndia Office Records Official Publications Series c1760-1957

      W, X & YIndia Office Records Map Collections c1700-c1960

      ZOriginal Registers and Indexes to Records Series c1700-1950

                Separately bound indexes and registers bear the prefix letter 'Z'

                Followed by the letter of the class to which they relate.

                The contemporary indexes for each class are also included in the Summary List

                of records for that class.

 

for: (LibCongr SONIC Shelf no.)

These records can be accessed at SONIC Sound ONline Inventory and Catalog of the US Library of Congress. for more detail see http://catalog.loc.gov/

 

 

 

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Political Issues

 

 

Mountbatten Papers Database

The papers of the late Louis, Earl Mountbatten of Burma, and Edwina, Countess Mountbatten of Burma, form part of University of Southampton Library MS62, the Broadlands archives.

These are held in In the Special Collections section of University of Southhampton

more information at http://www.archives.lib.soton.ac.uk/mountbatten.shtml

Access to this database is by permission only. Inquire about database access.

The first section of the Mountbatten Papers Database contains a glossary of acronyms and abbreviations used in the detailed catalogue descriptions of papers for Lord Mountbatten's command in South East Asia, relating to the transfer of power in India and of photograph albums.

This is followed by, firstly, a summary catalogue and then detailed catalogue descriptions of sections of the archive. The summary catalogue includes brief descriptions of the papers of the late Earl and Countess Mountbatten of Burma, together with family papers, a series of photograph albums and photographs and BR70-90, which is the political correspondence of William Wilfrid Ashley from the Broadlands estate papers.

Complementary to this summary catalogue are detailed descriptions of papers focusing on sections of the archive, specifically Lord Mountbatten as Supreme Allied Commander South East Asia, for the transfer of power in India, and of some photograph albums.

The summary catalogue contains brief descriptions of the following sub-divisions of papers:

MB1/A Papers of Earl Mountbatten of Burma: private papers, 1900-48

MB1/B Papers of Earl Mountbatten of Burma: Fifth Destroyer Flotilla and Combined Operations, 1939-43

MB1/C Papers of Earl Mountbatten of Burma: South East Asia Command, 1943-6

MB1/D Papers of Earl Mountbatten of Burma: official papers as last Viceroy and first Governor General of India, 1947-8

MB1/E Papers of Earl Mountbatten of Burma: correspondence files, 1946-8

MB1/F Papers of Earl Mountbatten of Burma: First Cruiser Squadron, 1948-50

MB1/G Papers of Earl Mountbatten of Burma: Fourth Sea Lord, 1950-2

MB1/H Papers of Earl Mountbatten of Burma: Commander in Chief Mediterranean and Commander in Chief Allied Forces Mediterranean, 1952-4

MB1/I Papers of Earl Mountbatten of Burma: First Sea Lord, 1955-9

MB1/J Papers of Earl Mountbatten of Burma: Chief of Defence Staff, 1959-65

MB1/K Papers of Earl Mountbatten of Burma: civilian life, 1965-79

MB1/L Papers of Earl Mountbatten of Burma: organisations, 1937-82

MB1/M Papers of Earl Mountbatten of Burma: speeches and broadcasts

MB1/N Papers of Earl Mountbatten of Burma: miscellaneous (recurrent subjects), 1921-81

MB1/O Papers of Earl Mountbatten of Burma: miscellaneous

MB1/P Papers of Edwina, Countess Mountbatten of Burma: correspondence files, 1923-47

MB1/Q Papers of Edwina, Countess Mountbatten of Burma: correspondence files, 1947-8

MB1/R Papers of Edwina, Countess Mountbatten of Burma: correspondence files, 1948-60

MB1/T Papers of Prince Louis of Battenberg (Louis Alexander Mountbatten, first Marquis of Milford Haven from 1917): naval and personal papers, 1868-1921, 1962-79

MB1/U Papers of the German branch of the Mountbatten family

MB1/W Papers of William Wilfrid Ashley, Baron Mount Temple: political and private correspondence, 1898-1938

MB1/X Papers of Sir Ernest Cassel, 1887-1920

MB1/Y Milford Haven family papers

MB1/Z Papers of Earl Mountbatten of Burma: correspondence with Solly Zuckerman, Baron Zuckerman

MB2/A Photograph albums: Prince Louis of Battenberg (Louis Alexander Mountbatten, first Marquis of Milford Haven, from 1917)

MB2/B Photograph albums: Princess Louise of Battenberg (later Queen of Sweden); Victoria, Princess Louis of Battenberg (Marchioness of Milford Haven from 1917)

MB2/C Photograph albums: Nona Kerr (Mrs Richard Crichton), lady in waiting to Victoria, Princess Louis of Battenberg

MB2/D Photograph albums: Prince George of Battenberg (second Marquis of Milford Haven)

MB2/E Photograph albums: Prince Alexander of Hesse; Prince Gregory Gargarine

MB2/F Photograph albums: Baroness Sophie Buxhoevden; Elisabeth, Grand Duchess Serge

MB2/G Photograph albums: royal families in Europe; Montenegrin family

MB2/H Photograph albums: Evelyn Ashley; Sybella Ashley; Maud Ashley (nee Cassel); William Wilfrid Ashley, Baron Mount Temple; sketch book of Emily, Viscountess Palmerston

MB2/I Presentation albums: Sir Ernest Cassel

MB2/J Visitors and calling books, 1884-1956

MB2/K Photograph albums: Edwina, Countess Mountbatten of Burma, 1920-2

MB2/L Photograph albums: visits and tours by Edwina, Countess Mountbatten of Burma, including the honeymoon tour of Lord and Lady Mountbatten, 1922-45

MB2/M Photograph albums: visits by Edwina, Countess Mountbatten of Burma, 1932-60

MB2/N Photograph albums: Earl Mountbatten of Burma, 1904-80

MB2/O Articles and photographs of houses, including Brook House, London, and 2 Wilton Crescent

MB2/P Address books, stamp and coin collections

MB2/Q Photograph albums, including of Mahatma Gandhi and of India; photographs, shooting script for In which we serve

MB2/R Photograph albums: visits by Earl and Countess Mountbatten of Burma, 1939-59

MB2/S Photograph albums: visits by Earl Mountbatten of Burma, 1939-76

MB2/T Game books: Classiebawn, County Sligo, Ireland; Adsdean; Broadlands estate; Lord Mountbatten's personal game book

MB2/U Account books, Broadlands estate books, cash and personal expenditure analysis books

MB3 Photographs, including for SACSEA, India, Chief of Defence Staff; family photographs for the Russian imperial family, Battenberg and Mountbatten families, Cassel and Ashley families, the royal family

MB5 Bound volumes, mainly naval notes of Earl Mountbatten of Burma and inventories and lists of articles of Adsdean and Brook House

MB7 Press cuttings, 1921, 1944-85

MB11 Papers of Victoria, Princess Louis of Battenberg (Marchioness of Milford Haven from 1917); lists of books read: extracts of books; copies and translations of poems

MB12 Papers of Nona Kerr (Mrs Richard Crichton), lady in waiting to Victoria, Princess Louis of Battenberg

BR70-99 Papers of William Wilfrid Ashley, Baron Mount Temple

There are detailed catalogue descriptions for the following sub-division of papers:

MB1/C1-99 South East Asia Command, 1943-6

MB1/C100-99 South East Asia Command, 1943-6

MB1/C200-99 South East Asia Command, 1943-6

MB1/C300-28 South East Asia Command, 1943-6

MB1/D3-20 Official papers as last Viceroy and first Governor General of India, 1947-8

MB1/D21-40 Official papers as last Viceroy and first Governor General of India, 1947-8

MB1/D41-60 Official papers as last Viceroy and first Governor General of India, 1947-8

MB1/D61-80 Official papers as last Viceroy and first Governor General of India, 1947-8

MB2/A-K Mountbatten photograph albums, 1859-1940

MB2/L-N Mountbatten photograph albums, 1904-80

 

BAKER PAPERS (at Centre of South Asian Studies University of Cambridge)

(E.B.H. Baker)

Lent by Mrs. I. Baker

Microfilm Box 6 No. 45

Letters of Baker to his parents and others, 25 January 1931 to December 1932: from Madaripur where he writes he is transferred to Hijli as Governor of the Detention Camp for Political Prisoners at Kharagpur; arrives February 1931; conditions in the camp; description of detainees; comments on Gandhi; letter written on 17 September 1931 describing the incident in the camp when two detainees were killed and five wounded; the consequences; Tagore's intervention; the Official Inquiry (Mullick and Drummond); November in Sikkim on leave; result of the Inquiry and consequences; leaves Hijli; Congress intrigue; reason for unrest - unemployment of the educated; goes to Alipur (Duar Subdivision) very quiet; description of place and work; near another detainees camp; missionaries; he feels the lack of money for social reform; tours tea gardens; at Rajshahi describes Christmas party with Anglo-Indians; description of Busca Detainees Camp.

Pamphlet: 'Chittagong and Hijli: British "Misrule" in Bengal', published by J.M. Sen-Gupta. Foreword by Rabindranath Tagore. 'Being the Report of the non-official Enquiry Committee on Recent Disturbances in Chittagong, and the Government Committee of Enquiry on Hijli Shooting.'

'Travel Diary Journal' (possibly amalgamated from diaries) Volume I, November 1927 - October 1932:

Assistant Magistrate Dacca, 10 December 1927-25 November 1928; Assistant Magistrate and Collector on Settlement Training, Burdwan District, 1928 - March 1929; Sub-Divisional Officer Rampurhat, Birbhum District, 7 April - 31 October 1929; Sub-Divisional Officer Madaripur, November 1929 - February 1931; Commandant, Hijli Detention Camp; Kharagpur, February - October 1931; detailed account of the camp, its running, inmates, the incident of the shooting and consequences; Special Officer Political Department Calcutta, November 1931 - January 1932, writing history sheets of eighty prominent Congressmen for action, under the Emergency Powers Ordinance should civil disobedience recommence; results of Gandhi's arrival in Bombay and the Viceroy's refusal to discuss the N.W.F.P., U.P. and Bengal ordinances with him; renewal of civil disobedience and consequences; leave. At the back of the volume are accounts. 'Travel Diary', volume II, October 1932 - October 1936:

Sub-Divisional Officer Alipur-Duar, Jalpaiguri District, November 1932 - February 1933. Very little crime and no political trouble.

Assistant District Magistrate Myemsingh District, February - September 1933. Account of internal running of the District. District Magistrate, Myemsingh, August - October 1933.

Special Officer, Revenue Department, Calcutta, November 1933 - February 1934. Inside story of writing an annual Administration Report; Calcutta social life. Additional District and Sessions Judge, Alipore, February - May 1934.

District and Sessions Judge, Burdwan, June - October 1934; November - December 1934. Inexperience of civil law.

Joint Magistrate, Burdwan, December 1934. Inspections, etc.; few days in Calcutta; Viceregal Ball, Belvedere.

District and Sessions Judge, Dacca, January - September 19 35. Importance of job for which he feels inexperienced; society and social life in Dacca; describes work of district judge; assessment of his own ability; describes some unscrupulous judges.

Special Officer Revenue Department, Calcutta, November 1935 - February 1936. Writing administration report.

Special Officer Political Department, Calcutta, February 1936. Working on matters arising in connection with the new constitution; lists the social activities of the era; reaction in Bengal to king George's death. Additional District and Sessions Judge, Howrah, February - March 1936.

On leave.

'Travel Diary' Volume III, October 1936 - March 1941:

Leave until 16 November 1936.

District and Sessions Judge, Noakhali, November 1936 - February 1937. Very quiet; goes on to Krishnagar for Christmas; elections for new Provincial Assembly.

Special Officer, Judicial Department, Calcutta, February - April 1937. Firstly to frame certain rules for the conduct of the official Assignee under the amended Presidency Towns Insolvency Act, etc.; light work; Darjeeling in hot weather. Special Officer, Legislative Department, Calcutta, April - October 1937. Very little work.

Attaché, Legislative Department, Government of India, November 1937 - April 1938. Goes to Delhi to train in Secretariat; work more interesting; sits in on Councils of State and Legislative Assemblies.

District and Sessions Judge, Rajshahi and Malda, April - August 1938. Enjoys Rajshahi; floods; life on the station. Leave to get married.

District and Sessions Judge, Rajshahi and Malda, October 1938.

Special Officer Legislative Department and Secretary, Calcutta, November 1938 - September 1940. Outline of work, social and domestic life, between Calcutta and Darjeeling, and outside world in progress of the war; picture of Darjeeling in the days of 1940, and Calcutta; work in Calcutta, Bengal Cooperative Societies Bill, etc.

Additional Secretary to Governor of Bengal, August 1940 - September 1943. Criticisms of the Governor; criticisms of Viceregal Staff during the war; daily life in Governor's household; war efforts in India, 1941-42; comments on India's production of war material, but these are brief as are comments on Burma refugees; mentions Japanese invasion of Andamans brings war nearer, and defence measures more serious; results of the war in the Far East were felt in Calcutta, great changes there; 1943 goes on tour with the Governor, inspecting A.R.P., etc., and collecting purses for war effort and attending mass meetings; March - May Constitutional muddle in Bengal, but famine beginning and Lord Wavell's appointment as Viceroy 'a decided shock'; the river tour proposed for Governor abandoned on police advice; famine relief and control; Sir Thomas Rutherford takes over as Acting Governor; Viceroy visits famine areas, results good; Governors conference November 1943; death of Sir John Herbert, 11 December. Receives O.B.E., 1944.

Joint Secretary Home Department, February - June 1944. In charge of Constitution and elections, jails, etc.

Acts as Additional Secretary Home Department June - July 1944. Joint Secretary July - October 1944. Additional Secretary and Provincial Transport Controller November 1944 - March 1945. Obtains Government agreement to the appointment of a full time transport Commissioner. Leave for England, four months.

Legislative Secretary, October - December 1945, Calcutta, without family. Not much work; comments on Congress and the lifting of restrictions.

Sent in February 1946 to Alipore as Additional District and Sessions Judge 24 Parganas. Difficulty in returning to court life and practice; April - October 1946, normal life of a magistrate, joined by his wife; October 1946 - February 1947, normal court life; to Dacca in February 1947 for trials of riot cases, the Muslim Ministry wanted a European Judge to try Communal cases.

The diary tails off in March - May 1947, after a note about rioting. The journal is interspersed with detailed accounts of the progress of the war, and the accounts of his journeys home on leave and what he did, also of local leave; it gives nothing like the picture of his life in India which can be drawn from his letters home. Letters home, 1927 - 1928, 1929 - 1930, 1933: these are a most vivid and interesting 'fill-in' to the journal; he writes as a young and inexperienced official of all the details which strike him, and thus gives a vivid picture of the life of the administrator both from the work, the people, the stations and European life there; he goes into great detail and provides most interesting sidelights.

 

Proceedings and Consultations 1702-1945 (OIOC Series P)

Bound copies of some of the main records of the central and provincial governments in India were routinely sent ot London for the information of the East India Company and the India Office. Before 1860 these records were usually known as 'Consultations' and mostly comprise manuscript copies of the correspondence, minutes and resolutions of the governments concerned. From 1860 onwards the Proceedings are mainly printed copies of the official business of Government departments, and include papers on the more important administrative measures only. After 1921 Proceedings gradually ceased to be routinely transmitted to London. For each government the list of proceedings is arranged by department or branch, and then chronologically. The list is in twelve parts: 1 Introduction; 2 Bengal; 3 India; 4 Madras; 5 Bombay; 6 United Provinces; 7 Punjab; 8 Assam; 9 Bihar and Orissa; 10 Central Provinces; 11 Burma; 12 Other Administrations.

 

Council of India Minutes and Memoranda 1858-1947 (OIOC Series C)

The Council acted primarily as a reviewing or advisory body for the Secretary of State for India. Much of the work of the India Office is represented in the Council's minutes and memoranda, but fuller documentation usually lies in the correspondence and papers of India Office departments (see L below). The minutes of the Advisers to the Secretary of State (the body which superseded the Council in 1937) are also included.

 

India Office: Parliamentary Branch Records c1772-1952 (OIOC Series L/PARL)

The Parliamentary Branch of the Record Department (see L/R below) was established in 1899 to handle the preparation and recording of Parliamentary Papers concerned with India. The records also include a series of India Office answers to Parliamentary Questions.

 

Secretary of State for India: Private Office Papers 1858-1948 (OIOC Series L/PO)

Papers relating to issues on which Secretaries of State acted personally were kept by the private secretaries and not registered in India Office departments. Increasingly after about 1904 Secretaries of State, on retirement or resignation, left such papers in the Private Office. The papers thus left concern major political and constitutional issues, including relations with princely state and foreign governments.

 

India: Crown Representative: Political Department Indian States Records 1880- 1947 (OIOC Series R/1)

This collection was transferred to the British High Commission in New Delhi, and then to the Commonwealth Relations Office, in 1947 and 1948. It consists of secret files on Indian State matters, selected from Political Department records in India concerning paramountcy (the special authority exercised by the Viceroy as 'His Majesty's Representative for the Exercise of the Functions of the Crown in its Relations with Indian States'), the affairs of particular states and rulers, and honours and political service questions. The files contain correspondence with rulers, with central government officials ('Residents' and 'Political Agents') in Indian States, and with the India Office.

 

India: Crown Representative: Indian States Residencies Records c1789-1947 (OIOC Series R/2)

These records, from the offices of Residents and Political Agents in Indian States, were transferred to London in the same process as the Political Department records (see R/1 above). They were selected on the same criteria, and include correspondence with state authorities, with the Political Department, and with provincial governments. The records are arranged by Residencies and Political Agencies: Baroda and Gujarat States; Central India; Eastern States; Gwalior (with Rampur and Benares); Hyderabad; Kashmir; Kolhapur and Deccan States; Madras States; Mysore; Punjab Hill States; Rajputana; and Western India States. Few series contain files earlier than 1880, although Mysore Commission records and Bombay Political Department records (for Kolhapur and Western India) date from c1800.

 

Bengal: general description with maps. 1938-1942 (PRO Reference WO 208/759)

 

Notes on general situation, economy and developments, of Andaman Islands and Nicobar Islands in Bay of Bengal. 1948 (PRO Reference DO 142/55)

 

Bengal: personalities in the ministry. 1942 Dec. (PRO Reference WO 208/779)

 

Bengal: political notes. 1942 Jan.-May (PRO Reference WO 208/784)

 

West Bengal: general affairs. 1949-1952 (PRO Reference DO 35/3182)

 

Political conditions in West Bengal. 1950 (PRO Reference DO 142/393)

 

Political situation in West Bengal. 1947 (PRO Reference DO 142/413)

 

Political situation in East Bengal. 1947-1949 (PRO Reference DO 142/414)

 

HARE (William Francis), 5th Earl of Listowel Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur C357)

Weekly correspondence of William Francis Hare, 5th Earl of Listowel (b 1906), as Secretary of State for India Apr- Aug 1947, with Lord Mountbatten of Burma (1900-1979), Viceroy of India Mar-Aug 1947; also letters, dated 1968 and 1978, relating to the appointments of Wavell and Mountbatten as Viceroy, and Listowel's as Secretary of State.

1 portfolio    1943 - 1947      View Contents List

 

SAUMAREZ SMITH (William Hanbury) Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur C409)

`74 Days in `47': typescript copy of diary, dated 3 Jun-15 Aug 1947, with explanatory notes dated 1987, by William Hanbury Saumarez Smith (b 1911), Indian Civil Service, Bengal 1934-47, Deputy Private Secretary to the Governor of Bengal 1946-47, describing the last days of British rule in Bengal.

36 folios    1947 - 1947

 

INDIA OFFICE Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur C960)

Comments by India Office officials, and Sir Atul Chandra Chatterjee and Sir Torick Ameer Ali (both Advisers to the Secretary of State for India) on Horace Gundry Alexander and his lectures on 'Conflict and Co-operation in Modern History' delivered at Calcutta University Mar 1943 (published 1944).

6 folios; 54 pages    1945 - 1945

 

PINNELL (Leonard George) Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur D911)

Pinnell Collection: papers of Leonard George Pinnell (1896-1979), Indian Civil Service, Bengal 1920-47, Director of Civil Supplies, Bengal 1942-43; co-ordinator of Bengal Government's evidence to Famine Enquiry Commission 1943-44, Principal of of training course for military officers returning to civil administration 1944-45; Chairman, Bengal Development Board 1946-47; also printed speeches by Governors of Bengal 1936-46.

39 items    1932 - 1948      View Contents List

 

WAVELL (Archibald Percival), Field Marshal 1st Earl Wavell Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur D977)

Wavell Collection: xerox copies of papers of Field Marshal Sir Archibald Percival Wavell, 1st Earl Wavell (1883- 1950), as Viceroy of India 1943-47.

18 volumes    1943 - 1947      View Contents List

 

DAVIES (Vincent Ellis) Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur D833)

Davies Collection: papers and correspondence of Vincent Ellis Davies (b 1903), Indian Civil Service, Bihar and Orissa 1926-47, Private Secretary to Governor of Orissa 1941-44, including tour diaries 1936-39 as Deputy Commissioner, Santal Parganas, tour programmes 1941-44 of the Governor of Orissa, a diary of life in Muzaffarpur District after independence Jan-Jun 1948, and memoirs of his career 1925-47.

78 items    1908 - 1993      View Contents List

 

HOARE (Samuel John Gurney), Viscount Templewood Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur E240)

Templewood Collection: correspondence and papers of Sir Samuel John Gurney Hoare, Viscount Templewood (1880-1959) as Secretary of State for India 1931-35, with other papers on Indian affairs.

87 items    1931 - 1954      View Contents List

 

HALLETT (Maurice Garnier), Sir Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur E251

Hallett Collection: official papers and correspondence of Sir Maurice Garnier Hallett (1883-1969), Indian Civil Service 1907-45; Secretary, Home Dept, Government of India 1932-36, Governor of Bihar 1937-39, Governor of United Provinces 1939-45.

73 items    1935 - 1945      View Contents List

 

REID (Robert Niel), Sir Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur E278)

Reid Collection: papers and diaries of Sir Robert Niel Reid (1883-1964), Indian Civil Service, Bengal 1907-42, Governor of Assam 1937-42, Acting Governor of Bengal 1938 and 1939.

91 items    1918 - 1964      View Contents List

 

TYSON (John Dawson), Sir Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur E341)

Tyson Collection: papers of Sir John Dawson Tyson (1893-1976), Indian Civil Service, Bengal 1920-47; Secretary to Agent of the Government of India in South Africa 1927-30; Private Secretary to Governor of Bengal 1930-35, 1938, 1945-47; chiefly comprising weekly letters home (1920-47) giving detailed accounts of his activities both private and official.

48 items    1920 - 1947      View Contents List

 

BROWN (Frank Herbert), Sir Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur E253)

Correspondence and papers of Sir Frank Herbert Brown (1868-1959), journalist in India, later London correspondent of 'Times of India'; editorial staff of `The Times' 1929-54 for Indian and Eastern affairs.

9 items    1929 - 1946      View Contents List

 

KNATCHBULL (Michael Herbert Rudolph), 5th Baron Brabourne Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur F97)

Brabourne Collection: papers of Michael Herbert Rudolph Knatchbull, 5th Baron Brabourne (1895-1939) as Governor of Bombay 1933-37, Governor of Bengal 1937-39, and Acting Viceroy of India Jun-Oct 1938.

86 items    1933 - 1939      View Contents List

 

BUTLER (Spencer Harcourt), Sir Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur F116)

Butler Collection: correspondence and papers of Sir (Spencer) Harcourt Butler (1869-1938), Indian Civil Service, United Provinces 1890-1928; Foreign Secretary, Government of India 1908-10; Education Member, Governor- General's Council 1910-15; Lieutenant-Governor of Burma 1915-18; Lieutenant-Governor 1918, and Governor 1921-22 of United Provinces; Governor of Burma 1923-27; Chairman, Indian States Committee 1928.

112 items    1881 - 1938      View Contents List

 

LAITHWAITE (John Gilbert), Sir Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur F138)

Laithwaite Collection: correspondence, papers and photographs of Sir (John) Gilbert Laithwaite (1894-1986), India and Burma Office official 1919-47; Private Secretary to Viceroy 1936-43; Commonwealth Relations Office 1947-59, Permanent Under- Secretary 1955-59; Deputy Chairman 1960-64 and Director 1964-69 of Inchcape & Co. Ltd.

212 items    1916 - 1974      View Contents List

 

INDIAN POLITICAL SERVICE Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur F226)

Indian Political Service Collection: memoirs of some thirty-five former members of the Indian Political Service, or their wives, describing their experiences, chiefly in the period 1920-1947, as political officers in the Indian States, the North-West Frontier Province, Baluchistan, or the Residencies and Consulates in the Persian Gulf.

35 items    1920 - 1947      View Contents List

 

SIFTON (James David), Sir Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur F266)

Miscellaneous papers of Sir James David Sifton (1878-1952), Indian Civil Service 1902-37, Governor of Orissa 1932-36, of Bihar 1936-37; including reports on settlement operations in Hazaribagh and Singhbhum, newspaper special editions on the Bihar earthquake of 1934, daily engagement book, scrapbook, and letters home.

11 items    1901 - 1958      View Contents List

 

SEAL (Pulin Behari) Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur Photo Eur 446)

Copies of selected papers of Pulin Behari Seal (1900-?83), journalist and Indian political activist in London; appointed by C R Das representative in London of Indian National Congress and Swaraj Party 1924-27; President, Indian Association, London 1924-27; General Secretary, London Branch of Indian National Congress 1927-31; General Secretary, Indian Independence League, London 1931-36; Chairman, Committee of Indian Congressmen, London, and General, Council for the International Recognition of Indian Independence 1941-45.

5 items    1924 - 1947      View Contents List

 

Bengal Oral History - Communist, Peasant and Labour Movements of Bangladesh and India (at Asia Department Collections of International Institute of Social History.)

This consists of 40 cassettes of Interviews with leaders of the Communist, Peasant and Labour Movements of Bangladesh and India. The details are:

 

Comrade Amal Sen (83), leader of the 'Tebhaga' peasant movement in Bengal, led by the Communist Party. Interviewed by Shahriar Kabir in Dhaka on 16.5.97-23.5.97. Bengali. (GC8/166-172)

 

Writer Mohashweta Devi, leader of the 'Adivasi'on bonded labour and tribal movements. Interviewed by Shahriar Kabir, in Calcutta, on 16.12.96. Bengali. (GC8/164)

 

Comrade Ila Mitra, leader of the Tebhaga and Nachol peasant

uprisings, ex-MLA, leader of CPI. Interviewed by Shahriar Kabir, in Calcutta, on 18.12.96. Bengali. (GC8/162-163)

 

Comrade Ranesh Das Gupta (87), writer, journalist, former organizer of a pro-communist cultural movement of Bangladesh. Interviewed by Shahriar Kabir, in Calcutta, on 15.7.97-29.7.97. Bengali. (GC8/209-216)

 

Comrade Robi Niogi (89), leader of Tebhaga and the CPB. Interviewed by Shahriar Kabir, in Sherpur, Bangladesh, on 4.5.97. Bengali. (GC8/175-176)

 

Comrade Mohadev Sanyal on labour and peasant movements in the 40s and 50s. Interviewed by Shahriar Kabir, in Mymensingh, Bangladesh, on 7.5.97. Bengali. (GC8/173-174)

 

Justice Debesh Bhattacharya (84) on communal problems, politics and society of Bengal. Interviewed by Shahriar Kabir, in Dhaka, on 21.4.97. Bengali. (GC8/195)

 

Comrade Rejia Khatoon, ex-Congress and CPB leader on the women's movement. Interviewed by Shahriar Kabir, in Mymensingh, Bangladesh, on 6.5.97. Bengali.

 

Comrade Kanak Mukherjee, leader of CPI (M), wife of late communist leader Saroj Mukerjee. . Interviewed by Shahriar Kabir, in Calcutta, on 11.4.97. Bengali. (GC8/193)

 

Congress leader Monoranjan Dhar (96) on politics and society of Bengal and Bangladesh, Liberation War. Interviewed by Shahriar Kabir, in Mymensingh, Bangladesh, on 5.5.97. Bengali. (GC8/194)

 

Comrade Abani Lahiri (87) of the CPI, on the Tebhaga peasant uprising. Interviewed by Shahriar Kabir, in Calcutta, on 2.2.99. Bengali. (GC8/221-222)

 

Comrade Ramen Sen (90) ex MP, first C.C. member of the CPI, during the formation. Interviewed by Shahriar Kabir, in Calcutta, on 29.10.98. Bengali. (GC8/217-218)

 

Prof. Samar Guha (80), ex MP and General Secretary of the Forward Block and Proja Socialist Party. Interviewed by Shahriar Kabir, in Calcutta, on 9.5.98. Bengali. (GC8/219- 220)

 

Niharenda Dutta Majumdar (93) of the Indian National Congress and Indian Labour Party, on the Anti-British Freedom Struggle. Interviewed by Shahriar Kabir, in Calcutta, on 27.1.98. Bengali. (GC8/227-228)

 

Comrade Pannalal Das Gupta (96) of the RCPI, on the Anti-British Freedom Struggle and the Communist Movement of India. Interviewed by Shahriar Kabir, in Shantiniketon, West Bengal, on 17.1.98. Bengali. (GC8/225-226)

 

Comrade Sharadindu Dastidar, former CPI leader, Revolutionary Communist League, on the Communist Movement of India and Bangladesh. Interviewed by Shahriar Kabir, in Chittagong, Bangladesh, on 8.7.99. Bengali. (GC8/ 223-224)

 

Urdu poet Kaifi Ajmi on the pro-communist cultural movement (IPTA) of Bangladesh and India and the Bangladesh Liberation War, and Shawkat Kaifi, actress, former IPTA activist, and wife of Kaifi. Interviewed by Shahriar Kabir, in Mumbay, India, on 16.1.97. Urdu. (GC8/191)

 

On Santhal Pot and songs on Netajee Subhas Bose, leader of the Freedom Struggle of India. Recorded by Shahriar Kabir in Barasat, West Bengal at a handicraft fair on 29.1.00

 

 

        The Governorship

 

GOVERNOR OF BENGAL: Appointment of Mr. R. G. Casey, D.S.O., M.C.. 1943-1946 (PRO Reference DO 35/1116)

 

India: F.O. tel. to Minstate, Cairo, No.3464 Nocop. From P.M. Offers Governorship of Bengal and a peerage to Mr. Casey. 7/11/43 (PRO Reference FO 954/12B)

 

India: F.O. tel. to W'ton, No.3131. From P.M. Governorship of Bengal. 15/5/42 (PRO Reference FO 954/12A)

 

Governorship of Bengal: appointment of R G Casey. 1943 (PRO Reference PREM 5/313)

 

 

        Independence

 

India: Viceroy's Private Office Papers and other Government Records 1899-1948 (OIOC Series R/3)

Various small collections received from India in the 1940s: Viceroy's Private Office files (1899-1948) on honours matters and political questions (including Gandhi and civil disobedience); and provincial government records (1932-1947), including Bengal Secretariat files on political affairs and some Punjab police files. A guide has been published for part of the collection: A.K. Jasbir Singh, Gandhi and Civil Disobedience: Documents in the India Office Records 1922-1946 (London, 1980).

 

Commission, Committee and Conference Records c1895-1947 (OIOC Series Q)

Papers of special investigating or deliberative bodies mostly working in India or Britain, deposited in the India Office by the authorities concerned. Chiefly unpublished proceedings and minutes of evidence, the records also include papers of official participants in international conferences. Among bodies represented are the Indian Statutory Commission, the Indian Round Table Conferences and the Indian Franchise Committee.

 

CHORLEY PAPERS (at Centre of South Asian Studies University of Cambridge)

Papers of Baron Chorley of Kendal, relating to Lord Chorley's membership of the Parliamentary Delegation to India,

1946.

Given by the Hon. Mrs G. Goodwin.

22 December and 24 December 1945. From the India Office. Xeroxed memorandum issued by the Bureau of Public Information, Government of India, for the benefit of the Parliamentary Delegation, in form of brief precis of comments by Indian Leaders to the Press indicative of their attitudes to the Delegation. The leaders in question are: Pandit Nehru, Purshottam Das Tandon and Sir Maharaj Singh.

22 December 1945. Information Department, India Office. Xeroxed note for Delegation members with precis of comments made in Indian newspapers about the proposed Parliamentary Delegation.

Official list of Guest Rooms in The Viceroy's House, New Delhi for the period from 5-7 January 1946.

Official list, headed New Delhi, 1945-46, of telephone numbers of personnel working in Viceroy House, also other important numbers.

Xeroxed sheet of notes: brief biographies of people attending the Delegation.

List of guests invited to an unspecified 'At Home', held on 7 January 1946.

Newspaper cutting from Hindustan Times, 9 January 1946; a photograph of the British Parliamentary Delegation to Delhi.

A memorandum to Lord Chorley detailing the engagements for 8 January 1946.

Second page of above memorandum.

A typed list giving engagements on 10 January 1946.

A typed list of engagements for 11 January 1946.

Handwritten note, unsigned, on talk given by the Viceroy.

Typed list, headed The Lord Chorley of Kendal, giving brief biographies of guests attending a party held on 7 January 1946.

Invitation to Lord Chorley to a party on 12 January 1946 given by Sir Bertrand and Lady Glancy.

Seating plan of Dinner given at Government House, Peshawar on 15 January 1946.

Typed list, headed 18 January 1946 noting appointments on that day with leading Indian personalities in various fields.

Timetable for Parliamentary Delegation for 18 and 19 January 1946.

Dinner list, dated 18 January 1946 held at Government House.

List compiled by Parliamentary Delegation of people interviewed in Mysore on 21 January 1946; list ranges from local dignitaries to businessmen and journalists.

Biographical list of officials in Mysore State.

Timetable of events in Madras on 25 January 1946.

Envelope addressed to Lord Chorley, memo on back mentions a Dr Ananda Coomarasura.

Newspaper cutting from The Mail, 24 January 1946, deals with the Delegations meeting with Gandhi.

Tentative programme for weekend in Calcutta from 25-28 January 1946.

A list, giving brief biographies, of leading non-officials representing different interests in Bengal who may be of interest to, or interested in, the Delegation.

Dinner plan for 4 February 1946 attended by the Viceroy and members of the Delegation. (2 copies).

Portion of notepad which makes references to terrorist activities in Bengal, mentions problems of running down the I.C.S. and refers to Trade Unions.

 

MULLOCK PAPERS (at Centre of South Asian Studies University of Cambridge)

Mr Mullock was a European working in Calcutta between 1929 and 1937. He worked in Bombay between 1937 and 1948, with a brief interlude in Belgaum, and returned to Calcutta in 1948 before leaving for Britain in 1950.

Given by D.W. Mullock Esq.

Miscellaneous papers. 29 ff xerox copies. Press cuttings on terrorist activities in Bengal, particularly political assassination, early 1930s. Material relating to 'The Royalists'. According to its prospectus 'The Royalists' was an organisation composed of 'younger members of the British Community in India' which 'Stood for the King against the King's Enemies'. Criticism of government was not incompatible with this attitude and the Royalists were concerned to ensure that the European Association really voiced the demands of the European Community and that the rights of the Community were properly safeguarded in any future constitution. The Royalists were not militant but might be used for the formation of a defence force in an emergency: The papers include the minutes of the Annual General Meeting held at the Grand Hotel, Calcutta on 13 September 1934. Mr Mullock was Chairman of the Royalists on this occasion.

 

 

        The Partition

 

Communal troubles in East and West Bengal 1950: India-Pakistan relations. 1950 (PRO Reference DO 35/2989)

 

Communal troubles in East and West Bengal 1950: India-Pakistan relations. 1950 (PRO Reference DO 35/2990)

 

Communal troubles in East and West Bengal 1950: India-Pakistan relations. 1950 (PRO Reference DO 35/2991)

 

Communal troubles in East and West Bengal 1950: India-Pakistan relations. 1950-1951 (PRO Reference DO 35/2992)

 

Communal troubles in East and West Bengal 1950: India-Pakistan relations. 1951-1952 (PRO Reference DO 35/2993)

 

Relations between the governments and peoples of East and West Bengal. 1948-1950 (PRO Reference DO 35/2998)

 

India-Pakistan relations: communal situation in East and West Bengal. 1951-1952 (PRO Reference DO 35/3009)

 

Boundary Commission awards Punjab and Bengal and disturbances arising therefrom. 1947 Aug 14-Sept 21 (PRO Reference DO 133/59)

 

Boundary Commission awards Punjab and Bengal and disturbances arising therefrom. 1947 Sept 23-Nov 15  (PRO Reference DO 133/60)

 

Boundary Commission awards Punjab and Bengal and disturbances arising therefrom. 1947 Nov 3-Dec 31 (PRO Reference DO 133/61)

 

Claim by the Government of East Bengal to Patharia Hills Forest Reserve. 1948-1949 (PRO Reference DO 142/324)

 

 

        Diplomatic Issues

India Office: Political and Secret Department Records 1756-c1950 (OIOC Series L/P&S)

These records, similar in scope to those of the Foreign Department of the Government of India, form two main groupings: 'Internal' and 'External'. The 'Internal' series concern relations with the Indian princely states : the 'External' series concern India's foreign policy and frontier affairs, including relations with the Middle East, Iran, Afghanistan, Russian Central Asia, Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet, China, South-East Asia, and other Western powers. This distinction had early been present in the gradual assignment of princely states matters to the Political branch and of foreign affairs by the Secret branch in the old department, and formed the basis of the administrative division in 1931 into the Political (Internal) and Political (External) departments. The contents of the Political and Secret Department Library of official publications, and of the departmental reference collection of official Memoranda, are also included here. For the Political and Secret Department reference map collection see W below.

 

Disposal of British Embassy Archives at Calcutta. 1947 (PRO Reference FO 370/1510)

 

British Embassy, China, archives in Calcutta. 1948 (PRO Reference FO 370/1686)

 

 

          _____State & Official Visits______________________________

 

Visit of Dalai Lama's mother from Calcutta to Katmandu; comment on visit of Dorothy Woodman, wife of editor of "New Statesman" and request for copies of her articles about Nepal appearing in the "New Statesman" or "Asian World". 1951 (PRO Reference FO 371/92921)

 

Visit of King of Nepal to UK postponed; visit of King to Delhi to see his sick daughter; unrest in Katmandu on his return; King's proposal to visit Calcutta. 1951 (PRO Reference FO 371/92926)

 

Proposed visit of Prime Minister of Nepal to Calcutta. 1939 (PRO Reference FO 371/23550)

 

 

          _____Consular Matters__________________________________

 

Brazil: Brazil declines to represent Japanese interests in Calcutta and Pretoria, Dec 9. 1941 (PRO Reference HW 1/317)

 

Haitian consular representation in Calcutta and Bombay. 1945 (PRO Reference FO 371/44471)

 

Incumbency of Norwegian Consulate-General at Calcutta. 1946 (PRO Reference FO 371/56329)

 

Appointments Consular: Appointment of Swedish Consul-General at Calcutta. 1939 (PRO Reference FO 372/3308)

 

Abolition of Estonian Consulate in Calcutta. 1944 (PRO Reference FO 372/3787)

 

Application for establishment of a branch office of the Chinese Consulate-General at Calcutta at Marguerita: foreign representation in India. 1945 (PRO Reference FO 372/4074)

 

Closure of Argentine Vice-Consulate at Calcutta. 1948 (PRO Reference FO 372/6138)

 

Appointments of United States Consular officers in India. Appointment of Belgian Consul General at Calcutta. 1948 (PRO Reference FO 372/6158)

 

Appointment of UK Deputy High Commissioners in Calcutta, Madras and Bombay. 1947 (PRO Reference DO 142/561)

 

Commonwealth Relations Office and successors: High Commission and Consular Archives, India: Registered Files. 1946-1971 (PRO Reference DO 133)

 

 

        Intelligence Issues

 

Japanese consul-general, Calcutta: visit to Berlin by Sarat Chandra Bose, Indian communist. 1941 Sept 5 (PRO Reference HW 1/48)

 

Chinese Intelligence Wing, Calcutta: weekly summaries. 1945 Feb.-Sept. (PRO Reference WO 208/2888)

 

Calcutta riots: report from CGS India. 1946 Aug. - Sept. (PRO Reference WO 216/662)

 

Soviet report on South East Asia Youth Conference Calcutta February 1948. Indian passport and visa work in Brussels. 1948 (PRO Reference FO 371/69744)

 

 

        Civil Service Issues

 

PINNELL PAPERS (at Centre of South Asian Studies University of Cambridge)

Mr L.G. Pinnell (1896-1979)

Given by Mr M.C. Pinnell

Calcutta, Bengal, Darjeeling 1919-1947

Memoir: With the sanction of government describing career of L.G. Pinney before, during and after his time in the ICS. Some insertions and notes are made throughout by Mr Pinnell's son, the donor Mr M.C. Pinnell. Sections are as follows:

To go or not to go to Oxford

Cambrai, October 1918

Armistice

Oxford, 1919

First years in India, 1920-22

First years in the Service

Bengal, 1922: a young man's impressions

Bengal, 1923-25: marriage, home leave

Bengal, 1926-29: Dacca

The Bengal Secretariat, 1930 and 1934

Bengal, 1930-32: Rajshahi

Begal, 1932-34: Darjeeling

Darjeeling, 1932: Miss Ellen Wilkinson

Darjeeling, 1934: the Bihar earthquake

Bengal, 1935-37: Sir John Anderson

Bengal, 1935-38: Major General Lindsay

Bengal sketches:

Sarat and Subhas Bose

Khwaja Sir Nazimuddin

Sir Bijoy Prasad Singh Roy

Khwaja Shahabuddin

Narendra Bishas

A muslim country parson

Bengal, 1937-39: Lord Brabourne

Bengal, 1939: interregnum

The training of the I.C.S., 1940-42

The Cripps mission - Delhi, 1942

The "Denial of ttransport" - Delhi, 1942

The Bengal famine, 1942-43

The end of the Japanese war

Calcutta, 1946

Family life

Memoria

112pp. plus three pages of introduction

 

MARTIN (O.M.) PAPERS (at Centre of South Asian Studies University of Cambridge)

(O.M. Martin, I.C.S.)

Memoirs, 1913-45:

Part I, 1913-19. Joins I.C.S., Bengal, 1913, sent to Rajshahi; 1916 joins Indian cavalry; 1917 joins 14th Lancers; life in Indian cavalry; service in Iraq. TS. 84 pp.

Part II. Subdivisional Officer Narayanyanj; leave; Additional District and Sessions Judge H.Q. Comilla Chittagong; moved to Assam Valley - H.Q. Gauhati; Acting District Judge; Hinduism in Assam; description of various trials; touring by pony and sailing cutter; prosecution of Muslim leaders for sedition; congress leaders take fright and rural police are intimidated; dishonesty in his office and in land settlement; extermination of bison and wild buffalo; control of murder and dacoity; riots on Calcutta; terrorist movement and police intelligence service; social contact with Indians in Calcutta and Darjeeling; Lepchas; riot and murder on river sandbanks; weapons used in land riots; cotton weavers and their plight; Dacca riots; cause of the riots; Bengal Government failure to realize cause; railway accident and prosecution of manager; terrorist movement and its collapse; Sir John Anderson; training of Assistant Magistrates; fish industry; mosquito control; famine relief in West Bengal; corrupting influence of politics on Indian friends; Hindus and Muslims becoming estranged; outbreak of war; deficiencies in training Indian army; difficulties as Chief Secretary; order arrests of suspected terrorists; conference of generals at Chittagong; futility of army measures for 'denial of transport' and the economic effects; Gandhi's emissary is arrested and sentenced; refugees from Burma; great Bengal famine. TS from pp. 85-331; 37 pp. of MS, numbered pp. 332-369.

MS synopsis of points of interest of each part made by Martin: Part I consists of one sheet; Part II consists of five sheets.

Treatise on Yogasastra by Professor Monoranjan Barua, revised and partly rewritten and with a foreword by O.M. Martin, dated 1968. TS. 400 pp.; divided into 21 chapters and 3 appendices.

 

McWILLIAM PAPERS (at Centre of South Asian Studies University of Cambridge)

(P.N. McWilliam, I.C.S.)

'Memorandum on the subject of the social and official intercourse between European officers and Indian gentlemen.' Bengal Secretariat Press, Calcutta 1913.

Printed papers:

Paper read by S.B. Mazumder, manager of Sir Daniel Hamilton's estate, Gosaba, 1932. Gives the history of the estate.

'Full speed ahead' by D.M. Hamilton. A critique of the financial policy of the Government. Printed, in three parts. n.d.

'The Gosaba one rupee note', by D.M. Hamilton. Gosaba, January 1937.

'Financial stringency: its cause and cure', by D.M. Hamilton. Gosaba, January 1937.

'The new statecraft', by Balmacara. An explanation of socialism and capitalism.

Restricted Paper on anti-terrorism in Chittagong district.

'Rules for training assistant magistrates deputy magistrates and sub-deputy magistrates', by H.J. Twynam, Secretary to the Government of Bengal. Calcutta, January 1940.

'Fourteen reports on inspections of courts etc. at various places, when at Mymensingh and Chittagong', by P.N. McWilliam, Additional District Magistrate, May 1938 - January 1940.

Notes and judgements on ten cases heard before P. McWilliam, Magistrate. Mymensingh, Bengal, 1935-36.

A tour diary of P.N. McWilliam, I.C.S., A.D.M. Chittagong for February 1939.

 

BELL PAPERS (at Centre of South Asian Studies University of Cambridge)

(J.M.G. Bell, I.C.S.)

Bengal 1940-1958 A Recatalogue

File 1. 1943-1947

Miscellaneous cuttings from Indian newspapers covering politics, war, famine, independence etc. July 1943 to September 1947. Many of the cuttings have comments by J.M.G. Bell. Included are some cuttings relating to Gandhi and Nehru.

Instructions to S.D.O's. from District Magistrate, J.L. Llewellyn, dated 18 November 1943 at Alipore on measures to be taken in dealing with backlog of criminal and civil cases caused by illness etc.

Letter from S.G. Taylor (Bobby) to J.M.G. Bell about necessity of decentralization in India, and the importance of the work and role of the District Officers. Alipore, 12 February 1945.

Letter to E.P. Keely dated 30 January 1945, 5pp, giving his opinions on future development in the post war period in India, with particular reference to District Administration.

Letter from E.P. Keely dated 31 January 1945 in reply to above.

File 2. 1940-1946

Tour diaries and notes made during tours in Chandpur, Kalimpong and Chittagong. 1940-43.

Confidential Note dated 18 December 1944 at Burdwan for his successor giving details of the district.

Secret report dated July 1943 on civilian appreciation of the military situation in the Arakan front (2 copies).

Note on possible reconstruction of Local Government at Kalimpong, 24 January 1942.

Notes for lecture delivered 30 November 1945. Covers History, Administration etc.

Report to the Civil Defence Commissioner at Calcutta on air raid on Chittagong, 20 December 1943.

Report on Japanese atrocities published in Statesman 19 September 1945.

8 & 9. Two Secret Reports on the political situation in Bengal for the second half of January, 1946, and for the second half of September 1946.

'Some Indian Customs'. Indian customs and some of their effects on European living conditions. 5ff

'Mohsin Ali's Village'. Life and politics in a village. 7ff.

'Agriculture in India'. Description of crops, land tenure, inheritance, etc.

Copy of Report on Japanese Atrocities.

To the Editor of the Statesman enclosing reviews of six books, dated at Burdwan, January 1947.

Correspondence between J.M.B. and Ian Stephens, Editor of the Statesman about a letter from J.M.B. and the Maharaja of Burdwan, on a letter refused publication.

Review of books.

Cutting from the Sunday Amrita Bazar Patrika 24 March 1946, containing an article by Everett Ripley, critical of British rule in India.

a & b Two letters to E. Ripley dated at Burdwan 24 March 1946, and at Darjeeling 22 April 1946 relating to the article.

Letter from E. Ripley to J.M.G. Bell dated 17 April 1946.

From J.M.G. Bell A.D.M. Chittagong to the Commissioner of Chittagong Div. 4 August 1943. Account of an incident involving the death of a clerk.

Amusing wartime incident written as a short story My Private Gun..

Answers to questionnaire. TS. Relating to work of I.C.S. officers, District organisation, administration etc., made by J.M.G. Bell when D.M. Burdwan, 28 November 1944. Appendices on Regulations, letters issued, Officers' tenure.

Confidential handing over notes on Kalimpong Sub-division. 3 April 1942.

Report from Officer-in-Charge, Gurubathan Police Station to the Circle: Inspector of Police, Kalimpong on mismanagement in the Samabeong Tea Estate, 23 August 1938. Letter from the C.I.P. Kalimpong to the S.D.O. reporting on an inspection of this Estate.

25-34. Ten tour diaries by S.D.O. Kalimpong (J.M. Bell). June 1940 March 1942.

File 3

TS script of lecture 'India and the War in the Far East', delivered 27 June 1945. 4pp.

MS article ? 'India: who'll get the best of the deal?' Reply to an article of same title by Ralph Izzard arguing the case for the prosperity of Pakistan. J.M.G. Bell disagrees under sub-headings: Food; Industry: The human element: United Bengal. 3pp.

MS article: 'Indian Prospect'. Written six weeks after Partition, on the non cooperation between India and Pakistan, and the outlook for the future, particularly for Pakistan. 3pp.

TS Enclosure 3. 'Note on recent experiences in Bengal'. Account of some Partition riots. No date, but post August 1946. 3pp.

TS copy of a letter headed 'Administration in India'. A defence of Indian administration. No date. 2pp.

Descriptive handlist of papers collected.

TS article: 'Ministers and Magistrates'. Story of fraud perpetrated against the Hon. Minister to the Government of Bengal in the Department of Woods and Forests, Mr. P.D. Raikot, which leads on to various other cases of examples of fraud in its broadest sense against Government officials. It is an article on the tensions between the Indians and English - between governed and governors. Other cases: Jiadganj and Pollard cases, 1943; Hatem Ali Jemadar v. Mr Palmer; criticism of the quality of Indian Ministers. 12 July 1944 10pp

TS article: 'A Gangtok Wedding'. Description of the wedding between the eldest daughter of H.H. the Maharaja of Sikkim and Sey Kusno Gompu Tsering Tendup of Phungkang in Tibet. The preliminary wedding at Gangtok. 5pp. 1943.

TS article: 'One dreadful month'. The month described is 31 July 1946-31 August 1946, in journal form. Describes the massacres etc. which took place in Calcutta and environs in that month, and the consequences. Described by J.M.G. Bell, who was in charge of Burdwan district. lOpp.

TS letter (7pp.) 26 June 1958 from 'Bobby', (S.G. Taylor, I.G. Police, Bengal) J.M.G. Bell's father-in-law) (q.v.) about the TS article which accompanies it: 'Last Days in India'. Comments, criticisms and corrections. The article is an expanded version of the above ? 'One dreadful month'.

Single TS copy sheet of population statistics in Bengal and their relation to Europeans, and in Calcutta, and in the whole of India 1944.

File 4

Miscellaneous cuttings, notes, lecture notes etc., relating to various subjects - India c. 1945-47.

Microfilm Box 5 No. 37

Autobiographical novel 'Dragons in the Fairway', written in journal form about events in India, August 1945 - December 1946 and, and Africa, 1947 - June 1950. Appendix 'A note on the Bengal famine', 39pp. (This is really an autobiographical journal, not a novel in any sense.)

The novel begins with description of life in the foothills of the Himalayas: Hill people and plains people; money lenders; wedding of the eldest daughter of the Maharaja of Sikkim; note on the Maharaja's sister Rani Chuni Dorji and her daughter; outstanding characters; Tibetan New Year celebrations.

War years: organization of refugee camps and comments on dishonesty; communal rioting increasing.

1946. February: tightens security schemes against revolt; beginning of 'troubles to come' in Calcutta, serious disturbances; these disturbances in connection with the Indian National Army trials at Delhi; Eurasian position; the Labour delegation. March: comment on Royal Indian Naval mutiny; diversion on reason for Westerners not mixing socially with Asiatics. April: strikes, reasons, description and solution; in Darjeeling; Tibetan situation and army. May: Hindu-Muslim rioting; methods of dealing with mob violence and raiding parties; court cases following outbreaks and Hindu-Muslim tensions there; criticism of Indian ministers. Congress and Muslim League; visit of ministers enquiring into recent rioting and the intrigues resulting from their visit. July: comments on events in Delhi, i.e., new Constitution and problem of carrying on interim government; refusal by Muslim League to enter Constituent Assembly and consequences. August: rumours of riots from Calcutta; beginnings of serious rioting around Kalna; news of the massacres in Calcutta; criticism of the Governor's action; vivid picture of the massacres in Calcutta; his own district has kept remarkably free. September: more interference from ministers. November: Calcutta Statesman talks of civil war; effects of Americans being in the area; refugees from Calcutta beginning to flood the area; attitude of the middle-class refugees; work of keeping refugees fed and in camps; law and order; strikes, cause and effect. December: ill again, considers long leave.

1947. January: voyage home after ten years; hears of Independence for August 15 1947. April: arrives home. November: reactions to being home; records what they heard of the ending of British Rule in India.

December 1947 - June 1950. Records his experiences as an Assistant Commissioner in Africa.

Appendix. 'The Bengal Famine 1942-43'. From personal experience, elementary history books, and newspapers (1) outline of earlier famines, (2) comparison of 1942-43 famine with earlier disasters and analysis of the 1942-43 famine (3) the real causes and the nature of the famine.

 

GOPALASWAMI PAPERS (at Centre of South Asian Studies University of Cambridge)

Given by R.A. Gopalaswami, I.C.S. (retd.) by way of K.A. Povah, Esq., M.A.

Memoir by Mr Gopalaswami entitled: 'Administration in India. A brief account of personal experiences during the last twenty years of British rule and the first fifteen years of Independence'. 48 ff. Xerox of typescript.

Mr Gopalaswami joined the Madras cadre of the Indian Civil Service in 1927 where he rose from Assistant Collector to Joint Secretary of the Provincial Board of Revenue. In 1940 he was transferred to the Centre where he served as Secretary of the National Defence Council (1941), Director-General of Civil Defence (1943), Secretary of the Famine Enquiry Commission (1944), Joint Secretary, Agricultural Department (1945), Secretary, Ministry of Food (1947). A noteworthy chapter in this memoir describes the work of the Foodgrains Policy Committee in turning India into the world's most controlled economy as far as basic food distribution was concerned.

After Independence Mr Gopalaswami served in a variety of Central posts including Registrar-General and Census Commissioner of India 1949-53 and work in connection with the reorganisation of the machinery of government. As Census Commissioner he became convinced of the primacy of family planning in India and there is an important chapter on this subject in the memoir. In 1953 he returned to Madras where he served in a number of important posts ending his career in 1963 as Chief Secretary to the Government of Tamil Nadu. In the last phase of his career he was particularly satisfied with his work in the organisation of Panchayati Raj in Madras. He continued to hold a number of offices after Independence.

Essay by Mr Gopalaswami entitled: 'Progress of Family Limitation in India'. Printed for restricted distribution in England, June 1986.

In 1951, Mr Gopalaswami, as Census Commissioner, wrote the first official paper recommending the Government of India to accept and proclaim a national population policy with the object of limiting the rate of growth of population. His recommendations, after much opposition, were at length accepted and the Government of India became the first of any nation-state in the world to proclaim a national policy of family limitation and incorporate it in the national planning system.

Part I of this essay describes the progress of family limitation in India up to 1986. The author first makes the point that family limitation is aimed at, not family planning. The former sets out to avoid births, the latter to plan births according to the convenience of the mother. Through the evidence of unpublished data sent him over a period of many years by the Tamil Nadu Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, he was able to devise an Index Number of Family Limitation (I.N.F.L.) for the purpose of registering the progress of all the Indian states in promoting family limitation. In a series of tables he is able to show the progress ranking in family limitation of the 14 states of India, Maharashtra showing the greatest progress and Uttar Pradesh the least.

Part II of the essay is entitled 'How to accelerate future progress?' The education of women and greater prosperity are seen as keys to the question. More children does not mean more workers but more people without work.' He compares the experience of Great Britain in the 1960s and 70s with that of Tamil Nadu, the most advanced Indian state with regard to family limitation. He concludes that surgical methods of contraception (i.e. sterilization) are more effective than clinical ones.

He suggests that the various political parties in each state should help to promote a common national programme for family limitation by persuading eligible couples to accept the 'small family norm'. In recognition of their help government would give, periodically, a contribution to party funds. 27pp.

 

HOLLAND PAPERS (at Centre of South Asian Studies University of Cambridge)

Given by Mr. E.W. Holland 1975.

Bengal 1923-1947.

Memoir of Life in I.C.S. Joins 1923, posted to Bengal. Record of first days, and first spell of duty, climate, people, work and organization of Civil Service. S.D.O. Serampore (Hooghly Div); Barrackpore - comment on industries and workers. Incidents and cases. D.M. of Dacca 1930. (See paper on Terrorism in Bengal 1930-35). Notes on dyarchy and hartals. Description. of dealing with Hindu Muslim riot.

Touring in riverine districts of- East Bengal by Launch (Bankura). Transferred to Tippera as D.M. Notes on Maharajah of Tippera. Able to do some constructive work at Tippera: (1) with water hyacinth. (2) rural indebtedness - success of arbitration courts in this.

1935 Silver Jubilee celebrations at Comilla.

1936 Government of India Act: consequences and incidents. Profile of minister, Makunda Behary Mallick.

Transferred to Finance Dept. to devise method for levying a sales tax in Bengal - Profile of Minister, Mr. H.S. Suhrawardy.

Implementing sales-tax.

Bill passed 1941.

Dec. 1941 Viceroy pays his annual visit to Calcutta. Viceroy's refusal to give party for poorer children. This done by Lady Mary Herbert, wife of the Governor.

1942 Holland made Secretary in the Dept. of Public Health and Local Govt. In charge of Civil Defence.

1942-43 eventful year in Calcutta. Income tax evasion case. Bengali Youth in war effort. First steps taken to deal with Calcutta beggars.

1943 Bengal famine. Insight into Government hospital work.

1944 Profile of Mr. Casey as Governor of Bengal.

1945 Commissioner of Dacca Division. Profile of Sir Frederick and Lady Burrows. Comments on Partition, and Independence.

1947 Chairman of Calcutta Improvement Trust. Description of ceremony on 15 August 1947, and subsequent events at Govt. House.

MS paper entitled Terrorism in Bengal 1930-35: a personal reminiscence.

Memoir of time as Additional District Magistrate, Dacca, East Bengal, when Civil Disobedience campaign was at its height. Terrorist activities and police action. Transferred to Khulna district - civil disobedience there. Steadfastness and loyalty of Muslims, and Bengal civil services.

Example of peaceful method of dealing with demonstrations. Increase in murders. Khulna terrorist group preparing to murder Mr. Holland.

Returns after leave as District Magistrate to Bankura. Has a Gurkha battalion there whose cheerful example encourages people.

1934 transferred as D.M. of Tippera district. Gradual change of attitude of people.

 

EWING PAPERS (at Centre of South Asian Studies University of Cambridge)

Given by Miss A. Ewing.

India General: 1919-1954

A collection of interview notes, tape recordings and answers to a questionnaire sent out by Miss Ewing from I.C.S. officers, for her thesis written in 1978 entitled, "Survey of former officers of the Indian Civil Service between 1919-1935."

There are 17 transcripts of interviews, 32 written answers, in correspondence, to the questionnaire.

See also: Tape-recordings. Restricted ? see correspondence.

Interview notes:

S. M. Burke: 1931-1947 Asst Commr, Punjab 1931. 3pp.

D. G. Chambers: 1931-1947 Asst Collr, Bombay 1931. 2pp.

William Christie 1920-1947 Mag. and Collr, U.P. 1933. 4pp.

B.A.C. Cook: 1929-1947 Under Secty, Fin. Dept, G. of India 1938. 3pp.

(See also No.22 Questionnaire)

G. G. Drewe: 1928-1947 Asst Collr, Bombay 1932. 3pp.

W. W. Georgeson: 1930-1950 Jt Mag. and Sub-Collr, Madras. 2pp.

H.A.C. Gill: 1929-1947 Dep. Secty, Fin. Dept, G. of India 1938. 3pp.

J.P.L. Gwynn: 1938-1955 Asst Collr and Mag., Madras. 2pp.

F. M. Innes: 1926-1947 Dep. Cmmsnr, Punjab 1932. 3pp.

L. W. Jardine: 1921-1947 Resident for Baroda and Gujerat States 1943. 4pp.

R. H. Johnston: 1923-1947 Mag. and Collr, U.P. 1928 and Bengal 1938. 2pp.

A. H. Kemp: 1928-1947 Jt Mag. and Dep. Collr, Bihar 1928. 2pp.

A.R.H. Macdonald: 1931-1947 Dep. Commr, Assam 1942. 2pp.

P. J. Pringle: 1933-1947 Jt Mag. and Dep. Collr, Bengal. 2pp.

M. H. Rossington: 1932-1947 Dep. Commr, Burma 1939. 3pp.

W.H. Saumarez Smith: 1934-1947 Under-Secty, Home Dept, Bengal 1939. 7pp.

C.F.V. Williams: 1923-1947 Sub-Collr and Jt Mag., Madras 1928. 2pp.

Questionnaire Correspondence:

E.G.S. Apedaile: 1932-1947 Dep. Commr, Burma 1938. 2pp

R.F.S. Baylis: 1927-1947 Jt Mag., U.P. 1929. 4pp

D. A. Bryan: 1933-1947 Asst Commr, Punjab. 2pp

Sir Charles Clee 1919-1947 Secty; Fin. Dept, Govt. of Sind 1937. 3pp

B.C.A. Cook 1922-1947 Under-Secty, Fin. Dept, G. of India. 2pp

(See also No.4 in 'Interview Notes')

F. G. Cracknell: 1932-1947 Jt Mag., U.P. 6pp.

E. G. Creek: 1933-1948 Jt Mag, and Dep. Collr, Bengal. 5pp.

F. N. Crofts: 1929-1947 District and Sessions Judge, U.P. 3pp.

B. W. Day: 1930-1947 Sub. Collr, Madras. 3pp.

B. W. Day: 1930-1947 Sub. Collr, Madras. 7pp.

28 & 29. A. E. Drake: 1931-1947 Asst Mag., and Collr, Bihar. Also political service. 7pp.

A.G.F. Farquhar: 1927-1947 Dep. Commr, C.P. 17pp

R. Galletti: 1931-1947 Jt Sec. Board of Revenue, Madras. 8pp.

Sir Leslie Glass: 1934-1947 Ass. Commr, Burma. 2pp.

J. S. Hardman: 1929-1947 Sec. Fin. Dept, Bihar. 12pp.

E. S. Hyde: 1928-1948 Asst Commr, C.P. 1pp.

R.S.T. John: 1932-1947 Jt Mag. and Dep. Collr, Bengal. 2pp.

J. Johnston: 1927-1947 Mag. and Collr, U.P. 4pp.

W. G. Kennedy: 1931-1947 Asst Commr, Punjab. 7pp.

A. S. Larkin: 1921-1947 Mag. and Collr, Bengal. 6pp.

Sir Robert Latimer: 1935-1947 Asst Commr, Punjab. 11pp.

J. L. Llewellyn: 1929-1947 QJt Mag. and Dep. Collr, Bengal. 15pp.

R. E. McGuire: 1926-1947 Dep. Commr, Burma. 2pp.

F.W.A. Morris: 1930-1954 Jt Mag. and Sub-Collr, Madras. 3pp.

A. J. Platt: 1932-1947 Pte Sec. to Governor of Madras. 2pp.

W. H. Pridmore: 1934-1947 Jt Mag. and Collr, U.P. 4pp.

P. W. Radice: 1931-1948 Jt Mag., U.P. 1pp.

N. Storr: 1930-1947 Dist. and Sess. Judge, U.P, 1pp.

M. M. Stuart: 1927-1947 Jt Mag. and Collr, Bengal. 2pp.

A.R.C. Westlake: 1921-1947 Collr, Madras. 5pp.

A. A. Williams: 1932-1947 Asst Commr, Punjab. 4pp.

Copy of letter to C.M. Kerr in Cawnpore dated 1 September 1944 from D. C. Das? requesting his views on the work, and the qualities needed, by military officers going into civil employment.

Miss Ewing's Appendix I to her thesis, the questionnaire, and a list of those it was sent to. 7pp. 210pp.

52 and 53. ëThe Indian Civil. Service 1858-1947í. An article written for History Today, June 1982, by Anne

Ewing. TS and xerox of printed article. Bibliography in TS copy.

TS of Appendix I. Survey of former officers of the Indian Civil Service. Summer 1978. pp.386-392. From Miss A. Ewing's Ph.D. thesis for the University of Cambridge.

 

India Office: Services and General Department Records c1920-c1970 (OIOC Series L/S&G)

The Services and General Department was created in 1924 primarily to centralise the handling of personnel and establishment questions previously divided among other departments. India Office Establishment Branch files and personal files of members of the Indian civil services serving in 1947 are also included. The department was responsible for the management of the Indian civil services and of the India Office establishment, and (among residual responsibilities) for general policy on archaeology, education, zoology and copyright.

 

BELL (FO) PAPERS (at Centre of South Asian Studies University of Cambridge)

Given by F.O. Bell I.C.S.

Bengal: 1930-47

Small Collections Box B1

TS Record of life in the Indian Civil Service 1930-47, by F.O. Bell.

Introduction and background training in England, first impressions in Jessore District under A.S. Larkin and S.K. Ghosh. Transferred to Burdwan Division. Settlement training. Sub-Divisions - Settlement work in Rangpur. Settlement Officer: Dinajpur. D.M. and Collector Bakarganj - D.M. and Collector Midnapore; D.M. and Collector, Dacca 1944-47; personal reflections. 51pp.

 

General Administration, Personnel: Government Representative at Calcutta. 1944-1946 (PRO Reference FO 643/1)

 

Rt. Hon. Sir John Anderson; (Lord Waverley), Governor of Bengal; provision of special gratuity in event of death; continuance of payment of pension on being appointed Government Minister. 1932-1961 (PRO Reference T 164/469)

 

Public Services Commission: West Bengal. 1949-1956 (PRO Reference CSC 5/569)

 

Rules of business of Government of Bengal. 1948 (PRO Reference DO 142/333)

 

INDIAN CIVIL SERVICE (RETIRED) ASSOCIATION Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur F173)

Indian Civil Service (Retired) Association: minutes, reports, subject and correspondence files, and financial papers,relating to the interests of retired members of the Indian Civil Service, particularly their pensions.

304 items    1918 - 1991      View Contents List

 

INDIAN POLITICAL SERVICE Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur F226)

Indian Political Service Collection: memoirs of some thirty-five former members of the Indian Political Service, or their wives, describing their experiences, chiefly in the period 1920-1947, as political officers in the Indian States, the North-West Frontier Province, Baluchistan, or the Residencies and Consulates in the Persian Gulf.

35 items    1920 - 1947      View Contents List

 

India List and India Office List 1896 - 1937  (BL Shelfmark OIR 354.5)

 

India Office List 1907 - 1937 London  (BL Shelfmark B.S.21/19.)

 

India Office and Burma Office List 1938 - 1940  (BL Shelfmark OIR 354.5)

 

India Office and Burma Office List 1947 supplement  (BL Shelfmark OIR 354.5)

 

The India Office and Burma Office List 1938-1940, 1945-1947 London  (BL Shelfmark B.S.21/19.)

 

Supplement to India Office List 1947  (BL Shelfmark OIR 354.5)

 

 

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Military Issues

 

 

ABRAHAM PAPERS (at Centre of South Asian Studies University of Cambridge)

(Major General W.E.V. Abraham)

Microfilm Box 6 No. 43

Details of a tour made by Major General Abraham in Burma in March 1942 when he accompanied General Alexander to Rangoon as Liaison Officer.

Various papers connected with the defence of Burma during the 1939-45 war.

Budget papers (India) 1943-44.

Papers on India during the 1939-45 war.

 

CROSFIELD PAPERS (at Centre of South Asian Studies University of Cambridge)

(Leonard Mellor Crosfield)

Donated by Yoma Crosfield Ullman

Born in 1899, Leonard Crosfield studied at Oxford before joining the Oxford and Bucks. Light Infantry for service in Northern France in 1918. After the war he joined the Burmah Oil Company, for whom he worked until his retirement in 1949 having achieved the position of Manager, Burmah Oil Co. (India Concessions) Ltd. During his time with the BOC he served throughout Burma and, after 1941, in North India. He retired to Britain (via South Africa) in 1949, where he lived until his death in 1987.

The bulk of the work in cataloguing this collection was carried out by Yoma Crosfield Ullman, Mr Crosfield's daughter, prior to its donation to the Centre of South Asian Studies. The Centre would like to express their gratitude to Ms Ullman for the donation and for the enormous amount of work she has put into it.

Ms Crosfield Ullman's chronology of her father's career and introduction to the collection are accessible by clicking one of the links below. Full details of the photographs contained in the albums are available by searching the database of archival photographs. Follow the link below, click on 'Photos' and then on 'Search'. Entering 'Crosfield' as the search term in the donor field will bring up the entire collection. Throughout the notes and catalogue entries for this collection the initials LMC, YCU and MEC are used to denote Leonard Mellor Crosfield, Yoma Crosfield Ullman and Margaret Eileen Crosfield.

Introduction

Chronology

Photos database

Papers:

Box 1:

Memoir: Yoma Crosfield Ullman, 'A memoir of a childhood in India', np, 1999, 79pp

Memoir: Margaret Eileeen Crosfield, 'Reminiscneces of Margaret Eileen Crosfield (nee Daniel), dictated on July 14, 17 and 18, 1982', transcribed by Yoma Crosfield Ullman, np, 1982, 75 pp.

Xerox copy of letter, 17.8.1947, from LMC giving an account of his experiences during the handover of pawer in Pakistan.

Xerox copy of undated letter from MEC to 'Mums and Paps' giving an account of experiences during the handover of pawer in Pakistan.

Photograph albums:

Album 1:

1918-1919 - Military service in Northern France. Further notes containing background information to this album can be accessed by clicking here.

Album 2a:

1921 - Voyage to Burma: Rangoon. Labelled by LMC as 'LM Crosfield, "Ednaville"'. This album shows the passage to Rangoon, via the Suez Canal. Scenes from on board the ship and from the stops along the way and also has scenes of LMC's early times in Rangoon. Further notes giving background and physical information about this album can be accessed by clicking here.

Album 2b:

1921 - Voyage to Burma: Rangoon. Largely a duplicate of 2A, mostly without captions. For more information click here.

Album 3:

1921-1928. Burma 1921-26. Home leave in the UK, 1926. Burma 1927-28. For more information click here.

Album 4:

Burma: Rangoon and 'up-country'. This album appears to have been compiled by LMC's parents using photographs he sent back to the UK for them. There are few dates available in the album, although some of the photographs are duplicates of others in the collection. For more information click here.

Album 5:

1927-1929. Labelled by LMC: 'Chauk 1927-29' Contains photos of oil fields, trips on river steamers, and LMC's life while stationed in Chauk. For more information click here.

Album 6:

1929. Burma: Chauk, Yenangyaung, Pagan, Mount Popa, Taunggyi etc. Album is labelled 'L.M. Crosfield: BOC, Nyounghla'. For more information click here.

Album 7:

1930-1932. Burma, Chittagong, India. Domestic scenes of Burma and Northern India. Captions are not written on all photographs and were probably added later. For more information click here.

Album 8:

1933. Chittagong. Album contains scenes of return trip from home leave in 1933 (during which he married Margaret Eileen Daniel) and domestic scenes from Northern India. For more information click here.

Album 9:

1933. England, Chittagong, most of album from Rangamati. Mostly views of lakes, elephants, boats and local markets. Also scenes of tea gardens and tea tastings. For more information click here.

Album 10:

1933-1936. Album titled 'Chittagong 1933-36' but also includes photographs of Akyab, Sylhet, Dawki, Guptakhal and Shillong. Includes industrial scenes and Girl Guides pictures. For more information click here.

Album 11:

1935. Shillong, Chittagong, Akyab, Oodaleah, Dohazari, Rangamati, Digboi. Domestic, travelling and BOC scenes. For more information click here.

Album 12:

1933-1936. Chittagong. Visit of Viceroy Willingdon and more Girl Guide scenes. For more information click here.

Album 13:

1936-1939. Chittagong, England, Belgium. MEC returns to UK to ahve a baby, LMC follows her and then travels to Belgium. Family return to Chittagong: more domestic scenes. For more information click here.

Album 14:

1939-1943. Burma, India. Album probably compiled in England retrospectively - chronology is not accurate. For more information click here.

Album 15:

1940-1944. Burma, India. Scenes from Rangoon and Digboi - domestic, school and guiding scenes. Album also includes photographs of Agra, Darjeeling, Taxilla, Shillong and Peshawar. For more information click here.

Album 16:

1944-1946. Mostly Calcutta and Darjeeling. Domestic scenes, portraits and guiding. For more information click here.

Album 17:

1921-1928. Burma 1921-26. Home leave in the UK, 1926. Burma 1927-28. For more information click here.

 

PACKARD PAPERS (at Centre of South Asian Studies University of Cambridge)

Brigadier J.J. Packard served with 1st Battalion East Yorkshire Regiment in North, West and East India 1933-37 and 1943-46. His wife, Mrs Faith Packard, joined him in India for part of 1946.

Typescript memoir by Brigadier Packard: 'Service with the British Army in India'. This covers such matters as the nature of Packard's relations with his Indian Sepoys; European Army Officers' domestic arrangements; contacts with ordinary Indians; the daily routine. 3pp.

Typescript memoir by Mrs Faith Packard: My recollections of India in 1946'. Memories of Delhi, Simla and Calcutta. 3pp.

 

BOLT PAPERS (at Centre of South Asian Studies University of Cambridge)

Donated by SF Bolt

Small Collections Box B2

TS copy of journal entry for 3.7.1945 regarding the feeding of whale flesh to Indian Troops

 

GOADBY PAPERS (at Centre of South Asian Studies University of Cambridge)

Given by Brigadier F.R.L. Goadby (Rajputana Rifles) O.B.E. Brigadier F.L.R. Goadby served in the Royal Engineers from 1918 and the Royal Corps of Signals from 1921. In 1926 he joined the Indian Army serving in the 2/3rd Silch Pioneers. During 1933 he transferred to the 1st Battalion, 6th Rajputana Rifles. Later in his career he served in Southern Command, India; Simla; Calcutta; Bihar; and Bombay.

India General: 1924-1978

BOX I

MS book bound: Scraps from Ceylon illustrating the full dress costumes of its inhabitants, their religious observances and the principal industries (foreign and native) by John Leonard Ralenberg Van Dort. Colombo, Ceylon, 1894.

The book consists of handwritten copperplate text in blue ink on left hand page, and illustrations on the right hand page.

There are 15 pages of illustrations depicting things seen on the island - people, places, crafts, etc. The small pictures are chalk and paint, and are beautifully executed and very charming. The text is explanatory.

There is a letter inside the book dated 23 March 1911 from the daughter of J.L.R. van Dort (Grace van Dort), relating to publication.

1978 Visitors` Book, Colaba House.

Papers found in book given by Brigadier Goadby:

l and 2 Two letters from the Secretary of the United Services Institution for India, Simla about projected trip to Sikkim.

Article: 'A nature-lover's paradise', by Dorothy L. Tanner.

4pp. scribbled notes.

a-g Various official papers connected with entry, touring, etc. in Sikkim and Tibet.

6. and 7 Maps.

a.& b. Two account books, containing bills etc. 1939-41

Newspaper cutting - profile of Brigadier Goadby, The Oxford Times, 1956.

a.& b. Christmas cards.

42 letters, from Brigadier Goadby and Mrs. Goadby to his mother from 5 January 1941 to 1 December 1945 and March/April 1949. Poona, Delhi, Bangalore, H.Q. India Command, Sikkhim, S.E.A.C., Rawalpindi, etc. The letters relate to life during the war as far as censorship allowed. 87pp. and envelopes.

Lists of birds seen in various. parts of India 1940-48: Carignano, Delhi, Taxila, Simla Hills, Bangalore, Comilla, E. Bengal, Nilgiris, Krishnarajsagar, Sikkhim, Calcutta:, Dinapore, Panagarh, Fort William, Kutch. 2pp.

Printed extract (pp.69-91) from the "Gazette of India" Extraordinary. Army Dept. 27 February 1924, being a despatch by H.E. General Lord Rawlinson of Trent, C. in C. India on the operations of the Waziristan Force 1 January 1922-22 April 1923.

Another copy (pp.401-418) 18 November 1924.

Special Station Orders by Lt. Col. A.S. Auret, Commanding Razani Line, Razani 1 July 1929. 12pp.

TS page on History of Fort William.

Newspaper photograph of Lord Wavell after the Bihar disturbances; Brigadier Goadby in photograph 13 November 1946.

H.Q. Bombay Sub-Area Location Statement, No.18 1948, by Major Haripal Singh. Appendix A. 6pp. 7 February 1948.

Orders: All Units - Preparation of Court Martial Cases and reference to D.J.A.G. for Pre-trial Advice. 22 April 1948. 2pp.

Handing-over notes by Major General (sic) F.R.L. Goadby, O.B.E., Calcutta, 25 April 1948. 9pp.

Handing-over notes by Brigadier D.S. Brar, O.B.E., H.Q. Bombay SubArea, 3 May 1948. 9pp.

Single sheet of Times of India, Bombay, Tuesday, 23 November 1948 on the devastation of the cyclone of 20/21 November.

Handing-over notes by Brigadier F.R.L. Goadby, Bombay, 30 December 1948. 11pp.

See : Photographs.

Additional papers given by Mrs Goadby.

BOX II

Notes on Waziriforce 1921/23. 7 ff.

Letter dated 28 June 1981. Notes on Bihar disturbances 1946/7.4 ff.

File of papers dealing with Mr Goadby's army service. Details of decorations, promotions, confidential reports, examination results, 1921-48. 55 ff.

Parade No. 206, Volume 16, 22 July 1944.19 pp.

Signals Association membership card.

5 field notebooks 1926-47.

Notebook 1918: Notes on gas.

Army Publications:

Instructions on wiring, 1917.

Notes on trench warfare, 1917.

Notes on trench warfare (revised diagrams) 1917.

The division in attack, 1918.

Army orders, January 1932.

Souvenir brochure 3rd Battalion Brigade of Guards bicentenary and reunion 1975.

Diary of visits to India by Mr Goadby in 1975, 1978 and 1984.

 

CUMMINS PAPERS (at Centre of South Asian Studies University of Cambridge)

(Patrick Henry Cummins, I.M.S.)

Given by Mrs. C.E. Cummins

N.W.F.P., Assam, Burma, Bengal: 1925-1945

Summary of Service of and Confidential Reports on Patrick Henry Cummins, I.M.S. (3 sheets).

Map of Assam.

Government Officers' Diary for 1942 when in No. 1 Field Ambulance Unit in Burma.

Diary for 1943-44 Burma.

Notebook of jottings: medical notes, etc.

10 Large Photographs:

1927, Poona; I.M.S. Officers on training course, P.H. Cummins and others.

1929, Cannanore; 12th Malabar Battalion Madras Pioneers; Gopal & Co.

1930, G.M.H. Landikotal, Khyber Pass; hockey team; S.M. Shaw.

1930/31, Razmak, barracks with hills in, background.

1934, Rawalpindi; No.l Indian Hospital Corps Hockey team; M.R. Sharma.

1934, Rawalpindi; Staff of I.M.H. M. T.

1935, Gauhati, Assam; Medical and Jail staff; Ghoshal Brothers.

1936, Imphal; Medical Staff; J. Purkayastha.

1943, Hoshiapur, Punjab; No.l Burma Field Ambulance Unit.

1945, Dacca, Bengal, Nursing Training Wing, 77, Indian General Hospital; O.C. Lt. Col. P.H. Cummins.

 

SOMERSET PAPERS (at Centre of South Asian Studies University of Cambridge)

Papers of Major Edward John Somerset, M.B. (Lond.), M.S. (Opth.), D.O.M.S. (Eng.), M.R.C.S. Born 12 November 1907, joined Indian Medical Service 1 November 1938. Posted Quetta 1939 to general medical work in Government Hospital. Transferred 1 January 1943 to Shillong as Eye Specialist, General Hospital. Transferred September 1943, Calcutta as Eye Specialist, 47 British General Hospital. Made Professor of Opthalmology at Medical College, Calcutta 18 May 1944. After Independence until 1961, when he left India, in private opthalmic practice in Calcutta.

Given by Major Somerset.

BOX I

14 Indian Survey Ordnance Maps of the Nepal, Sikkim and Tibet border areas.

Sheet No. 78A Darjeeling 1930.

Sheet No. 78A/SW and 72M/SE 1942.

Sheet No. 78A/NW and 77D/SW 1930.

Sheet No. 78A/NE and 77D/SE 1930.

Sheet No. 78B/NE 1942.

Sheet No. 78B/NW 1942.

Sheet No. 77D 1946.

Sheet No. 78E 1942.

Sheet No. 78E 1925.

Road Map of India 1942.

O.S. Map of Baluchistan No. 34 N/3 1925.

4 inch Shillong Guide Map - third edition 1942.

Shillong and surrounding country 1930.

Sheet No. 78A Darjeeling 1930.

BOX II

TS Memoir: Reminiscences of an Indian Medical Service Officer from 1939 to 1961. By E.J. Somerset, Major I.M.S. (retd.) N.W.F.P., Shillong, Calcutta. 309 ff. A discursive and frank account of colleagues, friends, household management, army social life in Quetta and Shillong and civilian social life in Calcutta, recreations, which include treks to Sikkim and Tibet. While in Quetta observed Sir Henry Holland's work. Many pages describe his own work. A comprehensive memoir showing his attitudes to British and Indians.

 

LLOYD JONES (D.E.) PAPERS (at Centre of South Asian Studies University of Cambridge)

Given by D.E. Lloyd Jones

C.P., Bengal, U.P., Assam, Burma: 1941 - 1975

Collection of letters sent home immediately prior to and throughout his Indian Army Service by Major D.E. Lloyd Jones, M.C. Assam Regiment. Throughout describes the books read; films seen, food etc. (A great many of the letters are purely personal. Only those relating to India or Assam are listed here. The full list is in the Centre of South Asian Studies).

BOX I

1941

Envelope date:

23 July OCTU Bulford, Wilts. Describes camp and initial clothing and training - new army environment.

9 August Interview for Sudan Colonial Service.

No date Dunbar - further details of life and training of an officer.

September Dunbar. Has put name down for the Indian Army. Describes training. Refused for Sudan Service.

17 September Dunbar. Officers being weeded out. Further training described.

n.d. Sandhurst - further details. Described passing-out parades.

(envelope date: 30 November)

2. December Arrangements for leave at Christmas. Japanese attacks mentioned.

1942

5 January Sandhurst - Taken turn as Cadet Company Commander. Getting on well.

9 January Great deal of work. Night exercises. Band Night programme enclosed.

16 January Exercises - bad. weather.

22 January Discusses pro and con of joining Indian Army.

27 January Out on very hard exercise. Decides on joining Indian Army.

4 February Interviewed for Indian Army. Importance of last month at Sandhurst - exams, tests and lectures. 7 February About tests.

14 February More about military exercises etc.

10 March Accepted for Indian Army.

25 March Description of 3 day exercise and assault course.

29 March Tropical kit. Going on 36 hour exercise.

6 May London - leaving for India.

9 May On board prior to sailing.

16 May Voyage. Details of shipboard life.

June Still at sea. Has been via the Cape. Describes their welcome and conditions in detail. Conditions decide many officers to return after the war to live. Return to ship - further details of life.

10 July O.T.S. Mhow. Contrast to luxury of boat and hotel in Bombay. Describes living conditions. Studying Urdu. Prices and pay. Feeling contrast with Wales.

25 July Cram course in Urdu described. Also first impressions of the Indian scene - villages, shops, etc. finance; daily life.

9 August More about learning Urdu. Social life, finances. Mentions beginning of Gandhi's Civil Disobedience Movement.

21 August Urdu exams.

29 August Sending parcels to England of rationed goods.

19 September Describes new regiment as far as he can with censorship restrictions.

31 October Has been on training course and going to another. In an hotel in Calcutta. Veiled allusions to his whereabouts in the future.

13 November In Poona on a course - recaps leave, courses, etc., hampered through censorship. Been in jungle. Learning to be Company Commander. Describes his orderly.

13 December Letter to his sister Carys. About sending material etc. from India. Personal.

27 December Calcutta - Christmas described. Has been in Shillong.

BOX II

1943

14 January Airgraph: still in Calcutta.

19 January At Saugor, at Infantry School.

26 January Describes living at Saugor.

21 February Airletter. Has qualified as a small arms instructor. Gives his financial situation. Describes his orderly. More about Saugor.

15-17 March Personal, but describes the characteristics of Indian soldiers which he admires. Has been in the jungle. Describes life in Calcutta. Encloses letter about Insurance Policy.

8 April Veiled allusions to being in bad jungle conditions; asks for various Penguin books.

19 April Has been in Calcutta; implies has been fighting again. In a Battle School as instructor.

29 April Has been slightly injured in explosion during battle course.

13 May Recovered, been on endurance test. Has command of new company. Mentions a shortage of Indian food, but has seen no signs.

27 May On leave in Calcutta; going to Ranikhet.

2 June Ranikhet on leave. Describes the journey and the place.

24 June End of leave; journey back to Assam to. command D. Company; attitude towards station vendors. Learning Burmese. Remarks on negotiations with Indian leaders.

4 July Gives news of daily military life in a camp.

10 July Hospital with ear infection.

26 July Copy of two letters to a Mr. Richards from D.E.L.-J. about leave etc. - a synopsis of the letters home, expresses his attitude towards shirkers.

16 August Describes some of his friends.

10 September Personal and a little about officers.

11 September Describes his former work as Education Officer.

26 September Pathe News has been filming the area. Hopes it will be shown.

5 October Posted back to jungle: Preparations for Gurkha festival.

19 October In jungle: describes his orderly, a Lushai, and the way he builds 'annexe' to his tent. Encloses newspaper cutting of Gurkha ambush.

29 October Veiled references to a three day skirmish - slight account of Gurkha dewali.

6 November Shooting game, and using explosive in the rivers to catch fish to add variety to rations.

16 November Discusses plans after demobilisation.

23 November Promoted Quartermaster.

1 December Going on Animal Transport Course in Landsdowne. Describes leave in Calcutta. Comments on Wavell as Viceroy. Mentions famine and the photographs published by The Statesman. Encloses programme of Garrison show at theatre. (B.E.S.A.)

9 December Animal management course in Landsdowne.

11 December Landsdowne - describes place and the course, working with mules and ponies - learning to ride. Personal.

17 December Letter to grandfather. Mentions that he is covering same ground as his grandfather covered.

26 December Describes Christmas.

1944

10 January Mentions famine and black market.

16 January Mentions they are totally unaffected by the famine.

25 February Reveals he is in 14th Army on the Indo-Burma border.

12 March Implies he has been in action.

11 April Implies has been in action of a prolonged and heavy nature. Has lost all his personal effects.

15 April Airgraph: has been promoted Captain.

17 May Been recommended for the M.C.

30 May Personal: about deaths on service, his engagement and M.C.

2 July Describes leave in Calcutta, and incidentally his fighting in Assam round Kohima in which he was involved.

12 July Still in 'civilization', personal; oblique reference to fighting.

16-28 July Airgraphs: going on leave to Puri. No room in Puri: returned to Calcutta and spending leave in Grand Hotel.

31 July Describes leave in Calcutta. Reveals he has been in bitter fighting for 3 months. Battalion at Jessami, Kherasom and Kohima. Describes the men in a photograph sent home and tells of the men who have been killed and their bravery.

14 August Mentions the fighting and casualties at Kohima.

27 August Speaks of missionaries he has met.

2 September Been in action again. Mentions ending of war in Europe.

19 September In action - does not think war will be over so easily against Japanese. Mostly personal.

26 September Airgraph: mentions demobilisation plans not applying to Indian army.

22 October Mentions lack of NAAFI in the East, and exploitation of situation by British owned shops.

23 November Airgraph from Major Marsden assuring D.L.J.'s parents that he was safe but in a very remote place and could not write.

26 November Oblique description of his actions during silence. Mentions General Slim with admiration. Mentions the memorial stone brought by the Nagas to commemorate the fallen in the 2nd British Division.

22 December Mentions the advance into Burma and that he is connected with it. Letter from Jewellers attached about new regulations for sending home jewelry.

25 December Day spent marching. Lushais sang carols on Christmas Eve. Describes the rest of the day. They have chicken sent by Hindu clerk. Most of villages devasted in wake of the battle.

 BOX III

1945

2 January Captured a prisoner; turkey and plum pudding dropped from the air. Still marching towards Burma.

10 January Death of C.O. His place possibly to be taken by the 2nd in command, Mohammed Ayub Khan (later President of Pakistan).

22 January Letter about officers and Japanese, and the advance in Burma.

13 February Has majority: the campaign a costly one.

15 February Mentions the Maharaja of Manipur and his brother

18 February About an article in the press mentioning the unit and him.

7 March Japanese in full retreat. Lt. Col Parsons appointed C.O.

15 March With the 19th Indian Division under General Rees.

29 March His unit have freed Anglo-Indians and Anglo-Burmese interned by the Japs. Japanese have stripped the country. Gurkha officer finds his family in Maymo starving. In the victory parade at Mandalay Fort.

3 April Been entertaining ex-internees and ex-refugees.

11 April Has been in action again.

18 April Major Ayub Khan transferred to old unit.

25 April Old orderly dies in hospital.

5 May Action. Personal. Rangoon fallen.

10 May V.E. day. Spent mostly in action. Does not see the end of Jap war under 18 months.

18 May Fighting Japanese fierce resistance east of Toungoo.

26 May Monsoon making things difficult. Describes ruin of Burmese through the Japanese inflationary rate of exchange.

29 May Army activities from when he joined the 1st Btn. The Assam Regt.when it was in the23rd Indian Division, covering the withdrawal of Alexander's Army, up to the fall of Rangoon.

30 May Expresses disgust at Parliamentary talk of improving Amenities in the East, which he considers very poor.

5 June Still in action. Personal, about conditions.

12 June Complains about no repatriation arrangements for Indian Army. Mopping-up operations.

24 June (2 letters) Regimental 4th Birthday party described. Each tribe did its own songs and dances.

28 June Has led a most successful action.

5 July Concern for Indian troops. Sepoys get no family allowance. Asks for cigarettes from Welsh mission supporters instead of temperance tracts.

12 July Still on 'mopping-up'.

19 July Mentions Wavell's talks in Simla failing again.

31 July Demobilisation plans. Japanese war coming to an end.

6 August Has been allotted a Japanese sword.

17 August Feelings about armistice marred by a grenade exploding among his men. No cause for celebration, only gratitude and remembrance.

27 August Has been ill. Personal.

13 September Personal. The Company gave a party for the local children.

21 September Comments on Self-Government in India.

26 September Wants to be present for Dasera which he has always missed.

2 October Effects of mepacrine on malaria.

10 October Been inspecting Jap P.O.W. camp. Been to Gracie Fields' show.

14 October Leave assured by posting of Lushai commissioned Officer (Captain Sailo) as 2nd-in-command, a chieftain class. Dasera ceremony of goat-head decapitation taken place at start of festival, a week of celebration.

18 October Dasera ending. Going on leave to Ranikhet. Mentions inflated prices in Bengal, and the starving poor. Plans for life after demobilisation.

1 November Ranikhet: describes leave.

14 November Goes to Cawnpore at end of leave via Lucknow, where there is 'hartal' in sympathy with I.N.A. trials. Remarks on I.N.A.

21 November Back in Calcutta. Seeing Test Match: Australians v East Zone.

25 November Comments on Calcutta disturbances. Volunteers to command a Company of British military personnel to keep order. Feels the grievances of striking Corporation workers just. Cricket resumed.

14 December Back with unit. Sails to Rangoon Going with unit to Kalaw. Describes General Rees' farewell parade.

19 December Chasing dacoits.

22 December Christmas programme.

1946

10 January Journey to Kalaw with 130 men, 120 P.O.W.'s and stores. Describes making Kalaw camp comfortable. Release news.

20 January Still preparing the camp-site. High opinion of Lushai Christians.

26 January Move down to Meiktila in plains.

31 January Hints at military changes in Burma. Gives some accounts of the fighting he has been in.

6 February Packing to leave Kalaw. Japanese Colonel thanks him. Is given a Lushai shawl.

2 March News they are returning to the hills before the monsoon. Mentions Indian Naval mutiny.

19 March Back to Maymo - best hill station in Burma. Expensive, due to inflation.

25 March May be released in September. Gives description of his tent ready for monsoon.

21 April Tribal dancing on Good Friday.

28 April Says that conditions in Beyond the Chindwin are what his Battalion has been fighting in. (Book by Claud Wingate).

12 May Helping police in raids and arrests in remote areas. People not seen troops before.

23 May As above, arrangements for leaving army.

30 May Has been helping police to deal with crime in Upper and Lower Chindwin. Describes mopping-up process. Goes round with D.S.P. who is a Shan who shows him great kindness.

7 June Back in Maymo, preparing for General's visit. News that he is coming home, probably in August.

16 June About going home, having turned down invitation to extend service for six months by commanding Jungle Warfare School in Burma.

14 July About returning. Fattening a pig for a farewell party to his Company.

31 July Has orders to leave for Rangoon. Gives details of what has to be done before leaving. (page missing).

Miscellaneous collection of undated letters, notes etc. from collection (10 items).

BOX IV

Collection of newsletters and other items relating to the Assam Regiment from 1946 onwards.

Assam Regimental Newsletter written from the lst Battalion. The Assam Regiment in Shillong.

Christmas 1946 by Lt. Col. Hugh Parsons

March 3, 1947 by Captain Peter Steyn

May 1947 by Lt. Col. Hugh Parsons

Christmas 1947 by D.H. Mappin.

Copy of The Rhino: Silver Jubilee Number of the Assam Regiment's publication. (1941-1966).

Photograph of Memorial Tablet to Lt. Col. W.F. Brown, D.S.O., O.B.E., Commandant of lst Battalion Assam Regiment, in the parish church at Whittlesey. Unveiled 1950.

13 December 1947 Preliminary letter from D.E.L.J. about Reunions.

Assam Regiment Re-Union Club.

Newsletter No.l, December 1948 (written by D.E.L.J.)

Appendix 1: With the Second Battalion, N.W. Frontier and Ambala 1946-47, by Lewis Collinson. 4pp.

Conditions and attitudes of Pathans towards Assam Regiment in 1946-47; tensions, incidents. Description of terrible plight of refugees seen during journey to Ambala. State of refugee camps. Attitude of the men of the Assam Regiment.

Newsletter No.2, June 1949.

Appendix 2:

ëFrom a Subaltern's Diaryí by G. Mackenzie. Short memoir of December 1941 - assembling and training new recruits at Digboi.

ëIn Burma 1947í by Peter Steyn. Short memoir of the lst Battalion's anti-dacoit operation in Mandalay.

Newsletter No.3 10 December 1949

Newsletter No.4 1 May 1950

Newsletter No.5 2 December 1950

Appendix 3:

ëDacoit operations in Burma, 1946í, by Peter Steyn. Anecdotes of the Battalion in Burma.

Newsletter No.6 18 May 1951

Appendix 4:

ëWith the 2nd at Ranipetí by R.E. Jenks. Incident of camp flooding.

Newsletter No.7 December 1951.

Mentions collection of photographs of the Naga Hills compiled by Mr. Kiernan (over 500) which he wished to increase and complete.

Newsletter No.8 17 May 1952

Appendix 5:

ëIncident during Independence arrangements in Sylhetí by J.S. Collicut.

Newsletter No.9 December 1952.

Contains account of returning to Assam as a tea-planter by Peter Steyn, 1952. Conditions in Bombay, Calcutta and from the tea-garden in Assam. Comments on Nehru, Naga situation and state of Assam.

Also included in a newspaper cutting about Commission of Inquiry appointed in October 1952 to inquire into outbreak of disorder in Kohima.

Appendix 6:

ëAccount of Delhi after August 15, 1947 during the fightingí. (Description of the refugee Camp at Humayan's Tomb controlled by J. Walmesley, (q.v.) Lady Arthur Smith, Mrs. B.K. Nehru and Bishop Mukerjee. Psychological attitudes.

ëDiseaseí, by Peter Steyn. Written, January 1948.

Appendix 7:

A brief article on the Tribal Areas of Assam: The Autonomous Districts, the N.E. Frontier Agency, and Government Development Projects, by Thenphunga Sailo.

Newsletter No.10 May 1953

Newsletter No.11 November 1953

Account by Peter Steyn of the changes which had taken place in Digboi in the ten years since the lst Battalion was there. Also account of the changes in the Abor district in 1950 due to the earthquake: Missionaries and Naga troubles..

Newsletter No. 12 May 1954

Account of Shillong newspaper of the History and achievements of the Assam Regiment at the unveiling of their War Memorial in Shillong. The writer, D. Lloyd Jones, mentions his trek in 1943 with Gyles Mackrell - quotation from The Daily Telegraph, 24 February 1954 about his rescue work for refugees in the Chaukan Pass. (See Mackrell: FILMS).

Newsletter No.13 December 1954

Quotations from Daily Telegraph about trouble among the tribes of the N.E. Frontier of India, and also about the British patterns preserved in the Indian Army. Quotation from The Times about Kohima.

Newsletter No.14 May 1955

Appendix 8:

ëThe Rhino and Running Waterí - an account of an amusing war incident by Major Amar Sen of the Assam Regiment.

Newsletter No.15 November 1955

Newsletter No.16 June 1956

Quotations about the Maharaja of Manipur and the Indian National Army Memorial.

Newsletter No.17 November 1956

Appendix 9:

Regimental Newsletter from Assam and letter from P.B. Singh, The Palace, Imphal, Manipur State. (Brother of the Maharajah).

Newsletter No.18 May 1957

Brief account of P. Steyn's visit to the Battalion in Shillong, and other letters.

Newsletter No.19 December 1957

Newsletter No.20 June 1958

Newsletter No.21 November 1958

Newsletter No.22 June 1959

Description of Regimental Reunion in Assam

Newsletter No.23 November 1959

Obituary notice from The Times of Major-General T. Wynford Rees.

Newsletters No.24 June 1960 to No.33, June 1964

Newsletter No.34 December 1964

Obituary from The Times of Sir Robert Reid.

Newsletters No.35 June 1965 to No.37, June 1966

Newsletter No.38 February 1967

Book Review of Kohima by Arthur Swainson and ensuing correspondence in the Kentish Gazette.

Newsletter No.39 June 1967

Reproduction from the Arny list of the Assam Regiment, Part 2 of October 1945.

Newsletters No.40 March 1968 to No.42, April 1969.

Newsletter No.43 January 1970

Brief extract from Mr. Eric Lambert's diary of siege of Kohima.

Newsletters No.44 June 1970 to No.46, June 1971.

Newsletter No.47 February 1972

Account of the unveiling of the memorial to the Indian Allied Forces 1946 - 1947 in St. Paul's Cathedral.

Newsletter No.4 July 1972

Newsletter No.49 February 1973

ëReturn to India and the Assam Regimentí, 1972 by D.E. Lloyd Jones. 15pp.

Detailed diary of a month's tour of India and Assam by Mr and Mrs. Lloyd Jones, visiting friends, and battalions of the Assam Regiment, where they were welcomed very warmly.

Newsletters No.50 July 1973 to No.51, January 1974

Newsletter No.52 June 1974

ëIndia and Nepal 1973: a sentimental journeyí by Lt. Colonel E.H.M. Parsons.

Detailed diary of Colonel Parsons' return trip to India, at the invitation of the Commandant of the Assam Regimental Centre in Shillong. 14pp.

Newsletter No.53 February 1975

Newsletter No.54 - June 1975

Mentions the Centre of South Asian Studies' activities, in particular the films.

Newsletters of the Assam Regiment Reunion Club No.l, 19.

Including ëReturn to India and the Assam Regiment: 1972í by Colonel D.E. Lloyd Jones, and ëIndia and Nepal, 1973: a sentimental journeyí, by Lt. Colonel E.H.M. Parsons. TS appendices to Newsletters Nos.

Photograph of memorial plaque to the Assam Regiment in the parish church of St. Andrews, Whittlesey - Dedicated 1950.

Pamphlet:

David Edward Evans: a Welshman in India, by D.E. Loyd Jones, M.C., B.A, Reprinted from the Transactions of the Honourable Society of Cymmrodorion, Session 1967, Part 1.

Short biography of D.E. Evans 1885. Joined Indian Navy - 1888; Indian General Steam Navigation and Railway Co. of Calcutta; joined Ralli Bros. as consulting engineer: became Superintendent Engineer - 1931.

(Newsletters of the Assam Regimental Association continue to be received yearly).

 

McCALL PAPERS (at Centre of South Asian Studies University of Cambridge)

Given by Major A.G. McCall, I.C.S. through Mr. A.C. Bowman

Assam: 1938-1951

Account of Major A.G. McCall's Total Defence Scheme for the Lushai Hills during the World War II period, where he was Superintendent (113 pp TS).

Returning to Residency 8 December 1941 hears of Pearl Harbour. Goes to Calcutta to get news. Call on Chinese Consul, business firm, finding there dismay at British myopia of the situation, and the actual myopia at Army H.Q.

Period of indecision on what to do about defence.

Retrospective account of McCall's introduction of 'the Ten Point Code', the Welfare System, the Lushai Hills Cottage Industries and inauguration of the Chiefs' Durbar - aim was unity - McCall shown to be a real leader, therefore in January 1942 he sends his Lushai Hills Defence Scheme to the Governor of Assam (Sir Robert Reid).

Lushai Hills Civil Defence Scheme: description and explanation. It becomes, with Assam War Committee's sanction, the Lushai Total Defence Scheme.

Account of McCall's speech to the chiefs of North Lushai on 2 April 1942 outlining the T.D.S. and their discussion and replies.

McCall marches to the South Lushai Hills to enlist chiefs' help there, and in particular the Sub-divisional officer's (Mr. L.L. Peters) acceptance of the role of leadership Mr. Peters and Mr. Naylor (Chin Hills) of opinion that levies would be better.

Consolidation of T.D.S. in North Lushai Hills. Planning together with military.

Plan of defence campaign by the people.

Plan of defence by military.

Account of military conferences, defence discussions and changing situation.

Position of the Welsh Mission: Pacifist.

Their brave decision to remain as long as possible has a steadying influence. Indirectly helped T.D.S.

Notes on Postal Service and status of the volunteer in wartime.

Notes on events after the withdrawal, from Burma of all troops - June 1942.

Change of Governor. Advisers to new Governor (Sir Andrew Clow) had never set foot in the Hills.

July 1942 - few operational troops being sent to Aijal.

T.D.S. and military formation. Part played by General Scoones.

August and September 1942 Japs much nearer.

Incident of American. survivors of a crashed Flying Fortress.

Tempo of war on Eastern Frontier of India increasing which meant a reduction of responsibility for T.D.S.

Tension of the waiting period in September/October 1942.

Aijal Road Project. Already traced out in 1937 to connect the plains of Cachar with the Lushai Hills. Needed to be made properly. Started with idea it would take 6 weeks but took months. Eventually appeal made to the Indian Tea Association who responded with coolies from all over India. At one time 50,000 people working on project. Begun August 1942 lasted until February 1944. Some considered it a waste. McCall justifies it as making attack on lines behind Tiddim and Haka possible. (see Films: Mackrell - No.25)

Interview with General Irwin, 5 November 1942.

Air Warning scheme begun.

Criticism begins of McCall as failing to appreciate the whole situation.

In May 1943 the Governor posts him to Shillong. Deep distress and anger over this.

June 17, 1943 - first jeep drives through to Aijal from Cachar on the Aijal Road.

Disconnected notes about individuals and incidents.

Notes on Labour forces.

Notes on what was going on in "V" Force.

Notes on administrative confusion.

Notes on the Chin Hills.

Further disconnected notes on the T.D.S.

Notes on handing-over in June 1943.

Original papers and letters, and copies of papers, relating to the Lushai Total Defence Scheme.

1. Lushai Total Defence Scheme

D.O. to Governor's Secretary on T.D. Scheme 3.2.42

Letter to Governor of Assam on Labour Problems 8.3.42

Correspondence with Col. Critchley on T.D. matters March-April 1942

Memos on staffing for T.D. Scheme March-April 1942

Memo on operational considerations for Pasalthas 16.4.42

Memo on Evacuation 17.4.42

Address to Chiefs in Durbar (with subsequent Manifesto) 2.4.42

Extract of Confidential Reports 5.4.42-6.1.43

U.O. letter to Governor's Secretary on Lushai cases in controversy over T.D. Scheme 23.1.43

Memo to Governor's Secretary (ëIntolerable Situationí) 9.8.43

Extract from Fortnightly Report by E.S. Hyde, I.C.S. 10.11.44

Article on Major McCall's T.D. Scheme in The Statesman Summer 1945

Copy of letter from Lt. Col. Parsons on T.D. Scheme August 1954

2. E.S. Hyde I.C.S. - Correspondence

Note on Southern Portion of Eastern Frontier between Chindwin Valley and Bay of Bengal 8.7.42 Note on R.A.F. Movements 13.5.43

Letters relating to T.D.S. and defence of Eastern frontier; some criticisms of personnel deployment and strategy: 7.4.43; 24.4.43; 17.5.43; 18.5.43; 20.5.43; 21.5.43; 6.6.43; 14.6.43; 12.6.44; 12.12.51

3. Military Papers

Letter from "V" Force Command to Major C.G. Cuerdon about changes in command of lst Assam Rifles in "V" Force 8.7.42

Memo on the Army and Sanctions: Major McCall July 1943

The Story of "V" Force

Note on Independent Brigade Group (Lushai Brigade).

4. Report on Zawngling Area, 1943: Major McCall

5. Lushai Industries

Notes on Red and Black Lacquers

Note on Moulding of Brass, by Pu Neithunga of Chalrang.

Notes on indigenous dyes and casting, by Rev. R.A. Lorrain.

Method of Ting dyeing, by Pu Thingkima Sailo, Chief of Chalrang.

 

India Office: Military Department Records 1708-1959 (OIOC Series L/MIL)

The military records reflect and document the whole spectrum of military affairs both of the East India Company's armies and of the armies of the Government of India. These range from military policy, defence schemes and the organisation of army, navy and air force in India to the careers - appointments, pay, leave, promotions and pensions - of individual officers and soldiers in the Indian Army, the Indian Medical Service and the Royal Indian Navy. Medal rolls, prize and batta rolls, and soldiers' letters are included among the Military Department records, as are the records of soldiers' and cadets' entry into the military service in England before embarkation. The contents of the India Office Military Department Library of official publications are also included here. Associated with the Military Department records are the papers of the India Office War Staff (L/WS) organisation, which maintained its own files on military strategy, organisation, intelligence and supply. A catalogue has been published: A.J. Farrington, Guide to the Records of the India Office Military Department (London, 1982).

 

India Office: War Staff Papers 1921-1951 (OIOC Series L/WS)

These papers are described and listed with Military Department Records (see L/MIL above).

 

War establishments (Trincomalee Training school, American mission, South and West Africa, Chungking mission, Remorse, HQ India, Calcutta sub-mission). 1944-1945 (PRO Reference HS 1/276)

 

BURMA: President to P.M., No.454. Urges that all communications from Calcutta into Assam be placed under military control. 30/1/44 (PRO Reference FO 954/1B)

 

India: F.O. tel. to W'ton No.1840. P.M. to President, No.598. Port of Calcutta and the Bengal-Assam lines of communication. 2/3/44 (PRO Reference FO 954/12B)

 

India: F.O. tel. to W'ton No.1840. P.M. to President, No.598. Port of Calcutta and the Bengal-Assam lines of communication. 2/3/44 (PRO Reference FO 954/12B)

 

Military appreciation by Chiefs of Staff of strategic position in event of Western India Bengal or other seabound States remaining in Commonwealth. 1947 (PRO Reference PREM 8/553)

 

Bengal-Burma frontier: aerial views of mountainous country, scenes of fighting, views of roads, rivers, airfields and other lines of communication. HMS Ark Royal listing after torpedo attack. 1943-1944 (PRO Reference CN 1/7)

 

Bengal-Assam pipeline: planning papers and correspondence. 1944 Aug.-1945 May (PRO Reference WO 203/4820)

 

WAVELL (Archibald Percival), Field Marshal 1st Earl Wavell Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur D977)

Wavell Collection: xerox copies of papers of Field Marshal Sir Archibald Percival Wavell, 1st Earl Wavell (1883- 1950), as Viceroy of India 1943-47.

18 volumes    1943 - 1947      View Contents List

 

MCCALL (Anthony Gilchrist), Maj Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur E361)

McCall Collection: papers of Maj Anthony Gilchrist McCall (1895-1978), Royal Artillery 1914-21, Indian Civil Service 1921-47, Superintendent of the Lushai Hills, Assam 1931-43, including papers and drafts of articles and books relating to his scheme for the Total Defence of the Lushai Hills in the Second World War.

100 items    1915 - 1976      View Contents List

 

MUSPRATT (Sydney Frederick), General Sir Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur F223)

Muspratt Collection: diaries, articles, lectures, photographs and memorabilia of General Sir Sydney Frederick Muspratt (1878-1972), illustrating his life and career in the Indian Army 1898-1941, particularly on the North-West Frontier; also Muspratt family papers, dated 1801-55 and 1897-1918.

128 items    1901 - 1968      View Contents List

 

BOWMAN (Archibald Ian)  Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur F229)

Bowman Collection: papers of Archibald Ian Bowman (1915-87), Indian Civil Service, United Provinces 1937-47, chiefly relating to his role in the Lushai Hills Total Defence Scheme and `V' Force 1942-44, and his continuing interest in the Lushai (or Mizo) people after independence; also papers of Maj Anthony Gilchrist McCall (1895- 1978), Superintendent of the Lushai Hills 1931-43.

64 items    1937 - 1987      View Contents List

 

OUWERKERK (Louise ) Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur F232)

Ouwerkerk Collection: diaries, letters and papers of Louise Ouwerkerk (1904-89), University teacher in Travancore 1929-39, wartime internee 1940-41, employed on official publicity work in India 1942-46, teacher in West Africa 1953-63, teacher in India and England 1963-71.

95 items    1929 - 1983      View Contents List

 

MAGAN (William Morgan Tilson), Brig Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur F280)

Memoirs, diaries, reports and personal correspondence of Brig William Morgan Tilson Magan (b 1908), Indian Army 1928-c1946; covering his life in India as a member of the 12th Frontier Force Cavalry, Hodson's Horse and whilst in the Intelligence Bureau, Home Dept, Govt of India.

19 items    1927 - 1944      View Contents List

 

ARGLES (Michael ), Capt Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur C415)

Memoir, dated 1987, by Capt Michael Argles (b 1922), Indian Army 1941-46, describing his training and service with the Royal Indian Army Service Corps including postings to Mhow, Poona, Ranchi, Nanjangud in Mysore, Trichinopoly and Calcutta.

6 folios    1941 - 1946

 

 

 

        War Office

 

H.Q. Emb. Calcutta. 1943 Jan.-July, Dec. (PRO Reference WO 172/2156)

 

H.Q. Calcutta. 1944 Jan.- Dec. (PRO Reference WO 172/4562)

 

Headquarters: H.Q. Calcutta. 1945 Jan.- Dec. (PRO Reference WO 172/7320)

 

Headquarters: H.Q. Eastern Area (Calcutta). 1945 Jan.- Aug. (PRO Reference WO 172/7323)

 

Calcutta. 1946 Jan.- Apr. (PRO Reference WO 172/10026)

 

Calcutta: progress reports. 1943 Nov.-1944 Dec. (PRO Reference WO 203/2841)

 

Calcutta: progress reports. 1945 Jan.-May (PRO Reference WO 203/2842)

 

Priorities for moves of units to Rangoon from Calcutta and Chittagong and shipping tables. 1945 May-July (PRO Reference WO 203/1761)

 

Minutes of meetings between 14 Army and Eastern Air Command held at Calcutta. 1944 Aug. (PRO Reference WO 203/4320)

 

 

 

        Army

 

11 Indian Division: 7 (Bengal) Mtn. Bty. R.A.. 1939 July- 1941 Nov. (PRO Reference WO 172/66)

 

Signal Company: Assam and East Bengal Coy.. 1944 Feb.- Dec. (PRO Reference WO 172/5469)

 

Assam and East Bengal Sig. Coy.. 1945 Jan.-Oct. (PRO Reference WO 172/8416)

 

67 (King George V's Bengal) Indep. Army Troops Coy. R.I.E.. 1947 Jan.-Mar. (PRO Reference WO 268/189)

 

70 (Bengal) Indep. Field Coy. R.I.E.. 1946 Oct.-Dec. (PRO Reference WO 268/190)

 

70 (Bengal) Indep. Field Coy. R.I.E.. 1947 Jan.-June (PRO Reference WO 268/191)

 

`Ansans' volunteer force in East Bengal. 1948-1950 (PRO Reference DO 35/3171)

 

Indian Army List April 1891 - October 1946  (BL Shelfmark OIR 355.33)

 

 

 

        Women's Auxiliary Corps (India)

 

TAYLOR (Coralie May) Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur R142)

Tape recording of interview, given 1983, by Coralie May Taylor (b 1898), on her life in India as the wife of Stanley Grisewood Taylor (1893-1980), Indian Police, Bengal 1913-47, on her husband's career, and on her service during the Second World War in the Women's Auxiliary Corps (India).

1 cassette    1919 - 1947

 

 

 

        Calcutta Light Horse

 

BRICE (Ralph Kington Hewetson) Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur C714)

Typescript history of the Calcutta Light Horse, written c1938, by Ralph Kington Hewetson Brice, Bengal Covenanted Pilot Service 1929-c1947; with brief biographies of three officers of the Calcutta Light Horse.

1 folder    1759 - 1938

 

HARRIS (Norman D) Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur D1050)

Papers and photographs of Norman D Harris, ICI (India) 1927-58, Company Chairman 1950-57, including three copies of `Gallop', dated 1944-46, the Journal of the Calcutta Light Horse, and miscellaneous material relating to business in Bengal.

1 portfolio; 20 photos    1915 - 1958

 

CLEGHORN (Colin ) Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur C936)

Letter, dated 12 Nov 1949, from Colin Cleghorn to the Secretary of the Calcutta Light Horse Club donating three hog spears of former members, including one belonging to John Alexander Anderson (b c1848), co-founder of the firm Anderson Wright & Co 1872, and giving brief biographical sketch of Anderson.

1 folio    1949 - 1949

 

 

        Navy

 

COMMONWEALTH OF NATIONS (21): Passage of 4th LST Flotilla UK to Calcutta (Dec 1944-Jan 1945): report of proceedings 1945 (PRO Reference ADM 1/17846)

 

COMBINED OPERATIONS (47): Passage of 4th L.S.T. Flotilla UK to Calcutta (Dec 1944-Jan 1945): report of proceedings. 1945 (PRO Reference ADM 1/17846)

 

BRITISH DEFENCES OVERSEAS (33): Indian defended ports: Joint Overseas and Home Defence Committee recommendations regarding provision of anti-aircraft guns at Calcutta, Cochin and Madras. 1939-1940 (PRO Reference ADM 1/10400)

 

DOMINIONS, COLONIES, PROTECTORATES AND MANDATED TERRITORIES (21): HMS NORFOLK: report of proceedings of visit to Nancoury, Port Blair, Port Cornwallis, Calcutta and Madras. 1949 (PRO Reference ADM 1/21447)

 

ROYAL FAMILIES (86): HMS NORFOLK: report of proceedings of visit to Nancoury, Port Blair, Port Cornwallis, Calcutta and Madras. 1949 (PRO Reference ADM 1/21447)

 

CEREMONIAL MATTERS (88): HMS NORFOLK: report of proceedings of visit to Nancoury, Port Blair, Port Cornwallis, Calcutta and Madras. 1949 (PRO Reference ADM 1/21447)

 

Awards to 2 officers of HM LST 238 for services during air raid on Calcutta Dec 5 1943. 1943-1944 (PRO Reference ADM 1/29440)

 

Formation of Bengal Auxiliary Flotilla. 1944-1945 (PRO Reference ADM 1/26899)

 

COMMONWEALTH OF NATIONS (21): Description of Kyaukphu, Bay of Bengal with a view to use as a military and naval base for War against Japan. 1944 (PRO Reference ADM 1/16001)

 

NAVAL STATIONS (50): Kyaukphu, Bay of Bengal: possible use as a military and naval base for war against Japan. 1944 (PRO Reference ADM 1/16001)

 

FOREIGN COUNTRIES (52): Kyaukphu Bay of Bengal, proposed use as military and naval base for war against Japan. 1944 (PRO Reference ADM 1/16001)

 

COMMONWEALTH OF NATIONS (21): Return of salvage vessel GENERAL MICHIELS to trade and proposal for SS BLINJOE as a base ship for Bengal Auxiliary Flotilla. Netherlands authorities responsible for manning, accommodation and discipline. 1944-1945 (PRO Reference ADM 1/16339)

 

FOREIGN COUNTRIES (52): Return of salvage vessel GENERAL MICHIELS to trade and proposal for SS BLINJOE to be as a base ship for Bengal Auxiliary Flotilla: Netherlands Authorities responsible for manning, accommodation and discipline. 1944-1945 (PRO Reference ADM 1/16339)

 

Port W, China Station, Bay of Bengal: Mobile Naval Base Defence Organisation I. 1941 Oct (PRO Reference ADM 202/454)

 

 

          _____Regular Reports___________________________________

 

CALCUTTA. 1938 SEPT. 28-30 (PRO Reference ADM 53/101735)

 

CALCUTTA. 1938 OCT. 1- 26 (PRO Reference ADM 53/101736)

 

CALCUTTA. 1939 JULY (PRO Reference ADM 53/107923)

 

CALCUTTA. 1939 AUG (PRO Reference ADM 53/107924)

 

CALCUTTA. 1939 SEPT (PRO Reference ADM 53/107925)

 

CALCUTTA. 1939 OCT (PRO Reference ADM 53/107926)

 

CALCUTTA. 1939 NOV (PRO Reference ADM 53/107927)

 

CALCUTTA. 1939 DEC (PRO Reference ADM 53/107928)

 

CALCUTTA. 1940 JAN (PRO Reference ADM 53/111631)

 

CALCUTTA. 1940 FEB (PRO Reference ADM 53/111632)

 

CALCUTTA. 1940 MAR (PRO Reference ADM 53/111633)

 

CALCUTTA. 1940 APR (PRO Reference ADM 53/111634)

 

CALCUTTA. 1940 MAY (PRO Reference ADM 53/111635)

 

CALCUTTA. 1940 JUNE (PRO Reference ADM 53/111636)

 

CALCUTTA. 1940 JULY (PRO Reference ADM 53/111637)

 

CALCUTTA. 1940 AUG (PRO Reference ADM 53/111638)

 

CALCUTTA. 1940 SEPT (PRO Reference ADM 53/111639)

 

CALCUTTA. 1940 OCT (PRO Reference ADM 53/111640)

 

CALCUTTA. 1940 NOV (PRO Reference ADM 53/111641)

 

CALCUTTA. 1940 DEC (PRO Reference ADM 53/111642)

 

CALCUTTA. 1941 JAN. (PRO Reference ADM 53/113763)

 

CALCUTTA. 1941 FEB. (PRO Reference ADM 53/113764)

 

CALCUTTA. 1941 MAR. (PRO Reference ADM 53/113765)

 

CALCUTTA. 1941 APR. (PRO Reference ADM 53/113766)

 

Bengal and Arakan: intelligence on Arakan coast. 1943 Dec.-1945 Apr. (PRO Reference WO 203/1371)

 

Bengal and Arakan: general procedure. 1944 Jan.-1945 Sept. (PRO Reference WO 203/1373)

 

Bengal and Arakan: workshop machinery and facilities. 1944 Jan.-1945 Mar. (PRO Reference WO 203/1374)

 

Bengal and Arakan: craft maintenance and repair. 1944 Feb.-1945 Mar. (PRO Reference WO 203/1378)

 

Arakan and Bengal: notes on possible distribution of a 2,800 ton stores and maintenance lift. 1944 Sept. (PRO Reference WO 203/1391)

 

Bengal and Arakan: capacity and development. 1945 Jan.-Aug. (PRO Reference WO 203/1418)

 

        Airforce

 

PERRY-KEENE PAPERS (at Centre of South Asian Studies University of Cambridge)

(Air Vice Marshal Sir Allan Perry Keene) C.B., O.B.E.

Delhi, Simla, U.P., C.P., Punjab, Bengal. Later, Pakistan 1934-1949

Reflected Glory - An Autobiography by Sir Allan Perry-Keene. Privately printed 1978.

Posted by Air Ministry to India in 1934, he served as a member of the Air Staff in Delhi and Simla until 1940. Posted to India again at the end of World War II, he was appointed chairman of Air Force Reconstruction Committee. He describes transition period for RAF in India until formation of RIAF and RPAF. Later as Commander Royal Pakistan Air Force much involved in Indo Pakistani was over Kashmir 1948-49.

Xerox copy of letter from George Renny to his half-brother, dated 27 May 1858 from Bijnore, Rohilkand, concerning the part his loyal Hindustani corps took in the siege of Delhi. 3pp.

 

Operational Research Section India report No. S3: aircraft W/T failure in the Calcutta area. 1943 Sept.-1944 Jan. (PRO Reference AIR 20/5629)

 

Operational Research Section; H.Q. 231 Group, memo No. NA 8: reception arrangements for B.O.A.C. passengers at Calcutta. 1945 July (PRO Reference AIR 20/5705)

 

CALCUTTA. 1945 Sept.- 1947 Aug. (PRO Reference AIR 28/119)

 

R.A.F. Element Embarkation H.Q. Bombay, Calcutta and Karachi. 1947 May - Nov. (PRO Reference AIR 29/1372)

 

No. 54 Calcutta. 1942 June-1947 Jan. (PRO Reference AIR 29/14)

 

No. 31 Advanced Flying-boat Base, Bally, near Calcutta, moved to Kai Tak, Hong Kong Sept. 1945. 1945 Apr.-Oct. (PRO Reference AIR 29/34)

 

No. 7 Forecast Centre, H.Q. 221 Group, Calcutta. 1943 Aug.-1944 Apr. (PRO Reference AIR 29/36)

 

R.A.F. Signals Centre, Calcutta. 1945 Sept.-1946 Dec. (PRO Reference AIR 29/154)

 

No. 11 Filter Room, Calcutta. 1944 Sept.-1945 May (PRO Reference AIR 29/165)

 

No. 226 Calcutta and Chittagong. 1942 Sept.-1944 Mar. (PRO Reference AIR 29/450)

 

No. 228 Calcutta. 1944 Apr. (PRO Reference AIR 29/450)

 

No. 229 Calcutta. 1945 Jan. (PRO Reference AIR 29/450)

 

Air Transit Section, Calcutta, later No. 1 Air Transit Section. 1942 Oct.-1944 May (PRO Reference AIR 29/474)

 

Air Booking Centre, Calcutta. 1944 Apr.-1945 Dec. (PRO Reference AIR 29/474)

 

R.A.F. Transit Camp, Calcutta, later No. 35 Personnel Transit Camp. 1942 June-Dec. (PRO Reference AIR 29/487)

 

Controllers Training Unit, Calcutta. 1942 Sept.-1943 Oct. (PRO Reference AIR 29/523)

 

No. 13 School of Air Force Technical Training, Calcutta. 1943 Nov.-1944 Mar. (PRO Reference AIR 29/750)

 

Indian Observer Corps Training Centre, Rawalpindi, later R.A.F Elements Indian Observer Corps, Calcutta, later R.A.F. Elements Indian W/T Control Units. 1943 Mar.-1945 Oct. (PRO Reference AIR 29/753)

 

No. 11 No. 1 Central Medical Board, Calcutta. 1943 Aug.-1945 Nov. (PRO Reference AIR 29/756)

 

No. 1 Mobile Surgical Unit, Calcutta. 1943 May- 1945 July (PRO Reference AIR 29/761)

 

No. 65 Calcutta, A.C.S.E.A.. 1944 Oct.- 1945 Dec. (PRO Reference AIR 29/763)

 

No. 9 R.A.F. General Hospital, Calcutta. 1944 July- 1946 May (PRO Reference AIR 29/767)

 

No. 75 later No. 75 Equipment Park, Calcutta. 1942 June-1945 Dec. (PRO Reference AIR 29/784)

 

R.A.F. Element, Director General Aircraft, Calcutta and Bombay. 1944 Mar.-1945 Nov. (PRO Reference AIR 29/789)

 

No. 101 Calcutta, Cawnpore and Singarbil. 1942 Jan.-1945 July (PRO Reference AIR 29/805)

 

No. 134 Calcutta and Hong Kong formerly No. 1 R.S.S. Calcutta. 1943 Oct.-1945 Nov. (PRO Reference AIR 29/807)

 

No. 142 Singarbil and Calcutta. 1943 Jan.-1945 Dec. (PRO Reference AIR 29/808)

 

No. 1 Mobile Diesel Repair Unit, Calcutta. 1943 Aug.-1944 June (PRO Reference AIR 29/819)

 

No. 5 Base Postal Unit, Calcutta. 1943 Sept.-1947 Mar. (PRO Reference AIR 29/846)

 

R.A.F. Base, Able, Calcutta. 1945 May-June (PRO Reference AIR 29/847)

 

R.A.F. Base, Calcutta. 1943 Feb.-1945 Aug. (PRO Reference AIR 29/848)

 

No. 4415, Calcutta, Feni, Rumkapalong and Dimapur. 1943 May-1944 Aug. (PRO Reference AIR 29/885)

 

No. 1 Area Flying Control Centre, Calcutta. 1945 July-Sept. (PRO Reference AIR 29/912)

 

No. 321, Calcutta. 1944 Jan.-1945 Dec. (PRO Reference AIR 29/1079)

 

No. 327, Dum Dum, Red Road Calcutta, Kanchrapora and Agartala formerly No. 2 R.A.P.. 1943 Jan.-1945 Nov. (PRO Reference AIR 29/1079)

 

No. 329, Calcutta. 1943 July-1946 Oct.  (PRO Reference AIR 29/1081)

 

No. 335, Calcutta and Tollygunge. 1943 July-1944 Aug. (PRO Reference AIR 29/1081)

 

No. 363, Calcutta, Palel and Rangoon. 1944 Sept.-1945 Sept. (PRO Reference AIR 29/1084)

 

H.Q. R.A.F. Movements, Eastern Region, Calcutta. 1945 Aug.-1947 Apr. (PRO Reference AIR 29/1095)

 

No. 54 (Embarkation), Calcutta, India. 1947 Feb.-Apr. (PRO Reference AIR 29/1614)

 

Navigation Branch, Route Books, Monthly Supplements: No.13, Karachi – Calcutta. 1946 Feb. (PRO Reference AIR 38/100)

 

Navigation Branch, Route Books, Monthly Supplements: No.15, Calcutta – Colomba. 1946 Feb. (PRO Reference AIR 38/102)

 

ROYAL AIR FORCE: AIR COMMAND SOUTH EAST ASIA (Code B, 67/37): Medical progress report: Air H.Q. Bengal and 3rd T.A.F.. 1944 (PRO Reference AIR 2/8311)

 

Operational Research Section India report No. S5: Radar propogation investigations in India: preliminary report on overland transmission in Bengal. 1943 Dec.-1944 June (PRO Reference AIR 20/5631)

 

Operational Research Section India report No. S12: serviceability of communications between A.M.E.S. and filter rooms in Bengal area. 1944 June (PRO Reference AIR 20/5638)

 

Operational Research Section India report No. S71: Rebecca-Eureka radar system in Bengal-Assam-Burma theatre. 1945 Nov.-1946 Mar. (PRO Reference AIR 20/5681)

 

Operational Research Section India/Bengal, memo No. NB 1: analysis of W/T in 224 Group. 1943 May (PRO Reference AIR 20/5707)

 

Operational Research Section India/Bengal, memo No. NB 2: analysis of estimation of numbers of aircraft. 1943 May (PRO Reference AIR 20/5708)

 

Operational Research Section India/Bengal, memo No. NB 3: height reading at A.M.E. stations. 1943 June (PRO Reference AIR 20/5709)

 

Operational Research Section India/Bengal, memo NB 5: aircraft reporting. 1943 May (PRO Reference AIR 20/5711)

 

Operational Research Section India/Bengal, memo No. NB 6: aircraft reporting by W/T in Bengal. 1943 Aug. (PRO Reference AIR 20/5712)

 

Operational Research Section India/Bengal, memo No. NB 7: counting of single aircraft by R.D.F. stations. 1943 Oct. (PRO Reference AIR 20/5713)

 

Operational Research Section India/Bengal, memo No. NB 8: counting of aircraft. 1943 Nov. (PRO Reference AIR 20/5714)

 

Operational Research Section India/Bengal, memo No. NB 10: counting of formations of aircraft by R.D.F. 1943 Nov. (PRO Reference AIR 20/5715)

 

Operational Research Section India/Bengal, memo No. NB 11: W/T reporting of aircraft by radar stations. 1944 Jan.- Mar. (PRO Reference AIR 20/5716)

 

Operational Research Section India/Bengal, memo No. NB 16: quick method of constructions of polar diagrams. 1944 Apr.- May (PRO Reference AIR 20/5718)

 

Operational Research Section India/Bengal, memo No. NB 17: use of radar height information in height filtering. 1944 June- July (PRO Reference AIR 20/5719)

 

Operational Research Section India/Bengal, memo No. NB 20: restricted sweeps for radar stations in 182 Wing. 1944 Sept. (PRO Reference AIR 20/5720)

 

Operational Research Section India/Bengal, memo No. NB 21: Beaufighter attacks in Burma 3rd Tactical Air Force. 1944 Nov.- Dec. (PRO Reference AIR 20/5721)

 

Operational Research Section India/Bengal, memo No. NB 22: accuracy of radar height finding. 1944 Dec.-1945 Feb. (PRO Reference AIR 20/5722)

 

Operational Research Section India/Bengal, memo No. NB 23: effectiveness of Mk III I.F.F. in B.29 aircraft. 1945 Jan. (PRO Reference AIR 20/5723)

 

Operational Research Section India/Bengal, memo No. NB 24: comparison of flying rates in Eastern Air Command with those specified in SD.98. 1945 Feb. (PRO Reference AIR 20/5724)

 

Operational Research Section India/Bengal, memo No. NB 29: Eastern Air Command tactical aircraft casualties Jan.- Dec. 1944. 1945 Mar. (PRO Reference AIR 20/5725)

 

Operational Research Section India/Bengal, memo No. NB 33: advice of aircraft movements to rear No. 3 Filter Room. 1945 Mar.- May (PRO Reference AIR 20/5726)

 

Operational Research Section India/Bengal, memo No. NB 37: day bombing accuracy of Strategic Air Force, Burma. 1945 Sept.- Oct. (PRO Reference AIR 20/5727)

 

Operational Research Section India/Bengal, memo No. U/2: dependence of performance constant on aircraft height. 1943 Aug. (PRO Reference AIR 20/5740)

 

Operational Research Section India/Bengal, memo No. U/3: provisional operation drill for mobile aircraft tracking units. 1943 June (PRO Reference AIR 20/5741)

 

Operational Research Section India/Bengal, memo No. U/4: trials on camouflage for ground reconnaissance and Photographic Reconnaissance Unit aircraft in the Near East. 1943 June (PRO Reference AIR 20/5742)

 

Operational Research Section India/Bengal, Headquarters 224 Group: reports Nos. F2, H1 and 2; 03. 4 and 5, R4-9, W1 and 5 reliability of I.F.F. in Group area. 1943 Jan.-1944 Dec. (PRO Reference AIR 20/5743)

 

Despatch of A.H.Q. Bengal operations against Japanese, 21 May - 31 Dec. 1942 (PRO Reference AIR 23/1918)

 

Despatch on air operations in Burma and Bay of Bengal, 1 Jan.- 22 May. 1942 (PRO Reference AIR 23/1924)

 

Despatch on air operations Bengal Command, 1 Jan.- 20 June. 1943 (PRO Reference AIR 23/1925)

 

Despatch on air operations Bengal Command, 21 June - 15 Nov.. 1943 (PRO Reference AIR 23/1926)

 

Despatches on air operations of Bengal Command 15 Nov.-17 Dec. 1943 and Third Tactical Air Force 18 Dec. 1943 - 1 June 1944. 1944 - 1957 (PRO Reference AIR 23/1928)

 

Despatches on air operations of Bengal Command 15 Nov.-17 Dec. 1943 and Third Tactical Air Force 18 Dec. 1943 - 1 June 1944. 1943 - 1944 (PRO Reference AIR 23/1929)

 

Personal signals between A.O. C-in-C India and A.O.C. Bengal. 1942 (PRO Reference AIR 23/2185)

 

Personal signals between A.O. C-in-C India and A.O.C. Bengal. 1942 - 1944 (PRO Reference AIR 23/2186)

 

Bengal Command (later 3rd T.A.F.): operational matters. 1943 - 1944 (PRO Reference AIR 23/2188)

 

Demi-official letters between A.O. C-in-C India and A.O.C. Bengal (later 3rd T.A.F.). 1942 – 1943 (PRO Reference AIR 23/2193)

 

Demi-official letters between A.O. C-in-C India and A.O.C. Bengal (later 3rd T.A.F.). 1943 - 1944 (PRO Reference AIR 23/2194)

 

Air H.Q. Bengal: administrative directives. 1943 (PRO Reference AIR 23/2504)

 

A.H.Q. Bengal: operational directives. 1942 - 1943 (PRO Reference AIR 23/1999)

 

A.H.Q. Bengal: operation instruction No. 104 (General reconnaissance). 1943 - 1944 (PRO Reference AIR 23/2024)

 

Bengal Command: re-organisation and redeployment. 1942 (PRO Reference AIR 23/2056)

 

Bengal Command: expansion. 1942 (PRO Reference AIR 23/2057)

 

A.O.C., Bengal Command: tour reports. 1942 - 1943 (PRO Reference AIR 23/2059)

 

A.O.C., Bengal Command: tour reports. 1943 - 1944 (PRO Reference AIR 23/2060)

 

A.H.Q. Bengal: filter rooms, reports. 1942 - 1943 (PRO Reference AIR 23/2064)

 

Air Force cooperation with Army in Burma: A.O.C. Bengal Command, memorandum. 1942 (PRO Reference AIR 23/2076)

 

Amalgamation of 3rd T.A.F. and Eastern Air Command: re-organisation of administrative control in the Bengal-Burma area. 1944 (PRO Reference AIR 23/2079)

 

Visit of Inspector General to units in the Bengal Command: report. 1942 (PRO Reference AIR 23/2202)

 

Bengal Command: movement control. 1943 (PRO Reference AIR 23/2221)

 

Operational statistics: A.H.Q. Bengal, India Command, 3rd T.A.F. and A.C.S.E.A.. 1943 - 1944 (PRO Reference AIR 23/4418)

 

Chart showing operational and administrative control in Bengal – Burma. 1945 (PRO Reference AIR 23/4419)

 

Despatch on air operations in Burma and the Bay of Bengal 1 Jan.- 22 May 1942. 1942 (PRO Reference AIR 23/4680)

 

Despatch covering operations of Bengal Command 15 Nov.- 17 Dec. 1943 and 3rd Tactical Air Force 18 Dec. 1943 - 1 June 1944. 1944 (PRO Reference AIR 23/4681)

 

Bengal Command: re-organisation on a mobile basis. 1942 - 1943 (PRO Reference AIR 23/5100)

 

Diversion in the Indian Ocean to stimulate enemy air reconnaissance in Bay of Bengal. 1942 June-Aug. (PRO Reference WO 106/3722)

 

Operation "Drake", use of Bengal as the main base for a very long range Bomber Force to operate in China: planning papers. 1943 Sept.-1944 May (PRO Reference WO 203/4896)

 

Operation "Drake": a bomber offensive against Japan with a total force of 15 Groups of B29's based at Bengal. 1943 Sept.-1944 Jan. (PRO Reference WO 203/4897)

 

Airfields in East Bengal and Burma June-July 1945: Tour notes by Captain R.W.B. Birch, Royal Engineer Far East Air Force Works, G.H.Q. India. 1945 Sept. (PRO Reference WO 203/4877)

 

 

          _____Japanese Bombing Raids___________________________

 

Operational Research Section India/Bengal, memo No. NB 14: comparison of radar information given on hostile and friendly aircraft during raid on Calcutta. 1944 June (PRO Reference AIR 20/5717)

 

Japanese Air Terms by A.R. Boyce Wg. Cdr. R.A.F.V.R., Vol. II English-Japanese. (Far Eastern Bureau, British Ministry of Information, Calcutta). 1945 (PRO Reference AIR 40/2195)

 

Calcutta: air raid by Japanese. 1943 Dec. (PRO Reference AIR 20/3168)

 

Operational Research Section India memo No. 8: analysis of raid on Calcutta. 1943 Dec. (PRO Reference AIR 20/5694)

 

Operational Research Section India/Bengal, memo No. NB 14: comparison of radar information given on hostile and friendly aircraft during raid on Calcutta. 1944 June (PRO Reference AIR 20/5717)

 

Fighter defences: Calcutta area. 1943 - 1944 (PRO Reference AIR 23/2557)

 

Japanese attacks on land targets including Calcutta. 1942 - 1943 (PRO Reference AIR 23/5056)

 

        Burma

 

HUTCHINGS PAPERS (at Centre of South Asian Studies University of Cambridge)

Restricted

(Sir Robert H. Hutchings, C.M.G., C.I.E., I.C.S.)

Microfilm Box 1 No. 5

TS report on the evacuation from Burma. June 1942.

 

LINGEMAN PAPERS (at Centre of South Asian Studies University of Cambridge)

(Paul Lingeman)

Note on career in Burma and Assam oil-fields 1921-28; Chittagong, East Bengal 1929-32 where he encountered the question of whether European clubs should admit Indian members; reason for European aloofness; Chittagong Armoury Raid of 1930. Digboi Oilfield in Assam: recruitment and training of workers: conditions of work; club membership; 1939 general strike; trades unions; war; 1942; Anglo-Indians, Anglo-Burmese; retreat.

 

TAYABJI PAPERS (at Centre of South Asian Studies University of Cambridge)

Photocopy made through the good offices of Mr S.F. Bolt.

'The Burma Story (December 1941 - July 1942)' told by Captain N.S. Tayabji (Indian Navy Retired) recounts the saga of the evacuation of Burma following the Japanese advance into the country in November-December 1941, and the massive bombing raids on Rangoon on 23rd and 25th December 1941. Captain Tayabji, at that time a representative of Tata Oil Mills Company Ltd., 28 years of age, found himself 'catapulted' into the Ministry of Commonwealth Affairs of the Government of India and, with the Government Agent, Mr Hutchings, planned the evacuation of refugees from Rangoon. Later he was ordered to set up refugee camps in Mandalay and to represent the Agent of the Government of India in all matters involving law and order, health clearances, issues of passes along the evacuation route and finally to take charge of the Air Evacuation Scheme.

The memoir gives a poignant picture of the harships, illness and tragedy which accompanied the great migration of refugees from Mandalay in Burma to Imphal in Assam, and the devoted work against impossible odds, of the camp administrators, the army, the civil authorities (particularly the D.C. of Imphal) and the few educated and qualified refugees themselves. An incident of particular horror was the Japanese bombing of the camps in Imphal.

The story closes with the author's onward journey to Calcutta, a refugee himself and finally to Bombay where his application to join the Indian Navy, made in 1934, was at last accepted. 47pp.

 

 

 

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Trade and Economic Issues

 

 

BIRKMYRE PAPERS (at Centre of South Asian Studies University of Cambridge)

Given by Sir Henry and Lady Birkmyre

Bengal: 1880 - 1945

Small Collections Box B1

Hastings Air Base: Headquarters U.S.A.A.F. India-Burma Theater.

Printed December 1945.

A pictorial record of Hastings Factory in World War II when it was turned from a jute factory into the U.S.A.A.F. H.Q. Hastings Mill had been owned by the Birkmyre's who bought the land (previously owned. by Warren Hastings as a summer home) and in 1874 built the first jute mill in India. It became the largest mill under one roof. The mill was dismantled by the U.S.A.A.F. and after the war reassembled by them.

Brief history of the Birkmyre connection with India written in a letter by Sir Henry on 3 December 1975.

Copy of pictorial record of Hastings Factory during the 1914-18 War when the factory changed from jute manufacture to munitions.

Copy of Scrapbook of newspaper cuttings about Lt. Colonel A.M. Shewell of the Bombay Staff Corps who died from wounds received in the retreat from Kandahar on the 2 September 1880. (Lt. Colonel Shewell was Lady Birkmyre's grandfather).

Copy of a MS letter written on 7 November 1897 by an officer in an unnamed regiment supporting the Dorset and Northamptonshire Regiments in an action on the N.W.F.P. The letter vividly describes the action and subsequent forays and retributive sorties.

 

BENTHALL PAPERS (at Centre of South Asian Studies University of Cambridge)

(Sir Edward C. Benthall)

Given by Sir Paul Benthall

All India, but mainly Bengal: 1928 - 1956

A detailed list of the contents of each box is in the archive of the Centre of South Asian Studies.

BOX I

1928-1929:

File marked 'No.10'. November and December 1928

Business correspondence received while in England on leave. Information regarding railways - reports on Titaguhr Mills - use of bamboo to make paper etc. - Carnatic paper mills - Government contract for paper - future sales policy. 175pp.

File marked 'No.13'. December 1928 - January 1929

Mostly business correspondence received in England while on leave. Staff changes - labour problems at Paper Mills - notes on discussion regarding Burrakur Coal Co. - Contract with Tata Iron & Steel Co. - manganese - details of Jute Mills policy - Assam Saw Mills - Punjab Sugar Corporation Ltd. - production of jute at various companies such as Assam Saws, Cement, Jute & Manganese - Madras and Silvertown Oils - Lord Cable's Estate, with reasons for not making Bird & Co. a Limited Company. 180pp.

BOX II

1931-1932:

File No.3. December 1931 - July 1932

Business and political correspondence. Artificial ghee - Jute Mills - journey to England on leave - interview with Gandhi in Bombay - arrest of Gandhi - Inchcape's illness, possible death and the resulting effect of shipping shares - appointment to the Consultative Committee of the Round Table Conference - return to Calcutta - resolution passed by the Bombay Chamber of Commerce, 6 January 1932 - Lord Cable's Estate - financial affairs of Bird & Co. - India Publications Limited with list of firms supporting it - financial problems of W.L. Carey - staff shortage - Hindu and Moslem tension - notes and supports on coal mines - Chartered Bank of India - Calcutta Electrical Supply Corporation - U.K. tarriffs - draft accounts of F.W. Heilgers & Co. and Bird & Co. - East African Investment Co. Ltd. - Anglo South American Bank.

File marked 'Gandhi'. 1931

Various papers, notes and letters from and about Gandhi. Also Birla, Sir Maurice Gwyer, Sir Hubert Carr, Sir P. Thakurdas, Ramsay Macdonald - London, October 1931 - Newspaper cuttings about Gandhi.

File marked '1931-1932, chronologically arranged from back to front'.

Correspondence relating to the Round Table Conference where Benthall served on a sub-committee to consider Financial and Commercial safeguards. Also on meetings with Gandhi in London. Others such as Birla, Mody, Sapru, Sir Hubert Carr, the Prime Minister (Ramsay Macdonald), the Aga Khan, Tegart; Mrs. Naidu, Lady Reading, Mrs. Subbarayan, the Viceroy (Willingdon) and many others connected with the R.T.C. in London. Gandhi's visit to Eton.

BOX III

April, May, June 1933:

File contains correspondence and memorandum of Sir Edward Benthall while he was in London serving as witness to the Joint Select Committee to the R.T.C.

Subjects: The views of the Indian Chamber of Commerce, North India Commercial Seat, Lancashire, purchase of Indian cotton, Commercial Safeguards, Employers' Federation of India.

File marked 'Special Political Memoranda - Summer 1933'

Contents: Papers relating to the Bengal Chamber of Commerce, Circular letters; Commercial Safeguards, Federal Finance; the Assam Oil Company; Proposals for Indian Constitutional Reform.

BOX IV

File marked 'Political Summer 1933'

Contents: 1933 unless otherwise stated. Correspondence dealing with membership to the International Chamber of Commerce - terrorism in Bengal - Bird & Co. business - re-organisation of the European Association - the Anglo-Indian Community - The Morning Post - the Communal Award - the transfer of Law and Order powers - Special Branches - C.I.D. - the political climate in Bengal - finances for the Star of India - European Representation on Legislature - Cotton Piece goods.

File marked 'Special Political Memoranda. Summer 1933'

Contents: On the White Paper for Indian Constitutional Reforms - Bengal Industries Association - The Road-Rail Conference in April - The Workmen's Compensation Act 1923 - correspondence with the Assam Oil Company and the Burmah Oil Company - the European Group serving on the Joint Select Committee - annual reports for the Company.

BOX V

File containing correspondence from the year 1933 while E.B. was in England.

Contents: Advertising in Star of India (Nazimuddin) - Reforms and Income Tax - Central organisation of Chambers of Commerce - progress of Joint Select Committee - Assam branch of European Associations opposition Capital Expenditure Scheme (Runciman) - Cotton (India, Japan and Lancashire) - Morning Post, letters from Europeans against the White Paper's proposed Reforms - Anglo-Indian and Domiciled Europeans - Northern India Commercial Seat, - The Reserve Bank. 241 pp.

File marked 'Special Political Memoranda, Summer 1933'

Contents: Political memoranda on the proposals for Indian Constitutional Reform relating to the State Bank of India, Chambers of Commerce, Commercial Safeguards. Also memoranda relating to the Thirteenth Congress of the Chambers of Commerce of the British Empire in July. 153pp.

BOX VI

1935, August 13 - December 30:

Correspondence received while on leave in England. Iron and steel including correspondence with Sir Nowrasjee Saklatwala about a possible merger between Tata Iron & Steel Company of Bombay and the Bengal Iron Company. 273 pp.

File marked 'Political File from June 1935 to September 1935'

Mostly business letters received while on leave in England. Reserve Bank of India, letters and circulars - share issue - Provident Fund Regulations - The Associated Chambers of Commerce of India - letters from Bird & Co., - notes on the Simla session of the Legislative Assembly, September 1935 - Industrial Bulletin of the Employers' Federation of India - the political organisation of the Europeans in Bengal with reference to Sir John Anderson. 320pp.

BOX VII

Diaries kept by E.B. 1929-1933 and 1942-1946:

Business affairs set against events in India. Many political discussions both with Indian and British leaders. Visit to Sikkim. The Cripps' Mission. Tours various parts of India. Effects of the war on India. E.B.'s views on the Government and the feelings he encounters.

BOX VIII

Two files containing a collection of newspaper political cartoons from 1942-46:

Various articles and speeches on the business community in India. Documents and photographs concerned with the port of Bombay disaster in 1944. Letters from Sri Prakasa 1948-1959. Part of a TS entitled 'A History of India, 1942- 1957'.

BOX IX

File labelled 'Sir E.C. Benthall, Political File, 1935 from October'.

Subjects cover The Reserve Bank - E.B. invited to serve on Company Law Committee by Sir Nripendranath Sircar - the Vickers' proposals presentation to Sir Hubert and Lady Carr at Claridges Hotel in London; elections of the Directors of the Reserve Bank - formation of a Constitutional Party: the European viewpoint - the establishing of an Indian Institute of International Affairs - employing A.D. Curtis-Miller - conversations with Sir James Grigg on the need for reform at the centre as being of the utmost importance. 200pp.

File No. 2A, September to November 1935:

Business correspondence concerning coal mines, jute mills, railways, government interventions into industries, engineering works, Company Law Reform. 450pp.

BOX X

File containing correspondence while E.B. was in England from June - September 1935:

Bird & Co., business affairs: Jute Mill interests - Association working agreement - Quetta reconstruction - Karanpura Development Co. and Bisra Stone Lime Co. - employment of staff - Coimbatore Cement Co. - R. Steel & Co. Ltd. - Ramgarh Estate at Hazaribagh - Indian Red Cross Society in Bengal - F.W. Heilgers & Co., Rangoon - Steel Baling Co. - Government intervention in the Jute Trade - the Lindridge Lease (E.B.'s residence in Devon). 615pp.

BOX XI

1937

March to July 1937. Business and private correspondence received while on leave in England.

Coal mine reports, i.e. Kavanpura - Societa Marmifera Italiana - Jute Mills - staff appointments - Kumardhubi Steel Foundry - Assam Saw Mills - Karanpura Leases - business negotiations in Japan (Mr. Tapuchi) - unemployment of undergraduates - Eastern Minerals Ltd. Jute Mills Apprentice Scheme - Financial position of both firms July 1937 - Sirka Bose Coal Mine - labour difficulties - Foundation ceremony of the Dalmis Cement Company in Karachi - Journal of the Indian Society of Oriental Art (Luzac & Co.) - Isco Iron Ore - Lady Benthall's ill health - position of the Star of India - resignation of C.H. Jenner - Trade Unions in Jute Mills - requests for positions in India - Coal Contracts - Katras Coalmine - Rai Bahadur Promatha Nath Mullick, - Draft speech on the founding of Calcutta by Job Charnock - Rules for the granting of Retiring Allowance for Indian Staff in Head Office - Somakunda Baling Share - Note on Chandigarh sandstone deposits - pig iron for Japan. 483pp.

BOX XII

File marked 'Political Correspondence received while on leave in England, February to August 1937':

Printed matter related to the International Chamber of Commerce and typed circulars from the Associated Chambers of Commerce of India and the Federation of Chambers of the British Empire - the European Group, Bengal Legislature - correspondence between E.C. Benthall and members of Bird & Co. in Calcutta and various. Indian politicians - Jute Mills strike - Society for the Protection of Children in India - Ottawa Agreement - Bengal Budget for 1937/38 - Indian Jute Mills Association Bengal - political situation - Jute Mills and labour - papers relating to a meeting held at Chatham House in June on cultural relations between the West and India. 417pp.

BOX XIII

Three files containing business and political correspondence received while in England, July to December 1937:

Reports on the coal mines and Jute Mills - propaganda leaflets encouraging strike action - iron ore to Japan - dealings with Tata Iron & Steel Co. staff arrangements and home leave - safeguards for European policy. Papers and letters to do with the Insurance Bill have references to many of the then political leadership such as Nehru, Desai, Sircar and Jinnah. 882pp.

BOX XIV

File of general correspondence, mostly business, received while on leave in England 1937/38:

Strikes at the Jute Mills - a copy of an account of the arrival in Calcutta in 1908 of one of Heilger's early employees - Birds audited accounts - communist activity amongst the firm's dock labour - inefficiency of the Calcutta Electric supply. 540pp.

BOX XV

File of business and political correspondence received while in London at the Ministry of Economic Affairs from August - December 1941:

Sugar production - letters and reports from mines and mills - releasing men in business for combatant service in war irrespective of the effect on commerce - British views of the position in India. 562pp.

BOX XVI

1941:

Business and political correspondence received while at the Ministry of Economic Affairs from January - April 1941:

Possibility of newsprint manufacture in India - labour unions - the opinions of various Indian leaders on India's future, British war policy and the state of Indian business and commerce (letter no. 16) - Jute Mills position - staff problems, cost of living - minutes of partners' meetings - letters and reports on various mines, mills and factories - staff salaries. 485pp

BOX XVII

April 1941 - May 1942:

Correspondence received while in England at the Ministry of Economic Warfare.

Ministry and Indian correspondence and reports from Associations - the European Group in the Bengal Legislature - comments on various Indian leaders - letters expressing views of members of the European Association on their position in India - reactions of the Muslim League - Congress National Party - Commercial Safeguards - diaries of events in India - publicity for India in the U.K. and U.S.A.; dock labour - British Constitutional Reform in India - the Roger Mission - Propaganda for India. 516pp.

BOX XVIII

1942:

General correspondence from January to May 1942 when in England attached to the Ministry of Economic Affairs. Deals with business and political matters in India, reports of companies and output of mills and mines - minutes of partners' meetings - precautions against emergencies in Calcutta - different measures prepared in case of invasion - A.R.P. activity - paper supplies - sugar market - strikes at mills - memorandum on jute industries -general conditions of everyday life - formation of labour battalion. 5,04pp.

BOX XIX

File marked 'Politics, 1940' - Covering the years 1939-1944:

Correspondence with Sir John Herbert, Lord Linlithgow and Auchinleck. Published correspondence between Linlithgow and Gandhi.

Copies of the minutes of the Executive Council's meetings from July-October 1942 approximately, covering the Congress campaign and the Working Committee's Resolution. Papers by E.B. on the political situation in India at that time. Notes, in diary form, taken after discussion with various Indian political leaders. Various other letters and papers connected with the European Association, expansion of the Air force and several newspaper cuttings. 390pp.

BOX XX

Two files containing newspaper cuttings, miscellaneous notes and statistics all relating to Indian currency and Indian financial management and the establishment of a State Bank. Various parliamentary papers on those subjects, covering the years 1912/13 and 1931/32 and 1939. 194pp.

BOX XXI

Typed paper entitled, 'The Political Situation in India in March 1940' 69pp.

Short stories and articles mostly by E.B. and extracts from 'The First Letter Book of the East India Company 1600- 1619'. A record of John Benthall working as a mercantile assistant in 1630 approximately.

BOX XXII

Miscellaneous letters, mostly personal - collection of newspaper cuttings from India and England, mostly relating to the time Sir Edward was War Minister for Transport 1942/43. 304pp.

Envelope marked C with three unidentified photographs.

BOX XXIII

Mostly pamphlets, newspapers and letters relating to Indian Railways, covering 1908-1947. 183pp.

BOX XXIV

Printed pamphlets relating to the Bengal Chamber of Commerce covering 1904-1956.

BOX XXV

Printed pamphlets of a political and parliamentary nature 1913-1956.

BOX XXVI

Biography of Geoffrey Garratt.

BOX XXVII

Benthall family correspondence from 1827-1875.

BOX XXVIII

Letters and papers of Edward Benthall 1837-1855

BOX XXIX

Family correspondence to and from India 1826-1893

BOX XXX

Diaries of Clementine Benthall in India 1841-1853

BOX XXXI

84 water-colour sketches of scenes in Bengal 1842-55 and Burma 1849.

BENTHALL PAPERS

BOX XXI

Given by Sir (Arthur) Paul Benthall. Sir Paul joined Bird & Co. and F.W. Heilgers & Co. of Calcutta in 1924; he was Vice-President, Bengal Chamber of Commerce in 1947 and its President in 1948.

Typescript notes by Sir Paul, written in 1970, of encounters with three Indian leaders at the time of partition:

H. S. Suhrawardy. Describes negotiation with Suhrawardy as a labour leader. Considers his part in 1943 Bengal Famine and allegation that he engineered grain shortages to raise prices. Believes that League's activities at time of partition were financed by Bengal Famine.

Gandhi. Describes interview with Gandhi in Calcutta during autumn of 1947. Gandhi was seeking help of businessmen in rebuilding the city. Twenty minutes after meeting, mob of young Hindus attempted to attack Gandhi. Gives account of this.

Nehru. Met Nehru many times and although was treated with much charm believes discussions were entirely useless. Describes their work together on Gandhi Memorial Fund. Once, when in Calcutta, Nehru had violently reacted to suggestion that Indian Army should intervene in East Pakistan to protect Hindus. This was entirely typical of man. 6pp.

 

BENTHALL PAPERS(at Centre of South Asian Studies University of Cambridge)

Sir Edward Charles Benthall. Partner, Bird & Co. from 1923; Governor, Imperial Bank of India 1928-30; Member, Bengal Legislative Assembly 1934-35; Member, Governor-General's Executive Council, War Transport and Railways 1942-46.

Additional material given by Mr R.P. Benthall (son).

Books:

A history of Bird & Co. By M.S. Jacomb-Hood. 2 Vols. Calcutta: Privately printed for the Company, 1929.

The Cable: the house magazine of the Birds & Heilgers Group. 4 Vols, 1950-64. [Lord Cable (1859-1927) joined Bird & Co. in 1881 and was made a Partner in 1886.]

BOX 31

1. Will and Codicils of Lord Cable. Will dated 30 October 1925; First Codicil dated 3 December 1926; Second Codicil dated 14 March 1927. 38ff.

2. Memoranda with appendices on the Estate of Lord Cable. 107pp in various pagings.

3. Lithograph book relating to the 'Mulberry Scheme'. This related to a large number of proposed transactions mainly concerning Eastern Investments Ltd. On 13 May 1946 the Trustees authorised the Standard Trust Co. Ltd to proceed with the Scheme. 58ff.

 

BEVAN (K) PAPERS (at Centre of South Asian Studies University of Cambridge)

Donated by K.W. Bevan

Calcutta 1931-c. 1951

Small Collections Box B1

'India'. A TS account written in 1980 of first impressions made by the country on a young man, (himself), who had gone to Calcutta to work in a firm of Chartered Accountants. He compares the life and responsibilities of a young member of a firm in the 1930s and the 1980s.

'Work in India' describes the differences between work in a Calcutta firm and one in England. He describes the Managing Agency. Mentions the role of banks in the business world of Calcutta. 33pp.

 

DUNLOP (INDIA) LTD. PAPERS (at Centre of South Asian Studies University of Cambridge)

These are the memoirs of four expatriate members of the management staff of the Dunlop factory at Sahaganj, District Hooghly, West Bengal, covering the years 1936-1965 and written in 1987. The four are John Bawcutt, D.J. Birch, F.G.W. Jackson and David Osborne. A note about W.H. Burdock, a fifth member of the staff who died some years ago, is written by John Bawcutt.

The five papers describe the fortunes of the Dunlop Tyre Company in India from its beginnings in 1936 until the mid 1960s. Its expansion to Ambattur in Madras in 1959 is referred to. The Company was to continue for another 15 years, until the mid 1980s, when it was sold to a local conglomerate.

The pros and cons of the job are discussed. The founding of trades unions and the difficulties in the supply of raw materials are referred to. Social life for management staff, welfare projects for workers, accommodation for management and workers are described. The process of Indianization in management is also discussed.

Notes on tyre manufacture are attached to John Bawcutt's paper and a note on the environs of Sahaganj, 'The Hooghly' is attached to David Osborne's paper.

 

India Office: Economic Department Records c1876-1950 (OIOC Series L/E)

The records of a group of related departments responsible for a wide range of economic, technical and social questions. The departments were variously named Revenue, Statistics and Commerce (from 1858 to 1924), and Industries, Overseas, Communications and Economic (from 1921 to 1947). Their records deal particularly with land revenue, agriculture, trade and industry, and increasingly with other aspects of the social infrastructure such as census, posts, telegraphs and civil aviation.

 

Personal and business problems facing British subjects in East Bengal. 1950 (PRO Reference DO 142/389)

 

Calcutta: imports. 1944 Apr.-1945 Apr. (PRO Reference WO 203/2929)

 

Economic Agreement between India and Pakistan following Inter-Dominion Conference held in Calcutta, April 1948. 1948-1949 (PRO Reference DO 142/84)

 

Investments (India): Calcutta Electric Supply Corporation Ltd. 1948-1950 (PRO Reference T 236/6146)

 

The International Bank and Indian development schemes. Visit of the Bank Mission to India. Loan to the Calcutta Electric Supply Corporation. 1949 (PRO Reference FO 371/75566)

 

FINANCE. Gifts to the Nation: British community in Calcutta. (1) Formation of a War Subscription Fund for contribution to the Imperial Exchequer. (2) Viceroy's Fund. 1939 Oct. 6-1940 July 8 (PRO Reference T 160/913)

 

Unhealthy Climates Act, 1876: Calcutta, Bombay, Delhi and Rangoon should be classified as unhealthy for pension purposes. 1925 July 24-1948 Aug 24 (PRO Reference T 164/390)

 

Commercial invoices and certificates of origin, shipments from Calcutta and Trinidad. 1938 (PRO Reference CO 852/169/4)

 

Calcutta partnership manage certain Indian companies and hold majority shares therein. Partner resident in UK contends dividends derived by partnership represent trading and not investment income. 1933-1949 (PRO Reference IR 40/8701)

 

Report on the British Insurance Scheme by Mr. S. K. Ray of the Calcutta Employment Exchange (Government of India Trades Supervisor). 1946 (PRO Reference PIN 7/303)

 

Halifax, G-AIAP; Calcutta, India, 24 Nov. 1950: investigation by Indian authorities. 1950-1951 (PRO Reference BT 220/32)

 

Halifax, G-AIAP; Calcutta, India, 24 Nov. 1950: report. 1950-1951 (PRO Reference BT 220/33)

 

PINNELL (Leonard George) Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur D911)

Pinnell Collection: papers of Leonard George Pinnell (1896-1979), Indian Civil Service, Bengal 1920-47, Director of Civil Supplies, Bengal 1942-43; co-ordinator of Bengal Government's evidence to Famine Enquiry Commission 1943-44, Principal of of training course for military officers returning to civil administration 1944-45; Chairman, Bengal Development Board 1946-47; also printed speeches by Governors of Bengal 1936-46.

39 items    1932 - 1948      View Contents List

 

HARRIS (Norman D) Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur D1050)

Papers and photographs of Norman D Harris, ICI (India) 1927-58, Company Chairman 1950-57, including three copies of `Gallop', dated 1944-46, the Journal of the Calcutta Light Horse, and miscellaneous material relating to business in Bengal.

1 portfolio; 20 photos    1915 - 1958

 

INDIAN TEA ASSOCIATION Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur F174)

Indian Tea Association: archives of three related organisations involved in the tea industry: the Indian Tea Trades Association (later the Indian Tea Association, London); the Pakistan (later Bangladesh) Tea Association, London; and the South Indian Association in London.

2344 items    1879 - 1982      View Contents List

 

CORK (Frederick Lawrence) Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur F194)

Cork Collection: papers of Frederick Lawrence Cork (1885-1980), colliery manager 1908-37, mining consultant 1937-46, employed by Macneill & Company, Calcutta, including colliery quarterly reports 1937-45, Cork's inspection reports 1937-40, and colliery plans.

63 items    1907 - 1953      View Contents List

 

MACROBERT (Alexander ), Sir, 1st Bart Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur F221)

MacRobert Collection: papers of Sir Alexander MacRobert, 1st Bart (1854-1922), businessman, co-founder and Chairman of the British India Corporation Ltd, Cawnpore, President of Upper India Chamber of Commerce; and of his wife Lady Rachel Workman MacRobert (d 1954); especially relating to their interests in the British India Corporation and its subsidiary companies.

81 items    1888 - 1977      View Contents List

 

HODDER (George Norman Patrick), Lt-Col Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur F233)

Diaries, miscellaneous papers, and memorabilia of Lt-Col (George Norman) Patrick Hodder (b 1903); Assistant, James Finlay & Co. Ltd, Assam 1923-25; Manager, Midnapore Zamindari Co. Ltd, Bengal 1925-37; Manager, Anderson Wright & Co. Ltd; wartime service in Supply Dept, GHQ, India; later Chief Executive, East India Clinic and European Hospitals Association, Calcutta.

110 items    1915 - 1987      View Contents List

 

CALCUTTA DINNER COLLECTION Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur F283)

Calcutta Dinner Collection: papers relating to the organization of the annual Calcutta Dinner held in London 1902- 69 for ex- Calcutta businessmen.

63 items    1902 - 1969      View Contents List

 

CUNNISON (David Keith) Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur F390)

Papers of David Keith Cunnison (1881-1972), Secretary, Bengal Chambers of Commerce c1906-33, dealing mostly with Bengal Chamber of Commerce; also letters home to his mother

8 items    1900 - 1944      View Contents List

 

HADLOW (Brian David), Lt-Cdr Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur Photo Eur 241)

`Brief Memoirs of a 'Box Wallah'': copy of memoir by Lt-Cdr Brian David Hadlow (1911-81), describing his experiences of working in Calcutta for the shipping firm Turner Morrison and Company 1933-39, service with Calcutta Light Horse, and life as an officer of the Royal Indian Navy Volunteer Reserve 1939-45.

1 portfolio    1939 - 1945

 

BENTHALL (Arthur Paul), Sir Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur R139)

Tape recording of interview, given 1983, by Sir (Arthur) Paul Benthall (b 1902), employee and later partner of Bird & Company and F W Heilgers (merchants and managing agents), Calcutta, on his life and career in India 1924- c1950.

2 cassettes    1924 - 1950

 

CUNNISON (David Keith) Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur F390)

Papers of David Keith Cunnison (1881-1972), Secretary, Bengal Chambers of Commerce c1906-33, dealing mostly with Bengal Chamber of Commerce; also letters home to his mother

8 items    1900 - 1944      View Contents List

 

CLOUGH (Monica ) Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur R148)

Tape recording of interview, given 1984, by Monica Clough on her life as a tea planter's daughter in Travancore in the 1920s and 1930s, and as the wife of a businessman in Calcutta in the 1940s.

2 cassettes    1925 – 1947

 

GOTTS (Hubert Cecil) Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur R174)

Tape recording of interview, given 1984, by Hubert Cecil Gotts (b 1901) about his career with Cox and Co, Bankers, 1919-54, in Bombay, Calcutta and Rangoon (Manager 1945-51), and his social life in India and Burma. [Transcript available].

3 cassettes    1919 - 1951

 

MARTIN (Ivy Lyn) Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur B387)

Peon Book used to record items sent by messenger by Mrs Ivy Lyn Martin, wife of Col Denys Richard Martin, Royal Engineers, at Calcutta when she was managing director of the Dysulin Pharmaceutical Company, and later at Rawalpindi.

1 volume    1940 - 1953

 

LEYDEN (Albrecht R von) Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur C322)

Letters to his parents from Albrecht R von Leyden (d 1994), Managing Director of Agfa Ltd, India, describing his daily life and work; also articles and memorabilia.

12 items    1927 - 1967      View Contents List

 

DOWNING (Veronica Cara) Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur C394)

`We were survivors': the memoirs, 1914-1940s, of Veronica Cara Downing (nee Westmacott) (b 1914), including a record of her family history, her childhood in India and her life in Assam as the wife of a tea planter.

1 portfolio    1914 - 1945

 

MURRAY (James A) Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur C668)

`Jim's Journal: excerpts from an autobiography by James Murray' (b 1906), trader in scientific instruments, giving an account of his life in India (1906-47).

63 pages    1906 - 1947

 

 

        Taxation

 

India Office: Financial Department Records c1800-1948 (OIOC Series L/F)

The Financial Department records are concerned with the financial policy of the Government of India: banking, currency and exchange, debts and loans, mints and coinage, audit principles, pay and pension rules, taxation, and public expenditure. The earlier Company financial records which are also included are more varied in character, and the records as a whole are informative on the home establishment of the Company and the India Office, on the post office, and on railways and public works finance.

 

India Office: Accountant-General's Records c1601-1974 (OIOC Series L/AG)

The Accountant-General's Department dealt with the comprehensive and systematic recording of receipts and disbursements by the Company and the India Office, with the staff of the home establishment and their salaries, with the estates and wills of persons dying in India, and with the leave and furlough pay and pensions of members of the Indian civil and military services. Among financial activities peculiar to the Company period are the ledgers of the early joint-stock voyages and the registers of Company stockholding and stock transfers. The records reflect almost all the functions of the Company and the India Office, and also include the records of the London offices of various Indian railways, irrigation and canal companies.

 

Tax position of Calcutta Harbour Board Provident Fund retired members returning to UK. 1949 (PRO Reference IR 40/9527)

 

Imposition by India of tax on transit of jute from Pakistan for export through Calcutta. 1948 (PRO Reference DO 142/5)

 

Madras and Bengal Sales Tax: liability of Ministry to sales tax as agent of Combined Food Board for purchase of tea; Counsel opinion. 1947 (PRO Reference MAF 150/665)

 

 

        Coinage & Currency

 

Calcutta: Straits Settlemets coinage. 1936-1938 (PRO Reference MINT 20/1505)

 

Bombay and Calcutta: assay of pyx pieces. 1939-1945 (PRO Reference MINT 20/1748)

 

Bombay and Calcutta: assistance given by the Royal Mint. 1940-1950 (PRO Reference MINT 20/1787)

 

 

        Company records

 

East India Company: Charters, Deeds, Statutes and Treaties c1550-c1950 (OIOC Series A)

Original title deeds, charters, proclamations, royal warrants, commissions, memorials, etc., relating to the East India Company's rights, privileges and properties mainly in Britain; also volumes containing printed or manuscript copies of charters and statues affecting the Company.

 

 

 

 

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Transport & Communications Issues

 

 

        The Port

 

PAWSEY, E.L. PAPERS (at Centre of South Asian Studies University of Cambridge)

Restricted

(E.L. Pawsey)

The Commissioners for the Port of Calcutta. 'Exhibited drawings for the construction, supply and delivery at the Port of Calcutta of one twin screw buoy lifting despatch vessel. Marine Department, September 1948.

Sir Claude Inglis' report on prospects of improving the navigability of the Hooghly, together with reports and comments by the Chairman, 1947.

Chittagong papers.

Papers referring to Calcutta Port Commission, August 1945.

History of the Port of Calcutta - Deputy Conservator's Department. (Large tin file.)

River Hooghly Manual. 1949. Section 1. Extracts from acts, rules and regulations.

 

Calcutta: port facilities and capacities. 1943 Oct.-Dec. (PRO Reference WO 203/2892)

 

Calcutta: port facilities and capacities. 1944 Jan.-1945 Sept. (PRO Reference WO 203/2893)

 

Calcutta Harbour Board. 1935-1945. (PRO Reference T 190/75)

 

Calcutta Port capacity. 1943-1944 (PRO Reference CAB 122/1130)

 

Calcutta; reports on port conditions. 1943-1947 (PRO Reference MT 63/259)

 

 

        Inland Waterways

 

Bengal: ports and coastline; reports and plans. 1941 Nov.-1943 Nov. (PRO Reference WO 208/778)

 

Assam-Bengal inland water transport arrangements. 1943 Nov.-1944 Sept. (PRO Reference WO 203/3000)

 

 

        Air Transport

 

Coastal Air Pilot: Flying-boat bases in Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea, Persian Gulf, Bay of Bengal and Far East. 1943 (PRO Reference AIR 23/4795)

 

Bengal and Bihar: airfields and landing grounds. 1937-1942 May (PRO Reference WO 208/757)

 

Notes. Air Service between Calcutta and Chungking.. 1941 Mar. 27 (PRO Reference FO 93/23/53)

 

Calcutta and Chungking - air transport between.  1943 (PRO Reference FO 850/77)

 

French military airlines, Paris to Calcutta and Paris to Cairo. Mediterranean Theatre: transportation of French military and civilian personnel in Allied aircraft. 1943 Feb.-1945 Nov. (PRO Reference WO 204/5833)

 

Paris-Calcutta air service. 1945 (PRO Reference CAB 122/324)

 

EMPIRE MAIL SERVICES: Empire Air Mail Scheme: development of seaplane base at Calcutta. 1937-1944 (PRO Reference AVIA 2/1249)

 

ORGANISATIONS, COMPANIES, ETC.: Commercial Air Lines and Companies: Proposals for estending civil air service from U.K. to Karachi and Calcutta, avoiding Italy. 1939-1940 (PRO Reference AVIA 2/2622)

 

UK-Calcutta route: proposed extension of British Overseas Airways Corporation service to Rangoon. 1945 (PRO Reference BT 217/92)

 

Paris-Calcutta route: civil aviation aspects of proposed French service. 1945-1946 (PRO Reference BT 217/142)

 

Empire Air Mail Scheme: landplane route between UK and Calcutta. 1937-1941 (PRO Reference BT 217/824)

 

Hythe and Calcutta: facilities for flying boat services. 1947 (PRO Reference BT 217/1404)

 

Kamarhati, Calcutta: proposed flying boat base. 1947 (PRO Reference BT 217/1568)

 

Accident to Hythe Flying Boat G-AGER; Bally Alighting Area, Calcutta, 18 Oct 1946: investigation. 1946 (PRO Reference BT 217/1967)

 

BOAC's fourth frequency to far east: temporary routeing via Calcutta traffic rights in light of schedule 1 to note verbale. 1951-1952 (PRO Reference BT 245/694)

 

Extension of Bharat Airways Calcutta-Singapore service to Djakarta. 1951-1953 (PRO Reference BT 245/698)

 

Amendments: proposed amendment to annex 24, traffic rights in East Pakistan on Cathay Pacific Airways service Hong Kong-Calcutta. 1950-1962 (PRO Reference BT 245/777)

 

 

        Railways

 

Assam line of communication: take over of Bengal and Assam railway by United States forces. 1943 Oct.-1944 Dec. (PRO Reference WO 203/3297)

 

SATOW (Michael G) Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur F290)

Indian Railways Collection: correspondence, papers and articles relating to Indian Railways, together with locomotive diagrams and photographs, collected by Michael G Satow.

204 items    1845 - 1990      View Contents List

 

NISSEN (Roy Edward King) Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur R189

Tape recording of interview, given 1989, by Roy Edward King Nissen (b 1905), on his life and career in India as a member of the European domiciled community and as an Accounts Officer in the Indian Railways 1924-60.

4 cassettes    1905 - 1960

 

MISCELLANEOUS Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur C808)

Accounts of British rule in India, in particular of the Bihar Earthquake 1934 with copy photographs of earthquake damage, and Calcutta and Bengal 1939-48, by Margaret Stavridi, wife of A G Stavridi, East Indian Railway engineer; also printed account of `East Indian Railway and Damodar Flood Breaches, 1943'; and Japanese war propoganda leaflet [1942].

1 folder    1934 - 1948

 

STAVRIDI PAPERS (at Centre of South Asian Studies University of Cambridge)

Mrs Margaret Stavridi was with her husband (Alexander Gregory Stavridi) in India where he worked as an engineer with the East Indian Railway between 1921 and 1948. She was a writer and designer and was also much involved with welfare work, especially during the 1939-45 war.

Material given by Mrs Stavridi.

BOX 1

Typescript copies of four articles:

(i) Regarding government service during British rule in India. 2ff.

(ii) India 1939-1948: Bengal, Calcutta. 8ff.

(iii) The civilian war effort in Bengal, India 1939-1946. (For the "Forgotten Army"). 10ff.

(iv) The civilian war effort in Bengal for the welfare of the "Forgotten Army" of the East, 1942-1946. 8ff.

The articles describe the work of BESA (Bengal Entertainment for the Services Association) both in Calcutta and in "the field". Mrs Stavridi was also involved with running canteens for troops, organising visitors for the severely wounded in hospitals and launching the Hospital Welfare Service. She describes civilian life in Bengal 1939-48 with its natural disasters of cyclones, floods and famine.

2. Six letters, written after the Stavridis returned to England, from their former servants 1948-69. 3 Folder entitled: 'The work of civilians in Calcutta and Bengal in the 1939-1945 War' containing:

(i) Schicklgrüber by Robert Colling-Pyper and Margaret Stavridi with an introduction by Lady Linlithgow. (Calcutta: Thacker's Press and Directories, 1943.) The volume, which contains many coloured illustrations, is a parody of the German work Struwelpeter, and is subtitled 'cautionary tales for modern times'. It treats cynically the various conquests of Hitler and Mussolini. The folder includes letters from the British Red Cross Museum and Archives written in 1992 and 1993 and relating to Schicklgrüber.

(ii) Annual reports, letters etc. concerning the Bengal Home Industries Association. 1946-48.

(iii) Miscellaneous designs, letters and newspaper cuttings. 8 Photographs. 1934-65.

(iv) Programmes, newspaper reviews, designs etc of BESA-ENSA productions. Calcutta, 1940-46. Includes items on the following productions: (1) 'For Poland': Karel Capek's Insect Play, 1940; (2) Arms and Legs, 1941; (3) "Eve-an' Now": an intimate review of fashion by Robert Colling-Pyper, [1943]; (4) Oedipus Rex by Sophocles, 1946. BOX 2

1. Costume and set designs for a review entitled "Rise and Smile". 13 ff.

2. Typescript of text of "Eve-an' Now": an intimate review of fashion. By Robert Colling-Pyper. 1942. 37pp.

3. A trip through the land of sunshine and surprise over the E[ast] I[ndian] R[ailway]. 37pp, illustrated. 4. 1934: The Statesman record of the great Indian earthquake. Calcutta.

44pp, illustrated.

5. "Hand outs" for press tour over East Indian Railway, October 1944: Howrah Station and environments. Calcutta: East Indian Railway Press, 1944. 6pp. BOXES P.1 AND P.2

1. 6 albums of photographs.

2. 5 envelopes of negatives.

3. 1 can of 7 ciné films.

Book:

"Curry & rice", on forty plates, or, the ingredients of social life at "our station" in India. By George Franklin Atkinson. 3rd ed., London: Day & Son, [1860]. (Archive MISC.159).

 

 

        Roads

 

Bengal: roads. 1945 (PRO Reference WO 208/837)

 

 

        Howrah Bridge

 

Tests on samples of clay from bank of River Hooghley at site of the new Howrah Bridge, Calcutta. 1938 Apr - July (PRO Reference DSIR 4/1001)

 

Estimate of settlement of piers on Howrah Bridge, Calcutta. 1938 June - 1946 May (PRO Reference DSIR 4/1002)

 

Examination of foundation soil from the site of the main pier of the new Howrah Bridge, Calcutta 1938 July - Nov (PRO Reference DSIR 4/1003)

 

 

        Tramways

 

Calcutta Tramway Company: supply of trucks and electrical equipment. 1943 Aug.-Nov. (PRO Reference BT 28/600)

 

 

        Telecommunications

 

COMMONWEALTH TRADE (Code 4): Erection of factory in India in order to facilitate change over of Calcutta Exchange to automatic telephones: establishment of industry under UK control: proposal of Government of India to embark on telecommunication programme at estimated cost of Ł6m. 1946 - 1948 (PRO Reference BT 11/3291)

 

GEILS (Ernest Walter) Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur D799)

Papers of Ernest Walter Geils (1885-1971), Indian Posts and Telegraphs Dept 1900-40, Chief Superintendent Central Telegraph Office, Calcutta 1938-40, concerning his career.

1 volume; 1 mounted folio    1932 - 1948

 

 

 

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Legal Issues

 

 

India Office: Public and Judicial Department Records 1795-1950 (OIOC Series L/P&J)

The Public and Judicial Department records, similar in scope to those of the Home Department of the Government of India, are essential to the study of the domestic affairs of British India. The central core of material concerns constitutional, political and administrative structures and reforms, the administration of justice (especially courts and jails), and law and order (particularly the control of political opposition groups regarded as seditious). In 1941 the department merged with the Political (Internal) Department, concerned with Indian princely states, to form the new Political Department for the internal affairs of India.

 

India Office: Legal Adviser's Records c1550-c1950 (OIOC Series L/L)

The East India Company routinely retained the services of a solicitor in private practice from 1607, and of a standing counsel from 1684 onwards. These arrangements continued until 1874 when a Legal Adviser to the Secretary of State, combining both functions, was added to the India Office establishment. Among other matters the Legal Adviser and his predecessors handled the legal aspects of Company and India Office property and financial business, and formulation of contracts for staff and equipment for the Government of India, and the transmission of law cases from the Indian courts on appeal to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council. A wide range of types of document has survived from these processes.

 

Privy Council. As to appointment of Sir Harold Derbyshire. (Chief Justice of Calcutta). 1946 (PRO Reference LCO 2/3457)

 

Standing of members of the Irish bar in Singapore and Calcutta courts. 1950 (PRO Reference FO 371/84674)

 

Evidence on commission of witnesses in Sheffield in connection with an action in the High Court at Fort William, Bengal, India : question of who should act as Commissioner. 1940 (PRO Reference LCO 2/1238)

 

SHOOBERT PAPERS (at Centre of South Asian Studies University of Cambridge)

Given by Sir Harold Shoobert

(Received 21 June 1968)

Papers relating to the claims of the Begam A. U. Wali-ud-Dowla against the Nizam of Hyderabad.

Letter from Sir Tej Bahadur Sapru to W.V. Grigson about the Begam Wali-ud-Dowla's Case. Allahabad 21 August, 1947.

Copy of his letter to the Begam Memorandum prepared by Sir Tej Bahadur Sapru on the case.

Application to be made to R.M. the Nizam about the case.

Opinion in re Begam A.U. Wali-ud-Dowla of Hyderabad Deccan: in the matters of the claims of Mahboob Begam and Qadra Begam by Sir Tej Bahadur Sapru, Allahabad, 21 August 1947. (Case formerly argued at Hyderabad before the Royal Commission, July and August 1944). 9pp.

Letter from W.V. Grigson to the Begam Sahiba Wali-ud-Dowla, 26 August 1947.

Note in re Begam Wali-ud-Dowla's case. A brief sketch of the life and career of Nawab Wali-ud-Dowla, signed by Sir Tej Bahadur Sapru, Allahabad 20 October 1944, 48pp.

List of papers in Re: Begam Wali-ud-Dowla's Case.

2 copies of letters from E.P. Caspersz to Mr. Touche, M.P., 30 November 1946 and 7 October 1946.

Bundle of papers relating to the Schillergunge Estate, including annual accounts from 1866 to1929.

{Memorandum, 19 February 1948 by Edward P. Caspersz, Schillergunge P.O., Mathibaria, Bakarganj District, E. Bengal. Part 2 of 8 March 1948. Written to show why special consideration should be shown compared with other landowners, in case of acquisition by Government, 6pp.}

 

YOUNIE (John )Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur D939)

Letters of John Younie (1893-1942), Indian Civil Service, Bengal 1916-42, District and Sessions Judge 1925-42, comprising originals, typescript transcripts, and an edited and abridged version compiled by his wife Dr Dorothy Younie, describing his work and daily life in various parts of Bengal; with an article by Dr Dorothy Younie on life in Chittagong.

23 items    1910 - 1966      View Contents List

 

HENDERSON (Alan Gerald Russell), Sir Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur D1094)

`An account of his life', by Sir Alan Gerald Russell Henderson (1886-1963), Indian Civil Service, Bengal 1910-46; District and Sessions Judge 1921-32; Secretary, Judicial Dept, Government of Bengal 1932-33; Judge of the Calcutta High Court 1933-46.

1 portfolio    1886 - 1961

 

SORABJI (Cornelia ) Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur F165)

Sorabji Collection: correspondence, diaries and papers of Cornelia Sorabji (1866-1954), Indian lawyer and social reformer, Lady Assistant to the Court of Wards in Bengal, Bihar and Orissa, and Assam 1904-23; also papers of other members of her family.

233 items    1882 - 1947      View Contents List

 

ROXBURGH (Thomas James Young), Sir Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur G98)

Miscellaneous papers of Sir (Thomas) James Young Roxburgh (1892-1974), Indian Civil Service 1915-52, Judge, High Court Calcutta 1942-52, including newspaper cuttings, photographs and ephemera.

1 volume; 1 box    1906 - 1969

 

 

 

 

 

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Police and Public Order Issues

 

 

 

INDIAN POLICE Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur F161

Indian Police Collection: papers illustrating the work and history of the Indian Police, mostly collected under the auspices of the Indian Police Association to facilitate the writing of `To Guard My People: the history of the Indian Police' by P J Griffiths (1971).

284 items    1765 - 1961      View Contents List

 

FINNEY (Philip Edmund Stanley) Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur Photo Eur 272)

`Just My Luck or Reminiscences': memoir, dated 1979, by Philip Edmund Stanley Finney (b 1904) of his career in the Indian Police, Bengal. Subsequently published as 'Just My Luck: Memoirs of a Police Officer of the Raj' (Dhaka, 2000).

1 portfolio    1924 - 1947

 

FINNEY PAPERS (at Centre of South Asian Studies University of Cambridge)

Philip E.S. Finney, Indian Police Service.

Bengal, Burma: 1924 - 1947.

BOX I

Collection of photostat copies of entry into the Police Service, Articles of Agreement, biography as in 'History of Services', warrant to join army; Government Servants' Conduct Rules 1919. 11pp.

Barrackpore 1927 ? 30. Photostat copies of letters of merit, newspaper cuttings, letter of congratulation and thanks from Sir John Simon acknowledging his work as D.C. of Police, Calcutta. 28pp.

Buxa Duars Detention Camp 1930 ? 31. Correspondence relating to office of Superintendant. 2pp.

Deoli Jail 1932 ? 34. Copies of letters and other papers relating to office as Superintendant of the detention camp in Deoli. 46pp.

Papers concerning material for history of the Indian Police by Sir Percival Griffiths under the title To guard my People published in 1971.

Note giving his views, which were asked for by the Governor of Bengal on the political impasse in January 1946. 8pp.

Paper concerning the Superior Civil Services Rules 1934, related to Finney. 6pp.

File marked 'Correspondence - Indian Coronation Contingent 1937'. 66 Officers of the Indian Police attended the Coronation. Correspondence between Finney, Sir Horace Williamson and Sir John Ewart on the difficulties, complaints etc., encountered.. 51pp.

File marked 'Inspection and instruction remarks made by P.E.S. Finney, Superintendent of Police, Rangpur on the Reserve Office on the 27 August - 1 September 1936.' 64pp.

Papers concerned with Inspection remarks made by Finney as Superintendent of Police, Rangpur in September 1936. 14pp. Also papers for the office Order Book - 4pp. and Standing Order No.33 of 1936 concerning detenu letters. 3pp.

Copy of 'Notes for the Additional Superintendent Headquarters, Mymensingh' March 1936. 18pp. Notes intended as guidance for his predecessor outlining the policy adopted and the methods to translate it into effect.

Folder issued by Governor of Bengal 'General Police arrangements in connection with the visit of His Excellency the Governor of Bengal to Rangpur' 31 October - 2 November 1936. 131pp.

Xerox copy. TS Memoir entitled Just my Luck, or Reminiscences by P.E.S. Finney, late Indian Police Service. Illustrated by photographs. 166pp.

 

LABOUCHARDIČRE PAPERS (at Centre of South Asian Studies University of Cambridge)

Given by Mr Basil Labouchardičre. Indian Police 1936-47.

Roll of Indian Police officers, 1861-1947 - An Indian Police Obituary. 9 ff. ISBN No. 0 9510582 0 7. Xerox copy of typescript.

Gives following details of 1711 officers of the Indian Police (of rank of Assistant Superintendent and above):

Surname and initials of first names.

Honours and decorations held.

Province(s) in which served.

Years in which service began and ended.

Typescript note by Mr La Bouchardičre on 'The Indian Police from 1861 to 1947'.

The account is in five sections as follows:

A brief history, including recruitment and training of the service.

A Chronology of the main police events between 1861 and 1947.

Examples of the nature of the job:

Collating criminal intelligence.

Dealing with riots.

Political intelligence work.

Combating terrorism in Bengal in the 1930s.

Political events:

The Cripps Mission 1942.

The British Cabinet Mission 1946.

The Partition Plan 1947.

For Gallantry.

12pp.

 

MacPHERSON PAPERS (at Centre of South Asian Studies University of Cambridge)

(D. MacPherson)

TS account of the investigation 1935-42, into an illicit distillery at Gariahat, Calcutta, the arrest and conviction of those involved, the extradition of one of the accused from England in 1941, and his second trial and conviction. 5 pp.

Three TS articles by MacPherson:

'The history of Chandernagore.' 9 pp.

'Famine in 1943.' 4 pp.

'Record of a case against Scheduled Castes in 1924.' 4 pp.

 

STRACEY PAPERS (at Centre of South Asian Studies University of Cambridge)

Given by Eric Stracey, (Indian police)

Restricted to the year 2010

TS Memoir: 'Odd Man in': (My years in the Indian Police 1943-1979) By Eric Stracey.

 

TAYLOR (Coralie May) Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur R142)

Tape recording of interview, given 1983, by Coralie May Taylor (b 1898), on her life in India as the wife of Stanley Grisewood Taylor (1893-1980), Indian Police, Bengal 1913-47, on her husband's career, and on her service during the Second World War in the Women's Auxiliary Corps (India).

1 cassette    1919 - 1947

 

TAYLOR (S) PAPERS (at Centre of South Asian Studies University of Cambridge)

(Mr. and Mrs. S.G. Taylor)

'49th Bengal Regiment.' TS 6 pp.

'Bengal: 1942 to the takeover in 1947', by S.G. Taylor, Inspector-General Police, Bengal. Written January 1969. TS 20 pp. (Given by Lady Tegart.)

'The terrorist movement in Bengal, 1930-34.' Written March 1969. TS 16 pp.

'Congress cum terrorist activities in Bengal in Midnapur District in 1930-31', written by F.W. Kidd, C.I.E., Indian Police (Retired). March 1969. TS 2 pp.

'Communal tension in Bengal.' TS 5 pp.

'Murder in East Bengal.' TS 2 pp.

'Training of the police in Bengal', written for Sir Percival Griffiths' book on the Indian police requested by Sir Percival in 1968 or 1969. TS 10 pp.

Xerox copy of newspaper cuttings about use of fingerprint identification in Bengal.

Microfilm Box 4 No. 24B

Alpachand shoot 1929; shooting trip to the Dooars February 1929; Gaumara, March 1929.

TS copies of letters from Mrs. Taylor in Mymensingh and Baghmara 1932-34, home to England to her family. They are entirely personal and present a picture of family and social life. There is very little about India itself. Amongst the letters was a TS copy of a paper addressed to Government on measures to prevent terrorist outrages and movements. The measures are very extreme, and the outcome of fear. It is not signed, and no date.

See also BELL PAPERS - File 3

 

TEGART PAPERS (at Centre of South Asian Studies University of Cambridge)

Restricted

Given by Lady Tegart

BOX I

File 1:

Press cuttings on the Chowringhee murder case. (E. Day, shot by Gopi Nath Shah in mistake for Sir Charles Tegart, on 12 January 1924):

Cuttings from The Statesman; Forward; The Englishman; The Servant; The Telegraph; The Bengali; Amrita Bazar Patrika; Dainik Basumati; Indian Daily News; Capital; The Mussalman; The Calcutta Homefinder; Weekly Guardian; The DarjeeZing Times.

Two photographs of Gopi Nath Shah.

Letters of congratulation to Sir Charles Tegart on his escape from Prafulla Kumar Biswas; S.K. Sen; H. Hobbs; A.K. Fuzlul Huq; E. O'Brien; Hiralal Maj dar; M. Harley; Prem Nath.

Report of newspapers and periodicals in Bengal for week ending Saturday 2 February 1924. pp. 76-95.

Cuttings of Bruce case.

File 2 and 2a:

Press cuttings on Dalhousie Square case. (Attempted assassination of Sir Charles Tegart on 25 August 1930 by Dr. Narain Roy, Dr. Bhupal Bose, and eight others):

Cuttings from The Times; Liberty; Amrita Bazar Patrika; The Statesman; Moning. Post; India; Planters Journal and Agriculturist; The Indian Municipality; The D. I. B. Weekly; Provincial Bulletin (Delhi); The Bangalee; The Basumati; Melbourne Herald; Evening News; Evening Standard; Communist Press; Liberty; Advance.

File 3:

Envelope with miscellaneous press cuttings: murder of Lt. Col. N.S. Simpson, shot by Benoy Krishna Bose; photograph of Benoy Kirshna Bose; two cuttings on Sir Charles Tegart; TS expenses account 19-30 October 1926.

BOX II

File 4:

The public resolutions passed after the bomb attempt on Sir Charles Tegart 1930 .

File 5:

Copy of speech by Sir Charles Tegart to the Royal Empire Society on 'Terrorism in India', 1 November 1932.

Newspaper cuttings referring to this speech from The Englishman; Times Educational Supplement; Liberty; Amrita Bazar Patrika; The Statesman; The Tribune.

File 6:

Miscellaneous papers to do with the attempted assassination of Sir Charles Tegart 1930. (Judgements, statements etc.)

File 7:

Miscellaneous newspaper cuttings, many about Bakr-Id disturbances, Lord Lytton, the Bengal disturbances, and Sir Charles Tegart's efficiency in the Police Department; from New Statesman; The Bengalee; The Basumati; The Moslem Chronicle; The Englishman; Forward; Capital; Amrita Bazar Patrika; The Times; The Statesmen; The New Empire; The Daily Mail; Hansard on the Bengal Ordinance; The Commercial Gazette.

Copy of extract from a letter from His Highness the Maharaja of Nepal, to His Excellency the Governor of Bengal, 16 February 1928.

File 8:

Copies of letters (secret) from C.W. Gwynne, Officiating Joint Secretary to the Government of India to the Chief Secretary to the Government of Bengal, September 1923, regarding revolutionary activity in Bengal. (Pre-Bengal Ordinances.)

MS report on Sakyendra Nath Guha 14 February 1925 (revolutionary activities.)

Secret paper on meeting between Mahatma Gandhi and Sir Charles Tegart on 24 June 1925 about release of prisoners in Bengal. (2 copies) TS 10 pp.

Typed note on communal tension and the terrorist movement, the Swaraj Party and the reforms in India by Sir Charles Tegart, in answer to a request from J.G. - Forward at the India Office. 18 May 1926. 7 pp.

Typed note on policy towards detainees of terrorist organizations in Bengal - n.d. but after March 1927. 10 pp.

File 9:

Judgment: Emperor v. Dr. Narain Roy and others. Confidential. Printed. Signed by H.C. Stork, Ashutosh Ghosh, Adilizzaman Khan. 27 November 1930. 41 pp.

File 10:

'Revolutionaries of Bengal: their methods and ideals.' Published by Hemantakumar Sarkar, The Indian Book Club, Calcutta, 1923.

BOX III

File 11:

Secret notes on outrages compiled in 1917 by J.C. Nixon, I.C.S. Vols. I-VI, 1906-17. (In Vol. VI two TS sheets with notes of further cases relating to a date subsequent to 9 October 1918.)

BOX IV

File 11.

Memorandum by the Advisory Committee, Bengal, 1918. Sir N.G. Chandavarkar and Justice C.P. Beachcroft. The cases of Detenus under the Defence of India Act and Regulation III of 1918. Calcutta 1918. Note on cover presumably by Sir Charles Tegart - 'Not published'.

File 13.

Report to Government of India from Local Government, on Congress Activities, subsequent to the Irwin-Gandhi agreement; sent by C.A. Turnidge to Sir Charles Tegart. 51 pp.

Files 14-16:

Annual reports of the police administration of 'the town of Calcutta and its suburbs by C.A. Tegart, for the years 1923, 1928, 1929.

Sheet of printed information on the general situation (on terrorist activities) by C.E.S. Fairweather. Calcutta, 15 October 1936. Part of a longer report - pp. 543-546.

Eighty photographs connected with the assassinations and terrorist activities in which Sir Charles Tegart was involved; these are police photographs of victims, murderers, scenes of murder etc.

Programme of an afternoon party to meet Sir Charles Tegart, 21 February 1926.

Newspaper cutting from The Basumati, 14 June 1927, entitled 'Riot scare in Calcutta.'

Book presented:

Tegart, Kathleen. 'Charles Tegart of the Indian Police.' 1946-7. TS. 340 pp.

 

 

 

        Goonda Files

 

 

        Public Disturbances

 

A.H.Q. Bengal: internal instructions in the event of civil disturbances with Congress Party. 1942 - 1943 (PRO Reference AIR 23/2053)

 

Bengal disturbances. 1950 (PRO Reference FO 371/84246)

 

Bengal disturbances. 1950 (PRO Reference FO 371/84247)

 

Bengal disturbances. 1950 (PRO Reference FO 371/84248)

 

Bengal disturbances. 1950 (PRO Reference FO 371/84249)

 

SHARPE PAPERS (at Centre of South Asian Studies University of Cambridge)

(W. McC. Sharpe)

Microfilm No. 10

Report of the Dacca Riots Enquiry Committee. Alipore, Bengal, Bengal Government Press, 1942. 60 pp. and six appendices of 25 pp. In three parts: Dacca city; rural areas; recommendations. Appendix E contains five photographs of the damage; appendix F contains map of the town.

Report of the trial and judgement of Surja Sen, alias Master de Tarakeswar Dastidar and Kalpana Datta under the Bengal Criminal Act etc. at Darjeeling 7 June 1933. Includes exhibits produced at the trial, including statements made to the Tribunal and propaganda and instructions made by the Indian Republic Army, and copies of documents found and used in evidence. W. McC. Sharpe, member of the special Tribunal. TS. 147 pp, plus 24 pp. of documents.

 

QUINTON PAPERS (at Centre of South Asian Studies University of Cambridge)

(H. Quinton)

TS note on terrorism in Bengal - a memory, during the fifty years prior to Independence. 4 pp. n.d. In particular, personal reminiscences of Alipore.

'Personal reminiscences of the Indian mutiny', by Margaret Spencer. Booklet, n.d.

 

Bengal Oral History - Communist, Peasant and Labour Movements of Bangladesh and India (at Asia Department Collections of International Institute of Social History.)

This consists of 40 cassettes of Interviews with leaders of the Communist, Peasant and Labour Movements of Bangladesh and India. The details are:

 

Comrade Amal Sen (83), leader of the 'Tebhaga' peasant movement in Bengal, led by the Communist Party. Interviewed by Shahriar Kabir in Dhaka on 16.5.97-23.5.97. Bengali. (GC8/166-172)

 

Writer Mohashweta Devi, leader of the 'Adivasi'on bonded labour and tribal movements. Interviewed by Shahriar Kabir, in Calcutta, on 16.12.96. Bengali. (GC8/164)

 

Comrade Ila Mitra, leader of the Tebhaga and Nachol peasant

uprisings, ex-MLA, leader of CPI. Interviewed by Shahriar Kabir, in Calcutta, on 18.12.96. Bengali. (GC8/162-163)

 

Comrade Ranesh Das Gupta (87), writer, journalist, former organizer of a pro-communist cultural movement of Bangladesh. Interviewed by Shahriar Kabir, in Calcutta, on 15.7.97-29.7.97. Bengali. (GC8/209-216)

 

Comrade Robi Niogi (89), leader of Tebhaga and the CPB. Interviewed by Shahriar Kabir, in Sherpur, Bangladesh, on 4.5.97. Bengali. (GC8/175-176)

 

Comrade Mohadev Sanyal on labour and peasant movements in the 40s and 50s. Interviewed by Shahriar Kabir, in Mymensingh, Bangladesh, on 7.5.97. Bengali. (GC8/173-174)

 

Justice Debesh Bhattacharya (84) on communal problems, politics and society of Bengal. Interviewed by Shahriar Kabir, in Dhaka, on 21.4.97. Bengali. (GC8/195)

 

Comrade Rejia Khatoon, ex-Congress and CPB leader on the women's movement. Interviewed by Shahriar Kabir, in Mymensingh, Bangladesh, on 6.5.97. Bengali.

 

Comrade Kanak Mukherjee, leader of CPI (M), wife of late communist leader Saroj Mukerjee. . Interviewed by Shahriar Kabir, in Calcutta, on 11.4.97. Bengali. (GC8/193)

 

Congress leader Monoranjan Dhar (96) on politics and society of Bengal and Bangladesh, Liberation War. Interviewed by Shahriar Kabir, in Mymensingh, Bangladesh, on 5.5.97. Bengali. (GC8/194)

 

Comrade Abani Lahiri (87) of the CPI, on the Tebhaga peasant uprising. Interviewed by Shahriar Kabir, in Calcutta, on 2.2.99. Bengali. (GC8/221-222)

 

Comrade Ramen Sen (90) ex MP, first C.C. member of the CPI, during the formation. Interviewed by Shahriar Kabir, in Calcutta, on 29.10.98. Bengali. (GC8/217-218)

 

Prof. Samar Guha (80), ex MP and General Secretary of the Forward Block and Proja Socialist Party. Interviewed by Shahriar Kabir, in Calcutta, on 9.5.98. Bengali. (GC8/219- 220)

 

Niharenda Dutta Majumdar (93) of the Indian National Congress and Indian Labour Party, on the Anti-British Freedom Struggle. Interviewed by Shahriar Kabir, in Calcutta, on 27.1.98. Bengali. (GC8/227-228)

 

Comrade Pannalal Das Gupta (96) of the RCPI, on the Anti-British Freedom Struggle and the Communist Movement of India. Interviewed by Shahriar Kabir, in Shantiniketon, West Bengal, on 17.1.98. Bengali. (GC8/225-226)

 

Comrade Sharadindu Dastidar, former CPI leader, Revolutionary Communist League, on the Communist Movement of India and Bangladesh. Interviewed by Shahriar Kabir, in Chittagong, Bangladesh, on 8.7.99. Bengali. (GC8/ 223-224)

 

Urdu poet Kaifi Ajmi on the pro-communist cultural movement (IPTA) of Bangladesh and India and the Bangladesh Liberation War, and Shawkat Kaifi, actress, former IPTA activist, and wife of Kaifi. Interviewed by Shahriar Kabir, in Mumbay, India, on 16.1.97. Urdu. (GC8/191)

 

On Santhal Pot and songs on Netajee Subhas Bose, leader of the Freedom Struggle of India. Recorded by Shahriar Kabir in Barasat, West Bengal at a handicraft fair on 29.1.00

 

 

 

 

 

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Public Health & Welfare Issues

 

India Office: Medical Board Records c1920-1960 (OIOC Series L/MED)

This collection of administrative files of the India Office Medical Board awaits detailed examination

 

West Bengal Nursing Coucil, Calcutta. 1923-1951 (PRO Reference DV 12/34)

 

Question of official registration of the Dental College of Calcutta. 1939 Sept 27 - 1940 May 11 (PRO Reference CO 295/611/8)

 

Internal Affairs, Associations and Societies: Marwari Relief Society of Calcutta. 1946 (PRO Reference FO 643/37)

 

 

West Bengal Nursing Coucil. 1929-1949 (PRO Reference DV 12/44)

 

West Bengal; (India) general. 1937 June 7-1948 July 28 (PRO Reference DT 18/72)

 

West Bengal (India) Nursing Council. 1948 June 28-1962 Mar 31 (PRO Reference DT 18/74)

 

India, Burma and Ceylon: H.Q. R.A.F. Bengal/Burma miscellaneous contributions to medical history. 1945 Jan.- Feb. (PRO Reference AIR 49/16)

 

Malarial conditions on Bengal-Assam-Burma frontier: effect on troops from West Africa. 1943 Feb.-Mar. (PRO Reference WO 106/4649)

 

MEDICAL (Code B, 48): Medical progress report: Air H.Q. Bengal and 3rd T.A.F.. 1944 (PRO Reference AIR 2/8311)

 

CUMMINS PAPERS (at Centre of South Asian Studies University of Cambridge)

(Patrick Henry Cummins, I.M.S.)

Given by Mrs. C.E. Cummins

N.W.F.P., Assam, Burma, Bengal: 1925-1945

Summary of Service of and Confidential Reports on Patrick Henry Cummins, I.M.S. (3 sheets).

Map of Assam.

Government Officers' Diary for 1942 when in No. 1 Field Ambulance Unit in Burma.

Diary for 1943-44 Burma.

Notebook of jottings: medical notes, etc.

10 Large Photographs:

1927, Poona; I.M.S. Officers on training course, P.H. Cummins and others.

1929, Cannanore; 12th Malabar Battalion Madras Pioneers; Gopal & Co.

1930, G.M.H. Landikotal, Khyber Pass; hockey team; S.M. Shaw.

1930/31, Razmak, barracks with hills in, background.

1934, Rawalpindi; No.l Indian Hospital Corps Hockey team; M.R. Sharma.

1934, Rawalpindi; Staff of I.M.H. M. T.

1935, Gauhati, Assam; Medical and Jail staff; Ghoshal Brothers.

1936, Imphal; Medical Staff; J. Purkayastha.

1943, Hoshiapur, Punjab; No.l Burma Field Ambulance Unit.

1945, Dacca, Bengal, Nursing Training Wing, 77, Indian General Hospital; O.C. Lt. Col. P.H. Cummins.

 

SOMERSET (Edward John), Maj Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur D1023)

`Reminiscences of an Indian Medical Service Officer', dated Jan 1979, by Maj Edward John Somerset (b 1907), describing his career in the Indian Medical Service 1938-47, and his life in India as a private practitioner 1947-61.

309 folios    1938 - 1961

 

SOMERSET PAPERS (at Centre of South Asian Studies University of Cambridge)

Papers of Major Edward John Somerset, M.B. (Lond.), M.S. (Opth.), D.O.M.S. (Eng.), M.R.C.S. Born 12 November 1907, joined Indian Medical Service 1 November 1938. Posted Quetta 1939 to general medical work in Government Hospital. Transferred 1 January 1943 to Shillong as Eye Specialist, General Hospital. Transferred September 1943, Calcutta as Eye Specialist, 47 British General Hospital. Made Professor of Opthalmology at Medical College, Calcutta 18 May 1944. After Independence until 1961, when he left India, in private opthalmic practice in Calcutta.

Given by Major Somerset.

BOX I

14 Indian Survey Ordnance Maps of the Nepal, Sikkim and Tibet border areas.

Sheet No. 78A Darjeeling 1930.

Sheet No. 78A/SW and 72M/SE 1942.

Sheet No. 78A/NW and 77D/SW 1930.

Sheet No. 78A/NE and 77D/SE 1930.

Sheet No. 78B/NE 1942.

Sheet No. 78B/NW 1942.

Sheet No. 77D 1946.

Sheet No. 78E 1942.

Sheet No. 78E 1925.

Road Map of India 1942.

O.S. Map of Baluchistan No. 34 N/3 1925.

4 inch Shillong Guide Map - third edition 1942.

Shillong and surrounding country 1930.

Sheet No. 78A Darjeeling 1930.

BOX II

TS Memoir: Reminiscences of an Indian Medical Service Officer from 1939 to 1961. By E.J. Somerset, Major I.M.S. (retd.) N.W.F.P., Shillong, Calcutta. 309 ff. A discursive and frank account of colleagues, friends, household management, army social life in Quetta and Shillong and civilian social life in Calcutta, recreations, which include treks to Sikkim and Tibet. While in Quetta observed Sir Henry Holland's work. Many pages describe his own work. A comprehensive memoir showing his attitudes to British and Indians.

 

HODDER (George Norman Patrick), Lt-Col Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur F233)

Diaries, miscellaneous papers, and memorabilia of Lt-Col (George Norman) Patrick Hodder (b 1903); Assistant, James Finlay & Co. Ltd, Assam 1923-25; Manager, Midnapore Zamindari Co. Ltd, Bengal 1925-37; Manager, Anderson Wright & Co. Ltd; wartime service in Supply Dept, GHQ, India; later Chief Executive, East India Clinic and European Hospitals Association, Calcutta.

110 items    1915 - 1987      View Contents List

 

SYMONDS (John Richard Charters) Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur R207)

Tape recording of interview, given 1991, by (John) Richard Charters Symonds (b 1918), Friends Ambulance Unit, Bengal 1942-44; Deputy Director, Relief and Rehabilitation, Bengal 1944-45; Friends Service Unit, Punjab and Kashmir 1947-48; U.N. Commission in Kashmir 1948-49.

6 cassettes    1942 - 1949

 

 

        The Famine

 

Supplies for Bengal. 1943 Aug.-1946 Jan. (PRO Reference MAF 97/894)

 

India: From Mr. L. Amery. Encloses letter to Mr. Attlee about the famine in Bengal. 23/12/43 (PRO Reference FO 954/12B)

 

Request from Pakistan for additional releases of sterling to meet abnormal expenditure on import of food into East Bengal. 1950 (PRO Reference DO 142/226)

 

MOTTRAM PAPERS (at Centre of South Asian Studies University of Cambridge)

Given by J. Mottram

Note on the Bengal famine of November 1943 made after serving with the 4th Battalion of the 4th Bombay Grenediers, which tried to relieve the suffering.

 

PINNELL (Leonard George) Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur D911)

Pinnell Collection: papers of Leonard George Pinnell (1896-1979), Indian Civil Service, Bengal 1920-47, Director of Civil Supplies, Bengal 1942-43; co-ordinator of Bengal Government's evidence to Famine Enquiry Commission 1943-44, Principal of of training course for military officers returning to civil administration 1944-45; Chairman, Bengal Development Board 1946-47; also printed speeches by Governors of Bengal 1936-46.

39 items    1932 - 1948      View Contents List

 

SYMONDS (John Richard Charters) Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur R207)

Tape recording of interview, given 1991, by (John) Richard Charters Symonds (b 1918), Friends Ambulance Unit, Bengal 1942-44; Deputy Director, Relief and Rehabilitation, Bengal 1944-45; Friends Service Unit, Punjab and Kashmir 1947-48; U.N. Commission in Kashmir 1948-49.

6 cassettes    1942 - 1949

 

 

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Religious Issues

 

 

        Church of England/North India

ANGLICAN MISSIONS IN INDIA (at Centre of South Asian Studies University of Cambridge)

AVA, Sister Agnes (Bengal, 1935-43)

ESDAILE, Mrs. Dorothy (Punjab, 1921-25)

TEAL, Miss Alice Dorothea (Madras, 1921-47)

Written answers to questionnaire on Missions and Missionaries in India during the British period and immediately after Independence.

Subjects covered are voyage out; training and early years, contacts with Indians, and political contacts; attitude towards indigenous religions.

 

PATTERSON PAPERS (at Centre of South Asian Studies University of Cambridge)

(The Rev. David A. Patterson)

Given by Mr. Phillip Nash 1971

Burma; India

1932-1943

BOX I

269 letters written by the Rev. David Patterson to his mother 1932-1941 from Burma and wartime letters 1942-1943 from India.

In 1932 he went out as a layman to teach in the Diocesan Boys' School Rangoon, until 1935. Returned to England in 1936 to be ordained and went back to Burma in 1938 to teach in St. John's College, Rangoon, the Mission of the Resurrection, Syriam, and as headmaster of All Saints S.P.G. Boys' High School and Mission, Schwebo, February 1941.

The letters describe his life as a missionary teacher and then as a priest in Burma, and outside activities: relationships between Burmans, Anglo-Indians and Europeans. In 1942 he became Chaplain to the Forces in Burma. He was with General Alexander in the retreat from Rangoon to Assam in May 1942. In 1943 he was in India as an army chaplain. 580pp.

BOX II

17 letters undated from. St. John's College, Rangoon, probably 1939-40. 38pp.

14 miscellaneous undated letters from ships etc. Some loose pages from other letters. 37pp.

Miscellaneous printed papers, programmes etc. from Burma, undated.

Letter from Cyril Patterson (David Patterson's Brother) in Onitsha to his mother, 20 July 1935.

Photographs in envelopes of: voyages - Madras and Calcutta; snake charmers; Mandalay and Pagan; Shan States and Maymyo; Rangoon; Burmese scenes; Shan States Mission and school scenes. These are named and explained on the reverse, not all are dated.

Griffiths, Percival J. The British in India. London, 1946.

Tyson, Geoffrey. Forgotten frontier. Calcutta, 1945.

 

PELLY PAPERS (at Centre of South Asian Studies University of Cambridge)

(Canon R. Pelly)

BOX I

Bishops College, Calcutta, The Chronicle. 1922-58 (incomplete); 1960, 1965. (Supplements for 1950, 1952, 1958.)

St. Paul's, Darjeeling. School Chronicle. 1947-66 (incomplete).

BOX II

Parish magazine of the Old Mission Church, Calcutta, January-December 1927-28.

'A coin of Indian metal: the life of Wing-Commander K.K. Majumdar, D.F.C. and Bar', by K.N. Dutt. Madras, Bangalore. The Christian Literature Society for India, 1949.

 

Gwilym Owen Williams, Bishop Elect of Bangor; Lewis Mervyn, Bishop of Worcester; Kenneth, Bishop of Lincoln; Robert Wright, Bishop of Peterborough; Angus Campbell McInnes, Archbishop in Jerusalem; Joost de Blank, Archbishop and Metropolitan of Cape Town; Fredrick Donald, Bishop of Bradford; Hugh Edward, Bishop of Newcastle; Frank Woods, Bishop Suffragan of Middleton, designated to be Lord Archbishop of Melbourne and Metropolitan of the Province of Victoria Australia; Frank Oswald Thorne, Bishop of Nyasaland; John Alexander, Bishop of Wakefield; Sidney Warren Lavis, formerly Coadjutor Bishop of Cape Town; William James Hughes, Archbishop of Central Africa; Leonard Stanley Kempthorne, Bishop of Polynesia; Walter Foster Barfoot, Archbishop and Metropolitan of Ruperts Land and Primate of All Canada; Arabindo Nath Mukerjee, Bishop of Calcutta and Metropolitan of India, Pakistan, Burma and Ceylon; Michael Kinsuke Yashiro, Bishop of Kobe and Presiding Bishop of the Nipon Sei Ko Kai; Henry Kno […] 1945-1971 (PRO Reference LCO 6/3675)

 

Calcutta: various scenes including a jute factory and the Jain temple. 1944-1945 (PRO Reference INF 14/432)

 

Kalighat near Calcutta. 1944-1945 (PRO Reference INF 14/433)

 

FOX (Edwin Aubrey Storrs), Rev Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur E343)

Storrs Fox Collection: papers of Rev Edwin Aubrey Storrs Fox (1888-1975), Indian Ecclesiastical Establishment from 1916, including letters home and over 600 sermons, many in both early and rewritten form.

108 items    1911 - 1944      View Contents List

 

LAKHER PIONEER MISSION Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur F185)

Lakher Pioneer Mission: papers relating to its work among the Lakher (Mara) people of the South Lushai hills, its founder Reginald Lorrain (1880-1944), and members of his family; including letters from his daughter Louise Marguerite Tlosai (1909-68) and her husband Albert Bruce Lorrain-Foxall (d 1977), the latter's diaries, and translations of the bible and other works into the Mara language by Lorrain and Lorrain-Foxall.

248 files    1905 - 1978      View Contents List

 

DATTA (Surendra Kumar) Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur F178)

Datta Collection: papers of Surendra Kumar Datta (1878-1942), lecturer in history and biology 1909-14, and Principal 1932-42, Forman Christian College; YMCA national secretary for India, Burma and Ceylon 1919-27 and active in international YMCA thereafter; representative of Indian Christians in Indian Legislative Assembly 1924-26 and at Round Table Conference 1931; also papers of other members of his family.

93 items    1884 - 1953      View Contents List

 

WENGER (Winifred Edith) Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur R201)

Tape recording of interview, given 1990, by Winifred Edith Wenger (b 1906), wife of Rev Edward Leslie Wenger, describing her education, work and experiences as a Baptist missionary mainly teaching in Calcutta and Serampore, before and after marriage (1934).

1 cassette    1934 - 1965

 

 

 

 

 

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Cultural Issues

 

 

 

CHAPMAN PAPERS (at Centre of South Asian Studies University of Cambridge)

Papers of John Alexander Chapman (Librarian of the Imperial Library Calcutta 1911-1930). (Recatalogued on accession of new material given by Mrs. M. Craig, the daughter of J. A. Chapman).

Given by G.D.M. Bullard, and Mrs. M. Craig.

India general:

Box I

Three TS bound volumes of a journal/log book/miscellany, typed on the back of the galley proofs of Denison Ross's Both Ends of the Candle which includes memoirs of India, and other literary figures of the era (1930s) in India. No date. (See Box VI).

Two volumes bound TS of letters to Dora Ross, 1911-39.

Denison and Dora Ross (parts of unfinished books) TS bound, no date, but post 1943.

Nobody's letters to F.G.E. and M.G.N. (Chapman's sisters) TS, bound, 1936-43. Three volumes.

Box II

Ten volumes of quotations, comments., etc. indexed in pencil at the end of each volume, but the index is not alphabetical.

Miscellaneous offprints, etc.

The Asiatic Review, July 1949: Literary India II The religious poetry of India by Dr. Ranjee G. Shahani.

Three letters from E.H.W. Meyerstein to J. A. Chapman, 1940.

14 fascicles of TS - literary journal, and diary of bird-watching.

Box III

The Epic of Islam:

Book One: Arabia and Mecca. Privately printed 1950. (A second copy)

Book Two: Judaism and Islam. Privately printed 1950. (Preface and poem).

Book Three: Muhammed in Mecca, TS 1953

Book Four: Muhammed in Medina (bound together with Book Three)

Book Five: Hazrat 'Ali. TS 25pp.

Book Six: Karbala. Privately printed 1950.

The Last Book: TS Bound, 107pp, 1950.

Poems, by J.A.C. Calcutta, 1905. Denison Ross's copy.

TS Poems, 34pp.

4 TS articles and poems, and 1 MS trans.

Box IV

Printed Books by J. A. Chapman (see list of books)

Box V

War, Poems, by J. A. Chapman. Savile Press 1951.

War, TS proof of 21.

War, TS proof of 21 with additional material mostly from Dante.

TS Notebooks and books:

Dante and Milton.

Poems n.d.

Hopkins, a commentary, 1951.

Persephone, 1953 (a poem).

Reading, 1956.

Box VI

29 and 30. A French Commonplace Book I and II.

a. Both Ends of the Candle, the autobiography of Sir E. Denison Ross, with a foreword by Lawrence Binyon. London, Faber & Faber, 1943.

b. TS. A critical commentary on Denison Ross's autobiography (31a) by J. A. Chapman. 137pp.

Supplement to the Catalogue of the Persian MSS in the Oriental Public Library at Bankipore (Volume II) by Manlavi Abdul Muqtadir Khan Bahadur. Patna, Government Printing, Bihar and Orissa, 1933.

Box VII

MS notebook of quotations entitled This English Language, by J. A. Chapman.

34 and 35. Two MS notebooks entitled 'D's diary U.S.A.' (Diary of visit to U.S.A. by Dora Ross). n.d.

TS parody on the Athanasian Creed entitled 'The Triarchic Faith', about the Government of India. 3pp.

In his own country: an Anglo-Indian play in one act, by E. A. Horne, n.d.

The political system of British India with special reference to the recent constitutional changes by E. A. Horne (Indian Educational Service), Oxford 1922.

TS Article on Sayyid Abu Muhammad. 18pp, n.d.

TS Persian and Indian poems by J. A. Chapman, 1934 and 1937.

Christus Natus Est, published by author J. A. Chapman at the Imperial Library, Metcalfe Hall, Calcutta, 1923.

a & b. Religious Lyrics of Bengal by John Alexander Chapman. The Book Co., College Square, Calcutta, 1926 (2 copies).

Address by Dr. W. A. Jenkins, Vice-Chancellor, at the Annual Degree Convocation of the University of Dacca, 4 December 1955. 15pp.

Address by Dr. W. A. Jenkins, Vice-Chancellor, University of Dacca ... at the 8th Pakistan Science Congress, 16 January 1956. 10pp.

Poems, by Henry Martin, Peshawar, 1929.

Poems, by Henry Martin, Peshawar, 1930.

Box VIII

File marked: 'Eastern Poetry', containing 43 articles, reviews, letters, etc. ranging from 'The cultural root of the revolutionary and terrorist movement in India', to 'Hafiz, and Malherbe', 'The Poetic East', 'Mahatma Gandhi' and 'The Literary Approach to India' and 'Modern Indian Poetry'. 343pp.

File marked: 'Letters from Nabboo' (being the Mohommad Amir Haider Khan, brother of the Raja of Mahmudabad) from Lucknow and London. Also contains J. A. Chapman's further notes on Eastern poetry and Islam, and 'Naboo's' comments. 568pp.

File marked: 'Gleanings Dora' but containing copies of obituary notices, some written by J. A. Chapman for Professor V. Barthold; Henry Beveridge; Professor E. G. Browne; M. Henri Cordier; Lord Curzon; Dr. T. W. Rhys Davids; Robert Scott Greenshields; de Stael Holstein; D. S. Margoliouth; F.W.K. Muller; Professor Meillet; Dr. F. Rosen; M. Emile Senart: Guy Le Strange.

Microfilm

(Box 4, No.29)

TS. 'A poet in India'

This is in the nature of a commonplace book, compiled while Librarian at Imperial Library in Calcutta. Consists of quotations of and meditations and thoughts on Indian and English poetry and prose, and Christianity and Hinduism.

Notes on: his book Christus Natus Est - a reply to Lady Mayo's book - comments. A number of explanations of Hindu and Buddhist mystical and philosophical terms.

The Rajakumar Sahib of Mahmudabad. The effect of Indian literature on Europe and America. The wrong things have been translated. Comments on what has been translated and the translators. Charles Russell; Edward Fitzgerald; Cowell; K. K. Chatterji; Dr. Gilbert Carter. Comments on translation of poetry, particularly Eastern poetry, and its reception in the West. Comments on the Princes. Sayyid Abu Muhammad. Denison Ross. Lord Hailey and the vernacular literature of India. Comments on the makers of Pakistan. Further history of his attempt to interest England in the vernacular literatures of India. The British Council in India. Notes on: Persian poetry; B. S. Mitter; Educational Service; Sunni Muslims. Attitude towards British rule in India - his own and by Indians; race-prejudice; the Copyright Act.

Ends abruptly.

 

PEPPÉ PAPERS (at Centre of South Asian Studies University of Cambridge)

Given by Commander L. Peppé

'The Piprawah Stupa on the Birdpore Estate containing the relics of Buddha', by J.H.H. Peppé. Privately printed pamphlet published by J.H.H. Peppé, Birdpore Estate, Basti, U.P., and printed at Utpal Press, Calcutta, 9, n.d. 12 pp.

Newspaper cutting from the Pioneer of 18 August 1956 on 'The annihilation of Lord Buddha's family', by Paripurnanand Verma; this also refers to the Piprawah Stupa and its contents.

Xerox copy of extract from the Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society, 1898 - 'The Piprawah Stupa, containing relics of Buddha', by William Claxton Peppy Esq. Communicated, with a note, by Vincent A. Smith, I.C.S., M.R.A.S. with two plates. 15 pp.

Typescript copy of the account of the activities of Lt. Col. W.T.H. Peppéís grandfather during the Indian mutiny. The account was written by his daughter who later became Mrs. de Hochepied Larpent; and also includes the origin of the Birdpur Estate in the Basti District of the U.P. (The original is in the possession of Lt. Col. Peppé.)

 

BINYON (Laurence ) Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur B213)

Letters on Indian art from Laurence Binyon (1860-1943), art historian, members of the Tagore family, and others, to Sir William Rothenstein (1872-1945), Professor of Civic Art, Sheffield 1917-26, Principal, Royal College of Art 1920-45.

158 folios    1910 - 1944      View Contents List

 

CALCUTTA TENT CLUB Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur C335)

Rulebooks, dated 1883-1933, of the Calcutta Tent Club, with copy of dinner menu; also rules, a brief history, lists of members, and a club button, dated 1888-1967, of the Unceremonials Club, Calcutta.

1 folder    1883 - 1967

 

CALCUTTA TENT CLUB Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur F192)

Records of the Calcutta Tent Club formed to facilitate meets for pigsticking, including club rules, membership lists, accounts, correspondence, hunting journals and notes, articles on pigsticking copied from early magazines, and plans of an elephant's howdah.

45 items    1862 - 1954      View Contents List

 

MISCELLANEOUS Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur D663-665)

Notes on the memorial monuments, cemetery and Charnock Mausoleum of St John's Church (Old Cathedral), Calcutta, by Phillip C Longley; list of monuments in St Paul's Church, Dibrugarh, Assam; note on St Saviour's Church, Mount Abu, and its memorials by Charles Cockaine.

4 items    1951 - 1954

 

BAKE (Arnold Adriaan) Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur F191)

Bake Collection: papers, correspondence and photographs of Arnold Adriaan Bake (b 1899), Reader in Sanskrit, University of London 1949-63, and of his wife Cornelia Bake, including miscellaneous material relating to their visits to India, and memorabilia of Rabindranath Tagore.

335 items    1910 - 1979      View Contents List

 

GRIERSON (George Abraham), Sir Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur E223)

Grierson Collection: copies of articles (some unpublished) and other scholarly papers and correspondence of Sir George Abraham Grierson (1851-1941), Indian Civil Service 1873-1903, Superintendent of the Linguistic Survey of India 1898-1902; oriental scholar.

340 items    1885 - 1940      View Contents List

 

COTTON (Harry Evan Auguste), Sir Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur F82)

Cotton Collection (1): papers of Sir (Harry) Evan Auguste Cotton (1868-1939), Calcutta barrister, President, Bengal Legislative Council 1922-25, comprising notes and draft articles on Indian history and art.

62 items    1907 - 1939      View Contents List

 

JOPLING (Lindsay Millais) Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur F141)

Notes and typed drafts for an unpublished history of British rule in India by Lindsay Millais Jopling (1875-1967), Indian Civil Service, United Provinces 1899-1925.

25 files    1875 - 1967

 

ROYAL SOCIETY FOR INDIA PAKISTAN AND CEYLON Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur F147)

Royal Society for India, Pakistan and Ceylon: papers of the National Indian Association, the East India Association, and the India Society, which united in 1966 to form the Royal Society for India, Pakistan and Ceylon.

232 items    1865 - 1984      View Contents List

 

INDIA PAKISTAN AND BURMA ASSOCIATION Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur F158)

Papers of the India, Pakistan and Burma Association, a specialised trade association providing information to its members on commercial and political conditions in India, Pakistan and Burma. [Now known as the British and South Asian Trade Association (BASATA)].

1218 items    1941 - 1972      View Contents List

 

ARCHER (William George) Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur F236)

Archer Collection: papers of Dr William George Archer (1907-79), Indian Civil Service, Bihar 1931-46; served in Naga Hills, Assam 1946-48; Keeper, Indian Section, Victoria and Albert Museum 1949- 59; and of his wife Dr Mildred Agnes Archer (b 1911), Curator, Prints and Drawings Section, India Office Library 1954-80; reflecting their careers and interest in Indian art and culture.

490 items    1929 - 1986      View Contents List

 

WATSON (Francis ) Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur F289)

Papers of Francis Watson (1907-87), Art Adviser to Raja of Aundh 1938; Director, Counter-Propaganda, Government of India 1940; Director, Research and Reference, Information Dept, Government of India 1945-46; including correspondence with his parents commenting on life in India, radio scripts, essays and photographs; also letters and papers of and relating to Apasaheb Balasaheb Pant (b 1912), Indian diplomat from 1948.

17 items    1938 - 1982      View Contents List

 

COTTON (Harry Evan Auguste), Sir Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur F295)

Cotton Collection (3): papers of Sir (Harry) Evan Auguste Cotton (1868-1939), Calcutta barrister, President, Bengal Legislative Council 1922-25, including material relating to his book `Calcutta Old and New', paintings in Viceregal Residences, the Victoria Memorial Hall, and the India Defence League; also family correspondence and photographs.

36 items    1877 - 1942      View Contents List

 

INDIA OFFICE LIBRARY Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur F303)

Library Collection: records of the Library of the East India Company (1801-58) and its successor the India Office Library.

456 items    1801 - 1994      View Contents List

 

 

 

 

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Scientific Issues

 

 

Linguistic Survey of India Records c1900-c1930 (OIOC Series S)

Includes correspondence files and research data of Sir George Grierson, Superintendent of the Linguistic Survey from 1898 to1902.

 

Release by Canada of crude uranium oxide for experimental purpose to the Bose Institute, Calcutta. 1947 (PRO Reference DO 35/2501)

 

Skulls from West Bengal, G N Das. 1951-1954 (PRO Reference DF 141/14)

 

AUDEN (John Bicknell) Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur D843)

Papers of Dr John Bicknell Auden (b 1903), Geological Survey of India 1926-54, Deputy Director Geological Survey of India 1952-54, comprising letters, technical reports, pamphlets and newspaper cuttings.

21 items    1931 - 1956      View Contents List

 

GRIERSON (George Abraham), Sir Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur E223)

Grierson Collection: copies of articles (some unpublished) and other scholarly papers and correspondence of Sir George Abraham Grierson (1851-1941), Indian Civil Service 1873-1903, Superintendent of the Linguistic Survey of India 1898-1902; oriental scholar.

340 items    1885 - 1940      View Contents List

 

 

 

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Family & Personal Issues

 

 

        Returns of (Christian) Baptisms, Marriages and Burials

 

Parish records, 1690-1830 Catholic Church St-Louis Chandernagor - microfilm no. 1764204 at LDS Family History Centre

Church records have been microfilmed by the LDS

 

Chandernagor 1817-1854 ten-year indexes – microfilm no. 1764204 at LDS Family History Centre

The LDS have microfilmed records of civil registration of births, marriages, deaths for French India. French Civil Registration records contain a great deal of

information.

 

 “Returns of Baptisms, Marriages and Burials. Bengal 1713-1947” (OIOC Series N/1)

Returns regarding changes in family status of their parishioners transmitted by chaplains and ministers to the Government of India. The records are relating mainly to European and Eurasian (Anglo-Indian) Christians.

The record can be accessed at the Oriental and India Office Collections at the British Library”

(for details see section “Libraries & Collections” on page “Related Organisations & Institutions”.)

as well as http://www.bl.uk/collections/oiocfamilyhistory/familyeccles.html

 

“Returns of Baptisms, Marriages and Burials. Post Independence India and Pakistan ” (OIOC Series N/4)

Returns regarding changes in family status of their parishioners transmitted by chaplains and ministers to the Government of India. The records are relating mainly to European and Eurasian (Anglo-Indian) Christians.

The record can be accessed at the Oriental and India Office Collections at the British Library”

(for details see section “Libraries & Collections” on page “Related Organisations & Institutions”.)

as well as http://www.bl.uk/collections/oiocfamilyhistory/familyeccles.html

 

“Returns of Baptisms, Marriages and Burials. Indian States 1890-1947” (OIOC Series N/5)

Returns regarding changes in family status of their parishioners transmitted by chaplains and ministers to the Government of India. The records are relating mainly to European and Eurasian (Anglo-Indian) Christians.

The record can be accessed at the Oriental and India Office Collections at the British Library”

(for details see section “Libraries & Collections” on page “Related Organisations & Institutions”.)

as well as http://www.bl.uk/collections/oiocfamilyhistory/familyeccles.html

 

Deaths in Uncovenanted Service 1870-1949 (at OIOC)

At first this applied only to members of the Uncovenanted Service but later extended to cover most other Government officers and European pensioners.

Information generally recorded includes date and place of death, age, place of birth and details of surviving relatives...".

 

India: British High Commission Cemetery Records c1870-1967 (OIOC Series R/4)

A collection received from the British High Commission in New Delhi in 1972 and 1973, concerning the maintenance of cemeteries in India.

 

 

        Emigration

 

Indians in the colonies: Madras and Calcutta Emigration Agency. 1939 (PRO Reference CO 323/1691/12)

 

Position of Indians in the colonies: Madras and Calcutta emigration agency. 1939-1940 (PRO Reference CO 323/1752/2)

 

 


        Personal Memoirs and Papers

 

Biographical Series 1702-1948 (OIOC Series O)

Various series and compilations of a biographical nature, which do not fall into the main archive classes, are brought together here: bonds, agreements and warrants for civil servants and other residents in India; records relating to Europeans in India; and "personal records" compilations made at East India House. A guide to biographical records throughout the India Office Records has been published: I.A. Baxter, India Office Library and Records: A Brief Guide to Biographical Sources (London, 1979; second edition, 1990).

 

 

          ___A________________________________________________________

 

ABRAHAM PAPERS (at Centre of South Asian Studies University of Cambridge)

(Major General W.E.V. Abraham)

Microfilm Box 6 No. 43

Details of a tour made by Major General Abraham in Burma in March 1942 when he accompanied General Alexander to Rangoon as Liaison Officer.

Various papers connected with the defence of Burma during the 1939-45 war.

Budget papers (India) 1943-44.

Papers on India during the 1939-45 war.

 

ANGLICAN MISSIONS IN INDIA (at Centre of South Asian Studies University of Cambridge)

AVA, Sister Agnes (Bengal, 1935-43)

ESDAILE, Mrs. Dorothy (Punjab, 1921-25)

TEAL, Miss Alice Dorothea (Madras, 1921-47)

Written answers to questionnaire on Missions and Missionaries in India during the British period and immediately after Independence.

Subjects covered are voyage out; training and early years, contacts with Indians, and political contacts; attitude towards indigenous religions.

 

ARCHER (William George) Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur F236)

Archer Collection: papers of Dr William George Archer (1907-79), Indian Civil Service, Bihar 1931-46; served in Naga Hills, Assam 1946-48; Keeper, Indian Section, Victoria and Albert Museum 1949- 59; and of his wife Dr Mildred Agnes Archer (b 1911), Curator, Prints and Drawings Section, India Office Library 1954-80; reflecting their careers and interest in Indian art and culture.

490 items    1929 - 1986      View Contents List

 

ARGLES (Michael ), Capt Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur C415)

Memoir, dated 1987, by Capt Michael Argles (b 1922), Indian Army 1941-46, describing his training and service with the Royal Indian Army Service Corps including postings to Mhow, Poona, Ranchi, Nanjangud in Mysore, Trichinopoly and Calcutta.

6 folios    1941 - 1946

 

AUDEN (John Bicknell) Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur D843)

Papers of Dr John Bicknell Auden (b 1903), Geological Survey of India 1926-54, Deputy Director Geological Survey of India 1952-54, comprising letters, technical reports, pamphlets and newspaper cuttings.

21 items    1931 - 1956      View Contents List

 

 

          ___B________________________________________________________

 

BAKE (Arnold Adriaan) Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur F191)

Bake Collection: papers, correspondence and photographs of Arnold Adriaan Bake (b 1899), Reader in Sanskrit, University of London 1949-63, and of his wife Cornelia Bake, including miscellaneous material relating to their visits to India, and memorabilia of Rabindranath Tagore.

335 items    1910 - 1979      View Contents List

 

BAKER PAPERS (at Centre of South Asian Studies University of Cambridge)

(E.B.H. Baker)

Lent by Mrs. I. Baker

Microfilm Box 6 No. 45

Letters of Baker to his parents and others, 25 January 1931 to December 1932: from Madaripur where he writes he is transferred to Hijli as Governor of the Detention Camp for Political Prisoners at Kharagpur; arrives February 1931; conditions in the camp; description of detainees; comments on Gandhi; letter written on 17 September 1931 describing the incident in the camp when two detainees were killed and five wounded; the consequences; Tagore's intervention; the Official Inquiry (Mullick and Drummond); November in Sikkim on leave; result of the Inquiry and consequences; leaves Hijli; Congress intrigue; reason for unrest - unemployment of the educated; goes to Alipur (Duar Subdivision) very quiet; description of place and work; near another detainees camp; missionaries; he feels the lack of money for social reform; tours tea gardens; at Rajshahi describes Christmas party with Anglo-Indians; description of Busca Detainees Camp.

Pamphlet: 'Chittagong and Hijli: British "Misrule" in Bengal', published by J.M. Sen-Gupta. Foreword by Rabindranath Tagore. 'Being the Report of the non-official Enquiry Committee on Recent Disturbances in Chittagong, and the Government Committee of Enquiry on Hijli Shooting.'

'Travel Diary Journal' (possibly amalgamated from diaries) Volume I, November 1927 - October 1932:

Assistant Magistrate Dacca, 10 December 1927-25 November 1928; Assistant Magistrate and Collector on Settlement Training, Burdwan District, 1928 - March 1929; Sub-Divisional Officer Rampurhat, Birbhum District, 7 April - 31 October 1929; Sub-Divisional Officer Madaripur, November 1929 - February 1931; Commandant, Hijli Detention Camp; Kharagpur, February - October 1931; detailed account of the camp, its running, inmates, the incident of the shooting and consequences; Special Officer Political Department Calcutta, November 1931 - January 1932, writing history sheets of eighty prominent Congressmen for action, under the Emergency Powers Ordinance should civil disobedience recommence; results of Gandhi's arrival in Bombay and the Viceroy's refusal to discuss the N.W.F.P., U.P. and Bengal ordinances with him; renewal of civil disobedience and consequences; leave. At the back of the volume are accounts. 'Travel Diary', volume II, October 1932 - October 1936:

Sub-Divisional Officer Alipur-Duar, Jalpaiguri District, November 1932 - February 1933. Very little crime and no political trouble.

Assistant District Magistrate Myemsingh District, February - September 1933. Account of internal running of the District. District Magistrate, Myemsingh, August - October 1933.

Special Officer, Revenue Department, Calcutta, November 1933 - February 1934. Inside story of writing an annual Administration Report; Calcutta social life. Additional District and Sessions Judge, Alipore, February - May 1934.

District and Sessions Judge, Burdwan, June - October 1934; November - December 1934. Inexperience of civil law.

Joint Magistrate, Burdwan, December 1934. Inspections, etc.; few days in Calcutta; Viceregal Ball, Belvedere.

District and Sessions Judge, Dacca, January - September 19 35. Importance of job for which he feels inexperienced; society and social life in Dacca; describes work of district judge; assessment of his own ability; describes some unscrupulous judges.

Special Officer Revenue Department, Calcutta, November 1935 - February 1936. Writing administration report.

Special Officer Political Department, Calcutta, February 1936. Working on matters arising in connection with the new constitution; lists the social activities of the era; reaction in Bengal to king George's death. Additional District and Sessions Judge, Howrah, February - March 1936.

On leave.

'Travel Diary' Volume III, October 1936 - March 1941:

Leave until 16 November 1936.

District and Sessions Judge, Noakhali, November 1936 - February 1937. Very quiet; goes on to Krishnagar for Christmas; elections for new Provincial Assembly.

Special Officer, Judicial Department, Calcutta, February - April 1937. Firstly to frame certain rules for the conduct of the official Assignee under the amended Presidency Towns Insolvency Act, etc.; light work; Darjeeling in hot weather. Special Officer, Legislative Department, Calcutta, April - October 1937. Very little work.

Attaché, Legislative Department, Government of India, November 1937 - April 1938. Goes to Delhi to train in Secretariat; work more interesting; sits in on Councils of State and Legislative Assemblies.

District and Sessions Judge, Rajshahi and Malda, April - August 1938. Enjoys Rajshahi; floods; life on the station. Leave to get married.

District and Sessions Judge, Rajshahi and Malda, October 1938.

Special Officer Legislative Department and Secretary, Calcutta, November 1938 - September 1940. Outline of work, social and domestic life, between Calcutta and Darjeeling, and outside world in progress of the war; picture of Darjeeling in the days of 1940, and Calcutta; work in Calcutta, Bengal Cooperative Societies Bill, etc.

Additional Secretary to Governor of Bengal, August 1940 - September 1943. Criticisms of the Governor; criticisms of Viceregal Staff during the war; daily life in Governor's household; war efforts in India, 1941-42; comments on India's production of war material, but these are brief as are comments on Burma refugees; mentions Japanese invasion of Andamans brings war nearer, and defence measures more serious; results of the war in the Far East were felt in Calcutta, great changes there; 1943 goes on tour with the Governor, inspecting A.R.P., etc., and collecting purses for war effort and attending mass meetings; March - May Constitutional muddle in Bengal, but famine beginning and Lord Wavell's appointment as Viceroy 'a decided shock'; the river tour proposed for Governor abandoned on police advice; famine relief and control; Sir Thomas Rutherford takes over as Acting Governor; Viceroy visits famine areas, results good; Governors conference November 1943; death of Sir John Herbert, 11 December. Receives O.B.E., 1944.

Joint Secretary Home Department, February - June 1944. In charge of Constitution and elections, jails, etc.

Acts as Additional Secretary Home Department June - July 1944. Joint Secretary July - October 1944. Additional Secretary and Provincial Transport Controller November 1944 - March 1945. Obtains Government agreement to the appointment of a full time transport Commissioner. Leave for England, four months.

Legislative Secretary, October - December 1945, Calcutta, without family. Not much work; comments on Congress and the lifting of restrictions.

Sent in February 1946 to Alipore as Additional District and Sessions Judge 24 Parganas. Difficulty in returning to court life and practice; April - October 1946, normal life of a magistrate, joined by his wife; October 1946 - February 1947, normal court life; to Dacca in February 1947 for trials of riot cases, the Muslim Ministry wanted a European Judge to try Communal cases.

The diary tails off in March - May 1947, after a note about rioting. The journal is interspersed with detailed accounts of the progress of the war, and the accounts of his journeys home on leave and what he did, also of local leave; it gives nothing like the picture of his life in India which can be drawn from his letters home. Letters home, 1927 - 1928, 1929 - 1930, 1933: these are a most vivid and interesting 'fill-in' to the journal; he writes as a young and inexperienced official of all the details which strike him, and thus gives a vivid picture of the life of the administrator both from the work, the people, the stations and European life there; he goes into great detail and provides most interesting sidelights.

 

BELL (Frank Owen) Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur D733)

Papers, notebooks and letters of Frank Owen Bell (b 1907), Indian Civil Service 1930-47, relating to his career in Bengal especially his settlement work in Rangpur and Dinajpur 1933-40.

60 items    1926 - 1947      View Contents List

 

BELL (FO) PAPERS (at Centre of South Asian Studies University of Cambridge)

Given by F.O. Bell I.C.S.

Bengal: 1930-47

Small Collections Box B1

TS Record of life in the Indian Civil Service 1930-47, by F.O. Bell.

Introduction and background training in England, first impressions in Jessore District under A.S. Larkin and S.K. Ghosh. Transferred to Burdwan Division. Settlement training. Sub-Divisions - Settlement work in Rangpur. Settlement Officer: Dinajpur. D.M. and Collector Bakarganj - D.M. and Collector Midnapore; D.M. and Collector, Dacca 1944-47; personal reflections. 51pp.

 

BELL PAPERS (at Centre of South Asian Studies University of Cambridge)

(J.M.G. Bell, I.C.S.)

Bengal 1940-1958 A Recatalogue

File 1. 1943-1947

Miscellaneous cuttings from Indian newspapers covering politics, war, famine, independence etc. July 1943 to September 1947. Many of the cuttings have comments by J.M.G. Bell. Included are some cuttings relating to Gandhi and Nehru.

Instructions to S.D.O's. from District Magistrate, J.L. Llewellyn, dated 18 November 1943 at Alipore on measures to be taken in dealing with backlog of criminal and civil cases caused by illness etc.

Letter from S.G. Taylor (Bobby) to J.M.G. Bell about necessity of decentralization in India, and the importance of the work and role of the District Officers. Alipore, 12 February 1945.

Letter to E.P. Keely dated 30 January 1945, 5pp, giving his opinions on future development in the post war period in India, with particular reference to District Administration.

Letter from E.P. Keely dated 31 January 1945 in reply to above.

File 2. 1940-1946

Tour diaries and notes made during tours in Chandpur, Kalimpong and Chittagong. 1940-43.

Confidential Note dated 18 December 1944 at Burdwan for his successor giving details of the district.

Secret report dated July 1943 on civilian appreciation of the military situation in the Arakan front (2 copies).

Note on possible reconstruction of Local Government at Kalimpong, 24 January 1942.

Notes for lecture delivered 30 November 1945. Covers History, Administration etc.

Report to the Civil Defence Commissioner at Calcutta on air raid on Chittagong, 20 December 1943.

Report on Japanese atrocities published in Statesman 19 September 1945.

8 & 9. Two Secret Reports on the political situation in Bengal for the second half of January, 1946, and for the second half of September 1946.

'Some Indian Customs'. Indian customs and some of their effects on European living conditions. 5ff

'Mohsin Ali's Village'. Life and politics in a village. 7ff.

'Agriculture in India'. Description of crops, land tenure, inheritance, etc.

Copy of Report on Japanese Atrocities.

To the Editor of the Statesman enclosing reviews of six books, dated at Burdwan, January 1947.

Correspondence between J.M.B. and Ian Stephens, Editor of the Statesman about a letter from J.M.B. and the Maharaja of Burdwan, on a letter refused publication.

Review of books.

Cutting from the Sunday Amrita Bazar Patrika 24 March 1946, containing an article by Everett Ripley, critical of British rule in India.

a & b Two letters to E. Ripley dated at Burdwan 24 March 1946, and at Darjeeling 22 April 1946 relating to the article.

Letter from E. Ripley to J.M.G. Bell dated 17 April 1946.

From J.M.G. Bell A.D.M. Chittagong to the Commissioner of Chittagong Div. 4 August 1943. Account of an incident involving the death of a clerk.

Amusing wartime incident written as a short story My Private Gun..

Answers to questionnaire. TS. Relating to work of I.C.S. officers, District organisation, administration etc., made by J.M.G. Bell when D.M. Burdwan, 28 November 1944. Appendices on Regulations, letters issued, Officers' tenure.

Confidential handing over notes on Kalimpong Sub-division. 3 April 1942.

Report from Officer-in-Charge, Gurubathan Police Station to the Circle: Inspector of Police, Kalimpong on mismanagement in the Samabeong Tea Estate, 23 August 1938. Letter from the C.I.P. Kalimpong to the S.D.O. reporting on an inspection of this Estate.

25-34. Ten tour diaries by S.D.O. Kalimpong (J.M. Bell). June 1940 March 1942.

File 3

TS script of lecture 'India and the War in the Far East', delivered 27 June 1945. 4pp.

MS article ? 'India: who'll get the best of the deal?' Reply to an article of same title by Ralph Izzard arguing the case for the prosperity of Pakistan. J.M.G. Bell disagrees under sub-headings: Food; Industry: The human element: United Bengal. 3pp.

MS article: 'Indian Prospect'. Written six weeks after Partition, on the non cooperation between India and Pakistan, and the outlook for the future, particularly for Pakistan. 3pp.

TS Enclosure 3. 'Note on recent experiences in Bengal'. Account of some Partition riots. No date, but post August 1946. 3pp.

TS copy of a letter headed 'Administration in India'. A defence of Indian administration. No date. 2pp.

Descriptive handlist of papers collected.

TS article: 'Ministers and Magistrates'. Story of fraud perpetrated against the Hon. Minister to the Government of Bengal in the Department of Woods and Forests, Mr. P.D. Raikot, which leads on to various other cases of examples of fraud in its broadest sense against Government officials. It is an article on the tensions between the Indians and English - between governed and governors. Other cases: Jiadganj and Pollard cases, 1943; Hatem Ali Jemadar v. Mr Palmer; criticism of the quality of Indian Ministers. 12 July 1944 10pp

TS article: 'A Gangtok Wedding'. Description of the wedding between the eldest daughter of H.H. the Maharaja of Sikkim and Sey Kusno Gompu Tsering Tendup of Phungkang in Tibet. The preliminary wedding at Gangtok. 5pp. 1943.

TS article: 'One dreadful month'. The month described is 31 July 1946-31 August 1946, in journal form. Describes the massacres etc. which took place in Calcutta and environs in that month, and the consequences. Described by J.M.G. Bell, who was in charge of Burdwan district. lOpp.

TS letter (7pp.) 26 June 1958 from 'Bobby', (S.G. Taylor, I.G. Police, Bengal) J.M.G. Bell's father-in-law) (q.v.) about the TS article which accompanies it: 'Last Days in India'. Comments, criticisms and corrections. The article is an expanded version of the above ? 'One dreadful month'.

Single TS copy sheet of population statistics in Bengal and their relation to Europeans, and in Calcutta, and in the whole of India 1944.

File 4

Miscellaneous cuttings, notes, lecture notes etc., relating to various subjects - India c. 1945-47.

Microfilm Box 5 No. 37

Autobiographical novel 'Dragons in the Fairway', written in journal form about events in India, August 1945 - December 1946 and, and Africa, 1947 - June 1950. Appendix 'A note on the Bengal famine', 39pp. (This is really an autobiographical journal, not a novel in any sense.)

The novel begins with description of life in the foothills of the Himalayas: Hill people and plains people; money lenders; wedding of the eldest daughter of the Maharaja of Sikkim; note on the Maharaja's sister Rani Chuni Dorji and her daughter; outstanding characters; Tibetan New Year celebrations.

War years: organization of refugee camps and comments on dishonesty; communal rioting increasing.

1946. February: tightens security schemes against revolt; beginning of 'troubles to come' in Calcutta, serious disturbances; these disturbances in connection with the Indian National Army trials at Delhi; Eurasian position; the Labour delegation. March: comment on Royal Indian Naval mutiny; diversion on reason for Westerners not mixing socially with Asiatics. April: strikes, reasons, description and solution; in Darjeeling; Tibetan situation and army. May: Hindu-Muslim rioting; methods of dealing with mob violence and raiding parties; court cases following outbreaks and Hindu-Muslim tensions there; criticism of Indian ministers. Congress and Muslim League; visit of ministers enquiring into recent rioting and the intrigues resulting from their visit. July: comments on events in Delhi, i.e., new Constitution and problem of carrying on interim government; refusal by Muslim League to enter Constituent Assembly and consequences. August: rumours of riots from Calcutta; beginnings of serious rioting around Kalna; news of the massacres in Calcutta; criticism of the Governor's action; vivid picture of the massacres in Calcutta; his own district has kept remarkably free. September: more interference from ministers. November: Calcutta Statesman talks of civil war; effects of Americans being in the area; refugees from Calcutta beginning to flood the area; attitude of the middle-class refugees; work of keeping refugees fed and in camps; law and order; strikes, cause and effect. December: ill again, considers long leave.

1947. January: voyage home after ten years; hears of Independence for August 15 1947. April: arrives home. November: reactions to being home; records what they heard of the ending of British Rule in India.

December 1947 - June 1950. Records his experiences as an Assistant Commissioner in Africa.

Appendix. 'The Bengal Famine 1942-43'. From personal experience, elementary history books, and newspapers (1) outline of earlier famines, (2) comparison of 1942-43 famine with earlier disasters and analysis of the 1942-43 famine (3) the real causes and the nature of the famine.

 

BENTHALL PAPERS (at Centre of South Asian Studies University of Cambridge)

(Sir Edward C. Benthall)

Given by Sir Paul Benthall

All India, but mainly Bengal: 1928 - 1956

A detailed list of the contents of each box is in the archive of the Centre of South Asian Studies.

BOX I

1928-1929:

File marked 'No.10'. November and December 1928

Business correspondence received while in England on leave. Information regarding railways - reports on Titaguhr Mills - use of bamboo to make paper etc. - Carnatic paper mills - Government contract for paper - future sales policy. 175pp.

File marked 'No.13'. December 1928 - January 1929

Mostly business correspondence received in England while on leave. Staff changes - labour problems at Paper Mills - notes on discussion regarding Burrakur Coal Co. - Contract with Tata Iron & Steel Co. - manganese - details of Jute Mills policy - Assam Saw Mills - Punjab Sugar Corporation Ltd. - production of jute at various companies such as Assam Saws, Cement, Jute & Manganese - Madras and Silvertown Oils - Lord Cable's Estate, with reasons for not making Bird & Co. a Limited Company. 180pp.

BOX II

1931-1932:

File No.3. December 1931 - July 1932

Business and political correspondence. Artificial ghee - Jute Mills - journey to England on leave - interview with Gandhi in Bombay - arrest of Gandhi - Inchcape's illness, possible death and the resulting effect of shipping shares - appointment to the Consultative Committee of the Round Table Conference - return to Calcutta - resolution passed by the Bombay Chamber of Commerce, 6 January 1932 - Lord Cable's Estate - financial affairs of Bird & Co. - India Publications Limited with list of firms supporting it - financial problems of W.L. Carey - staff shortage - Hindu and Moslem tension - notes and supports on coal mines - Chartered Bank of India - Calcutta Electrical Supply Corporation - U.K. tarriffs - draft accounts of F.W. Heilgers & Co. and Bird & Co. - East African Investment Co. Ltd. - Anglo South American Bank.

File marked 'Gandhi'. 1931

Various papers, notes and letters from and about Gandhi. Also Birla, Sir Maurice Gwyer, Sir Hubert Carr, Sir P. Thakurdas, Ramsay Macdonald - London, October 1931 - Newspaper cuttings about Gandhi.

File marked '1931-1932, chronologically arranged from back to front'.

Correspondence relating to the Round Table Conference where Benthall served on a sub-committee to consider Financial and Commercial safeguards. Also on meetings with Gandhi in London. Others such as Birla, Mody, Sapru, Sir Hubert Carr, the Prime Minister (Ramsay Macdonald), the Aga Khan, Tegart; Mrs. Naidu, Lady Reading, Mrs. Subbarayan, the Viceroy (Willingdon) and many others connected with the R.T.C. in London. Gandhi's visit to Eton.

BOX III

April, May, June 1933:

File contains correspondence and memorandum of Sir Edward Benthall while he was in London serving as witness to the Joint Select Committee to the R.T.C.

Subjects: The views of the Indian Chamber of Commerce, North India Commercial Seat, Lancashire, purchase of Indian cotton, Commercial Safeguards, Employers' Federation of India.

File marked 'Special Political Memoranda - Summer 1933'

Contents: Papers relating to the Bengal Chamber of Commerce, Circular letters; Commercial Safeguards, Federal Finance; the Assam Oil Company; Proposals for Indian Constitutional Reform.

BOX IV

File marked 'Political Summer 1933'

Contents: 1933 unless otherwise stated. Correspondence dealing with membership to the International Chamber of Commerce - terrorism in Bengal - Bird & Co. business - re-organisation of the European Association - the Anglo-Indian Community - The Morning Post - the Communal Award - the transfer of Law and Order powers - Special Branches - C.I.D. - the political climate in Bengal - finances for the Star of India - European Representation on Legislature - Cotton Piece goods.

File marked 'Special Political Memoranda. Summer 1933'

Contents: On the White Paper for Indian Constitutional Reforms - Bengal Industries Association - The Road-Rail Conference in April - The Workmen's Compensation Act 1923 - correspondence with the Assam Oil Company and the Burmah Oil Company - the European Group serving on the Joint Select Committee - annual reports for the Company.

BOX V

File containing correspondence from the year 1933 while E.B. was in England.

Contents: Advertising in Star of India (Nazimuddin) - Reforms and Income Tax - Central organisation of Chambers of Commerce - progress of Joint Select Committee - Assam branch of European Associations opposition Capital Expenditure Scheme (Runciman) - Cotton (India, Japan and Lancashire) - Morning Post, letters from Europeans against the White Paper's proposed Reforms - Anglo-Indian and Domiciled Europeans - Northern India Commercial Seat, - The Reserve Bank. 241 pp.

File marked 'Special Political Memoranda, Summer 1933'

Contents: Political memoranda on the proposals for Indian Constitutional Reform relating to the State Bank of India, Chambers of Commerce, Commercial Safeguards. Also memoranda relating to the Thirteenth Congress of the Chambers of Commerce of the British Empire in July. 153pp.

BOX VI

1935, August 13 - December 30:

Correspondence received while on leave in England. Iron and steel including correspondence with Sir Nowrasjee Saklatwala about a possible merger between Tata Iron & Steel Company of Bombay and the Bengal Iron Company. 273 pp.

File marked 'Political File from June 1935 to September 1935'

Mostly business letters received while on leave in England. Reserve Bank of India, letters and circulars - share issue - Provident Fund Regulations - The Associated Chambers of Commerce of India - letters from Bird & Co., - notes on the Simla session of the Legislative Assembly, September 1935 - Industrial Bulletin of the Employers' Federation of India - the political organisation of the Europeans in Bengal with reference to Sir John Anderson. 320pp.

BOX VII

Diaries kept by E.B. 1929-1933 and 1942-1946:

Business affairs set against events in India. Many political discussions both with Indian and British leaders. Visit to Sikkim. The Cripps' Mission. Tours various parts of India. Effects of the war on India. E.B.'s views on the Government and the feelings he encounters.

BOX VIII

Two files containing a collection of newspaper political cartoons from 1942-46:

Various articles and speeches on the business community in India. Documents and photographs concerned with the port of Bombay disaster in 1944. Letters from Sri Prakasa 1948-1959. Part of a TS entitled 'A History of India, 1942- 1957'.

BOX IX

File labelled 'Sir E.C. Benthall, Political File, 1935 from October'.

Subjects cover The Reserve Bank - E.B. invited to serve on Company Law Committee by Sir Nripendranath Sircar - the Vickers' proposals presentation to Sir Hubert and Lady Carr at Claridges Hotel in London; elections of the Directors of the Reserve Bank - formation of a Constitutional Party: the European viewpoint - the establishing of an Indian Institute of International Affairs - employing A.D. Curtis-Miller - conversations with Sir James Grigg on the need for reform at the centre as being of the utmost importance. 200pp.

File No. 2A, September to November 1935:

Business correspondence concerning coal mines, jute mills, railways, government interventions into industries, engineering works, Company Law Reform. 450pp.

BOX X

File containing correspondence while E.B. was in England from June - September 1935:

Bird & Co., business affairs: Jute Mill interests - Association working agreement - Quetta reconstruction - Karanpura Development Co. and Bisra Stone Lime Co. - employment of staff - Coimbatore Cement Co. - R. Steel & Co. Ltd. - Ramgarh Estate at Hazaribagh - Indian Red Cross Society in Bengal - F.W. Heilgers & Co., Rangoon - Steel Baling Co. - Government intervention in the Jute Trade - the Lindridge Lease (E.B.'s residence in Devon). 615pp.

BOX XI

1937

March to July 1937. Business and private correspondence received while on leave in England.

Coal mine reports, i.e. Kavanpura - Societa Marmifera Italiana - Jute Mills - staff appointments - Kumardhubi Steel Foundry - Assam Saw Mills - Karanpura Leases - business negotiations in Japan (Mr. Tapuchi) - unemployment of undergraduates - Eastern Minerals Ltd. Jute Mills Apprentice Scheme - Financial position of both firms July 1937 - Sirka Bose Coal Mine - labour difficulties - Foundation ceremony of the Dalmis Cement Company in Karachi - Journal of the Indian Society of Oriental Art (Luzac & Co.) - Isco Iron Ore - Lady Benthall's ill health - position of the Star of India - resignation of C.H. Jenner - Trade Unions in Jute Mills - requests for positions in India - Coal Contracts - Katras Coalmine - Rai Bahadur Promatha Nath Mullick, - Draft speech on the founding of Calcutta by Job Charnock - Rules for the granting of Retiring Allowance for Indian Staff in Head Office - Somakunda Baling Share - Note on Chandigarh sandstone deposits - pig iron for Japan. 483pp.

BOX XII

File marked 'Political Correspondence received while on leave in England, February to August 1937':

Printed matter related to the International Chamber of Commerce and typed circulars from the Associated Chambers of Commerce of India and the Federation of Chambers of the British Empire - the European Group, Bengal Legislature - correspondence between E.C. Benthall and members of Bird & Co. in Calcutta and various. Indian politicians - Jute Mills strike - Society for the Protection of Children in India - Ottawa Agreement - Bengal Budget for 1937/38 - Indian Jute Mills Association Bengal - political situation - Jute Mills and labour - papers relating to a meeting held at Chatham House in June on cultural relations between the West and India. 417pp.

BOX XIII

Three files containing business and political correspondence received while in England, July to December 1937:

Reports on the coal mines and Jute Mills - propaganda leaflets encouraging strike action - iron ore to Japan - dealings with Tata Iron & Steel Co. staff arrangements and home leave - safeguards for European policy. Papers and letters to do with the Insurance Bill have references to many of the then political leadership such as Nehru, Desai, Sircar and Jinnah. 882pp.

BOX XIV

File of general correspondence, mostly business, received while on leave in England 1937/38:

Strikes at the Jute Mills - a copy of an account of the arrival in Calcutta in 1908 of one of Heilger's early employees - Birds audited accounts - communist activity amongst the firm's dock labour - inefficiency of the Calcutta Electric supply. 540pp.

BOX XV

File of business and political correspondence received while in London at the Ministry of Economic Affairs from August - December 1941:

Sugar production - letters and reports from mines and mills - releasing men in business for combatant service in war irrespective of the effect on commerce - British views of the position in India. 562pp.

BOX XVI

1941:

Business and political correspondence received while at the Ministry of Economic Affairs from January - April 1941:

Possibility of newsprint manufacture in India - labour unions - the opinions of various Indian leaders on India's future, British war policy and the state of Indian business and commerce (letter no. 16) - Jute Mills position - staff problems, cost of living - minutes of partners' meetings - letters and reports on various mines, mills and factories - staff salaries. 485pp

BOX XVII

April 1941 - May 1942:

Correspondence received while in England at the Ministry of Economic Warfare.

Ministry and Indian correspondence and reports from Associations - the European Group in the Bengal Legislature - comments on various Indian leaders - letters expressing views of members of the European Association on their position in India - reactions of the Muslim League - Congress National Party - Commercial Safeguards - diaries of events in India - publicity for India in the U.K. and U.S.A.; dock labour - British Constitutional Reform in India - the Roger Mission - Propaganda for India. 516pp.

BOX XVIII

1942:

General correspondence from January to May 1942 when in England attached to the Ministry of Economic Affairs. Deals with business and political matters in India, reports of companies and output of mills and mines - minutes of partners' meetings - precautions against emergencies in Calcutta - different measures prepared in case of invasion - A.R.P. activity - paper supplies - sugar market - strikes at mills - memorandum on jute industries -general conditions of everyday life - formation of labour battalion. 5,04pp.

BOX XIX

File marked 'Politics, 1940' - Covering the years 1939-1944:

Correspondence with Sir John Herbert, Lord Linlithgow and Auchinleck. Published correspondence between Linlithgow and Gandhi.

Copies of the minutes of the Executive Council's meetings from July-October 1942 approximately, covering the Congress campaign and the Working Committee's Resolution. Papers by E.B. on the political situation in India at that time. Notes, in diary form, taken after discussion with various Indian political leaders. Various other letters and papers connected with the European Association, expansion of the Air force and several newspaper cuttings. 390pp.

BOX XX

Two files containing newspaper cuttings, miscellaneous notes and statistics all relating to Indian currency and Indian financial management and the establishment of a State Bank. Various parliamentary papers on those subjects, covering the years 1912/13 and 1931/32 and 1939. 194pp.

BOX XXI

Typed paper entitled, 'The Political Situation in India in March 1940' 69pp.

Short stories and articles mostly by E.B. and extracts from 'The First Letter Book of the East India Company 1600- 1619'. A record of John Benthall working as a mercantile assistant in 1630 approximately.

BOX XXII

Miscellaneous letters, mostly personal - collection of newspaper cuttings from India and England, mostly relating to the time Sir Edward was War Minister for Transport 1942/43. 304pp.

Envelope marked C with three unidentified photographs.

BOX XXIII

Mostly pamphlets, newspapers and letters relating to Indian Railways, covering 1908-1947. 183pp.

BOX XXIV

Printed pamphlets relating to the Bengal Chamber of Commerce covering 1904-1956.

BOX XXV

Printed pamphlets of a political and parliamentary nature 1913-1956.

BOX XXVI

Biography of Geoffrey Garratt.

BOX XXVII

Benthall family correspondence from 1827-1875.

BOX XXVIII

Letters and papers of Edward Benthall 1837-1855

BOX XXIX

Family correspondence to and from India 1826-1893

BOX XXX

Diaries of Clementine Benthall in India 1841-1853

BOX XXXI

84 water-colour sketches of scenes in Bengal 1842-55 and Burma 1849.

BENTHALL PAPERS

BOX XXI

Given by Sir (Arthur) Paul Benthall. Sir Paul joined Bird & Co. and F.W. Heilgers & Co. of Calcutta in 1924; he was Vice-President, Bengal Chamber of Commerce in 1947 and its President in 1948.

Typescript notes by Sir Paul, written in 1970, of encounters with three Indian leaders at the time of partition:

H. S. Suhrawardy. Describes negotiation with Suhrawardy as a labour leader. Considers his part in 1943 Bengal Famine and allegation that he engineered grain shortages to raise prices. Believes that League's activities at time of partition were financed by Bengal Famine.

Gandhi. Describes interview with Gandhi in Calcutta during autumn of 1947. Gandhi was seeking help of businessmen in rebuilding the city. Twenty minutes after meeting, mob of young Hindus attempted to attack Gandhi. Gives account of this.

Nehru. Met Nehru many times and although was treated with much charm believes discussions were entirely useless. Describes their work together on Gandhi Memorial Fund. Once, when in Calcutta, Nehru had violently reacted to suggestion that Indian Army should intervene in East Pakistan to protect Hindus. This was entirely typical of man. 6pp.

 

BENTHALL (Arthur Paul), Sir Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur R139)

Tape recording of interview, given 1983, by Sir (Arthur) Paul Benthall (b 1902), employee and later partner of Bird & Company and F W Heilgers (merchants and managing agents), Calcutta, on his life and career in India 1924- c1950.

2 cassettes    1924 - 1950

 

BENTHALL PAPERS(at Centre of South Asian Studies University of Cambridge)

Sir Edward Charles Benthall. Partner, Bird & Co. from 1923; Governor, Imperial Bank of India 1928-30; Member, Bengal Legislative Assembly 1934-35; Member, Governor-General's Executive Council, War Transport and Railways 1942-46.

Additional material given by Mr R.P. Benthall (son).

Books:

A history of Bird & Co. By M.S. Jacomb-Hood. 2 Vols. Calcutta: Privately printed for the Company, 1929.

The Cable: the house magazine of the Birds & Heilgers Group. 4 Vols, 1950-64. [Lord Cable (1859-1927) joined Bird & Co. in 1881 and was made a Partner in 1886.]

BOX 31

1. Will and Codicils of Lord Cable. Will dated 30 October 1925; First Codicil dated 3 December 1926; Second Codicil dated 14 March 1927. 38ff.

2. Memoranda with appendices on the Estate of Lord Cable. 107pp in various pagings.

3. Lithograph book relating to the 'Mulberry Scheme'. This related to a large number of proposed transactions mainly concerning Eastern Investments Ltd. On 13 May 1946 the Trustees authorised the Standard Trust Co. Ltd to proceed with the Scheme. 58ff.

 

BEVAN (K) PAPERS (at Centre of South Asian Studies University of Cambridge)

Donated by K.W. Bevan

Calcutta 1931-c. 1951

Small Collections Box B1

'India'. A TS account written in 1980 of first impressions made by the country on a young man, (himself), who had gone to Calcutta to work in a firm of Chartered Accountants. He compares the life and responsibilities of a young member of a firm in the 1930s and the 1980s.

'Work in India' describes the differences between work in a Calcutta firm and one in England. He describes the Managing Agency. Mentions the role of banks in the business world of Calcutta. 33pp.

 

BIRKMYRE PAPERS (at Centre of South Asian Studies University of Cambridge)

Given by Sir Henry and Lady Birkmyre

Bengal: 1880 - 1945

Small Collections Box B1

Hastings Air Base: Headquarters U.S.A.A.F. India-Burma Theater.

Printed December 1945.

A pictorial record of Hastings Factory in World War II when it was turned from a jute factory into the U.S.A.A.F. H.Q. Hastings Mill had been owned by the Birkmyre's who bought the land (previously owned. by Warren Hastings as a summer home) and in 1874 built the first jute mill in India. It became the largest mill under one roof. The mill was dismantled by the U.S.A.A.F. and after the war reassembled by them.

Brief history of the Birkmyre connection with India written in a letter by Sir Henry on 3 December 1975.

Copy of pictorial record of Hastings Factory during the 1914-18 War when the factory changed from jute manufacture to munitions.

Copy of Scrapbook of newspaper cuttings about Lt. Colonel A.M. Shewell of the Bombay Staff Corps who died from wounds received in the retreat from Kandahar on the 2 September 1880. (Lt. Colonel Shewell was Lady Birkmyre's grandfather).

Copy of a MS letter written on 7 November 1897 by an officer in an unnamed regiment supporting the Dorset and Northamptonshire Regiments in an action on the N.W.F.P. The letter vividly describes the action and subsequent forays and retributive sorties.

 

BOLT PAPERS (at Centre of South Asian Studies University of Cambridge)

Donated by SF Bolt

Small Collections Box B2

TS copy of journal entry for 3.7.1945 regarding the feeding of whale flesh to Indian Troops

 

BOR PAPERS (at Centre of South Asian Studies University of Cambridge)

Donated by Dr. N.L. Bor, Director of Assam Relief Measures

Small Collections Box B2

TS copy of 'Report of Relief Measures in Assam.' (47 pp.)

The Japanese campaign of 1944.

The birth of Assam relief measures.

The base camp - Bokajan.

Relief:

Interim Relief:

Interim relief

Medical Arrangements

Permanent Relief:

Source of supplies

Feeding the afflicted population

The rebuilding of houses

Replacement of household effects

Replacement of livestock

Transport

Staff

Afforestation

Vegetable seeds and grafts

Retrospect

Acknowledgements

Map: Untitled map drawn to accompany above report

 

BOSE PAPERS (at Centre of South Asian Studies University of Cambridge)

(Mrs. Irene Bose)

Given through the good offices of Dr. Ruth Hardy.

Central Provinces C. 1926 - 1974.

BOX I

Unwoven carpet of Hindustan. by Irene Base. A memoir written by Mrs. Bose from time to time throughout her life in India.

(C.1926 - 1974). TS 211 pp.

Beginning of welfare work in cotton mill - mistakes and problems - the enormous social problems, customs and beliefs - the tragedy and the beauty of Indian village life.

Marries Vivian Bose, an Indian, and a High Court Judge. Description of the family house and city. Entrance into the family and an appreciation of the great personality of her husband's grandfather. Household management.

Starts educational village work again. Picks on Koradi as being suitable.

Preliminary discussions in the village for permission to begin.

Miss D., the social worker, begins with medicine. Her reception. Results of this medical beginning. Miss D. moves to a house nearby in Mahdulla.

Time-sense in timeless people. Lord Irwin, Bhagwat the headman, and the well. Profile of Bhagwat. Progress and village life. Characters and small incidents in village life.

A journey into the jungle. Christmas in tribal territory.

Entertaining a variety of people in the war.

Beginning a new village school. Success and problems of water and caste. Adult classes begin. Comments and incidents which the school brings.

The multifarous consequences of the school. First visit to grandfather's house in Calcutta. Traditional relationships.

Description of a three day fair for children.

Famine - and famine relief organisation - aspects of hunger.

Discussions about religious beliefs and marriage.

Jumble sale and the incredible jumble.

Famine again - broken rice sold. Critique of government policy -Grain shop and the tragedies of famine.

Grain shop put on Government rationing scheme. Incidents in the grain shop.

From grain ship to Investiture.

An act of great courtesy done by the men of the village.

The visit of a saddhu.

The case of a boy with a broken hip.

Goats.

Three day Viceregal visit to the city.

Gandhi - incidents of meetings.

The visit of a Scandinavian woman who tries unsuccessfully to reform the village.

Incidents of a sick child, a sick woman, a kitten - all indicative of Indian village life.

Dasera Festival described.

Statue of Queen Victoria.

Incident of a woman who had been imprisoned during the war as part of the Quit India Movement.

Small, very illustrative incidents of life in India and Indian characteristics.

Flashback to cholera epidemic, and the fight against superstition, ignorance, and the disease.

News of Gandhi's death and the following day of universal common prayer.

BOX II

1&2. Autobiographical papers: 'You ask how my life in India began?' (2 copies each 13pp.).

Christmas letter written by Vivian Bose, her husband, telling of illness and death of Irene, 1975. 10pp.

Biographical sketch. 4pp.

37 Letters, mostly to her parents, written 1924-1968, mainly about welfare work. Gandhi's death - etc.

Undated letters and jottings.

21 Stories written by Irene Bose reflecting her life and experiences in India.

'We Poor' Survey: a research project from U.S.I.S. on Villages. The supporting questions are present but answers are vague.

9&10 Two notebooks of poems and descriptions of India written by Irene Bose.

11&12 Two notebooks of poems collected by Irene Bose.

 

BOWMAN (Archibald Ian)  Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur F229)

Bowman Collection: papers of Archibald Ian Bowman (1915-87), Indian Civil Service, United Provinces 1937-47, chiefly relating to his role in the Lushai Hills Total Defence Scheme and `V' Force 1942-44, and his continuing interest in the Lushai (or Mizo) people after independence; also papers of Maj Anthony Gilchrist McCall (1895- 1978), Superintendent of the Lushai Hills 1931-43.

64 items    1937 - 1987      View Contents List

 

BOYES PAPERS (at Centre of South Asian Studies University of Cambridge)

Donated by Diana F. Boyes

Calcutta 1890-1939

Small Collecctions Box B2

A brief memoir of her parents' life written in 1980, and her own as a young child in India, 1927-1932. By Diana F. Boyes: written in 1980.

Her father was G.H. Rothera, a partner in Burn & Co. Calcutta.

 

BROWN (Frank Herbert), Sir Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur E253)

Correspondence and papers of Sir Frank Herbert Brown (1868-1959), journalist in India, later London correspondent of 'Times of India'; editorial staff of `The Times' 1929-54 for Indian and Eastern affairs.

9 items    1929 - 1946      View Contents List

 

BROWN (Muriel ) Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur E354

Brown Collection: papers of Mrs Muriel Brown (1874-1943), daughter of Sir Adelbert Talbot, Indian Political Service 1872-1900, and of her husband Percy Brown (1872-1955), Indian Educational Service 1899-1927, secretary and curator, Victoria Memorial Hall, Calcutta 1927-47, mainly comprising personal correspondence with her husband, father, daughter and friends.

125 items    1878 - 1945      View Contents List

 

BUTLER (Spencer Harcourt), Sir Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur F116)

Butler Collection: correspondence and papers of Sir (Spencer) Harcourt Butler (1869-1938), Indian Civil Service, United Provinces 1890-1928; Foreign Secretary, Government of India 1908-10; Education Member, Governor- General's Council 1910-15; Lieutenant-Governor of Burma 1915-18; Lieutenant-Governor 1918, and Governor 1921-22 of United Provinces; Governor of Burma 1923-27; Chairman, Indian States Committee 1928.

112 items    1881 - 1938      View Contents List

 

 

          ___C________________________________________________________

 

CALCUTTA DINNER COLLECTION Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur F283)

Calcutta Dinner Collection: papers relating to the organization of the annual Calcutta Dinner held in London 1902- 69 for ex- Calcutta businessmen.

63 items    1902 - 1969      View Contents List

 

CARTER PAPERS (at Centre of South Asian Studies University of Cambridge)

(M.O. Carter)

MS and TS memoirs, Chittagong District:

'Bose Bros.' pp. 1-2

'The political situation 1942-43.' pp. 3-4

'Ode to Fazlal Huq.' p. 4

'The 1943 famine.' pp. 5-6

'C'est la guerre 1944' (capture of Akyab-Chittagong), p. 7

'Trouble in 1946' (mention of Gandhi p.13). pp. 8-13

'Introduction of air survey in Bengal.' pp. 14-15

Material received later:

'Customs of the people.' pp. 1-2

Poem: 'The Mong, the Bohmong, and the Chakma.'

'European social life.' pp. 1-3

Poem: 'Calcutta - January 1943.'

 

CARTER, W.H PAPERS (at Centre of South Asian Studies University of Cambridge)

(Major W.H. Carter)

1 photograph album of photos of Chittagong, Kuki punitive expedition, Nepal, Kashmir, army life, Imphal.

TS Report of Sessions Trial No. 2 of 6th Session 1922 in the court of the Additional Sessions Judge Bakarganj-Bengal: Emperor vs Saheruddi. Charge to the jury. W.H. Carter, 4 July 1922. 21 pp.

Letter in Pitman's shorthand from W.H. Carter (Captain and Adjutant 3rd Assam Rifles, Imphal) from Tamenglon, Manipur State, to his brother in Liverpool. With transliteration. 9 April 1919.

Map of Bengal.

Driving licence, Chittagong, 1921.

Books presented:

Holderness, Sir T.W. 'Peoples and problems of India.' (n.d. but probably 1911.)

Marsham, John Clark. Abridgement of the history of India from the earliest period to the present time. New ed. with map. 1893.

Bahadur, Rai Nibaron Chandra Dasgupta. The practice and profession of law ... with a 'Foreword' by W.H. Carter. Calcutta, 1926.

 

CHAPMAN PAPERS (at Centre of South Asian Studies University of Cambridge)

Papers of John Alexander Chapman (Librarian of the Imperial Library Calcutta 1911-1930). (Recatalogued on accession of new material given by Mrs. M. Craig, the daughter of J. A. Chapman).

Given by G.D.M. Bullard, and Mrs. M. Craig.

India general:

Box I

Three TS bound volumes of a journal/log book/miscellany, typed on the back of the galley proofs of Denison Ross's Both Ends of the Candle which includes memoirs of India, and other literary figures of the era (1930s) in India. No date. (See Box VI).

Two volumes bound TS of letters to Dora Ross, 1911-39.

Denison and Dora Ross (parts of unfinished books) TS bound, no date, but post 1943.

Nobody's letters to F.G.E. and M.G.N. (Chapman's sisters) TS, bound, 1936-43. Three volumes.

Box II

Ten volumes of quotations, comments., etc. indexed in pencil at the end of each volume, but the index is not alphabetical.

Miscellaneous offprints, etc.

The Asiatic Review, July 1949: Literary India II The religious poetry of India by Dr. Ranjee G. Shahani.

Three letters from E.H.W. Meyerstein to J. A. Chapman, 1940.

14 fascicles of TS - literary journal, and diary of bird-watching.

Box III

The Epic of Islam:

Book One: Arabia and Mecca. Privately printed 1950. (A second copy)

Book Two: Judaism and Islam. Privately printed 1950. (Preface and poem).

Book Three: Muhammed in Mecca, TS 1953

Book Four: Muhammed in Medina (bound together with Book Three)

Book Five: Hazrat 'Ali. TS 25pp.

Book Six: Karbala. Privately printed 1950.

The Last Book: TS Bound, 107pp, 1950.

Poems, by J.A.C. Calcutta, 1905. Denison Ross's copy.

TS Poems, 34pp.

4 TS articles and poems, and 1 MS trans.

Box IV

Printed Books by J. A. Chapman (see list of books)

Box V

War, Poems, by J. A. Chapman. Savile Press 1951.

War, TS proof of 21.

War, TS proof of 21 with additional material mostly from Dante.

TS Notebooks and books:

Dante and Milton.

Poems n.d.

Hopkins, a commentary, 1951.

Persephone, 1953 (a poem).

Reading, 1956.

Box VI

29 and 30. A French Commonplace Book I and II.

a. Both Ends of the Candle, the autobiography of Sir E. Denison Ross, with a foreword by Lawrence Binyon. London, Faber & Faber, 1943.

b. TS. A critical commentary on Denison Ross's autobiography (31a) by J. A. Chapman. 137pp.

Supplement to the Catalogue of the Persian MSS in the Oriental Public Library at Bankipore (Volume II) by Manlavi Abdul Muqtadir Khan Bahadur. Patna, Government Printing, Bihar and Orissa, 1933.

Box VII

MS notebook of quotations entitled This English Language, by J. A. Chapman.

34 and 35. Two MS notebooks entitled 'D's diary U.S.A.' (Diary of visit to U.S.A. by Dora Ross). n.d.

TS parody on the Athanasian Creed entitled 'The Triarchic Faith', about the Government of India. 3pp.

In his own country: an Anglo-Indian play in one act, by E. A. Horne, n.d.

The political system of British India with special reference to the recent constitutional changes by E. A. Horne (Indian Educational Service), Oxford 1922.

TS Article on Sayyid Abu Muhammad. 18pp, n.d.

TS Persian and Indian poems by J. A. Chapman, 1934 and 1937.

Christus Natus Est, published by author J. A. Chapman at the Imperial Library, Metcalfe Hall, Calcutta, 1923.

a & b. Religious Lyrics of Bengal by John Alexander Chapman. The Book Co., College Square, Calcutta, 1926 (2 copies).

Address by Dr. W. A. Jenkins, Vice-Chancellor, at the Annual Degree Convocation of the University of Dacca, 4 December 1955. 15pp.

Address by Dr. W. A. Jenkins, Vice-Chancellor, University of Dacca ... at the 8th Pakistan Science Congress, 16 January 1956. 10pp.

Poems, by Henry Martin, Peshawar, 1929.

Poems, by Henry Martin, Peshawar, 1930.

Box VIII

File marked: 'Eastern Poetry', containing 43 articles, reviews, letters, etc. ranging from 'The cultural root of the revolutionary and terrorist movement in India', to 'Hafiz, and Malherbe', 'The Poetic East', 'Mahatma Gandhi' and 'The Literary Approach to India' and 'Modern Indian Poetry'. 343pp.

File marked: 'Letters from Nabboo' (being the Mohommad Amir Haider Khan, brother of the Raja of Mahmudabad) from Lucknow and London. Also contains J. A. Chapman's further notes on Eastern poetry and Islam, and 'Naboo's' comments. 568pp.

File marked: 'Gleanings Dora' but containing copies of obituary notices, some written by J. A. Chapman for Professor V. Barthold; Henry Beveridge; Professor E. G. Browne; M. Henri Cordier; Lord Curzon; Dr. T. W. Rhys Davids; Robert Scott Greenshields; de Stael Holstein; D. S. Margoliouth; F.W.K. Muller; Professor Meillet; Dr. F. Rosen; M. Emile Senart: Guy Le Strange.

Microfilm

(Box 4, No.29)

TS. 'A poet in India'

This is in the nature of a commonplace book, compiled while Librarian at Imperial Library in Calcutta. Consists of quotations of and meditations and thoughts on Indian and English poetry and prose, and Christianity and Hinduism.

Notes on: his book Christus Natus Est - a reply to Lady Mayo's book - comments. A number of explanations of Hindu and Buddhist mystical and philosophical terms.

The Rajakumar Sahib of Mahmudabad. The effect of Indian literature on Europe and America. The wrong things have been translated. Comments on what has been translated and the translators. Charles Russell; Edward Fitzgerald; Cowell; K. K. Chatterji; Dr. Gilbert Carter. Comments on translation of poetry, particularly Eastern poetry, and its reception in the West. Comments on the Princes. Sayyid Abu Muhammad. Denison Ross. Lord Hailey and the vernacular literature of India. Comments on the makers of Pakistan. Further history of his attempt to interest England in the vernacular literatures of India. The British Council in India. Notes on: Persian poetry; B. S. Mitter; Educational Service; Sunni Muslims. Attitude towards British rule in India - his own and by Indians; race-prejudice; the Copyright Act.

Ends abruptly.

 

CHATTERJEE PAPERS (at Centre of South Asian Studies University of Cambridge)

(Lady Chatterjee, widow of Sir Atul Chandra Chatterjee)

Books presented:

Allan, J., Wolseley Haig, T. and Dodwell, H.H. The Cambridge shorter history of India. Cambridge, 1934.

Angel, T. 'Guldasta-I-Shujaet or life of Lieutenant Colonel John Baptist.' MS & TS.

Arberry, A.J. The library of the India Office; a historical sketch. London, 1938.

Association of Women's Institutes in Ceylon. Twenty-second annual report. 1951-1952.

Ayyar, C.P.V. Town planning in ancient Dekkan. Madras, 1916.

Barnett, L.D. The heart of India; sketches in the history of Hindu religion and morals. London, 1913.

Bernier, F. Travels in the Mogul Empire, A.D. 1656-1668. ... 2nd ed. London, 1914.

'The Bhagavad-Gita'. Sanskrit text, with free translation into English ... London, 1905.

Bhandarkar, R.G. Early history of the Dekkan down to the Mahomedan conquest 2nd ed. Bombay, 1895.

Bhargava, B. Indigenous banking in ancient and medieval India. Bombay, 1934

Bible. New Testament. The New Testament in the Marathi language. London, 1864

Birdwood, G.C.M. Sva. Edited by F.H. Brown. London, 1915

Broughton, G.M. Labour in Indian industries. London, 1924.

Brown, P. Indian architecture (Buddhist and Hindu periods.) Bombay, n.d.

Brown, P. Indian painting. Calcutta, n.d.

Buckland, C.E. Dictionary of Indian biography. London, 1906.

Burgess, J. The chronology of modern India for four hundred years from the close of the fifteenth century, AD 1494- 1894. Edinburgh, 1913.

Burnett-Hurst, A.R. Labour and housing in Bombay .... London, 1925.

Caldecott, R.M. The Life of Berber, Emperor of Hindostan. London, 1844.

Chakravarti, H.L. Elements of Hindu law for students. 16th ed. Calcutta, 1929.

Chatterjee, A.C. The new India. London, 1948.

Chaturvedi, S.N. An educational survey of a district .... Allahabad, 1935.

Clark, W.E. Indian conceptions of immortality. Cambridge, Mass., 1934.

Clow, A.G. The Indian Workmen's Compensation. Act (VIII of 1923). 2nd ed. Allahabad, 1924.

Clow, A.G. The state and industry .... Calcutta, 1928.

Das, R.K. 'Child labour in India.' Reprinted from International Labour Review Vol. XXVIII no. 6 and Vol. XXIX no. 1. Geneva, 1934.

Das, R.K. 'Woman labour in India.' Reprinted from International Labour Review Vol. XXIV nos. 4-5. Geneva, 1931.

Day, L.B. Folk tales of Bengal. London, 1912.

Durai, J.C. and Miles, G.E. Questions and answers in Hindu and Mahommedan law. London, 1935.

Famine Inquiry Commission. Report on Bengal. 1945.

Fergusson, J. History of Indian and Eastern architecture. 2 vols. New York, 1891.

'The Filose family of Gwalior.' Xerox copy, n.d.

Ganguli, S. Essays and criticisms; being a collection of articles selected from ... the Calcutta Review ... the Modern Review and the Presidency College Magazine. London, 1927.

Gedge, E.C. and Choksi, M. eds. Woman in modern India. Bombay, 1929.

Ghose, A.C. The principles of Anglo-Mohammedan Law. 4th ed. Calcutta, 1927.

Ghose, M. Love-songs and elegies. London, 1898.

Gidvani, M.M. Shah Abdul Latif. London, 1922.

Gopal, M.E. Mauryan public finance. London, 1935.

Government of India Act, 1935 ... London, H.M.S.O., 1940.

Gradmann, B. Indische Miniaturen. Berne, 1949.

Gupta, J.N. Life and works of Romesh Chunder Dutt. London, 1911.

Gupta, S.C.D. An easy Indian history for the young. 3rd ed. rev. Dacca, 19:

'H.C.' A brief survey of Indian history from the earliest times to the present day. Calcutta, 1936

Halifax, E. The Indian problem. London, 1942.

A handbook for travellers in India, Burma and Ceylon; including all British India, the Portuguese and French possessions, and the protected native States. 10th ed. London, 1920.

Harris, F.R. Jamsetji Nusserwanji Tata: a chronicle of his life. London, 1925.

Hartog, M. India in outline. Cambridge, 1944.

Hartog, M. Living India. London, 1935.

Hartog, P. Some aspects of Indian education past and present. London, 1939.

Haward, E. A picture of India; its history, people and government. London, n.d.

Home, A. ed. Rammohun Roy, the man and his work. Calcutta, 1933.

Howard, H.F. India and the gold standard. Calcutta, 1911.

India. The constitution of India (as modified up to May 1st, 1955). Delhi, 1955.

India. Health survey and development committee. Survey. Vol. 1. Delhi, 1946.

India. Legislative department. The code of criminal procedure (Act V of 1898) as amended up to date. Edited by B.B. Mitra. 5th ed. Calcutta, 1926.

India. Legislative department. The Indian Evidence Act, 1872 (Act No.I of 1872) as modified up to the lst July 1911. Calcutta, 1924

India. Railway department. Tourist map of India. n.d.

Indian and Pakistan year book. Vol. XXXI 1944-45; Vol. XXIV 1948. Bombay.

Ismail, M. My public life; recollections and reflections of Sir Mirza Ismail. London, 1954.

36

The Jayaji Pratap. 1. Birthday number, 1920; 2. 12 February 1925, 'The late Sardar Sir Michael Filose.'

Jevons, H.S. Money, banking and exchange in India. Simla, 1922.

Journal of the Indian Society of Oriental Art. Vol. I, 1933; vol. III, 1935; vol. IV, no. 1, June 1936.

Kabir. One hundred poems; ... translated by Rabindranath Tagore assisted by Evelyn Underhill. London, 1914.

Kalidasa. Sakuntala; prepared for the English stage by Kedar Nath Das Gupta in a new version written by Laurence Binyon, with an introductory essay by Rabindranath Tagore. London, 1920.

Kashi Tirth Sudhar Trust. Benares and its ghats. Benares, 1931.

Kaviraj, K. Chaitanya's life and teachings. Trans. into English by Jadunath Sarkar. 2nd ed. Calcutta, 1922.

Kisch, H.M. A young Victorian in India; letters ... edited by his daughter Ethel A. Waley Cohen .... London, 1957.

The Koran; commonly called the Alcoran of Mohammed; translated from the original Arabic ... by George Sale. 2 vols. London, 1825.

Kydd, J.C. compiler. A history of factory legislation in India. Calcutta, 1920.

Lane-Poole, S. Babar. Oxford, 1899.

Lokanathan, P.S. Industrial welfare in India. Madras, 1929.

MacNicol, M, ed. Poems by Indian women selected and rendered by various translators Calcutta, 1923..

MacNicol, N. Pandita Ramabai. London, 1926.

MacPhail, J.M. The story of the Santal; with an account of the Santal rebellion. Calcutta 8 Simla, 1922.

Malcolm, J. Sketches of Persia. Vol. 2. London, 1894.

Mann, E.H. Land and labour in a Deccan village. London, 1917.

Masani, R.P. The conference of the birds; a sufi allegory being an abridged version of Farid-ud-din Attar's Mantiq-ut- tayr. London, 1924.

Matheson, M.C. Indian industry yesterday, today and tomorrow. London, 1930.

Mayne, J.D. A treatise on Hindu Law and usage. rev. and ed. by V.M. Coutts Trotter. 9th ed. Madras, 1922.

Moreland, W.H. The agrarian system of Moslem India; a historical essay with appendices. Cambridge, 1929.

Moreland, W.H. The agriculture of the United Provinces; an introduction for the use of landholders and officials. Allahabad, 1904.

Moreland, W.H. From Akbar to Aurangzeb; a study in Indian economic history London, 1923.

Moreland, W.H. India at the death of Akbar; an economic study. London, 19

Moreland, W.H. ed. Relations of Golconda in the early seventeenth century; London, 1931.

Moreland, W.H. The revenue administration of the United Provinces. Allahabad. 1911.

Moreland, W.H. and Chatterjee, A.C. A short history of India. 4th ed. Lon 7.957.

Moreland, W.H. and Geyl, P. Jahangir's India; the 'Remonstrantie' of Francois Pelsaert. Cambridge, 1925.

Morley, Viscount J. Recollections. 2 vols. London, 1917.

Mulla, D.F. Principles of Hindu law. 6th ed. Bombay, 1929.

Mulla, D.F. Principles of Mohamedan Law. 9th ed. Bombay, 1929.

Nevill, H.R. Jaunpur: a gazetteer, being volume XXVIII of the District Gazetteers of the United Provinces of Agra and Oudh. Allahabad, 1908.

Oaten, E.F. European travellers in India during the fifteenth, sixteenth and seventeenth centuries .... London, 1909.

O'Malley, L.S.S. Popular Hinduism; the religion of the masses. Cambridge,

Palme Dutt, R. India today. London, 1940.

Panandikar, S.G. Industrial Labour in India. Bombay, 1933.

Pillai, P.P. India and the International Labour Organisation. Patna, 1931

The Presidency College Magazine. Vol. XXV, no. 2. Silver jubilee number edited by Nirmal Chandra Sen Gupta. Calcutta, 1939.

Ramachandra Rao, P.R. Decay of Indian industries. Bombay, 1935.

Ramakrishna, S. Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna (according to M. a son of the Lord and disciple). 2 vols. Madras, 1930.

Ranchhoddas, R. and Thakore, D.K. The Indian penal code. 11th ed. Bombay, 1926.

Ranchhoddas, R. and Thakore, D.K. The law of evidence; the Indian Evidence Act (I of 1872). 4th ed. Bombay, 1926.

Rangaswami Aiyangar, R.V. Some trends of modern public finance with reference to India. Madras, 1936.

Rathbone, E.F. Child marriage: the Indian Minotaur; an object lesson from the past to the future. London, 1934.

Rawlinson, H.G., ed. A garland of Indian poetry. London, 1946.

Ray, P.C. Life and experiences of a Bengali chemist. Calcutta, 1932.

Read, M. From field to factory; an introductory study of the Indian peasant turned factory hand. London, 1927.

The Reserve Bank of India Act. Act 12 of 1934 with notes and comments by A. Ramaiya. Madras, 1934.

Rhys Davids, T.W. Buddhist India. London, 1916.

Ridley, G. India; what now and what next? London, 1942.

Rolland, R. La vie de Ramakrishna. Paris, 1929.

Roy, R. Rammohun. English works . . . with an English translation of Tuhfatul Muwahhiddin. Allahabad, 1906.

Roy, R. Rammohun. Translation of the Cena Upanishad; one of the chapters of the Sama Veda .... Calcutta, 1816.

Roy, R. Rammohun. Translation of the Ishopanishad; one of the chapters of the Yajur Veda .... Calcutta, 1816.

Rushbrook-Williams, L.F. An empire builder of the sixteenth century; a summary account of the political career of Zahir-Ud-Din Muhammad surnamed Babur. London, 1918.

Rushbrook-Williams, L.F. 'India; an essay introductory to twelve broadcast talks, Fridays, April 10 - June 26.' London, n.d.

Sarkar, J. The India of Aurangzib (topography, statistics and roads) compared with the India of Akbar with extracts from the 'Khulasatu-T-Tawarikh' and the 'Chahar Gulshan' translated and annotated. Calcutta, 1901.

Sastri, P.S. Ramtanu Lahiri, Brahman and reformer; a history of the renaissance in Bengal. Edited by Sir Roper Lethbridge. London, 1907.

Saunders, K. A pageant of Asia; a study of three civilizations. London, 19

Saunders, K. ed. The heart of Buddhism; being an anthology of Buddhist verse. London, 1915.

Sen, P.K. From punishment to prevention. London, 1932.

Sen, P.K. The law of monopolies in British India. Calcutta, 1922.

Singh, S. The divine master; a study of the life and teachings of Sri Guru Nanak Dev. Lahore, 1930.

Strickland, C.F. The progress of rural welfare in India, 1934. London, 1934.

Sabbu Rao, N.S. Some aspects of economic planning. Bangalore, 1935.

Tagore, M.D. Autobiography. Translated from the original Bengali by S. Tagore and I. Devi. London, 1914.

Thompson, E.J. Rabindranath Tagore, his life and work. Calcutta, 1921.

Thompson, E.J. and Spencer, A.M. eds. Bengali religious lyrics. Sakta, selected and translated .... Calcutta, 1923.

Trevelyan, E.J. Hindu law as administered in British India. 2nd ed. rev. Calcutta, 1917.

Trevelyan, C.O. The competition wallah. 2nd ed. London, 1866.

Tulsi Das. The Ramayana of Tulsi Das. Translated from the original Hindi by F.S. Growse. vol. 1. 5th ed. Cawnpore, 1891.

Tyabji, F.B. Principles of Muhammadan law; an essay at a complete statement the personal law applicable to Muslims in British India. 2nd ed. Calcutta; 1919.

University Education Committee. Report. December 1948 - August 1949. Delhi, 1950

Urquhart, M.M. Women of Bengal; a study of the Hindu Pardanasins of Calcutta 2nd ed. Calcutta, 1926.

Vakil, K.H. At Ajanta. Bombay, 1929.

Varma, P. Crime, criminal and convict. Agra, 1963.

 

CHORLEY PAPERS (at Centre of South Asian Studies University of Cambridge)

Papers of Baron Chorley of Kendal, relating to Lord Chorley's membership of the Parliamentary Delegation to India,

1946.

Given by the Hon. Mrs G. Goodwin.

22 December and 24 December 1945. From the India Office. Xeroxed memorandum issued by the Bureau of Public Information, Government of India, for the benefit of the Parliamentary Delegation, in form of brief precis of comments by Indian Leaders to the Press indicative of their attitudes to the Delegation. The leaders in question are: Pandit Nehru, Purshottam Das Tandon and Sir Maharaj Singh.

22 December 1945. Information Department, India Office. Xeroxed note for Delegation members with precis of comments made in Indian newspapers about the proposed Parliamentary Delegation.

Official list of Guest Rooms in The Viceroy's House, New Delhi for the period from 5-7 January 1946.

Official list, headed New Delhi, 1945-46, of telephone numbers of personnel working in Viceroy House, also other important numbers.

Xeroxed sheet of notes: brief biographies of people attending the Delegation.

List of guests invited to an unspecified 'At Home', held on 7 January 1946.

Newspaper cutting from Hindustan Times, 9 January 1946; a photograph of the British Parliamentary Delegation to Delhi.

A memorandum to Lord Chorley detailing the engagements for 8 January 1946.

Second page of above memorandum.

A typed list giving engagements on 10 January 1946.

A typed list of engagements for 11 January 1946.

Handwritten note, unsigned, on talk given by the Viceroy.

Typed list, headed The Lord Chorley of Kendal, giving brief biographies of guests attending a party held on 7 January 1946.

Invitation to Lord Chorley to a party on 12 January 1946 given by Sir Bertrand and Lady Glancy.

Seating plan of Dinner given at Government House, Peshawar on 15 January 1946.

Typed list, headed 18 January 1946 noting appointments on that day with leading Indian personalities in various fields.

Timetable for Parliamentary Delegation for 18 and 19 January 1946.

Dinner list, dated 18 January 1946 held at Government House.

List compiled by Parliamentary Delegation of people interviewed in Mysore on 21 January 1946; list ranges from local dignitaries to businessmen and journalists.

Biographical list of officials in Mysore State.

Timetable of events in Madras on 25 January 1946.

Envelope addressed to Lord Chorley, memo on back mentions a Dr Ananda Coomarasura.

Newspaper cutting from The Mail, 24 January 1946, deals with the Delegations meeting with Gandhi.

Tentative programme for weekend in Calcutta from 25-28 January 1946.

A list, giving brief biographies, of leading non-officials representing different interests in Bengal who may be of interest to, or interested in, the Delegation.

Dinner plan for 4 February 1946 attended by the Viceroy and members of the Delegation. (2 copies).

Portion of notepad which makes references to terrorist activities in Bengal, mentions problems of running down the I.C.S. and refers to Trade Unions.

 

CLEGHORN (Colin ) Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur C936)

Letter, dated 12 Nov 1949, from Colin Cleghorn to the Secretary of the Calcutta Light Horse Club donating three hog spears of former members, including one belonging to John Alexander Anderson (b c1848), co-founder of the firm Anderson Wright & Co 1872, and giving brief biographical sketch of Anderson.

1 folio    1949 - 1949

 

CLOUGH (Monica ) Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur R148)

Tape recording of interview, given 1984, by Monica Clough on her life as a tea planter's daughter in Travancore in the 1920s and 1930s, and as the wife of a businessman in Calcutta in the 1940s.

2 cassettes    1925 – 1947

 

CORK (Frederick Lawrence) Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur F194)

Cork Collection: papers of Frederick Lawrence Cork (1885-1980), colliery manager 1908-37, mining consultant 1937-46, employed by Macneill & Company, Calcutta, including colliery quarterly reports 1937-45, Cork's inspection reports 1937-40, and colliery plans.

63 items    1907 - 1953      View Contents List

 

COTTON (Harry Evan Auguste), Sir Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur F82)

Cotton Collection (1): papers of Sir (Harry) Evan Auguste Cotton (1868-1939), Calcutta barrister, President, Bengal Legislative Council 1922-25, comprising notes and draft articles on Indian history and art.

62 items    1907 - 1939      View Contents List

 

COTTON (Harry Evan Auguste), Sir Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur F295)

Cotton Collection (3): papers of Sir (Harry) Evan Auguste Cotton (1868-1939), Calcutta barrister, President, Bengal Legislative Council 1922-25, including material relating to his book `Calcutta Old and New', paintings in Viceregal Residences, the Victoria Memorial Hall, and the India Defence League; also family correspondence and photographs.

36 items    1877 - 1942      View Contents List

 

CROSFIELD PAPERS (at Centre of South Asian Studies University of Cambridge)

(Leonard Mellor Crosfield)

Donated by Yoma Crosfield Ullman

Born in 1899, Leonard Crosfield studied at Oxford before joining the Oxford and Bucks. Light Infantry for service in Northern France in 1918. After the war he joined the Burmah Oil Company, for whom he worked until his retirement in 1949 having achieved the position of Manager, Burmah Oil Co. (India Concessions) Ltd. During his time with the BOC he served throughout Burma and, after 1941, in North India. He retired to Britain (via South Africa) in 1949, where he lived until his death in 1987.

The bulk of the work in cataloguing this collection was carried out by Yoma Crosfield Ullman, Mr Crosfield's daughter, prior to its donation to the Centre of South Asian Studies. The Centre would like to express their gratitude to Ms Ullman for the donation and for the enormous amount of work she has put into it.

Ms Crosfield Ullman's chronology of her father's career and introduction to the collection are accessible by clicking one of the links below. Full details of the photographs contained in the albums are available by searching the database of archival photographs. Follow the link below, click on 'Photos' and then on 'Search'. Entering 'Crosfield' as the search term in the donor field will bring up the entire collection. Throughout the notes and catalogue entries for this collection the initials LMC, YCU and MEC are used to denote Leonard Mellor Crosfield, Yoma Crosfield Ullman and Margaret Eileen Crosfield.

Introduction

Chronology

Photos database

Papers:

Box 1:

Memoir: Yoma Crosfield Ullman, 'A memoir of a childhood in India', np, 1999, 79pp

Memoir: Margaret Eileeen Crosfield, 'Reminiscneces of Margaret Eileen Crosfield (nee Daniel), dictated on July 14, 17 and 18, 1982', transcribed by Yoma Crosfield Ullman, np, 1982, 75 pp.

Xerox copy of letter, 17.8.1947, from LMC giving an account of his experiences during the handover of pawer in Pakistan.

Xerox copy of undated letter from MEC to 'Mums and Paps' giving an account of experiences during the handover of pawer in Pakistan.

Photograph albums:

Album 1:

1918-1919 - Military service in Northern France. Further notes containing background information to this album can be accessed by clicking here.

Album 2a:

1921 - Voyage to Burma: Rangoon. Labelled by LMC as 'LM Crosfield, "Ednaville"'. This album shows the passage to Rangoon, via the Suez Canal. Scenes from on board the ship and from the stops along the way and also has scenes of LMC's early times in Rangoon. Further notes giving background and physical information about this album can be accessed by clicking here.

Album 2b:

1921 - Voyage to Burma: Rangoon. Largely a duplicate of 2A, mostly without captions. For more information click here.

Album 3:

1921-1928. Burma 1921-26. Home leave in the UK, 1926. Burma 1927-28. For more information click here.

Album 4:

Burma: Rangoon and 'up-country'. This album appears to have been compiled by LMC's parents using photographs he sent back to the UK for them. There are few dates available in the album, although some of the photographs are duplicates of others in the collection. For more information click here.

Album 5:

1927-1929. Labelled by LMC: 'Chauk 1927-29' Contains photos of oil fields, trips on river steamers, and LMC's life while stationed in Chauk. For more information click here.

Album 6:

1929. Burma: Chauk, Yenangyaung, Pagan, Mount Popa, Taunggyi etc. Album is labelled 'L.M. Crosfield: BOC, Nyounghla'. For more information click here.

Album 7:

1930-1932. Burma, Chittagong, India. Domestic scenes of Burma and Northern India. Captions are not written on all photographs and were probably added later. For more information click here.

Album 8:

1933. Chittagong. Album contains scenes of return trip from home leave in 1933 (during which he married Margaret Eileen Daniel) and domestic scenes from Northern India. For more information click here.

Album 9:

1933. England, Chittagong, most of album from Rangamati. Mostly views of lakes, elephants, boats and local markets. Also scenes of tea gardens and tea tastings. For more information click here.

Album 10:

1933-1936. Album titled 'Chittagong 1933-36' but also includes photographs of Akyab, Sylhet, Dawki, Guptakhal and Shillong. Includes industrial scenes and Girl Guides pictures. For more information click here.

Album 11:

1935. Shillong, Chittagong, Akyab, Oodaleah, Dohazari, Rangamati, Digboi. Domestic, travelling and BOC scenes. For more information click here.

Album 12:

1933-1936. Chittagong. Visit of Viceroy Willingdon and more Girl Guide scenes. For more information click here.

Album 13:

1936-1939. Chittagong, England, Belgium. MEC returns to UK to ahve a baby, LMC follows her and then travels to Belgium. Family return to Chittagong: more domestic scenes. For more information click here.

Album 14:

1939-1943. Burma, India. Album probably compiled in England retrospectively - chronology is not accurate. For more information click here.

Album 15:

1940-1944. Burma, India. Scenes from Rangoon and Digboi - domestic, school and guiding scenes. Album also includes photographs of Agra, Darjeeling, Taxilla, Shillong and Peshawar. For more information click here.

Album 16:

1944-1946. Mostly Calcutta and Darjeeling. Domestic scenes, portraits and guiding. For more information click here.

Album 17:

1921-1928. Burma 1921-26. Home leave in the UK, 1926. Burma 1927-28. For more information click here.

 

CUMMINS PAPERS (at Centre of South Asian Studies University of Cambridge)

(Patrick Henry Cummins, I.M.S.)

Given by Mrs. C.E. Cummins

N.W.F.P., Assam, Burma, Bengal: 1925-1945

Summary of Service of and Confidential Reports on Patrick Henry Cummins, I.M.S. (3 sheets).

Map of Assam.

Government Officers' Diary for 1942 when in No. 1 Field Ambulance Unit in Burma.

Diary for 1943-44 Burma.

Notebook of jottings: medical notes, etc.

10 Large Photographs:

1927, Poona; I.M.S. Officers on training course, P.H. Cummins and others.

1929, Cannanore; 12th Malabar Battalion Madras Pioneers; Gopal & Co.

1930, G.M.H. Landikotal, Khyber Pass; hockey team; S.M. Shaw.

1930/31, Razmak, barracks with hills in, background.

1934, Rawalpindi; No.l Indian Hospital Corps Hockey team; M.R. Sharma.

1934, Rawalpindi; Staff of I.M.H. M. T.

1935, Gauhati, Assam; Medical and Jail staff; Ghoshal Brothers.

1936, Imphal; Medical Staff; J. Purkayastha.

1943, Hoshiapur, Punjab; No.l Burma Field Ambulance Unit.

1945, Dacca, Bengal, Nursing Training Wing, 77, Indian General Hospital; O.C. Lt. Col. P.H. Cummins.

 

CUNNISON (David Keith) Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur F390)

Papers of David Keith Cunnison (1881-1972), Secretary, Bengal Chambers of Commerce c1906-33, dealing mostly with Bengal Chamber of Commerce; also letters home to his mother

8 items    1900 - 1944      View Contents List

 

 

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DATTA (Surendra Kumar) Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur F178)

Datta Collection: papers of Surendra Kumar Datta (1878-1942), lecturer in history and biology 1909-14, and Principal 1932-42, Forman Christian College; YMCA national secretary for India, Burma and Ceylon 1919-27 and active in international YMCA thereafter; representative of Indian Christians in Indian Legislative Assembly 1924-26 and at Round Table Conference 1931; also papers of other members of his family.

93 items    1884 - 1953      View Contents List

 

DAVEY PAPERS (at Centre of South Asian Studies University of Cambridge)

Given by Mrs. D. Davey

Bombay Presidency 1877-1944. Bengal - Central Provinces

Envelope 1

Photographs taken by Mrs. Davey's grandfather, Major General J.R. Strutt, 3rd Bombay Light Infantry:

5 photographs of famine in Kollapore, 1877. Letter of 31 July, 1877, from Kollapore, published in the Standard. Written by Mrs. Strutt to her sister, about plight of the people. Asks her to get up a subscription. Second newspaper cutting refers to this letter.

On reverse, 2 untitled photographs of bungalow and garden. (Ahmadabad?).

13 photographs of Ahmadabad - bungalows, group photographs, camp, temples. (c.1873).

14 miscellaneous photographs of sights in Baroda, Secundra Bagh, Delhi, Lucknow. 1 group photo, named. (1870's).

Envelope 2

Photographs taken by Mrs. Davey's uncle, Lt. Colonel R.D.T. Alexander, D.S.O., O.B.E., T.D.; a Civil Engineer on the Indian railways, and a keen shot:

Photographs of railway construction, engineers and construction teams.

2-5 Chambal Bridge, 1906.

6-21 Kali Sind Line (not all photographs labelled). Includes photo of a railway station.

22, 25, 26 1906, Nagda Mutter State Railway.

23, 27. Kotah, 1908-9, Engineers

28-34 Power houses, power divisions, Goliath left bank (Sara bridge construction?), 1911-13.

35 Fancy dress ball, 1912.

36-46 Construction and opening of Sara Bridge. Copy of congratulatory telegram from President of Railway Board, Sir T.R. Wynne, to R.R. Gales, Engineer-in-Chief, Lower Ganges Bridge, on opening of first span and service girder of Sara bridge, 20 June, 1913.

Envelope 3

1-2 Scenes on Bengal Nagpur Railway 1927.

3-6 Tel River Bridge, opened 29 September 1931, by R.D.T. Alexander.

Miscellaneous group photographs of railway employees, rifle-teams.

1 Oudh and Rohilkhund Railway camp, Delhi Durbar, 1911.

3 Projects branch, office of the Railway Board, Simla, 23 September, 1921. (On reverse, f 4-11, unlabelled photographs of boats etc.)

12-14 Groups of Chief Engineers (including R.D.T. Alexander), 1925, 1927, 1928.

15-17 Lord Irwin in Calcutta, 1930

18 Lt. Colonel and Mrs. Alexander at farewell gathering on his retirement from post of Chief Engineer, Bengal Nagpur Railway, February 1932.

19-24 India rifle team photographs. (Including R.D.T. Alexander) 1929-39.

Box 4

Papers of R.D.T. Alexander:

Miscellaneous labelled snapshots of India, 1920-32.

Official invitation to the Delhi Durbar, 1911.

Official invitation to an afternoon party in the Delhi Fort, 13 December, 1911.

Letter of congratulation from Projects Branch of the Railway Board's Office, on his appointment as Chief Engineer, Bengal Nagpur Railway. 22 September, 1921.

4 farewell addresses on Mr. Alexander's retirement in 1932.

Book of newspaper cuttings of letters, reviews, etc. concerning Some signposts to Shikar by R.D.T. Alexander and A. Martin-Leake. Loose photo of tusks.

Some Engineering Experiences East of Suez, by R.D.T. Alexander. Thirteenth anniversary address, delivered at the Institution of Civil Engineers on 16 March, 1934.

Memoir of Miss Dorothy Strutt, written March 1972. (Mrs. W.A.D. Davey). TS note on her work as Staff Captain in the War Office. Sent to New Delhi 1944. Worked with Brigadier Desmond Young, on press releases. (3pp).

Four very large photographs unnamed and undated, but possibly of the construction of the Chambal Bridge.

 

DAVIES (Vincent Ellis) Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur D833)

Davies Collection: papers and correspondence of Vincent Ellis Davies (b 1903), Indian Civil Service, Bihar and Orissa 1926-47, Private Secretary to Governor of Orissa 1941-44, including tour diaries 1936-39 as Deputy Commissioner, Santal Parganas, tour programmes 1941-44 of the Governor of Orissa, a diary of life in Muzaffarpur District after independence Jan-Jun 1948, and memoirs of his career 1925-47.

78 items    1908 - 1993      View Contents List

 

DOWNING (Veronica Cara) Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur C394)

`We were survivors': the memoirs, 1914-1940s, of Veronica Cara Downing (nee Westmacott) (b 1914), including a record of her family history, her childhood in India and her life in Assam as the wife of a tea planter.

1 portfolio    1914 - 1945

 

DUNLOP (INDIA) LTD. PAPERS (at Centre of South Asian Studies University of Cambridge)

These are the memoirs of four expatriate members of the management staff of the Dunlop factory at Sahaganj, District Hooghly, West Bengal, covering the years 1936-1965 and written in 1987. The four are John Bawcutt, D.J. Birch, F.G.W. Jackson and David Osborne. A note about W.H. Burdock, a fifth member of the staff who died some years ago, is written by John Bawcutt.

The five papers describe the fortunes of the Dunlop Tyre Company in India from its beginnings in 1936 until the mid 1960s. Its expansion to Ambattur in Madras in 1959 is referred to. The Company was to continue for another 15 years, until the mid 1980s, when it was sold to a local conglomerate.

The pros and cons of the job are discussed. The founding of trades unions and the difficulties in the supply of raw materials are referred to. Social life for management staff, welfare projects for workers, accommodation for management and workers are described. The process of Indianization in management is also discussed.

Notes on tyre manufacture are attached to John Bawcutt's paper and a note on the environs of Sahaganj, 'The Hooghly' is attached to David Osborne's paper.

 

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EWING PAPERS (at Centre of South Asian Studies University of Cambridge)

Given by Miss A. Ewing.

India General: 1919-1954

A collection of interview notes, tape recordings and answers to a questionnaire sent out by Miss Ewing from I.C.S. officers, for her thesis written in 1978 entitled, "Survey of former officers of the Indian Civil Service between 1919-1935."

There are 17 transcripts of interviews, 32 written answers, in correspondence, to the questionnaire.

See also: Tape-recordings. Restricted ? see correspondence.

Interview notes:

S. M. Burke: 1931-1947 Asst Commr, Punjab 1931. 3pp.

D. G. Chambers: 1931-1947 Asst Collr, Bombay 1931. 2pp.

William Christie 1920-1947 Mag. and Collr, U.P. 1933. 4pp.

B.A.C. Cook: 1929-1947 Under Secty, Fin. Dept, G. of India 1938. 3pp.

(See also No.22 Questionnaire)

G. G. Drewe: 1928-1947 Asst Collr, Bombay 1932. 3pp.

W. W. Georgeson: 1930-1950 Jt Mag. and Sub-Collr, Madras. 2pp.

H.A.C. Gill: 1929-1947 Dep. Secty, Fin. Dept, G. of India 1938. 3pp.

J.P.L. Gwynn: 1938-1955 Asst Collr and Mag., Madras. 2pp.

F. M. Innes: 1926-1947 Dep. Cmmsnr, Punjab 1932. 3pp.

L. W. Jardine: 1921-1947 Resident for Baroda and Gujerat States 1943. 4pp.

R. H. Johnston: 1923-1947 Mag. and Collr, U.P. 1928 and Bengal 1938. 2pp.

A. H. Kemp: 1928-1947 Jt Mag. and Dep. Collr, Bihar 1928. 2pp.

A.R.H. Macdonald: 1931-1947 Dep. Commr, Assam 1942. 2pp.

P. J. Pringle: 1933-1947 Jt Mag. and Dep. Collr, Bengal. 2pp.

M. H. Rossington: 1932-1947 Dep. Commr, Burma 1939. 3pp.

W.H. Saumarez Smith: 1934-1947 Under-Secty, Home Dept, Bengal 1939. 7pp.

C.F.V. Williams: 1923-1947 Sub-Collr and Jt Mag., Madras 1928. 2pp.

Questionnaire Correspondence:

E.G.S. Apedaile: 1932-1947 Dep. Commr, Burma 1938. 2pp

R.F.S. Baylis: 1927-1947 Jt Mag., U.P. 1929. 4pp

D. A. Bryan: 1933-1947 Asst Commr, Punjab. 2pp

Sir Charles Clee 1919-1947 Secty; Fin. Dept, Govt. of Sind 1937. 3pp

B.C.A. Cook 1922-1947 Under-Secty, Fin. Dept, G. of India. 2pp

(See also No.4 in 'Interview Notes')

F. G. Cracknell: 1932-1947 Jt Mag., U.P. 6pp.

E. G. Creek: 1933-1948 Jt Mag, and Dep. Collr, Bengal. 5pp.

F. N. Crofts: 1929-1947 District and Sessions Judge, U.P. 3pp.

B. W. Day: 1930-1947 Sub. Collr, Madras. 3pp.

B. W. Day: 1930-1947 Sub. Collr, Madras. 7pp.

28 & 29. A. E. Drake: 1931-1947 Asst Mag., and Collr, Bihar. Also political service. 7pp.

A.G.F. Farquhar: 1927-1947 Dep. Commr, C.P. 17pp

R. Galletti: 1931-1947 Jt Sec. Board of Revenue, Madras. 8pp.

Sir Leslie Glass: 1934-1947 Ass. Commr, Burma. 2pp.

J. S. Hardman: 1929-1947 Sec. Fin. Dept, Bihar. 12pp.

E. S. Hyde: 1928-1948 Asst Commr, C.P. 1pp.

R.S.T. John: 1932-1947 Jt Mag. and Dep. Collr, Bengal. 2pp.

J. Johnston: 1927-1947 Mag. and Collr, U.P. 4pp.

W. G. Kennedy: 1931-1947 Asst Commr, Punjab. 7pp.

A. S. Larkin: 1921-1947 Mag. and Collr, Bengal. 6pp.

Sir Robert Latimer: 1935-1947 Asst Commr, Punjab. 11pp.

J. L. Llewellyn: 1929-1947 QJt Mag. and Dep. Collr, Bengal. 15pp.

R. E. McGuire: 1926-1947 Dep. Commr, Burma. 2pp.

F.W.A. Morris: 1930-1954 Jt Mag. and Sub-Collr, Madras. 3pp.

A. J. Platt: 1932-1947 Pte Sec. to Governor of Madras. 2pp.

W. H. Pridmore: 1934-1947 Jt Mag. and Collr, U.P. 4pp.

P. W. Radice: 1931-1948 Jt Mag., U.P. 1pp.

N. Storr: 1930-1947 Dist. and Sess. Judge, U.P, 1pp.

M. M. Stuart: 1927-1947 Jt Mag. and Collr, Bengal. 2pp.

A.R.C. Westlake: 1921-1947 Collr, Madras. 5pp.

A. A. Williams: 1932-1947 Asst Commr, Punjab. 4pp.

Copy of letter to C.M. Kerr in Cawnpore dated 1 September 1944 from D. C. Das? requesting his views on the work, and the qualities needed, by military officers going into civil employment.

Miss Ewing's Appendix I to her thesis, the questionnaire, and a list of those it was sent to. 7pp. 210pp.

52 and 53. ëThe Indian Civil. Service 1858-1947í. An article written for History Today, June 1982, by Anne

Ewing. TS and xerox of printed article. Bibliography in TS copy.

TS of Appendix I. Survey of former officers of the Indian Civil Service. Summer 1978. pp.386-392. From Miss A. Ewing's Ph.D. thesis for the University of Cambridge.

 

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FINNEY (Philip Edmund Stanley) Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur Photo Eur 272)

`Just My Luck or Reminiscences': memoir, dated 1979, by Philip Edmund Stanley Finney (b 1904) of his career in the Indian Police, Bengal. Subsequently published as 'Just My Luck: Memoirs of a Police Officer of the Raj' (Dhaka, 2000).

1 portfolio    1924 - 1947

 

FINNEY PAPERS (at Centre of South Asian Studies University of Cambridge)

Philip E.S. Finney, Indian Police Service.

Bengal, Burma: 1924 - 1947.

BOX I

Collection of photostat copies of entry into the Police Service, Articles of Agreement, biography as in 'History of Services', warrant to join army; Government Servants' Conduct Rules 1919. 11pp.

Barrackpore 1927 ? 30. Photostat copies of letters of merit, newspaper cuttings, letter of congratulation and thanks from Sir John Simon acknowledging his work as D.C. of Police, Calcutta. 28pp.

Buxa Duars Detention Camp 1930 ? 31. Correspondence relating to office of Superintendant. 2pp.

Deoli Jail 1932 ? 34. Copies of letters and other papers relating to office as Superintendant of the detention camp in Deoli. 46pp.

Papers concerning material for history of the Indian Police by Sir Percival Griffiths under the title To guard my People published in 1971.

Note giving his views, which were asked for by the Governor of Bengal on the political impasse in January 1946. 8pp.

Paper concerning the Superior Civil Services Rules 1934, related to Finney. 6pp.

File marked 'Correspondence - Indian Coronation Contingent 1937'. 66 Officers of the Indian Police attended the Coronation. Correspondence between Finney, Sir Horace Williamson and Sir John Ewart on the difficulties, complaints etc., encountered.. 51pp.

File marked 'Inspection and instruction remarks made by P.E.S. Finney, Superintendent of Police, Rangpur on the Reserve Office on the 27 August - 1 September 1936.' 64pp.

Papers concerned with Inspection remarks made by Finney as Superintendent of Police, Rangpur in September 1936. 14pp. Also papers for the office Order Book - 4pp. and Standing Order No.33 of 1936 concerning detenu letters. 3pp.

Copy of 'Notes for the Additional Superintendent Headquarters, Mymensingh' March 1936. 18pp. Notes intended as guidance for his predecessor outlining the policy adopted and the methods to translate it into effect.

Folder issued by Governor of Bengal 'General Police arrangements in connection with the visit of His Excellency the Governor of Bengal to Rangpur' 31 October - 2 November 1936. 131pp.

Xerox copy. TS Memoir entitled Just my Luck, or Reminiscences by P.E.S. Finney, late Indian Police Service. Illustrated by photographs. 166pp.

 

FOX (Edwin Aubrey Storrs), Rev Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur E343)

Storrs Fox Collection: papers of Rev Edwin Aubrey Storrs Fox (1888-1975), Indian Ecclesiastical Establishment from 1916, including letters home and over 600 sermons, many in both early and rewritten form.

108 items    1911 - 1944      View Contents List

 

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GEILS (Ernest Walter) Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur D799)

Papers of Ernest Walter Geils (1885-1971), Indian Posts and Telegraphs Dept 1900-40, Chief Superintendent Central Telegraph Office, Calcutta 1938-40, concerning his career.

1 volume; 1 mounted folio    1932 - 1948

 

GHOSHAL PAPERS (at Centre of South Asian Studies University of Cambridge)

Given by Mrs H. Ghoshal. Bengal 1940-47.

Xerox of typescript. 9 pp.

This short memoir, entitled 'The Memsahib I Could Never Be', describes the author's personal transition from the life of a university student and member of a middle-class Bengali family associated with the 1930s struggle for Independence to her life as wife of a subdivisional I.C.S. officer in Patuakhali, District Barisal. Visits to District Headquarters introduced her to the company of British and Indian Memsahibs and left her disenchanted with the social assumptions of the Raj. Transfer to Calcutta enabled her to see changes brought about by the War, the 1943 Famine and, finally, Independence. She and her family, Hindus, were uprooted from their homeland by the Partition of Bengal.

 

GOADBY PAPERS (at Centre of South Asian Studies University of Cambridge)

Given by Brigadier F.R.L. Goadby (Rajputana Rifles) O.B.E. Brigadier F.L.R. Goadby served in the Royal Engineers from 1918 and the Royal Corps of Signals from 1921. In 1926 he joined the Indian Army serving in the 2/3rd Silch Pioneers. During 1933 he transferred to the 1st Battalion, 6th Rajputana Rifles. Later in his career he served in Southern Command, India; Simla; Calcutta; Bihar; and Bombay.

India General: 1924-1978

BOX I

MS book bound: Scraps from Ceylon illustrating the full dress costumes of its inhabitants, their religious observances and the principal industries (foreign and native) by John Leonard Ralenberg Van Dort. Colombo, Ceylon, 1894.

The book consists of handwritten copperplate text in blue ink on left hand page, and illustrations on the right hand page.

There are 15 pages of illustrations depicting things seen on the island - people, places, crafts, etc. The small pictures are chalk and paint, and are beautifully executed and very charming. The text is explanatory.

There is a letter inside the book dated 23 March 1911 from the daughter of J.L.R. van Dort (Grace van Dort), relating to publication.

1978 Visitors` Book, Colaba House.

Papers found in book given by Brigadier Goadby:

l and 2 Two letters from the Secretary of the United Services Institution for India, Simla about projected trip to Sikkim.

Article: 'A nature-lover's paradise', by Dorothy L. Tanner.

4pp. scribbled notes.

a-g Various official papers connected with entry, touring, etc. in Sikkim and Tibet.

6. and 7 Maps.

a.& b. Two account books, containing bills etc. 1939-41

Newspaper cutting - profile of Brigadier Goadby, The Oxford Times, 1956.

a.& b. Christmas cards.

42 letters, from Brigadier Goadby and Mrs. Goadby to his mother from 5 January 1941 to 1 December 1945 and March/April 1949. Poona, Delhi, Bangalore, H.Q. India Command, Sikkhim, S.E.A.C., Rawalpindi, etc. The letters relate to life during the war as far as censorship allowed. 87pp. and envelopes.

Lists of birds seen in various. parts of India 1940-48: Carignano, Delhi, Taxila, Simla Hills, Bangalore, Comilla, E. Bengal, Nilgiris, Krishnarajsagar, Sikkhim, Calcutta:, Dinapore, Panagarh, Fort William, Kutch. 2pp.

Printed extract (pp.69-91) from the "Gazette of India" Extraordinary. Army Dept. 27 February 1924, being a despatch by H.E. General Lord Rawlinson of Trent, C. in C. India on the operations of the Waziristan Force 1 January 1922-22 April 1923.

Another copy (pp.401-418) 18 November 1924.

Special Station Orders by Lt. Col. A.S. Auret, Commanding Razani Line, Razani 1 July 1929. 12pp.

TS page on History of Fort William.

Newspaper photograph of Lord Wavell after the Bihar disturbances; Brigadier Goadby in photograph 13 November 1946.

H.Q. Bombay Sub-Area Location Statement, No.18 1948, by Major Haripal Singh. Appendix A. 6pp. 7 February 1948.

Orders: All Units - Preparation of Court Martial Cases and reference to D.J.A.G. for Pre-trial Advice. 22 April 1948. 2pp.

Handing-over notes by Major General (sic) F.R.L. Goadby, O.B.E., Calcutta, 25 April 1948. 9pp.

Handing-over notes by Brigadier D.S. Brar, O.B.E., H.Q. Bombay SubArea, 3 May 1948. 9pp.

Single sheet of Times of India, Bombay, Tuesday, 23 November 1948 on the devastation of the cyclone of 20/21 November.

Handing-over notes by Brigadier F.R.L. Goadby, Bombay, 30 December 1948. 11pp.

See : Photographs.

Additional papers given by Mrs Goadby.

BOX II

Notes on Waziriforce 1921/23. 7 ff.

Letter dated 28 June 1981. Notes on Bihar disturbances 1946/7.4 ff.

File of papers dealing with Mr Goadby's army service. Details of decorations, promotions, confidential reports, examination results, 1921-48. 55 ff.

Parade No. 206, Volume 16, 22 July 1944.19 pp.

Signals Association membership card.

5 field notebooks 1926-47.

Notebook 1918: Notes on gas.

Army Publications:

Instructions on wiring, 1917.

Notes on trench warfare, 1917.

Notes on trench warfare (revised diagrams) 1917.

The division in attack, 1918.

Army orders, January 1932.

Souvenir brochure 3rd Battalion Brigade of Guards bicentenary and reunion 1975.

Diary of visits to India by Mr Goadby in 1975, 1978 and 1984.

 

GOPALASWAMI PAPERS (at Centre of South Asian Studies University of Cambridge)

Given by R.A. Gopalaswami, I.C.S. (retd.) by way of K.A. Povah, Esq., M.A.

Memoir by Mr Gopalaswami entitled: 'Administration in India. A brief account of personal experiences during the last twenty years of British rule and the first fifteen years of Independence'. 48 ff. Xerox of typescript.

Mr Gopalaswami joined the Madras cadre of the Indian Civil Service in 1927 where he rose from Assistant Collector to Joint Secretary of the Provincial Board of Revenue. In 1940 he was transferred to the Centre where he served as Secretary of the National Defence Council (1941), Director-General of Civil Defence (1943), Secretary of the Famine Enquiry Commission (1944), Joint Secretary, Agricultural Department (1945), Secretary, Ministry of Food (1947). A noteworthy chapter in this memoir describes the work of the Foodgrains Policy Committee in turning India into the world's most controlled economy as far as basic food distribution was concerned.

After Independence Mr Gopalaswami served in a variety of Central posts including Registrar-General and Census Commissioner of India 1949-53 and work in connection with the reorganisation of the machinery of government. As Census Commissioner he became convinced of the primacy of family planning in India and there is an important chapter on this subject in the memoir. In 1953 he returned to Madras where he served in a number of important posts ending his career in 1963 as Chief Secretary to the Government of Tamil Nadu. In the last phase of his career he was particularly satisfied with his work in the organisation of Panchayati Raj in Madras. He continued to hold a number of offices after Independence.

Essay by Mr Gopalaswami entitled: 'Progress of Family Limitation in India'. Printed for restricted distribution in England, June 1986.

In 1951, Mr Gopalaswami, as Census Commissioner, wrote the first official paper recommending the Government of India to accept and proclaim a national population policy with the object of limiting the rate of growth of population. His recommendations, after much opposition, were at length accepted and the Government of India became the first of any nation-state in the world to proclaim a national policy of family limitation and incorporate it in the national planning system.

Part I of this essay describes the progress of family limitation in India up to 1986. The author first makes the point that family limitation is aimed at, not family planning. The former sets out to avoid births, the latter to plan births according to the convenience of the mother. Through the evidence of unpublished data sent him over a period of many years by the Tamil Nadu Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, he was able to devise an Index Number of Family Limitation (I.N.F.L.) for the purpose of registering the progress of all the Indian states in promoting family limitation. In a series of tables he is able to show the progress ranking in family limitation of the 14 states of India, Maharashtra showing the greatest progress and Uttar Pradesh the least.

Part II of the essay is entitled 'How to accelerate future progress?' The education of women and greater prosperity are seen as keys to the question. More children does not mean more workers but more people without work.' He compares the experience of Great Britain in the 1960s and 70s with that of Tamil Nadu, the most advanced Indian state with regard to family limitation. He concludes that surgical methods of contraception (i.e. sterilization) are more effective than clinical ones.

He suggests that the various political parties in each state should help to promote a common national programme for family limitation by persuading eligible couples to accept the 'small family norm'. In recognition of their help government would give, periodically, a contribution to party funds. 27pp.

 

GOTTS (Hubert Cecil) Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur R174)

Tape recording of interview, given 1984, by Hubert Cecil Gotts (b 1901) about his career with Cox and Co, Bankers, 1919-54, in Bombay, Calcutta and Rangoon (Manager 1945-51), and his social life in India and Burma. [Transcript available].

3 cassettes    1919 - 1951

 

GOTTS (Hubert Cecil) Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur D1062)

Diaries, photographs, miscellaneous papers, and copies of articles of Hubert Cecil Gotts (b 1901), illustrating his life and career in India and Burma 1921-54, as an employee of Cox & Company in various branches of their bank, chiefly Bombay, Calcutta and Rangoon.

2 boxes    1921 - 1981

 

 

          ___H________________________________________________________

 

HADLOW (Brian David), Lt-Cdr Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur Photo Eur 241)

`Brief Memoirs of a 'Box Wallah'': copy of memoir by Lt-Cdr Brian David Hadlow (1911-81), describing his experiences of working in Calcutta for the shipping firm Turner Morrison and Company 1933-39, service with Calcutta Light Horse, and life as an officer of the Royal Indian Navy Volunteer Reserve 1939-45.

1 portfolio    1939 - 1945

 

HAINES (Keith ) Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur C838)

'The Looted Paradise': unpublished biography, dated 1998, by Keith Haines of (William) Arthur Moore (1880-1962), journalist, assistant editor 1924, and editor 1933-42, of the 'Statesman', Calcutta.

1 volume    1900 - 1951

 

HALLETT (Maurice Garnier), Sir Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur E251

Hallett Collection: official papers and correspondence of Sir Maurice Garnier Hallett (1883-1969), Indian Civil Service 1907-45; Secretary, Home Dept, Government of India 1932-36, Governor of Bihar 1937-39, Governor of United Provinces 1939-45.

73 items    1935 - 1945      View Contents List

 

HARRIS (Norman D) Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur D1050)

Papers and photographs of Norman D Harris, ICI (India) 1927-58, Company Chairman 1950-57, including three copies of `Gallop', dated 1944-46, the Journal of the Calcutta Light Horse, and miscellaneous material relating to business in Bengal.

1 portfolio; 20 photos    1915 - 1958

 

HENDERSON (Alan Gerald Russell), Sir Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur D1094)

`An account of his life', by Sir Alan Gerald Russell Henderson (1886-1963), Indian Civil Service, Bengal 1910-46; District and Sessions Judge 1921-32; Secretary, Judicial Dept, Government of Bengal 1932-33; Judge of the Calcutta High Court 1933-46.

1 portfolio    1886 - 1961

 

HOARE (Samuel John Gurney), Viscount Templewood Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur E240)

Templewood Collection: correspondence and papers of Sir Samuel John Gurney Hoare, Viscount Templewood (1880-1959) as Secretary of State for India 1931-35, with other papers on Indian affairs.

87 items    1931 - 1954      View Contents List

 

HODDER (George Norman Patrick), Lt-Col Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur F233)

Diaries, miscellaneous papers, and memorabilia of Lt-Col (George Norman) Patrick Hodder (b 1903); Assistant, James Finlay & Co. Ltd, Assam 1923-25; Manager, Midnapore Zamindari Co. Ltd, Bengal 1925-37; Manager, Anderson Wright & Co. Ltd; wartime service in Supply Dept, GHQ, India; later Chief Executive, East India Clinic and European Hospitals Association, Calcutta.

110 items    1915 - 1987      View Contents List

 

HOLLAND PAPERS (at Centre of South Asian Studies University of Cambridge)

Given by Mr. E.W. Holland 1975.

Bengal 1923-1947.

Memoir of Life in I.C.S. Joins 1923, posted to Bengal. Record of first days, and first spell of duty, climate, people, work and organization of Civil Service. S.D.O. Serampore (Hooghly Div); Barrackpore - comment on industries and workers. Incidents and cases. D.M. of Dacca 1930. (See paper on Terrorism in Bengal 1930-35). Notes on dyarchy and hartals. Description. of dealing with Hindu Muslim riot.

Touring in riverine districts of- East Bengal by Launch (Bankura). Transferred to Tippera as D.M. Notes on Maharajah of Tippera. Able to do some constructive work at Tippera: (1) with water hyacinth. (2) rural indebtedness - success of arbitration courts in this.

1935 Silver Jubilee celebrations at Comilla.

1936 Government of India Act: consequences and incidents. Profile of minister, Makunda Behary Mallick.

Transferred to Finance Dept. to devise method for levying a sales tax in Bengal - Profile of Minister, Mr. H.S. Suhrawardy.

Implementing sales-tax.

Bill passed 1941.

Dec. 1941 Viceroy pays his annual visit to Calcutta. Viceroy's refusal to give party for poorer children. This done by Lady Mary Herbert, wife of the Governor.

1942 Holland made Secretary in the Dept. of Public Health and Local Govt. In charge of Civil Defence.

1942-43 eventful year in Calcutta. Income tax evasion case. Bengali Youth in war effort. First steps taken to deal with Calcutta beggars.

1943 Bengal famine. Insight into Government hospital work.

1944 Profile of Mr. Casey as Governor of Bengal.

1945 Commissioner of Dacca Division. Profile of Sir Frederick and Lady Burrows. Comments on Partition, and Independence.

1947 Chairman of Calcutta Improvement Trust. Description of ceremony on 15 August 1947, and subsequent events at Govt. House.

MS paper entitled Terrorism in Bengal 1930-35: a personal reminiscence.

Memoir of time as Additional District Magistrate, Dacca, East Bengal, when Civil Disobedience campaign was at its height. Terrorist activities and police action. Transferred to Khulna district - civil disobedience there. Steadfastness and loyalty of Muslims, and Bengal civil services.

Example of peaceful method of dealing with demonstrations. Increase in murders. Khulna terrorist group preparing to murder Mr. Holland.

Returns after leave as District Magistrate to Bankura. Has a Gurkha battalion there whose cheerful example encourages people.

1934 transferred as D.M. of Tippera district. Gradual change of attitude of people.

 

HUTCHINGS PAPERS (at Centre of South Asian Studies University of Cambridge)

Restricted

(Sir Robert H. Hutchings, C.M.G., C.I.E., I.C.S.)

Microfilm Box 1 No. 5

TS report on the evacuation from Burma. June 1942.

 

          ___I_________________________________________________________

 

INDIA OFFICE LIBRARY Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur F303)

Library Collection: records of the Library of the East India Company (1801-58) and its successor the India Office Library.

456 items    1801 - 1994      View Contents List

 

INDIAN POLITICAL SERVICE Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur F226)

Indian Political Service Collection: memoirs of some thirty-five former members of the Indian Political Service, or their wives, describing their experiences, chiefly in the period 1920-1947, as political officers in the Indian States, the North-West Frontier Province, Baluchistan, or the Residencies and Consulates in the Persian Gulf.

35 items    1920 - 1947      View Contents List

 

          ___J________________________________________________________

 

JOPLING (Lindsay Millais) Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur F141)

Notes and typed drafts for an unpublished history of British rule in India by Lindsay Millais Jopling (1875-1967), Indian Civil Service, United Provinces 1899-1925.

25 files    1875 - 1967

 

          ___K________________________________________________________

 

KNATCHBULL (Michael Herbert Rudolph), 5th Baron Brabourne Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur F97)

Brabourne Collection: papers of Michael Herbert Rudolph Knatchbull, 5th Baron Brabourne (1895-1939) as Governor of Bombay 1933-37, Governor of Bengal 1937-39, and Acting Viceroy of India Jun-Oct 1938.

86 items    1933 - 1939      View Contents List

 

          ___L________________________________________________________

 

LABOUCHARDIČRE PAPERS (at Centre of South Asian Studies University of Cambridge)

Given by Mr Basil Labouchardičre. Indian Police 1936-47.

Roll of Indian Police officers, 1861-1947 - An Indian Police Obituary. 9 ff. ISBN No. 0 9510582 0 7. Xerox copy of typescript.

Gives following details of 1711 officers of the Indian Police (of rank of Assistant Superintendent and above):

Surname and initials of first names.

Honours and decorations held.

Province(s) in which served.

Years in which service began and ended.

Typescript note by Mr La Bouchardičre on 'The Indian Police from 1861 to 1947'.

The account is in five sections as follows:

A brief history, including recruitment and training of the service.

A Chronology of the main police events between 1861 and 1947.

Examples of the nature of the job:

Collating criminal intelligence.

Dealing with riots.

Political intelligence work.

Combating terrorism in Bengal in the 1930s.

Political events:

The Cripps Mission 1942.

The British Cabinet Mission 1946.

The Partition Plan 1947.

For Gallantry.

12pp.

 

LAITHWAITE (John Gilbert), Sir Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur F138)

Laithwaite Collection: correspondence, papers and photographs of Sir (John) Gilbert Laithwaite (1894-1986), India and Burma Office official 1919-47; Private Secretary to Viceroy 1936-43; Commonwealth Relations Office 1947-59, Permanent Under- Secretary 1955-59; Deputy Chairman 1960-64 and Director 1964-69 of Inchcape & Co. Ltd.

212 items    1916 - 1974      View Contents List

 

LAKHER PIONEER MISSION Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur F185)

Lakher Pioneer Mission: papers relating to its work among the Lakher (Mara) people of the South Lushai hills, its founder Reginald Lorrain (1880-1944), and members of his family; including letters from his daughter Louise Marguerite Tlosai (1909-68) and her husband Albert Bruce Lorrain-Foxall (d 1977), the latter's diaries, and translations of the bible and other works into the Mara language by Lorrain and Lorrain-Foxall.

248 files    1905 - 1978      View Contents List

 

LEYDEN (Albrecht R von) Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur C322)

Letters to his parents from Albrecht R von Leyden (d 1994), Managing Director of Agfa Ltd, India, describing his daily life and work; also articles and memorabilia.

12 items    1927 - 1967      View Contents List

 

LINGEMAN PAPERS (at Centre of South Asian Studies University of Cambridge)

(Paul Lingeman)

Note on career in Burma and Assam oil-fields 1921-28; Chittagong, East Bengal 1929-32 where he encountered the question of whether European clubs should admit Indian members; reason for European aloofness; Chittagong Armoury Raid of 1930. Digboi Oilfield in Assam: recruitment and training of workers: conditions of work; club membership; 1939 general strike; trades unions; war; 1942; Anglo-Indians, Anglo-Burmese; retreat.

 

LLOYD PAPERS (at Centre of South Asian Studies University of Cambridge)

(Lady (Alan) Lloyd)

Given by Mrs. C.A. McDowall

Books presented:

Acland, C. A popular account of the manners and customs of India. London, 1879.

Afghanistan. No. 4. Octobre-Decembre 1946.

Arnold, E. The light of Asia or the great renunciation .... London, 1932.

Atkinson, G.F. The campaign it India, 1857-58 .... London, 1859.

Ball, C. The history of the Indian mutiny .... 2 vols. in 7 pts. London, n.d.

Bengal. List of inscriptions on tombstones or monuments ... possessing historical or archaeological interest. Edited by C.R. Wilson. Calcutta, 1896.

Bihar. List of pre-mutiny inscriptions in Christian burial grounds in the Patna district. Patna, 1935.

Blechynden, K. Calcutta past and present. London, 1905.

Bombay past and present .... Bombay, 1919.

Bradley-Birt, F.B. 'Sylhet' Thackeray. London, 1911.

Brooke Elliott, C. The real Ceylon. Colombo, 1938.

Bundi. (A guide.) 1943.

Busteed, H.E. Echoes from Old Calcutta, being chiefly reminiscences of the days of Warren Hastings, Francis and Impey. Calcutta, 1882. (Also 4th ed. London, 1908.)

Cadell, P. ed. The Letters of Philip Meadows Taylor to Henry Reeve. Oxford, University Press, 1947.

The Calcutta chatterbox. By the ëOldest Inhabitantí. 2 pts. Calcutta, 1918.

The Calcutta Review. No. III, October 1844.

Ceylon. List of inscriptions on tombstones and monuments ... of historical or local interest . . . . By J. Penry Lewis. Colombo, 1913.

Cook, T. & Co. Ltd. Ceylon: information for visitors to the Island ... season 1938-39. Colombo, 1938?

Cooper, E. The handbook for Delhi with index and two maps, illustrating the historic remains of Old Delhi, and the position of the British Army before the assault in 1857 .... Lahore, 1865.

Cotton, H.E.A. Calcutta old and new .... Calcutta, 1907.

Craven, T. The new royal dictionary: English into Hindustani and Hindustani into English. Rev. ed. Lucknow, 1911.

Delhi. Map of Delhi and vicinity .... Published under the direction of S.G. Burrard. 1912. Scale 2 inches to 1 mile.

Dewar, D. Bygone days in India. London, 1922.

Dodwell, H. The Nabobs of Madras. London, 1926.

Dodwell, H. ed. List of marriages registered in the Presidency of Fort St. George 1680-1800. Madras, 1916.

Douglas, J. Glimpses of old Bombay and Western India; with other papers. London, 1900.

Early European travellers in the Nagpur Territories. Reprinted from old records. Nagpur, 1924.

Edwardes, H.B. Life of Sir Henry-Lawrence. 3rd ed. London, 1873.

Fernandes, B.A. A guide to the ruins of Bassein. Bombay, Historical Society 1941.

Forbes-Mitchell, W. Reminiscences of the great mutiny 1857-59 .... London, 1893.

Foster, E. ed. Early travels in India 1583-1619. Oxford, University Press, 1921.

Hall, D.G.E. Europe and Burma: a study of European relations with Burma to the annexation of Thibaw's Kingdom 1886. Oxford, University Press, 1945.

Hastings, W. The Letters of Warren Hastings to his wife .... Edited by S.C. Grier. London, 1905.

Hodgson, G.H. Thomas Parry; free merchant Madras 1768-1824. Madras, Bangalore, etc., 1938.

Hunter, W.W. The Thackerays in India and some Calcutta graves. London, 1897.

Hyderabad. List of inscriptions on tombs or monuments in H.E.H. the Nizam's dominions with biographical notes compiled with an historical introduction by O. S. Crofton. Hyderabad-Deccan, 1941.

Hyderabad. Archaeological department. Guide to Ajanta frescoes. Rev. ed. Hyderabad-Deccan, 1935.

India. Railway department. The handbook of India .... 2nd ed. London, n.d.

India. Railway department. The magic of India. Delhi, n.d.

Ireland, W.W. History of the siege of Delhi by an officer who served there .... Edinburgh, 1861.

Jasimuddin. The field of the embroidered quilt: a tale of two Indian villages. Translated from the Bengali poem 'Nakshi Kathar Math' by E.M. Milford. Oxford, University Press, 1939.

Kaye, J.W. Lives of Indian officers .... 2 vols. London, 1867.

Kipling, J.L. Beast and man in India .... London, 1921.

Lawrence, J.R. Indian embers. Oxford, 1949.

Lee, W.H. Inscriptions in the district of Puri. Cuttack, 1898.

Love, H.D. Vestiges of Old Madras 1640-1800 .... 4 vols. London, 1913.

MacDonald, J. Memoirs of an eighteenth-century footman ... travels (1745-1779); with an introduction by John Beresford. London, 1927.

Madras. List of European tombs in the Tanjore District compiled under the orders of the Collector of Tanjore. Madras, 1914.

Malden, C.H. List of burials at Madras (in St. Mary's Cemetary) from 1851 to 1900 compiled from the register of St. Mary's Church, Fort St. George. Mad 1905.

Maps of India. Published under the superintendence of the Society for the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge, London, 1846. (12 maps in case)

Massey, M. Recollections of Calcutta for over half a century. Calcutta, 1918.

Morison, J.L. Lawrence of Lucknow 1806-1857; being the life of Sir Henry Lawrence retold from his private and public papers. London, 1934.

Moss King, R. The diary of a civilian's wife in India 1877-1882. 2 vols. London, 1884.

Murray's handbook for travellers in India, Burma and Ceylon, including all British India, the Portuguese and French possessions, and the Indian States. 11th ed. London, 1924.

Newell, H.A. Lucknow (the capital of Oudh); an illustrated guide to places of interest with history and map. 4th ed. Bombay, n.d.

Newell, H.A. Three days at Agra: a guide to places of interest, including Fatehpur Sikri, with history and map. Madras, 1919.

Newell, H.A. Three days at Delhi ... a guide to places of interest with history and map. 6th ed. Bombay, 1923.

North-Western Provinces and Oudh. List of Christian tombs and monuments of archaeological or historical interest and their inscriptions .... Compiled and annotated by A. Fuhrer. Allahabad, 1896.

Page, J.A. Guide to the Qutb, Delhi. Calcutta, 1927.

Panckridge, H.R. A short history of the Bengal Club (1827-1927). Calcutta, 1927.

Pearson, H. The hero of Delhi; a life of John Nicholson, Saviour of India, and a history of his wars. London, 1939.

Penny, F. Fort St. George, Madras; a short history of our first possession in India. London, 1900.

Punjab. Inscriptions on Christian tombs or monuments in the Punjab, N.W.F.P., Kashmir and Afghanistan; Pt. II biographical notices of military officers others whose names appear in the inscriptions in Pt. 1. Compiled by George William De Rhe-Philipe. Lahore, 1912.

The Rambler; a Mussoorie miscellany (with alleged illustrations). Mussoorie, 1936.

Rankin, R. A tour in the Himalayas and beyond. London, 1930.

Rees, L.B.R. A personal narrative of the siege of Lucknow from its commencement to its relief by Sir Colin Campbell. 2nd ed. London, 1858.

Register of graves in the mission, Tiretta, north and south cemeteries in Park Street, Calcutta, with a map and alphabetical index. Calcutta, 1900.

Reid, C. Extracts from letters and notes written during the siege of Delhi in 1857. London, n.d.

'Rhadamanthus' A scholar in Clive Street. Calcutta, (n.d. but after 1945).

Rice Holmes, T. A history of the Indian mutiny and of the disturbances which accompanied it among the civil population, 5th ed. London, 1913.

Roberts, Lord, F.S. Forty-one years in India from subaltern to commander-in-chief. 2 vols. London, 1897.

Russell, W.H. My diary in India, in the year 1858-9. 2 vols. London, 1860.

Saksena, R.B. The European and Indo-European poets of Urdu and Persian. Allahabad, 1943.

Sanderson, G. A guide to the buildings and gardens: Delhi Fort. Delhi, 1937.

Sedgwick, F.R. The Indian mutiny of 1857; a sketch of the principal military events. London, 1909.

Sharp, H. Delhi: its story and buildings. Oxford, University Press, 1921.

Sheppard, S.I. Bombay. Bombay, Times of India Press, 1932.

Sleeman, W.H. Rambles and recollections of an Indian official. 2 vols. London, 1844.

Smith, V.A. The Oxford student's history of India. 14th ed., revised by H.G. Rawlinson. Oxford, University Press, 1933.

Solomon, W.E.G. The women of the Ajanta caves. Bombay, 1936.

Spear, T.G.P. Delhi: a historical sketch. Oxford, University Press, 1937.

Spear, T.G.P. The Nabobs: a study of the social life of the English in eighteenth century India. Oxford, University Press, 1932.

Steel, F.A. On the face of the waters. New ed. London, n.d.

Thompson, E.J. The making of the Indian princes. Oxford, University Press 1943.

Trotter, L.J. The life of John Nicholson soldier and administrator based on private and hitherto unpublished documents. 2nd ed. London, 1898.

United Service Institution of India. Journal. July 1946; January 1947; July - September, 1961.

Visitors' handbook ... of ... Galle. Ceylon, n.d.

Young, K. Delhi ? 1857; the siege, assault and capture as given in (his) diary and correspondence .... Edited by Sir H.W. Norman ... and Mrs. K. Young. London & Edinburgh, 1902.

 

LLOYD JONES (D.E.) PAPERS (at Centre of South Asian Studies University of Cambridge)

Given by D.E. Lloyd Jones

C.P., Bengal, U.P., Assam, Burma: 1941 - 1975

Collection of letters sent home immediately prior to and throughout his Indian Army Service by Major D.E. Lloyd Jones, M.C. Assam Regiment. Throughout describes the books read; films seen, food etc. (A great many of the letters are purely personal. Only those relating to India or Assam are listed here. The full list is in the Centre of South Asian Studies).

BOX I

1941

Envelope date:

23 July OCTU Bulford, Wilts. Describes camp and initial clothing and training - new army environment.

9 August Interview for Sudan Colonial Service.

No date Dunbar - further details of life and training of an officer.

September Dunbar. Has put name down for the Indian Army. Describes training. Refused for Sudan Service.

17 September Dunbar. Officers being weeded out. Further training described.

n.d. Sandhurst - further details. Described passing-out parades.

(envelope date: 30 November)

2. December Arrangements for leave at Christmas. Japanese attacks mentioned.

1942

5 January Sandhurst - Taken turn as Cadet Company Commander. Getting on well.

9 January Great deal of work. Night exercises. Band Night programme enclosed.

16 January Exercises - bad. weather.

22 January Discusses pro and con of joining Indian Army.

27 January Out on very hard exercise. Decides on joining Indian Army.

4 February Interviewed for Indian Army. Importance of last month at Sandhurst - exams, tests and lectures. 7 February About tests.

14 February More about military exercises etc.

10 March Accepted for Indian Army.

25 March Description of 3 day exercise and assault course.

29 March Tropical kit. Going on 36 hour exercise.

6 May London - leaving for India.

9 May On board prior to sailing.

16 May Voyage. Details of shipboard life.

June Still at sea. Has been via the Cape. Describes their welcome and conditions in detail. Conditions decide many officers to return after the war to live. Return to ship - further details of life.

10 July O.T.S. Mhow. Contrast to luxury of boat and hotel in Bombay. Describes living conditions. Studying Urdu. Prices and pay. Feeling contrast with Wales.

25 July Cram course in Urdu described. Also first impressions of the Indian scene - villages, shops, etc. finance; daily life.

9 August More about learning Urdu. Social life, finances. Mentions beginning of Gandhi's Civil Disobedience Movement.

21 August Urdu exams.

29 August Sending parcels to England of rationed goods.

19 September Describes new regiment as far as he can with censorship restrictions.

31 October Has been on training course and going to another. In an hotel in Calcutta. Veiled allusions to his whereabouts in the future.

13 November In Poona on a course - recaps leave, courses, etc., hampered through censorship. Been in jungle. Learning to be Company Commander. Describes his orderly.

13 December Letter to his sister Carys. About sending material etc. from India. Personal.

27 December Calcutta - Christmas described. Has been in Shillong.

BOX II

1943

14 January Airgraph: still in Calcutta.

19 January At Saugor, at Infantry School.

26 January Describes living at Saugor.

21 February Airletter. Has qualified as a small arms instructor. Gives his financial situation. Describes his orderly. More about Saugor.

15-17 March Personal, but describes the characteristics of Indian soldiers which he admires. Has been in the jungle. Describes life in Calcutta. Encloses letter about Insurance Policy.

8 April Veiled allusions to being in bad jungle conditions; asks for various Penguin books.

19 April Has been in Calcutta; implies has been fighting again. In a Battle School as instructor.

29 April Has been slightly injured in explosion during battle course.

13 May Recovered, been on endurance test. Has command of new company. Mentions a shortage of Indian food, but has seen no signs.

27 May On leave in Calcutta; going to Ranikhet.

2 June Ranikhet on leave. Describes the journey and the place.

24 June End of leave; journey back to Assam to. command D. Company; attitude towards station vendors. Learning Burmese. Remarks on negotiations with Indian leaders.

4 July Gives news of daily military life in a camp.

10 July Hospital with ear infection.

26 July Copy of two letters to a Mr. Richards from D.E.L.-J. about leave etc. - a synopsis of the letters home, expresses his attitude towards shirkers.

16 August Describes some of his friends.

10 September Personal and a little about officers.

11 September Describes his former work as Education Officer.

26 September Pathe News has been filming the area. Hopes it will be shown.

5 October Posted back to jungle: Preparations for Gurkha festival.

19 October In jungle: describes his orderly, a Lushai, and the way he builds 'annexe' to his tent. Encloses newspaper cutting of Gurkha ambush.

29 October Veiled references to a three day skirmish - slight account of Gurkha dewali.

6 November Shooting game, and using explosive in the rivers to catch fish to add variety to rations.

16 November Discusses plans after demobilisation.

23 November Promoted Quartermaster.

1 December Going on Animal Transport Course in Landsdowne. Describes leave in Calcutta. Comments on Wavell as Viceroy. Mentions famine and the photographs published by The Statesman. Encloses programme of Garrison show at theatre. (B.E.S.A.)

9 December Animal management course in Landsdowne.

11 December Landsdowne - describes place and the course, working with mules and ponies - learning to ride. Personal.

17 December Letter to grandfather. Mentions that he is covering same ground as his grandfather covered.

26 December Describes Christmas.

1944

10 January Mentions famine and black market.

16 January Mentions they are totally unaffected by the famine.

25 February Reveals he is in 14th Army on the Indo-Burma border.

12 March Implies he has been in action.

11 April Implies has been in action of a prolonged and heavy nature. Has lost all his personal effects.

15 April Airgraph: has been promoted Captain.

17 May Been recommended for the M.C.

30 May Personal: about deaths on service, his engagement and M.C.

2 July Describes leave in Calcutta, and incidentally his fighting in Assam round Kohima in which he was involved.

12 July Still in 'civilization', personal; oblique reference to fighting.

16-28 July Airgraphs: going on leave to Puri. No room in Puri: returned to Calcutta and spending leave in Grand Hotel.

31 July Describes leave in Calcutta. Reveals he has been in bitter fighting for 3 months. Battalion at Jessami, Kherasom and Kohima. Describes the men in a photograph sent home and tells of the men who have been killed and their bravery.

14 August Mentions the fighting and casualties at Kohima.

27 August Speaks of missionaries he has met.

2 September Been in action again. Mentions ending of war in Europe.

19 September In action - does not think war will be over so easily against Japanese. Mostly personal.

26 September Airgraph: mentions demobilisation plans not applying to Indian army.

22 October Mentions lack of NAAFI in the East, and exploitation of situation by British owned shops.

23 November Airgraph from Major Marsden assuring D.L.J.'s parents that he was safe but in a very remote place and could not write.

26 November Oblique description of his actions during silence. Mentions General Slim with admiration. Mentions the memorial stone brought by the Nagas to commemorate the fallen in the 2nd British Division.

22 December Mentions the advance into Burma and that he is connected with it. Letter from Jewellers attached about new regulations for sending home jewelry.

25 December Day spent marching. Lushais sang carols on Christmas Eve. Describes the rest of the day. They have chicken sent by Hindu clerk. Most of villages devasted in wake of the battle.

 BOX III

1945

2 January Captured a prisoner; turkey and plum pudding dropped from the air. Still marching towards Burma.

10 January Death of C.O. His place possibly to be taken by the 2nd in command, Mohammed Ayub Khan (later President of Pakistan).

22 January Letter about officers and Japanese, and the advance in Burma.

13 February Has majority: the campaign a costly one.

15 February Mentions the Maharaja of Manipur and his brother

18 February About an article in the press mentioning the unit and him.

7 March Japanese in full retreat. Lt. Col Parsons appointed C.O.

15 March With the 19th Indian Division under General Rees.

29 March His unit have freed Anglo-Indians and Anglo-Burmese interned by the Japs. Japanese have stripped the country. Gurkha officer finds his family in Maymo starving. In the victory parade at Mandalay Fort.

3 April Been entertaining ex-internees and ex-refugees.

11 April Has been in action again.

18 April Major Ayub Khan transferred to old unit.

25 April Old orderly dies in hospital.

5 May Action. Personal. Rangoon fallen.

10 May V.E. day. Spent mostly in action. Does not see the end of Jap war under 18 months.

18 May Fighting Japanese fierce resistance east of Toungoo.

26 May Monsoon making things difficult. Describes ruin of Burmese through the Japanese inflationary rate of exchange.

29 May Army activities from when he joined the 1st Btn. The Assam Regt.when it was in the23rd Indian Division, covering the withdrawal of Alexander's Army, up to the fall of Rangoon.

30 May Expresses disgust at Parliamentary talk of improving Amenities in the East, which he considers very poor.

5 June Still in action. Personal, about conditions.

12 June Complains about no repatriation arrangements for Indian Army. Mopping-up operations.

24 June (2 letters) Regimental 4th Birthday party described. Each tribe did its own songs and dances.

28 June Has led a most successful action.

5 July Concern for Indian troops. Sepoys get no family allowance. Asks for cigarettes from Welsh mission supporters instead of temperance tracts.

12 July Still on 'mopping-up'.

19 July Mentions Wavell's talks in Simla failing again.

31 July Demobilisation plans. Japanese war coming to an end.

6 August Has been allotted a Japanese sword.

17 August Feelings about armistice marred by a grenade exploding among his men. No cause for celebration, only gratitude and remembrance.

27 August Has been ill. Personal.

13 September Personal. The Company gave a party for the local children.

21 September Comments on Self-Government in India.

26 September Wants to be present for Dasera which he has always missed.

2 October Effects of mepacrine on malaria.

10 October Been inspecting Jap P.O.W. camp. Been to Gracie Fields' show.

14 October Leave assured by posting of Lushai commissioned Officer (Captain Sailo) as 2nd-in-command, a chieftain class. Dasera ceremony of goat-head decapitation taken place at start of festival, a week of celebration.

18 October Dasera ending. Going on leave to Ranikhet. Mentions inflated prices in Bengal, and the starving poor. Plans for life after demobilisation.

1 November Ranikhet: describes leave.

14 November Goes to Cawnpore at end of leave via Lucknow, where there is 'hartal' in sympathy with I.N.A. trials. Remarks on I.N.A.

21 November Back in Calcutta. Seeing Test Match: Australians v East Zone.

25 November Comments on Calcutta disturbances. Volunteers to command a Company of British military personnel to keep order. Feels the grievances of striking Corporation workers just. Cricket resumed.

14 December Back with unit. Sails to Rangoon Going with unit to Kalaw. Describes General Rees' farewell parade.

19 December Chasing dacoits.

22 December Christmas programme.

1946

10 January Journey to Kalaw with 130 men, 120 P.O.W.'s and stores. Describes making Kalaw camp comfortable. Release news.

20 January Still preparing the camp-site. High opinion of Lushai Christians.

26 January Move down to Meiktila in plains.

31 January Hints at military changes in Burma. Gives some accounts of the fighting he has been in.

6 February Packing to leave Kalaw. Japanese Colonel thanks him. Is given a Lushai shawl.

2 March News they are returning to the hills before the monsoon. Mentions Indian Naval mutiny.

19 March Back to Maymo - best hill station in Burma. Expensive, due to inflation.

25 March May be released in September. Gives description of his tent ready for monsoon.

21 April Tribal dancing on Good Friday.

28 April Says that conditions in Beyond the Chindwin are what his Battalion has been fighting in. (Book by Claud Wingate).

12 May Helping police in raids and arrests in remote areas. People not seen troops before.

23 May As above, arrangements for leaving army.

30 May Has been helping police to deal with crime in Upper and Lower Chindwin. Describes mopping-up process. Goes round with D.S.P. who is a Shan who shows him great kindness.

7 June Back in Maymo, preparing for General's visit. News that he is coming home, probably in August.

16 June About going home, having turned down invitation to extend service for six months by commanding Jungle Warfare School in Burma.

14 July About returning. Fattening a pig for a farewell party to his Company.

31 July Has orders to leave for Rangoon. Gives details of what has to be done before leaving. (page missing).

Miscellaneous collection of undated letters, notes etc. from collection (10 items).

BOX IV

Collection of newsletters and other items relating to the Assam Regiment from 1946 onwards.

Assam Regimental Newsletter written from the lst Battalion. The Assam Regiment in Shillong.

Christmas 1946 by Lt. Col. Hugh Parsons

March 3, 1947 by Captain Peter Steyn

May 1947 by Lt. Col. Hugh Parsons

Christmas 1947 by D.H. Mappin.

Copy of The Rhino: Silver Jubilee Number of the Assam Regiment's publication. (1941-1966).

Photograph of Memorial Tablet to Lt. Col. W.F. Brown, D.S.O., O.B.E., Commandant of lst Battalion Assam Regiment, in the parish church at Whittlesey. Unveiled 1950.

13 December 1947 Preliminary letter from D.E.L.J. about Reunions.

Assam Regiment Re-Union Club.

Newsletter No.l, December 1948 (written by D.E.L.J.)

Appendix 1: With the Second Battalion, N.W. Frontier and Ambala 1946-47, by Lewis Collinson. 4pp.

Conditions and attitudes of Pathans towards Assam Regiment in 1946-47; tensions, incidents. Description of terrible plight of refugees seen during journey to Ambala. State of refugee camps. Attitude of the men of the Assam Regiment.

Newsletter No.2, June 1949.

Appendix 2:

ëFrom a Subaltern's Diaryí by G. Mackenzie. Short memoir of December 1941 - assembling and training new recruits at Digboi.

ëIn Burma 1947í by Peter Steyn. Short memoir of the lst Battalion's anti-dacoit operation in Mandalay.

Newsletter No.3 10 December 1949

Newsletter No.4 1 May 1950

Newsletter No.5 2 December 1950

Appendix 3:

ëDacoit operations in Burma, 1946í, by Peter Steyn. Anecdotes of the Battalion in Burma.

Newsletter No.6 18 May 1951

Appendix 4:

ëWith the 2nd at Ranipetí by R.E. Jenks. Incident of camp flooding.

Newsletter No.7 December 1951.

Mentions collection of photographs of the Naga Hills compiled by Mr. Kiernan (over 500) which he wished to increase and complete.

Newsletter No.8 17 May 1952

Appendix 5:

ëIncident during Independence arrangements in Sylhetí by J.S. Collicut.

Newsletter No.9 December 1952.

Contains account of returning to Assam as a tea-planter by Peter Steyn, 1952. Conditions in Bombay, Calcutta and from the tea-garden in Assam. Comments on Nehru, Naga situation and state of Assam.

Also included in a newspaper cutting about Commission of Inquiry appointed in October 1952 to inquire into outbreak of disorder in Kohima.

Appendix 6:

ëAccount of Delhi after August 15, 1947 during the fightingí. (Description of the refugee Camp at Humayan's Tomb controlled by J. Walmesley, (q.v.) Lady Arthur Smith, Mrs. B.K. Nehru and Bishop Mukerjee. Psychological attitudes.

ëDiseaseí, by Peter Steyn. Written, January 1948.

Appendix 7:

A brief article on the Tribal Areas of Assam: The Autonomous Districts, the N.E. Frontier Agency, and Government Development Projects, by Thenphunga Sailo.

Newsletter No.10 May 1953

Newsletter No.11 November 1953

Account by Peter Steyn of the changes which had taken place in Digboi in the ten years since the lst Battalion was there. Also account of the changes in the Abor district in 1950 due to the earthquake: Missionaries and Naga troubles..

Newsletter No. 12 May 1954

Account of Shillong newspaper of the History and achievements of the Assam Regiment at the unveiling of their War Memorial in Shillong. The writer, D. Lloyd Jones, mentions his trek in 1943 with Gyles Mackrell - quotation from The Daily Telegraph, 24 February 1954 about his rescue work for refugees in the Chaukan Pass. (See Mackrell: FILMS).

Newsletter No.13 December 1954

Quotations from Daily Telegraph about trouble among the tribes of the N.E. Frontier of India, and also about the British patterns preserved in the Indian Army. Quotation from The Times about Kohima.

Newsletter No.14 May 1955

Appendix 8:

ëThe Rhino and Running Waterí - an account of an amusing war incident by Major Amar Sen of the Assam Regiment.

Newsletter No.15 November 1955

Newsletter No.16 June 1956

Quotations about the Maharaja of Manipur and the Indian National Army Memorial.

Newsletter No.17 November 1956

Appendix 9:

Regimental Newsletter from Assam and letter from P.B. Singh, The Palace, Imphal, Manipur State. (Brother of the Maharajah).

Newsletter No.18 May 1957

Brief account of P. Steyn's visit to the Battalion in Shillong, and other letters.

Newsletter No.19 December 1957

Newsletter No.20 June 1958

Newsletter No.21 November 1958

Newsletter No.22 June 1959

Description of Regimental Reunion in Assam

Newsletter No.23 November 1959

Obituary notice from The Times of Major-General T. Wynford Rees.

Newsletters No.24 June 1960 to No.33, June 1964

Newsletter No.34 December 1964

Obituary from The Times of Sir Robert Reid.

Newsletters No.35 June 1965 to No.37, June 1966

Newsletter No.38 February 1967

Book Review of Kohima by Arthur Swainson and ensuing correspondence in the Kentish Gazette.

Newsletter No.39 June 1967

Reproduction from the Arny list of the Assam Regiment, Part 2 of October 1945.

Newsletters No.40 March 1968 to No.42, April 1969.

Newsletter No.43 January 1970

Brief extract from Mr. Eric Lambert's diary of siege of Kohima.

Newsletters No.44 June 1970 to No.46, June 1971.

Newsletter No.47 February 1972

Account of the unveiling of the memorial to the Indian Allied Forces 1946 - 1947 in St. Paul's Cathedral.

Newsletter No.4 July 1972

Newsletter No.49 February 1973

ëReturn to India and the Assam Regimentí, 1972 by D.E. Lloyd Jones. 15pp.

Detailed diary of a month's tour of India and Assam by Mr and Mrs. Lloyd Jones, visiting friends, and battalions of the Assam Regiment, where they were welcomed very warmly.

Newsletters No.50 July 1973 to No.51, January 1974

Newsletter No.52 June 1974

ëIndia and Nepal 1973: a sentimental journeyí by Lt. Colonel E.H.M. Parsons.

Detailed diary of Colonel Parsons' return trip to India, at the invitation of the Commandant of the Assam Regimental Centre in Shillong. 14pp.

Newsletter No.53 February 1975

Newsletter No.54 - June 1975

Mentions the Centre of South Asian Studies' activities, in particular the films.

Newsletters of the Assam Regiment Reunion Club No.l, 19.

Including ëReturn to India and the Assam Regiment: 1972í by Colonel D.E. Lloyd Jones, and ëIndia and Nepal, 1973: a sentimental journeyí, by Lt. Colonel E.H.M. Parsons. TS appendices to Newsletters Nos.

Photograph of memorial plaque to the Assam Regiment in the parish church of St. Andrews, Whittlesey - Dedicated 1950.

Pamphlet:

David Edward Evans: a Welshman in India, by D.E. Loyd Jones, M.C., B.A, Reprinted from the Transactions of the Honourable Society of Cymmrodorion, Session 1967, Part 1.

Short biography of D.E. Evans 1885. Joined Indian Navy - 1888; Indian General Steam Navigation and Railway Co. of Calcutta; joined Ralli Bros. as consulting engineer: became Superintendent Engineer - 1931.

(Newsletters of the Assam Regimental Association continue to be received yearly).

 

          ___M________________________________________________________

 

MCCALL (Anthony Gilchrist), Maj Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur E361)

McCall Collection: papers of Maj Anthony Gilchrist McCall (1895-1978), Royal Artillery 1914-21, Indian Civil Service 1921-47, Superintendent of the Lushai Hills, Assam 1931-43, including papers and drafts of articles and books relating to his scheme for the Total Defence of the Lushai Hills in the Second World War.

100 items    1915 - 1976      View Contents List

 

McCALL PAPERS (at Centre of South Asian Studies University of Cambridge)

Given by Major A.G. McCall, I.C.S. through Mr. A.C. Bowman

Assam: 1938-1951

Account of Major A.G. McCall's Total Defence Scheme for the Lushai Hills during the World War II period, where he was Superintendent (113 pp TS).

Returning to Residency 8 December 1941 hears of Pearl Harbour. Goes to Calcutta to get news. Call on Chinese Consul, business firm, finding there dismay at British myopia of the situation, and the actual myopia at Army H.Q.

Period of indecision on what to do about defence.

Retrospective account of McCall's introduction of 'the Ten Point Code', the Welfare System, the Lushai Hills Cottage Industries and inauguration of the Chiefs' Durbar - aim was unity - McCall shown to be a real leader, therefore in January 1942 he sends his Lushai Hills Defence Scheme to the Governor of Assam (Sir Robert Reid).

Lushai Hills Civil Defence Scheme: description and explanation. It becomes, with Assam War Committee's sanction, the Lushai Total Defence Scheme.

Account of McCall's speech to the chiefs of North Lushai on 2 April 1942 outlining the T.D.S. and their discussion and replies.

McCall marches to the South Lushai Hills to enlist chiefs' help there, and in particular the Sub-divisional officer's (Mr. L.L. Peters) acceptance of the role of leadership Mr. Peters and Mr. Naylor (Chin Hills) of opinion that levies would be better.

Consolidation of T.D.S. in North Lushai Hills. Planning together with military.

Plan of defence campaign by the people.

Plan of defence by military.

Account of military conferences, defence discussions and changing situation.

Position of the Welsh Mission: Pacifist.

Their brave decision to remain as long as possible has a steadying influence. Indirectly helped T.D.S.

Notes on Postal Service and status of the volunteer in wartime.

Notes on events after the withdrawal, from Burma of all troops - June 1942.

Change of Governor. Advisers to new Governor (Sir Andrew Clow) had never set foot in the Hills.

July 1942 - few operational troops being sent to Aijal.

T.D.S. and military formation. Part played by General Scoones.

August and September 1942 Japs much nearer.

Incident of American. survivors of a crashed Flying Fortress.

Tempo of war on Eastern Frontier of India increasing which meant a reduction of responsibility for T.D.S.

Tension of the waiting period in September/October 1942.

Aijal Road Project. Already traced out in 1937 to connect the plains of Cachar with the Lushai Hills. Needed to be made properly. Started with idea it would take 6 weeks but took months. Eventually appeal made to the Indian Tea Association who responded with coolies from all over India. At one time 50,000 people working on project. Begun August 1942 lasted until February 1944. Some considered it a waste. McCall justifies it as making attack on lines behind Tiddim and Haka possible. (see Films: Mackrell - No.25)

Interview with General Irwin, 5 November 1942.

Air Warning scheme begun.

Criticism begins of McCall as failing to appreciate the whole situation.

In May 1943 the Governor posts him to Shillong. Deep distress and anger over this.

June 17, 1943 - first jeep drives through to Aijal from Cachar on the Aijal Road.

Disconnected notes about individuals and incidents.

Notes on Labour forces.

Notes on what was going on in "V" Force.

Notes on administrative confusion.

Notes on the Chin Hills.

Further disconnected notes on the T.D.S.

Notes on handing-over in June 1943.

Original papers and letters, and copies of papers, relating to the Lushai Total Defence Scheme.

1. Lushai Total Defence Scheme

D.O. to Governor's Secretary on T.D. Scheme 3.2.42

Letter to Governor of Assam on Labour Problems 8.3.42

Correspondence with Col. Critchley on T.D. matters March-April 1942

Memos on staffing for T.D. Scheme March-April 1942

Memo on operational considerations for Pasalthas 16.4.42

Memo on Evacuation 17.4.42

Address to Chiefs in Durbar (with subsequent Manifesto) 2.4.42

Extract of Confidential Reports 5.4.42-6.1.43

U.O. letter to Governor's Secretary on Lushai cases in controversy over T.D. Scheme 23.1.43

Memo to Governor's Secretary (ëIntolerable Situationí) 9.8.43

Extract from Fortnightly Report by E.S. Hyde, I.C.S. 10.11.44

Article on Major McCall's T.D. Scheme in The Statesman Summer 1945

Copy of letter from Lt. Col. Parsons on T.D. Scheme August 1954

2. E.S. Hyde I.C.S. - Correspondence

Note on Southern Portion of Eastern Frontier between Chindwin Valley and Bay of Bengal 8.7.42 Note on R.A.F. Movements 13.5.43

Letters relating to T.D.S. and defence of Eastern frontier; some criticisms of personnel deployment and strategy: 7.4.43; 24.4.43; 17.5.43; 18.5.43; 20.5.43; 21.5.43; 6.6.43; 14.6.43; 12.6.44; 12.12.51

3. Military Papers

Letter from "V" Force Command to Major C.G. Cuerdon about changes in command of lst Assam Rifles in "V" Force 8.7.42

Memo on the Army and Sanctions: Major McCall July 1943

The Story of "V" Force

Note on Independent Brigade Group (Lushai Brigade).

4. Report on Zawngling Area, 1943: Major McCall

5. Lushai Industries

Notes on Red and Black Lacquers

Note on Moulding of Brass, by Pu Neithunga of Chalrang.

Notes on indigenous dyes and casting, by Rev. R.A. Lorrain.

Method of Ting dyeing, by Pu Thingkima Sailo, Chief of Chalrang.

 

MACNABB FAMILY Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur F206)

Macnabb Collection: correspondence and papers of Dr James Macnabb (1759-1822), Bengal Medical Service 1789-1818, his son James Munro Macnabb (1790-1860), Bengal Civil Service 1806-31, and successive generations of the Macnabb family who served in India in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.

462 items    1778 - 1970      View Contents List

 

MacPHERSON PAPERS (at Centre of South Asian Studies University of Cambridge)

(D. MacPherson)

TS account of the investigation 1935-42, into an illicit distillery at Gariahat, Calcutta, the arrest and conviction of those involved, the extradition of one of the accused from England in 1941, and his second trial and conviction. 5 pp.

Three TS articles by MacPherson:

'The history of Chandernagore.' 9 pp.

'Famine in 1943.' 4 pp.

'Record of a case against Scheduled Castes in 1924.' 4 pp.

 

MACROBERT (Alexander ), Sir, 1st Bart Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur F221)

MacRobert Collection: papers of Sir Alexander MacRobert, 1st Bart (1854-1922), businessman, co-founder and Chairman of the British India Corporation Ltd, Cawnpore, President of Upper India Chamber of Commerce; and of his wife Lady Rachel Workman MacRobert (d 1954); especially relating to their interests in the British India Corporation and its subsidiary companies.

81 items    1888 - 1977      View Contents List

 

McWILLIAM PAPERS (at Centre of South Asian Studies University of Cambridge)

(P.N. McWilliam, I.C.S.)

'Memorandum on the subject of the social and official intercourse between European officers and Indian gentlemen.' Bengal Secretariat Press, Calcutta 1913.

Printed papers:

Paper read by S.B. Mazumder, manager of Sir Daniel Hamilton's estate, Gosaba, 1932. Gives the history of the estate.

'Full speed ahead' by D.M. Hamilton. A critique of the financial policy of the Government. Printed, in three parts. n.d.

'The Gosaba one rupee note', by D.M. Hamilton. Gosaba, January 1937.

'Financial stringency: its cause and cure', by D.M. Hamilton. Gosaba, January 1937.

'The new statecraft', by Balmacara. An explanation of socialism and capitalism.

Restricted Paper on anti-terrorism in Chittagong district.

'Rules for training assistant magistrates deputy magistrates and sub-deputy magistrates', by H.J. Twynam, Secretary to the Government of Bengal. Calcutta, January 1940.

'Fourteen reports on inspections of courts etc. at various places, when at Mymensingh and Chittagong', by P.N. McWilliam, Additional District Magistrate, May 1938 - January 1940.

Notes and judgements on ten cases heard before P. McWilliam, Magistrate. Mymensingh, Bengal, 1935-36.

A tour diary of P.N. McWilliam, I.C.S., A.D.M. Chittagong for February 1939.

 

MAGAN (William Morgan Tilson), Brig Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur F280)

Memoirs, diaries, reports and personal correspondence of Brig William Morgan Tilson Magan (b 1908), Indian Army 1928-c1946; covering his life in India as a member of the 12th Frontier Force Cavalry, Hodson's Horse and whilst in the Intelligence Bureau, Home Dept, Govt of India.

19 items    1927 - 1944      View Contents List

 

MARTIN (Ivy Lyn) Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur B387)

Peon Book used to record items sent by messenger by Mrs Ivy Lyn Martin, wife of Col Denys Richard Martin, Royal Engineers, at Calcutta when she was managing director of the Dysulin Pharmaceutical Company, and later at Rawalpindi.

1 volume    1940 - 1953

 

MARTIN (O.M.) PAPERS (at Centre of South Asian Studies University of Cambridge)

(O.M. Martin, I.C.S.)

Memoirs, 1913-45:

Part I, 1913-19. Joins I.C.S., Bengal, 1913, sent to Rajshahi; 1916 joins Indian cavalry; 1917 joins 14th Lancers; life in Indian cavalry; service in Iraq. TS. 84 pp.

Part II. Subdivisional Officer Narayanyanj; leave; Additional District and Sessions Judge H.Q. Comilla Chittagong; moved to Assam Valley - H.Q. Gauhati; Acting District Judge; Hinduism in Assam; description of various trials; touring by pony and sailing cutter; prosecution of Muslim leaders for sedition; congress leaders take fright and rural police are intimidated; dishonesty in his office and in land settlement; extermination of bison and wild buffalo; control of murder and dacoity; riots on Calcutta; terrorist movement and police intelligence service; social contact with Indians in Calcutta and Darjeeling; Lepchas; riot and murder on river sandbanks; weapons used in land riots; cotton weavers and their plight; Dacca riots; cause of the riots; Bengal Government failure to realize cause; railway accident and prosecution of manager; terrorist movement and its collapse; Sir John Anderson; training of Assistant Magistrates; fish industry; mosquito control; famine relief in West Bengal; corrupting influence of politics on Indian friends; Hindus and Muslims becoming estranged; outbreak of war; deficiencies in training Indian army; difficulties as Chief Secretary; order arrests of suspected terrorists; conference of generals at Chittagong; futility of army measures for 'denial of transport' and the economic effects; Gandhi's emissary is arrested and sentenced; refugees from Burma; great Bengal famine. TS from pp. 85-331; 37 pp. of MS, numbered pp. 332-369.

MS synopsis of points of interest of each part made by Martin: Part I consists of one sheet; Part II consists of five sheets.

Treatise on Yogasastra by Professor Monoranjan Barua, revised and partly rewritten and with a foreword by O.M. Martin, dated 1968. TS. 400 pp.; divided into 21 chapters and 3 appendices.

 

MARTYN (Philip Docton) Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur F376

Letters and papers of Philip Docton Martyn (b 1904), Indian Civil Service, Bengal 1927-47, and his wife Margaret Lisle Martyn (nee Gadd), relating to their life and careers in India.

44 Items    1927 - 1976      View Contents List

 

MISCELLANEOUS Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur C808)

Accounts of British rule in India, in particular of the Bihar Earthquake 1934 with copy photographs of earthquake damage, and Calcutta and Bengal 1939-48, by Margaret Stavridi, wife of A G Stavridi, East Indian Railway engineer; also printed account of `East Indian Railway and Damodar Flood Breaches, 1943'; and Japanese war propoganda leaflet [1942].

1 folder    1934 - 1948

 

MOTTRAM PAPERS (at Centre of South Asian Studies University of Cambridge)

Given by J. Mottram

Note on the Bengal famine of November 1943 made after serving with the 4th Battalion of the 4th Bombay Grenediers, which tried to relieve the suffering.

 

Mountbatten Papers Database

The papers of the late Louis, Earl Mountbatten of Burma, and Edwina, Countess Mountbatten of Burma, form part of University of Southampton Library MS62, the Broadlands archives.

These are held in In the Special Collections section of University of Southhampton

more information at http://www.archives.lib.soton.ac.uk/mountbatten.shtml

Access to this database is by permission only. Inquire about database access.

The first section of the Mountbatten Papers Database contains a glossary of acronyms and abbreviations used in the detailed catalogue descriptions of papers for Lord Mountbatten's command in South East Asia, relating to the transfer of power in India and of photograph albums.

This is followed by, firstly, a summary catalogue and then detailed catalogue descriptions of sections of the archive. The summary catalogue includes brief descriptions of the papers of the late Earl and Countess Mountbatten of Burma, together with family papers, a series of photograph albums and photographs and BR70-90, which is the political correspondence of William Wilfrid Ashley from the Broadlands estate papers.

Complementary to this summary catalogue are detailed descriptions of papers focusing on sections of the archive, specifically Lord Mountbatten as Supreme Allied Commander South East Asia, for the transfer of power in India, and of some photograph albums.

The summary catalogue contains brief descriptions of the following sub-divisions of papers:

MB1/A Papers of Earl Mountbatten of Burma: private papers, 1900-48

MB1/B Papers of Earl Mountbatten of Burma: Fifth Destroyer Flotilla and Combined Operations, 1939-43

MB1/C Papers of Earl Mountbatten of Burma: South East Asia Command, 1943-6

MB1/D Papers of Earl Mountbatten of Burma: official papers as last Viceroy and first Governor General of India, 1947-8

MB1/E Papers of Earl Mountbatten of Burma: correspondence files, 1946-8

MB1/F Papers of Earl Mountbatten of Burma: First Cruiser Squadron, 1948-50

MB1/G Papers of Earl Mountbatten of Burma: Fourth Sea Lord, 1950-2

MB1/H Papers of Earl Mountbatten of Burma: Commander in Chief Mediterranean and Commander in Chief Allied Forces Mediterranean, 1952-4

MB1/I Papers of Earl Mountbatten of Burma: First Sea Lord, 1955-9

MB1/J Papers of Earl Mountbatten of Burma: Chief of Defence Staff, 1959-65

MB1/K Papers of Earl Mountbatten of Burma: civilian life, 1965-79

MB1/L Papers of Earl Mountbatten of Burma: organisations, 1937-82

MB1/M Papers of Earl Mountbatten of Burma: speeches and broadcasts

MB1/N Papers of Earl Mountbatten of Burma: miscellaneous (recurrent subjects), 1921-81

MB1/O Papers of Earl Mountbatten of Burma: miscellaneous

MB1/P Papers of Edwina, Countess Mountbatten of Burma: correspondence files, 1923-47

MB1/Q Papers of Edwina, Countess Mountbatten of Burma: correspondence files, 1947-8

MB1/R Papers of Edwina, Countess Mountbatten of Burma: correspondence files, 1948-60

MB1/T Papers of Prince Louis of Battenberg (Louis Alexander Mountbatten, first Marquis of Milford Haven from 1917): naval and personal papers, 1868-1921, 1962-79

MB1/U Papers of the German branch of the Mountbatten family

MB1/W Papers of William Wilfrid Ashley, Baron Mount Temple: political and private correspondence, 1898-1938

MB1/X Papers of Sir Ernest Cassel, 1887-1920

MB1/Y Milford Haven family papers

MB1/Z Papers of Earl Mountbatten of Burma: correspondence with Solly Zuckerman, Baron Zuckerman

MB2/A Photograph albums: Prince Louis of Battenberg (Louis Alexander Mountbatten, first Marquis of Milford Haven, from 1917)

MB2/B Photograph albums: Princess Louise of Battenberg (later Queen of Sweden); Victoria, Princess Louis of Battenberg (Marchioness of Milford Haven from 1917)

MB2/C Photograph albums: Nona Kerr (Mrs Richard Crichton), lady in waiting to Victoria, Princess Louis of Battenberg

MB2/D Photograph albums: Prince George of Battenberg (second Marquis of Milford Haven)

MB2/E Photograph albums: Prince Alexander of Hesse; Prince Gregory Gargarine

MB2/F Photograph albums: Baroness Sophie Buxhoevden; Elisabeth, Grand Duchess Serge

MB2/G Photograph albums: royal families in Europe; Montenegrin family

MB2/H Photograph albums: Evelyn Ashley; Sybella Ashley; Maud Ashley (nee Cassel); William Wilfrid Ashley, Baron Mount Temple; sketch book of Emily, Viscountess Palmerston

MB2/I Presentation albums: Sir Ernest Cassel

MB2/J Visitors and calling books, 1884-1956

MB2/K Photograph albums: Edwina, Countess Mountbatten of Burma, 1920-2

MB2/L Photograph albums: visits and tours by Edwina, Countess Mountbatten of Burma, including the honeymoon tour of Lord and Lady Mountbatten, 1922-45

MB2/M Photograph albums: visits by Edwina, Countess Mountbatten of Burma, 1932-60

MB2/N Photograph albums: Earl Mountbatten of Burma, 1904-80

MB2/O Articles and photographs of houses, including Brook House, London, and 2 Wilton Crescent

MB2/P Address books, stamp and coin collections

MB2/Q Photograph albums, including of Mahatma Gandhi and of India; photographs, shooting script for In which we serve

MB2/R Photograph albums: visits by Earl and Countess Mountbatten of Burma, 1939-59

MB2/S Photograph albums: visits by Earl Mountbatten of Burma, 1939-76

MB2/T Game books: Classiebawn, County Sligo, Ireland; Adsdean; Broadlands estate; Lord Mountbatten's personal game book

MB2/U Account books, Broadlands estate books, cash and personal expenditure analysis books

MB3 Photographs, including for SACSEA, India, Chief of Defence Staff; family photographs for the Russian imperial family, Battenberg and Mountbatten families, Cassel and Ashley families, the royal family

MB5 Bound volumes, mainly naval notes of Earl Mountbatten of Burma and inventories and lists of articles of Adsdean and Brook House

MB7 Press cuttings, 1921, 1944-85

MB11 Papers of Victoria, Princess Louis of Battenberg (Marchioness of Milford Haven from 1917); lists of books read: extracts of books; copies and translations of poems

MB12 Papers of Nona Kerr (Mrs Richard Crichton), lady in waiting to Victoria, Princess Louis of Battenberg

BR70-99 Papers of William Wilfrid Ashley, Baron Mount Temple

There are detailed catalogue descriptions for the following sub-division of papers:

MB1/C1-99 South East Asia Command, 1943-6

MB1/C100-99 South East Asia Command, 1943-6

MB1/C200-99 South East Asia Command, 1943-6

MB1/C300-28 South East Asia Command, 1943-6

MB1/D3-20 Official papers as last Viceroy and first Governor General of India, 1947-8

MB1/D21-40 Official papers as last Viceroy and first Governor General of India, 1947-8

MB1/D41-60 Official papers as last Viceroy and first Governor General of India, 1947-8

MB1/D61-80 Official papers as last Viceroy and first Governor General of India, 1947-8

MB2/A-K Mountbatten photograph albums, 1859-1940

MB2/L-N Mountbatten photograph albums, 1904-80

 

MULLOCK PAPERS (at Centre of South Asian Studies University of Cambridge)

Mr Mullock was a European working in Calcutta between 1929 and 1937. He worked in Bombay between 1937 and 1948, with a brief interlude in Belgaum, and returned to Calcutta in 1948 before leaving for Britain in 1950.

Given by D.W. Mullock Esq.

Miscellaneous papers. 29 ff xerox copies. Press cuttings on terrorist activities in Bengal, particularly political assassination, early 1930s. Material relating to 'The Royalists'. According to its prospectus 'The Royalists' was an organisation composed of 'younger members of the British Community in India' which 'Stood for the King against the King's Enemies'. Criticism of government was not incompatible with this attitude and the Royalists were concerned to ensure that the European Association really voiced the demands of the European Community and that the rights of the Community were properly safeguarded in any future constitution. The Royalists were not militant but might be used for the formation of a defence force in an emergency: The papers include the minutes of the Annual General Meeting held at the Grand Hotel, Calcutta on 13 September 1934. Mr Mullock was Chairman of the Royalists on this occasion.

 

MURRAY (James A) Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur C668)

`Jim's Journal: excerpts from an autobiography by James Murray' (b 1906), trader in scientific instruments, giving an account of his life in India (1906-47).

63 pages    1906 - 1947

 

MUSPRATT (Sydney Frederick), General Sir Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur F223)

Muspratt Collection: diaries, articles, lectures, photographs and memorabilia of General Sir Sydney Frederick Muspratt (1878-1972), illustrating his life and career in the Indian Army 1898-1941, particularly on the North-West Frontier; also Muspratt family papers, dated 1801-55 and 1897-1918.

128 items    1901 - 1968      View Contents List

 

 

          ___N________________________________________________________

 

NISSEN (Roy Edward King) Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur R189

Tape recording of interview, given 1989, by Roy Edward King Nissen (b 1905), on his life and career in India as a member of the European domiciled community and as an Accounts Officer in the Indian Railways 1924-60.

4 cassettes    1905 - 1960

 

          ___O________________________________________________________

 

OUWERKERK (Louise ) Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur F232)

Ouwerkerk Collection: diaries, letters and papers of Louise Ouwerkerk (1904-89), University teacher in Travancore 1929-39, wartime internee 1940-41, employed on official publicity work in India 1942-46, teacher in West Africa 1953-63, teacher in India and England 1963-71.

95 items    1929 - 1983      View Contents List

 

          ___P________________________________________________________

 

PACKARD PAPERS (at Centre of South Asian Studies University of Cambridge)

Brigadier J.J. Packard served with 1st Battalion East Yorkshire Regiment in North, West and East India 1933-37 and 1943-46. His wife, Mrs Faith Packard, joined him in India for part of 1946.

Typescript memoir by Brigadier Packard: 'Service with the British Army in India'. This covers such matters as the nature of Packard's relations with his Indian Sepoys; European Army Officers' domestic arrangements; contacts with ordinary Indians; the daily routine. 3pp.

Typescript memoir by Mrs Faith Packard: My recollections of India in 1946'. Memories of Delhi, Simla and Calcutta. 3pp.

 

PATTERSON PAPERS (at Centre of South Asian Studies University of Cambridge)

(The Rev. David A. Patterson)

Given by Mr. Phillip Nash 1971

Burma; India

1932-1943

BOX I

269 letters written by the Rev. David Patterson to his mother 1932-1941 from Burma and wartime letters 1942-1943 from India.

In 1932 he went out as a layman to teach in the Diocesan Boys' School Rangoon, until 1935. Returned to England in 1936 to be ordained and went back to Burma in 1938 to teach in St. John's College, Rangoon, the Mission of the Resurrection, Syriam, and as headmaster of All Saints S.P.G. Boys' High School and Mission, Schwebo, February 1941.

The letters describe his life as a missionary teacher and then as a priest in Burma, and outside activities: relationships between Burmans, Anglo-Indians and Europeans. In 1942 he became Chaplain to the Forces in Burma. He was with General Alexander in the retreat from Rangoon to Assam in May 1942. In 1943 he was in India as an army chaplain. 580pp.

BOX II

17 letters undated from. St. John's College, Rangoon, probably 1939-40. 38pp.

14 miscellaneous undated letters from ships etc. Some loose pages from other letters. 37pp.

Miscellaneous printed papers, programmes etc. from Burma, undated.

Letter from Cyril Patterson (David Patterson's Brother) in Onitsha to his mother, 20 July 1935.

Photographs in envelopes of: voyages - Madras and Calcutta; snake charmers; Mandalay and Pagan; Shan States and Maymyo; Rangoon; Burmese scenes; Shan States Mission and school scenes. These are named and explained on the reverse, not all are dated.

Griffiths, Percival J. The British in India. London, 1946.

Tyson, Geoffrey. Forgotten frontier. Calcutta, 1945.

 

PAWSEY, E.L. PAPERS (at Centre of South Asian Studies University of Cambridge)

Restricted

(E.L. Pawsey)

The Commissioners for the Port of Calcutta. 'Exhibited drawings for the construction, supply and delivery at the Port of Calcutta of one twin screw buoy lifting despatch vessel. Marine Department, September 1948.

Sir Claude Inglis' report on prospects of improving the navigability of the Hooghly, together with reports and comments by the Chairman, 1947.

Chittagong papers.

Papers referring to Calcutta Port Commission, August 1945.

History of the Port of Calcutta - Deputy Conservator's Department. (Large tin file.)

River Hooghly Manual. 1949. Section 1. Extracts from acts, rules and regulations.

 

PELLY PAPERS (at Centre of South Asian Studies University of Cambridge)

(Canon R. Pelly)

BOX I

Bishops College, Calcutta, The Chronicle. 1922-58 (incomplete); 1960, 1965. (Supplements for 1950, 1952, 1958.)

St. Paul's, Darjeeling. School Chronicle. 1947-66 (incomplete).

BOX II

Parish magazine of the Old Mission Church, Calcutta, January-December 1927-28.

'A coin of Indian metal: the life of Wing-Commander K.K. Majumdar, D.F.C. and Bar', by K.N. Dutt. Madras, Bangalore. The Christian Literature Society for India, 1949.

 

PEPPÉ PAPERS (at Centre of South Asian Studies University of Cambridge)

Given by Commander L. Peppé

'The Piprawah Stupa on the Birdpore Estate containing the relics of Buddha', by J.H.H. Peppé. Privately printed pamphlet published by J.H.H. Peppé, Birdpore Estate, Basti, U.P., and printed at Utpal Press, Calcutta, 9, n.d. 12 pp.

Newspaper cutting from the Pioneer of 18 August 1956 on 'The annihilation of Lord Buddha's family', by Paripurnanand Verma; this also refers to the Piprawah Stupa and its contents.

Xerox copy of extract from the Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society, 1898 - 'The Piprawah Stupa, containing relics of Buddha', by William Claxton Peppy Esq. Communicated, with a note, by Vincent A. Smith, I.C.S., M.R.A.S. with two plates. 15 pp.

Typescript copy of the account of the activities of Lt. Col. W.T.H. Peppéís grandfather during the Indian mutiny. The account was written by his daughter who later became Mrs. de Hochepied Larpent; and also includes the origin of the Birdpur Estate in the Basti District of the U.P. (The original is in the possession of Lt. Col. Peppé.)

 

PERRY-KEENE PAPERS (at Centre of South Asian Studies University of Cambridge)

(Air Vice Marshal Sir Allan Perry Keene) C.B., O.B.E.

Delhi, Simla, U.P., C.P., Punjab, Bengal. Later, Pakistan 1934-1949

Reflected Glory - An Autobiography by Sir Allan Perry-Keene. Privately printed 1978.

Posted by Air Ministry to India in 1934, he served as a member of the Air Staff in Delhi and Simla until 1940. Posted to India again at the end of World War II, he was appointed chairman of Air Force Reconstruction Committee. He describes transition period for RAF in India until formation of RIAF and RPAF. Later as Commander Royal Pakistan Air Force much involved in Indo Pakistani was over Kashmir 1948-49.

Xerox copy of letter from George Renny to his half-brother, dated 27 May 1858 from Bijnore, Rohilkand, concerning the part his loyal Hindustani corps took in the siege of Delhi. 3pp.

 

PINNELL (Leonard George) Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur D911)

Pinnell Collection: papers of Leonard George Pinnell (1896-1979), Indian Civil Service, Bengal 1920-47, Director of Civil Supplies, Bengal 1942-43; co-ordinator of Bengal Government's evidence to Famine Enquiry Commission 1943-44, Principal of of training course for military officers returning to civil administration 1944-45; Chairman, Bengal Development Board 1946-47; also printed speeches by Governors of Bengal 1936-46.

39 items    1932 - 1948      View Contents List

 

PINNELL PAPERS (at Centre of South Asian Studies University of Cambridge)

Mr L.G. Pinnell (1896-1979)

Given by Mr M.C. Pinnell

Calcutta, Bengal, Darjeeling 1919-1947

Memoir: With the sanction of government describing career of L.G. Pinney before, during and after his time in the ICS. Some insertions and notes are made throughout by Mr Pinnell's son, the donor Mr M.C. Pinnell. Sections are as follows:

To go or not to go to Oxford

Cambrai, October 1918

Armistice

Oxford, 1919

First years in India, 1920-22

First years in the Service

Bengal, 1922: a young man's impressions

Bengal, 1923-25: marriage, home leave

Bengal, 1926-29: Dacca

The Bengal Secretariat, 1930 and 1934

Bengal, 1930-32: Rajshahi

Begal, 1932-34: Darjeeling

Darjeeling, 1932: Miss Ellen Wilkinson

Darjeeling, 1934: the Bihar earthquake

Bengal, 1935-37: Sir John Anderson

Bengal, 1935-38: Major General Lindsay

Bengal sketches:

Sarat and Subhas Bose

Khwaja Sir Nazimuddin

Sir Bijoy Prasad Singh Roy

Khwaja Shahabuddin

Narendra Bishas

A muslim country parson

Bengal, 1937-39: Lord Brabourne

Bengal, 1939: interregnum

The training of the I.C.S., 1940-42

The Cripps mission - Delhi, 1942

The "Denial of ttransport" - Delhi, 1942

The Bengal famine, 1942-43

The end of the Japanese war

Calcutta, 1946

Family life

Memoria

112pp. plus three pages of introduction

 

          ___Q________________________________________________________

 

QUINTON PAPERS (at Centre of South Asian Studies University of Cambridge)

(H. Quinton)

TS note on terrorism in Bengal - a memory, during the fifty years prior to Independence. 4 pp. n.d. In particular, personal reminiscences of Alipore.

'Personal reminiscences of the Indian mutiny', by Margaret Spencer. Booklet, n.d.

 

          ___R________________________________________________________

 

REID (Robert Niel), Sir Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur E278)

Reid Collection: papers and diaries of Sir Robert Niel Reid (1883-1964), Indian Civil Service, Bengal 1907-42, Governor of Assam 1937-42, Acting Governor of Bengal 1938 and 1939.

91 items    1918 - 1964      View Contents List

 

RENFORD (Raymond Kevin) Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur F205)

Materials collected by Raymond Kevin Renford for his book `The non-official British in India to 1920' (1987); also two copies of his MA thesis `The Role of the non-official British in India in the Ilbert Bill controversy' (Hebrew University of Jerusalem, 1973).

102 items    1883 - 1975

 

ROSE PAPERS (at Centre of South Asian Studies University of Cambridge)

Given by Mrs. D. Rose

Bengal, Kashmir, Burma, Assam 1942-1946

Letters from Mrs. Dorothy Rose in Calcutta, to England.

30 December 1944

The dirt and disease in Calcutta. Leave in Kashmir after her husband had got out of Assam after the siege of Imphal. No hope of demobilisation for two years.

27 August 1945

Has moved outside Calcutta in a temporary job. Adjustments and uncertainty after the war - job, getting home etc. Leave again in Kashmir.

22 September 1945

To her cousin Joanna Skipwith. Uncertainty of immediate future for her husband and self. Has been working with returned POWs from Singapore. Comments on their wonderful spirit - and on the years of the Japanese occupation.

Copies of extracts from The Statesman, 20 August, 1946.

Original TS of Mr. Alistair Rose's trek out of Burma, January-June 1942

Flew on 21 December, 1941, from Sydney to Moulmein, leaves his wife in Sydney. Arrives after diversions in Moulmein on 2nd January, 1942. Boards his launch and finds that Army Officers have commandeered his bungalow and they travel together. Describes small forces available to defend Tenasserim timber yard. Continues business as far as possible (teak trade). Air-raids begin. Description of type of bombs. etc.

19 January Hears Tavoy battalion routed. Closes mill, disperses staff and elephants. Eventually an air raid sets fire to town and causes complete evacuation of southern and central part of the town. Does not destroy timber yard and plant as believed R.A.F. would disperse Japanese attempts to ship timber. No idea Indian troop resources inadequate. Eventually is only person left on site so decides to go to Rangoon by train with the firm's books. Complains that civilian population kept ignorant by army of events in the war: Indian civilians left behind unnecessarily on evacuation of Mergui. Fall of Moulmein and reasons. Description of the confused movements and activities before final evacuation, and fall of Burma.

Decides to leave by the Chaukan Pass route.

Rose and Anderson start the trek along with hundreds of other refugees. Gurkha families, Anglo-Indians, and probably Bishop Strachan's school, all of whom died. At Myitkyina scraps possessions down to minimum, and food to one week's supply. Joined by Stapleton with pony and mule. At Maingkwan they are able to load up with rice. March in torrential rain. Arriving Sinbwiyang - plentiful food from air-dropped rations. Europeans if possible distribute to prevent looting. This area enabled thousands to continue after food for a few days. Parts from Anderson and Stapleton, who rest further. Wait for official party, and hope for Naga guides for unused Naga route. Only I.C.S. used it eventually. Anderson died. Joins three other officers and has bunch of Lushais loosely attached, who were very useful in camping. Party splits into two. Mule dies, they catch bullocks. Magnificent work of the Assam Tea Planters' Association in relief measures. Arrive at a railway and is taken to hospital and eventually reached Calcutta, having walked 109 miles.

A shortened duplicated version of the above, duplicated and bound with maps, with a history of the firm of T.D. Findlay and Son, Ltd. entitled:

A short history of T.D. Findlay and Son Ltd., East India Merchants, and An account of Alistair Rose's route out of Burma in 1942. 17pp.

 

ROXBURGH (Thomas James Young), Sir Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur G98)

Miscellaneous papers of Sir (Thomas) James Young Roxburgh (1892-1974), Indian Civil Service 1915-52, Judge, High Court Calcutta 1942-52, including newspaper cuttings, photographs and ephemera.

1 volume; 1 box    1906 - 1969

 

          ___S________________________________________________________

 

SATOW (Michael G) Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur F290)

Indian Railways Collection: correspondence, papers and articles relating to Indian Railways, together with locomotive diagrams and photographs, collected by Michael G Satow.

204 items    1845 - 1990      View Contents List

 

SEAL (Pulin Behari) Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur Photo Eur 446)

Copies of selected papers of Pulin Behari Seal (1900-?83), journalist and Indian political activist in London; appointed by C R Das representative in London of Indian National Congress and Swaraj Party 1924-27; President, Indian Association, London 1924-27; General Secretary, London Branch of Indian National Congress 1927-31; General Secretary, Indian Independence League, London 1931-36; Chairman, Committee of Indian Congressmen, London, and General, Council for the International Recognition of Indian Independence 1941-45.

5 items    1924 - 1947      View Contents List

 

SHARPE PAPERS (at Centre of South Asian Studies University of Cambridge)

(W. McC. Sharpe)

Microfilm No. 10

Report of the Dacca Riots Enquiry Committee. Alipore, Bengal, Bengal Government Press, 1942. 60 pp. and six appendices of 25 pp. In three parts: Dacca city; rural areas; recommendations. Appendix E contains five photographs of the damage; appendix F contains map of the town.

Report of the trial and judgement of Surja Sen, alias Master de Tarakeswar Dastidar and Kalpana Datta under the Bengal Criminal Act etc. at Darjeeling 7 June 1933. Includes exhibits produced at the trial, including statements made to the Tribunal and propaganda and instructions made by the Indian Republic Army, and copies of documents found and used in evidence. W. McC. Sharpe, member of the special Tribunal. TS. 147 pp, plus 24 pp. of documents.

 

SHOOBERT PAPERS (at Centre of South Asian Studies University of Cambridge)

Given by Sir Harold Shoobert

(Received 21 June 1968)

Papers relating to the claims of the Begam A. U. Wali-ud-Dowla against the Nizam of Hyderabad.

Letter from Sir Tej Bahadur Sapru to W.V. Grigson about the Begam Wali-ud-Dowla's Case. Allahabad 21 August, 1947.

Copy of his letter to the Begam Memorandum prepared by Sir Tej Bahadur Sapru on the case.

Application to be made to R.M. the Nizam about the case.

Opinion in re Begam A.U. Wali-ud-Dowla of Hyderabad Deccan: in the matters of the claims of Mahboob Begam and Qadra Begam by Sir Tej Bahadur Sapru, Allahabad, 21 August 1947. (Case formerly argued at Hyderabad before the Royal Commission, July and August 1944). 9pp.

Letter from W.V. Grigson to the Begam Sahiba Wali-ud-Dowla, 26 August 1947.

Note in re Begam Wali-ud-Dowla's case. A brief sketch of the life and career of Nawab Wali-ud-Dowla, signed by Sir Tej Bahadur Sapru, Allahabad 20 October 1944, 48pp.

List of papers in Re: Begam Wali-ud-Dowla's Case.

2 copies of letters from E.P. Caspersz to Mr. Touche, M.P., 30 November 1946 and 7 October 1946.

Bundle of papers relating to the Schillergunge Estate, including annual accounts from 1866 to1929.

{Memorandum, 19 February 1948 by Edward P. Caspersz, Schillergunge P.O., Mathibaria, Bakarganj District, E. Bengal. Part 2 of 8 March 1948. Written to show why special consideration should be shown compared with other landowners, in case of acquisition by Government, 6pp.}

 

SIFTON (James David), Sir Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur F266)

Miscellaneous papers of Sir James David Sifton (1878-1952), Indian Civil Service 1902-37, Governor of Orissa 1932-36, of Bihar 1936-37; including reports on settlement operations in Hazaribagh and Singhbhum, newspaper special editions on the Bihar earthquake of 1934, daily engagement book, scrapbook, and letters home.

11 items    1901 - 1958      View Contents List

 

SOMERSET (Edward John), Maj Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur D1023)

`Reminiscences of an Indian Medical Service Officer', dated Jan 1979, by Maj Edward John Somerset (b 1907), describing his career in the Indian Medical Service 1938-47, and his life in India as a private practitioner 1947-61.

309 folios    1938 - 1961

 

SOMERSET PAPERS (at Centre of South Asian Studies University of Cambridge)

Papers of Major Edward John Somerset, M.B. (Lond.), M.S. (Opth.), D.O.M.S. (Eng.), M.R.C.S. Born 12 November 1907, joined Indian Medical Service 1 November 1938. Posted Quetta 1939 to general medical work in Government Hospital. Transferred 1 January 1943 to Shillong as Eye Specialist, General Hospital. Transferred September 1943, Calcutta as Eye Specialist, 47 British General Hospital. Made Professor of Opthalmology at Medical College, Calcutta 18 May 1944. After Independence until 1961, when he left India, in private opthalmic practice in Calcutta.

Given by Major Somerset.

BOX I

14 Indian Survey Ordnance Maps of the Nepal, Sikkim and Tibet border areas.

Sheet No. 78A Darjeeling 1930.

Sheet No. 78A/SW and 72M/SE 1942.

Sheet No. 78A/NW and 77D/SW 1930.

Sheet No. 78A/NE and 77D/SE 1930.

Sheet No. 78B/NE 1942.

Sheet No. 78B/NW 1942.

Sheet No. 77D 1946.

Sheet No. 78E 1942.

Sheet No. 78E 1925.

Road Map of India 1942.

O.S. Map of Baluchistan No. 34 N/3 1925.

4 inch Shillong Guide Map - third edition 1942.

Shillong and surrounding country 1930.

Sheet No. 78A Darjeeling 1930.

BOX II

TS Memoir: Reminiscences of an Indian Medical Service Officer from 1939 to 1961. By E.J. Somerset, Major I.M.S. (retd.) N.W.F.P., Shillong, Calcutta. 309 ff. A discursive and frank account of colleagues, friends, household management, army social life in Quetta and Shillong and civilian social life in Calcutta, recreations, which include treks to Sikkim and Tibet. While in Quetta observed Sir Henry Holland's work. Many pages describe his own work. A comprehensive memoir showing his attitudes to British and Indians.

 

SORABJI (Cornelia ) Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur F165)

Sorabji Collection: correspondence, diaries and papers of Cornelia Sorabji (1866-1954), Indian lawyer and social reformer, Lady Assistant to the Court of Wards in Bengal, Bihar and Orissa, and Assam 1904-23; also papers of other members of her family.

233 items    1882 - 1947      View Contents List

 

STAVRIDI PAPERS (at Centre of South Asian Studies University of Cambridge)

Mrs Margaret Stavridi was with her husband (Alexander Gregory Stavridi) in India where he worked as an engineer with the East Indian Railway between 1921 and 1948. She was a writer and designer and was also much involved with welfare work, especially during the 1939-45 war.

Material given by Mrs Stavridi.

BOX 1

Typescript copies of four articles:

(i) Regarding government service during British rule in India. 2ff.

(ii) India 1939-1948: Bengal, Calcutta. 8ff.

(iii) The civilian war effort in Bengal, India 1939-1946. (For the "Forgotten Army"). 10ff.

(iv) The civilian war effort in Bengal for the welfare of the "Forgotten Army" of the East, 1942-1946. 8ff.

The articles describe the work of BESA (Bengal Entertainment for the Services Association) both in Calcutta and in "the field". Mrs Stavridi was also involved with running canteens for troops, organising visitors for the severely wounded in hospitals and launching the Hospital Welfare Service. She describes civilian life in Bengal 1939-48 with its natural disasters of cyclones, floods and famine.

2. Six letters, written after the Stavridis returned to England, from their former servants 1948-69. 3 Folder entitled: 'The work of civilians in Calcutta and Bengal in the 1939-1945 War' containing:

(i) Schicklgrüber by Robert Colling-Pyper and Margaret Stavridi with an introduction by Lady Linlithgow. (Calcutta: Thacker's Press and Directories, 1943.) The volume, which contains many coloured illustrations, is a parody of the German work Struwelpeter, and is subtitled 'cautionary tales for modern times'. It treats cynically the various conquests of Hitler and Mussolini. The folder includes letters from the British Red Cross Museum and Archives written in 1992 and 1993 and relating to Schicklgrüber.

(ii) Annual reports, letters etc. concerning the Bengal Home Industries Association. 1946-48.

(iii) Miscellaneous designs, letters and newspaper cuttings. 8 Photographs. 1934-65.

(iv) Programmes, newspaper reviews, designs etc of BESA-ENSA productions. Calcutta, 1940-46. Includes items on the following productions: (1) 'For Poland': Karel Capek's Insect Play, 1940; (2) Arms and Legs, 1941; (3) "Eve-an' Now": an intimate review of fashion by Robert Colling-Pyper, [1943]; (4) Oedipus Rex by Sophocles, 1946. BOX 2

1. Costume and set designs for a review entitled "Rise and Smile". 13 ff.

2. Typescript of text of "Eve-an' Now": an intimate review of fashion. By Robert Colling-Pyper. 1942. 37pp.

3. A trip through the land of sunshine and surprise over the E[ast] I[ndian] R[ailway]. 37pp, illustrated. 4. 1934: The Statesman record of the great Indian earthquake. Calcutta.

44pp, illustrated.

5. "Hand outs" for press tour over East Indian Railway, October 1944: Howrah Station and environments. Calcutta: East Indian Railway Press, 1944. 6pp. BOXES P.1 AND P.2

1. 6 albums of photographs.

2. 5 envelopes of negatives.

3. 1 can of 7 ciné films.

Book:

"Curry & rice", on forty plates, or, the ingredients of social life at "our station" in India. By George Franklin Atkinson. 3rd ed., London: Day & Son, [1860]. (Archive MISC.159).

 

STRACEY PAPERS (at Centre of South Asian Studies University of Cambridge)

Given by Eric Stracey, (Indian police)

Restricted to the year 2010

TS Memoir: 'Odd Man in': (My years in the Indian Police 1943-1979) By Eric Stracey.

 

STUART PAPERS (at Centre of South Asian Studies University of Cambridge)

Given by M.M. Stuart

Bengal 1848-1962

Microfilm Box 2 No. 17B;

Letters by Emily Sandys and by her husband to her brother Robert Stuart, written from Sangor Island. Five letters undated but one describes her journey to India; others deal with life in India and a cholera epidemic at the school. Letter dated 12 January 1854 describes her husband's method of preaching to the crowds and her teaching at the school. Several letters from Mr. Sandys to Robert (first dated 16 June 1855) from Calcutta, giving details of their health and activities.

Letters written by Isabella Stuart to her brother Robert while in India - gives details of the day to day activities of the household. (Some of these letters are incomplete.)

Letters written by John Comb to Mr. and Mrs. Robert Stuart 1815-17. (Mrs. Julia Stuart is Comb's sister.) Four letters written while he is at Marizion after the wreck of his ship Delhi waiting for another vessel, dated 15 October 1815 until 17 January 1816 when he writes from Blackwall that he has been given command of the Swallow; 20 May 1816, Madras, comments on the good sailing qualities of Swallow and first trip to India, their ports of call in India, hope for appointment on another ship; stays in Calcutta in the hope of ashore job.

BOX I

Envelope containing,

TS of one short story by Tagore. 13pp.

Short story by Premendra Mitra. llpp. Translated and shortened by M.M. Stuart.

TS short story - Down in the Delta, by M.M. Stuart. 13pp.

The Last Round: Short story printed in Blackwoods Magazine for January 1962, (pp. 30-38), by M.M. Stuart.

Confidential letter from W.H. Graham, District Officer at Mymensingh, dated 2 May 1932, to the Commissioner, Dacca. M.M. Stuart's comments relating to general attitudes towards the Civil Disobedience Movement. 4pp.

Notes by the District Magistrate (M.M. Stuart), Chittagong, 1942-45. An account of war conditions in his district. TS. 48pp.

Dispensing with Justice. Description of the work of a magistrate. TS. 9pp.

Newspaper cuttings of a series of articles entitled: Echoes of Old Times in East Bengal, from the Pakistan Observer, 1949-50.

32 articles.

Two TS copies of above and a TS list of the subjects in the articles.

BOX II

Pamphlet: John Murdoch - pioneer in Christian literature, by Jessie H. Mair. United Society for Christian Literature - Perth 1976.

Pioneer of Christian literature in Ceylon and S. India 1848-1904.

Book: My Life and Times as a Magistrate in Bengal in the Age of Gold, an autobiography by Clifford Noronha. Privately published and printed in Calcutta (1975).

Autobiography of an Anglo-Indian who joined the I.C.S. in 1921 and served in Bengal until his retirement. He started the Christian Cooperative Credit Union in Calcutta and the Christian Cooperative Enterprises, as a way of helping the indigent Anglo-Indians and others of Calcutta, who were in the hands of money lenders. He is critical of India and Indians in their attitude to service, and gives a good description of Anglo-Indian attitudes and attributes.

Letter from C.C. Noronha in Calcutta to Mr. M.M. Stuart dated 20 October 1975.

Small MS notebook entitled, Extracts from Alick's letters to me. The writer was the wife of A.S. Wilson, 1854-1881, a tea-planter in the Cachar District, Assam; these are copies from a very few letters covering years December 1874-1880, mostly domestic, describes what they eat, and a day's work in a tea-garden. Has taught some coolies to play cricket. P.A. murdered by Nagas, etc.

TS article by M.M. Stuart on Hugh Cleghorn, Professor of Civil History, University of St. Andrews, c. 1795; written 1971, (10 pp).

(a-d) 3 xerox letters dated 1796 and 1797 and shikar diaries dated 1865 belonging to Walter McCullock, Adwall, Kirkudbrightshire.

(a) Xerox copy of pamphlet - A Trip to the Berhampooter Churs, by Thane, from 13 March to 10 April. Mirzapore, 1866. (shikar).

(b) Xerox copy of pamphlet: Reminiscences of Malda, by Thane, Mirzapore 1867. 7pp.

Short note on the shikar diaries by M.M. Stuart.

Xerox copy of TS Postgraduate Seminar, Bengal: Past and Present. Paper for discussion on 10 November 1971, Hindu-Muslim unity in Noakhali, 1922: Hindu-Muslim disorder in Dacca, 1928. 14pp. (Restrictions on use).

Xerox copy of TS synopsis of papers with Brigadier Greenfield, late of Fascadale, Argyll, entitled Marrying in the East. 3pp.

TS synopsis of Balfour/Balbirnie papers. These are in Wainwright and Mathews and N.R.S. (Scot). 15pp.

TS article Chuadanga, by M.M. Stuart (a village in mid Bengal) referring to Scott-Moncrieff. (q.v.) 4pp.

Additional papers given by M.M. Stuart, I.C.S.

Bengal, N.W.F.P.: 1877-1944

BOX II

Xerox of MS copy of a 'Narrative of the escape of Mrs. Mill and her children from Fyzabad, Oudh, during the great Indian Mutiny in 1857'. 18pp. True copy. Narrative of Mrs. Mill copied from one written by Mrs. Brown from Mrs. Mill's statement. Calcutta, November 4th 1858.

BOX III

Booklet: 'Memorandum on the Withdrawal in 1877 of our Native Embassy from Cabul'.

Programme of the visit of Lord and Lady Wavell to Bengal in April 1944.

Watercolour sketch of Nicholson's Monument, Margulla Pass.

Illustrated Weekly of 8 February 1922: The Indian Viceroyalty 1858-1922.

Poem: 'Career' by M.M. Stuart

Four unnamed undated photographs.

Street scene - India.

(-)School in India. 3 Female European (-) teachers with children.

Group of Indian children.

Unidentified man and woman.

44 sheets.

See: Books

Tape-Recordings

 

STUART PAPERS (at Centre of South Asian Studies University of Cambridge)

(Col. Robert Stuart)

Given by T.J.A. Hunter

Microfilm Box 2 No. 21

Copies of letters written to the Begum Samru by Robert Stuart while a prisoner at Tanesser in the Punjab, March- September 1791. Preceded by a map of the area, and an introduction by K.A. Moody-Stuart which includes the 1: story of the Begum Samru and a list of Hindustani words used in the letter.

 

SWAYNE-THOMAS (April ) Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur F373)

Correspondence of Lt (later Lt-Col) Geoffrey Swayne-Thomas, Royal Engineers, and his wife April, from various places in India including the North- West Frontier, Calcutta and Sind. Mrs Swayne Thomas drew on the letters for her book 'Indian Summer: a Mem-sahib in India and Sind' (London 1981).

28 Items    1940 - 1953

 

SYMONDS (John Richard Charters) Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur R207)

Tape recording of interview, given 1991, by (John) Richard Charters Symonds (b 1918), Friends Ambulance Unit, Bengal 1942-44; Deputy Director, Relief and Rehabilitation, Bengal 1944-45; Friends Service Unit, Punjab and Kashmir 1947-48; U.N. Commission in Kashmir 1948-49.

6 cassettes    1942 – 1949

 

 

          ___T________________________________________________________

 

TAYABJI PAPERS (at Centre of South Asian Studies University of Cambridge)

Photocopy made through the good offices of Mr S.F. Bolt.

'The Burma Story (December 1941 - July 1942)' told by Captain N.S. Tayabji (Indian Navy Retired) recounts the saga of the evacuation of Burma following the Japanese advance into the country in November-December 1941, and the massive bombing raids on Rangoon on 23rd and 25th December 1941. Captain Tayabji, at that time a representative of Tata Oil Mills Company Ltd., 28 years of age, found himself 'catapulted' into the Ministry of Commonwealth Affairs of the Government of India and, with the Government Agent, Mr Hutchings, planned the evacuation of refugees from Rangoon. Later he was ordered to set up refugee camps in Mandalay and to represent the Agent of the Government of India in all matters involving law and order, health clearances, issues of passes along the evacuation route and finally to take charge of the Air Evacuation Scheme.

The memoir gives a poignant picture of the harships, illness and tragedy which accompanied the great migration of refugees from Mandalay in Burma to Imphal in Assam, and the devoted work against impossible odds, of the camp administrators, the army, the civil authorities (particularly the D.C. of Imphal) and the few educated and qualified refugees themselves. An incident of particular horror was the Japanese bombing of the camps in Imphal.

The story closes with the author's onward journey to Calcutta, a refugee himself and finally to Bombay where his application to join the Indian Navy, made in 1934, was at last accepted. 47pp.

 

TAYLOR (Coralie May) Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur R142)

Tape recording of interview, given 1983, by Coralie May Taylor (b 1898), on her life in India as the wife of Stanley Grisewood Taylor (1893-1980), Indian Police, Bengal 1913-47, on her husband's career, and on her service during the Second World War in the Women's Auxiliary Corps (India).

1 cassette    1919 - 1947

 

TAYLOR (S) PAPERS (at Centre of South Asian Studies University of Cambridge)

(Mr. and Mrs. S.G. Taylor)

'49th Bengal Regiment.' TS 6 pp.

'Bengal: 1942 to the takeover in 1947', by S.G. Taylor, Inspector-General Police, Bengal. Written January 1969. TS 20 pp. (Given by Lady Tegart.)

'The terrorist movement in Bengal, 1930-34.' Written March 1969. TS 16 pp.

'Congress cum terrorist activities in Bengal in Midnapur District in 1930-31', written by F.W. Kidd, C.I.E., Indian Police (Retired). March 1969. TS 2 pp.

'Communal tension in Bengal.' TS 5 pp.

'Murder in East Bengal.' TS 2 pp.

'Training of the police in Bengal', written for Sir Percival Griffiths' book on the Indian police requested by Sir Percival in 1968 or 1969. TS 10 pp.

Xerox copy of newspaper cuttings about use of fingerprint identification in Bengal.

Microfilm Box 4 No. 24B

Alpachand shoot 1929; shooting trip to the Dooars February 1929; Gaumara, March 1929.

TS copies of letters from Mrs. Taylor in Mymensingh and Baghmara 1932-34, home to England to her family. They are entirely personal and present a picture of family and social life. There is very little about India itself. Amongst the letters was a TS copy of a paper addressed to Government on measures to prevent terrorist outrages and movements. The measures are very extreme, and the outcome of fear. It is not signed, and no date.

See also BELL PAPERS - File 3

 

TEGART PAPERS (at Centre of South Asian Studies University of Cambridge)

Restricted

Given by Lady Tegart

BOX I

File 1:

Press cuttings on the Chowringhee murder case. (E. Day, shot by Gopi Nath Shah in mistake for Sir Charles Tegart, on 12 January 1924):

Cuttings from The Statesman; Forward; The Englishman; The Servant; The Telegraph; The Bengali; Amrita Bazar Patrika; Dainik Basumati; Indian Daily News; Capital; The Mussalman; The Calcutta Homefinder; Weekly Guardian; The DarjeeZing Times.

Two photographs of Gopi Nath Shah.

Letters of congratulation to Sir Charles Tegart on his escape from Prafulla Kumar Biswas; S.K. Sen; H. Hobbs; A.K. Fuzlul Huq; E. O'Brien; Hiralal Maj dar; M. Harley; Prem Nath.

Report of newspapers and periodicals in Bengal for week ending Saturday 2 February 1924. pp. 76-95.

Cuttings of Bruce case.

File 2 and 2a:

Press cuttings on Dalhousie Square case. (Attempted assassination of Sir Charles Tegart on 25 August 1930 by Dr. Narain Roy, Dr. Bhupal Bose, and eight others):

Cuttings from The Times; Liberty; Amrita Bazar Patrika; The Statesman; Moning. Post; India; Planters Journal and Agriculturist; The Indian Municipality; The D. I. B. Weekly; Provincial Bulletin (Delhi); The Bangalee; The Basumati; Melbourne Herald; Evening News; Evening Standard; Communist Press; Liberty; Advance.

File 3:

Envelope with miscellaneous press cuttings: murder of Lt. Col. N.S. Simpson, shot by Benoy Krishna Bose; photograph of Benoy Kirshna Bose; two cuttings on Sir Charles Tegart; TS expenses account 19-30 October 1926.

BOX II

File 4:

The public resolutions passed after the bomb attempt on Sir Charles Tegart 1930 .

File 5:

Copy of speech by Sir Charles Tegart to the Royal Empire Society on 'Terrorism in India', 1 November 1932.

Newspaper cuttings referring to this speech from The Englishman; Times Educational Supplement; Liberty; Amrita Bazar Patrika; The Statesman; The Tribune.

File 6:

Miscellaneous papers to do with the attempted assassination of Sir Charles Tegart 1930. (Judgements, statements etc.)

File 7:

Miscellaneous newspaper cuttings, many about Bakr-Id disturbances, Lord Lytton, the Bengal disturbances, and Sir Charles Tegart's efficiency in the Police Department; from New Statesman; The Bengalee; The Basumati; The Moslem Chronicle; The Englishman; Forward; Capital; Amrita Bazar Patrika; The Times; The Statesmen; The New Empire; The Daily Mail; Hansard on the Bengal Ordinance; The Commercial Gazette.

Copy of extract from a letter from His Highness the Maharaja of Nepal, to His Excellency the Governor of Bengal, 16 February 1928.

File 8:

Copies of letters (secret) from C.W. Gwynne, Officiating Joint Secretary to the Government of India to the Chief Secretary to the Government of Bengal, September 1923, regarding revolutionary activity in Bengal. (Pre-Bengal Ordinances.)

MS report on Sakyendra Nath Guha 14 February 1925 (revolutionary activities.)

Secret paper on meeting between Mahatma Gandhi and Sir Charles Tegart on 24 June 1925 about release of prisoners in Bengal. (2 copies) TS 10 pp.

Typed note on communal tension and the terrorist movement, the Swaraj Party and the reforms in India by Sir Charles Tegart, in answer to a request from J.G. - Forward at the India Office. 18 May 1926. 7 pp.

Typed note on policy towards detainees of terrorist organizations in Bengal - n.d. but after March 1927. 10 pp.

File 9:

Judgment: Emperor v. Dr. Narain Roy and others. Confidential. Printed. Signed by H.C. Stork, Ashutosh Ghosh, Adilizzaman Khan. 27 November 1930. 41 pp.

File 10:

'Revolutionaries of Bengal: their methods and ideals.' Published by Hemantakumar Sarkar, The Indian Book Club, Calcutta, 1923.

BOX III

File 11:

Secret notes on outrages compiled in 1917 by J.C. Nixon, I.C.S. Vols. I-VI, 1906-17. (In Vol. VI two TS sheets with notes of further cases relating to a date subsequent to 9 October 1918.)

BOX IV

File 11.

Memorandum by the Advisory Committee, Bengal, 1918. Sir N.G. Chandavarkar and Justice C.P. Beachcroft. The cases of Detenus under the Defence of India Act and Regulation III of 1918. Calcutta 1918. Note on cover presumably by Sir Charles Tegart - 'Not published'.

File 13.

Report to Government of India from Local Government, on Congress Activities, subsequent to the Irwin-Gandhi agreement; sent by C.A. Turnidge to Sir Charles Tegart. 51 pp.

Files 14-16:

Annual reports of the police administration of 'the town of Calcutta and its suburbs by C.A. Tegart, for the years 1923, 1928, 1929.

Sheet of printed information on the general situation (on terrorist activities) by C.E.S. Fairweather. Calcutta, 15 October 1936. Part of a longer report - pp. 543-546.

Eighty photographs connected with the assassinations and terrorist activities in which Sir Charles Tegart was involved; these are police photographs of victims, murderers, scenes of murder etc.

Programme of an afternoon party to meet Sir Charles Tegart, 21 February 1926.

Newspaper cutting from The Basumati, 14 June 1927, entitled 'Riot scare in Calcutta.'

Book presented:

Tegart, Kathleen. 'Charles Tegart of the Indian Police.' 1946-7. TS. 340 pp.

 

TENNYSON PAPERS (at Centre of South Asian Studies University of Cambridge)

Given by Mr. Hallam Tennyson

Bengal, Bihar, Bombay, Sikkim, Assam: 1946-1948

Microfilm:

Letters from Hallam Tennyson to his parents when he was taking part in refugee work in Italy, 1945.

1945

25 February Personal. From Italy.

8 March Personal and about Jewish refugees in Italy and Yugoslavia.

18 March Personal

3 April Personal: on relief work.

17 April Personal.

29 April Personal: about discovery of concentration camps.

18 June Personal: about rebuilding Italian villages.

24 July Personal: mentions 'India Project'.

Letters from Hallam and Margot Tennyson to his parents when they went to India in 1946 and worked with the Friends Service Unit, until the end of 1947, and up to their departure early in 1948.

n.d. Letter to Margot: First day of voyage out with friends. Continued personal.

(Date torn off with stamp, but before Port Said). Friends made on voyage. Segregation of Indians for eating.

(Date torn off with stamp but after Port Said). Result of protest at discrimination. Nearly at Bombay.

(Date torn off with stamp, but after arriving in Bombay). On arrival go to Church of Scotland mission. First impressions of Bombay. Description of block of flats near to the mills.

1946

28 March Has been on visit to Bombay. Describes visit to temple for first time. Also old city. Congress supporter's house. To go to a village for language, etc. for three months.

30 march Have been at Juhu. About to go to Port Canning. Are going to a school run on Gandhian lines.

8 April Difficulty for her in adjusting to Indian village life. They have to make a recommendation to District Officer about recruitment of more labour to build anti-flood dams.

13 April About political situation re possible partition. Difficulties of starting work in village. About their life in village and Indian life in general.

16 April Has visited a woman living next door. A success, and the consequences with others successful. Traditional way of life and plight of women.

19 April Making their first home. Plans for future: want to stay in the village. Visits the Jain temples - comments on architecture. Their daily life in the school and village. Friend who was a monk now student of comparative religion.

22 April Visiting houses in the village, talking to women: poverty and illness; friendliness.

26 April Working in flooded village. Exclusiveness of Bihari family. Explanation of the worship of Kali.

4 May In Calcutta. Attend Tagore dance-drama - very beautiful. Explanation of dances. Notes on Ramakrishna and his followers.

18 May Description of typical frustrations taken .calmly. Other festivities attended. Hindu attitudes.

Religious revival in Bengal: assessment of Vivekenanda.

19 May Daily routine at Canning: Hindu ideas of cleanliness. Work at the Friends' Service Unit giving Government money to flood victims very wearing. Unfortunate visit to Ramakrishna's temple. Mentions Cabinet mission and withdrawal of British power. 24 May Description of child marriage ceremony, attended.

25 May More reflections on distribution of money, description of methods and comments.

30 May Future plans discussed.

31 May Explanation of Hindu popular cults, and basic tenets.

7 June Hallam has been ill. Margot organizes school outing, a description of it and the interest it arouses.

9 June Little news. Example of corruption in their work. Go to village festival in honour of goddess of sickness Hoping to hear Congress has accepted the Cabinet Mission's proposals.

12 June Future work uncertain. Feeling lack of contact with educated Indians. Difficulty in distributing money in monsoon.

16 June Criticism of F.S.U. Attend another Forest goddess festival. Entertained in a wealthy Indian house. Tours flooded areas with the Governor of Bengal. Comments on Congress' refusal the Cabinet Mission's proposal.

19 June Closing down flood relief work. Visits with Indian friends, attempts to break down purdah.

23 June Asked by the F.S.U. to start entirely new 'model' scheme in a Bengal village - to build up via a model school, surveys and contacts, health service, agricultural cooperative. Opening up of intellectual life in Calcutta.

30 June More news of village scheme. Description of their friends and being entertained.

7 July Thoughts on helping underdeveloped countries, and also in new model village to be centred round community centre. Smoothing out cross-purposes in the F.S.U. about the scheme for the village. Leave Canning.

10 July More of future plans, and daily events. Possibility of Brama Samaj taking over slum work..

14 July Lunches with English business magnate. Attends Service at Brahma Samaj. Visits Thieves' Market, and Friends' Unit industrial centre for weaving. Cost of Unit.

20 July Have been in Master Takhur's ashram: to find God in living world. Going to train further at Wardha.

21 July More about the ashram, and Takhur: Also going to Santiniketan, Tagore's International University.

24 July Looking for a site near Barsirhat for 'model' scheme. Pro's and cons of various sites.

28 July Difficulties in choosing site. Discussions - Preliminary farm plans. Effect of Indian life and religious atmosphere on them.

1 August Plans for Settlement going ahead. Grant towards road. Kindness of people. Plans for buildings.

4 August Plans going ahead for settlement, description of proposed buildings. Meal in Moslem house.

Communal tension in Barsirhat and not in villages.

5 August Hold first poetry reading. Great success. Plans for its future. Work of the Unit and its difficulties.

Gandhi and Muslim League. Margot running spinning class.

9 August At Tagore's University, Santiniketan, on the anniversary of his death. Description of the day, including charming tree-planting ceremony. See Tagore's paintings: comments.

12 August Further description. and comments on Santiniketan and Tagore's aims and theories, their success and failure. Comments on atmosphere and surroundings. See village work.

16 August Describes visit to one of F.S.U.'s community centres. Comments on increase in their work, and lack of initiative in practical work by Indians, and no training for it.

19 August Experience the rioting in Calcutta. Very brief description as they are both working in rescue operations.

Undated Half a letter about visit to Gandhi. Meet him at Muslim house. His attitude to Pakistan. After prayers he makes usual speech attacking purdah, and speaks on emancipation. Description of his daily routine - comments on obstructions to his mission. H. and M. go a walk with him in evening. Consideration of Gandhi's greatness.

Visit a woman doctor to discuss midwifery centre; poetry group; proposals for putting Shakespeare on the radio.

25 August Very detailed description, Wardha and meeting with Gandhi. Meet the people engaged in the basic educational programme: comments.

Calcutta

30 August Comments on the effect of Wardha.

Calcutta

31 August Comments on the political situation in India, especially concept of Pakistan. Brief description of

Sevagram, and Gandhian economics.

7 September More plans for building and organizing the settlement.

9 September Personal, and comments on film. Plans for the settlement.

16 September Recovering from illness. Personal.

12 September In Barsihat before settling in Raghabpur where settlement will be. Small details of life, including remarks on tension in Calcutta.

19 September Floods. Hallam recovering. Going to Puri.

22 September Recovering still. Margot not well. Personal thoughts and reflections on literature and European politics.

27 September Recovering slowly. Puri trip delayed. Reflections on literature read.

30 September Still delays in departure owing illness. Shopping upset by riots in Calcutta. Search for folk pottery, etc. Communal feeling spreading out to villages, and the difficulties this places on settlement scheme.

4 October On holiday, by the sea at Puri. Description of daily life, and of a Durga puja. Recuperating.

7. October Description of Puri, and of characteristic art forms of area. Reaction of English in hotel to 's dhoti at dinner.

12 October Further description of Durga. Festival at Juggernath Temple.

13 October Have visited caves near Puri. Other odd details about life in Puri.

18 October Have just arrived in pouring rain at village, Raghabpur. Living in dispensary. Starting fortnightly poetry group in Calcutta. Kali Puja coming. Reading books on Yoga by Vivekananda.

20 October Unseasonable pouring rain. Unsuitability of the building for dispensary. Attitude of the village people detailed. Remarks about Indian politics - thinks civil war cannot be averted.

25 October For Kali Puja at Ramakrishna Mission in Calcutta. Communal situation worsening in Calcutta.

Raghabpur still untouched 50-50 Hindu-Muslim population. Attend the religious celebration at the Ramakrishna Centre for eight hours and begin to understand the Energy principle embodied in Kali.

31 October Description of life in dispensary. Making a garden. The sunrise and sunsets. Have got permission for a sand road. Notes on international politics: the English theatre.

5 November Have begun touring the villages, welcomed everywhere, making survey. Remarks on the people & and work. Personal.

8 November Been planting vegetable garden. Having difficulty with land. Plays in football match with village. Ends with passage on the seriousness of the situation.

13 November Meet American members of F.S.U.. Negro couple. Meet the Calcutta Swamiji of the Ramakrishna Mission and discuss religious studies with him. Starting to study Islam. Finish the survey of the villages. Getting data about women and children abducted in riotous areas of East Bengal.

17 November Scheme at standstill owing to no land available at reasonable price, and money for road fallen through. They don't really believe in the scheme. Better filling in gaps. Not enough time.

21 November Rain again - upsetting plans. Describes preparations with whole village for visitors. Personal.

28 November Getting drugs for dispensary. Other welfare plans going ahead. May go to All India Women's Conference in C.P.

6 December Leaving village until land can be obtained reasonably. Doctor and Indian member staying. Meet Mr. Singha who started craft work in Tagore's university and Sevagram, and is now in Assam at Gandhi's suggestion.

9 December Have started making friends and meeting people outside the Unit. Popularity of the poetry society. Reaching wide audience. Decision on their new work. Margot's social work in slums. Hallam: Calcutta work on village scheme. Hopes to get Gandhian worker to help. Leaving village with farewell speech and explanations.

13 December Description of farewell meeting. Land offers pour in and then evaporate. Opinion that only way

for scheme to develop is very slowly from within - the Gandhian way. Personal.

15 December President of Kasturba Gandhi Memorial Trust enthusiastic about helping the scheme. Go to an exhibition, Art in Industry. Meet a man who organized scheme. Long comment on Indian mentality and outlook compared with English. Fate of traditional art in India.

21 December Free land has been offered for the scheme. Evening with sita and tobbla players.

23 December Discussion of situation in Unit. Responsibilities and work. Indians and Europeans. Their inability to see how much work and responsibility could be taken by Indians in Unit. Necessity of different approach and great patience.

26 December Description of Christmas. Attend Ramakrishna Mission celebration of the Nativity - very charming. Go to an enormous private collection of Rajput art.

29 December Opening dispensary Raghabpur (Margot at Conference). Indian workers will run dispensary. Describes midnight service at Cathedral. Going to two of Tagore's nieces for reading practice in Bengali. Description of them. About the scheme and its progress.

1947

6 January Policy committee meetings. Measuring land in village. Difficulties in organization.

11 January Difficulties in Unit. Beginning to build village. Has trained village worker, and taking trainee medical student. Plans for touring South - Hallam to visit Gandhi.

24 January Work progressing in village. Staying with Muslim family: their kindness.

31 January Hallam visiting Calcutta. Visits various work of the units, especially a fishing cooperative. Saraswati puja described. Trying to improve living quarters of staff, and make staff conscious of keeping things tidier and cleaner. Started survey of Raghabpur.

3 February Has visited Ramakrishna Mission again, and attends celebration for Romain Rolland's 80th birthday. Dr. Kalidas Nag there - describes meeting with him. Very successful poetry meeting - Malayalam recited et al.

6 February Living in small room in the Muslim household. Personal. At Raghabpur.

10 February About the village. Type of helpers. Discussion on purdah and what it means. Villagers and 'happiness'. Work of the Unit. Meetings with fishing cooperatives.

13 February Changes in Unit. Many things to do in the village centre before going on leave.

14 February (To Miss Cornelia Curle) Describes work of village centre. Describes what they would have liked to have done. Difference between English and Indian feminists. Still ill, and Margot has malaria.

17 February Personal.

25 February Personal.

5 March Both convalescing. Going on holiday to the hills. Mentions young artist, Amrita Sher Gil.

2 March Still ill. Plans fluid. Personal.

9 March Plans for going to Kalimpong for holiday. Personal.

13 March Planning village survey News of village and the kindness and cooperation there.

18 March Description of journey from Calcutta to Kalimpong hotel. Cold. Go hunting for bargains in bazaar. Very good description of scenery and town. 2pp.

20 March On holiday. Working on her book. Infant mortality rates. In Kalimpong. Describes proprietor of hotel.

23 March Personal. Still in hotel. Describes the Scots/Tibetan/Sikkim father of the proprietor - collection of Tibetan paintings. A lama dances for them. Detailed description.

25 March To forest bungalow.

28 March In forest bungalow 6,300 feet up. Friendliness of hill people. Description of country.

2 April Description of quiet daily life.

4 April Entirely personal about his brother with TS copy.

6 April Personal.

Copy of telegram to Sir Charles Tennyson.

13 April Describes trip to Gangtok to stay at Residency, the country and people. In Calcutta organising first Shakespeare performance on radio to be given by Indian actors.

Date Indecipherable Just leaving Gangtok where they had stayed in Residency guest house. (Hopkinson the Resident). They are left alone. Description of beauty of Sikkhim.

16 April. In. the village again. Establishing the women social workers from the Gandhi Kasturbha Trust. A lot of work in village to do.

20 April Describes work to be done in Calcutta and Shakespeare rehearsals. Personalities of actors.

24 April Visiting evening classes and description of folk-play. In village. Shakespeare performance goes well.

26 April Difficulties in getting anything done for building in Calcutta. Afraid for Partition in Bengal and repercussions. Repercussions of Shakespeare performance on radio. Poetry reading very successful Comment on Bengali poetry.

4 May Working with two women social workers in fishermen's quarters. Digging latrines and encouraging spinning. Unrest beginning to filter through to villages.

4 May Comments on 'Indianisation'. Different views on proper work of the Unit. Comment on Gandhian economics.

9 May Conference for field-workers. Reaction of village to cholera injections. Gradual increase of work in villages - agricultural etc.

12 May Plans for adult education in village. Description of conference. Importance of literary contacts.

14 May Attitude towards the Unit, and Unit and village work.

21 May Two performances by Jossimoddin the Muslim poet and his troupe.

25 May More on work of Unit. Comments on the tension in India at the time. Have had performance of song and dance by Bengali folk troupe. Rains bring work to an end. Trying to link adult literary classes to cooperation, health, etc. Another successful poetry reading.

28 May Asked to sit on Committee for an All-Indian Conference on Pacifists. In country, working on scheme to use all waste grounds near the house for gardens, to grow more food for poor. Have made beginnings - slow work.

8 June Future plans for living in religious atmosphere for remaining months after contract. Fears for their villages if Partition comes owing to critical position. Comments on whole idea.

12 June Personal.

13 June Making some slow progress in village work. Trouble in fishing cooperatives.

15 June News from the villages - Fishing cooperative. Comments on Unit. Poetry society flourishing.

19 June Adult education and aboriginals. Starting dispensary. Giving film show.

22 June Realise they can just begin social work with experience they have. Fears for future if idea of Pakistan comes into being as Government will not be interested in the road, etc. They are on the borderland. Difficulties in getting village committees because of agricultural commitments.

28 June Describes her method of teaching in the community and in village work.

28 June Daily routine in running the village. Schools, etc. Community life. Describes Gandhian approach to social welfare.

30 June Feels alienation with British attitudes and life in India. Planning more Shakespeare for All India Radio. Poetry Society.

1 July Continuing social work. Teaching children crafts. Child marriages.

8 July Unit difficulties. Medical centre opens as cooperative. Calcutta at bursting point. Meets artist. Poetry society founded.

13 July Personal.

19 July No need for worry over them in Calcutta. Domestic notes. Very interested in pottery.

20 July Feels now completely at home in village life. Description of wedding, particularly sensitive from bride's viewpoint. Feels able to do far more for village now. Cooperative starting well in Pipha.

22 July Describes a mela

24 July Learnt village technique of painting pots. Plans for community centre. Some trouble, rioting and stabbing in Calcutta. Prices rocketing - Majorie Sykes at the Unit.

30 July Commenting on his and Margot's different adaptability to Bengali life.

3 August Painting pots with natural dyes - Visitors. Sees birth with Centre's midwife. Reaction of village. Unit plans.

4 August Results of survey of Raghbapur village beginning to come in. Brief description of groups of people in village, land-tax, etc. The Bunos described. Conference on social work successful.

8 August Remarks on midwifery and medical centres in Pipha and Raghbapur - difficulties, and with Bengali women workers.

14 August Meets poet. Midwifery section going. Finished Bengali pamphlet. Going on holiday to island in Hooghley - quite deserted.

16 August From the island. Independence only from a distance with noises from the shore of rejoicing. Peace on the island.

18 August Description of the island. Independence passed quietly. Partition has darkened the joy. But incredible joy everywhere. The credit that is due to Gandhi. Estimation of him politically - comment on Lady Mountbatten.

24 August Medical cooperative has 120 members. Sub-centre and midwifery centre and hospital open in Pipha. Starting a village library. Intends to go to Bihar to see Basic Education Centre.

21 August Short letter accompanying the rules of the Calcutta Poetry Society.

24 August Comments on the communal unity in Calcutta on Independence Day and immediately after.

29 August Have the bad news from the Punjab - other difficulties.

1 September Account of trying to persuade the Radhbapur people to join medical cooperative. Violence has started in Calcutta.

5 September Experiences of violence in Calcutta. Effect of Gandhi's fast felt in three days. More bad news from Punjab. All this makes village work very slow.

8 September Depressing rain and the riots. Gandhi and the rioting. Comments on the situation in India.

14 September Members of Unit gone to Punjab at Nehru's invitation Other members living in a badly affected Muslim bustee, doing work of reconciliation

15 September Poetry Society successful. Problems in Unit again. Studying religious singing in village with a Brahmin - very difficult.

19 September Appendix operation probable. News of school. Going to Assam for Government festival of Hill Peoples, dances and songs, etc. West Bengal starting basic education.

22 September Personal.

25 September Still waiting to see whether operation is necessary. Kasturba Gandhi National Memorial Trust want to send more village workers to her village scheme. Serious food situation.

28 September Written from Bihar where studying basic education. Describes Patna - Old and New - goes to Brindapan, a division where there are 27 Basic Schools.

4 October About health. Plans for proposed religious studies.

6 October Margot to have operation. Friendliness of Indians with Europeans who mix naturally with them. Meets Professor Ganguly - art historian.

14 October Difficulties over work of medical programme. Comments on Forster's Passage to India. More about Basic Education Schools.

14 October Personal.

22 October Describes his life style in the village. Personal.

23 October Personal.

27 October Margot progressing well. Hallam gives party for Independence to field-workers on the river

30 October Personal.

2 November Difficulty of being fully absorbed into India. Village plans.

5 November Personal.

9 November Meets wife of I.A.S. in Assam. Views on British. Charming description of shopping in Calcutta - counterbalanced by description of corruption, unreliability, etc.

12 November From Bombay - visit Portuguese fishing village. Description of Diwali in Bombay.

17 November Working hard on the hand-over to the couple taking their place. Describes work.

21 November Personal. Describes friends' flat - full of art treasures.

24 November Difficulties in the medical centre.

28 November In Bombay. Remarks on art.

4 December Personal, but about Indian atmosphere and life

5 December Fundamental disbelief in work of Unit.

11 December Winding up work. Written report on the two surveys. Met the Swamiji of Ramakrishna Ashram in Himalayas where they hope to go.

17 December Not going to Himalayas, but to Bombay. Other plans.

18 December Trying to finish work before handing over. His own adaptation to Indian life. '

19 December Personal

25 December Very sad farewell to villages

26 December Impressed by high-up Indian officials. Entertain Horace Alexander. Describes the sadness of leaving the villages. Details of Staff troubles. Describes Christmas.

29 December Personal.

31 December Personal, about arrangements for leaving Calcutta.

1948

6 January Description of visiting various Indian friends, and also films. Farewells. Last minute arrangements.

10 January Leaving Calcutta. Describes Gaya, its architecture and atmosphere.

11 January Written from Gaya, U.P. More about farewell. Sees Ganguly's collection of Rajput paintings.

Description of the temple at Gaya.

15 January From Benares. Description of the city. Crafts.

21 January On way to Bombay. Description of Sanchi - to Malad near Bombay again. Trains difficult because of disturbances. Has written report on Indian Pacifist Conference.

21 January Written at Sanchi Railway Station. Vivid description of Benares - pictorially and atmospherically. Remarks on Quaker missions and principles.

25 January Description of living in Bombay - Pacifist Congress and members. Some members perturbed at Indian government's policy regarding pacifism, Gandhi only a figure-head. Description of difficult railway journey.

26 January Personal.

29 January Resting. Beginning religious studies. A P.S. about the news of Gandhi's assassination.

31 January About Gandhi's death and what it means personally and to India. Reading Vaishnavite theology

1 February at same time as New Testament. Remarks on the two works and on their religious attitudes.

5 February About religious studies and quiet life they are leading.

8 February Account of Sarojini Naidu's speech on Gandhi's death. Explanation of the Vaishnavite beliefs and other theology

14 February Explanation of basic tenets of Hindu faith. Contrasts with Christianity. Studying Tantric mysticism.

14 February Daily life: description of countryside; burial of Gandhi's ashes. Note on the Bhagavad-Gita.

20 February Personal. Meets Mr. H.L. Wadia, the theosophist.

23 February Description of Bombay and surrounding countryside and coast. Comments on theosophy. Daily routine and personal spiritual life. Studying Shakti cult.

28 February Account of quiet meditative life. Hear of their village in Bengal.

29 February Margot not well. They will return early. Personal. Comments on India as a 'democracy'.

9 March Arrangements for leaving.

10 March Personal.

Undated Part of a letter from on voyage home.

Papers written by Hallam and Margot Tennyson from India 1946-48.

TS Concentrated Project of the Friends Service Unit in the Basirhat Sub-Division. (Emendations on Programme I, September 1946, in the light of 4 months' work on the Scheme). January 1947.

Outline of a social service scheme in two villages in a sub-division. 4pp.

Printed analysis sheet (blank) for family case work in social survey.

TS copy of Minutes of the Pipha-Raghabpur Staff Meeting held on 10.3.47.

Reports of the various social workers, showing reaction to the workers' enquiries and suggestions.

TS copy of letter from Margot Tennyson - I June 1947 - to Colin Bell of Far Eastern Desk, American Friends Service Committee, Philadelphia, in reply to his 'Thoughts on the future of the Far East Programme'. The letter sets out the specifically Indian problems in relation to the Friends' social service programmes, and the Unit in Calcutta. 3pp.

TS copy of Round Robin letter No. 1 from Margot Tennyson (29 June 1947) at Raghabpur village centre, about her life and work there. 4pp.

TS copy of Raghabpur Community Centre plan written about 8 months' work. Aims: Practical implications: education, etc. by Margot Tennyson, 1 July 1947. 4pp.

Cyclostyled TS copy of Pipha/Raghabpur Village Centre, Bulletin No.2 August 1947. Covering all aspects of aims and work of the Centre. 10pp. and map.

TS copy of First Draft of the book, Social and Economic Survey of 3 Bengal Villages, by Margot Tennyson. 4pp.

TS article by Hallam Tennyson: Ramakrishna and Vivekananda through Western Eyes. 4pp.

MS of short story. Revolutionaries, by Hallam Tennyson. 20pp.

Three diaries/notebooks for the years 1946-48: Hallam Tennyson

Detailed diary - 28 February-21 June, 1946.

Detailed diary of the events from 23 June-29 August, 1946.

Notes and draft for novel.

Detailed diary: 11 February-3 March, 1947

8 April-10 May, 1948 with other miscellaneous notes of a later date.

 

THOMAS (Roger ), Sir Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur F235)

Thomas Collection: papers, dated c 1913-60 but mainly 1944-60, of Sir Roger Thomas (1886-1960), Indian Agricultural Service, Madras 1913, serving in Mesopotamia 1917-25; Managing Director, Sind Land Development Company 1932-60; Agricultural Adviser to Government of Sind 1944-52; member, Pakistan Agricultural Enquiry Committee 1951-52; chiefly relating to agricultural and development planning in Sind, Pakistan and India.

740 items    1913 - 1960      View Contents List

 

TYSON (John Dawson), Sir Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur E341)

Tyson Collection: papers of Sir John Dawson Tyson (1893-1976), Indian Civil Service, Bengal 1920-47; Secretary to Agent of the Government of India in South Africa 1927-30; Private Secretary to Governor of Bengal 1930-35, 1938, 1945-47; chiefly comprising weekly letters home (1920-47) giving detailed accounts of his activities both private and official.

48 items    1920 - 1947      View Contents List

 

 

          ___U________________________________________________________

 

          ___V________________________________________________________

 

          ___W________________________________________________________

 

WATSON (Francis ) Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur F289)

Papers of Francis Watson (1907-87), Art Adviser to Raja of Aundh 1938; Director, Counter-Propaganda, Government of India 1940; Director, Research and Reference, Information Dept, Government of India 1945-46; including correspondence with his parents commenting on life in India, radio scripts, essays and photographs; also letters and papers of and relating to Apasaheb Balasaheb Pant (b 1912), Indian diplomat from 1948.

17 items    1938 - 1982      View Contents List

 

WAVELL (Archibald Percival), Field Marshal 1st Earl Wavell Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur D977)

Wavell Collection: xerox copies of papers of Field Marshal Sir Archibald Percival Wavell, 1st Earl Wavell (1883- 1950), as Viceroy of India 1943-47.

18 volumes    1943 - 1947      View Contents List

 

WENGER (Winifred Edith) Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur R201)

Tape recording of interview, given 1990, by Winifred Edith Wenger (b 1906), wife of Rev Edward Leslie Wenger, describing her education, work and experiences as a Baptist missionary mainly teaching in Calcutta and Serampore, before and after marriage (1934).

1 cassette    1934 - 1965

 

WILLIAMS PAPERS (at Centre of South Asian Studies University of Cambridge)

(Mr. F. C. Williams, tea planter, and Mrs. Williams).

Bengal; Assam; N.W.F.P.: 1927-1959 45 pp.

Five letters to family in England from Elswitha and Fred Williams, written from: Calcutta and Kokrajar in 1934; from Murree and Deccan College Poona in 1944. Early ones are about shooting trips, later ones domestic.

a) Miscellaneous letters from domestic servants and employees of F. C. Williams of Octavius Steel Co. Ltd. Calcutta and London.

b) Two letters of 1944 from daughter of Williams' ayah requesting financial help to perform Muslim burial ceremony for her mother.

c) Letter from Indian staff of Tea Estate, Sibsagar, Assam to 'Messrs. Octavius Steel and Co. London' sending Christmas and New Year's greetings.

 d) Various examples of 'Babu English' 3 newspaper cuttings, including obituary of Fr. Douglas of Oxford Mission to Calcutta.

 

          ___X________________________________________________________

 

          ___Y________________________________________________________

 

YOUNIE (John )Papers (BL shelfmark Mss Eur D939)

Letters of John Younie (1893-1942), Indian Civil Service, Bengal 1916-42, District and Sessions Judge 1925-42, comprising originals, typescript transcripts, and an edited and abridged version compiled by his wife Dr Dorothy Younie, describing his work and daily life in various parts of Bengal; with an article by Dr Dorothy Younie on life in Chittagong.

23 items    1910 - 1966      View Contents List

 

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Bengal Oral History - Communist, Peasant and Labour Movements of Bangladesh and India (at Asia Department Collections of International Institute of Social History.)

This consists of 40 cassettes of Interviews with leaders of the Communist, Peasant and Labour Movements of Bangladesh and India. The details are:

 

Comrade Amal Sen (83), leader of the 'Tebhaga' peasant movement in Bengal, led by the Communist Party. Interviewed by Shahriar Kabir in Dhaka on 16.5.97-23.5.97. Bengali. (GC8/166-172)

 

Writer Mohashweta Devi, leader of the 'Adivasi'on bonded labour and tribal movements. Interviewed by Shahriar Kabir, in Calcutta, on 16.12.96. Bengali. (GC8/164)

 

Comrade Ila Mitra, leader of the Tebhaga and Nachol peasant

uprisings, ex-MLA, leader of CPI. Interviewed by Shahriar Kabir, in Calcutta, on 18.12.96. Bengali. (GC8/162-163)

 

Comrade Ranesh Das Gupta (87), writer, journalist, former organizer of a pro-communist cultural movement of Bangladesh. Interviewed by Shahriar Kabir, in Calcutta, on 15.7.97-29.7.97. Bengali. (GC8/209-216)

 

Comrade Robi Niogi (89), leader of Tebhaga and the CPB. Interviewed by Shahriar Kabir, in Sherpur, Bangladesh, on 4.5.97. Bengali. (GC8/175-176)

 

Comrade Mohadev Sanyal on labour and peasant movements in the 40s and 50s. Interviewed by Shahriar Kabir, in Mymensingh, Bangladesh, on 7.5.97. Bengali. (GC8/173-174)

 

Justice Debesh Bhattacharya (84) on communal problems, politics and society of Bengal. Interviewed by Shahriar Kabir, in Dhaka, on 21.4.97. Bengali. (GC8/195)

 

Comrade Rejia Khatoon, ex-Congress and CPB leader on the women's movement. Interviewed by Shahriar Kabir, in Mymensingh, Bangladesh, on 6.5.97. Bengali.

 

Comrade Kanak Mukherjee, leader of CPI (M), wife of late communist leader Saroj Mukerjee. . Interviewed by Shahriar Kabir, in Calcutta, on 11.4.97. Bengali. (GC8/193)

 

Congress leader Monoranjan Dhar (96) on politics and society of Bengal and Bangladesh, Liberation War. Interviewed by Shahriar Kabir, in Mymensingh, Bangladesh, on 5.5.97. Bengali. (GC8/194)

 

Comrade Abani Lahiri (87) of the CPI, on the Tebhaga peasant uprising. Interviewed by Shahriar Kabir, in Calcutta, on 2.2.99. Bengali. (GC8/221-222)

 

Comrade Ramen Sen (90) ex MP, first C.C. member of the CPI, during the formation. Interviewed by Shahriar Kabir, in Calcutta, on 29.10.98. Bengali. (GC8/217-218)

 

Prof. Samar Guha (80), ex MP and General Secretary of the Forward Block and Proja Socialist Party. Interviewed by Shahriar Kabir, in Calcutta, on 9.5.98. Bengali. (GC8/219- 220)

 

Niharenda Dutta Majumdar (93) of the Indian National Congress and Indian Labour Party, on the Anti-British Freedom Struggle. Interviewed by Shahriar Kabir, in Calcutta, on 27.1.98. Bengali. (GC8/227-228)

 

Comrade Pannalal Das Gupta (96) of the RCPI, on the Anti-British Freedom Struggle and the Communist Movement of India. Interviewed by Shahriar Kabir, in Shantiniketon, West Bengal, on 17.1.98. Bengali. (GC8/225-226)

 

Comrade Sharadindu Dastidar, former CPI leader, Revolutionary Communist League, on the Communist Movement of India and Bangladesh. Interviewed by Shahriar Kabir, in Chittagong, Bangladesh, on 8.7.99. Bengali. (GC8/ 223-224)

 

Urdu poet Kaifi Ajmi on the pro-communist cultural movement (IPTA) of Bangladesh and India and the Bangladesh Liberation War, and Shawkat Kaifi, actress, former IPTA activist, and wife of Kaifi. Interviewed by Shahriar Kabir, in Mumbay, India, on 16.1.97. Urdu. (GC8/191)

 

On Santhal Pot and songs on Netajee Subhas Bose, leader of the Freedom Struggle of India. Recorded by Shahriar Kabir in Barasat, West Bengal at a handicraft fair on 29.1.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

        Seamen's Records

 

The Central Register of Seamen, 1913-1941 (at Southampton Archives Services)

A Central Index of Merchant Seaman was introduced in October 1913, and continued in use until 1941. The index takes the form of a number of card indexes, containing in total over one and quarter million cards. There are 4 main series of index cards held here, two arranged alphabetically and two arranged by the number of the individual’s discharge book.

CR1 Series - This is the main series of alphabetically arranged cards. It covers 1913-1941, although the majority of the pre-1921 cards of seamen no longer in service were weeded out and destroyed during the 1960’s.

CR2 Series - The series of CR2 cards run alongside the CR1 series, covering the same period of 1913-1941, but as with the CR1’s, were also weeded out in the 1960 ’s. The CR2’s are arranged by the individual’s discharge number, rather than by name. However the series of CR1 cards generally provides an index

to this less accessible series.

CR10 Series - This alphabetical series covers the years 1918-1921, partly filling the gap caused by the destruction of the earlier cards from the main two series of CR1s and CR2. The CR10s were created for a very particular purpose: to issue merchant seamen with identify cards during World War 1. For this reason, women are not usually included in the index (although one card for a woman has been found). Neither does this part of the index cover seamen engaged on home trade.

The Combined Series - This series was created (for reasons unknown) by pulling together cards from the other three series. Combinations of CR1s, CR2s and CR10s for an individual are included, all arranged by the individual’s discharge number. Cards are often included which fall outside the 1918-1941 time period; some have entries as late at the 1950s. Since this series has no alphabetical index, it is less accessible to search than the others.

 

 “Seamen's Records ('Pouches') 1913-1972” in Board of Trade: Registrar General of Shipping and Seamen: Central Register of Seamen (PRO Reference BT 372/…)

 

R641516 GOOD S M 14/02/1939 CALCUTTA. 1913-1972 (PRO Reference BT 372/1900/138)

 

R652006 RICHARDSON A W 26/05/1939 CALCUTTA. 1913-1972 (PRO Reference BT 372/1951/161)

 

R660398 HAWATSON R B 10/03/1939 CALCUTTA. 1913-1972 (PRO Reference BT 372/1992/60)

 

R668227 GUNNING P J 02/01/1941 CALCUTTA. 1913 - 1972 (PRO Reference BT 372/2030/7)

 

R672609 PAGE M W 02/09/1939 CALCUTTA INDIA. 1913 - 1972 (PRO Reference BT 372/2047/207)

 

R682113 TAYLOR C M 27/09/1940 CALCUTTA. 1913 - 1972 (PRO Reference BT 372/2086/63)

 

R682587 MERSH G F 17/08/1939 CALCUTTA. 1913 - 1972 (PRO Reference BT 372/2088/56)

 

R693597 GOSS A B 22/07/1942 CALCUTTA. 1913 - 1972 (PRO Reference BT 372/2138/63)

 

R695684 BLACK W W 14/08/1940 CALCUTTA. 1913 - 1972 (PRO Reference BT 372/2148/36)

 

R695848 EWING A 24/08/1940 CALCUTTA. 1913 - 1972 (PRO Reference BT 372/2148/171)

 

R696464 ASHURST P G 17/08/1941 CALCUTTA. 1913 - 1972 (PRO Reference BT 372/2151/88)

 

R696556 SUTHERLAND PILCH H 08/11/1940 CALCUTTA. 1913 - 1972 (PRO Reference BT 372/2151/169)

 

R696965 THOMSON D L 22/09/1941 CALCUTTA. 1913 - 1972 (PRO Reference BT 372/2154/31)

 

R697345 WARD D J 25/07/1942 CALCUTTA. 1913 - 1972 (PRO Reference BT 372/2155/156)

 

R711560 BARTLEY R S 28/07/1942 CALCUTTA. 1913 - 1972 (PRO Reference BT 372/2218/191)

 

R713974 STAUNTON E V P 06/03/1939 CALCUTTA INDIA. 1913 - 1972 (PRO Reference BT 372/2229/135)

 

R713981 ANDREWS K B T 13/09/1939 CALCUTTA INDIA. 1913 - 1972 (PRO Reference BT 372/2229/141)

 

R719558 MACKIE P C 18/07/1942 CALCUTTA. 1913 - 1972 (PRO Reference BT 372/2254/123)

 

R727696 STONE HOUSE R D 03/09/1944 CALCUTTA. 1913 - 1972 (PRO Reference BT 372/2290/161)

 

R738007 MORGAN E T 27/10/1942 CALCUTTA. 1913 - 1972 (PRO Reference BT 372/2334/57)

 

R740500 CORNISH J W H 28/09/1943 CALCUTTA INDIA. 1913 - 1972 (PRO Reference BT 372/2344/177)

 

R747308 HALL R C M 31/03/1945 CALCUTTA.1913 - 1972 (PRO Reference BT 372/2372/89)

 

R749833 MILLAR A D 10/10/1942 CALCUTTA. 1913 - 1972 (PRO Reference BT 372/2382/53)

 

R750502 WOODWARD B R 26/06/1945 CALCUTTA. 1913 - 1972 (PRO Reference BT 372/2384/191)

 

R752062 DALY M P 18/08/1940 CALCUTTA INDIA. 1913 - 1972 (PRO Reference BT 372/2390/67)

 

R752366 PERIERA B E 17/12/1928 CALCUTTA INDIA. 1913 - 1972 (PRO Reference BT 372/2391/208)

 

R753832 GARDNER W 16/10/1944 CALCUTTA. 1913 - 1972 (PRO Reference BT 372/2397/87)

 

R759104 SMITH G M 17/08/1944 CALCUTTA INDIA. 1913 - 1972 (PRO Reference BT 372/2417/105)

 

R765159 WATSON A W 11/02/1939 CALCUTTA. 1913 - 1972 (PRO Reference BT 372/2440/202)

 

R766321 SEAMAN R O C 04/11/1942 CALCUTTA INDIA. 1913 - 1972 (PRO Reference BT 372/2445/18)

 

R769096 BOOTH R G T 22/01/1945 CALCUTTA INDIA. 1913 - 1972 (PRO Reference BT 372/2455/164)

 

R770587 BRICE J R H 09/10/1945 CALCUTTA INDIA. 1913 - 1972 (PRO Reference BT 372/2461/81)

 

R771650 WHALEY G H 13/12/1942 CALCUTTA INDIA. 1913 - 1972 (PRO Reference BT 372/2465/141)

 

R777703 EDWARDS M L 02/01/1945 CALCUTTA INDIA. 1913 - 1972 (PRO Reference BT 372/2488/185)

 

R778851 BLEASE J C 18/08/1939 CALCUTTA. 1913 - 1972 (PRO Reference BT 372/2493/42)

 

R778898 CAMPBELL L M 10/03/1939 CALCUTTA. 1913 - 1972 (PRO Reference BT 372/2493/84)

 

R781602 HANN P S 01/11/1945 CALCUTTA INDIA. 1913 - 1972 (PRO Reference BT 372/2504/114)

 

R783687 AV J 16/11/1939 CALCUTTA. 1913 - 1972 (PRO Reference BT 372/2512/60)

 

R793205 HENDERSON N H P 06/02/1946 CALCUTTA INDIA. 1913 - 1972 (PRO Reference BT 372/2548/96)

 

R794881 FORBES V L 21/11/1941 CALCUTTA INDIA. 1913 - 1972 (PRO Reference BT 372/2554/159)

 

R795497 DOWMAN F J 03/02/1941 CALCUTTA. 1913 - 1972 (PRO Reference BT 372/2557/81)

 

R796978 EWING W T 15/09/1942 CALCUTTA. 1913 - 1972 (PRO Reference BT 372/2563/79)

 

R798867 SEN G KA 21/01/1940 CALCUTTA. 1913 - 1972 (PRO Reference BT 372/2570/67)

 

R802256 CLARK A B 07/01/1946 CALCUTTA. 1913 - 1972 (PRO Reference BT 372/2582/91)

 

R805622 D'SOUZA I M 15/12/1940 CALCUTTA. 1913 - 1972 (PRO Reference BT 372/2596/188)

 

R806467 DUNN T J 25/08/1948 CALCUTTA INOLIA. 1913 - 1972 (PRO Reference BT 372/2600/127)

 

R817158 DIAS I E 04/01/1940 CALCUTTA. 1913 - 1972 (PRO Reference BT 372/2642/136)

 

R817405 JOHNSTONE S D 01/12/1941 CALCUTTA. 1913 - 1972 (PRO Reference BT 372/2643/137)

 

R819487 GIBSON M H 09/08/1948 CALCUTTA. 1913 - 1972 (PRO Reference BT 372/2651/58)

 

R831090 MCPHERSON I A W 24/01/1945 CALCUTTA. 1913 - 1972 (PRO Reference BT 372/2693/111)

 

R837539 LANG K L 29/10/1939 CALCUTTA. 1913 - 1972 (PRO Reference BT 372/2717/119)

 

R845567 COOPER G A 22/06/1948 CALCUTTA INDIA. 1913 - 1972 (PRO Reference BT 372/2745/50)

 

R847081 DALTON N P J 07/01/1950 CALCUTTA INDIA. 1913 - 1972 (PRO Reference BT 372/2750/137)

 

R852405 PARKER I H 19/06/1947 CALCUTTA. 1913 - 1972 (PRO Reference BT 372/2769/118)

 

R872459 BRASS S A 16/04/1951 CALCUTTA. 1913 - 1972 (PRO Reference BT 372/2838/147)

 

R877426 WALLACE A L 19/09/1949 CALCUTTA, INDIA. 1913 - 1972 (PRO Reference BT 372/2855/28)

 

R890227 HOLIDAY A 20/01/1946 CALCUTTA INDIA. 1913 - 1972 (PRO Reference BT 372/2894/157)

 

R890417 GLENDAY A R W 18/07/1944 CALCUTTA. 1913 - 1972 (PRO Reference BT 372/2895/81)

 

R894973 VALLALLY R V J 15/09/1942 CALCUTTA INDIA. 1913 - 1972 (PRO Reference BT 372/2907/154)

 

R895330 MCMAHON IL 21/02/1948 CALCUTTA. 1913 - 1972 (PRO Reference BT 372/2908/162)

 

R895346 CRANSTON RT 22/08/1943 CALCUTTA. 1913 - 1972 (PRO Reference BT 372/2908/169)

 

R907640 SMITH P G H 29/10/1945 CALCUTTA INDIA. 1913 - 1972 (PRO Reference BT 372/2938/108)

 

IND43025 LOPEZ N J 19/10/1946 CALCUTTA. 1913 - 1972 (PRO Reference BT 372/2987/38)

 

S98768 SHAHID AC 28/05/1946 DUNDUM CALCUTTA. 1913 - 1972 (PRO Reference BT 372/2999/31)

 

S99107 MARTYR D T 04/08/1945 CALCUTTA. 1913 - 1972 (PRO Reference BT 372/3000/132)

 

T20301 ZAHEER R 09/11/1940 CALCUTTA. 1913 - 1972 (PRO Reference BT 372/3002/48)

 

R631359 ULLAH A SYLHET BENGAL. 1913-1972 (PRO Reference BT 372/1849/32

 

R820325 BOOTH E G W 16/11/1948 WEST BENGAL INDIA. 1913 – 1972 (PRO Reference BT 372/2654/41)

 

 

 

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Newsarchives

 

 

India Office: Record Department Papers 1859-1959 (OIOC Series L/R)

These materials include the files of the Record Department, its predecessor Registry and Record Department, and (up to 1959) the India Office Library. The Record Department was responsible for ecclesiastical returns (see N below), for the receipt of Indian official publications (see V below) and maps (see X and Y below), for Parliamentary Papers, and for enquiries involving use of the records. As such it was the direct antecedent of the administration of the India Office Records. Between 1859 and 1880 the Record Department kept a series of telegrams to and from India in all departments.

 

India Office: Information Department Records 1921-1949 (OIOC Series L/I)

Records of the Press Officer (later the Adviser on Publicity Questions) and his department, which dealt with the communication of official policy to press and public.

 

India Office Records Official Publications Series c1760-1957 (OIOC Series V)

The India Office archive collection of British Indian central and provincial government publications, maintained by the Record Department (see L/R above) until 1947. The collection also includes India Office reference sets of British statutes, parliamentary journals, debates and papers, and other British publications relating to Indian affairs.

 

Naval headlines: Hitler's HQ assess Soviet operations in northern area aimed at break through towards Narvik, infer possible Allied attempt to forestall this by sea and air landings in Narvik area; Vardoe evacuated and installations to destroyed; Army H Group intention to evacuate south Scheldt bridgehead if still possible; installations at Flushing destroyed but fishing harbour still intact; two Japanese submarines to operate in Bay of Bengal; Japanese report large Allied surface force off east coast of Luzon, expect further landings in the area; Japanese hospital ship due Brunei to take on casualties. 1944 (PRO Reference HW 1/3302)

 

“Star of India” (BLNL Shelfmark C.1138.)

Numbers vol.1.no.132, etc / Dates 19 Jan.1933 - 30 April 1940; 22 Jan.1942 - 31 May, 12 July - 10 Aug. 1949 / Dates 1 Jan. - 31 May, 10 July - 17 Dec. 1941; 30, 31 May, 12-27 July 1949 on microfilm.

Notes: Not published between 31 May and 12 July 1949.

 

“Calcutta Municipal Gazette” (BLNL Shelfmark M.C.1144.)

Numbers no.1-1039 / Dates 15 Nov.1924 - 22 Feb.1947 / On Microfilm.

 

“Capital” (BLNL Shelfmark M.C.1168.)

Numbers: no.513-545,553,1232-3010 / Dates: 27 Oct.1898 - 3 Aug.1899; 28 Nov.1912 - 23 Dec.1920; Jan.1928 - 3 June 1948 on microfilm

Notes: Wanting July-Dec.1933, Jan.- June 1941.

 

“Phoenix  -  South East Asia Command's picture weekly” (BLNL Shelfmark A.F.90.)

Numbers vol.1.no.1 - vol.4.no.13 / Dates 24 Feb.1945 - 16 Feb.1946

Notes Wanting vol.2.no.6.

 

“S E A C - Daily newspaper of South East Asia Command” (BLNL Shelfmark A.F.38.)

Numbers no.1-688 / Dates 10 Jan.1944 - 2 Dec.1945

Notes: Discontinued in Calcutta continued by that of "S E A C" published in Singapore.

The Sunday issues are entitled "Sunday S E A C".

 

“The Indian Railway Gazette” (Shelfmark M.C.1142.)

Numbers vol.5.no.1, etc / Dates: Jan.1911 - Jan., July - Sept.1917; Jan.1918 - Oct.1920; July 1921 - May, Aug., Sept.1922; April 1923 - Feb.1932; Aug.1932 - June 1939; March 1941 - Nov.1942 / On microfilm.

Notes: Wanting Jan.1924; Jan.1942.

 

“Indian Engineering” (BLNL Shelfmark C.1140.)

Numbers vol.3.no.[1], etc / Dates 7 Jan.1888 - Jan.1952

 

 

        Back-issues of The Statesman

 

The Statesman Daily Edition (BLNL Shelfmark [for Dec.1921-Dec.1970:] M.C.1132.)

Numbers no.15475-17350,20446,etc / Dates 6 Dec.1922 - 21 Sept.1966, 9 Nov.1966 - 31 Dec.1970 / : Dec.1921 - Dec.1970 on microfilm.

Notes Including the "Sunday Statesman" from 1939 onward.

 

The Statesman Weekly edition. (Overseas) (BLNL Shelfmark [for 1924-50:] C.1136.)

Numbers vol.88.no.13 - vol.102.no.52; [New series.] no.1-795,889-943,11 23-1722,1827-6409 / Dates 1 April 1909 - 23 March 1939; 9 Jan.1941 - 22 Jan.1942; 5 July 1945 - 29 Dec.1956; 3 Jan.1959 - 27 Dec.1975.

Notes on Microfilm only July 1894-Dec.1923; 1951-75.

 

The Sunday Statesman (BLNL Shelfmark M.C.1132.)

Numbers vol.6.no.248, etc. / Dates 1 Jan.1939-27 Dec.1979 on microfilm.

 

 

        Back-issues of The Hindusthan Standard

 

        Back-issues of Amrita bazaar Patrika

 

 

 

 

 

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Unpublished Pictures & Films

 

 

 

India Office Records Map Collections c1700-c1960 (OIOC Series W, X & Y)

The 'W' class designates maps from other classes in the records and chiefly consists of maps associated with volumes and files in India Office Departmental Papers series. With these are kept the Political and Secret Department separate map collection (W/LPS), and the Aden Records map collection (W/R20). The 'X' class is the India Office reference collection of maps, maintained by the Geographical Department and, after 1884, by the Record Department (see L/R above). The collection includes manuscript and printed maps, plans, charts, drawings, atlases and geographical memoirs, relating to India and adjacent countries, and to East India Company shipping routes. The 'Y' class is an extension of the 'X' class and accommodates the India Office Record Department archive sets of topographical and small-scale map series, produced chiefly by the Survey of India in line with the recommendations of the 1904-05 Indian Survey Committee.

 

 [Anon]; ‘The British leaving India.’  (BL shelfmark Add.Or.5265)

A comical rather than ferocious lion!

gouache 1943 - 1944 Indian school

 

Ray, Gordon Meredith (1912-1993) (BL shelfmark WD4321)

pencil and water-colour 1937 - 1949 British school

 

Case Collection: Negatives of Himalayan views. (BL shelfmark Photo 390/1)

Photographers: Robert Charles Case

Contents: 164 negatives 60x90mm Safety film negatives (from nitrate originals)

Provenance: Presented by R.C. Case

Notes: Complete collection comprises Photo 390/1-6

Subjects: mountain scenery - Himalayas

Description: Collection of duplicate negatives on modern safety film made from nitrate originals now destroyed.

No prints have been made of this material. The collection can be broken down into two broad groups:

1-100 These photographs record a leave spent by Robert and Joan Case travelling in Sikkim during May 1941. A brief (and factually uninformative) account of this holiday expedition was published in The B.B. and C.I. Annual for 1941 (pp.26-31) under the title Simpletons in Sikkim. A more personal typescript account of the journey can also be found in the Case papers, Mss. Eur. E. 335.

101-165 Miscellaneous views of India from the 1920s onwards, including modes of transport, landcsapes and architectural subjects. This material is similar to the general views in Photo 390/2. A certain amount of non-Indian material is also included here.

Album contents:-

- Photo 390/1(104) Grain shop and sacred cow (with Calcutta city [word illegigle]). Case, Robert Charles 1920s-30s

- Photo 390/1(105) Bamboo scaffolding, Calcutta.  Case, Robert Charles 1920s-30s

 

Indian Tea Association Collection: Assam Tea. A pictorial record by Balmer Lawrie & Co. Ltd. (BL shelfmark Photo 451/1)

Photographers: P. Bose (Calcutta)

Contents: 36 prints 233x286mm to 244x292mm Gelatine silver prints

Provenance: Presented by the Indian Tea Association, 1977.

Notes: Complete collection comprises Photo 451/1-4

Subjects: industry - tea industry - tea plantations - tea processing

Description: Black cloth-covered post-bound album stamped 'Tea. Balmer Lawrie & Co., Ltd. Calcutta' in gold on front cover. Photographer's label laid down onto rear fixed endpaper. Album measures 292x385mm and contains prints mounted one to a page with tissue interleaving on which the captions are printed. A 3pp. letterpress introduction describes the Assam tea industry, its historical background, the labour force, and the growing, processing, transportation and auctioning of the crop. The photographs show all stages of the cultivation of tea from planting to shipping, together with a number of views of estate labour, company medical facilities, accommodation, etc. All the tea garden photographs were taken on various estates of the Jokai (Assam) Tea Company.

Album contents:-

- Photo 451/1(29) Arrival at Calcutta - a human conveyor belt unloads tea chests into the transit sheds. Bose, P. c. 1950

- Photo 451/1(30) The weight of each chest is checked carefully as it passes into the Calcutta Sale Tea Warehouse. Bose, P. c. 1950

- Photo 451/1(31) A sample from each chest is inspected for taint or damage. The nose of the inspector is the precision instrument employed. [Calcutta.] Bose, P. c. 1950

- Photo 451/1(32) Samples are drawn for buyers with a scoop through a hole bored in the chest. [Calcutta]. Bose, P. c. 1950

- Photo 451/1(33) Balmer Lawrie & Co., Ltd.'s buyers discuss and value the samples over the lines of cups and pots on the tea-tasting counter. [Calcutta.] Bose, P. c. 1950

- Photo 451/1(34) Bidding for export teas in the Calcutta Tea Traders' Association Auction Room. Bose, P. c. 1950

- Photo 451/1(35) Tea sold for consumption abroad being loaded for shipment at the warehouses near the docks [Calcutta]. Bose, P. c. 1950

- Photo 451/1(36) The start of the long road to the tea consumer overseas. Looking down the River Hooghly, with the Calcutta Transit sheds and warehouses in the foreground. Bose, P. c. 1950

 

Indian Tea Association Collection: Miscellaneous mounted prints. (BL shelfmark Photo 451/4)

Photographers: Bourne & Shepherd and others unknown.

Contents: 7 prints 223x373mm to 260x377mm Albumen print and other processes

Provenance: Presented by the Indian Tea Association, 1977.

Notes: Complete collection comprises Photo 451/1-4

Subjects:

Description: A collection of loose prints mounted on card, uncaptioned apart from prints 2-4, which are also signed by the photographer. The collection contains prints from the following locations:

Print 1 View at Poona Racecourse, 1894.

Prints 2-4 Views in Calcutta, 1930s.

Prints 5-7 Views in Assam, 1930s.

Album contents:-

- Photo 451/4(2) Ochterlony Monument [Calcutta].

- Photo 451/4(3) Bengal Club [Calcutta].

- Photo 451/4(4) Victoria Memorial [Calcutta].

 

Lieutenant-Colonel Philip Cowie Scudamore Collection: Portrait groups. (BL shelfmark Photo 493/2)

Photographers: Fritz Kapp, Sett Studio

Contents: 3 prints 193x284mm to 233x298mm Gelatine silver prints

Provenance: Presented by Mrs Kathleen Scudamore, Westwood Hall, Surrey Road, Bournemouth

Notes:

Subjects:

Description: Loose prints on card mounts. Print 1 has letterpress title and identifying key, the remaining two prints are uncaptioned.

Album contents:-

- Photo 493/2(2) [Military group, probably XIth Rajputs at Calcutta.]

- Photo 493/2(3) [XIth Rajputs military band, probably at Calcutta.] Sett Studio (?) 1930s

 

E.A. Storrs-Fox Collection: Album of views in India (BL shelfmark Photo 496/22

Photographers: Rev. E.A. Storrs-Fox.

Contents: 94 prints 84x96mm to 75x180mm Gelatine silver prints

Provenance:

Notes:

Subjects:

Description: Black cloth photograph album, 210x255mm, with prints loosely inserted two to a page with corner mounts. Brief handwritten captions accompany each print. The album contains snapshot views in Kashmir (Liddar Valley, Sind Valley, Srinagar), Ummedpur, Calcutta, Darjiling, Bundi, New Delhi and Sialkot.

Album contents:-

- Photo 496/22(49) Calcutta. Victoria Memorial.  Storrs-Fox, Rev. E.A. Dec 1940

- Photo 496/22(50) Calcutta. Governor's Procession to Racecourse (Viceroy's Cup day).  Storrs-Fox, Rev. E.A. Dec 1940

- Photo 496/22(51) Calcutta. Governor's Procession to Racecourse (Viceroy's Cup day). Storrs-Fox, Rev. E.A. Dec 1940

- Photo 496/22(52) Calcutta. Governor's Procession to Racecourse (Viceroy's Cup day). Storrs-Fox, Rev. E.A. Dec 1940

- Photo 496/22(59) Calcutta. 4 Alipore Road. 'Nillow' [pet cat]. Storrs-Fox, Rev. E.A. Feb 1941

 

Shannon Collection: Views and portraits, Calcutta. (BL shelfmark Photo 531/)

Photographers: Pandit Studio; Narain Photographer; Everhappy Studio; National News Photos; Vishnu Narayan; Press Information Bureau; Amiya Tarafdar; Das Studio, Darjeeling; Dass Studio, Calcutta; Bombay Photo Stores Ltd and others unknown.

Contents: 42 prints 49x78mm to 161x209mm Gelatine silver print

Provenance: Presented by G.E.B. Shannon, 1979.

Notes:

Subjects: official functions - British colonial architecture - high commissions

Description: Collection of loose unmounted prints, captioned on reverse. Photographs include portraits taken at various functions attended by G.E.B. Shannon, Deputy High Commissioner for the UK, views of the High Commission and official residence in Calcutta and some miscellaneous views in Eastern Bengal.

Album contents:-

- Photo 531/(1) 7/1 Sunny Park, Ballygunge, Calcutta, from the garden. Official residence, Dec 1952-Feb 1956.

- Photo 531/(2) 7/1 Sunny Park, Ballygunge, Calcutta, front door on the left.

- Photo 531/(3) View from the flat roof of 7/1 Sunny Park, Ballygunge, Calcutta, where I have my breakfast in the hot weather.

- Photo 531/(4) 7/1 Sunny Park, Ballygunge, Calcutta, from the side.

- Photo 531/(5) The garden at 7/1 Sunny Park, Ballygunge, Calcutta, in fine weather.

- Photo 531/(6) The garden at 7/1 Sunny Park, Ballygunge, Calcutta, during a monsoon flood.

Photo 531/(16) [Portrait]. G.B. Shannon, Deputy High Commissioner for the UK, host, in the reception line at 7/1 Sunny Park, Ballygunge, 18.12.52, [with] Sir Alexander & Lady Clutterbuck & Miss Anne Clutterbuck.

- Photo 531/(17) [Portrait]. G.B. Shannon, Deputy High Commissioner, Calcutta, hosting a reception in honour of Mr R.A. Butler.

- Photo 531/(18) G.B. Shannon, Deputy High Commissioner for the UK, arriving for dinner at the Bengal United Services Club, Calcutta, Coronation Day, 2.6.53. [with] Captain Bakewell, President.

- Photo 531/(19) G.B.S[hannon] with the Queen of Nepal at Firpo's Restaurant, Calcutta (The Consul-General for Nepal interpreting).

- Photo 531/(21) Dum Dum, 26 Oct 55, 7am. L to R: Mr Murtaza Raza Chowilhuria[?], Deputy High Commissioner for Pakistan; Earl of Home, Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations [and] G.B. Shannon, Deputy High Commissioner for the UK in Calcutta.

- Photo 531/(22) G.B.S[hannon] with Marshal Tito, Assembly House, Calcutta, 31.12.54.

- Photo 531/(23) [Group] At the Deputy High Commissioner's Reception in honour of the Secretary of State, on a visit to Calcutta.

- Photo 531/(24) [Portrait of] Sir Alexander Clutterbuck, High Commissioner for the United Kingdom; G.B. Shannon, Deputy High Commissioner, Calcutta [and] Viscount Swinton, Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations, Dum Dum Airport, Calcutta, 14 Nov 1958.

- Photo 531/(25) Dum Dum Airport, 13.12.52. G.B. Shannon, Deputy High Commissioner, Calcutta, welcoming Sir Alexander Clutterbuck, High Commissioner, Delhi and Miss Anne Clutterbuck on the former's first official visit to Calcutta.

- Photo 531/(26) Reception by G.B. Shannon, Deputy High Commissioner in Calcutta, in honour of Viscount Swinton, Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations.

- Photo 531/(27) G.B. Shannon, Deputy High Commissioner, Calcutta, entertaining Vice-Admiral Sir William Slayter, Commander-in-Chief East Indies and Lady Slayter, 1 Harington St, Calcutta, 4.12.52.

- Photo 531/(28) G.B. Shannon, Deputy High Commissioner, Calcutta, with H.C. Mookerjee, Governor of West Bengal, Mr M.S. Mehta, then Indian High Commissioner in Pakistan and Vice Admiral C.F.W. Norris, C-in-C East Indies [at] 1 Harington St, Calcutta, 6.1.55.

- Photo 531/(29) Calcutta, 4.12.52., the day after arrival. G.B. Shannon, Deputy High Commissioner, with the Governor of West Bengal and the C-in-C East Indies (Admiral Sir Wiliam Slayter) and Lady Slayter, at his reception at 1 Harington St, in honour of the C-in-C.

- Photo 531/(33) The direct radio telephone service between Calcutta and London was inaugurated by Shri Jagjivan Ram, Union Communication's Minister, on December 30 at Hatikanda, about 31 miles from Calcutta.

- Photo 531/(34) [Group portrait] L to R: Countess of Home; Earl of Home, S of S for C[ommonwealth] Relations; George Middleton, Deputy High Commr, Delhi; G.B. Shannon, Deputy High Commr, Calcutta.

- Photo 531/(35) The High Commissioner for the United Kingdom, Sir Alexander Clutterbuck, on 12th November at Calcutta, formally handed over to the National Library of India, medical books presented to the Library by the British Council.

- Photo 531/(36) G.B. Shannon, Deputy High Commissioner for the United Kingdom in Calcutta, at the inauguration of the direct telephone link with London, 30.12.55.

- Photo 531/(38) British High Commissioner's Office, 1 Harington Street, Calcutta, end of 1955. Front entrance.

- Photo 531/(39) British High Commissioner's Office, 1 Harington Street, Calcutta, end of 1955. Garden front.

- Photo 531/(40) Office of the High Commissioner for the United Kingdom, 1 Harington Street, Calcutta, Dec 52- Feb 56. Front entrance.

- Photo 531/(41) 7/1 Sunny Park, Ballygunge, Calcutta. Front entrance. Dec 52-Feb 56. Ground Floor, Trade Commissioner's Flat. First Floor, Deputy High Commissioner's Flat.

- Photo 531/(42) 7/1 Sunny Park, Ballygunge, Calcutta, from the side. Dec 52-Feb 56.

 

Miscellaneous snapshots of military and social life in India1920s-30s. (BL shelfmark Photo 548/)

Photographers: Unknown

Contents: 29 prints 55x80mm to 150x207mm Gelatine silver prints

Provenance: Presented by Mr J. King, 1979.

Notes:

Subjects:

Description: Miscellanous loose, uncaptioned prints of indifferent quality and minor interest. The collection

consists mainly of unidentified snapshot portraits, plus a few architectural and topographical views. Prints 28-29, pasted onto the inside of the boards of a discarded photograph album, are the work of a professional photographer and show an unidentified military group and spectators at a military review.

Album contents:-

- Photo 548/(0)

Miscellaneous snapshots of military life in India.

 

P.E.S. Finney (Indian Police) Collection: Police groups. 1938 (BL shelfmark Photo 565/)

Photographers: Electric Photo Studio, Barisal and others unknown.

Contents: 14 prints 80x107mm to 222x288mm Silver gelatine prints

Provenance: Presented by P.E.S. Finney, 1980.

Notes:

Subjects: Indian Police - sports - crime & criminals - prisons

Description: Loose prints, some mounted, with modern captions. Mainly police groups including sports teams but also views of the detention jail at Deoli and Calcutta Police Parade. The collection also includes some xerox copies of photographs and newspaper articles.

Album contents:-

- Photo 565/(1) Deoli (Rajputana) Detention Jail, 1934. Five separated camps of 100 terrorist Bengali detenus

- Photo 565/(2) Deoli Jail Guards, 1933. Dussehra Festival Decorations. Left: Subedar Jewar Singh Routh. Right: Subedar Dhan Singh Negi[?]. Both ex-1/18 Royal Garhwal Rifles & both had the 1914 Mons Star Medal.

- Photo 565/(3) [Football team]. Deoli Detention Jail, 1933.

- Photo 565/(4) Deoli (Rajputana) Jail Guards, 1934. Officers & NCO's, all ex 1/18 Royal Garhwal Rifles.

- Photo 565/(5) 2 Subedars & NCO's, Buxa Duars Detention Camp, Nov 1931. P.E.S.F[inney] handing over to W.J. Cotton (on right).

- Photo 565/(6) View of east end of Fort at Buxa Duars, Bengal, across parade ground.

- Photo 565/(7) Bakarganj Dist (Barisal) Police Hockey XI, 1938. Sitting: Inspr McCubbin; W.J. Cottam, IP; P.E.S. Finney, SP; unknown.

- Photo 565/(8) [Hockey Team]. Buxa Duars Detention Camp, 1930 [including] P.E.S. Finney.

- Photo 565/(9) Barrackpore Police FC, 1928. Winners of Finney Challenge Shield. Sitting Lt to Rt: Inspr Bankim Ch. Chatterjee; E.H. Le Brocq, Addl SP; R.W. Bell, Supt in charge of 24 Parganas Dist; P.E.S. Finney, Asst SP, Barrackpore; unknown.

- Photo 565/(10) Calcutta Police Rugger XV, 1938. Sitting: unknown; P.E.S. Finney, Dy Commr; Inspr W.E. Goode (Captn); P. Norton Jones, Dy Comm; Rest unknown.

- Photo 565/(11) Mymensingh District Armed Police, winners of Provincial Drill Shield, 1936. L to R: Sgt Cooper; P.E.S. Finney, Addl SP; S.G. Taylor, KPM, Supt; Inspr W. Linford. The men are all Biharis and a few Sikhs.

- Photo 565/(12) Annual Parade of Calcutta Police, 1938. European Sergeants marching past.

- Photo 565/(13) Calcutta Police Parade, 1938. Traffic Police marching past. Lord Brabourne, the Govr, taking the salute.

- Photo 565/(14) Calcutta Police Parade, 1938. L to R: L.H. Colson, CIE, Commissioner; ADC; Lord Brabourne, Governor of Bengal; Sir Nayimuddin, Home Member, Govt of Bengal; Lady Brabourne.

 

Postcard views of Calcutta. (BL shelfmark Photo 569/2)

Photographers: Unknown.

Contents: 12 postcards 88x145mm Half-tone reproductions

Provenance: Collection of Mr and Mrs Godfrey, presented by Private Trust Services.

Notes:

Subjects: postcards

Description: Booklet of postcard views of Calcutta.

Album contents:-

- Photo 569/2(1) Government House, Calcutta.

- Photo 569/2(2) Victoria Memorial, Calcutta.

- Photo 569/2(3) Chowringhee Esplanade crossing, Calcutta.

- Photo 569/2(4) Dhakuria Lakes, Calcutta.

- Photo 569/2(5) Parasnath Temple, Calcutta.

- Photo 569/2(6) High Court, Calcutta.

- Photo 569/2(7) Race Course, Calcutta.

- Photo 569/2(8) Howrah Station, Calcutta.

- Photo 569/2(9) Government House, Calcutta.

- Photo 569/2(10) St Paul's Cathedral, Calcutta.

- Photo 569/2(11) Ochterlony Monument, Calcutta.

- Photo 569/2(12) Pagoda, Eden Gardens, Calcutta.

 

Lord Hardinge of Penshurst Collection: Miscellaneous photographs 1911-16. (BL shelfmark Photo 592/5)

Photographers: A.R. Datt, J. & H. King, Frederick Bremner, Albert Jeakins, Platé Ltd, Moller & Co, Robert Hotz, Mrs Starr and others unknown.

Contents: 207 prints 53x82mm to 241x291mm Various

Provenance: Deposited on permanent loan by the Hon Julian Hardinge, 1980. Collection withdrawn 1997 and subsequently re-purchased, Christie's 'Visions of India' sale, 5 October 1999, lot 250.

Notes: See also Mss Eur E 389.

Subjects: official events - viceroys tours - hunting

Description: Collection of loose, mostly unmounted, prints many of which are uncaptioned. The photographs, both professional and amateur, cover a variety of subjects and events including the Legislative Assembly, polo teams, viceregal camp at Delhi, Delhi architecture, Viceregal Lodge in Simla, Simla fętes and hunting near Dehra Dun. There are also some views relating to the 1923 abduction of Miss Ellis, portraits of the King of Kabul before he was deposed in 1928 and various views of political demonstrations including Khan Ghaffar Khan.

Album contents:-

- Photo 592/5(206) Looting Biswas & Co the Gun Shop in Chowringhee Rd, [Calcutta]. 1930s

- Photo 592/5(207) Government House, Calcutta. 1930s

 

Brigadier Franz Reginald Lindsay Goadby Collection of Indian photographs. (BL shelfmark Photo 605/)

Photographers: Baljee, G.S. Prem Singh, Kinsey, Dawn Studio, American Colony (Jerusalem) and others unknown.

Contents: 44 prints 85x145mm to 242x282mm Albumen, platinum, gelatine silver prints and printing-out papers, etc.

Provenance: Presented by Brigadier F.R.L. Goadby, 1981.

Notes:

Subjects:

Description: Collection of loose prints, captined either in the negative or with handwritten titles on the reverse. The contents of the collection can be broken down as follows:

Prints 1-6 Views of Mussoorie, c.1910.

Prints 7-31 Views in Waziristan, c.1920-23. Although related to the Waziristan Campaign, these photographs appear to have been taken a little later than the main events.

Prints 32-7 Miscellaneous Indian views, 1920s-40s.

Prints 38-44 Views of Jerusalem and the Holy Land, 1890s-1920s.

Album contents:-

- Photo 605/(35) [River scene] In Tripura State, E. India.

- Photo 605/(36) Major-General and Mrs F.R.L. Goadby with lunch party group at the Calcutta Club. Jan 1948

 

Major General Sir Arthur Edward Broadbent Parsons Collection: Views in the Middle East, Central Asia, India and South-East Asia. 1940 (BL shelfmark Photo 667/3)

Photographers: Arthur Edward Broadbent Parsons

Contents: 731 prints 51x75mm to 166x288mm Gelatine silver prints

Provenance: Donated by R.V.E. Hodson.

Notes: Complete collection comprises Photo 667/1-4. See also Mss Eur D. 696.

Subjects:

Description: Full leather bound album measuring 352x500mm, decorated with blind tooling, and with initials 'A.P.' stamped in gold in centre of front cover. The album is numbered '4' on the front cover. The album is enclosed in a card slipcase. Prints are mounted several to a page, with handwritten captions and identifications in ink beneath each image.The views in this album are almost entirely amateur work, mainly of indifferent quality, and the contents can be broken down into the following broad headings:

Prints 1-117 Snapshot views in Rhodes, Istanbul, Cyprus, Damascus, Iran, 1932.

Prints 118-282 Snapshot views in Afghanistan and North-Frontier, with a few views of Delhi, 1932-35.

Prints 283-299 Snapshot views of Elephanta Island (283-4) and Sri Lanka, 1935.

Prints 300-316 Snapshot views of Malaysia (mainly Malacca and Penang), 1935.

Prints 317-458 Snapshot views of Sumatra and Java (general views, archaeological sites), 1935-6.

Prints 459-462 Snapshot views at Penang and Singapore, 1936.

Prints 463-469 Snapshot views of Egypt, 1936.

Prints 470-478 Snapshot views in the North-West Frontier Province,1936.

Prints 479-495 Snapshot views of architecture at Agra, Sikandra, Fatehpur Sikri and Multan, 1936.

Prints 496-530 Snapshot views on the North-West Frontier, 1937.

Prints 531-546 Snapshot views in England, Amsterdam, Naples and Basra, 1938.

Prints 547-588 Snapshot views in Afghanistan, North-West Frontier and the Makran, 1938.

Prints 589-595 Snapshot views in Delhi, 1939.

Prints 596-645 Snapshot views on the North-West Frontier, 1939. Sukkur, Quetta, Peshawar, Swat. Drosh, Gilgit, etc.

Prints 646-659 Snapshot views at Jaipur, Amber and Agra, 1939.

Prints 660-677 Snapshot views of Peshawar, Quetta, Darjiling, Shillong and Calcutta, 1940.

Prints 678-731 Snapshot views of Southern and Central India: Madurai, Madras, Tiruchchirappalli (Trichinopoly), Cochin, Shrirangapattana (Seringapatam), Goa, Vijayanagar, Hyderabad, Ahmadabad, Ellora, 1940.

Album contents:-

- Photo 667/3(660) Prints 660-677: Snapshot views at Peshawar, Quetta, Darjiling, Shillong and Calcutta.

 

Sir Norman Frederick Frome Collection: Album of views of the work of the Post and Telegraph Department in India. 1933-45 (BL shelfmark Photo 675/12

Photographers: Sir Norman Frederick Frome

Contents: 197 prints 67x45mm to 202x153mm Gelatine silver prints

Provenance: Donated by ?

Notes: Complete collection comprises Photo 675/1-16

Subjects:

Description: Brown mock-leather bound album measuring 198x275mm, with prints mounted several to a page, with handwritten captions in ink beneath each image. Many of the album leaves have become separated from the binding. An indistinct handwritten title on the cover appears to rwad 'Tech. 2' and presumably refers to the fact that all the photographs in this volume relate to the professional and technical aspects of Frome's career rather than the personal. The album contains views of telephone exchanges, telegraph offices, communications equipment and scenes of personnel of the Posts and Telegraph Department at work. Geographically, the span of the album is broad, with views from Ambala, Lahore, Agra, Assam, Calcutta, Allahabad, Bombay, Jabalpur, Rawalpindi, Bangalore, Madras, etc.

Album contents:-

- Photo 675/12(1) Prints 1-197: Views of work of Post and Telegraph Department in India.

 

Sir Norman Frederick Frome Collection: Album of views in India and Europe. (BL shelfmark Photo 675/13)

Photographers: Sir Norman Frederick Frome

Contents: 202 prints 52x77mm to 90x139mm Gelatine silver prints

Provenance: Donated by ?

Notes: Complete collection comprises Photo 675/1-16

Subjects:

Description: Beige hardbound album, paper-covered, measuring 187x233mm, stamped 'Photographs' in gold on front cover, with prints mounted four to a page in window apertures, with handwritten captions in ink. The contents of the album can be broken down as follows:

Prints 1-38 English views, with a few of Marseilles, 1936-7.

Prints 39-63 Voyage from Marseilles-Bombay on the S.S. Corfu, 1937.

Prints 64-73 Views at Shimla and Calcutta, 1937.

Prints 74-80 Views in Assam, 1937.

Prints 81-87 Views in Delhi, Agra, Shimla and Calcutta, 1937.

Prints 88-91 Views at Port Canning, 1937.

Prints 92-105 Views at Shillong, 1937.

Prints 106-107 Views at Calcutta, 1937.

Prints 108-114 Views at Delhi and New Delhi, 1937.

Prints 115-122 Views at Calcutta, 1937.

Prints 123-127 Views at Madras and Coimbatore, 1937.

Prints 128-139 Views of Calcutta and environs, including Bandel, 1937-38.

Prints 140-173 Views in Assam, 1938.

Prints 174-185 Views in Lahore, 1938.

Prints 186-192 Views in Delhi, 1938.

Prints 193-202 Miscellaneous views, Bhopal, Calcutta, etc., 1938.

Album contents:-

- Photo 675/13(64) Prints 64-73: Views at Shimla and Calcutta.

- Photo 675/13(81) Prints 81-87: Views in Delhi, Agra, Shimla and Calcutta.

-Photo 675/13(88) Prints 88-91: Views at Port Canning.

- Photo 675/13(106) Prints 106-107: Views at Calcutta.

- Photo 675/13(115) Prints 115-122: Views of Calcutta.

- Photo 675/13(128) Prints 128-139: Views of Calcutta and environs, including Bandel.

- Photo 675/13(193) Prints 193-202: Miscellaneous views at Bhopal, Calcutta, etc.

 

Sir Norman Frederick Frome Collection: Album of views in India. (BL shelfmark Photo 675/14)

Photographers: Sir Norman Frederick Frome

Contents: 205 prints 52x77mm to 89x141mm Gelatine silver prints

Provenance: Donated by ?

Notes: Complete collection comprises Photo 675/1-16

Subjects:

Description: Beige hardbound album, paper-covered, measuring 187x233mm, stamped 'Photographs' in gold on front cover, with prints mounted four to a page in window apertures, with handwritten captions in ink. The contents of the album can be broken down as follows:

Prints 1-8 Views at Calcutta, 1938.

Prints 9-15 Views at Shillong and Shimla, 1938.

Print 16 Signal Station at Diamond Harbour, 1938.

Prints 17-58 Miscellaneous views at Calcutta, Nagpur, Jabalpur, Allahabad, Patna, Delhi, Pune, Sholapur, Guntakal, Madras and Puri, 1938.

Prints 59-68 Views at Calcutta, 1938.

Prints 69-72 Derailment of the Howrah-Kalka Mail near Athserai, 29 January 1939.

Prints 73-76 Views at Delhi, 1939.

Prints 77-82 Views at Calcutta, 1939.

Prints 83-87 Views at Rawalpindi, 1939.

Prints 88-91 Views at Lahore, 1939.

Prints 92-94 Views at Amritsar, 1939.

Prints 95-100 Views at Calcutta, 1939.

Prints 101-130 Views in the Darjiling Hills (Ghum and Darjiling), 1939.

Prints 131-139 Views at Calcutta, Nagpur and Shimla, 1939.

Prints 140-147 Views at Shillong, 1939.

Prints 148-156 Views at Calcutta and surrounding districts, 1939.

Prints 157-166 Views in Southern India, Madras, Tiruchchirappalli, Coimbatore, 1939.

Prints 167-175 Views in the Nilgiri Hills, 1939.

Prints 176-182 Views at Calcutta and Delhi, 1939.

Prints 183-191 Views at Agra, 1940.

Prints 192-197 Views at Lucknow, 1940.

Prints 198-205 Views at Calcutta, Bombay and (?)Shimla, 1940.

Album contents:-

- Photo 675/14(1) Prints 1-8: Views at Calcutta. 1938

- Photo 675/14(16) Signal Station at Diamond Harbour.

- Photo 675/14(17) Prints 17-58: Miscellaneous views at Calcutta, Nagpur, Jabalpur, Allahabad, Patna, Delhi, Pune, Sholapur, Guntakal, Madras and Puri.

- Photo 675/14(59) Prints 59-68: Views at Calcutta. 1938

- Photo 675/14(69) Prints 69-72: Derailment of the Howra-Kalka Mail near Athersai.

- Photo 675/14(77) Prints 77-82: Views at Calcutta. 1938

- Photo 675/14(95) Prints 95-100: Views at Calcutta. 1939

- Photo 675/14(101) Prints 101-130: Views in the Darjiling Hills]. 1939

- Photo 675/14(131) Prints 131-139: Views at Calcutta, Nagpur and Shimla. 1939

- Photo 675/14(148) Prints 148-156: Views of Calcutta and surrounding districts. 1939

- Photo 675/14(176) Prints 176-182: Views at Calcutta and Delhi. 1939

- Photo 675/14(198) Prints 198-205: Views at Calcutta, Bombay and (?)Shimla. 1940

 

Sir Norman Frederick Frome Collection: Album of views in India. (BL shelfmark Photo 675/15)

Photographers: Sir Norman Frederick Frome

Contents: 201 prints 77x52mm Gelatine silver prints

Provenance: Donated by ?

Notes: Complete collection comprises Photo 675/1-16

Subjects:

Description: Cream hardbound album, paper-covered, measuring 188x235mm, stamped 'Photographs' in gold on front cover, with prints mounted four to a page in window apertures, with handwritten captions in ink. The contents of the album can be broken down as follows:

Prints 1-9 Miscellaneous views of Kashmir, Calcutta, Bombay and Rawalpindi, 1940.

Prints 10-125 Views in Kashmir: river scenes, houseboats, mountain scenery, etc., 1940.

Prints 126-127 Views in Calcutta, 1940.

Prints 128-143 Views in Chota Nagpur District (Bihar), 1940.

Prints 144-153 Views in Calcutta and Bombay, 1940.

Prints 154-162 Views in Nagpur and Jabalpur, 1941.

Prints 163-176 Views in Jaipur and Amber, 1941.

Prints 177-181 Views in Ajmer, 1941.

Prints 182-185 Views in Indore, 1941.

Prints 186-201 Views in Mhow, Mortakka, Khandwa and Pachmarhi, 1941.

Album contents:-

- Photo 675/15(1) Prints 1-9: Miscellaneous views of Kashmir, Calcutta, Bombay and Rawalpindi. 1940

- Photo 675/15(126) Prints 126-127: Views in Calcutta. 1940

- Photo 675/15(144) Prints 144-153: Views in Calcutta and Bombay. 1940

 

Macnabb Collection (Archibald Corrie Macnabb): Postcard album. (BL shelfmark Photo 752/30)

Photographers:

Contents: 278 prints 86x140mm Various photographic and non-photographic processes

Provenance: Purchased 1985.

Notes:

Subjects: postcards

Description: Green cloth-covered album, 256x385mm, with 'Post card album' stamped in gold on the front cover and 'Archie C. Macnabb, Alice Macnabb, 1937-' written on the front fixed endpaper. The postcards are mainly architectural and topographical subjects from various locations throughout the world (predominantly South and South-East Asia). There are several postcard size photographs included.

Prints 1-31 Postcards, mostly colour, from Bangkok. Print 32 Painting: Hanuman protecting Rama. Prints 33-47 Views in Malaysia, including Penang and Malacca. Prints 48-51 Views of Singapore. Prints 52-66 Burma views, including Mandalay and Rangoon. Prints 67-70 Calcutta views, including the Victoria Memorial and Government House. Prints 71-73 Views of Everest and Kinchinjunga. Prints 74-75 Varanasi ghats. Prints 76-87 Lucknow views, including Residency. Print 88 Kanpur memorial. Prints 89-106 Miscellaneous non-Indian postcards and some snapshots. Prints 107-118 Gwalior Fort and temples. Print 119 Unidentified Gupta temple and chaitya hall. Prints 120-123 Sanchi Tope. Print 124 The 'Lions', Vancouver, Canada. Prints 125-134 Ajanta cave paintings. Colour postcards. Prints 135-140 Views of Daulatabad. Prints 141-161 Ellora views. Prints 162-185 Views in Hyderabad State, including City architecture and Golconda. Prints 186-199 Bijapur architecture. Prints 200-221 Views throughout Ceylon, including Buddhist sites. Prints 222-237 South Indian architecture, including sites in Madurai, Ootacamund, Mysore, Seringapatam, Somnathpur and Belur. Prints 238-242 Colour postcards from Florida and Scotland. Prints 243-248 Colour reproductions of Indian miniatures and two views. Prints 249-255 Srinagar views, including the C.M.S. School. Prints 256-260 Photographs of a Boy Scout Rally, Rawalpindi? Prints 261-278 Views of European towns and fine art.

Album contents:-

- Prints 67-70 Calcutta views, including the Victoria Memorial and Government House.

 

Judges of the High Court of Calcutta. (BL shelfmark Photo 768/)

Photographers: Unknown

Contents: 2 prints 253x202mm to 356x473mm

Provenance: Donated by Mr and Mrs Charles Crawford, via European Manuscripts.

Notes:

Subjects:

Description: Two copy prints of group portraits.

Album contents:-

- Photo 768/(1) High Court Judges of Calcutta. 1951

- Photo 768/(2) Judges of the High Court at Calcutta on the 26th January 1950. 26 Jan 1950

 

Newsome-Glenn Collection: Miscellaneous Indian Views. (BL shelfmark Photo 792/)

Photographers: Bourne & Shepherd, Zachariah D'Cruz, Stanley Jepson, Johnston & Hoffmann, Shepherd & Robertson and others (see below for full list).

Contents: 3540 prints Various, mainly gelatine silver prints

Provenance: Presented by Colin Partridge, 22 Victoria Strret, Alderney, Channel Islands (tel. 0481-82-3270), 1987

Notes:

Subjects:

Description: A collection of 3450 loose miscellaneous prints of Indian architecture, scenery, people and customs, collected from a variety of sources. The collection appears to have been compiled by Dorothy Newsome-Glenn as artist's references for illustrations, and several of the prints have been squared off in pencil to aid copying. Ms. Newsome-Glenn (c.1900-1980) apparently worked as an artist/illustrator in India in the 1920s and 30s, and these photographs were retrieved by Mr Colin Patridge after they had been discarded after her death. A number also have references written on the back which indicate that they were published as illustrations in various Indian magazines. Some of the photographs are the work of Stanley Jepson, editor of The weekly illustrated of India in the 1930s and it is probably that either some of these photographs, or illustrations from them were used in that journal. This has not so far been verified. While a good many of the photographs are amateur snapshots of no great merit, there is also a large number of excellent architectural and topographical views by professional photographers

The full list of identified photographers in the collection is as follows: Marcus Batley, Bourne & Shepherd, L. Shugan Chand, Zachariah D'Cruz, Director of Public Information, East Indian Railway, H.R. Ferger, B.F. Ferreira, Martin Hurlimann, Stanley Jepson, Johnston & Hoffmann, Klein & Peyerl, Philip Adolphe Klier, S. Mahmood, D. Manaktala, H.A. Mirza & Sons, D. Deenadayal Prasad, P.N. Rao, Saeed Bros., Shepherd & Robertson, Bhoop Singh Dhian Singh, S. Singh, H.E. Tyndale, Moorthy Vasan.

1-227 Animals (elephants, cheetahs, camels, donkeys, horses, goats, dogs, vultures, etc) and animal-drawn carts and carriages.

228-500 Agriculture and farming (coffee, tea, sugar, cotton,rice, rubber, livestock, etc).

501-594 Miscellaneous architectural views.

595-730 Water transport (miscellaneous viess of boats of all types).

731-833 Religion (religious festivals, ceremonies, processions, pilgrimages, etc.).

834-904 Religion (priests, ascetics, mendicants, worshippers, etc.)

905-1097 Ethnographical photographs (portraits of tribal proples, types and castes, etc.).

1098-1138 Ascetics (fakirs, holy men, mendicants).

1139-1154 Forts.

1155-1235 Ghats and riverside scenes.

1236-1245 Fashion, costume and jewellery.

1246-1268 Miscellaneous scenery.

1269-1299 The Taj Mahal.

1300-1496 Religious architecture (temples, churches and mosques, and some tombs).

1497-

Album contents:-

- Photo 792/(37) Prints 37-39: Street scenes with cows, Calcutta. c. 1930s

- Photo 792/(145) Prints 145-150: Scenes in Calcutta Zoo.  c. 1930s

- Photo 792/(511) Prints 511-512: Roadside scenes, Calcutta. c. 1930s

- Photo 792/(595) Prints 595-658: Snapshots of local craft, mainly on the Hugli at Calcutta.  c. 1930s

- Photo 792/(853) Priest of the Kali Temple, Calcutta. c. 1930s

- Photo 792/(854) Pilgrims and ascetics on the Maidan, Calcutta.  c. 1930s

- Photo 792/(905) Prints 905-912: Snapshots of beggars on the streets of Calcutta. c. 1930s

- Photo 792/(961) Prints 961-984: Snapshots of fakirs, pilgrims and beggars in Calcutta and surrounding districts. c. 1930s

- Photo 792/(1098) Prints 1098-1138: Snapshots of ascetics, fakirs and pilgrims, Calcutta. c. 1930s

- Photo 792/(1300) Prints 1300-1310: Snapshots of the Kali Temple, Calcutta. c. 1920s-30s

- Photo 792/(2435) Prints 2435-2443: Snapshots of the Howrah Bridge over the Hugli, Calcutta. c. 1930s

- Photo 792/(2592) Fishing in the Hugli at Calcutta. c. 1930s

- Photo 792/(3290) Prints 3290-3345: Snapshots of miscellaneous scenes. c. 1920s-30s

- Photo 792/(3347) Prints 3347-3389: Snapshots of Calcutta. c. 1920s-30s

- Photo 792/(3390) Prints 3390-3525: Miscellaneous snapshots, mainly Calcutta scenes. c. 1920s-30s

 

Alan Cedric Dyke (RAF) Collection: Vol 1. Album of snapshot views in India. (BL shelfmark Photo 808/1)

Photographers: A.C. Dyke and others unknown.

Contents: 370 prints 46x67mm to 169x250mm Gelatine silver prints

Provenance: Donated by A.C. Dyke, 1988.

Notes:

Subjects: Indian Air Force - Royal Air Force

Description: Black cloth-covered post-bound album, 300x407mm, containing captioned prints inserted in corner mounts. Corporal A.C. Dyke of the RAF was attached to No 6 Squadron, Indian Air Force (Fighter Reconnaissance) from 12/5/43 to 21/6/46. A note pasted on to the front free endpaper reads: 'Early photographs were difficult to obtain because cameras were scarce and so were films. After 8/5/ 45 films became available from the then surplus stock of wide aircraft films (of the Photo Reconnaissance Squadron) which were cut to smaller widths. Spools were in short supply, but if you had a spare spool you could get a film'. A letter home and copy of Dyke's itinerary are in an envelope pasted to the rear fixed endpaper and several xerox copies of maps are also included in the album with places visited underlined. The photographs are snapshots of amateur quality.

Prints 1-14 South Africa, Mar-Apr 1943. Views of Durban and the beach at Amanzimtoti. Prints 15- 20 Bombay, May 1943. Views of buildings and streets. Print 21 Portrait of A.C. Dyke and Cpl. Tucker, Morli Transit Camp. Prints 22-43 Bombay, May 1943. Architectural views (including commercial reproductions). Prints 44-46 Trichinopoly, Aug-Sep 1943. Architecture including a temple gopuram. Print 47 View of Howrah Bridge, Calcutta. Print 48 RAF (?) group, Kalyan, Oct 1943. Prints 49-53 Calcutta, 30/11/43. Street scenes. Print 54 Fishing boat, Chittagong (poor quality print). Prints 55-92 Ratnapalong (Chittagong District), Feb-May 1944. Views and portraits of the Servicing Section of No 6 Squadron, Indian Air Force. All British men are named, as is the C.O., Squadron Leader Mehar Singh. Photographs also include some views at Ramu. Prints 93-97 Views and portraits at Cox's Bazaar, Chittagong, and a copy of a memo: 'Easy Burmese for shot down pilots'. Prints 98-106 Miscellaneous prints including views of ghats at Varanasi, June 1944. Prints 107-109 Portraits at Risalpur, Jun-Aug 1944. Prints 110-112 The Golden Temple, Amritsar. Prints 113-154 Kohat, Aug 1944-Nov 1945. Portraits, views of the RAF station and views of the town and surrounding country. Prints 155-197 Lower Topa and Murree, Aug-Sep 1944. Hill station views including buildings and bazaars. Prints 198-205 Khyber Pass, 29/10/44. Afghan border views. Prints 206-213 Views at No 6 Squadron, IAF, 2nd Anniversary Sports Day, Kohat, 2/12/44. Prints 214-220 Visit by Sir Claude Auchinleck to RAF station, Kohat, Dec 1944. Prints 221-246 Delhi and New Delhi, Dec 1944. Architectural views inluding the Jantar Mantar, Red Fort and Humayun's Tomb. Prints 247-274 Agra, Dec 1944. Views of the Taj Mahal, Fort and Itimad-ud-daulah's tomb. Prints 275-291 Postcard views of Agra, Sikandra and Fatehpur Sikri. Prints 292-303 Fatehpur Sikri, 9/12/44. Snapshot views. Prints 304-306 Akbar's tomb, Sikandra. Prints 307-311 Views of the Lakshmi Narayana or Birla Temple, New Delhi, built in 1938. Prints 312-322 Street scenes in Delhi, including beggars and bazaars, and two views of the Jami Masjid. Prints 323-334 Portraits during Christmas celebrations at RAF station, Kohat, Dec 1944 (prints accompanied by menu card). Prints 335-352 Portraits and views at Kohat RAF station, and in the bazaar. Prints 353--361 Views and portraits at Peshawar, Jan-Feb 1945. Prints 362-370 Views at an IAF funeral for a Sikh officer.

Album contents:-

- Print 47 View of Howrah Bridge, Calcutta.

- Print 48 RAF (?) group, Kalyan, Oct 1943.

- Prints 49-53 Calcutta, 30/11/43. Street scenes.

 

Copy prints of views of Calcutta in the 1940s. (BL shelfmark Photo 841/)

Photographers: J. Lowell Groves.

Contents: 11 prints 101x151mm Modern gelatine silver prints

Provenance: Donated by J. Lowell Groves.

Notes:

Subjects: cemeteries

Description: Loose copy prints. The original photographs were taken in the 1940s in Calcutta and include Park Street Cemetery, Government House and the Chitpore Road.

Album contents:-

- Photo 841/(1) [Government House gateway, Calcutta.] c. 1950

- Photo 841/(2) [View of graves in South Park Street Cemetery, Calcutta.] c. 1948

- Photo 841/(3) [View of graves in South Park Street Cemetery, Calcutta.] c. 1948

- Photo 841/(4) [View of graves in South Park Street Cemetery, Calcutta.] c. 1948

- Photo 841/(5) [View of graves in South Park Street Cemetery, Calcutta.] c. 1948

- Photo 841/(6) [View of graves in South Park Street Cemetery, Calcutta.] c. 1948

- Photo 841/(7) [View of graves in South Park Street Cemetery, Calcutta.] c. 1948

- Photo 841/(8) [View of a Calcutta mansion, Lower Chitpore Road.] c. 1943-45

- Photo 841/(9) [View of a Calcutta mansion, Lower Chitpore Road.] c. 1943-45

- Photo 841/(10) [View of a gateway of a Calcutta mansion, Lower Chitpore Road.] c. 1943-45

- Photo 841/(11) [View of a Calcutta mansion, Lower Chitpore Road.] c. 1943-45

 

Album of views of India. (BL shelfmark Photo 891/)

Photographers: W.A. Whitbread and various others unknown.

Contents: 119 prints 52x81mm to 70x115mm Gelatine silver prints

Provenance:

Notes:

Subjects:

Description: Brown mock-leather post-bound album, 166x238mm, containing amatuer snapshot and commecially produced prints mounted several to a page with handwritten captions. Pages are interleaved with tissue and nineteen loose prints are inserted at the back of the album.

The photographs are topographical and architectural views at the following locations: Hyderabad (Hospital, Char Minar), Kasauli (Christ Church), Ranchi (Jonah Falls), Suez Canal, Ismailiya, Howrah (Bridge and Railway Station), Calcutta (Victoria Memorial, St Paul's Cathedral, Metro Cinema, GPO, Chowringhee), Secunderabad, Bombay, Ranikhet, Poona, Madras (Moore Market, Mount Road, University, Casino Cinema, YMCA, Railway Station, Napier Bridge), Himalayas, Kangra Railway, Simla Railway, Agra (Taj Mahal), Jullunder (Church, post office, cantonment cinema), Amritsar (Golden Temple), Lahore (Punjab Assembly Hall, Badshahi Masjid, Jahangir's tomb, Railway Station, Shalimar Gardens), and Jhansi.

Album contents:-

- Calcutta (Victoria Memorial, St Paul's Cathedral, Metro Cinema, GPO, Chowringhee) 1945-47

 

F.W.W. Hall Collection: 'A collection of types - trades - transport and scenes etc.' (BL shelfmark Photo 894/4)

Photographers: F.W.W. Hall and others

Contents: 77 prints 73x98mm to 210x156mm Gelatine silver prints

Provenance: Purchased from Mrs A.M. Rooker, daughter of F.W.W. Hall, October 1993.

Notes: Collection comprises Photo 894/1-4

Subjects: ethnic groups - Kashmiris

Description: Maroon mock-crocodile post-bound album (front cover loose), measuring 268x350mm and containing prints loosely mounted on corner hinges, with captions written in white ink on the album leaves. The photographs were probably taken by at least two different photographers. The more amateur work is assumed to be the work of Hall himself, while the series of more assured studies of Indian types was probably taken by a professional.

Album contents:-

- Photo 894/4(2) Bengali beggar. 1920s-30s

- Photo 894/4(3) [Beggar, probably at Calcutta.] 1920s-30s

 

'A Yank's Memories of Calcutta.' (BL shelfmark Photo 934/)

Photographers: Clyde Waddell.

Contents: 60 prints 253x224mm Gelatin silver prints

Provenance: Purchased from Pablo Butcher, June 1995.

Notes:

Subjects:

Description: Black string-tied album measuring 337x260mm, with prints loosely inserted in corner slits on pages, with extended typescript captions beneath each image. The album is prefaced by a one-page printed introduction by M. Charles Preston of New York City, 'ex-enlisted man, former CBI'er and co- worker with the author on Phoenix Magazine in Calcutta, India.' This introduction, which includes a half-tone illustration of the photographer with a snake charmer, describes Waddell's career as a war photographer in Asia and the genesis of this album. According to this account, Waddell was chief photographer for the Houston Press before entering the US Army and coming to the India- Burma Theatre in November 1943, where he was attached to the Public Relations Staff of Southeast Asia Command 'with the express purpose of acting as personal press photographer for Supreme Commander Admiral Lord Louis Mountbatten.' He accompanied Mountbatten throughout Southeast Asia until February 1945, when he was assigned as news photographer to Phoenix Magazine, 'a 24-page picture weekly sponsored by the combined U.S.-British command'. On leave in Calcutta after the liberation of Singapore, 'He took these pictures at the behest of many friends who had been constantly asking him for photos of Calcutta scenes. By the time he completed this project, which brought him into some of the remotest out-of-bounds areas (and even on top of Calcutta's Howrah Bridge), he was flooded with requests from Americans and British for copies of his photographs. That is how this book was born. Requests became so numerous and response to the effort so enthusiastic that Waddell felt compelled to make the album more generally available through fellow 'GI' agents. It is hope you will enjoy your album as much as I enjoyed the association with Clyde during its production. As a documentary of Calcutta, it's tops.'

Album contents:-

- Photo 934/(1) [Chowringhee Road, Calcutta.] c. 1946

- Photo 934/(2) [View of the River Hugli from the Howrah Bridge, looking north, Calcutta.] c. 1946

- Photo 934/(3) [Aerial view of Calcutta from the Howrah Bridge, looking south.] c. 1946

- Photo 934/(4) [Hindusthan Building, Calcutta.] c. 1946

- Photo 934/(5) [Corner of Harrison Street and Strand Road, Calcutta.] c. 1946

- Photo 934/(6) [View looking south along Chowringhee Road, with the Dhurrumtollah Mosque in the foregound, Calcutta.] c. 1946

- Photo 934/(7) [Karnani Estates, U.S. Army officers apartment hotel, Calcutta.] c. 1946

- Photo 934/(8)[The American Red Cross Burra Club, Calcutta.] c. 1946

- Photo 934/(9)[Old Court House Street, Calcutta.] c. 1946

- Photo 934/(10) [Old Court House Street, Calcutta.] c. 1946

- Photo 934/(11) [Sikh taxi driver and American G.I.s, Calcutta.] c. 1946

- Photo 934/(12) [Tram, Calcutta.] c. 1946

- Photo 934/(13) [Street performer, Calcutta.] c. 1946

- Photo 934/(14) [Snake charmer, Calcutta.] c. 1946

- Photo 934/(15) [Snake charmer, Calcutta.] c. 1946

- Photo 934/(16) [Street scene with American G.I.s, Calcutta.] c. 1946

- Photo 934/(17) [Professor Sher Mohamed, Theatrical performer, Calcutta.] c. 1946

- Photo 934/(18) [Street scene, Calcutta.] c. 1946

- Photo 934/(19) [Shitalanatha Jain Temple, Calcutta.] c. 1946

- Photo 934/(20) [Kalighat Temple, Calcutta.] c. 1946

- Photo 934/(21) [Hindu woman praying at linga shrine, Calcutta.] c. 1946

- Photo 934/(22) [Brahmins worshipping in the Kalighat Temple, Calcutta.] c. 1946

- Photo 934/(23) [Bathing ghat near the Kalighat Temple, Calcutta.] c. 1946

- Photo 934/(24) [Nimtollah Burning Ghat, Calcutta.] c. 1946

- Photo 934/(25) [Nakodha Mosque, Calcutta.] c. 1946

- Photo 934/(26) [Indian women in the grounds of the Shitalanatha Jain Temple, Calcutta.] c. 1946

- Photo 934/(27) [Portraits of two Indian actresses, Binota Bose and Mrs Rekha Mullick, Calcutta.] c. 1946

- Photo 934/(28) [Woman and child in the street, Calcutta.] c. 1946

- Photo 934/(29) [Marble Palace, Calcutta.] c. 1946

- Photo 934/(30) [Queueing to buy kerosene, Calcutta.] c. 1946

- Photo 934/(31) [Woman dying in the street, Calcutta.] c. 1946

- Photo 934/(32) [March during the Calcutta Tramway Workers' Union strike, Calcutta.] c. 1946

- Photo 934/(33) [Howrah Bridge, Calcutta.] c. 1946

- Photo 934/(34) [Street scene outside the Calcutta Stock Exchange.] c. 1946

- Photo 934/(35) [View on the Hugli, Calcutta.] c. 1946

- Photo 934/(36) [Loading ships at the Port of Calcutta.] c. 1946

- Photo 934/(37) [Howrah Railway Station, Calcutta (Haora).] c. 1946

- Photo 934/(38) [Interior of Howrah Railway Station, Calcutta (Haora).] c. 1946

- Photo 934/(39) [Indians waiting for a train at Howrah Railway Station, Calcutta (Haora).] c. 1946

- Photo 934/(40) [Roadside shop, probably near Howrah Railway Station, Calcutta (Haora).] c. 1946

- Photo 934/(41) [The New Market (Sir Stuart Hogg Market), Calcutta.] c. 1946

- Photo 934/(42) [American G.I.s buying souvenirs, Calcutta.] c. 1946

- Photo 934/(43) [American G.I.s buying souvenirs, New Market, Calcutta.] c. 1946

- Photo 934/(44) [Street scene with shoeshine boys outside the New American Kitchen,Calcutta.] c. 1946

- Photo 934/(45) [Street traders and American G.I.s, Chowringhee Road, Calcutta.] c. 1946

- Photo 934/(46) [Street traders and American G.I.s, Chowringhee Road, Calcutta.] c. 1946

- Photo 934/(47) [American G.I.s buying souvenirs, Chowringhee Road, Calcutta.] c. 1946

- Photo 934/(48) [American G.I.s at a bookstall, Calcutta.] c. 1946

- Photo 934/(49) [Street scene at night, with hack gharries, Calcutta.] c. 1946

- Photo 934/(50) [Street scene with shoemakers, Calcutta.] c. 1946

- Photo 934/(51) [Street people asleep, Calcutta.] c. 1946

- Photo 934/(52) [Chinese opium den, Calcutta.] c. 1946

- Photo 934/(53) [American G.I. and prostitutes, Calcutta.] c. 1946

- Photo 934/(54) [Eating breakfast on the pavement, Park Street, Calcutta.] c. 1946

- Photo 934/(55) [Fruit vendor, Calcutta.] c. 1946

- Photo 934/(56) [Drying cakes of cow dung for fuel, Calcutta.] c. 1946

- Photo 934/(57) [Paan seller, Calcutta.] c. 1946

- Photo 934/(58) [Street barbers, Calcutta.] c. 1946

- Photo 934/(59) [Cocoanut market, Cornwallis Street, Calcutta.] c. 1946

- Photo 934/(60) [Washermen at work, Calcutta.] c. 1946

 

Foster Collection: Photograph Album of Donald Samuel Foster 1944-47. (BL shelfmark MSS Eur C380/5)

Photographers: Donald Samuel Foster and others.

Contents: 188 prints Gelatin silver prints

Provenance: Presented by Donald Samuel Foster.

Notes:

Subjects:

Description: Cloth-bound album measuring 358x265mm, containing 188 prints mounted on photo corners, pages with tissue interleaving and captions written in white ink. The album is a continuation of Mss Eur C380/3 and covers Foster's time in the Middle East, India, England (home leave) and Sumatra, from 1944-47.

Album contents:-

- Mss Eur C380/5() Foster Collection: Photograph Album of Donald Samuel Foster in the Middle East and Indonesia 1944-47.

 

Veronica Westmacott: 'We Were Survivors' (BL shelfmark MSS Eur C394/)

Photographers: Unknown

Contents: 36 prints 135x85mm Gelatin silver prints

Provenance: Presented by Veronica Downing (née Westmacott), 20 Manor Road, Dorridge, Solihull, who retains copyright.

Notes: accompanying the memoir 'We Were Survivors' by Veronica Westmacott

Subjects:

Description: Collection of 36 modern prints made from original negatives, accompanying the typescript account of the author's life in India as the daughter of a Calcutta barrister and wife of an Assam tea planter. Veronica Westmacott (b. 1914) was the daughter of Richard and Vera Westmacott and came out to India at the age of ten to live with her parents. After being educated in England, she returned to India as the wife of a tea planter in Assam, where she remained until the end of the war, until forced to leave India owing to a severe bout of malaria in 1945. The photographs show scenes of European domestic and social life in Calcutta, a series of views of pig-sticking, river scenes in Bengal, general manager's bungalow at Shikarpore, tea plantation views (including the manager's bungalow at Amjupi), the first car in Assam.

Album contents:-

- Mss Eur C394/() Photographs accompanying the memoir 'We Were Survivors' by Veronica Westmacott. 1920s-40s

 

Alan William Flack Collection: Photograph album illustrating the professional and social life in India of Alan Flack, Indian Civil Service. (BL shelfmark MSS Eur D1060/23)

Photographers: Alan William Flack and others

Contents: 102 prints 40x54mm to 206x155mm Gelatin silver prints

Provenance: Collection presented by Mrs J.E. Flack.

Notes:

Subjects:

Description: Limp leather covered photograph album measuring 258x172mm, containing 102 captioned snapshots, generally of good quality, dated 1937-40, and illustrating the professional and social life of Alan William Flack (1913-1988), Indian Civil Service, Bihar 1937-47. The album contains some good representative scenes of an ICS officer on tour.

Subjects and places covered in the album include: portraits of colleagues; group of Flack and other new ICS members photographed in London before setting out to drive to Calcutta in 1937 to take up their appointments (see Mss Eur D1060/8); houseboat on the Jhelum; staff quarters at Ranchi; Flack with Babu A.N. Sinha, Finance Minister for Bihar 1939; Baghichampa shooting camp, Christmas 1937 and associated hunting scenes; bungalow at Kishunganj; views of 1940 tour by car from Kishunganj to Bahadurganj and the Nepal border; scenes of rural life in Bihar; views of Kalimpong, the Tista Valley and Darjeeling; tazia being carried through a bazaar in Calcutta during the Muharrum Festival; officers of the Bihar Light Horse on horseback.

Album contents:-

- Mss Eur D1060/23() Photograph album illustrating the professional and social life of Alan William Flack, Indian Civil Service. 1937-40

 

Gotts Collection: Personal photographs. (BL shelfmark MSS Eur D1062/)

Photographers: Hubert Cecil Gotts

Contents: 286 prints Gelatin silver prints

Provenance: Presented by Hubert Cecil Gotts

Notes:

Subjects:

Description: Collection of 6 snapshot albums containing a total of 286 prints, illustrating the professional and social life of Hubert Cecil Gotts (b.1901), as an employee in India of Cox & Co., Bankers from 1921- 54. The material can be broken down as follows:

1. Photograph album measuring 213x161mm, lacking front cover, containing 59 small captioned snapshots, dated 1921-23, mostly somewhat faded and of indifferent quality. Subjects include views of Bombay, shipboard scenes on journey to India, portraits of friends and colleagues, groups at Juhu Sands and Mahr Fort.

2. Red mock-leather photograph album measuring 213x162mm, boards loose and spine broken, containing 58 snapshots, dated 1921-23. Subjects include: Arrival of the Prince of Wales in Bombay, 17 November 1921; groups at Deolali and Nasik; temples and river scenes at Nasik; views at Mount Abu; All Saints' Church, Malabar Hill, Bombay; views of Murree; views of Srinagar; views at Karachi and Quetta, including a view of the Carlton Hotel, Karachi; travelling by car; snapshot portraits of friends and colleagues.

3. Brown cloth covered photograph album (damp stained) measuring 206x152mm, containing 22 prints, dated 1921-27. Subjects include: View at Khandalla; English views and portraits, 1924; group on board S.S. 'Margha', 1924; groups in Singapore and Malaya; views in Calcutta; the Chummery, Minto Park, 1927.

4. Green cloth covered photograph album (damp stained) measuring 195x205mm, containing 72 captioned prints, inserted in aperture mounts meauring 62x40mm. Subjects include: Holiday snapshots at Felixstowe, 1924; the Rawalpindi Club; shipboard scenes on the S.S. 'Margha'; views of Calcutta, including a tennis party at the Chummery, Minto Park; views of Nagasaki, Kobe, Osaka, Kyoto, Yokohama, Nikko, Tokyo.

5. Beige soft covered photograph album measuring 205x153mm, containing 42 captioned prints, dated 1926. Subjects include shipboard scenes, views in England and Belgium, snapshot portraits of friends.

6. Beige soft covered snapshot album measuring 207x158mm, containing 33 captioned prints, some dated 1930, inserted in aperture mounts measuring 60x38mm. Subjects include: snapshots of friends at Shillong, Calcutta and Howrah; Proclamation Parade, Calcutta, 1 January 1930; views of the Suez Canal and Port Said, taken from S.S. 'Britannia'; postcard view of S.S. 'Britannia'.

Album contents:-

- Mss Eur D1062/() Personal photographs of Hubert Cecil Gotts.

 

Sir Harry Evan Auguste Cotton Collection: Photographs of paintings of Indian architecture, scenery and people by Thomas and William Daniell and others. (BL shelfmark MSS Eur E268/11)

Photographers:

Contents: 158 prints, 3 negatives 60x34mm to 321x192mm Gelatin silver prints (mainly)

Provenance: Presented by Colonel H.E.M. Cotton.

Notes:

Subjects:

Description: Collection of 158 loose prints, three copy negatives, and various half-tone reproductions, newspaper cuttings, etc. The material was compiled by Sir Harry Evan Auguste Cotton (1868- 1939) and includes much material intended for use as illustrations in the historical journal 'Bengal Past and Present'. The great majority are copies of paintings and aquatints by Thomas and William Daniell, but the following artists are also represented: Robert Smith, Charles D'Oyly, James Moffat, William Baillie, George Chinnery, Auguste Schoefft, Richard James Lane, Thomas Salt, William Hodges, Captain R.H. Elliot. The collection includes material from a number of public and private collections, and this information is in most cases recorded on the back of each photograph.

There is also one photograph of the memorial obelisk to Richmond Thackeray (1783-1815), Bengal Civil Service and father of the novelist William Makepeace Thackeray, in North Park Street Cemetery, Calcutta (see 'Bengal Obituary' (Calcutta, 1848), p. 203).

Album contents:-

- Mss Eur E268/11() Photographs of paintings of Indian architecture, scenery and people by Thomas and William Daniell and others.

 

Sir Robert Niel Reid Collection: Personal photograph album 1933-41. (BL shelfmark MSS Eur E278/86)

Photographers:

Contents: 488 prints 52x54mm to 294x207mm Gelatin silver prints

Provenance: Deposited on permanent loan by Lady Reid and Mr E.D. Reid; subsequently presented by Brigadier D.W. Reid.

Notes:

Subjects:

Description: Black cloth post-bound album measuring 375x270mm, in generally sound condition, containing prints mounted several to the page, captioned and dated in white ink. The collection records the personal and professional activities of Sir Robert Niel Reid during his time as Chief Secretary to the Government of Bengal 1932-34, Member of the Executive Council, Bengal 1934-37 and Governor of Assam 1937-42. The album contains a particularly valuable collection of portraits of ethnic groups at various gatherings in Assam and the subject matter can be broken down into the following subject areas:

Oct-Nov 1933. Visit to Jerusalem, including views of Government House and group including ; Amman, Baalbek, Acre; Nairn Transport coach in the desert; Damascus; Maude Bridge, Baghdad; Ctesiphon.

Dec 1933. Jaipur; Deoli Detention Camp.

Jun 1934. Groups at Darjiling.

1934 England (Thorpeness).

Mar 1935. Unveiling of (?)Glisson Memorial, Comilla.

1935. Family snapshots at The Glen, Darjiling and at Senchal.

Oct 1935. Trekking scenes, Sikkim.

Jan 1936. Wedding of Olga and Ronnie McInnes.

1935-36. Aerial views of Calcutta (Victoria Memorial, Howrah Bridge, Racecourse.

Nov 1936. Police group at Sarda.

Dec 1936. Family and social snapshots at 16 Belvedere Road, Calcutta.

Oct 1936. Scenes at Tonglu and Batasi.

Jul 1937. Angamis at Government House, Shillong.

1937. Armistice Day group, Shillong.

Nov 1937. River steamers on the Surma River at Sunamganj (S.L. 'Kotwal' and S.L. Lindsay').

Dec 1937. Views of Government House, Shillong; Christmas camp at Jamduar; elephant kheddah at Jalpaiguri

Jan 1938. River steamer 'Sonamukhi' at Gauhati; Ethnic groups parading and performing tribal dances at Imphal: Aos, Semas, Angamis, Konyaks, Nagas, Manipuri polo and wrestling; the Residency, Imphal; bird shoot at Logtak.

Feb 1938. Surma Valley Light Horse Camp, Silchar; views and group at Naibawi; visit to Aijal, Lushai Hills, with parade of the 1st Assam Rifles; garden party for Lushai chiefs at Superintendent's house, Aijal, including group of 'Miss Hughes and her Lushai choir'; views on the Dhaleswari River at Sairang.

Mar 1938. Tiger hunting on elephant at Kaziranga; group of Mikir girls.

1938. Scenes in Gilgit; Cherrapunji Circuit House.

Jul 1938. Government House, Dacca; views on board the river steamer 'Mary Anderson'; Dacca Races.

Sep-Oct 1938. Government House, Darjiling; groups at Senchal; view of Calcutta race course.

Dec 1938. Dening outpost; Abors at Pasighat; groups at Baiek.

Jan 1939. Visit to Naga Hills: Kangan outpost, Borjau, Wakching (Konyak girls dancing); Kongnyu camp, bungalow and bridge; Merankong; Dikhu camp and suspension bridge; Dikhu river at Yangmungmukh; gathering of Ao tribespeople at Mokochung and spring festival dance; Ao houses at Ungma.

Feb 1939. Visit to Charduah, groups of Aka chiefs and Sherchopka dancers.

May 1939. Gangtok: views of Residency, European group and groups including Abbots of Gangtok and Pamionchi, Maharaja of Sikkim, Rani Chuni, Rai Bahadur Norbhu Dhondup, etc.

Nov 1939. Jowai Bazaar, views and groups.

Dec 1939. Travelling by elephant at Runikhata, Aie Valley, Bhutan.

Jan 1940. Garo Hills: Garo dancers and drummers at Tuva; groups at Bagmara; Sal Forest near Rongrenaggiri

Mar 1940. Family snapshots at Shillong.

May 1940. Angamis, Konyaks and Sangtams at Kohima.

Aug 1940. Boat races at Ajmiriganj, Sylhet; tomb of George Inglis at Chhatak.

Oct 1940. Views in the Shillong district.

Mar 1941. Opening of the Government House Nursery School, Shillong.

Album contents:-

- 1935-36. Aerial views of Calcutta (Victoria Memorial, Howrah Bridge, Racecourse.

- Dec 1936. Family and social snapshots at 16 Belvedere Road, Calcutta.

 

Sir Robert Niel Reid Collection: Personal photograph album of Sir Robert Niel Reid 1938-42 (BL shelfmark MSS Eur E278/88)

Photographers:

Contents: 151 prints 80x52mm to 280x195mm Gelatin silver prints

Provenance: Deposited on permanent loan by Lady Reid and Mr E.D. Reid; subsequently presented by Brigadier D.W. Reid.

Notes:

Subjects:

Description: Black imitation leather post-bound album measuring 370x275mm, containing 151 prints, with handwritten and typescript captions. The album records Sir Robert Niel Reid's professional, social and family life as Acting Governor of Bengal and as Governor of Assam.

Jun 1938. Arrival of H.E. Sir Robert Reid at Calcutta, to take up post of Acting Governor of Bengal (June-October 1938).

Jul 1938. Dacca Races.

1938. Exterior and interior views of Government House, Calcutta.

Oct 1938. Group at Darjiling.

Feb 1939. Funeral procession of Lord Brabourne.

Apr 1939. Unveiling Ceremony of King George V Memorial, Calcutta.

Apr 1939. Opening Ceremony of the Maharani Girls School, Darjiling.

Jun 1939. Opening of the Brabourne Park, Darjiling; King's Birthday Parade, Darjiling; house party, Darjiling.

Oct-Nov 1940. Visit to the Mikir Hills, Assam: camp scenes (Lanbriknadi, Mohengdijua, Arlengbati); views in Sundar Singh Terang's village, portraits of hill tribes; Mikir dancers at Dolamara.

Dec 1940. Visit to the Lushai Hills: group at Lungleh; Lushai dances at Lungleh; Sir Robert Reid with 15lb mahseer caught at Karnafuli; War Fund stall at Demagiri; memorial to Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Herbert Lewin (1839-1916) at Demagiri; views in Thenzawl village; views on Hmuifang; Chief Khawvelthanga Sailo standing beside King George V Silver Jubilee memorial stone; view from Subalong.

Feb 1941. Visit to Sadiya Frontier Tract: Namgoi camp; Machum camp; boats on the Noa Dihing; house of Chowsa Hkampti, headman on Mi-in; elephants shifting timber at Namsoi timber camp; Mishmis at M'pen.

Aug 1941. Family snapshots taken at the Peak cottage (Shillong?).

Sep 1941. View of Khonoma.

Oct 1941. Views and portraits at Kongan: Angamis; bungalow and bridge; G.R. Pawsey. Groups and views at Nazira and Dooria.

Dec 1941. Abor Hills: views on the Siang River; durbar at Rotung; Kebang villagers at Yembung; Komli bridge over the Siang between Babuk and Sissin; views of Pangin fort and gathering of Minyong gams; Minyong and Karko gams at Yembung.

Jan-Feb 1942. Pnar dancers at Shangpung; Pnar women near Jowai; Sir Robert and Lady Reid on horseback at Puriang.

Feb 1942. Kalaktang jongpens at Udalguri; Dufflas near Charduar; European group at Namirimukh Camp.

Album contents:-

- Jun 1938. Arrival of H.E. Sir Robert Reid at Calcutta, to take up post of Acting Governor of Bengal (June-October 1938).

- 1938. Exterior and interior views of Government House, Calcutta.

- Apr 1939. Unveiling Ceremony of King George V Memorial, Calcutta.

 

Muriel Brown Collection: Family portraits. (BL shelfmark MSS Eur E354/123)

Photographers: Hughes (London), Harrods (London), John Thomson, and unknown photographers

Contents: 14 prints 83x60mm to 98x148mm Various

Provenance: Collection presented by Mrs J.G. Thomas.

Notes:

Subjects:

Description: Collection of 14 loose prints, the majority mounted on card. The collection comprises portraits of the family of Mrs Muriel Brown (1874-1943), daughter of Sir Adelbert Talbot, Indian Political Service, and wife of Percy Brown (1872-1955), Indian Educational Service 1899-1927, Secretary and Curator of the Victoria Memorial Hall, Calcutta 1927-47.

The photographs include: a head-and-shoulders portrait of Percy Brown, five prints (two different shots, with three duplicates) of Percy Brown at work on a piece of sculpture, portraits of Muriel Brown, portraits of their daughter Barbara Brown.

Album contents:-

- Mss Eur E354/123() Family portraits of Muriel Brown. 1893-1940s

 

 

 

 

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Unpublished Sound

 

 

        Music

 

 

        Song

 

 

 

        Speech

 

“Behind the scenes at CBS” (LibCongr SONIC Shelf no. RWD 8261 A3)

Radio broadcast by CBS. Dramatization of Andre Kostelanetz trip to Calcutta during Christmas season in 1944.

Broadcast on CBS: 12/18/1945 10:45 p.m.

 

 

        Other

 

 

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