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The 17th were disbanded in 1922. No further information

Picture courtesy of DNW

It has been almost exactly 2 years since we last saw this Syce (Rather than Bhisti)

QSA Bronze (426 Bhisti Mowla, S. & T. Corps, Secbd. D.)

Medal confirmed on the Supply & Transport Corps (Madras Command, Secunderabad District) roll signed at Stellenbosch, South Africa on 29 December 1902 (WO 100/297 refers).

I wonder why it can't find a loving long term home?
It doesn't pee on the carpet or anything?
Once I trap something in the collection, it's never seen again (on the market that is).
I lend bits out to museums etc for displays and the like but they are very much locked in ownership for the very foreseeable future.

Wee on the carpet - Burn's famous lines

Wee, sleekit, cowrin, tim'rous beastie,
O, what a pannic's in thy breastie!
Thou need na start awa sae hasty,
Wi' bickering brattle!
I wad be laith to rin an' chase thee,
Wi' murd'ring pattle!


Everyone should have a Bhistie, I have three. On current values realised at DNW I would be supprised if it made 2/3rds of what it made 2 years ago.

I am of the opinion that, if I have paid X for Z, I am always willing to pay less than X for another Z.

Things pile up, research is always unique!

I have a medal to the Supply & Transport Corps, Madras Command, Secunderabad District., a cook . This was a corps of syce, 350 strong, sent to South Africa in early 1902, primarily, I presume, from the available documents that I have been able source, to provide labour for the Remount Stations.

From the Report of the Remount Department in South Africa WO32/8761/115


An idea of the enthusiasm for service in South Africa is found in "The Homeward Mail from India, China and the East Monday" 24th March 1902.. This applies more to the Bangalore District but I imagine would be applicable. It is worth remembering that India was in the grip of a massive famine so any work opportunities would be highly desirable.

“The recruiting of syce for service with the Remount Depot in South Africa has become so popular in Bangalore that not only cooks and shoe makers, but even native policemen, are volunteering. One of the latter was apprehended on leaving the station as a syce with a batch, and on being placed before a magistrate was fined a month’s pay, or in default a fortnight’s imprisonment. During the past month about 600 followers of the various classes have been recruited here for South Africa, being encouraged by the good reports of the returning syce and others”

Finally from "The Homeward Mail" 28th April 1902