This article provides an overview of the history of the short-lived 2nd Battalion 63rd Palamcottah Light Infantry. I have written a separate article about the 1st Battalion 63rd Palamcottah Light Infantry and also guides to help you research those who served in the Indian Army during WW1. These articles can be read by clicking on the links below:
- Guide to the 1st Battalion 63rd Palamcottah Light Infantry
- Guides to Researching Soldiers who Served in the Indian Army
The 2nd Battalion 63rd Palamcottah Light Infantry in the First World War
Lineage: The 2nd Battalion 63rd Palamcottah Light Infantry was formed at Cannanore (Kannur, Kerala, India) on 30 October 1918 and disbanded in 1919. For a history of the Regiment’s lineage see my page on the 1st Battalion 63rd Palamcottah Light Infantry.
Class Composition of Battalion in April 1919: 1 Company of Tamils, 1 Company of Paraiyans and Christians, 1 Company of Telugues, and 1 Company of Madrasi Muslims and Mahrattas.
The 2nd Battalion 63rd Palamcottah Light Infantry was a short-lived Indian infantry battalion formed at Cannanore (Kannur, Kerala, India) on 30 October 1918. The Battalion’s commanding officer was Acting Lieutenant-Colonel George Elliot Dundas Mouat appointed to the Battalion on 6 November 1918 from the 1st Battalion 63rd Palamcottah Light Infantry. The excerpt below is taken from the Indian Army List for July 1919 and shows the British officers serving with the Battalion. Like other war-raised Indian infantry battalions, the majority of the Battalion’s officers were recently commissioned (I.A.R.O. stands for the Indian Army Reserve of Officers). The Battalion did not serve out of India during its short life and was disbanded in 1919.
War Diaries for the 2nd Battalion 63rd Palamcottah Light Infantry
Unfortunately, there are no war diaries for the 2nd Battalion 63rd Palamcottah Light Infantry.
Further Sources for the 2nd Battalion 63rd Palamcottah Light Infantry
Due to its brief existence, the Battalion has left few records to consult and there are no confidential reports. For information regarding British and Indian officers who served with the 2nd Battalion 63rd Palamcottah Light Infantry, the Indian Army List can be consulted.