This article on the 3rd Battalion 150th Infantry aims to help you research this war-raised Battalion and those served with it. I have written separate articles for the other two Battalions of the Regiment and guides to help you research soldiers who served in the Indian Army:
The 3rd Battalion 150th Indian Infantry
Lineage: Formed at Mesopotamia (Iraq) in 1918 and disbanded 30 November 1920.
Class Composition of Battalion in 1919: 2 Companies of Minas, 1 Company of Mehro and 1 Company of Rajputs.
The 3rd Battalion 150th Indian Infantry was one of eighteen war-raised Indian infantry battalions created following the withdrawal of British battalions from the Middle East in 1918. This was in response to the German Spring Offensive.
The 3rd Battalion 150th Indian Infantry was created at Makina Camp, near Basra, Mesopotamia (Iraq) in May 1918. The Battalion was formed from:
- A Company 99th Deccan Infantry
- A Company 44th Merwara Infantry
- B Company 1st Battalion 42nd Deoli Regiment
- C Company 1 Battalion 43rd Erinpura Regiment
There is a war diary covering the Battalion’s creation and initial months of service but it ends in July 1918. However, the war diary records that the Battalion returned to India on board the Hired Transport Chakdina at Bombay on 18 July 1918. The 3rd Battalion 150th Indian Infantry was disbanded on 30 November 1920.
Below is an excerpt from the July 1920 Indian Army List showing the British officers who served with the 3rd Battalion 150th Infantry. The Indian Army List is a great resource and this page will help you with the military jargon: Indian Army abbreviations and acronyms.
War Diary of the 3rd Battalion 150th Indian Infantry
- Date: 22 May – 18 July 1918
- Lines of Communication
- Reference: WO 95/5247/12
- Notes: The only war diary for the 3rd Battalion 150th Indian Infantry is only 10 pages in length. July gives the increases and decreases to the Battalion with Indian other ranks being listed by their new service number. Also, a list of British officers serving with the Battalion on 11 July 1918. This war diary has been digitized and is available to download from the National Archives’ website.
Further Sources for the 3rd Battalion 150th Indian Infantry
Unfortunately, no regimental history was produced for the 150th Indian Infantry. If you would like to know more about the British and Indian officers who served with the Battalion the Indian Army List can be consulted. There is a confidential report for the Battalion and its officers at the British Library, London:
- Confidential review reports on Indian Army units, depots, British officers, etc. for 1919-1920: IOR/L/MIL/7/17031
Extracts from the War Diary of the 3rd Battalion 150th Indian Infantry
22 May – 18 July 1918, Lines of Communication, WO 95/5247/12
22 May 1918 – D Camp – Makina – 9 am- C Company 1 Battalion 43rd Erinpura Regiment arrived from Madij via Baghdad, Amara, B Company 1st Battalion 42nd Deoli Regiment having arrived on 21 May 1918. On the arrival of the second company the 3rd Battalion 150th Infantry was formed. Captain W.G.H. Templeton 1/43 Erinpura Regiment assumed command.
23 May 1918 – D Camp – Makina – 9 am- A Company 44th Merwara Infantry arrived from Qurnah, commanded by Lieutenant H. E. Caunter, 40th Pathans, attached 44th Merwara Infantry.
24 May 1918 – D Camp – Makina – 8.30 am- A Company 99th Deccan Infantry arrived from Nasiriyeh commanded by Captain C. B. Seagrim with Lieutenant G. L. Holmes company officer, completing the Battalion. Total strength – British Officers 7. Indian Officers 14. Indian Other Ranks 897. Followers 50. All companies arrived with- rifles, bayonets, leather equipment and pouch ammunition. Lewis guns, bombs, regimental reserve small arms ammunition and first line transport retained by regiments sending the companies.
24 May 1918 – D Camp – Makina – Reference memo… Acting Havildar Nathuram, B Company was dispatched to D.A.G. 3rd Echelon, to keep the records of this unit. Seating accommodation in latrines was found to be insufficient. The Area Commandant was informed and further accommodation provided.
26 – 30 May 1918 – D Camp – Makina – Company training in progress morning and evening. Specialists’ training (Lewis gunners and bombers) not possible owing to lack of equipment.
31 May 1918 – D Camp – Makina – Major H. J. H. Trueman 1st Battalion 43rd Erinpura Regiment arrived from Madij and took over command of the Battalion.
01 June -1918 – D Camp – Makina – During the month the Regiment was in camp at Makina pending embarkation for India. Company and Battalion training were carried out. Also fatigues and guards.
23 June 1918 – D Camp – Makina – The regiment was re-numbered on 18 June and the new numbers were tkane unto use on the 23 June.
09 July – D Camp – Makina- Received orders to embark on HT Chakdina on morning of 11 July.
18 July 1918 – Bombay – Arrived at Bombay and disembarked at 3.30 pm leaving by special for Dhond at 7pm.