Report of the Public Administration of the Province of East Bengal For the year 1949

Abstract

Eastern Pakistan Rifles', D&cca— (a) Strength and distribution.—Lt.-Col. T. I. Bowers? D.iS.O., M.C., was commandant oi the Battalion throughout the year except for the period from 18th September 1949, to 16th October 1949, when he was on leave. During this period Major Mohammad Ahmed, M.C., Wing Commander, was in command. (b) Efficiency, drill, etc.—The Battalion maintained its usual high standard of efficiency in drill and discipline in, spite of interruptions in training due to deputations on various occasions for duties in connection with Hajong disturbances, border incidents, and other precautionary measures. Hundred and four N,C.Os. and 150 Sepoys qualified.in weapons, fieldcraft and minor tactics during the yeat. These courses greatly improved 'the efficiency of the non-commissioned officers who attended the courses. The results of the tests held on competition of each course of training were useful in estimating their merits for promotion to higher ranks. Recruits’ training was satisfactory and a very high standard was attained in drill, rifle, bayonet and P.T. 'training, etc., 574 out of 746 men enlisted were draft into rank. The Signal Section could hot be organized due to lack of signal equipment arid as such the classification of signallers did not take place. None could be S'errt Tot training ift Army Signal School as no vacancy was allotted. None could also be trained! in Army School of Physical Training for the same reason. During the year 10 men underwent training with Small Arms School. 4 J.C.Os. and 6 N.C.Os. attended the courses in Weapon Training and Platoon Leadership in Army School, Quetta. They obtained good qualifications—one having the highest.