‘WAR DIARY. ARMY HEADQUARTERS, INDIA. […] I.E.F. “D”. Volume 41. PART II. (From 16th to 31st December 1917).’ [‎224r] (452/508)

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With regard to the employment of natives as mechanical drivers. Arrange
ments have been entered into with India whereby 40 per cent, of the drivers of
the 19 Ford Companies (which this Force will shortly be in possession of) are
being found from Indians and Burmans, and this is a principle which, if found
successful, it is hoped to extend at a later date.
The question of utilising the services of natives of this country is not one
that has been overlooked. Arab police are being employed throughout the
country, which helps to reduce the numbers of European Military Police.
Large numbers of carpenters, blacksmiths, etc., are being employed by the
Ordnance Works, etc. Arab, Kurdish and Persian Labour Corps have ^been
formed and during the week ended 14th October 1917, 42,469 Arabs,. Kurds
and Persians were employed in organised and unorganised labour. This is a
number wMeh is continually increasing and the necessity of using the services
of the inhabitants of Mesopotamia is fully recognised.
8. Although I am not prepared to say that more may not be done, yet
the foregoing will shew that this important subject has had careful attention of
my predecessor and that something has been achieved.
I propose, therefore, to continue the existing system until the arrival of
Lieutenant-Colonel S. H. Godman, who is being sent out by you as an Assistant
Adjutant General to deal with these subjects and who is no doubt in possession
of the latest views on these subjects. After he has had an opportunity of
studying the local conditions, which in this country are somewhat peculiar, I
will re-consider the subject and report further.
Working copy to A. G.
Copy to M. S. G, Q M. G., D. M. S., G. S. (S. D 4).
(Annerure to T)y. No. 88707)
No. 20-Laboiir-80 (A. G.-12), dated 17th August 1917.
From—The Secretary, War Office, London, S. W.,
T The General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Egyptian Expeditionary Force.
To—< The General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, British Forces at Salonika.
(_Tbe General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, British Forces in Mesopotamia.
(Copies to Officers in charge Infantry Records, Officers in charge Labour Corps Records,
Regimental Paymasters.)
I am commanded by the Army Council to inform you that
(1) In all theatres there is a floating population of men, not actually in
hospital but temporarily or permanently unfit for general service, who are
available for duties of a non-combatant nature in divisional areas and in those
behind them, in relief of fit personnel.
(2) A system has been adopted in France whereby such personnel has
been posted to formations known as Employment Companies. The establishments
suitable for Erance of these Companies are attached.
(3) The various types of Employment Companies formed in Erance are as
follows:—
{a) Divisional Employment Companies.
(&) Area Employment Companies for duty with Army Headquarters.
(c) Area Employment Companies for duty with Corps Headquarters.
(d) Area Employment Companies for duty in Army and Corps
Areas, and on the Lines of Communication.
Of these, (a), (&), and (c) accompany Headquarters when they move,
whilst those under (d) are formed on an area basis and remain in their respec
tive areas.