British War Medal 1914-18. Bronze issue (1887 Labr. Singthuama. 27 Lab Cps.)

Note: The recipient was a native Lushai from the region of that name located in the North East Frontier of British India, who served as a Labourer in the 27th (Lushai) Indian Labour Corps

The 27th Lushai Labour Corps was raised in 1917, with Lt-Colonel A. Playfair as their Commandant. When the Indian Labour Corps were re-styled into 'Groups' the unit was re-named 27th (Lushai) Indian Labour Corps, and comprised 4 x 'Lushai' labour company's (viz 26th, 27th, 28th & 29th), regardless of company all Bronze War Medals awarded to 'Lushais' who served in the unit were impressed '27 Lab Cps'. Each company comprised just over 500-525 men, and in 1918 had between 2-4 British Officers attached to each company (Indian Army List July 1918 refers). It is estimated that around 2100 Lushais left Aijal (Aizawl now); of which around 425 were from South Lushai Hills. They reached Marseilles in June 1917 and worked on fortifications, charcoal making and other taxing tasks. The After more than a year on the frontline, the 27th (Lushai) Indian Labour Corps embarked for return to India in May 1918, and reached the Lushai Hills in June 1918. 71 x Lushai's died while serving with the unit, their names commemorated in perpetuity by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission at various CWGC Cemetery's & memorials in France and Belgium. The names of the fallen are inscribed in the War Memorial located in Aizawl, Mizoram, India

Scarce seen Indian labour unit - 27th Lushai Labour Corps in uncommonly good condition

Condition: GVF

Code: 22490