War Diaries Talk

Sweeper

  • Stork by Stork

    What does a Sweeper do? When I search online, all can find is mine sweepers. This is a Sanitary Section, so something to do with cleaning and disinfecting?

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  • marie.eklidvirginmedia.com by marie.eklidvirginmedia.com

    I believe Sweeper may be a rank in the Indian Army. (allied relations).

    Information transcribed from the medal index cards includes every rank listed on an individual's card.

    On the card the ranks are usually given in an abbreviated form. Example from list: SWPR. JEMDR. Sweeper Jemadar See link below:

    Entry against 4th on diary page. The person named appears he to be attached to the The Sialkot Brigade HQ. (Indian). He is to be relieved by another Sweeper.

    http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documents/records/abbreviations-in-world-war-one-medal-index-cards-rank.pdf

    Posted

  • cyngast by cyngast moderator in response to Stork's comment.

    Sweepers were among the group of men known as followers. They were classed as non-combatants. Some were paid by the government and others paid by privately by officers, depending on their duties.

    Here's a website with some information about these and other roles in the Indian Army: http://www.researchingww1.co.uk/indian-army-ranks You might be particularly interested in the entries for Followers, Public Followers, and Private Followers.

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