Strange Abbreviations in Indian Diaries

• by ral104 moderator, scientist

  Hello all,

  There's a discussion in the Indian Army ranks thread (http://talk.operationwardiary.org/#/boards/BWD000000h/discussions/DWD0000jf7) about abbreviations used in notes on unit strength.

  We're finding things like : Strength 6 BOS, 17 IOs, 1 S.A:S and 9 B.Gs, 17 I.G.s, 1 S.A.S.

  Does anybody have any idea what these might stand for? I'm stumped!

  Posted October 13, 2014 12:03 PM

• by brownfox

  Just a wild stab B.O.s = British Officers, I.O.s = Indian Officers. I've had a look at the other page and I think that what you have as B.G.s and I.G.s is actually B.O.s and I.O.s with rather lazy handwriting.

  No idea on S.A.S. though - given the position in the list it would suggest some sort of warrant officer or administrator position.

  Cheers
  Steve

  Posted October 13, 2014 1:43 PM

• by ral104 moderator, scientist

  Of course! So obvious when you think about it, isn't it. Thanks!

  So S.A.S. is the only mystery remaining - I agree it must be something along those lines...a specialist who doesn't quite fit into the standard rank structure, perhaps a quartermaster. I'll keep digging.

  Posted October 13, 2014 2:19 PM

• by ral104 moderator, scientist

  And for those of you who might not have seen the other thread...S.A.S. is Sub-Assistant Surgeon, with the rank of Subedar.

  Posted October 14, 2014 9:16 AM