The Burma Territorial Force
The Burma Territorial Force was created from Territorial Force units transferred from the Indian Army when Burma separated from India in April 1937. The Burma Auxiliary Force consisted of British and Anglo-Burmans and Anglo-Indians while the Burma Territorial Force was mainly Burmese. The Burma Territorial Force was generally regarded as being equipped and trained for internal security duties only.
In 1937, the Burma Territorial Force units were:
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(The composition of this unit was Burmese and Karen, two companies of each) |
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(Early in 1939, the Governor approved the formation of this battalion, comprising a headquarters and two rifle companies which were raised partly by transfer from the 11th Battalion, and became active on 1st October 1939. The remaining two companies were to be raised in 1940-41) |
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- Rangoon University Training Corps, Burma Territorial Force |
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An additional battalion was raised at the war's start; the 13th (Shan States) Battalion, The Burma Rifles, organised with a Headquarters and four rifle companies.
By October 1940, there 1,832 officers and men on strength:
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Monthly Strength Return of the Burma Territorial Force - October 1940 |
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Unit |
British Officers |
Indian/ Burman Officers |
Other Ranks |
Warrant Officers |
Staff Sergeants |
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11th (Territorial) Battalion |
3 |
15 |
335 |
- |
- |
|
12th (Lower Burma) Battalion |
3 |
16 |
367 |
- |
- |
|
13th (Shan States) Battalion |
3 |
24 |
598 |
- |
- |
|
Permanent Subordinate Staff |
1 |
- |
- |
2 |
4 |
|
Rangoon University Training Corps |
- |
19 |
442 |
- |
- |
Early in 1941, all Territorial Force battalions were authorised to raise additional companies, the 11th and 12th Battalions raising one company each and the 13th Battalion, an additional two companies. In addition, the 12 Mechanical Transport Section was raised.
The strength return for February 1941 shows the following:
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Monthly Strength Return of the Burma Territorial Force - February 1941 |
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Unit |
British Officers |
Indian/ Burman Officers |
Other Ranks |
Warrant Officers |
Staff Sergeants |
|
11th (Territorial) Battalion |
3 |
20 |
625 |
- |
- |
|
12th (Lower Burma) Battalion |
3 |
19 |
696 |
- |
- |
|
12 Mechanical Transport Section |
- |
2 |
60 |
- |
- |
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13th (Shan States) Battalion |
3 |
30 |
880 |
- |
- |
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Permanent Subordinate Staff |
1 |
- |
- |
2 |
4 |
|
Rangoon University Training Corps |
- |
17 |
380 |
- |
- |
On 1st April 1941, the 12th Battalion was officially embodied and authorised to raise a fifth company for the defence of Mingaladon aerodrome.[1]
It seems the additional companies raised by the 13th Battalion were used at least in part to raise a new battalion, authorised and embodied on 15th May 1941; the 14th (Shan States) Battalion
The 14th Battalion comprised initially of a Battalion Headquarters and three rifle companies, one of which was to be created by the transfer of a rifle company from the 13th (Shan States) Burma Rifles. The role of the battalion was to be largely static, being employed as aerodrome guards at Namsang and Heho. The third company was to be a Reserve Company providing reinforcements for both the 13th and the 14th Battalions. The new battalion was equipped with four medium machine guns and four light machine guns. It was embodied from the date on which it was raised.
During and after the retreat in 1942, the majority of personnel of the Burma Territorial Force remained in Burma with the exception of a very few officers and men who were either reposted or discharged after arrival in India.
08 November 2017