Indian Platoon In Fiji Defence Force

TN 1934, Hon. K. B. Singh asked in the * Legislative Council of Fiji, why there was no Indian platoon in the Fiji Defence Force. As a result of that question the then Governor (Sir M. Fletcher) author ised, on September 4, 1934, a new platoon consisting of Indian youths. This platoon was a unit of the guard of honour to His Royal Highness the Duke of Glouces ter when he was in Fiji in February, 1935. H.R.H. expressed pleasure when he met the units of the three different

nationalities - European, Indian and Fijian—in the one force.

Fiji is believed to be the only Crown Colony where Indians take a part in the Defence organisation, and credit is due to Mr. Singh for giving shape to this long standing wish of the Indian youths.

This photograph shows the members of the platoon. Seated in the centre is Sergeant-Major Verona and, on his right, Lieutenant W. G. Johnson (wearing sash). The platoon’s strength has been

doubled recently, and next year it is hoped that there will be an effective com pany of Indians in the Fiji Defence Force. The Indian regiments are classed among the best soldiers in the British Imperial armies; and the Fiji Indian unit should uphold the best Indian traditions.