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45th Rattray's
Sikhs - Malakand, 1897
Officers and men of the
45th Sikhs looking surprisingly fit after the gruelling
battles at Malakand and Chakdara. Lt Rattray is on the left
with a bandage over his neck wound. Standing 3rd from left
is Lt Wheatley. The commanding officer, Lt-Col McRae is
third from the right.
Sir, - When the order
of His Excellency the Govenor-General in Council was received,
stating that the services of this corps, which has been
known as "Rattray's Sikhs," would never be forgotten
and that publicity should be given them in General Orders
………………………this
embolded us to present the following petition, which we
hope the Government will of their great Kindness be pleased
to grant, namely that when the Regiment becomes a Line Corps,
we may still continue to bear the name of "Rattray's
Sikhs." Our reason for making such a request is that
from the time Major Rattray raised the Corps, he has always
treated us well and considered our comforts; we bear him
great love on this account and gladly followed him to Bengal,
when the Mutiny broke out, volunteered to fight the rebels
and were faithful to our salt. Our humble petition now is
that the Regiment may be allowed to bear his name, the hearing
will always be a source of pleasure to us, and we shall
consider that, in granting our request, the Government has
showered fresh favour on us.'
The petition was forwarded to the Government in India and
in due course it was approved and sanctioned. -
from The Clan Rattray
Society
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