The 4th Indian Infantry Division were old desert hands by the time of the battles at EL ALAMEIN. Here they are, having fought through solidly since GAZALA:
4th Indian Infantry Division
Major-General Francis Tuker (known widely as “Gertie”)
Commander in India Pattern Carrier or Jeep (C3)
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Central India Horse (Reconnaissance)
- Vickers MkVI Tank (R3) + 2 Recce Markers
- Vickers MkVI Tank (R3) + 2 Recce Markers
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5th Battalion, 6th Rajputana Rifles (machine gun battalion) MMG (S3)
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1st Field Regiment Royal Artillery Quad FAT + 25pdr (S3)
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11th Field Regiment Royal Artillery Quad FAT + 25pdr (S3)
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32nd Field Regiment Royal Artillery Quad FAT + 25pdr (S3)
- India Pattern or Universal Carrier + 6pdr (S3)
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57th Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment Royal Artillery
- Morris Limber + 40mm Bofors AA (S3) (or portee)
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2nd Field Company, Bengal Sappers and Miners
- Truck (L3) + optional trailer + 2 Sappers (E3)
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4th Field Company, Bengal Sappers and Miners
- Truck + optional trailer + 2 Sappers (E3)
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12th Field Company, Madras Sappers and Miners
- Truck + optional trailer + 2 Sappers (E3)
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11th Field Park Company, Madras Sappers and Miners
- Low Loader + D7 bulldozer (E3)
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4th Indian Division Signals Morris or Bedford Signals truck (C3)
5th Indian Infantry Brigade
Brigadier Dudley Russell Commander + Mortar (C3)
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1/4th Battalion, Essex Regiment Rifles (F3)
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4th (Outram’s) Battalion, 6th Rajputana Rifles Rifles (F3)
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3rd (Queen Mary’s Own) Battalion, 10th Baluch Regiment Rifles (F3)
7th Indian Infantry Brigade
Brigadier Arthur Holworthy Commander + Mortar (C3)
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1st Battalion, Royal Sussex Regiment Rifles (F3)
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4th Battalion, 16th Punjab Regiment Rifles (F3)
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1st Battalion, 2nd King Edward’s Own Gurkha Rifles Rifles (F3)
61st Indian Infantry Brigade
Brigadier Francis E.C. Hughes Commander + Mortar (C3)
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1st Battalion, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Rifles (F3)
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1st Battalion, 1st Punjab Regiment Rifles (F3)
By now, it will be obvious to even the most casual reader of this blog that I mix and match British desert infantry. A few turbans, Glengarries, Tam-o-Shanters and slouch hats mixed in with a lot of steel battle bowlers and berets make up the necessary numbers. I must get some of those splendid Kiwi scout hats to add to the mix.