Immediately after the famous mutiny of 1857 part-time forces in India were completely reorganized and renamed as the Volunteer Force of India. Apart from the existing units, many more new units were raised. The objective of the new force was primarily to give strength to the British and European society living in India and also reinforce the regular forces.
Decisions regarding these new units were taken at the military department meetings on various occasions. An insight into the proceedings of military department will reflect how part-time forces operated and how they were so relevant to the overall schemes of Indian armed forces.
Following are the excerpts from the Proceedings of March 1862, Military Department, Government of India regarding the Rules of First Bengal Volunteer Rifles (Volunteer Force of India):-
- The Corps be called the Ist Bengal Volunteer Rifles, and consist of the main body a Howrah, with Sections at any Stations situated on the Railway below Rajmehal and Raneegunge that may wish to join.
- A Captain, Lieutenant, and the Ensign to be appointed for every Company of fifty men, with one Serjeant and one Corporal for each Section of twenty men. The Commanding Officers to be selected by their Companies, the Non-Commissioned by their Captains.
- A general parade of the entire strength of the Corps to take place every three months at one of the stations furnishing I Volunteers - due notice be given to each Member thereof.
- Admission and expulsion of Members to be managed by a Committee of all the Commissioned Officers, to any of whom, subject to the future approval of the Committee, an application for enrolment may be made.
- No Member to retire without giving one month's previous notice, except in special cases of sickness and change of residence, nor until he has made over his Arms, &c., to his immediate superior Officer.
- All Members to attend parade at least twice a week.
- Absence from parade and other breaches of discipline to be punishable by fine determined by Court composed of the Non-Commissioned Officers, presided over by a Commissioned Officer.
- The Proceedings of this Court to be laid before the Commanding Officer for his award.
- No Member of the Corps to appear on parade except in uniform.
- Non-Commissioned Officers and Privates, when on parade or duty, to salute their Officers.
- Each individual Member to be responsible for the good state and thorough repair of the Arms, &c., committed to his charge.
- Members leaving the Corps, or the neighbourhood of any Section of the Corps, to make over their arms, &c., to their immediate superior Officer.
- The senior Officer at any station to be responsible to the Commandant for observance of these rules.
- For ordinary expenses each Member to pay a monthly subscription of one Rupee, which may be raised, subject to the expressed approval of the majority of the Corps.
- Copy of the foregoing rules to be forwarded to each Member.
Note: Copyright material; with permission from the National Archives of India, Government of India.
(Published by the team of TERRITORIALS)
