[Brigadier K. A. Garrett, M.C., Punjab Frontier Force.] Two typed letters signed ('K. A. Garrett') to Brigadier Hector Campbell, regarding the status of Queen Victoria's Own Corp of Guides in the face of 'possible reductions in the Indian Army'

ONE: 4pp., foolscap 8vo. In fair condition, on aged and worn paper. In reply to two letters from Campbell, Garrett is giving 'definite information'. He begins: 'With regard to possible reductions in the Indian Army, the three Indian Cavalry Regts you mention have been warned for mechanization and not disbandment. They have all sent off men to undergo courses in the driving and maintenance of motor vehicles. | Before actually going up to Simla to state our case and ensure that they realised that we were the senior battalion in the Regt although designated the 5th battalion, I wrote to General Moberly (Q.M.G. at A.H.Q.) as the senior Piffer [sic] in India, explained our fears about the possible 5th Bn [i.e. Queen Victoria's Own Corps of Guides] disbandment scheme in any reductions and asked his advice. I also emphasized the fact that we were the senior Bn. We are shown as such in the Order of Precedence In the Indian Army List.' He describes Moberly's response, and discusses 'the proposed evacuation of Mardan'. Over more than a page, Garrett reports 'the gist of General Coleridge's remarks during our interview on 30th June'. Next he discusses 'the sale of Campbell House and Sam Browne Cottage' and other property. 'The Gurkhas are getting very nervous and some of them will almost certainly lose their "hill tops". Almora - the home of the 3rd Gurkhas - is mentioned for possible evacuation.' Towards the end he writes: 'We live in a haze of rumours and uncertainty, but we hope for the best in the end.' TWO: 1p., foolscap 8vo. In fair condition, on aged and worn paper. He passes on four pieces of information given to him by the 'Army Commander', who 'paid a flying visit here on 10th July on the way back from Khyber'. The final piece of information, underlined, is: 'Future policy is that either the Guides Cavalry or Infantry will always be in Risalpur.' Regarding this news Garrett writes: 'This last para rather changes the aspect of things. If one of us are always to be in RISALPUR we can have a permanent Mess and the archaeological pieces can be transferred there. | The Chapel is still a problem. Should it be left as it stands in Mardannow that we shall be close and can keep an eye on it or should one consider placing brasses, windows etc in a side chapel of the Risalpur Church?' The letter ends: 'This new policy looks as if the Cavalry will be mechanized within the next few years.' From the Hector Campbell papers (offered separately).