TROOPS DEPART

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26543, 19 August 1947, Page 5

TROOPS DEPART

DUTY IN INDIA ENDED ROUSING SCENES AT BOMBAY Rec. 11 p.m. BOMBAY, Aug. 17. As the first British troops embarked in the Georgic to-day, the Royal Indian Navy band played ‘‘Auld Lang Syne.” The band of the Second Royal Sikh Regiment piped the troops on board and men of the Indian Navy. Army and Air Force formed guards of honour and waved and cheered as the ship cast off. British troops on board the Georgic sang “ Bless ’em All” as the ship left Bombay quay. The 1700 troops on board comprised the Royal Norfolk Regiment and the R.A.F. Tempest Squadron. Field-marshal Auchinleck, in a farewell letter to each man, said: “ You served well of this country and its oeople.” , , , ~ ' Earl Mountbatten at the dock said: “This is a very historic day because with the departure of British forces the outward visible sign of British rule in India disappears. Its place is taken by*something much more valuable—a really great friendship between the British and Indians. I want to thank all forces for the part played in establishing good relations in this country. I was instructed to transfer power in a manner to ensure a close and lasting friendship between the British and Indians. My .task is completed because in Karachi, New Delhi, and Bombay the Indian people gave us a wonderful reception, which was so magnificent that it could not have been more encouraging if it came from the British themselves. The crowds have been enthusiastic and friendly in every way.”