PUNJAB FRONTIER FORCE.
183
5th
Regiment Punjab Infantry.—Dera Ghazi Khan.
Surgeon-Major S. Mackertich, M. D., furnishes the annual report.
Medical
charge.
Location and
movements.
YEAR.
STATION.
PERCENT. OF STRENGTH.
Admissions. Deaths. Daily sick.
1869 ... Dera Ismail Khan, Jan.
1869, from Edwardesabad.
195.2
.9
3.1
1870 ...
Ditto
ditto
174.4
1.8
3.6
1871 ...
Ditto
ditto
123.5
3.2
1872 ... Dera Ghazi Khan, March
1872.
210.4
4.4
1873 ...
Ditto
ditto
169.9
1
3.9
Average ...
. . .
. . .
174.7
1.2
3.6
1874 ... Abbottabad, Nov. 1875
222.5
2.4
4.5
II. Location and movements.—
The regiment continued to be
stationed at Dera Ghazi Khan
from the beginning of the year
to the 23rd of October. From
the 24th February to 17th March
it proceeded to the district for
exercise on the hills. From the
24th October to 24th November
it marched from Dera Ghazi
Khan (in course of relief)
and was en route to Ab-
bottabad. It arrived at Abbotta-
bad on the morning of the 24th
November, from which date to
the end of the year it formed
a p a r t
of the garrison of that sta
tion.
The following numerous detachments were furnished by the regiment during the year
the Lieutenant-Governor's escort to Bhawulpore (remaining from last year) from 1st January
to 13th January. Detachment left at Dera Ghazi Khan when the regiment visited the district
for exercise. Detachments to Hurrund, Drigri, Mangrotha, Rajanpur, Mahomedpur, Bhun-
dowalli, and in the Agror Valley of the Hazara district.
Dr. Mackertich reports that an excess of rain in July and August revealed
great defects in the drainage of the lines; supplies were abundant, and the men
well nourished, but it is difficult to get Dogras and Hindoos when sick to con-
sume a sufficiently nourishing diet. As regards clothing, the medical officer
writes:—
In addition to a rezai, a poshteen, a choga and cloth uniform coat and trousers, the men
are ordered to have each a short woollen or quilted jacket to be worn over their shirts. They
have also a pair of puttees or woollen bandages for the legs, and the latter two garments
may be considered as additions during the year. With all this clothing and protection from
cold, catarrhal, bronchial, and pneumonic affections were very common among them during the
year.
XIII. Marches, service, &c.—The regiment had no occasion to go on active service during
the year.
It marched out twice, however, from the station of Dera Ghazi Khan—once, for three
weeks in February and March for exercise on the hill-side in the neighbourhood of the Out-
post of Hurrund; a second time, in the usual course of triennial relief of regiments, from
Dera Ghazi Khan to Abbottabad. The latter march occupied exactly a month, viz., from the
24th October to 24th November, of which four days were halts. The distance travelled was
367 miles, through districts on the cis-Indus side of the river, from Gujerat, Leiah, Bukkur,
Meanwallee, Pindee Ghel, Futtehgung, Hurripore to Abbottabad. The longest march was
22 miles, the shortest 8 or 9,—the average being about 13 miles a day. The hour of starting
on the march used to be 3, 4 or 5 A. M., according to the distance that had to be accom-
plished. In camp the accommodation in tents was somewhat limited, and consequently there
was overcrowding. The number of tents that heretofore proved sufficient for the men in the
regiment from which several detachments always used to be away was totally indequate for
the requirements of the regiment that had the full, or nearly full, complement of strength. It
followed that some of the men, for the sake of comfort and convenience, used to sleep outside,
away from the shelter of tents.
The encamping grounds, with few exceptions, were generally good and in clean condition,
and the water and diet supply abundant.
Detachments.
Drainage.
Food supplies.
Clothing.
Marches.
Camping
grounds.
The days used to be warm, but the nights and mornings chilly and cold. On arrival at
Abbottabad the regiment was ordered to encamp on a ground, I believe the lowest part of the
station, at the foot of the hills on the north side. Here it remained for two days until the
lines were vacated by the relieved regiment (4th Punjab Infantry), when the men got into bar-
racks. The encamping ground was a most intensely cold and damp place at nights.
The hospital at Abbottabad is described as gloomy and cold; purdahs have
been hung which render it more habitable. Additional latrine accommodation
has also been provided
.