Diet and
clothing.
Duty and
employment.
164
Jummoo.
Meteorology
and climate.
Lines.
Accommoda-
tion on
service.
MEDICAL AND SANITARY REPORT OF THE NATIVE ARMY OF BENGAL.
quarters camp of the Brigadier-General and of the Artillery. Descending from the plateau
to the plains abovementioned, one comes across numerous villages occupied lately by several
regiments. The one about a mile on the extreme right of Shindee was held by the 5th
Punjab Infantry. The Shum is well watered by nullahs, ponds and springs, and is bounded by
high hills, which usually assume a parallel position as regards one another. About three miles
directly in front lies the stronghold of Jummoo, imbedded among towering hills, and occupying an
almost impregnable position. In front and to the right is the stronghold of Gareeba. Beyond
these are the high hills of Mundehr-Sir, Doorgai-Sir, and Gareeba-Sir. Another valley and
stronghold named Payah lies a few miles to the north-east of Shum, and separated from it by
some low hills and an elevated plateau. This Jowaki valley was the first into which the
5th Punjab Infantry, forming a part of the Shadipur column under Colonel Gardiner of the
5th Goorkha Regiment, fought their way from British territory.
IV. Meteorology and climate.—The winter of 1877 was very severe and accompanied with
very heavy falls of snow, which did considerable damage to house property. In Jowaki land,
during the stay of the force there, the weather was mild and enjoyable, except when it rained.
Continuous and heavy showers for three or four days successively occurred; very frequently to
the discomfort of the troops bivouacked there,
V Lines.—The old lines of the regiment at Abbottabad were kept in a good state of
repair and rendered habitable. They have always been unfavorably commented on in previous
reports. On the march for active service, the regiment of course remained under the shelter
of tents, which, however, were left behind at the last halting-place in British territory. In
Jowaki country during the greater part of the time the expedition lasted the regiment
occupied a village called Sherali-ka-gurhi, situated about a mile on the right flank of
the head-quarters, camp village of Shindee. Here tents not being allowed at first, the men
were lodged in huts, which, however, did not afford sufficient accommodation for all, but impro-
vising shelter by means of tarpaulins and suleetahs, enough protection was secured from the
inclemencies of the weather for everybody. At a subsequent stage of the operations of the
force, tents were permitted to be pitched, and it required some forethought and care where
and how to place them, so that they might not draw the enemy's fire. The village of Sherali,
which the 5th Punjab Infantry held, is in the vicinity of numerous low hills, from which the
enemy frequently fired their shots into our camp at night, and it was therefore found necessary
to fortify it ; and this was done by building strong stone breastworks all round, together with
a thick thorn hedge.
Drainage and
conservancy.
Water-supply
VI & VII. Drainage and Conservancy.—I have nothing to add under these headings
in connection with the station of Abbottabad, as they practically remain the same as in
past years. In camp, drainage was very satisfactory, and the conservancy arrangements worked
well.
VIII. Water-supply.—In the station, water-supply was derived from two wells in the regi-
mental lines. In camp, water was procurable in abundance from a nullah in front and
a large pond on the flank. I cannot, however, report favorably on the good quality and
purity of the supply.
_
IX & X. Diet and Clothing.—Under ordinary circumstances the men are well clad, both as
regards uniform and undress, and well nourished, as ample supplies can be had at the regi-
mental bazar. On service, especially during the first stage of it, there was a deficiency in both
these respects. When, however, better arrangements had been instituted, and the way to
Jowaki land became clear and more open, ample supplies of food, clothing, bedding and shoes
flowed in uninterruptedly.
XI. .Duty and employment.—These consisted of the usual parades, practice on the hillside,
musketry, escort and detachment duties. On service, duty was harder, as more sentries, more
guards and more pickets were to be posted and maintained.
Amusements.
XIX. Amusements.—The men amuse themselves with gymnastic and other exercises, such
as putting the shot, &c. Some of them took part in the soldier's Christmas games in camps, &c.,
and won prizes.
Marches and
active service.
Hospital.
XIII. Marches and active service.—As stated in paragraph II, the regiment marched to Oghi
for a few days in April for practice and exercise on the hills. On the 11th October the head-
quarters, with a strength of 365 men, marched on active service against the Jowaki Afridis,
in company with the 5th Goorkhas. On reaching a place called Lakka Talao, which is three miles
to the west of Shadipur on the right bank of the Indus, they halted for a few days, and were
then joined by half a battery of No. 2 Mountain Battery. These troops formed what was
called the Shadipur column of attack under Colonel Gardiner, 5th Goorkhas, and proceeded
against the Jowakis through the Nanung Pass. On the 9th November considerable resistance
was offered to the troops by the Afridis, but in spite of it the column proceeded and took
the Payah valley. The 5th Punjab Infantry also took a leading part in the taking of Jummoo
and the stronghold of Gareeba, the crowning and taking of the heights of Doorgai Sir, and
the taking and burning of the village of
crowning. They were also present and took an active
part in the operations in the Anarchina Pass. There were only four casualties; one killed and
three wounded.
Hospital.—The hospital arrangements . at Abbottabad have been repeatedly reported
upon in past years. On service the sick and wounded were at first treated in the huts and
tents where the men usually lived and slept until a separate tent was set apart for the sole use
of the hospital. Serious cases of disease and injury were sent to the field hospital–at first
to Goombut, afterwards to Kohat–for treatment.