"F" service number prefix on Indian WW2 War Medal.

[Duncan]

Hello,

Does anyone know the significance of "F" on an Indian soldiers service number on a 1939-45 War Medal - as in "F/51"?

Thanks,

Duncan.

[Tony]

Just guessing here - could it be for a female soldier?

[Duncan]

Think his rank was Water Carrier, so F might be 'Follower' as in Camp Follower? 

[paul wood]

F is follower i have ww2 medals to a dairyman bootmaker cleaner and barber all with F prefix.

Paul

 

 

Edited October 17, 2018 by paul wood

[peter monahan]

Correct.  'F' for followers, not for females.

'Sais' = Groom

'Bhisti' = Water Carrier

Grass Cutter

Tailor

and so on.

 

[Tony]

Thanks, that's a new one for me and good to know.

[paul wood]

I am a sucker for IA followers. You can never collect them all. I have well over a 100

Paul

[peter monahan]

I once owned a couple bronze QSAs to Indian followers - a 'Sais' [groom] and one other which escapes me now.  Love the variety of ranks and trades they represent.

[paul wood]

My favourites are Irrigation Darogha, Mahout and Motor Roller Driver as well as a Sikh barber all residing in my collection.

Paul

[Michael Johnson]

I have a Videsh Seva and I,C,S,C, to a Barber in the Dogra Regt.

Michael