Part I

WHAT YOU  NEED  TO KNOW WHILST YOU ARE AT DEOLALI

DUTIES TO BE CARRIED OUT

AND

JOBS FOR WHICH VOLUNTEERS ARE REQUIRED

Duties. Owing to the shortage of staff and local labour it is necessary for draft personnel to perform various duties and fatigues. These are kept to an absolute minimum and mostly consist of

Guards.

Camp maintenance.

Working parties.                              •

In atidition, officers and B.O.Rs. have to be found for the following duties: —

Draft conducting officers.

Orderly officers.

Orderly Sergeants.

Draft conducting warrent officers.

Draft N.C.Os.

Courts of inquiry. (officers and warrant officers).

Offices commanding trains.

Train adjutants.

Train baggage officers.

Volunteers. Volunteers are also required from time to time for the following;— 

Talks of Interest. {A.E.C. Officers and B.O.Rs. as well as any one else with knowledge and enthusiasm).

Help for Medical Staff. (M.Os and R.A.M.C. personnel).

Help for Chaplains. (Padres of any denomination).

Assistance in organizing sports and amusements.

Assistance in Welfare and General Administration.

Any one who cares to use his civilian talents in a useful manner, i.e.. gardening, typing, sign-writing, etc., will he greatfully utilized by us.

We venture to ask for volunteers as their services will greatly add to the amenities for every one in the camps and from your point of view, will help to pass the time in a place where opportunities for amusements are limited.

Volunteers whose services are accepted will not be taken for other duties unless it is absolutely unavoidable. If you care to volunteer, and we sincerely hope you will, please fill in the form attached to your letter from us, and hand it in to your receptionist or Wing Commander straight away.

Volunteers will work in pairs, so that they will have plenty of time for their own games, shopping, hair cuts., etc.

ARRIVAL AT STATION BY ORDINARY TRAIN

1. When you reach the Homeward Bound station, get out of the train with all your baggage. Depot staff personnel meet all trains ; they wear RED and GREY flashes on their shoulders: there are signboards on the platforms and a loud speaker system. These will direct you to the REPORT CENTRE.
2. There are Rest Tents at the Report Centre and you are asked to wait there just long enough to check that all your baggage has been brought from the station.
3. You will be sorted into groups according to your categories, i.e.. Families, Python, Release, Air Trooping, etc. For this purpose members of the Women's Services are classed as Families as they use the same Wing.
4. You will now be despatched to your camps. Sometimes it is necessary for some of you to march to the nearest camp but normally there is enough transport for all.
5. There will always be transport for families and everybody's baggage.
6. Officers' and Families' heavy baggage will net always accompany them to the camp but will sometimes follow in separate transport and be taken to the camp baggage room.

ARRIVAL AT STATION BY SPECIAL TROOP TRAIN

7. DO NOT get out of the train till you are told to do so. You do not go to this Report  Centre ; otherwise the procedure is the same as is shown in paras 1 to 6 above.

ARRIVAL AT CAMP

On arrival you will "book in" and be. shown your accommodation. There-after arrangements will be made for you to: —

1. Have your documents checked.
2. See the doctor.
3. Deal with money matters.
4. Sort your baggage.

These processes are completed within 48 hours of your arrival in the case of Python personnel, but may take about 5 days in the case of Release men.

We cannot tell you how long you will remain in HBTD but the normal time is 7 to 14 days. We have had some people here for 6 weeks and others for only 3 days; it depends on circumstances outside OUR control, such as arrival of shipping, availability of planes, arrival of prisoners of war in Bombay, etc.

IN YOUR CAMP

FORMALITIES

 Officers.

1. After you have filled in your arrival forms at the RECEPTION office, an orderly will show you your accommodation and take your hand baggage there. You will be told the times you are required for the formalities described below.

Documents (Personal).

2. "A" Release only. Take the following with you to the documentation office.

IDENTITY CARD

AFH— 1157

AB — 439

RELEASE BOOK

MOVEMENT ORDER

EMBARKATION AUTHORITY

AFW— 3149

These will be checked and completed.

Any other document you may have been given by your unit.

By this time you should have chosen the MILITARY DISPERSAL UNIT (M.D.U.) from which you wish to be discharged.

"A" Release officers proceeding by AIR then report to the AIR TROOPING Office.

3. All Officers (other than "A" release. — see para 2 above). You will hand in your  UNIT MOVEMENT ORDER and will have your AFW- 5133 and IDENTITY CARD checked under Wing arrangements.

Medical.

4. All Officers You take your AB-439 and all certificates of VACCINATION, INOCULATION etc. to the M.O. See also page 11 MEDICAL.
5. All Officers proceeding by air. You must obtain a certificate of fitness to travel by air and this must be renewed every 72 hours whilst you are in HBTD.
6. Pay. You MUST visit the PAY ADVICE BUREAU as early as possible. If you are INDIAN ARMY you go to the F.C.M.A's representive.
7. Arms. Your ARMS MUST be handed in — including TROPHIES.
8. Chaplains. All chaplains will be accommodated in the Main Mess, MUNRO CAMP. All Chaplains (except R.C.) will report to the Senior Chaplain at the Main Mess.
9. A.E.C. Officers Will report to the Education Officer, HBTD in. MUNRO CAMP.
10. Medical Officers. All medical officers will be accommodated in Main Mess, MUNRO CAMP and will report to the Senior Medical Office:, HBTD in MUNRO CAMP.
11. Baggage. You MUST ensure that your heavy baggage is handed in to the BAGGAGE room as soon as possible and that you obtain and complete certificates which yon get from the Baggage Officer.

Full instructions sa to entitlements, crating, marking etc., are contained in this booklet under the main heading BAGGAGE.

12. Watch your notice board for shipping lists. It is YOUR responsibility to put the "ship's letter" on all your baggage. ThU letter is shown in the shipping list on which your name appears.

B.O.R’s

1. Arrival. After you have booked in at your Wing office, you will be placed in drafts  under the command of W.Os and allotted your accommodation.
2. Procedure. During the next few days you will be taken with your draft through the following procedure: —
3. Documentation. All men will have embarkation and movement orders checked.

"A" Release Personnel only, — you will go to the documentation centre where your RELEASE BOOK will be checked and talken off you. If you have no RELEASE BOOK one will be made out for you. Here you will be asked which Military Dispersal Unit, (M.D.U.), you have chosen.

4. Medical. Your AB-64 Part 1 will be inspected to ensure that you have had a medical inspection on AFW-3I49 and that you have been vaccinated and inoculated within the  time-limit. If necessary, you will be examined, vaccinated and inoculated.

The day before you leave you will receive a medical inspection to ensure you are fit to travel.

5. Clothing and Equipment. Your AFH-1157 will be completed and your kit made up to embarkation scale by the Quartermaster.
6. Lecture. You will, time permitting, receive a number of lectures on Release and Resettlement and kindred subjects. These lectures win help you when you get home.
7. Visit to Padre. You will be taken to see the Padre if you wish so that you will have an opportunity of getting in touch with your church at home.
8. Arms and Ammunition. All your arms and ammunition will be handed in at the Armoury.

Note.—All the above procedure will be carried out in drafts and will be "staggered" to save time. It is, therefore, essential that you read your Notice Boards and adhere strictly to the times laid down.

9. Re-drafting. You will be re-drafted for embarkation according to your M.D.U., or in the case of "B" Release and Python, according to your corps or regiment.
10. Baggage. You will be informed of the letter of your particular ship and it is your responsibility to see that ALL your baggage is marked with this letter.

 Your light baggage accompanies you. Ensure that this contains the kit you have to hand m at the Military Disembarkation Camp Unit (M.D.C.U.) See also main BAGGAGE para in the booklet.

11. Air Trooping. If you are proceeding by air, the procedure is slightly different to that shown above but your Wing Commander will see that you are told all about it.

PYTHON

If you are proceeding home on PYTHON the following documents are required.

1. Movement  order — quoting the Authority for the move.
2. A.F.W. 5133 Embarkation Certificate Parts 1 and 2. Part 1 duly completed and bearing official stamp and signed by the C.O. of the unit.
3. A.F.B. 122 Service Conduct Sheet.
4. A.F.H,  1157 or 957.  Kit Inventory.
5. A.B. 64 Parts 1 and 2.
6. A.I.F.S. 1534. Last Ration Certificate.
7. I.A.S.M. 1240. F.B.I. Certificate.
8. I.A.S.M, 1260. Vaccination Certificate.

Families

1. When Officers, B.O.Rs. and their families arrive at the camp the head of each family and those people travelling singly report to the Reception Off ice. Here you will give general particulars so that you can be quartered.
2. When this is completed the transport takes you to your quarters with your hand baggage.
3. Documentation, kitting up and medical documentation and inspection is carried out at times stated on the notice boards in the same manner as for single officers (see page 4).
4. Note ,—
• Everyone, including children, reports to the M. I. Room.
• B.O.Rs,, Officers and all wives must report to the Pay Advice Bureau to arrange Allowances' and Pay.
• For documentation purposes the head of the family represents the family.
5. Baggage arrangements are explained  under the heading BAGGAGE (pages 6-10).

1. Indian Army Officers (Release). After arrival you will fill in arrival forms and be taken to your quartets with your hand baggage.
2. Documents (Personal). At your unit you should have filled in 9 copies of APPENDIX H (1) Part 1.  If you have not done so you will do this at the HBTD. Documentation  Office you will retain one of these copies. At the Documentation Office you will also complete 2 copies at APPENDIX H (1) Parts 2 and 3. and one copy of I.A.F. Z-2076.  You should NOT have a Release Book and do NOT require A.F.W. 1157. Your A.F.W.-5133 and Unit Movement Order will be checked by your Wing.
3. Medical — Pay — Baggage etc. You will complete all other formalities in the same manner as officers of British Service.
4. Note. On arriving at BOMBAY you will hand in APPENDIX H(I) PARTS 2 and 3 and A.F.W. 5133 to Embarkation Office.

BAGGAGE

1. Entitlements. The amount you can take and/or send depends on whether yon embarked in the U.K. for India, before 4 September, 39, or after 3 September, 39. Full details appropriate to your case are given on the notice boards ; in I.A.O./43/S/45 ; and the baggage staff can also tell you.
2. Composition of Baggage.

Personnel proceeding by Sea.

For the purpose of despatch ex India and clearance in the U.K,, your baggage is divided into three: categories, i.e.

(a) "CABIN" baggage.

(b) "NOT WANTED ON VOYAGE" baggage.

(Both ‘a’ & ‘b’: - This forms your accompanied baggage as it goes with you on the personnel ship.)

(c) "UNACCOMPANIED" baggage. (Travels in another ship.)

(a) Cabin Baggage. This will accompany you into your cabin and for your own convenience yon should avoid large and clumsy packages. You may have to manhandle this yourself off the ship on disembarkation in the U.K., so don't overload yourself. Cabin space is very limited too! In some ships, a proportion of Cabin baggage may have to be loaded into the baggage room, but in that case you would have access to it during the voyage. On arrival in the U.K. you personally clear this baggage through Customs, and it accompanies you in the train to your destination. Trains in England are pretty crowded, so again, "don't overload yourself". Your cabin, baggage will NOT in any circumstances exceed 1 cwt.

(b) "Not wanted on Voyage" baggage. This will be loaded into the baggage room on the ship, or possibly into the hold by MOVEMENT CONTROL and you will be given a receipt for it. Yon will not normally have access to it during the voyage. On Arrival in U.K. it will be put ashore for you, and you must arrange for an agent to clear it through customs by giving him your keys and by completing a Customs declaration form. The agent will arrange to despatch the baggage to your Home address.

Agents will be admitted on board at the earliest possible moment for this purpose.

You pay all the agent's charges and then by sending the receipted bills to O i/c Army Pay Office (Officer accounts) Manchester, you can claim a refund of your expenses.

'Not wanted on voyage' baggage will NOT in any circumstances exceed 1 cwt.

During the voyage you must prepare a list showing contents and description of this baggage. The lists are to be handed, with Customs declaration and keys to your selected agent.

(c) "Unaccompanied" baggage. After deduction of the 1 cwt. allowed for each of categories (a) and (b) above, the balance of your entitlement constitutes your Unaccompanied baggage. This will be put aboard a ship and conveyed right through to your Home address in the U.K. free of charge through M.F.O. Channels. If you prefer it, you may arrange for an agent to despatch your unaccompanied baggage to your address in U.K. In this case, on arrival in the U.K. you can apply for a refund of your expenses by filling up a form as at Annexure 'B' and despatching it to the Audit Officer concerned.

Personnel proceeding by AIR Trooping.

The following kit only may be taken in the plane.

1 suitcase 30" x 24" x 12" gross weight 50 lbs.

1 haversack or attache case gross weight 10 lbs.

2 blankets and 1 greatcoat.

The balance of your entitled baggage is sent through M.F.O. channels from HBTD

 

3. Procedure.

Officers.

(a) Keep cabin baggage in quarters.

(b) The remainder goes to the Camp Baggage Room where it will be stacked alphabetically. Documents will be handed in within 48 hours of arrival.

(c) When you know in which ship you are travelling you will be responsible for marking the ship's letter on your baggage which is then "frozen", and you do not use it again until it reaches your home.

(d) On the Special train to the Ship you take your CABIN baggage with you in your carriage, but not budding rolls, which will be dealt with as "Not wanted on Voyage" or as 'Unaccompanied' baggage, according to your instructions to the HBTD baggage stall.                             ,

Families. As above except that some cabin baggage may be stacked in Baggage Room if you wish and will be taken to the train under our arrangements,

B.O.Rs.

(a) You take all your baggage to your billet.

(b) You must ensure that all your baggage is properly marked with your name, home address and Draft Number.

(c) As soon as you know your ship you will print the ship's letter on all your baggage.

(d) You may take on the train and in the ship with you one kit bag.

(e) The remainder of the baggage to which you are entitled will be stacked under Draft arrangements and thereafter you will not see it until it arrives at your home.

 

4. Air Trooping. All baggage including bed rolls and excluding that taken on the plane is stacked in the Baggage Room together with necessary documents and dealt with by the Baggage staff.

5. Re-packing. You may go to the baggage room to re-adjnst your packing until the time your heavy baggage is frozen. DO NOT forget to put some warm clothes in your cabin baggage for use as you approach the U.K. You are advised to rope your hold baggage. If you like your baggage can be crated at the baggage room on payment.

6. Marking of Baggage.

"Cabin" baggage

• Rank, name, U.K. address,
• The word Cabin
• Ship's letter when advisee! by HBTD

"Not wanted on voyage" baggage

• Rank, name, U.K. address

C/O Agent P.O.D, U.K.

(the word 'agent', unless yon know is advance to whom you are going to give the job)

• The words "Not wanted on voyage"
• Ship's letter when advised by HBTIX

“Unaccompanied Baggage”

• Rank, name, U.K. address

C/o MFO. POD U.K. or C/o Agent if you prefer It, see 2(c) above,

• The word 'Unaccompanied'
• The words "Thro Embn HQ Bombay"
• MFO in "2" letter Red on White background.

Paint for marking baggage is available in all baggage rooms. Everyone is advised to mark all baggage CLEARLY.

*See Annexure for examples.

Always enclose two labels inside packages giving your rank, name and U.K. address.

Sign writers are available at own expense.

 7. Remember! You may be required to manhandle all your "Cabin" baggage off the ship en arrival in U.K.

A 'Manhandable' package is, therefore, one which you can carry unaided.

You may not be able to have all. your cabin baggage in the cabin with you, therefore, have your everyday needs in one package. It should also contain anything you will need immediately after disembarkation in U.K.

Although "Not wanted on voyage" baggage travels in the same ship as you do, you might not have access to it during the voyage. Therefore, it should contain things you will need soon after arrival at your home address, but not on the voyage.

Unaccompanied baggage will travel on a. separate ship and should arrive in U.K. within a month of your disembarkation in U.K. Send your less immediate-needs in this way.

*ANNEXURE 1. TO APPENDIX “C.” I.A.O.

BAGGAGE MARKING

MEDICAL ARRANGEMENTS

1. Important. If you feel ill report sick immediately. There have been several deaths through failure to do this. Better leave India a few days later than never.
2. There are M.I. and P.A. Rooms in all Camps.
3. Orderly Medical Officer. There is always an Orderly Medical Officer on duty. He can be contacted through the Duty Officer of your Camp.
4. Sick Parades. For time and place of sick parades see your camp notice boards.
5. Mepacrine.  Mepacrine must be taken for 28 days (one tablet a day) after leaving an area where it is compulsory to take it. This is not an area where mepacrine is taken normally.  Mepacrine can be obtained from any M.I. Room ; if in doubt consult your M.O.
6. Medical Inspection. Shortly after arrival you see the doctor who satisfies himself
1. that you are free from any infectious disease,
2. that your vaccination, and necessary inoculations are up to date.

Officers must take AFB-439  and. IAFsM-1240 and 1260 (if in possession). B.O.Rs. must take their AB-64 Part I.

7. If you are not up to date you must be inoculated or vaccinated as required.

Personnel are NOT allowed to leave this Depot for the U.K. unless they have been successfully vaccinated within the prescribed period.

Unprotected personnel who refuse vaccination will be held in HBTD in isolated quarantine for 14 days before they are allowed to embark.

PAY

Officers and Families

BRITISH SERVICE

Pay Advice Bureaux are situated in all camps (Munro—West Wing; Connaught; Darna and Nasik Camps) for British Service Officer, Nursing Sisters and B.O.Rs. Families, proceeding for release or repatriation for;—

1. The collection of completed Repay Forms 1 and of all field cheque books.
2. The audit and payment of Travel Claims for the journey to HBTD.
3. The issue of normal and embarkation advances.
4. Liaison with Officers Accounts Branch, Meerut, in respect of querries on pay and allowances.
5. Documentation of B.O.Rs. families.
6. Exchange of foreign currency.

1. Repay Forms. These forms most be completed and together with field cheque books handed in at the Pay Advice Bureaux.

The object of this form is to give comprehensive information to the Officers' AtcoUnts Branch. Meerut, so that all accounts inay be revised, and that when, 'the date of embarkation is notified the Last Pay Certificate can be prepared immediately and forwarded to A.P.O., Manchester, for credit to British banking accounts.

Officers' Accounts Branch, Meerut, will pay the current month's credit to an Indian Bank provided that the Repay Form is received by them prior to the 16th of the month. These forms are despatched by air from HBTD daily.

The question of payment in the U.K. by A.P.O., Manchester, or Army Agents (Cox & Kings etc.) is a matter of choice. A.P.O., Manchester, remit pay and allowances to private banking accounts, whereas Agents credit pay only, the allowances being paid by A.P.O., Manchester, always.

2. Travel claims. IAFsT-1716 (travel claim forms) may be completed at the Pay Advice Bureau for the journey to HBTD and they will be audited and paid in cash by the Cashier.

Examples to assist in completion will be found on the 'PAY' notice boards and also in the Pay Advice Bureaux.

3. Advances. Field cheque boobs must be handed to the Pay Advice Bureau at the same time as the completed Repay Form. Further advances may be drawn on proformas us follows: —

Normal Advance. A. properties of the monthly entitlement as endorsed on the field cheque book (e.g. if drawn on the 10th one third of the monthly entitlement may be drawn) ALSO: —

Embarkation Advance.  Of the maximum according to rank as follows: — Lt. Rs. 260 ; Capt. Rs, 330 ; Major Rs. 570 ; Lt.-Col. Rs, 860.

4. Pay Queries. Normally these should be entered on the Repay Form, but outstanding queries should be referred to the Pay Advice Bureau.
5. B.O.Rs Families. A proforma must be completed by all BORa families! ; payments of family allowance by the S.S.O. will also be authorized.
6. Foreign Exchange. All currencies may be exchanged by the Cashier. Pay Advice Bureau, excepting B.M.A., BURMA, which will be dealt with by the Field Cashier, HBTD.

Sterling is issued at the port of embarkation at the following rates:-

BY SEA—up to a maximum of £20 (266/10)

BY AIR—up to a maximum of £10 (Rs. 133/5 )

There are no facilities for obtaining English currency ia H.B.T.D.

INDIAN ARMY

A representative of the Field Controller of Military Accounts, Poona, is attached to HBTD. Indian Army officers are required to report to that (office, situated in West Wing, Munro Camp, for documentation. Office hours for this purpose are as follows: —

Week days.

0930 to 1230 hours.

1430 to 1600 hours.

Sundays.

0930 to 1200 hours.

The foregoing information applying to British Service officers apply in the main to Indian Army, except: —

• Advances.
1. Officers not entitled to use field cheque books proceeding on release: —

 Up to a maximum of Rs. 200 for officers below field rank,  and Rs. 300 for officers of field rank and above.

2. Officers entitled to use field cheque books: —

A further month's pay aa endorsed on the field cheque book.

 

• Complaints regarding pay, allowance! and travelling claim. Written complaints may be handed to the representative of the F.C.M.A., who will send them by courier service for action by the F.C.M.A. Normally a reply will be received by the fifth day after despatch of your letter.

Please note that separate references are required for: —

• PAY AND ALLOWANCES.
• T.A. AND D.A.

To expedite settlement: Note also, that such letters cannot be written in the office of the F.C.M.A, representative, as this will inconvenience other officers awaiting documentation.

Do not forget to quote the account number as allotted by the F.C.M.A. in all documents.

B.O.R,s.

B.O.Rs ace paid fortnightly at special rates laid down according to rate of pay. All enquiries regarding pay and allowances should be made to Wing HQ. Credits will not he paid.

CUSTOMS

1. All goods obtained abroad or during the voyage whether by purchase or otherwise or whether brought for other persons, however small the quantity and whether or not they have been worn or used, must be declared to the Customs Officer who examines the baggage and must be produced on demand.

The concession under which passengers may he allowed to retain small quantities of dutiable goods without payment of the duty does not apply to dutiable goods in registered or unaccompanied baggage,

2. The  importation of certain goods, is prohibited of restricted. No prohibited article however small the quantity will be permitted to be imported,
3. The penalties for smuggling and for evading prohibitions of importation are severe. An attempt to bribe a Customs Officer renders the offender liable to a PENALTY OF £200.
4. The Customs Officer may require all packages of baggage to be opened for his examination ; and the responsibility for opening, unpacking and repacking the packages rests with the passenger or his agent.
5. Through Baggage. Passengers en route to destinations outside Great Britain or Northern Ireland may on application deposit the duty on dutiable articles retained in their possession for consumption or use outside Great Britain or Northern Ireland. In that case the duty is recoverable at the appropriate port or place of departure on production of the articles and the receipt for the deposit. This procedure is subject to proper declaration of the dutiable goods concerned.
6. The following are the principal articles liable to duty, hut any articles purchased or otherwise obtained abroad may be dutiable and hi any case of doubt the article should be declared: —

Tobacco,  Cigars,  Cigarettes,  Spirits,  Liqueurs,  Wine,  Saccharin.

Silk and Artificial silk in all ferms.

Wearing apparel of all kinds, including Hats, Gloves and Shoes.

Woollen, Linen and Cotton articles of all kinds.

Leather goods of all kinds.

Toilet requisites and Toilet preparations of all kinds including Scent,

Soap, Toilet Waters, Powder, etc. Clocks,  Watches,  Jewellery  and  Goldsmiths'  and  Silversmiths'  wares

including Wares of Platinum. Cameras,  Field arid Opera Glasses. Wireless sets and valves, Cinematograph Films. Magnetos and other parts of Motor Cars and Motor Cycles, Musical Instruments, Gramophones and Gramophone Records. Typewriters, Cutlery.

7. The following are the principal articles subject to prohibition or restriction: —

Firearms, Ammunition, Explosives.

Opium, Cocaine, Morphine, Heroin, Hashish.

Dogs, Cats, Parrots, Muskrats, Grey Squirrels,                  i

Plate, Plumage of certain kinds.

Merchandise in baggage.

8. For rates of customs and purchase tax levied on the most usual imports ,in to U.K. see Appendix "E" of the Army Postal Guide, which may be seen in Information Rooms.

H.ML CUSTOMS AND EXCISE

 Declaration to be made by Owners of Unaccompanied

Personal  Baggage

Note, — The owners of the baggage to which this declaration relates should carefully read the information on the back of this form before completing the declaration. Vague general descriptions such as "Personal Effects" or "Wearing Apparel" cannot be accepted.

The penalty for making a false declaration is £500.

I,                                   of                 hereby

declare that the baggage shown in the schedule below is my property, that to the best of my knowledge and belief there are no dutiable or prohibited goods therein other than those set forth in the schedule, and that except where otherwise indicated in the schedule, the contents are my personal belongings and are -not intended for sale or as presents in the United Kingdom.

(Goods brought for other persons, or for disposal as presents, or for sale must be specially indicated).

M                                are authorised by me to act as

my agents for the purpose of clearing this baggage through the Customs and have all the necessary keys.

Witness to Signature ........................................      Signature..........................

Address .........................................................       Address..........................

Occupation

or

Description ....................................................       Date ................................

WELFARE

DON'T NURSE YOUR WORRIES, TAKE THEM TO WELFARE OFFICER.

1. Welfare Officers. In EVERY Camp there is a WELFARE officer who is there to help you.

He will advise and assist you in solving

FAMILY

COMPASSIONATE

LEGAL

BUSINESS

troubles, whether in India or the U.K.

There is also a Central Welfare Office in MUNRO RD. to which you will be sent, or may go direct, if your question is particularly difficult to answer.

2. Soldiers, Sailors, and Airman's family association,. It may seem odd to mention SSAFA when you are on your way home, but perhaps you have some family worry with which we (SSAFA) may be able to help, and even if you have no real problems we shall be delighted if you will look in and have a chat with us. Perhaps we can help you. by giving you some idea of conditions and life at home which will have changed a bit since you have been away.

No family problem is too big and none too small for a sympathetic hearing and any help which may be in our power to give. We have a very large organization at home extending over the entire. U.K. and Northern Ireland, which is entirely at your disposal, and if you would like a personal introduction to the SSAFA Representative in your home town, just call and see us at the Welfare Offices HBTD Munro Rd,, Deolali, or in our offices at Nasik Road Camp.

RESETTLEMENT

1. HBTD. The  Depot  Resettlement  Officer  will  willingly  give  advice on any problems of Resettlement during your stay ib HBTD, namely:—

(a)  Latest information on Vocational .Training Schemes.

(b)  Training for Careen;; and Professions*

(c)  Reinstatement in Employment and the Government Grant to «unaU Traders.

"Application for Houses" form in accordance with Albj. 369 of 45 i$» available at the Resettlement Office.

2. In U.K.  In the U.K., most towns have their own Resettlement Advice Bureaux, staffed by experts, who can advise on all problems' affecting resettlement. This service is free  and appointments are made for you by the resettlement centre with Appointments Officers who arrange Vocational Training Courses, further study at Universities or training at technical college. They will assist you in finding suitable employment and give advice to you on prospects of employment and scope in various industries.

Whatever your problem (no matter how unusual It may be or 3iow doubtful yon feel about getting help from an "official" service) the Resettlement Advisory Officers will be ready to do everything in their power to help and solve your difficulties. These officers have been specially trained and many of them are ex-Service men and women. They have been supplied with full information and if it should happen that they cannot dispose of your problem finally at the Resettlement Advice Office, they will, at least, put; you on the right road for getting the advice and help you need.

The Citizens Advice Bureaux work in close co-operation with the Ministry of Labour and National Service Bureaux .and will assist ex-servicemen in. personal problems. Address of local branch may be obtained from any Post Office, Town. Hall or Police- Station.

ASSOCIATIONS AT HOME WHICH WILL HELP YOU

The British Legion, Cardigan Lodge, Richmond Hill, Surrey, tele. Richmond 0183, which also has branches in most parishes. Helps ex-servicemen, e.g. Material Aid and Medical supplies. Removal Grants, Training of disabled and is in touch with — labour exchanges, special appointments branch of the ministry of labour, reinstatement committees, trade licensing committees, national and local pensions committees, national and district advisory committees dealing with training and employment of disabled.

Toe 'H', 47, Francis Street, S.W.1, tele. Victoria 0354, has small units in most parishes to preserve the wartime ideals of service and fellowship and to transmit them to future generations by applying them practically to the tasks and difficulties of the age. Undertakes a wide variety of "jobs" to relieve anxiety and loneliness and to give material help to those in distress.

3. In HBTD  Lectures  are  given  on  resettlement  conditions  at  Home etc.  You will be told particulars of these lectures.
4. There is a prefabricated house on view near the HBTD HQ. Office

HOW TO GET INFORMATION

1. Information Rooms. There are Information Rooms in all Camps where information on current affairs is presented in a dear and concise manner, with interesting illustrations.  The following are some of the subjects covered:

(a)  The Butler Education Act,  1944.

(b)  Careers.

(c)  Community Centres.

(d)  General Election  1945—Maps and Results.

(e)  The Neighbourhood and our needs.

(f)  The Hope of World Peace.

(g)  "Peace"  1918-39.

(h)  Release—The Drill,

(i)  The Way Home.

 In addition,  miscellaneous features include: —

News Review,—the  world's  significant news  features  presented  in. an

interesting way.

Newspapers, — Great Britain and India.  The "Local Rag" is there too. Plan of the Camps.

Postal Information. Further details of most of the contents of this booklet.

2. Notice Boards.   Further details of much of the matter contained in this booklet can be obtained from the Notice Boards in Camps. These also contain latest news regarding SHIPPING, times of sports, cinemas, etc.
3. Broadcast News. This is published daily on News Boards in all Wings.
4. Discussion Groups. Times and places of talks, debates, brains trusts and discussion groups can be seen on the Wing Notice Boards.
5. Wing Office. If  neither this book, information rooms nor notice boards can tell you what you want to know, then ask at your Wing Office. The staff will help you, but do not ask questions the answers to which you can find elsewhere.
6. Warning. The contents of this book are correct at the time of going to press, but  orders and instructions sometimes change, so WATCH your NOTICE BOARDS which give you all the latest information.
7. "What's on Bulletin."  A bulletin is issued weekly and placed on Notice Boards showing details and times of cinemas, sports, etc.

FAMILIES WING—SPECIAL NOTES

1. General. The Families Wing is as much a military camp as is the rest of the Depot.
2. In addition to the various messes for the families there is a YWCA Club for the use of everyone.
3. There is a Ladies' Hairdresser in the Wing.
4. Ironing facilities are provided.

CHILDREN.

5. Meals. There are special mealtimes for children under 8 years. The times of these are prominently displayed. These meals are specially ordered and supervised by an  Englishwoman. Parents with young children are requested to keep to these times. If they do not do so they give a great deal of discomfort to everyone else in the camp and will miss their meals.
6. Hotplates are provided for mothers to cook their own special dishes for their young  children. The cooks are not allowed to cook extras for individual people.
7. Milk Order can be given to a member of the staff daily from 0930—1030 hrs. ;  any  questions regarding local supplies or services should be put to this lady. A few necessities such as dried milk, baby powders etc. can be obtained at this office.
8. Welfare Centre — Transport leaves the Families Wing every Wednesday afternoon to take anyone who wishes to this Centre. Larger stocks of baby foods etc. can be bought here and the baby can be weighed.
9. The  Camp  is  small. Please stick closely to the rules which are essential for good order under these conditions. Remember that your children have no more right to be a nuisance to "grown tips" than you have. Please insist on good manners and consideration for others in your children.

POINTS OF GENERAL INTEREST

1. Post. Civilian Post Offices are established in the. Camps. Owing to the large number of personnel who pass through the Camps and the short duration of their stay here, it is found quite impossible to trace and distribute mail for transients, as the order prohibiting such mail from being addressed to HBTD is frequently not complied with.  Consequently mail is sorted alphabetically on arrival in Camp, and it is each individual's responsibility to call at the Post Office and collect his mail. Mail not claimed after five days is returned to the U.K.

All letters and parcels, EXCEPT those containing tobacco and cigarettes, are forwarded to the U.K.

2. Parcels. DUTY FREE parcels may be sent home to a maximum value of £12 any one year.

GIFT parcels containing a maximum weight of 5 Ibs. may be sent home. Maximum number in one year is 12.

Personal effects Parcels. These are useful for sending your clothes home quickly. You are allowed 12 a year. Maximum weight of each parcel 22 Ibs.

Full details of these schemes and the labels required, can be obtained from your WELFARE Officer.

3. Banking. A branch of the Imperial' Bank of India is established in DEOLALI.  This is a small branch and has insufficient staff to deal adequately with the large numbers of  transients passing through HBTD. Necessary banking arrangements should, where  possible, be made before arrival at HBTD.
4. Leave. Short leave can be granted to BORS. by their Wing Commanders to whom application should be made stating reason for desiring leave. In the case of officers in transit, applications for leave should be submitted in duplicate to their Wing Commander, on the appropriate forms .which are obtainable from the Books and Forms Department, Main HQ.
5. Shipment of animals. For full instructions on this subject see I.AO. 1076/45.
6. HQ.  HBTD. All ranks are reminded that HBTD HQ, Officers are out of bounds.  Officers and families are only allowed to visit HQ, HBTD with the permission, of O.C., Officers and Fam Group obtained through their Wing Commander.
7. Liquor Ration. Imported whiskey, gin and beer are, as you know, rationed. They are issued (on payment) as and when we can obtain sufficient quantities.

Other imported liquors are available in varying quantities from ttime to time, and are sold on as equitable basis as possible.

8. Warnings. If you are returning home by ship watch your notice boards frequently for shipping lists.

If you are going home by AIR leave a note of your whereabouts at your Wing Office WHENEVER you leave your Camp. Officers have missed their plane through failure to do this.

9. If you would like to celebrate a birthday or an anniversary consult SSAFA who can arrange for such things as flowers to be on a breakfast table at home on the important date.
10. Address. Leave an address behind with your Wing Commander when you leave here.                                           

OFFICERS' MESSES

1. ALL HBTD messes are open to ALL Transit Officers in the Depot for entertainment and drinks. Transit officers and families will however mess in the messes to which they have, been allotted.
2. Messing charges. Are at the rate of Rs. 3-8-0 per day plus 3 annas a day for conservancy and 3 annas a day up to a limit of Rs. 3 per month, for general mess expenses.

This is NOT a concessional area but we think you will find your messing up to the usual standards in this country. All mess bills must be paid by cash. CHEQUES ARE NOT ACCEPTED.

Bearers (Mess). Owing to the rapid expansion of this Depot we have had considerable difficulty in getting well-trained table bearers. We area doing our best to remedy this.

Signing out. Please sign out well before the meal in question and do NOT back-date. You are reminded to sign out before going on leave otherwise you will be charged messing for the days you are on leave.

Lodging allowance. Transit Officers do NOT pay lodging allowance.

3. Bearers  (Personal).

No arrangements can be made for bearers brought to the Camp. All bearers hired in the Camp must be in possession of passes. The rates of pay for bearers paid by you should not exceed annas 12 per day unless you have a bearer to yourself, in which case, he should be paid Re. 1 per day.

4. Dhobics. Officers.

The rate  for dhobi  charges  is: —

2 annas per large article (shirts—sheets),

1 anna per small articlo (socks—-vests).

 

5. Haircutting. There are barbers in all Camps for which officers must pay.
6. Badminton — Tennis. The courts provided may be used free of charge, recquets and balls are provided.
7. Billiards.  Four annas per 1/2 hour.

Next

Part II :- WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW