INTRODUCTION. 



I have been asked, by reason of my having held the appoint- 

 ment of Director of Veterinary Services of the British Expedi- 

 tionary Force, France, during the late War, if I would contribute 

 a series of articles to the Journal of the United Service Institu- 

 tion India on the subject of Veterinary work in War. I am 

 very pleased to accede to the request, for two reasons. Firstly, 

 from an instructional point of view, I feel that, in mj- present 

 capacity as Director Veterinary Services of the Army in India, 

 it is part of my duty to supply any information which will tend 

 to the advancement and efficiency of the Army in India, and 

 secondly, I desire in every possible way, by precept and by 

 shewing example, to solicit the support of one and all in placing 

 the Army Veterinary Service in India on the same sound basis 

 which.it now enjoys at Home, both for Peace and War. 



Veterinary Service in India, as it stands at present, is in no 

 wd,y adapted for its success in a War of any big undertaking. 



It is a curious mixture of elements seeking the light of day 

 ajad inviting the process of welding into one common interest 

 and organisation. 



Prior to the late War, the personnel of the Army Veterinary 

 Service consisted of 63 of&cers. Army Veterinary Corps, detailed 

 for a tour of five years by the War Office, and 23 Non-Com- 

 missioned Officers of the Unattached List borne on the strength 

 of what was termed the Indian Subordinate Veterinary Corps. 

 These officers were primarily and essentially for the care and 

 treatment of animals of British units. Treatment was carried 

 out in Station Veterinary Hospitals,, the personnel for attend- 

 ance, 'dressing, grooming, etc., being detailed from units. In 

 Silladar units and Transport, Veterinary attendance was run on 

 regimental lines, Sowars of Silladar Cavalry being sent to the 

 Punjab Veterinary College, Lahore, to graduate after a three 

 years course as Salutries or Veterinary Assistants ; those for 

 Transport being eng^aged locally and departmentally from men 



