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The Malay States Guides - A Brief History
The Federation Agreement of 1 June 1896 allowed for an armed force in the Malay Peninsular which vould be used to support Singapore in times of emergency. Lieutenant Colonel Walker, who had previously been Commandant of the First Battalion Perak Sikhs was appointed Commandant of the new force in continuation.
Walker toured the Protected (Federated) States and sought out Sikh volunteers from the different Police Forces to join the new Guides. Those of the Perak Sikhs who could not be absorbed were transferred to become the Sultan of Perak’s bodyguard. The new Guides took up their duties on 1 September 1896 with their headquarters in Taiping, making use of the existing barracks, range and other facilities that had previously been those of the Perak Sikhs.
Initially, the headquarters house two Infantry Companies, the Artillery Company (with 15 pounder breech-loading guns), the Hospital, the Armoury, the Tailoring Department and the Headquarters Staff. Two Infantry Companies were also stationed in Kuala Lumpur and the fifth Company at Kuala Lipis.
In 1896 the Guides had eighteen officers and 600 non-commissioned officers and men. Contrary to popular belief they were not all Siks but also included Punjabi Nussulman, Pathans and a few Hindus. Volunteers were easy to find as the pay was good – better than the police. Initially, all officers were combat-experienced regulars from either the British or British Indian Armies.
The ability to shoot accurately was an important part of a Guide’s training and this paid off in competition against other regiments where they won many prizes, both individual and as teams. In 1897 their rifles were Martini-Enfields but between 1901-1903 these were replaced with the up-tp-date Lee-Enfield magazine rifle,
The Malay States Guides were given many opportunities to take part in both ceremonial occasions and active service in the field. They took part in Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations in 1986 and the Coronation King Edward VII, both in London. They successfully entered rifle competitions in Bisley, the famous shooting ground in England and won mant trophies. On the active front they served in South Africa on 1899, volunteered for service in China and in 1903 in Somalia .
At home in Malaya they were active throughout the first 14 years of the 2oth Century, seeing service in Singapore, Penang and the Federation. Wherever there was a trouble spot the Guides were sent to solve it. And solve it they did; indeed it is said that it was only the presence of the Guides in Ipoh that prevented the outbreaks of riots there.
Durinf World War I, the 14th Regiment of the Malay States Guides was sent to assist the Aden police, for 5 years with what was known as the Aden Field Force, in combating the Turkish army.
At hone, part of the regiment was sent to Singapore to strengthen the Straits Settlements during World War I.
The Malay States Guides was disbanded in the year of 1919 and the members were recruited into the Federated Malay States Police Force. Many Sikhs remain in the police today.
To read about the book "The History of the Malay States Guides 1873 - 1919", click here.
To read about Colonel R S F Walker CMG, click here.
To read about Dr F E Woods, Medical Officer to the Malay States Guides, click here.