Identity area
Reference code
Title
Date(s)
- 1940-1947 (Creation)
Level of description
Extent and medium
1 file
Context area
Name of creator
Biographical history
The Ceylon Light Infantry Volunteers, were established in 1881 by proclamation of the lieutenant governor. This new volunteer force was commanded by British officers, while the ranks were filled out largely with Burghers, a highly Westernized group that adapted well to the demands of volunteer service. A mounted infantry company was added in 1892, and in 1900 this contingent was called to South Africa to assist the British army in the Boer War.
In 1910 the volunteer corps was redesignated as the Ceylon Defence Force. Although Sri Lankan units were not deployed outside the island in either of the world wars, individual soldiers served in the British and British Indian armies. In World War II, the British crown took direct control of the island's armed forces from the colonial government. During this period, the Ceylon Light Infantry grew from 1 battalion to 5 battalions, while the total number of troops in uniform increased to 12,000. Most of these were engaged in maintenance and transport functions. Their most direct contact with the war came in April 1942 when the Japanese launched an air attack on Colombo.
Repository
Archival history
GB 0101 ICS 73 1940-1947 Collection (Fonds) 1 file Ceylon Defence Force
The Ceylon Light Infantry Volunteers, were established in 1881 by proclamation of the lieutenant governor. This new volunteer force was commanded by British officers, while the ranks were filled out largely with Burghers, a highly Westernized group that adapted well to the demands of volunteer service. A mounted infantry company was added in 1892, and in 1900 this contingent was called to South Africa to assist the British army in the Boer War.
In 1910 the volunteer corps was redesignated as the Ceylon Defence Force. Although Sri Lankan units were not deployed outside the island in either of the world wars, individual soldiers served in the British and British Indian armies. In World War II, the British crown took direct control of the island's armed forces from the colonial government. During this period, the Ceylon Light Infantry grew from 1 battalion to 5 battalions, while the total number of troops in uniform increased to 12,000. Most of these were engaged in maintenance and transport functions. Their most direct contact with the war came in April 1942 when the Japanese launched an air attack on Colombo.
The source of acquisition by ICS is not known.
Papers of JH Smith on the Ceylon Defence Force, 1940-1947; comprising official reports on the Ceylon Defence Force (CDF), Jan-Nov 1943; examination papers for Commissons in the CDF, with comments by the examiners, 1942; and three letters of application to the CDF, 1940-1947.
Divided into three series as described above.
Open although advance notice should be given. Access to individual items may be restricted under the Data Protection Act or Freedom of Information legislation.
A photocopying service is available, at the discretion of the ICS Library Staff. Copies are supplied solely for research or private study. Requests to publish, or quote from original documents should be made to the Information Resources Manager.
English
Catalogued to item level (see link to repository catalogue).
Compiled by Alan Kucia as part of the RSLP AIM25 Project. General International Standard Archival Description ISAD(G), 2nd Edition, 2000. National Council on Archives Rules for the Construction of Personal, Place and Corporate Names, 1997. Oct 2001 Armed forces Army personnel Ceylon Ceylon Defence Force International conflicts International relations Military organizations Organizations South Asia State security War World wars (events) World War Two (1939-1945) Wars (events)
Immediate source of acquisition or transfer
The source of acquisition by ICS is not known.
Content and structure area
Scope and content
Papers of JH Smith on the Ceylon Defence Force, 1940-1947; comprising official reports on the Ceylon Defence Force (CDF), Jan-Nov 1943; examination papers for Commissons in the CDF, with comments by the examiners, 1942; and three letters of application to the CDF, 1940-1947.
Appraisal, destruction and scheduling
Accruals
System of arrangement
Divided into three series as described above.
Conditions of access and use area
Conditions governing access
Open although advance notice should be given. Access to individual items may be restricted under the Data Protection Act or Freedom of Information legislation.
Conditions governing reproduction
A photocopying service is available, at the discretion of the ICS Library Staff. Copies are supplied solely for research or private study. Requests to publish, or quote from original documents should be made to the Information Resources Manager.
Language of material
- English
Script of material
- Latin
Language and script notes
English
Physical characteristics and technical requirements
Finding aids
Catalogued to item level (see link to repository catalogue).
Allied materials area
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Rules and/or conventions used
General International Standard Archival Description ISAD(G), 2nd Edition, 2000. National Council on Archives Rules for the Construction of Personal, Place and Corporate Names, 1997.
Status
Level of detail
Dates of creation revision deletion
Language(s)
- English