Irregulars

Irregulars, a general term applied to partially-equipped troops engaged in partisan warfare, such as the Franc-tireurs during the Franco-German war of 1870-71. It is also used in connection with the native armies of British India which were re-organised throughout, during the years 1857-61, on what is called the 'Irregular System'—that is to say, with only eight or nine European officers instead of a complete establishment of from twenty-one to twenty-four. Previous to the Mutiny of 1857 most of the native regiments were on the regular system, the troops or companies being commanded by Europeans, with others under them as subalterns, majors in charge of wings, and a lieutenant-colonel in command, assisted by the usual regimental staff—viz. adjutant, quartermaster, and surgeon. Many of these officers held other appointments, either civil or military, during peace, but rejoined their regiments on the outbreak of war. Only some seven or eight would be found doing regimental duty continuously. A few irregular corps existed having only three European officers, commandant, second in command, and adjutant, attached from the regulars and drawing high rates of pay. The organisation introduced into all native regiments after the Mutiny gives to each cavalry regiment nine European officers from the Indian Staff Corps—viz. the commandant, four squadron commanders, and four squadron officers (one the adjutant). The troop officers are natives, and there is a native adjutant. An infantry battalion has eight European officers—viz. the commandant, two wing commanders, and five wing officers, of whom one is the adjutant and another the quartermaster; the company officers are natives, and there is a native adjutant. The Corps of Guides of the Punjab Frontier Force, consisting of six troops of cavalry and eight companies of infantry, has fourteen European officers. A native battery of mountain-artillery has a commandant and three subalterns, all British, with three native officers under them. The native sappers and miners have a larger establishment of British officers, and also forty European non-commissioned officers. The routine regimental duties are carried on by the native officers, who live in the lines alongside their men, but in separate quarters. The British officers exercise a general system of administration and supervision, and live in cantonments generally at some distance from the lines, except when on service or in camp.