2005/044/2/216-244

Letters deal with run up to Independence and need to train Indian personnel as cipher operators. Extensive descriptions of Independence Ceremonial. By November he is in Karachi transit camp awaiting his return to Britain. Including: 2005/044/2/217: 17/06/47 - Refers to need to train Indian personnel as cipher operators before his regiment can leave. Letters to Philip, taking Finals part 1 about Hardy and brother John, about cricket. 2005/044/2/221: 26/06/47 - At Sialkat and Delhi all leave has been cancelled pending 'a big move under scheme Generosity (which deals with the evacuation of India by British troops)'. Promoted to Officer i/c Cipher Section. 2005/044/2/222: 13/07/47 and 20/07/47 - Content of both letters indicate that Stephens feels discriminated against by his CO Lt Densley and wants a transfer from Peshawar Signals, hopes to be sent to Mhow as Instructor. 2005/044/2/223: 09/08/47 - To be posted to Kohat. This letter indicates a personal crisis; Stephens has asked the Colonel to be relieved of his responsibilities for certain work that should be carried out by a Warrant Officer (he is OR ie Other Ranks). He feels that another OR Sgt is being favoured. Discusses prospects for demobilisation. 2005/044/2/224: 15/08/47 - Kohat. Comprehensive description of Pakistan Independence Day. Describes the ceremony of the lowering of the Union Jack and processions, while he is taking photographs. Refers to his Major - 'It was touching to see an officer of his type who had been born and bred in India; and given his best years for the country; with tears in his eyes at this ceremony, not because we were leaving India, but because she was soon to be born an independent nation, facing her troubles without the support of England.' Describes Muslim League National Guard arriving and the raising of the flag of Pakistan. Takes photograph of President of the Kohat Muslim League. (see 2005/044/1/3/16-49). Mentions rumours 'of trouble in East Punjab...expected to spread'. 2005/044/2/226: 23/08/47 - Letters have been disrupted the main stoppage now appears to be in the Punjab where the trains are being held up'. He is tutoring young Sikh for Indian Army certificate. 2005/044/2/227: 05/09/47 - He writes of the 'chaos now existing in India and Pakistan'. Their Unit is 50% Hindi, who cannot 'go outside the unit lines without a rifle or sten'. Recaps the events of Independence Day, and refers to murders of Sikhs and Hindus in Kohat. 2005/044/2/229: 02/10/47 - Anticipating departure. 2005/044/2/232: 22/10/47 - Standing by to return home and leave the unit. 2005/044/2/235: 18/11/47 - Transit Camp, Karachi. 2005/044/2/236: 23/11/47 - Still waiting at Karachi. Despatched 2 personal effects and 2 food parcels. Further reference to bloodshed in the country - he blames Labour Government. 2005/044/2/242: 11/12/47 - Sailing on 'Empire Halladale'. 18/12/47 - Writes from off south coast of Arabia.

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