Carriers of 101 Mortar Battery on the march, 1944 (c)

Photograph, World War Two, Far East, 1944 (c).

The use of auxiliary personnel to carry equipment and supplies on their heads gave West African formations a greater degree of tactical flexibility than other units, which could only operate in the difficult terrain of Burma with the use of pack animals. The divisional emblem of 82nd West African Division of crossed spear heads through a carrier's head pack, symbolising 'through our carriers we fight', reflects the valuable role of these auxiliaries.

From an album of 36 photographs compiled by Captain E B Mee (later Major), Royal Signals, 81st West African Division.