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The Great War (1914-1918) Forum

British NCO's in Chinese Labour Corps?


Terry

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Only recently has the online MIC of a Northumberland Fusiliers man been available. He earned the 1914 Star trio with clasp, and he also served as a corporal in the Chinese Labour Corps.

Were Chinese labourers ever promoted to NCO rank, or were only "white" soldiers employed, even in the rank of corporal?

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Terry,

The Chinese had their own "NCOs" in addition to the British ones. They were called Gangers.

(a) Head Ganger who corresponded to Sergeant-Major.

(B) Ganger 1 who corresponded to Sergeant.

© Ganger 2 who corresponded to Corporal.

(d) Ganger 3 who corresponed to L/Corporal.

The Head Gangers, Gangers 1 & 2 were supervisors and as such it was expected that they would not be asked to unndertake manual labour.

Presumably they were called by these titles as they were, of course, civilians and not soldiers.

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