For Wargamers this represents a great source for skirmish level scenarios. In January 1915, elements of the 5th Light Infantry regiment (mainly Moslem) were instigated to revolt by local imans. The imans felt that it was wrong for the Moslem soldiers to fight the Ottoman Turks who were also Moslem on behalf of the Christian British. The regiment was actually scheduled to be reassigned to Hong Kong not Europe or the Near East. The mutineers were supported by a few soldiers from the Malay States Volunteer Rifle Regiment and a few Sikhs from an artillery battery and a replacement unit.

The British raised a combined force from a variety of sources. The force consisted of 90 French sailors and marines with two machine guns from the French Cruiser Montcalm; 80 sailors from the HMS Cadmus; 200 Japanese civilians with sailors from the Japanese fleet; 20-30 armed Methodist clergymen; a detachment of loyal men from the mutinying units; unknown number of Russian sailors; 150 soldiers from the guard of the Sultan of Johore and Commonwealth citizens from Canada, South Africa and Australia. Volunteers and Embassy staff from Sweden, Switzerland, Denmark, Norway and the USA were also formed into ad hoc self defense units.

The loyal detachment from the mutineer units was isolated in a bungalow complex with the British Commander. A British relief force consisting of a few artillerymen, the Methodist clergy volunteers and the 80 British sailors fought their way to the relief of the isolated detachment. By the time the Suppression force had been formed, the mutineers had scattered and fled to the jungle. A great ‘What If’ scenario would be if the mutineer force had decided to remain at their base and fight the Suppression force.

World War I Unique and Forgotten Units and Their Uniforms

Introduction
Portuguese: Flanders/Africa
Russian Expeditionary Force to France
Greek Forces on the Salonica Front
Albania and the Albanian Legion
The Three Czech Legions
Polish Legions in Russia and France
Canadian New Foundland Regiment
Singapore Mutiny 1915
British Operation in Somaliland
Pershing in Mexico: Battle of Carrizal
Persia and the Cossack Brigade
Ceylon Planters Rifle Corps
Italian Eritean Askaris
South African Revolt and Commonwealth Units