Description
Tibet Medal 1904, Silver issue, 513 Driver Rahimal, 13th Mule Corps.
Officially engraved in running script.
During 1921 in a lengthy article on “The Merits and Demerits of the various breeds of animals used in War.” written by Major General Sir J. Moore KCMG CB, Director of Veterinary Services in India he recalls the fine work of the Mule Corps, especially the Argentine Mules of the 13th Mule Corps:
“Perhaps the most trying circumstances under which Indian Transport animals have laboured during Indian Expeditions, were those of the Tibet Mission of 1901, and the merit of the mules which took part is well illustrated in the Veterinary Report of that Mission. The Senior Veterinary Officer of the Mission remarked as follows:-
‘I Cannot speak too highly of the Mule Corps engaged in Tibet. They did rough work daily over snow, ice, etc and in all sorts of weather, including frost to the extent of 57 degrees.
There is apparently no hardship that this animal cannot endure, when well looked after. I should like to mention the excellent work done by Argentine Mules of the 13th Transport Corps and their condition under hard work.
To my mind, if such hardy capable animals can be procured for transport purposes, the sooner we seek them in Argentine districts the better. Our mules passed through snow, ice, and rain, and though crossing mountains close on 17000 feet, very few were lost from heart failure.
All the mules on the advance were unshod, and as long as their feet were kept trimmed and all went well, there were few cases of lameness.”
