I have received from the Supreme Commander Field Marshal Sir Claude Auchinleck, GCB, GCIE, CSI, DSO,OBE and Major General L.G. Whistler, CB, DSO, GOC British Troops India and Pakistan, the letters attached respectively at Appendices "A" and "B". Extracts from letters received by Major General Whistler are attached at Appendix "C".

I also wish to take this opportunity of adding my personal thanks to all ranks of the Brigade who have taken a part, however great or small, in the planning and execution of Exercise Reunion. One of our duties at the present time is that of safeguarding British lives and property, and Exercise Reunion has been a practical demonstration to everyone of the efficient manner in which the British Army executes the many and varied tasks involved in carrying out its duty. The British soldier has once again given proof of his chivalrous and cheerful personality, combined with an adaptability which has always been the wonder of the world, and which in this case varied form acting as nurse to elderly person and young infants to the purely military routine or running and maintaining successfully a big mixed convoy over long distances.

I should like to quote the words said to me by a senior Naval Officer who accompanied the convoy from Debra Dun to Dehli, "The Army has done a magnificent job". Coming as it did form an officer of The Senior Service I consider there could be no finer praise.

Thank you.

Will you please convey to all ranks of the 16th British Brigade Group my appreciation of the work they have done during the past month in bringing down British families from the hills (Scheme "Reunion").

I have heard from my staff and also from outside sources that all ranks, by their cheerfulness, resource and courtesy gave confidence to those they escorted, and by their hard work and attention to details of planning lightened to the greatest possible extent hardships of long journeys to which civilians including old women and young children are unaccustomed.

The efforts of yourself and all those of the Brigade Group who took part in the planning and execution of the various road and rail convoys were in the best tradition of the British Army, which always rises to the occasion, however unfamiliar the task may be.

I am writing to thank you and all your units who helped to make Scheme "Reunion" such a success. I have heard nothing but praise for your efforts and the helpfulness of all ranks. I know what a deal of hard work was involved in organizing the evacuation both before and during the operation and that the success was due to the keenness and efficiency with which all ranks worked.
Please convey my thanks and appreciation to all ranks who took part and especially to Major A.J. Du Sautoy and Major L.C.N. Russell. Also to 16 Bde Pro Unit and W.O. II H. Fearnley, ACC., whose convoy control and catering arrangements helped so much towards making the journey more comfortable. 

I attach extracts from some letters of appreciation that have been received at GHQ., These are typical of the many comments that have been passed.

Extract from letter received by GHQ from The Rev. Cannon W. Stephenson C,F, 7 Court Road, Old Delhi dated 12 Oct 47.

"Finally, may I say, how much the members of the convoy appreciated the formation of it to evacuate them from Simla, and that no praise is too great for the British troops who formed it, both officers and men, who showed every courtesy and kindness to the women and children on every occasion. I think everybody takes this view of the Royal Scots Fusiliers."

Extract from letter received by GHQ from Naval Secretary to the Governor General dated 13 Oct 47.

"I felt I must write and thank you for all your kindness in allowing the family to come down in the road convoy last week. It was a tough journey but they tell me that the Scots Fusiliers, were magnificent. Needless to say I am delighted to have them down safely."

Extract from a letter written by one of the Passengers on the Simla-Dehli-Bahore Convoy.

"This is to let you know we arrived in Lahore safe and sound yesterday about 2 p.m. On this journey we were again very well cared for by the Royal Scots Fusiliers. I have thoroughly appreciated the ready, cheerful service rendered by this group of nice British boys. I have suggested to the committee of the European Association here that a letter of thanks and appreciation be sent to the Colonel of the Royal Scots Fusiliers.

You might remember that my husband is an invalid - a heart block case, with a pulse rate of 32 to 36 beats a minute. He did the journey amazingly well, and gave our RMC Captain no work at all. Occasionally this doctor took a friendly look at my husband and once or twice a day I would report to him that we did not need his services.

On arrival we were given a very warm welcome at the Punjab Club, where tea, cake and sandwiches were provided for all. This Club Committee was almost lavish in its entertainment! We de-bussed at the Club, had a wash and brush-up; then had a generous early tea. After tea we collected our luggage; then the Royal Scots re-packed all our belongings into trucks according to our destinations. Our things went into the truck labelled "Nedous Hotel". When all was in order, the convoy set off from the Punjab Club to leave folks at their hotels. The first stop was at Nedou's Hotel, where we were put down with our 19 pieces of luggage, all safe and in good order. Everything this time was done in a well regulated manner by our competent RSF escort."