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- Mar 9, 1999
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Finding a kukri with provenance like this is what makes the research so much sweeter and answers questions.
This sirupate came from the estate of the Bazzett family in Canada and not only is there official background info on him, but the Gurkha Museum has this photo. He is the tall fellow, second from the right. The kukris carried in the picture are a different design, were specially made for the 1/10th and one also is at the museum. The kukri shown here is one of many that then Lt Bazzet kept after his military career. It is exceptionally well made and at 19.5" and 1.75lbs feels like it was very formidable. The frog is the "universal" model designed around 1850/60 to convert traditional kukris into acceptable military kit. The extended silver pommel and tang nut seem to be regimental add-ons as this is one of a pair. The k&c once had silver pommel caps but are now gone. The silver band around the scabbard throat and silver chape are part of the same regimental customizing.
From the 10th GR historian:
Note in particular that he was HAROLD (not Hugh), and that he was educated in Canada (which explains how the kukris surfaced in BC). Also that he was with Depot 1/10 GR only about one year (Oct 1917 to Oct 1918), then went to the Burma Military Police at Monywa, and then to 3/7 GR (officially at least). I am not absolutely convinced that he actually went to 3/7, as they were in Quetta, I can find this 3/7 GR posting in only one issue of the "Indian Army List".
H.M. Bazett wasn't a QM Sgt as indicated, although he might have been an NCO previously. He was a 2/Lt and QM of the 1/10 GR Depot at Maymyo, Burma from Oct 1917-c1919. The tallest guy, second from the right, is 2/Lt HM Bazett, but wrongly given as "Bassett" in the caption. These BOs are wearing kukris on their Sam Browne belts, and I believe in Bazett's case we can see the unusual pointed silver pommel. They are not using the sort of frog that is now with the kukri -- they are using Sam Browne frogs you identified with two narrow hanging straps. As you surmised these kukris are equipped with the universal frog used with his field service kit.
Bazett saw no active service with 10 GR, but might have done so as an OR (Officer in Reserve) with a British unit earlier in the war. This is traceable. He was technically IARO (Indian Army Reserve Officer) attached to 10 GR, and not a regular 10 GR officer. Such men had generally been tea planters or minor officials in British India before the war. Some came up through the ranks in Brit battalions.
He stayed in a RO status for 16 years and ended up in Special Service during WW II in Canada retiring with the rank of Major.
This sirupate came from the estate of the Bazzett family in Canada and not only is there official background info on him, but the Gurkha Museum has this photo. He is the tall fellow, second from the right. The kukris carried in the picture are a different design, were specially made for the 1/10th and one also is at the museum. The kukri shown here is one of many that then Lt Bazzet kept after his military career. It is exceptionally well made and at 19.5" and 1.75lbs feels like it was very formidable. The frog is the "universal" model designed around 1850/60 to convert traditional kukris into acceptable military kit. The extended silver pommel and tang nut seem to be regimental add-ons as this is one of a pair. The k&c once had silver pommel caps but are now gone. The silver band around the scabbard throat and silver chape are part of the same regimental customizing.
From the 10th GR historian:
Note in particular that he was HAROLD (not Hugh), and that he was educated in Canada (which explains how the kukris surfaced in BC). Also that he was with Depot 1/10 GR only about one year (Oct 1917 to Oct 1918), then went to the Burma Military Police at Monywa, and then to 3/7 GR (officially at least). I am not absolutely convinced that he actually went to 3/7, as they were in Quetta, I can find this 3/7 GR posting in only one issue of the "Indian Army List".
H.M. Bazett wasn't a QM Sgt as indicated, although he might have been an NCO previously. He was a 2/Lt and QM of the 1/10 GR Depot at Maymyo, Burma from Oct 1917-c1919. The tallest guy, second from the right, is 2/Lt HM Bazett, but wrongly given as "Bassett" in the caption. These BOs are wearing kukris on their Sam Browne belts, and I believe in Bazett's case we can see the unusual pointed silver pommel. They are not using the sort of frog that is now with the kukri -- they are using Sam Browne frogs you identified with two narrow hanging straps. As you surmised these kukris are equipped with the universal frog used with his field service kit.
Bazett saw no active service with 10 GR, but might have done so as an OR (Officer in Reserve) with a British unit earlier in the war. This is traceable. He was technically IARO (Indian Army Reserve Officer) attached to 10 GR, and not a regular 10 GR officer. Such men had generally been tea planters or minor officials in British India before the war. Some came up through the ranks in Brit battalions.
He stayed in a RO status for 16 years and ended up in Special Service during WW II in Canada retiring with the rank of Major.
