Perim Island

ASSISTANT RESIDENTS 1914-1918

 

For most of WW1 the size of the garrison on Perim was around 200 men, although for a short period following the Turkish attempt at a landing in June 1915 it was nearly double that number (See Army on Perim WW1). 

The senior officer on the island became Assistant Resident in addition to commanding the garrison, in several instances his predecessor remaining there – the latter often holding the same rank, but of lower seniority. 

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When half the Wing of the 108th Infantry was transferred to Kamaran in November 1915 the only officer on Perim for a fortnight was a Second Lieutenant, the same officer being in charge for a few days before he handed over to a Lieutenant Colonel commanding the incoming unit early in 1916. The problem in November arose because the CO of the 108th, Baldock, had gone to command the garrison on Kamaran, where he died of dysentry shortly after arrival. 

This necessitated Elderton having to go to Kamaran, to be replaced by Miller, leaving Elphick – the only other British officer on Perim - in command.