Chinese Labour Corps graves at Efford cemetery - Plymouth

Image: © Mick Lobb Taken: 31 Jan 2010

Recruitment for the CLC began in China in October 1916 with the first contingent reaching France in April 1917. Almost 100,000 Chinese were to work for the British in France. Although the Officers and N.C.O.s were British their own Gangers gave instructions to the men and were responsible for supervising the work. A number of skilled companies were formed and coolies could take trade tests, which entitled them to more pay. 51 and 69 Companies, CLC, for example, undertaking skilled work in the Tank Workshops and almost 2,000 Chinese were employed in skilled railway companies on Railway maintenance. Following the Armistice the CLC was to undertake major roles as crane drivers at the docks and in battlefield clearance. The Chinese were recruited on a three year contract and this enabled more continuity than other foreign labour who were often recruited for a year or less. In March 1918 the actions of Ganger Liu Dien Chen in rallying his men when they came under shellfire led to him being recommended for the award of a Military Medal. At the time the Chinese were not eligible for any awards but this was changed to allow them to be awarded the Meritorious Service Medal. As a result Liu Dien Chen and four other Chinese were awarded MSMs. Chinese labourers were also recruited for service in Mesopotamia and Northern Russia.

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