[3] During his service in India, an Ahmadi officer from his unit taught him about Islam and the Ahmadiyya movement.
[5] Later, Orchard used his army leave to visit Qadian where he met the Caliph, Mirza Bashir-ud-Din Mahmud Ahmad and was much impressed, describing him as 'an embodiment of energetic repose radiating physical, intellectual and spiritual magnetism which captivated all in his presence'.
[6] Shortly after his visit to Qadian, as his unit advanced towards Burma, Orchard signed the form of Bay'ah (allegiance) and sent it to Qadian, thus formally joining the Ahmadiyya movement,[7] and adopted the Arabic name Bashir (bringer of glad tidings) in 1945.
At the time of his conversion Orchard had a vivid dream in which he met the Caliph and received advice from him.
[8] On demobilization in 1946 Orchard offered his services to the London branch of the Ahmadiyya movement and was appointed by the Caliph as a missionary.