[2] According to John Dunham Kelly and Martha Kaplan, the platoon had been constituted to celebrate a Royal visit – "the Colonial Secretary had visions of a line of red turbans to complement the dramatic jagged-edged black-and-white uniforma of the Armed Native Constabulary".
[3] Prior to the start of the Second World War, soldiers had served voluntarily and were paid "capitation grants" according to efficiency ratings without regard to race.
The Governor refused to dismiss them and praised the European second lieutenant who persuaded them to accept non-European pay.
This disbandment was not due in any sense to unwillingness on the part of the Indians to serve in the armed forces of the colony".
Each member of the platoon was then separately asked to accept non-European pay, refused and was dismissed with the support of the new Governor.