INDIA'S FAREWELL TO THE BRITISH ARMY - 4th March 1948 With bands, banners and "Auld Lang Syne", India gave a ceremonial farewell to the British Army, when men of the battalion of the Somerset Light Infantry embarked for Britain in the 22,000-ton Empress of Australia last Saturday. Crowds of Indians standing 20 to 30 deep cheered, clapped and waved goodbye as 56 officers and men of the battalion formed a colours escort and paraded before guards of honour provided by crack Indian Army and navy units before embarking at the 83-foot-high gateway of India dominating Bombay harbour. The gathering stood while the British and Indian National Anthems were played..