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The labourer gave such details as age, address, knowledge of English, previous occupations and also details of the person, in China, to whom he wanted the Chinese portion of his pay to be sent. He then "signed" his contract and his identity card with his thumb-prints, so agreeing to the terms of service. Even though recruited as civilians, all were subject to martial law, including field punishments and courts-martial, conviction sometimes including the death penalty. They were considered as mercenaries.
Groups of fifteen were invited to elect leaders, called Under-gangers. These men usually were more literate or had other qualities of leadership. It was necessary for the British officers and NCOs to treat them with respect at all times, otherwise they "lost face," and their compatriots would then treat them with disdain and not obey their commands.
Equipment and Pay
Being non-combatants, no Army-type uniform was issued to the labourers. They were issued with summer and winter "native-style" clothing. They were also issued with a fur-lined cap made of brown felt, with ear-flaps of grey fur, commonly called the "Shandong hat". These hats were modelled on similar hats worn by British troops in the North China garrisons prior to World War I. On arrival in France, labourers managed to acquire other types of headgear, namely civilian cloth caps, Australian bush hats, French Army kepis and even steel helmets. Pictures, whether stills or movies, show labourers of the CLC with a variety of clothing and headgear. European officers and NCOs wore regulation British Army uniforms and insignia, either with an Army General Service Corps badge2 or the insignia of their parent units during prior service.
A cap badge of sorts was issued. Made of copper, it was oval, one inch by one and a half inches, and had the initials "C.L.C." stamped thereon. Gangers wore chevrons on their uniform sleeves. The Chinese were proud of their contribution to the war effort and were ultimately awarded with an official motto Labor Vincit Omnia. [Labour Conquers all].
In addition to being clothed, fed and accommodated, the labourers