During World War I, Indians formed a large contingent in Europe, the Middle East, and the Mediterranean. Over 1 million from India served overseas, of which over 60,000 were killed.
Claude Auchinleck, commander-in-chief of the then Indian Army, said that the British “couldn’t have come through both wars if they hadn’t had the Indian Army.”
Here are some photos from those forgotten times.
1. Arrival of Sikh Soldiers in France
2. Young boy introduces himself to the Indian Army
3. Wounded Sikh Soldiers, Royal Pavilion, Brighton
4. Regiment preparing to charge
5. Gurkhas
6. Indian Cavalry Regiment in Mesopotamia
7. In France
8. Unloading Baggage, Alexander Dock, Bombay
9. Indian Troops in France
10. In Persian Gulf
11. Indian Forces in Givenchy
12. Sikh Havaldar at Marseilles
13. Maharaja Bhupinder Singh – Guard Inspection
14. Maharaja Bhupinder Singh with Belgian Generals
15. Maharaja Bhupinder Singh inspecting a 12-inch Railway Howitzer
16. Bengal Lancer
17. 5th Royal Gurkha Rifles at the North West Frontier
18. Indian Army Gunners at Jerusalem
19. Indian Troops manning a Hotchkiss Gun at Mesopotamia
20. Indian Army Mountain Gun Crew in East Africa
21. Checking a Map at the Western Front
22. Indian Cavalry from Deccan Horse – Battle of Bazentin Ridge
23. Indian Bicycle Troops at the Battle of Somme
24. Indian Army digging Trenches
25. Indian Infantrymen in training in case of gas attack
26. Group of Soldiers- Highlanders & Indian Dogra; sitting together
27. Dome Hospital- Seaside beautiful palaces converted into hospitals having 689 beds for Indian troops with all modern convenience and facilities.
28. Bal Bahadur, Wounded while saving fellow soldiers
By: Archa Dave
