TimelineMapsSearch QuotationsSearch Images

Follow us through the World War I centennial and beyond at Follow wwitoday on Twitter

Indian Army

India soldiers unload a wagon. The caption on the back refers to the soldiers helping the Allies by 'unloading their baggage,' but Indian soldiers fought on their own. Reverse: India's army which is helping the allies unloading their baggage. (C) American Press Association SEP 14 1914

Indian soldiers unload a wagon. The caption on the back refers to the soldiers helping the Allies by 'unloading their baggage,' but Indian soldiers fought on their own. © American Press Assciation

Image text

Reverse:

India's army which is helping the allies unloading their baggage. (C) American Press Association

SEP 14 1914

Other views: Larger

In 1914, the Indian Army consisted of seven divisions plus support troops. Based in India, if provided the first 5,000 troops sent to Mesopotamia to support the British position.

Britain landed 5,000 Indian Army troops at Fao, south of Basra and on the Persian Gulf on November 6, 1914 under General John Nixon.