History

Source: Library and Archives Canada

Uncover The Events In

World War One

Step into the experiences and sacrifices of the Indian soldiers who served in the war. Discover more about the battles, regiments, awardees, and letters from World War I.

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World War One

Indians Supporting the War

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Seven weeks after the declaration of World War I, Indian troops arrived in Europe on September 24, 1914. 1.4 million troops from the British Indian Army and 650,000 Canadian soldiers served, with 424,000 Canadians deployed overseas. The Indian soldiers fought in all theatres of war, including Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and China, while Canadians primarily served in Europe. Over 135,000 Indian soldiers fought alongside Canadian soldiers.

The British “couldn't have come through both world wars if they hadn't had the Indian Army”

- Field Marshal Sir Claude Auchinleck
Commander-in-Chief of the British Indian Army from 1942.

The Timeline

Key Battles & Events

battle of 2nd ypres

Battle of 2nd Ypres

(April 1915 - May 1915)

Notable for the first large-scale use of poison gas by the Germans.

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battle of loos

Battle of Loos

(September 1915 - October 1915)

Part of the Western Front during World War I, where Indian soldiers played a key role.

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siege of kut-al-amara

Siege of Kut-Al-Amara

(December 1915 - April 1916)

A major Mesopotamian campaign where British and Indian troops were besieged by Ottoman forces.

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battle of the somme

Battle of the Somme

(July 1916 – November 1916)

One of the largest and bloodiest battles of World War I, with significant involvement from Indian and Canadian forces.

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battle of vimy ridge

Battle of Vimy Ridge

(April 1917)

A defining moment for Canadian forces, known for strategic victory and innovative tactics.

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liberation of haifa

Liberation of Haifa

(September 1918)

Indian cavalry played a key role in capturing the city from Ottoman forces during the Sinai and Palestine Campaign.

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History

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more battles
More Battles

1.4 million troops from the British Indian Army and 650,000 Canadian soldiers served, with 424,000 Canadians deployed overseas. The Indian soldiers.

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regiments
Regiments

1.4 million troops from the British Indian Army and 650,000 Canadian soldiers served, with 424,000 Canadians deployed overseas. The Indian soldiers.

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awards
Awardees

1.4 million troops from the British Indian Army and 650,000 Canadian soldiers served, with 424,000 Canadians deployed overseas. The Indian soldiers.

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letters
Letters

1.4 million troops from the British Indian Army and 650,000 Canadian soldiers served, with 424,000 Canadians deployed overseas. The Indian soldiers.

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photo of game cards

Memory Game

Uncovering The Past

Uncover the untold story of Indian soldiers in WWI by matching the cards. Each pair reveals more of their forgotten legacy.

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