The British Indian Army in World War 1

Published on 26 August 2014
Submitted by Dr Corey Reigel

In this presentation Dr Corey Reigel takes a look at the strategic role played by the British Indian Army in World War I. In the context of the campaigns in the Middle East and Africa, the manpower of the Indian Army was a critical part of the Allies’ war effort in those theatres – a fact sometimes overlooked.

In World War I, the British Indian Army was a significant contributor to the Allied war effort, with approximately 1.3 million soldiers serving, many of whom fought on the Western Front. They participated in major battles and campaigns across various theatres, including France, Gallipoli, Mesopotamia, and East Africa.

While their contributions were substantial, their stories and sacrifices have often been overlooked in traditional historical narratives. 

The British Indian Army in World War 1
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