Indian Army in WW2

The Indian Army in WW2: Unsung Heroes and Pivotal Contributions.

The Indian Army in World War II

The role of India and its army during World War II remains a significant, yet often overlooked, aspect of the global conflict. Despite the challenges of the British Raj and the push for Indian independence, over 2.5 million Indian troops served as part of the Allied forces, marking it as one of the largest volunteer armies. These soldiers fought on various fronts, from the North and East African Campaigns to the battles in Italy and Southeast Asia, showcasing their valor and contributing considerably to the war efforts against the Axis powers.

The period also witnessed complex political dynamics, with figures such as Winston Churchill influencing decisions that had far-reaching consequences on the Indian subcontinent. The Bengal famine of 1943, aggravated by wartime policies, and the subsequent call for self-rule intensified the struggle for independence. This era eventually paved the way to the end of British rule, the partition of India, and the creation of Pakistan, leading to the establishment of the Pakistan army. The transition, while marking a pivotal moment in South Asian history, was marred by sectarian violence and mass displacement, reshaping the region’s demographic and political landscape.

Deployment of the armed forces of the British Empire

• British Empire: Vast presence in Africa & Asia during World War II.
• Key contributions in Malaya, Singapore, and combating Japanese advancement.
• British Army, alongside Allied Forces, engaged Axis Powers in multiple theaters.
• Strategically countered Italian and German forces in North Africa and beyond.
• Notable operations against Imperial Japan in the Far East.

The Indian Army

During World War II, the Indian Army was a significant force within the broader British Indian Army framework. By December 1941, it comprised about 900,000 men, of which a considerable portion was stationed overseas, especially in the Middle East and Malaya, with about 300,000 men involved in training or duties in India such as internal security.

The Japanese offensive exposed the vulnerability of the Indian Army, particularly as the trained and experienced troops were heavily deployed in the Middle East rather than the Far East. The Army had to adjust quickly to this new regional focus.

Changes in demographics of the recruitment programs were noteworthy. Prior reliance on the so-called ‘martial races’ such as Punjabi Moslems and Sikhs was no longer tenable due to sheer manpower needs. This led to a diversification in composition:

from
– Punjab: 50%
– United Provinces: 15%
– Madras: 10%
– Bombay: 10%
– North West Frontier: 5%
– Ajmere and Merwara: 3%
– Bengal: 2%
– Central Provinces: 5%

The two largest religious groups in the army were the Hindus with 50% and the Muslims with 34%.

It’s crucial to recognize the role of Indian soldiers in key engagements. They were instrumental in the theatres of Malaya and Burma, comprising three-quarters of the 14th Army’s strength at one point. Notably, critical stands against the Japanese occurred on Indian soil during the battles of Imphal and Kohima in 1944.

Their performance during the Burma Campaign was pivotal. Post-1942, the Indian troops executed a strategic offense, culminating in the liberation of Burma from Japanese control in 1945. However, the casualties were significant:

• Malaya: 62,175 (including 59,000 POWs)
• Burma: 40,458 men lost

The Indian Army also grappled with other challenging theaters such as Waziristan and contributed to maintaining internal security within India, including against the the Indian National Army led by Subhas Chandra Bose. It demonstrated notable adaptability in recruitment and operational strategy, which had profound implications for both the war effort and the future of the Indian military.

Organisation

In 1939, the Army in India was composed of both Indian and British units. The Regular Indian Army had native troops led by both British and Indian officers with progressive steps toward forming an entirely Indian division. British units, when deployed to India, were incorporated into the Indian military framework.

During the initial war years, infantry brigades typically consisted of one British battalion coupled with two Indian or Gurkha battalions. This arrangement evolved into all-Indian brigades and divisions within the Fourteenth Army. The regular forces were supported by Indian States’ Forces, the Indian Territorial Force, and irregular formations like the North-West Frontier Province Irregulars.

Expansion challenges were evident from the start, with a shortfall in trained manpower markedly within artillery and communication sectors. Despite these setbacks, by 1944, the Indian Army showcased various division types serving in the Far East, including:

• Light Divisions: Scaled-down men and vehicle counts
• A & MT Divisions: Varied scales of animal and motor transport
• The 36th Indian Division: Structured for amphibious operations

By August 1944, a standardized infantry divisional structure was adopted, enhancing organization uniformity and divisional capabilities. Artillery support was restructured to include two field regiments and additional anti-tank and mountain regiments to aid these divisions, with a reduction in vehicular transport and the introduction of animal transport companies.

The Armoured Corps for the Indian Army was conceptualized with three divisions in mind: the 31st, 32nd, and 43rd Armoured Divisions. Despite the redeployment of some units, the intake of the 50th Indian Tank Brigade offset losses. Adjustments were made aligning with the British organizational style: one armoured and one motorised infantry brigade each division, with surplus brigades functioning independently.

By mid-1942, to address strategic necessities, the organization of these armoured divisions transitioned, ultimately leading to the formation of the 44th Indian Armoured Division. This division, along with three designated tank brigades, constituted the armoured strength in the Far Eastern theater.

By the autumn of 1943, there was deliberation surrounding the formation of an Indian airborne division. Subsequently, as the need for armoured presence in SEAC subsided, the 44th Armoured Division was dispelled to lay the foundation for the 44th Indian Airborne Division. This entity incorporated one air-landing and two parachute brigades, each brigade comprising British, Gurkha, and Indian battalions, showcasing a significant evolution in infantry capability.

As World War II neared its conclusion, the Indian Army scaled up to an impressive 2,065,554 personnel, with organizational components boasting 19 cavalry and armoured regiments, 268 infantry battalions, 207 artillery batteries, and 107 engineer companies, epitomizing the vast and diverse military force developed throughout the conflict.

Uniforms

Indian troops were initially clad in puggrees, grey shirts, and khaki drill clothing comparable to apparel found in the Middle East. Troops on the India/Burma border and those within India sported this ensemble.

With the progression of World War II, headgear transitions took place. Traditional caps were replaced by the practical beret, though puggrees remained for ceremonies or dyed olive for combat scenarios.

By 1942, jungle-green clothing was standard issue for Indian soldiers engaged in tropical environs. Insignia was minimal in combat, save for possible regimental color accents on shoulder straps or a colored lanyard.

Out of combat, formation flashes adorned the sleeves, and regimental designations, like “6L” for the 6th Duke of Connaught’s Own Lancers, were displayed. The Indian Army was innovative in their adoption of knitted cardigans, with units like Skinner’s Horse donning black and the Gurkha Rifles in brown.

Regarding bravery, the Indian Army’s valor did not go unnoticed, with soldiers being awarded with the distinguished Victoria Cross and George Cross, recognizing their heroic deeds during the conflict. These decorations were a testament to the courage and gallantry displayed by individuals in the face of adversity.

Insignia

The Indian Army’s hierarchy incorporated distinctive insignia to denote ranks, drawing parallels with those used in the British Army. Both British officers and Indians holding a King’s Commission wore identical badges of rank. The commissioned ranks included:

• Jemadar: Typically a platoon commander or company second in command. Their insignia consisted of a single silver pip on shoulder straps.
• Subedar/Rissaldar (cavalry equivalent): Functioned as senior platoon commanders with insignia featuring two silver pips.
• Subedar Major/Rissaldar Major (cavalry equivalent): The most senior Viceroy’s Commissioned Officers (VCOs) acting as advisors to British commanding officers. Their badges displayed three silver pips.

The badges were mounted on khaki cloth shoulder straps, complemented by transverse bars displaying a red-yellow-red braid pattern. These insignia were more than mere symbols; they represented authority and a deep-rooted military tradition within the framework of the Indian Army’s officer cadre. Here is an image of the insignia worn by VCOs.

Additionally, certain appointments like the Jemadar Adjutant or ‘Woordie’ Major in cavalry served as assistants to British adjutants, signifying their importance within the command structure. The visual representation of ranks through insignia played a crucial role in maintaining order and delineating command within the Indian Army.

Formations of the Indian Army

Armoured Divisions:
Four Indian armoured divisions (31st, 32nd, 43rd, 44th Armoured Divisions) were raised but saw no combat deployment.
The 31st Armoured Division served in the Middle East, while the 32nd and 43rd were merged to form the 44th, which was stationed in India before being reorganised into an airborne division in 1944.

Infantry Divisions:
There were a total of 17 Indian infantry divisions:
– 3rd (March to June 1944 as Windgates Chindis Commandos)
– 4th (from December 1940 in North Africa to October 1944 in Italy)
– 5th (from January to April 1941 in East Africa, May to August 1942 in North Africa, November 1943 to August 1945 in Burma)
– 7th (from September 1943 to August 1945 in Burma)
– 8 (in Italy from September 1943 to May 1945)
– 9th (in Malaysia from December 1941 until the surrender in February 1942)
– 10 (in Iraq in May/June 1941, in North Africa in June/July 1942, in Italy from March 1944 to May 1945)
– 11th (in Malaysia from December 1941 until the capitulation in February 1942)
– 14th (in Burma from September 1942 to May 1943, then training division)
– 17th (in Burma from September 1942 to August 1945)
– 19th (in Burma from October 1944 to August 1945)
– 20th (in Burma from October 1943 to August 1945)
– 21st (in Burma from May to July 1944, only deployed there as an emergency battle group)
– 23rd (in Burma from September 1942 to August 1944, then Indian commando reserve)
– 25th (in Burma from March 1944 to August 1945)
– 26th (in Burma from February to September 1943, then 14th Army Reserve)
– 36th (in Burma from February to September 1944, subsequently as 36th British Infantry Division)

The 2nd, 6th, 12th and 39th Indian Infantry Divisions were also formed, but did not see combat action.

Airborne Division:
The 44th Airborne Division was formed from the 44th Armoured Division in 1944, but saw virtually no combat action.

Armoured brigades:
– 50th Tank Brigade: in Burma from November 1944 to March 1945
– 254th Tank Brigade: in Burma from October 1943 to August 1945
– 255th Tank Brigade: in Burma from October 1944 to August 1945

The 251st and 267th Armoured Brigades were also formed. The former was split up in November 1943 and assigned to the Chindits and the latter remained in India during the war.

The Indian Army in the Mediterranean

The Indian Army played a crucial role in the Mediterranean theater during World War II. Its unique status as neither a colonial force nor a Dominion army was reflected in its mixed composition of British and Indian personnel. Indian brigades typically included one British battalion alongside two Indian battalins, with British field artillery and Indian support units.

As tensions rose in Europe, the Indian Army began deploying units to strategic locations across the Empire. The 11th Indian Infantry Brigade arrived in Egypt on August 3, 1939, followed by the 5th Indian Brigade and a Divisional Headquarters in September. These units formed part of the 4th Indian Infantry Division. Additional troops were sent to Aden and East Africa.

By August 1941, Indian forces had expanded their presence in the region. The 8th and 10th Indian Divisions, along with the 2nd Indian Armoured Brigade, moved into Persia to counter German influence. This operation involved minimal casualties and resulted in contact with Russian forces at Senna on August 30.

Indian troops saw significant action in North Africa. The 5th and 10th Indian Divisions arrived in the Western Desert in June 1942, fighting effective rearguard actions at El Adem, Sollum-Halfaya, and Mersa Matruh as Allied forces retreated to Alamein. The 5th Indian Division suffered 3,000 casualties but captured 7,000 enemy prisoners during the fighting that halted the Axis advance in July.

The Indian Army’s involvement in North Africa came at a heavy cost. Total casualties numbered 15,248, including:

• 1,299 killed
• 3,738 wounded
• 419 missing
• 9,792 taken as prisoners of war

Later in the war, the 4th and 10th Indian Divisions participated in the Italian campaign. The 4th Division played a notable role in the battle of Monte Cassino, where it suffered 3,000 casualties.

The organisation of the Indian units was similar to that of the British units during this period.

Uniforms in the Mediterranean

Indian Army uniforms evolved during the war, adapting to different theaters and conditions. In the late 1930s, Indian officers began adopting the new open-collar pattern tunic used by the British Army, replacing the old high-collar service dress.

Headgear varied by region and unit:

• Puggrees (turbans) in khaki for wartime use
• British Mk 1 steel helmets
• Field service caps

In the Middle East, Indian troops wore practical uniforms suited to the climate:

• Collarless silver grey or cellular khaki shirts
• Pullovers
• Khaki drill shorts or long trousers

For cold weather in Italy, Indian soldiers received full British uniforms, including:

• Battle dress with divisional signs on both sleeves
• Leather jerkins
• Woollen gloves
• Gum boots

Summer attire in Italy consisted of:

• Berets with regimental badges
• Shirts and shorts
• Hose tops and anklets
• Ankle boots

Equipment was typically worn under the jerkin, except for cloth ammunition bandoliers. For security reasons, regimental shoulder titles were often replaced with strips of cloth in regimental colors.

Rank insignia differed between British and Indian officers:

• British officers used standard British Army rank badges
• Indian officers commissioned by the Viceroy wore similar badges on shoulder straps, with additional braid underneath each pip and crown

The 6th Duke of Connaught’s Own Lancers (Watson’s Horse) provided a typical example of Indian cavalry uniforms in Italy. They initially wore khaki dungarees with web belts, pistol holsters, and cross-back braces useful for extracting wounded crewmen from armored vehicles.

Frequently Asked Questions

What roles did the Indian army play in the Mediterranean theater during World War II?

The Indian army played crucial roles in the Mediterranean theater during World War II, including:

• Combat operations in North Africa
• Support and logistics functions
• Engineering and construction tasks
• Medical services

The British Indian Army fought alongside Allied forces against Axis powers in key battles and campaigns.

How many Indian soldiers were deployed in the Mediterranean region during the Second World War?

Exact numbers are difficult to pinpoint, but thousands of Indian soldiers served in the Mediterranean region. The Indian Army grew significantly during the war, reaching over 2.5 million men by August 1945.

Which campaigns in the Mediterranean involved the Indian army during World War II?

Key campaigns involving the Indian army in the Mediterranean included:

• North African Campaign
• Italian Campaign
• Greece and Crete operations

The 4th Indian Division played a significant role in the Battle of El Alamein.

What was the impact of the Indian army’s involvement in the Mediterranean on the outcome of WW2?

The Indian army’s involvement in the Mediterranean:

• Strengthened Allied forces
• Contributed to key victories
• Helped secure supply lines
• Provided valuable manpower and resources

Their efforts were crucial in supporting overall Allied strategy and success in the region.

Can you list the regiments from the Indian army that served in the Mediterranean during World War II?

Some regiments that served in the Mediterranean include:

• 4th Indian Division
• 8th Indian Division
• 10th Indian Division
• Bengal Sappers

What were the experiences of Indian soldiers in the Mediterranean theater during World War II?

Indian soldiers in the Mediterranean faced:

• Harsh desert conditions in North Africa
• Challenging terrain in Italy
• Cultural and language barriers
• Discrimination within military ranks

Despite these challenges, many Indian soldiers served with distinction and bravery. They fought against the German Empire and other Axis powers, contributing significantly to Allied efforts in the region.

References and literature

The Armed Forces of World War II (Andrew Mollo)
World War II – A Statistical Survey (John Ellis)