British Indian Army

:See Indian Army for the post-independence (and post-partition) army of the Republic of India.

History

The Indian Army was formed after the Indian Mutiny in 1857 by the British. Prior to this time the British East India Company had their own army units, paid for by their profits.

Related Topics:
Indian Mutiny - British - British East India Company

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During the days of British rule, the Indian Army proved a very useful adjunct to British forces not only in India but also in other places, particularly during World Wars I and II.

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Internal Security

North West Frontier

Afghan Wars

see also The Great Game European influence in Afghanistan

Related Topics:
The Great Game - European influence in Afghanistan

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World War I

In World War I the Indian Army saw extensive service including:

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• Western Front
• Battle of Gallipoli
• Mesopotamian campaign, Siege of Kut

World War II

During World War II the Indian Army became the largest all-volunteer force in history, rising to over 2.5 million men in size. These forces included airborne forces. On October 18, 1941 the 151st Parachute Battalion was formed from soldiers serving in the Indian Army. Later this unit was joined by the 152nd (Indian) and 153rd (Gurkha) Parachute Battalion.

Related Topics:
World War II - October 18 - 1941

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Particularly notable contributions of the Indian Army during that conflict were in the campaigns in Burma, Middle East, Africa, Italy; see also British Eighth Army, First and Second Battles of El Alamein and the Battle of Monte Cassino.

Related Topics:
Burma - Middle East - Africa - Italy - British Eighth Army - First - Second - Battle of Monte Cassino

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See also the Indian National Army

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Post World War II

Following the war, the British formations that had been part of the Army of India were withdrawn. Upon independence the British Indian Army was split: most units went to the Indian Army, four Gurkha regiments were transferred to the British Army (they formed the Brigade of Gurkhas and were stationed in Malaya) and the remainder of the army went to the Pakistan Army.

Related Topics:
Indian Army - Gurkha - Brigade of Gurkhas - Malaya - Pakistan Army

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