CWGC marks India’s Republic Day

The Commission commemorates more than 160,950 members of Indian forces who died during the two world wars. Here are 5 facts about Indian forces in the First and Second World War, and some of the CWGC cemeteries and memorials where they are commemorated.

• During the First World War the Indian Army grew from some 150,000 in 1914 to nearly 1.4 million by 1918
• More than one million service personnel from Indian forces served overseas
• During the Second World War the Indian Army was the largest all volunteer force in history, with more than 2.5 million men in service
• Throughout both conflicts Indian troops from many backgrounds, faiths and regions fought with distinction and courage. They earned more than 9,200 decorations for bravery including 11 Victoria Crosses
• The CWGC commemorates more than 160,950 members of Indian forces who died during the two world wars - 74,000 of the First World War and 87,000 of the Second World War

Remembering Indian forces

CWGC Neuve-Chapelle Memorial

During the First World War, India sent more than 140,000 men to the Western Front: around 90,000 serving in the infantry and cavalry, along with as many as 50,000 non-combatant labourers. They hailed from the length and breadth of Undivided India: from the Punjab, Garwahl, the Frontiers, Bengal and Madras, but also from neighbouring Burma and Nepal. Of the combatants, more than 8,550 died. Almost 5,000 have no known grave and are commemorated on the CWGC Menin Gate in Ieper and on the Neuve-Chapelle Memorial in France.

The memorial at Neuve-Chapelle commemorates more than 4,700 Indian soldiers and labourers who died on the Western Front during the First World War and have no known grave. The location of the memorial was specially chosen as it was here, in March 1915, that the Indian Corps fought its first major action.

The Delhi Memorial (India Gate)

One of the most famous monuments in Delhi is the CWGC India Gate. Originally known as the ‘All India War Memorial’. It was intended to serve as a memorial for the tens of thousands of soldiers from Undivided India who died during the First World War around the world.

Since its inauguration in 1931, it has become a focal point for remembrance of all Indian service personnel who died in the line of duty.

CWGC Rangoon Memorial and Taukkyan War Cemetery

Some of the most difficult conditions experienced by British and Commonwealth forces in the Second World War were in Burma (Myanmar), where a bitter campaign against the Japanese Army raged across the country, from Thailand to the borders of India.
Most of the Commonwealth troops fighting in Burma served with the Indian Army. Their courage, skill and determination led, in no small part, to the eventual allied victory against the Japanese. The CWGC commemorates almost 39,500 service personnel in Burma (Myanmar), of whom nearly 23,000 served with Indian forces.
Taukkyan War Cemetery is the largest of the three CWGC cemeteries in Burma. However, the vast majority of those who died in Burma have no known grave. They are commemorated on the CWGC Rangoon Memorial, in Taukkyan Cemetery. The names of more than 26,850 service personnel are inscribed on it, of whom over 19,600 served with Indian forces.

Risaldar Badlu Singh

Born in Dhakla Village in Punjab, India, Badlu Singh was a Risaldar in the 14th Murray’s Jat Lancers, attached to the 29th Lancers (Deccan Horse). He died on 23 September 1918 in Palestine. He was posthumously awarded the VC for his actions on that day. In November 1918, the London Gazette, reported:

"For the most conspicuous bravery and self-sacrifice on the morning of the 23rd Sept., 1918, when his squadron charged a strong enemy position on the West bank of the Jordan between the river and Khes Samariveh Village. On nearing the position Ressaidar Badlu Singh realised that the squadron was suffering casualties from a small hill on the left front occupied by machine guns and 200 infantry. Without the slightest hesitation he collected six other ranks and with the greatest dash and an entire disregard of danger charged and captured the position, thereby saving very heavy casualties to the squadron. He was mortally wounded on the very top of the hill when capturing one of the machine guns single-handed, but the guns and infantry had surrendered before he died. His valour and initiative were of the highest order."

He was cremated where he fell, and is commemorated on the Heliopolis (Port Twefik) Memorial in Egypt.