History of the Conflict
Second Battle of Ypres (1915)
Indian Lahore Division helped Canadian troops withstand the first German gas attack.
Battle of the Somme (1916)
Indian artillery supported Canadian forces in one of the war’s deadliest battles.
Battle of Vimy Ridge (1917)
The Canadian Corps captured Vimy Ridge, a pivotal moment in Canadian military history.
Key Historic Events
1914
Indian Lahore Division arrives in France, aiding exhausted British forces.
1915
Indians and Canadians fight together at Festubert and Passchendaele.
1918
The Battle of Haifa, led by Indian cavalry, secures a key city from Ottoman control.
Siege of Kut
Indian soldiers endured extreme hardships in Mesopotamia.
Personal Stories from Soldiers
Brotherhood on the Battlefield
The deep bond between Indian and Canadian soldiers during WW1.
During World War I, over 135,000 Indian soldiers fought alongside Canadian troops. These men, coming from different parts of the British Empire, developed a strong camaraderie in the trenches. Whether enduring brutal winter conditions in Europe or facing poison gas attacks, their shared hardships created unbreakable bonds of brotherhood.
The Hero of Haifa
Major Dalpat Singh Shekhawat and the last cavalry charge in military history.
On September 23, 1918, Major Dalpat Singh Shekhawat led the legendary Jodhpur Lancers in the last successful cavalry charge in military history. Against machine-gun fire, they stormed Haifa, capturing the city from Ottoman forces. This victory not only secured Haifa but also saved the Bahá'í leader from execution.
Letters from the Trenches
Personal letters from Indian and Canadian soldiers revealing their thoughts and struggles.
Through letters sent home, soldiers shared their emotions, fears, and experiences. One Rajput soldier wrote, "This is not war. It is the ending of the world." A wounded Sikh lamented, "No sound man can return to India." These letters capture the resilience, pain, and humanity of the soldiers who fought in the Great War.
The Forgotten Victoria Cross
Sepoy Khudadad Khan: The first Indian recipient of the Victoria Cross.
In October 1914, Sepoy Khudadad Khan of the 129th Baluchis became the first Indian soldier to receive the Victoria Cross. Despite being gravely wounded, he continued manning his machine gun, holding off the enemy long enough for reinforcements to arrive. His bravery at the First Battle of Ypres was instrumental in preventing a German breakthrough.
The Battle of Neuve-Chapelle
How Indian soldiers played a decisive role in a major Allied victory.
In March 1915, the Indian Corps was at the forefront of the Battle of Neuve-Chapelle in France. Their relentless assault helped break through German defenses, achieving a rare victory for the Allies. However, the triumph came at a heavy cost, with thousands of Indian troops making the ultimate sacrifice. Their courage demonstrated their commitment to the war effort.
Healing the Wounded
Indian medical staff’s crucial role in saving lives during WWI.
Alongside the soldiers in the trenches, Indian doctors, nurses, and stretcher-bearers played a critical role in World War I. They treated the wounded under fire, often risking their own lives to save others. Their dedication was vital in maintaining morale and keeping thousands of soldiers alive in the brutal conditions of war.
The Sikh Soldiers of Flanders
The courage of Sikh regiments in the freezing trenches of Belgium.
Sikh regiments were among the first Indian troops sent to the Western Front. In the bitter cold of Flanders, they fought alongside Canadian and British soldiers, facing relentless artillery bombardments and gas attacks. Despite the harsh conditions, their discipline and bravery earned them great respect, with some regiments suffering over 80% casualties while holding their ground.