World War II India Soldiers
Unbeknownst to most, India as a colony of the British Empire raised one of the largest volunteer armies during the Second World War. Having played a crucial role in First World War, the Indian Army was once again called on to support Britain in Second World War.
It is estimated that 1.5 million Indian soldiers fought besides the British troops in the First World War and by the Second World War the number of Indian soldiers had risen to 2.5 million.
Indian Forces in Second World War
Soldiers of the Indian infantry and armored divisions, fought for colonial Britain in Africa, Europe, and Asia. Indian troops though well trained, lacked in weapons and modern equipment, and as a result suffered large-scale casualties. By the end of the war 24,338 Indian soldiers were killed, 64,354 were wounded and 11,754 were missing. Indian soldiers won 30 Victoria Crosses, Britain’s highest medal for gallantry.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) formed in 1933 also played its part. Its pilots and fledgling airborne force joined the British Royal Air force in fighting the Japanese in Burma, known as the Burma Campaign 1944-45.
Ships of the Royal Indian Navy were sent into action in the Red Sea, the Indian and Atlantic Oceans, the Bay of Bengal and the Mediterranean Sea. Indian ships were also involved in the Allied invasion of Sicily and assault on Burma.
Indian Women in Second World War
Indian Women too played their part, working in the army as nurses, drivers, mechanics and telegraphers. As the Japanese troops advanced in Burma, Hong Kong and Singapore, many of these women was killed or captured and suffered the fate of prisoners of war.
One Indian woman who deserves special mention is Noor Inayat Khan. She was recruited as a special agent for Britain and infiltrated German occupied France. Though her unit was betrayed, she continued to send messages to London as the last remaining wireless operator in France. She was captured, tortured, and executed by the Gestapo.
Indian troops fought alongside the British on land, air, and water. Field-Marshal Sir Claude Auchinleck, Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army from 1942 stated that Britain would not have survived both wars had it not been for the Indian Army. However, the role and sacrifices of the Indian soldiers in the Second World War has never really been given broad recognition.
