Article image
Article image

India has had her big and little differences with the Imperial Government, but the unhappy past is forgotten now when Britain, for the best of reasons, is engaged in the titanic struggle to defeat Prussian militarism. The present war has seen what the London '' Times'' aptly'terms the "rally of Empire." There has been no hesitation on the part of any of the oversea Dominions to render all the assistance in their power. The response has been unexampled in its spontaneity and completeness. It is truly Imperialism made manifest for all the world to see. The native rulers of India have come out into the open with generous offers of aid in the shape of men and money. A force of 70,000 Indian troops is due in France at an early date, and the most unimaginative patriot will be stirred at the picture of the native troopers and infantry striking a blow for the Mother Country against the common enemy of the world's peace. Fresh and eager as they will be, these splendid and fearless fighters can be depended on to do some very effective work among the Germans. That Indian troops should be necessary to supplement the huge force of the Allies in France speaks eloquently of the strength and menace of the invasion. Our native allies have seen Europe before, but not active service on the field of battle. The "Tommy" has fought side by side with the native troops 011 the mountainous frontier of the Hindustan Peninsula, when the result of British training has been thoroughly tested, with every satisfaction. There is no need to anticipate anything to the contrary with respect to the native forces when they meet the Germans. With a stiffening of English soldiery, the Indian troops should hold their own with the best the enemy can put forward. The cavalry divisions in particular are sure to show the Uhlans points—literally and figuratively. Superb riders, dashing swordsmen, the native horsemen will prove exceedingly useful in fleet, harassing attacks 011 wearied and "gun tired" infantry. It would not be surprising to hear any day now that a strong force of Canadians had been landed on the Continent. Since the news received a few days ago that'this Expeditionary Force had been recalled, nothing more has been heard of it. But Lord Kitchener has his own way of managing such little affairs, and the Canadians will arrive in France at the most opportune time.

This article text was automatically generated and may include errors. View the full page to see article in its original form.
Permanent link to this item

https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/SUNCH19140911.2.43

Bibliographic details

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 186, 11 September 1914, Page 6

Word Count
406

Untitled Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 186, 11 September 1914, Page 6

Untitled Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 186, 11 September 1914, Page 6