INDIAN TROOPS
THEIR GALLANT PART IN THE • WOULD-WAR.
It is common knowledge that Indian , troops constitute a lnrjre proportion, of l of the victorious armies irhich lately compelled Turkey to sue for peace. Both in Mesopotamia and in Palestine Indian troops established a proud,record. But it should not be forgotten that Indian troops gave a gallant account of themselves also in the Western theatre in the critical early when the Allies, were hard nit to it to stem the initial rush of the German invasion of Belgium and l-'rance. Of what they accomplished at thu.t. time Field Marshal- Viscount French wrote gratefully not long ago in a letter to the lion, secretary of an Indian day movement: "I gladly comply with 'the request to express my appreciation of the services rendered by Indian fighting men on the Western front during the years 1914-15. When the Indian troops first arrived in- October, 1914, the situation was of so drastic a naturo that it was nece,«mry to "cull upon them at once ,to -reinforce the fighting front, and help to stem tho great German thrust. Their fino fighting qualities, tenacity, and endurance were well manifested during the first Battle of Tpres before they had been able to. completely reorganise after their voyage from India. The manner in which tliey acquitted themselves showed the excellence of their previous training for war. In. all subsequent battles during these years they took a prominent part and behaved with the utmost gallantry. As Commahdw'-iii-Cliiet' I was on -many occasions deeply indebted, to them for valuable help, and .1 have no hesitation in saying that tliey splendidly upheld the glorious fighting traditions of the Indian Army. This record is* all the more honourable when it is remembered that they were suddenly dispatched from a hot climate', at almost the worst season of tho yenjr to face tile rigours of a Western winter. 'It will always be a source of pride and hapnin" s s to me that I have been associated in the field with these gallant troops.''
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Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 42, 13 November 1918, Page 3
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341INDIAN TROOPS Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 42, 13 November 1918, Page 3
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