British Indian Army: Soldiers of the First World War

Created in partnership with the United Service Institution of India, this display highlights the contribution of the Indian Army across the globe during the First World War.

The Indian Army played an essential role throughout the First World War, from the initial arrival of the 3rd Lahore Division in France in September 1914 to the final pursuit of Ottoman forces from Palestine in 1918.

Nearly 1.4 million men from India served, some in non-combatant roles, making this the largest all-volunteer force the world had seen at the time. The display highlights their contribution to many of the conflict's major campaigns - the Western Front, Gallipoli, East Africa, Mesopotamia, Egypt and Palestine - as well as lesser-known theatres, particularly across Asia.

The story is illustrated by photographs, as well as printed reproductions of artwork, documents and medals from the Museum’s collections.