The Indian Army in World War II: Britain's Largest Volunteer Force

Scale of Service

The British Indian Army during the Second World War was the largest volunteer army in history. At its peak, over 2.5 million Indian soldiers were serving across the globe — from North Africa and Italy to Burma and the Middle East. Indian soldiers fought in every major theatre of the war.

Key Campaigns

Indian divisions played decisive roles in several major campaigns. The 4th Indian Division, one of the most decorated divisions of the war, fought at Keren, El Alamein, and Monte Cassino. The 14th Army, often called the "Forgotten Army," fought the Japanese in the jungles of Burma at Kohima and Imphal — battles now recognized as among the most important of the entire war.

Post-War Legacy

Many Indian veterans settled in Britain after the war and Indian independence in 1947. Their communities in cities like London, Manchester, and Birmingham maintained strong connections to their wartime service. Our registry includes several veterans of the British Indian Army who settled in the United Kingdom.