Shared History

Timeline, 1914 – 1918

The years of the war as they touched both forces, with a source against every entry.

  1. 1914

    The Indian Corps reaches France

    Indian Expeditionary Force A lands at Marseille in late September 1914 and is in the line in Flanders within weeks. Sepoy Khudadad Khan's actions at Hollebeke on 31 October bring the first Victoria Cross awarded to a soldier born in the Indian subcontinent.

    Source: National Army Museum, London

  2. 1915

    Neuve Chapelle, Second Ypres and Loos

    The Indian Corps plays a central role at Neuve Chapelle in March. In April the 1st Canadian Division meets the first large-scale gas attack at Ypres, where Indian units also serve in the counter-attacks. By the end of the year the Indian infantry divisions leave the Western Front.

    Source: Canadian War Museum; Imperial War Museums

  3. 1916

    The Somme and Kut

    The Canadian Corps fights at Courcelette in September. Indian cavalry advance towards High Wood in July. In Mesopotamia the besieged garrison at Kut-al-Amara surrenders in April.

    Source: Canadian War Museum; Imperial War Museums

  4. 1917

    Vimy Ridge

    All four divisions of the Canadian Corps attack together for the first time and take Vimy Ridge in April.

    Source: Veterans Affairs Canada

  5. 1918

    Haifa and the Armistice

    Indian cavalry of the 15th Imperial Service Cavalry Brigade take Haifa in September. The Armistice comes into effect on 11 November.

    Source: Imperial War Museums