World War One – Indian Troops – Meerut Division

Indian gunner of the 7th Meerut Division, wearing gas masks as protection against German gas shells 1915

Two divisions of Indian troops were sent to France with their artillery and other arms. By 26 September 1914 Meerut Division and Lahore Division of Indian Troops arrived at Marseilles.

The following was the composition of Meerut Division Indian troops which left India:

MEERUT DIVISION

Lieut.-Gcneral C. A. Anderson, C.B. (late R.A.)

DEHRA DUN BRIGADE:

Brig.-General C. E. Johnson (Indian Army)

1 Seaforth Highlanders

1 Battalion 9 Gurkhas

2 Battalion 2 Gurkhas

6 Jat Light Infantry

GARHWAL BRIGADE:

Major-General H. D’U. Keary, C.B., D.S.O. (Indian Army)

2 Leicesters

2 Battalion 3 Gurkhas

1 Battalion 39 Garhwal Rifles

2 BattaUon 39 Garhwal Rifles

BAREILLY BRIGADE:

Major-General F. Macbean, C.V.O., C.B.

(late Gordon Highlanders)

2 Black Watch

41 Dogras

58 Rifles (Frontier Force)

2 Battalion 8 Gurkhas

DIVISIONAL TROOPS:

4 Cavalry

3 and 4 Companies Sappers and Miners

107 Pioneers

Headquarters Divisional Engineers

Signal Company

ARTILLERY:

Headquarters Divisional Artillery.

4, 9 and 13 Brigades R.F.A.

Ammunition Columns

110 Heavy Battery