When the First World War broke out in 1914, the Indian Government offered Britain a corps, consisting of two infantry divisions (each of three brigades, with each brigade having one British and three Indian/Gurkha battalions).

The Indian Corps, led by units of the Lahore and Meerut Divisions, disembarked at Marseilles in France in September 1914 and were thrust pell-mell into the fighting, the likes of which had never been seen before. Much was expected of them and they responded in full measure.

There were problems, not only related to the cold, clammy climate. Their rifles were obsolete. They were hurriedly equipped with the Lee Enfield .303 rifles, but there was no opportunity for training. Their clothing was suited to Indian conditions and warm clothing was only issued by mid-winter. There was no mechanical transport, artillery or signal equipment with the Indian Corps. Rations were not suitable. Above all was the problem of language, especially when most Hindustani-speaking officers were killed or wounded and their replacements were not familiar with Indian culture.