Army of Empire, George MortonJack
Army of Empire, George MortonJack
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Army of Empire
The Untold Story of the Indian Army in World War I

Author: George Morton-Jack

Narrator: Roger Davis

Unabridged: 19 hr 29 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Basic Books

Published: 12/04/2018


Synopsis

Drawing on untapped new sources, the first global history of the Indian Expeditionary Forces in World War I

While their story is almost always overlooked, the 1.5 million Indian soldiers who served the British Empire in World War I played a crucial role in the eventual Allied victory. Despite their sacrifices, Indian troops received mixed reactions from their allies and their enemies alike-some were treated as liberating heroes, some as mercenaries and conquerors themselves, and all as racial inferiors and a threat to white supremacy. Yet even as they fought as imperial troops under the British flag, their broadened horizons fired in them new hopes of racial equality and freedom on the path to Indian independence.

Drawing on freshly uncovered interviews with members of the Indian Army in Iraq and elsewhere, historian George Morton-Jack paints a deeply human story of courage, colonization, and racism, and finally gives these men their rightful place in history.

Reviews

Goodreads review by Robert on April 25, 2019

Interesting overview of India's role in the Great War, and the war's role in the development of modern India & Pakistan. Sheds some light on Gandhi's anti-war stance during WW2. An interesting aspect is the obscurity of primary sources about the Indian soldiers' experiences in the Great War. The wri......more

Goodreads review by Pupsi on March 31, 2019

Great synopsis about the Indian army during WW. How most signed up for a better life and if they survived they got received increased exposure to the best of around the world and land and money. As a Sikh I am disappointed that the author does not seem to hold them in high regard but that is a perso......more

Goodreads review by Chris on February 16, 2019

It's a decent overview. It's thorough, but nothing groundbreaking. The army fought on various fronts - European, Middle Eastern, and African. The outset of the war caused one major change for the army: the color line in who they fought ended. Up until now, Indian troops had never before been allowed......more

Goodreads review by Bill on February 09, 2019

I highly recommend for anyone interested in India and the First World War. I didn't realize the excellent logistical support Indian Regiments received in France and the dire lack of it in East Africa. The experiences with the Pathan regiments good reading for anyone working in Afghanistan today. Wel......more

Goodreads review by John on May 20, 2019

A very useful book on the Indian Army during the First World War. Often overlooked and underrated, the Indian Army served a vital role for the Empire especially in the Middle East and Africa. Their service in the Western Front is not overlooked nor dismissed. Highly recommended.......more