ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Indian Army during World War I

During World War I, many countries were fighting against each other. India, which was then a British colony, also played an important role in the war as Indian soldiers were sent to fight for the British army. These soldiers were part of the Indian Army, which was made up of men from various regions of India.

The Indian Army had a big task during the war. They were sent to fight in countries like France, Belgium, Mesopotamia (present-day Iraq), Palestine, and East Africa. The Indian soldiers were known for their bravery and were respected by the other countries' armies.

The Indian Army had to face many challenges during the war. Firstly, they had to travel long distances to reach the battlefields. They also had to face extreme weather conditions, which were very different from those in India. The soldiers had to work in trenches in the freezing cold, or under the scorching sun.

The Indian Army also had to deal with enemy attacks, and the soldiers had to be incredibly brave to fight against the enemies. They had to use different weapons like rifles, machine guns, and grenades, and also engage in hand-to-hand combat using bayonets, which are sharp knives attached to the rifles.

Many Indian soldiers lost their lives during the war. The Indian Army suffered a massive loss of over 70,000 soldiers. However, their bravery and sacrifice did not go unnoticed. Many Indian soldiers were awarded medals for their bravery, including the Victoria Cross, which is the highest award for bravery given to British and Commonwealth soldiers.

In conclusion, the Indian Army played a crucial role in World War I. The soldiers had to face many challenges and were incredibly brave. They fought for their country and made many sacrifices to ensure victory for the British Empire.