Representatives from the Indian Embassy in France will take part in commemorations on March 13th 2015 marking the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Neuve Chapelle.
The ceremony takes place at the Indian Memorial in Neuve Chapelle at 3pm. The site, near Béthune, is cared for by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC).
Indian troops made up half of the attacking force in Britain’s first major Western Front offensive in 1915.
Soldiers writing home talked of “shells pouring down like rain in the monsoon” and the bodies of the dead “covering the country like sheaves of harvested corn”.
On the centenary of Neuve Chapelle, people are being urged to remember the colonial Indian Army’s sacrifice during the First World War.
CWGC’s Director of External Engagement, Colin Kerr, said: “Very few people are aware of the unique contribution made by Indian servicemen during the First World War. The CWGC commemorates 74, 000 Indian servicemen and women who sacrificed their lives during the conflict.
“As we mark the centenary of the Battle of Neuve Chapelle, we are urging you to take a minute to remember them. Visit the CWGC website to discover more about the battle, and some of those who fought in it.”
Despite early gains, the British offensive ended inconclusively after three days, hampered by poor communications.
Source: Commonwealth War Graves Commission
Images: Centenary News
Posted by: Peter Alhadeff, Centenary News