The Indian Corps, consisting of two infantry divisions (Meerut and Lahore), arrived in France in September/October 1914. It was commanded by Lieutenant-General Sir James Willcocks who was the most senior officer n the BEF after Field Marshal Sir John French and General Sir Horace Smith-Dorrien. The Corps remained on the Western Front till the end of 1915, when it was transferred to the Middle East, a more suitable theatre of war for Indian Army troops. This history was published at the request and under the authority of the India Office, and apart from General Willcocks’ own memoirs, With The Indians in France, it is the only record of the corps. It is not altogether a happy tale, as the book makes clear. While there was no questioning the bravery of the troops (five Indian/Gurkha VCs) there were problems of climate, reinforcements, officer casualties (the Indian battalion had only 13 British officers, who were first priority targets for the Germans), not to mention mishandling and lack of understanding on the part of the High Command. Total casualties among Indian Army units amounted to 21,413 -- From Amazon.com.

Arrival of the Corps in France -- The First Battle of Ypres -- Relief of the French Cavalry under General Conneau by the Jullundur Brigade -- Attack by Indians on Neuve Chapelle -- The Corps takes over the line held by the 3rd and 5th British Divisions, 2nd Corps -- Attack on 2nd Battalion 2nd Gurkhas -- Visit and death of Field-Marshal Earl Roberts -- Episodes of trench warfare -- The action of Festubert -- Visit of His Majesty-Emperor -- The Battle of Givenchy: the Meerut Division -- The Battle of Givenchy : the Lahore Division -- German counter attack -- German counter attack, continued -- New front taken over after a short rest -- The Battle of Neuve Chapelle -- The Battle of Neuve Chapelle, continued -- The Second Battle of Ypres -- The Second Battle of Ypres, continued -- The Battle of Festubert -- Changes in composition of the Corps -- The Battle of Loos -- The Battle of Loos, continued -- The Corps leaves France for other theatres of war -- Conclusion -- Appendices. Description of the Indian Army -- Health of the Indian Troops in France -- The Indian Soldier’s Fund.