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With the Indians in France

Chapter 29: EPILOGUE
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About This Book

A senior officer's firsthand account recounts the deployment and combat experiences of Indian troops on the Western Front during the First World War, combining operational narrative, battalion and individual anecdotes, maps and appendices. It traces the corps' movements, actions at major engagements, daily life in trenches, wounds and heroism, and the cultural and religious dimensions of soldiers serving far from home. Chapters mix tactical description with diary entries, tributes to fallen comrades, statistical material, and poems or memorial sketches that honor loyalty and sacrifice. The author emphasizes the formations' conduct, organization, and the practical and emotional challenges of campaigning in unfamiliar terrain and climate.

EPILOGUE

In 1919 I was home on short leave, and it happened that the Indian Contingent was in London for the Peace celebrations. I was a spectator when they marched to Buckingham Palace to be reviewed by their beloved King-Emperor, and as they passed on their return from the Palace, although I was in plain clothes, some of the Indian officers and men recognised me amongst the crowd. One of them shouted the Sikh war-cry of “Fateh,” and a number ran out of the marching ranks, saying, “Here is our General.” It was a very short greeting, but it was none the less both moving and splendid.

A few days later I visited their Camp at Hampton Court. I will not attempt to describe what took place, but when I left in my motor-car, this at least I clearly knew, that those faithful comrades would never forget their old Commander. It is my final and highest reward.