17th Infantry Division (India)
The 17th Infantry Division is a formation of the Indian Army. During the Second World War, it had the distinction of being continually in combat during the three-year-long Burma Campaign. The division was re-raised in 1960 and the 17 Mountain Division is presently located in Sikkim under XXXIII Corps.
Upper sleeve patch of the 17th Indian Infantry Division.
Major General Sir Frank Messervy inspects troops of the 17th Infantry Division in Burma, 1944.
Major General W. A. Crowther, GOC 17th Indian Division, takes the salute at a March Past after the surrender ceremony, 1945.
Major General RC Tiwari, GOC 17 Mountain Division, meets the Chief Minister of Sikkim Mr PS Golay in June 2019
Indian Army during World War II
The Indian Army during World War II, a British force also referred to as the British Indian Army, began the war, in 1939, numbering just under 200,000 men. By the end of the war, it had become the largest volunteer army in history, rising to over 2.5 million men in August 1945. Serving in divisions of infantry, armour and a fledgling airborne force, they fought on three continents in Africa, Europe and Asia.
New Indian Army recruits
Subedar (VCO Captain) Chawan of 3rd Battalion, 5th Mahratta Infantry, 1943. His battalion had served in North Africa between 1941-1943 before taking part in the invasion of Italy. His unit was involved in the crossing of the Sangro, the advance to Florence, the breaking of the Gothic Line and the engagements at Alpe de Vitigliano and the River Senio.
WAC(I) Naval Wing officers
Central Indian Horse after re-occupation of Benghazi