The Indian COAS is set to unveil a new memorial in the Italian town of Cassino during an official visit to the United Kingdom and Italy. The monument pays homage to the 3,100 Commonwealth servicemen, including 900 Indian soldiers, who participated in the mission to liberate Italy during World War II (1939-1945).
Indian Army Involvement in Italian Campaign
Three Indian Army infantry divisions, the 4th, 8th, and 10th, played significant roles in the liberation of Italy. The 8th Indian Infantry Division was the first to arrive. After serving in Iran and Iraq during the British invasion in 1941, the Division landed in Italy. Next came the 4th Indian Division from North Africa in December 1943 and was deployed in Cassino in 1944. Lastly, the 10th Indian Division, formed in Ahmednagar in 1941, relocated to Italy in 1944. These troops, hailing from Punjab and the Indian plains, braved adverse conditions, with even the Nepalese Gurkhas struggling with unforgiving weather. Their valiant efforts earned the respect of both Allied and Axis commanders.
Indian Army’s Contribution to World War II
With over 2.5 million volunteers, the Indian Army held the title of the largest volunteer force participating in WWII. They bravely fought the Axis powers (Germany, Italy, Japan) as part of the Allies, under the various banners of the Indian Army, East India Company Army, and the British Army. At this time, India was still under British rule, and the armies included both Indian and European forces.
Historical Background of World War II
World War II raged from 1939 to 1945, involving nearly every corner of the globe. It arose from Germany’s invasion of Poland in 1939 and finally ended six years later, claiming the lives of an estimated 60-80 million people, about 3% of the global population. The Axis powers included Germany, Italy, and Japan, opposing the Allies led by France, Great Britain, the United States, and the Soviet Union. The seeds of this catastrophic war were sown by the Treaty of Versailles after World War I, worldwide economic depression, rise of militarism in Germany and Japan, and the failure of the League of Nations.
Italy’s Role in World War II
Italy, under Benito Mussolini, allied with Nazi Germany in 1936 and declared war on the Allies in 1940. However, in 1943, after the overthrow of Mussolini, Italy changed sides and declared war on Germany. The Allied forces’ invasion of Italy came as an armistice was being negotiated with Italy. Italy then became the backdrop for two years of gruelling conflict against a skilled and committed enemy, marking it one of the most “exhausting campaigns” of WWII.
