Diversity in service and remembrance

Lesson objectives:• Analyse the diverse role held by Indian men during the First World

War• Investigate the different ways of remembering those who served• Present an account of the Indian Army’s achievements during the

First World War

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Mahatma Ghandi

A leading supporter of human rights and independence within South Africa and later on in his life, within India. As soon as the war was declared in August 1914 Ghandi volunteered for a non fighting role supporting the British Army. He quickly trained in First Aid and enrolled in the Volunteer Ambulance Corps. He eventually became Chairman of the Indian Volunteer Committee, actively recruiting Indian men to be orderlies and nurses within the Corps.

In 1918 Ghandi began actively recruiting Indian men for fighting roles.Does this go against Ghandi’s non-violence way of life?

Ghandi believed by supporting the war effort, they would prove India’s support and hopefully gain independence from Britain once the war was won.

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India’s contribution to the British war effort

1,302,394 Indian men fought or supported the Allies

172,815 Animals from India were provided

3,691,836 Tons of supplies and equipment

121,595 Indian casualtiesWhich includes:

53, 486 Dead 64,350 Wounded 3,762 Missing or Imprisoned

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Investigation and presentation

Using the CWGC Forever India micro-site explore and investigate your given topic.

Each pair will produce a small presentation of their findings.

As a class we will be producing a large case study of India’s involvement in the First World War.

Once you have exhausted the website you may wish to further your investigation elsewhere.

Each pair will be expected to present their historical investigation their peers.

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The topics we will cover in the class

Selected facts Case study:Gabar Singh Negi

Case study:Khudadad Khan

Case Study:Kulbir Thapa

Equality in Remembrance

Headstone diversity

Case study:Manta Singh

Case study:Pahalsing Karki

The Neuve Chapelle Memorial

Respecting different faiths and religions

Mesopotamia Campaign

Hospitals Other memorials commemorating Indians in the First World War

Case study:Ghulam Haider

The Delhi Memorial (India Gate)

Gurkha Rifles Case Study:Badlu Singh

Case study:Shahamad Khan

Case study: Gabar Singh Negi

The Indian Army