British officers pay homage to the Jullundur Brigade

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, October 30

A little over a century after the Indian Army went into action in Northern France and Flanders during the World War I in October 1914, 12 veterans of British Army here today paid homage to soldiers of Jullundur Brigade who were killed in action. Their names are etched for posterity at India Gate.

Jullundur Brigade Association president Major General Peter Davies today led an Indian delegation, including several veterans who served in the British Army and are now members of the JBA. Members of the association include Lt Gen Devraj Singh, former Colonel of the Sikh Regiment and Director General (Infantry).

The Indian Corps were among the earliest troops on the Western Front, the very first Indian troops to land on Europe in September 1914 being the XV Sikhs (later 2nd Royal battalion, Sikh Regiment and initially part of the Jullundur Brigade). The Jullundur Brigade went to war in late October 1914 and fought at the First Battle of Ypres, NeuveChapelle, Givenchy, Second Battle of Ypres, Festubert and Loos.

The JBA was constituted in Manchester in 1989. Its founder was late Major General Mohindar Singh Chopra.