1939 – 1945 · Asia / Africa / Europe
India in the Second World War
Over two million Indian soldiers — the largest volunteer army in history — served in a war that wasn't really theirs, in deserts, jungles and mountains far from home. When the war ended, India was too tired, and too changed, for empire to continue.
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British India entered WWII on Britain's declaration in 1939 without Indian consultation, triggering Congress protests and eventually the Quit India movement. Indian troops fought at El Alamein, Monte Cassino and Kohima; the Bengal Famine of 1943 killed an estimated 3 million; and the Indian National Army under Bose fought alongside Japan in Southeast Asia. The war's cost hastened British withdrawal in 1947.
- ◆2.5 million Indians served — the largest volunteer army
- ◆Bengal Famine (1943): ~3 million dead
- ◆Battle of Kohima called 'Britain's greatest battle'
- ◆Hastened India's independence
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