6th (Poona) Division

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to navigation Jump to search

Script error: No such module "For". Template:Use British English Template:Use dmy dates

File:Gen. E.A. Alderson - Bain Collection (cropped).jpg
Lieutenant General Sir Edwin Alfred Hervey Alderson, commander during first half of World War 1

The 6th (Poona) Division was a division of the British Indian Army. It was formed in 1903, following the Kitchener reforms of the Indian Army.

World War I

The 6th (Poona) Division served in the Mesopotamian campaign. Led by Major General Barrett then Major General Townshend, the division were the first British Indian troops to land in Mesopotamia in November 1914 at the Fao Landing. After a string of early successes, the 6th Division was delivered a setback at the Battle of Ctesiphon in November 1915. Following this engagement, the division withdrew back to Kut, where Townshend made the decision to hold the city. After a lengthy siege by the Ottomans, Townshend surrendered on April 29, 1916.[1] 10,061 troops and 3,248 followers were taken captive.[2] Following the surrender, the garrisoned force conducted a forced march back to Anatolia. The suffering of the enlisted soldiers was particularly egregious, and over 4,000 died in captivity.[2]

After the surrender, the Poona Division ceased to exist until another 6th Division was raised in 1920 for the Iraq Rebellion.[2]

Order of Battle December 1914

Divisional Commanders

This list is incomplete.

See also

References

<templatestyles src="Reflist/styles.css" />

  1. Script error: No such module "Footnotes".
  2. a b c Script error: No such module "Footnotes".

Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".

Bibliography

  • Script error: No such module "Citation/CS1".
  • Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  • Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".

External links

  • Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".

Template:Indian Divisions in World War I Template:Indian Expeditionary Forces


Template:India-mil-unit-stub