Prime Minister Narendra Modi and French President Emmanuel Macron visited the Majargue War Cemetery in Marsile on Wednesday and paid tribute to Indian soldiers who lost their lives while fighting in the World War and II.
“Mazargues War Cemetery, President @Emmanuelmacron and I paid homage to the soldiers who fought in the world wars. It includes many Indian soldiers who fought bravely and displayed all. All brave soldiers called for duty Answer and fought with unwavering courage. “Prime Minister Modi posted on X.
In Mazargues War Cemetery, Chairman @EmmanuelMacron And I paid tribute to the soldiers who fought in world wars. It consists of several Indian soldiers, who fought bravely and displayed completely.
All brave soldiers responded to the call of duty and fight with … pic.twitter.com/p0tj3646qi
– Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) 12 February, 2025
“He shed his blood in the hope of a better and more peaceful world. Many of them never returned, but their valor will be remembered for the coming time. His bravery will never be forgotten!” He has written.
President Macron later shared a touch tribute, stating that the sacrifice of Indian soldiers fighting for his country in 1914, during the First World War, binds France and India forever.
In 1914, more than 100,000 Indians fought for France. Ten thousand never returned. He set foot on the soil of Marsile before fighting in the mud of trenches, unaware that he was marching for his death.
Their sacrifice binds France and India forever. pic.twitter.com/lmjbawdcdh
– Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) 12 February, 2025
“More than 100,000 Indians fought for France in 1914. Ten thousand never returned. They set foot on Marsile’s soil before fighting in the mud of trenches, unaware that they were marching for their death. His sacrifice binds France and India forever, “Mr. Macron posted on X.
The reference to the French President for 1914, the year which is also known as the First World War – also known as the Great War, was seen highlighting the contribution of Indian soldiers in fighting Germans, who That year some parts of France were invaded.
India, which was a colony at that time, allegedly supported the war attempt to carry forward his effort to gain the status of Dominion. The opinion in some sections of the country was that India could achieve more political autonomy by helping the British support the protection of its allies.
The British campaign force was suffering from a large number of casualties and on August 6, 1914, the War Council in London ordered the two Divisions – Lahore Division (Third India War Division) and Meerut Division (7th India War Division). The Lahore Division meant to defend the Suez Canal for Egypt, but was twisted in Marsile in France due to the serious condition there. Division soldiers arrived in the city on 26 September and after a brief period of getting acquainted, deployed in trenches on October 24, 1914, joined their counterparts from Merut Division.
Exhausting conditions
After being fought in a large -scale dried, hilly areas and wearing in summer cotton uniform, adjusting trenches in wet and mud proved to be a difficult task for Indian soldiers. Many, on both sides, died of pneumonia in bitter cold or suffering from trench feet, due to which untreated.
“Hell is not a fire. Hell is mud.” Read a French Journal, Le Bochofage in March 1916.
Despite the challenging circumstances, Indian soldiers played an important role in many major battles in Nuve-Chapel, Givenchi-Lace-La-Basi, Festubert, Ober Ridge and Louz.
“While the Indian soldier fought bravely in France, there were shortcomings in their organization and training. Replacement of the same class composition was not possible and the official replacement which knew that the language of the men knew. Like the heroes. And a book at the Indian war monument around the world says that flexibility, determination and courage appeared for the Indian soldier.
The 129th Balochis and 57th wild rifles from the Lahore Division were also sent as reinforcement for the Cavalry Corps of Elli in YPRES in Belgium.
In the battle of YPRES in October-November 1914, Sipoy Khudad Khan of the 129th Balochis continued to use his machine gun until his position was over by the German soldiers. He was awarded the Victoria Cross, Britain’s Supreme Bravery Award, to become the first Indian to receive the honor.
In November 1914, the first battalion 39th Garhwal Rifles was ordered to re -acquire a part of the German occupied trenches. Naik Darvan Singh, leading scouts, continued to lead from the front until all the trenches were cleaned despite being seriously injured. He became the second Indian soldier to be honored with the Victoria Cross.
In the second battle of YPRES in April 1915, chemical weapons were first used and Indian soldiers were one of the first people to suffer the effects of chlorine gas on humans.
Letter from front
Some letters of Indian soldiers were issued by the British Library to his families, which revealed their experiences during the war.
A soldier from Ludhiana wrote, “Don’t be sad at my death because I will die with weapons in my hand, wearing a warrior clothes. It’s the death of the happiest that anyone can die. I am very sorry that I am very sorry that I am not able Hoon, discharge my obligations towards my family because God has already called me. “
Another soldier wrote in Garhwali, “It is very difficult to tolerate bombs, tolerate the father. It will be difficult for anyone to survive and get safe from war. The son who is very lucky will see his father and mother. , Otherwise, who can do it?
