Approach to Battle

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The Indian Army was the largest volunteer force during the Second World War, with over two million personnel serving across various theaters, including the Middle East, North Africa, and Italy, while also providing crucial supply bases for operations in South East Asia. This monograph presents a modern historical interpretation of the Indian Army as a cohesive organization during the war. It explores the development of a comprehensive training structure in India, which surpassed that of any other Commonwealth nation, facilitated by a dedicated group of Indian Army officers who fostered a military culture from the 1930s that matured during the war. The Indian Army was reorganized after World War I, evolving its training and operational beliefs for engagements on the North West Frontier and as support for civil authorities. With the onset of the Second World War, the army adapted to confront modern professional forces in challenging terrains such as deserts, jungles, and mountains. A systematic development of doctrine and training emerged, evidenced by numerous pamphlets produced by GHQ India, which informed training at various levels. By 1945, this focus on education and structured training transformed the Indian Army into a modern, professional, and national force.