This is an excellent book. I have read a few other books on the role of the Indian soldiers in World War I, and they have been written by civilians.

Gordon Corrigan is an army man, and his treatment of the subject reflects his background. The book is precise, with no hyperbole.

Gordon Corrigan has done his research well, and has done a lot to separate myth from historical fact.

Where the Indian soldiers are to be praised, he does so, and where they have made errors, he has pointed them out. Through the book, I could make out his deep respect for the soldiers, and their contribution to the war effort.

What always needs to be borne in mind, is that the Indian soldiers had never been trained to fight in the trenches. The policy of building reserves also meant that some of the men who came into battle without adequate training. They fought in the cold, wet winter in uniforms meant for the tropics. They innovated by making bombs of local material, and through their time in Europe, they fought with gallantry.

This comes through, and for this, India owes Gordon Corrigan a debt of gratitude.
I like this book, and consider it essential reading for anyone interested in the role of the Indian soldiers in the European front of World War I. ( )