Military History Lecture & Dinner

Military History Evening

Thursday, 4 April 2024

Topic: Indian Army at ANZAC

Guest Speaker: GPCAPT Christopher J Verco RFD Ret.

The five Indian Expeditionary Forces [IEF] contributed over one million combatant soldiers who served overseas with the British Forces in World War 1. Recently interest has emerged regarding the role of Indian troops and pride taken in the inheritance of family service medals. Indian troops had seen action in the first Battle of Ypres in October 1914 where their role was instrumental in preventing a German breakthrough.

Landing with ANZAC troops at ANZAC on 25th April 1915 were two batteries of Indian Mountain Artillery, troops of the Indian Supply and Transport Corps, and health and hygiene elements. Later, for the August Offensive, Indian infantry, mainly Gurkha battalions, landed at ANZAC for the first time and, with ANZAC and other British troops sought to take the high ground at Sari Bair. Concern was expressed that the IEF would rebel against the British and that the AIF would exhibit the characteristics of Australia’s selective immigration policy. There was no evidence of either of these issues arising. IEF and AIF troops related well to one another notwithstanding language problems.

Christopher J Verco will outline the role of the Indian Army at ANZAC.

Time: 1830 lecture begins; 1930 dinner

Members Price: $75.00; $15.00 lecture only

Non-Members: $85.00; $15.00 lecture only

Dress: Jacket and Tie

RSVP: By 5PM, Thursday 28 March 2024

(Bookings cancelled after the RSVP will incur a 50% charge of the ticket price)