Serving the Raj: The Indian Army and the War Effort of Rawalpindi in WWI

Abstract

World War, primarily, with the supplying of manpower to the Indian Army in which the district took lead in recruiting soldiers not only in Punjab but across India. After annexation of the Punjab military dependence on Punjab increased and the region emerged as a chief recruiting area for the Indian Army. Punjab made a great contribution during First World War. All of its
districts were mobilised for generating recruits. But the Rawalpindi district distinguished itself over and above. The changed system of recruitment backed by civil administration proved helpful in recruiting campaign in the district. Recruiting activities were intensified and the district provided the maximum number of recruits. Like recruitment, the district earned
prominence in Punjab in receiving the greatest number of military awards