India Command facts for kids

GHQ India, or General Headquarters India, was the main command center for the British Indian Army. It was created in 1903 during the time when Britain ruled India, known as the British Raj. The person in charge was the Commander-in-Chief, India. This commander controlled the entire Army of India.

The Commander-in-Chief reported to the Viceroy of India. The Viceroy was the highest British official in India. GHQ India made sure all parts of the army had what they needed. The headquarters was first in Calcutta and Simla. Simla was the winter capital. In 1911, the main office moved to New Delhi.

GHQ India was responsible for military operations in many areas. This included parts of the Middle East, like Aden Settlement and Iraq. Before 1943, it also oversaw Ceylon and Burma.

By 1945, the Commander-in-Chief had a huge army. There were about 2,000 officers and 2.5 million troops. In 1947, India became independent. GHQ India was then renamed Army HQ when India was divided.

GHQ India's Role in World War II

During World War II, GHQ India played a key role. It helped manage troops and supplies. The war changed how different commands worked together.

Controlling Troops in the Middle East

In late 1939, the British leaders reviewed military control. They decided that troops in Iraq would be managed by Middle East Command. However, GHQ India still provided most of the soldiers. It also made sure they had supplies.

In March 1941, before the Anglo-Iraqi War, Iraq briefly came under India's control again. But when fighting started, Middle East Command took charge. After the fighting ended in June 1941, control returned to GHQ India. India finally stopped being responsible for Persia and Iraq in August 1942. A new command, Persia and Iraq Command, was then created.

Managing Forces in Southeast Asia

In December 1941, Burma was transferred to India Command. Before this, it was part of British Far East Command. After a command called ABDACOM was dissolved in February 1942, India also became responsible for Ceylon.

During this time, some Chinese and American units also worked with India Command. These duties continued until August 1943. That's when the South East Asia Command (SEAC) was formed.

India Command's New Responsibilities

When SEAC was created, military control was split into three main areas. The China Theatre was led by Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek. SEAC was a joint British-American command. It was led by Lord Mountbatten. SEAC was in charge of operations in Burma, Ceylon, Malaya, and Sumatra.

India Command, led by General Auchinleck, had new duties. It was responsible for developing India as a military base. It also handled security within India. And it defended India's North West Frontier. India Command also trained, equipped, and moved forces for SEAC.