12th Indian Division
| 12th Indian Division | |
|---|---|
| Active | 1915–1916 |
| Country | India |
| Allegiance | British Crown |
| Branch | British Indian Army |
| Type | Infantry |
| Size | Division |
| Engagements |
Battle of Shaiba Battle of Khafajiya Battle of Nasiriya |
| Commanders | |
| Notable commanders | Major General Gerald Frederick Gorringe |
The 12th Indian Division was formed in March 1915 from units of the British Indian Army. It formed part of the Tigris Corps, for service during the Mesopotamia Campaign of World War I. The Division arrived in Mesopotamia in April 1915 and remained there until it was broken up in March 1916. The Division's brigades remained in Mesopotamia as independent formations until forming part of the 15th Indian Division in May 1916.[1] During its short existence it fought in a number of actions including the Battle of Shaiba between April 12–14, 1915, the Battle of Khafajiya between May 14–16, 1915, the Battle of Nasiriya between July 5, 13-14, 24 1915, where 400 British and Indian soldiers were killed in the battle and up to 2,000 Turkish Soldiers. The Occupation of Nasiriya and the affair at Butanuja, January 14, 1916.[1]
Formation
12th Indian Brigade
- Commanding Officer, Brigadier K E Lean
- 2nd Btn Queen's Own Royal West Kent Regiment
- 4th Prince Albert Victor's Rajputs
- 44th Merwara Infantry
- 90th Punjabis [1][2]
30th Indian Brigade
- Commanding Officer, Major General C J Melliss
- 24th Punjabis
- 76th Punjabis
- 2/7th Gurkha Rifles [1][2]
33rd Indian Brigade
- Commanding Officer, Brigadier R Wapshare
- 1/4th Btn Hampshire Regiment
- 11th Rajputs
- 66th Punjabis
- 67th Punjabis [1][2]
Divisional Cavalry
Divisional Artillery
- 86 Heavy Bty Royal Garrison Artillery
- 104 Heavy Bty Royal Garrison Artillery
- 1/5th Hants Howitzer Bty Royal Field Artillery [1][2]
Divisional Engineers
References
Further reading
- Perry, F.W. & Becke, A.F. (1945). History of the Great War: Order of Battle of Divisions: Indian Army Divisions Pt. 5B. London HMSO. ISBN 1-871167-23-X
- Haythornthwaite P.J. (1992). The World War One Sourcebook, Arms and Armour Press.
- Moberly, F.J. (1923). Official History of the War: Mesopotamia Campaign, Imperial War Museum. ISBN 1-870423-30-5
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