Indian 4th Infantry Division

From Free net encyclopedia

The Indian 4th Infantry Division, of the Indian Army, is an infantry division that draws its roots to before Indian independence.

As with all formations in the British Indian Army prior to independence, it primarily had British officers and Indians in other ranks. However, it did include Indian officers with ranks as high as Captain or Major. During World War II, it took part in campaigns in North Africa and Italy.

During WWII, the division served first in Egypt where, as part of the Western Desert Force, it took part in Operation Compass. The division was at one point rushed to the British Sudan to protect the Suez Canal. On return to Egypt, the division then took part in the Syrian campaign before again being returned to Egypt. The division had the honour of capturing General von Arnim in Tunisia, bringing an end to the North African campaign.

The division then moved to Italy, where it took part in the battle for Monte Cassino, before being sent to Greece to help stabilise the country after the Axis withdrawal.

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Badge

The Division, known as Red Eagle due to its badge of a red eagle on a black background, is now a part of the Indian Army. Coming under the Central Command, it is headquartered in Allahabad.

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