6th (Poona) Division

The 6th (Poona) Division was a division of the British Indian Army. It was formed in 1903, following the Kitchener reforms of the Indian Army.

For the World War II formation, see 6th Infantry Division (India).

World War I

The 6th (Poona) Division served in the Mesopotamian campaign. Led by Major General Barrett then Major General Townshend, the division were the first British Indian troops to land in Mesopotamia in November 1914 at the Fao Landing. After a string of early successes, the 6th Division was delivered a setback at the Battle of Ctesiphon in November 1915. Following this engagement, the division withdrew back to Kut, where Townshend made the decision to hold the city. After a lengthy siege by the Ottomans, Townshend surrendered on April 29, 1916.[1] 10,061 troops and 3,248 followers were taken captive.[2] Following the surrender, the garrisoned force conducted a forced march back to Anatolia. The suffering of the enlisted soldiers was particularly egregious, and over 4,000 died in captivity.[2]

After the surrender, the Poona Division ceased to exist until another 6th Division was raised in 1920 for the Iraq Rebellion.[2]

Order of Battle December 1914

Divisional Commanders

This list is incomplete.

See also

References
  1. Gardner 2004, pp. 307–326
  2. Perry 1993, p. 78

Bibliography
  • Gardner, Nikolas (July 2004). "Sepoys and the Siege of Kut-Al-Amara, December 1915-April 1916". War in History. 11 (3). doi:10.1191/0968344504wh302oa.
  • Haythornthwaite, Philip J. (1996). The World War One Source Book. London: Arms and Armour Press. ISBN 1-85409-351-7.
  • Perry, F.W. (1993). Order of Battle of Divisions Part 5B. Indian Army Divisions. Newport: Ray Westlake Military Books. ISBN 1-871167-23-X.


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