A Global War

Many nations contributed combat forces and support to the Allied war effort

india

Of the estimated 4 million men of non-white heritage who were mobilised during the First World War, the largest proportion came from India, totalling 1.5 million by the end of the war. They served across the many fronts of the conflict, in Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

China

Although neutral at the start of the war, China heeded the call from Britain and France for additional labour support in Europe and would ultimately declare war on Germany and Austro-hungary in 1917. The Chinese Labour Corps contributed 140,000 men for manual labour and support work.

French Africa

Britain, France and Germany each drew from their imperial colonies for support during the war. France drew especially from the African continent with men from French West Africa, Algeria, Tunisia, Madagascar and Somalia all mobilised, some of whom would go on to fight in Europe right through the occupation of the Rhineland until 1930.

West Indies

Formed of volunteers from the Caribbean, the British West Indies Regiment totalled around 15,000 men. Many joined hoping to break through prejudice barriers by proving their worth; however racial discrimination was still prevalent, as evidenced by their treatment after the armistice that lead to the Taranto revolt in 1918.

The Dominions

A total of 1.3 million additional men came from the dominions of Canada, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and Newfoundland to contribute to the British war effort. They fought across the many fronts of the war, including on the Western front and alongside soldiers from across the rest of the British Empire.