Indian troops by Uganda Railway, East Africa
Technical Data
| Stamp Set | India in World War I : Major Battle Theatres |
|---|---|
| Date of Issue | August 20, 2019 |
| Denomination | Rs. 5 |
| Quantity | 500,000 |
| Perforation | 13¼ x 13¾ |
| Printer | Security Printing Press, Hyderabad |
| Printing Process | Wet Offset |
| Watermark | No Watermark |
| Colors | Multicolor |
| Credit (Designed By) | Sh. Brahm Prakash |
| Catalog Codes |
Michel IN 3548 Stamp Number IN 3133 Yvert et Tellier IN 3228 Stanley Gibbons IN 3626 |
| Themes | Army | Battle | First World War |
The Unsung Backbone of the African Campaign
The First World War (1914–1918) was not just fought in the trenches of Europe it spanned continents, seas, and deserts. One of the most remarkable yet lesser-known chapters of India’s contribution to the Great War unfolded in East Africa, where Indian soldiers, engineers, and labourers played a pivotal role in building and defending the Uganda Railway, a lifeline that powered the Allied war effort against German East Africa (present-day Tanzania).
India’s Role Beyond Borders
Though still a British colony, India actively supported the war effort, hoping to earn greater political autonomy. Nearly 1.4 million Indian soldiers served overseas, from the sands of Mesopotamia to the forests of Africa, and over 74,000 laid down their lives. Their courage earned 9,200 gallantry awards, including 11 Victoria Crosses.
Among their many theatres of service, East Africa was one of the toughest. The terrain was harsh, the weather unforgiving, and tropical diseases took a heavy toll. Yet, Indian troops and workers displayed exemplary endurance in maintaining vital supply lines through the Uganda Railway.
The Uganda Railway – Artery of the African Campaign
The Uganda Railway, stretching from Mombasa on the Indian Ocean to Lake Victoria, was crucial for moving troops, supplies, and equipment during the war. When hostilities began, Indian Expeditionary Force “B” and “C” were deployed to East Africa to secure the railway and counter German advances.
Indian soldiers were not only warriors but also builders. Engineers, railway personnel, and pioneers from India repaired damaged lines, constructed bridges, and laid new tracks under fire ensuring uninterrupted movement for Allied forces. Their skill in logistics and railway management, honed during India’s own massive rail expansion, became a key strategic advantage in Africa.
Valour and Sacrifice
Despite being thousands of miles from home, Indian troops fought with distinction in East Africa from the coastal battles near Tanga to the dense interiors where guerrilla warfare raged. Many perished not only in combat but also from malaria, dysentery, and heat exhaustion, the silent enemies of the campaign.
Their steadfastness under extreme adversity exemplified the spirit of the Indian soldier disciplined, resilient, and committed to duty beyond expectation.
A Legacy Remembered
The contribution of Indian troops on the Uganda Railway stands as a powerful symbol of courage and global reach. Their service ensured that the British Empire could sustain its forces deep inside Africa a factor that significantly shaped the outcome of the East African campaign.
Today, as India reflects on its multifaceted role in the First World War, the toil and sacrifice of those who served along the Uganda Railway deserve a place of honour. Through commemorative stamps and memorials, their story lives on a tribute to those who helped keep the wheels of war turning on distant African soil.