| 11th Indian Division | |
|---|---|
| Active | 24 December 1914 – 31 May 1915 |
| Country | India |
| Branch | British Indian Army |
| Type | Infantry |
| Size | Division |
| Engagements | World War I |
The11th Indian Division was aninfantrydivision of theBritish Indian Army duringWorld War I. It was formed in December 1914 with two infantrybrigades already inEgypt and a third formed in January 1915. After taking part in theActions on the Suez Canal, the division was dispersed as its brigades were posted away.
The division was commanded throughout its existence byMajor-General Alexander Wallace.[1]
The pre-war22nd (Lucknow) Brigade and the32nd (Imperial Service) Brigade (formed in October 1914)[2] were posted to Egypt to help defend theSuez Canal. The 11th Indian Division was formed on 24 December 1914 with these two brigades, and little else in terms of divisional troops. A third brigade (31st) was formed in January 1915 with other units already in Egypt. The division beat offTurkish attempts to cross theSuez Canal on 3–4 February 1915 in theActions on the Suez Canal.[3]
Thereafter, the division was dissolved in May 1915 with its brigades posted to the Suez Canal Defences. The brigades did not last much longer:[4] the 22nd and 32nd Brigades bere broken up in January 1916[2] and the 31st Brigade joined10th Indian Division at the same time, but was also broken up a month later.[2]
The division commanded the following units in January 1915:[5][6]