| 17th Indian Division | |
|---|---|
| Active | August 1917 – August 1923 |
| Country |  British India |
| Allegiance | British Crown |
| Branch |  British Indian Army |
| Type | Infantry |
| Size | Division |
| Part of | I Corps |
| Engagements | World War I |
| Commanders | |
| Notable commanders | Major-GeneralWebb Gillman Major-GeneralG.A.J. Leslie |
The17th Indian Division was formed in 1917 from units of theBritish Indian Army for service in theMesopotamia Campaign duringWorld War I. After the war, it formed part of the occupation force for Iraq and took part in theIraq Rebellion in 1920. In August 1923, the division was reduced to a single brigade.
The17th Indian Division started forming inMesopotamia from August 1917 with the50th,51st, and52nd Indian Brigades. Shortly after being formed, the 50th Brigade exchanged places with the34th Indian Brigade of15th Indian Division.[1]
Most of the infantrybattalions that had already been guarding lines of communications in Mesopotamia for some months, were somewhat acclimatized and accustomed to the country.[1] The division was involved in the action atFat-ha Gorge on theLittle Zab between 23–26 October 1918 and theBattle of Sharqat, 28–30 October 1918[2] under command ofI Corps[1]
At the end of the war, the 17th Division was chosen to form part of the occupation force for Iraq. It took part in theIraq Rebellion in 1920. In August 1923, the division was reduced to a single brigade; the last British troops left in March 1927 and the Indian ones in November 1928.[1]
The division commanded the following units, although not all of them served at the same time:[3]
The division was commanded from 25 August 1917 byMajor-GeneralW. Gillman. On 17 December 1917, Major-GeneralG.A.J. Leslie took command.[6]