Rifle Platoon (Indian) (BR782) The Indians fighting in the Mediterranean were part of the world’s largest ever-volunteer army (2.5 million). It was an army of Muslims, Hindus and Sikhs. They served together in spite of the mounting religious tension in India, which eventually led to partition. They ignored Mahatma Gandhi when he called on Britain to quit India in the middle of the war.

The Sikh soldiers came from families with a long tradition of serving in the same regiment. To them the regiment was their ’ma baap’ (mother and father). With the outbreak of war the traditional Indian army was not prepared, equipment and training were lacking. But the unique bond between British officers and Indian soldiers was the foundation on which an army 12 times larger than its peacetime strength was assembled.

Between the wars, a limited number of Indians had been commissioned as officers. Now many more were needed. Though the war was not India’s, Indians were among the most heroic, borne out by the fact that they won over 4,000 gallantry awards, among them almost 20 Victoria Crosses. Over 36,000 Indians were killed during the war and official estimates put the wounded at 64,000.

In Flames of War An Indian Rifle company can be created from their special rules on pages 57 and 58. They are Fearless Trained rather that Confident Veteran.     They also have two special rules, War Cry and North West Frontier.

War Cry Any platoon that is attempting to fire Defensive Fire against an Indian Platoon must take a Motivation test before doing so. • If they pass the Motivation test, they fire defensive fire as normal. • If they fail, the soldiers quail in fear and must re-roll to hit for any hits from the Defensive Fire assigned to Infantry teams.

North West Frontier Indian Infantry teams can attempt to cross Impassable cliffs and similar obstacles. To do so they must start their Movement step adjacent to the obstacle, be In Command and not be Pinned Down. Roll a Skill Test for each team instead of moving in the Movement step.     • If the test is successful the team crosses the obstacle, halting on the other side. • If the team failed the test it remains where it was. A team that attempts to cross an Impassable obstacle this way cannot shoot this turn, although it can assault. Designed by Evan Painted by Chris Such