The First World War (1914-1918) was one of the deadliest conflicts in human history, drawing in nations from across the world. While much has been written about the contributions of European and American forces, the role of Indian soldiers—particularly those from the northeastern state of Meghalaya—remains largely forgotten. Among the countless men who answered the call of duty were members of the Garo community, who were recruited by the British to serve in the war effort. Their journey, hardships, and sacrifices remain an overlooked chapter in both Indian and global history.

India’s Role in World War I

India played a crucial role in the First World War as a British colony, contributing over 1.3 million soldiers and laborers to the war effort. These individuals served in various capacities—some fought on the front lines in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, while others worked in non-combat roles such as construction and logistical support. More than 60,000 Indian soldiers lost their lives during the war, making it one of the most significant contributions of any colonial force.

However, within this massive contingent of Indian manpower, the contributions of soldiers and laborers from the Northeast, including Meghalaya, have largely remained hidden from mainstream historical narratives.

The Recruitment of the Garo Labour Corps

In 1917, as the war raged on, the British sought additional manpower for their labor corps, particularly to assist in the Western Front in France. They turned to India’s Northeast, a region known for its strong and resilient indigenous communities. Among the tribes of Meghalaya, the Garos were particularly targeted for recruitment.

The British colonial administration recruited approximately 1,000 men from various parts of the Garo Hills, including Tura, Baghmara, and Nishangram. These men, mostly farmers and hunters with little exposure to the outside world, were enlisted into what would become known as the 69th Garo Labour Corps.

After rigorous medical examinations, only about 500 of these recruits were deemed fit for service. Eventually, 456 Garos were selected and sent overseas to serve on the Western Front. This was a monumental event, as many of these men had never traveled beyond their home villages, let alone embarked on a journey across the seas to war-torn Europe.

The Journey to the Western Front

The journey from Meghalaya to Europe was long and arduous. The Garo recruits were first transported to training camps in India before embarking on a sea voyage to France. Arriving in Europe in October 1917, they were stationed in Puisieux, a small commune in northern France.

The Garo Labour Corps was primarily assigned non-combat duties. Their responsibilities included:

• Building and repairing roads crucial for transporting troops and supplies.
• Digging trenches and constructing fortifications to protect Allied soldiers.
• Salvaging materials from battlefields in war-torn areas.
• Transporting arms, ammunition, and medical supplies to various sectors of the front line.

These tasks, though non-combatant in nature, were physically demanding and dangerous. The laborers worked under extreme conditions, often exposed to shellfire, freezing temperatures, and the constant threat of disease.

Hardships and Sacrifices

Life in the trenches and labor camps was brutal. Many of the Garo men were unaccustomed to the harsh European winters and struggled to survive in the frigid climate. Malnutrition, exhaustion, and disease took a heavy toll on the recruits. The dangers of war were ever-present; even though they were not frontline soldiers, they were often stationed close to combat zones, making them vulnerable to enemy attacks and artillery bombardments.

Among the many hardships faced by the Garo Labour Corps, sickness was one of the deadliest. Many perished from influenza, dysentery, and other illnesses, with limited access to medical care. Due to the lack of proper records, the exact number of casualties from the Garo Labour Corps remains unknown, but it is believed that only a handful of the 456 men sent to France made it back home.

The Impact on Meghalaya and the Garos

For those who survived and returned to Meghalaya, the war experience was transformative. These men, who had been largely isolated from global affairs before the war, came back with new perspectives on the world. Their exposure to different cultures, languages, and modern warfare played a role in reshaping the Garo community in the years that followed.

One significant change was the spread of Western education and Christianity among the Garos. Many of the returning laborers brought back stories of Europe, inspiring younger generations to pursue education and seek new opportunities beyond their traditional way of life. Some veterans even played a role in the increasing influence of Christianity, as British missionaries found it easier to spread their message through those who had already interacted with European society.

Despite their sacrifices and contributions, the Garos who served in the war did not receive the recognition they deserved. Unlike other Indian regiments, who were awarded medals and pensions, many of the men from the Garo Labour Corps returned home to a life of obscurity, with little to no acknowledgment of their role in the war.

Memorializing the Forgotten Heroes

Today, while memorials for Indian soldiers exist in places like the Neuve-Chapelle Memorial in France, which honors over 4,700 Indian soldiers who died in the war, there are no significant memorials in Meghalaya to commemorate the contributions of the Garo Labour Corps.

However, in recent years, efforts have been made to bring this forgotten history to light. Historians, local organizations, and scholars have been advocating for greater recognition of Meghalaya’s role in World War I. Events have been organized to honor the descendants of these forgotten warriors, and there is a growing call for a permanent memorial to be built in their honor.

In a time when the contributions of indigenous and marginalized communities to global history are increasingly being acknowledged, it is crucial that the sacrifices of Meghalaya’s First World War heroes are not forgotten.

The story of Meghalaya’s forgotten First World War heroes is a powerful reminder of the contributions made by India’s Northeast to global conflicts. The men of the 69th Garo Labour Corps may not have carried rifles into battle, but their efforts were indispensable to the war effort. Their journey from the hills of Meghalaya to the battlefields of Europe is a testament to human resilience, sacrifice, and the unrecognized role of indigenous communities in world history.

As we commemorate over a century since the First World War, it is time to bring these stories into the mainstream, ensuring that the sacrifices of these men are remembered and honored for generations to come.

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