The Indian subcontinent (present-day India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka) contributed 2.5 million servicemen and women, the largest volunteer army in history, to the Allied cause during the Second World War. In addition, it is estimated that some 14 million Indians took part in other forms of war work, notably as merchant seamen, air services ground staff, munitions workers and nurses.

During the war, over 700 young semi-skilled workers from India took part in a training scheme in the UK, introduced by Bevin in October 1940, which was primarily intended to improve munitions production in India. The trainees were required to have some knowledge of English and 3 years industrial experience. After arrival, they were sent to the Letchworth Training Centre for preliminary training as fitters and machine operators and then for further training in Manchester before completing the 6 months' course with private employers.

Title	Indian Workers on the Home Front, 1940
Maker	--
Production Date	1940
Format	Postcard
Copyright	--
Holding Institution	TUC Library Collections, London Metropolitan University
Related Objects	--
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