Imperial Service Troops

The Imperial Service Troops (IST) were forces raised by the Princely States of the British Indian Empire. These troops were available for service alongside the Indian Army when such service was requested by the British government.

They were formed in 1885 under the pretext of supporting India against the threat of Russian invasion. The IST were supplied and largely trained by officers of the Indian Army and were expanded and elected to fight alongside the British Army or the Indian Army, during the two world wars. In 1920, they were renamed the Indian States Forces.

External Links

Imperial Service Troops Wikipedia
Imperial Service Troops 1903 Wikipedia
Imperial Service Troops 1888-1918 webstats.ordersofbattle.darkscape.net