[2] The division sailed for France from Bombay on 16 October 1914 under the command of Major General Hew Fanshawe.
A large number of early officer casualties affected the division's later performance.
British officers who understood the language, customs and psychology of their men could not be quickly replaced and the alien environment of the Western Front affected the soldiers.
[3] The division served in France and Flanders, held in reserve for the expected breakthrough.
It provided dismounted parties for trench duty and in 1917 fought as a division in the Battle of Cambrai during the German counter-stroke of 30 November – 3 December.