It was formed in October 1914 to replace the original 6th (Poona) Division that had been mobilized in September 1914 for service in Mesopotamia.

It was renamed as Poona Division in June 1917 and remained in India throughout the war.

At the outbreak of the First World War, the 6th (Poona) Division was mobilized in September 1914 and sailed from Bombay on 16 October for Mesopotamia.

From early 1918, the division was responsible for a significant part of the expansion of the British Indian Army.

[2] In 1918, the division was responsible for posts and stations at Ahmednagar, Anandi, Arangaon, Belgaum, Dhond, Kirkee, Kholapur, Manmad, Poona and Satara.