The Cavalry Division was formed in 1916 during First World War by units of the British Army and the British Indian Army stationed in India for service in Mesopotamia in the Mesopotamia Campaign.

In 1918 it fought at the Battle of Sharqat and was present at the occupation of Mosul at the end of the campaign, shortly after the armistice.

It was formed in September 1917 from three cavalry regiments sent from India and an artillery battery sent from the Western Front.

Its machinegun squadron and other support units were assembled in Mesopotamia.

It fought at the action of Khan Baghdadi and the Battle of Sharqat.