It was mobilized as 9th (Secunderabad) Cavalry Brigade at the outbreak of the First World War and departed for France.

Kitchener identified the Indian Army's main task as the defence of the North-West Frontier against foreign aggression (particularly Russian expansion into Afghanistan) with internal security relegated to a secondary role.

The Army was organized into divisions and brigades that would act as field formations but also included internal security troops.

[6][7][8] On 24 November, Lieutenant Frank de Pass of the 34th Prince Albert Victor's Own Poona Horse won the Victoria Cross at Festubert.

At other times it was held in reserve in case of a breakthrough, although it did send parties to the trenches on a number of occasions.