Volunteers undergoing physical checks, c.1943 (b/w photo)

Potential recruits to the 5th Mahratta Light Infantry undergo weight tests at the regimental depot at Belgaum. At the outbreak of World War Two, the Indian Army numbered around 200,000 men. As the war progressed the Army would expand to become the largest all-volunteer force in history, rising to over 2.5 million men in size. The 5th Mahratta Light Infantry was one of the many Indian regiments that grew enormously, from five regular battalions to over 20 wartime battalions. From album of 37 photographs associated with 5th Mahratta Light Infantry, compiled by Maj C W Boultwood, 1943 (c). Associated with World War Two (1939-1945).