Indian Gunners in the RA

[Trevelyan]

Hi,

Can anyone explain the role in Indian Gunners in the Royal Artillery?

I noticed that there are 133 entries in the CWGC (listed under 'Indian Royal Artillery'), mostly for France, and while I was well aware of Indian Drivers and there NCOs in RA batteries, what role did Indian Gunners play? Were they side by side with British Gunners in the same batteries, or were there any (non-Mountain Gun) batteries made up purely of Indian gunners and drivers? Did they even man the big guns or was it purely a rank? I've noticed other references to Indian Gunners, for example in the 6th Ammunition Column RFA in Mespot.

I'm of course not referring to IA Mtn. Batteries.

Thanks,

Chris