A supply convoy en route to the Soviet Union passing Indian Army soldiers, Iran, 1944

Photograph, World War Two, Middle East, 1944.

The British and Soviets invaded Iran in August 1941 to secure Persian oil fields and ensure supply lines for the Soviets fighting against Germany on the Eastern Front. The 'Persian Corridor' provide a massive flow of supplies (over five million tons) from the Allies to the USSR. Indian soldiers from the 8th and 10th Indian Infantry Divisions, 2nd Indian Armoured Brigade and 21st Indian Infantry Brigade took part in the invasion and subsequent occupation.

One of 41 official photographs of Aid to Russia Route through Persia, 1944.