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The Allied Forces were made up of approximately 20 million men from across the globe - the most multi-national and multi-cultural mobilized military that had ever existed.


When war was first declared, the Allies largely consisted of British and French troops. Soon after, men from the Commonwealth and across the British Empire swelled the ranks.


The British military had relied on the colonies to increase its strength, but this was different. Britain could not have survived without them.


Over 2.5 million Indians joined up, with 36,000 sacrificing their lives. Indian regiments fought bravely in North Africa, Italy and Burma – where the Ghurkhas galvanized their reputation for inconceivable bravery. India’s effort was rewarded with 4,000 decorated for gallantry and 31 men receiving the highest award for bravery – the Victoria Cross.


Incredibly, racism prevented black volunteers from African colonies and the Caribbean from being assigned to fighting duties. Bizarrely, the prejudiced British authorities didn’t consider it appropriate for black soldiers from friendly nations to kill white enemies.


The US military had 1.2 million African-Americans serving in World War II – only a fraction of them were allowed active service in the Battle of The Bulge in 1944.


Brazil also sent 24,000 troops to participate in the Allies invasion of Italy. Fact: 20 million men made up the Allied Forces during WWII, with many millions joining from British Empire and Commonwealth countries.