1.     WORLD WAR-I.  

Corps was first raised on 12 Aug 1917 for operations in the Middle East against the Turko-German coalition during World War I. As part of Gen Allenby’s Army, it took active part in the capture of Gaza and Jerusalem from Oct to Dec 1917. The Corps was de-mobilized in 1918 at the end of the War.

2.     WORLD WAR-II. 

Corps was raised once again in Feb 1942 for operations in the Middle East. Initially, the Corps was allotted the task of providing security to oil installations in Iran and Iraq. As the Axis threat did not materialise, formations of 21 Corps were despatch to other theatres of war. The Corps was again de-mobilized at the end of World War II.

3.     OPERATION PAWAN.

An adhoc HQ, Overall Force Command (HQ OFC), was raised at Chennai in Jul 1987 for Operation PAWAN based on a nucleus provided by HQ Southern Command. This HQ, under Lt Gen AS Kalkat, SYSM, AVSM, VSM