The contribution of Sikh and other Indian soldiers in the First World War will be commemorated at a special exhibition in Reading. Reading residents can acknowledge and appreciate the efforts of more than 1.5 million Indian soldiers who fought for Britain at the Legacy of Valour exhibition between Sunday August 2 and Monday August 31 […]
The contribution of Sikh and other Indian soldiers in the First World War will be commemorated at a special exhibition in Reading.
Reading residents can acknowledge and appreciate the efforts of more than 1.5 million Indian soldiers who fought for Britain at the Legacy of Valour exhibition between Sunday August 2 and Monday August 31 at Reading Town Hall in Blagrave Street, Reading.
The free exhibition will display rare photographs of Indian soldiers, as well as highlighting the connection with Reading Town centre, where many Indians trained as Royal Flying Corps combat pilots.
The display will be opened on Saturday August 1 at a special ceremony by high commissioner of India to the UK Ranjan Mathai and her majesty’s lord lieutenant of Berkshire James Puxley.
Inderpal Dhanjal, Legacy of Valour project leader, said: “India provided Britain with a massive volunteer army in its hour of need. Over 1.5 million Indian soldiers and support personnel, one in six, served during 1914-18, fighting in all major theatres of war.
“The Legacy of Valour exhibition commemorates the remarkable but forgotten contribution of Sikh and other Indian soldiers in the First World War.
.”Legacy of Valour is a heritage project that was launched in October 2014 as part of the First World War centenary, with the aim of getting the Punjabi community living in Reading and Wokingham to learn, understand and share the contribution of Indian soldiers between 1914 and 1918.
The project is funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and the local Punjabi community. It is also supported by local organizations.
~ Source: getreading.co.uk