Scotland’s First National British Indian Army (BIA) Memorial
Artists impression of Scotland’s First BIA Memorial Colourful Heritage, a charity based in Scotland were granted planning permission by Glasgow
Artists impression of Scotland’s First BIA Memorial Colourful Heritage, a charity based in Scotland were granted planning permission by Glasgow
The Lascars – thousands of seafarers from the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, the Arab world and Africa.
This year’s South Asian Heritage Month theme is powerfully reflected in the service of 2.5 million Indian soldiers who volunteered for the British Indian Army during the Second World War. As the largest volunteer force in history, they came from many faiths and ethnic backgrounds across the Indian subcontinent.
Sarojini Naidu was an early 20th century poet and prominent leader in India’s struggle for independence, as well as an advocate for social justice and women’s rights.
Mohammed Ali Anwar was a Captain Doctor with the British Army during WWII. His grandson Faryal Iqbal recalls a life of service where traditional Pakistani values merged with Western medical training.
Lance Naik Marudhiah enlisted in the British Indian Army on 9th December 1942, at the age of just 18.
Inayat Ali served in India and the Far East during WWII and was present at Partition in 1947. We spoke with his son, Raja Abdul Razak, and grandson Nadeem Fayaz about his military service and life after the War.
Four Generations of Service in the Bahra Family
The Gurkhas in the British Army have a reputation of being amongst the finest soldiers in the world. There are over 4,000 Gurkhas employed across many trades and all are recruited from Nepal, with many thousands of young people attempting selection every year. One of these was Arunhang in 1999.
His story, rooted in the earth of Punjab and culminating in the highest recognition for valour, is a testament to courage and devotion to service.
