Ghulam Hussain
A story of an ordinary man who served in extraordinary conditions in the Far East in the Second World War – as recalled by his son Mashuq Hussain OBE.
© South Asian Heritage Trust | All Rights Reserved
Stories of Remembrance
The Royal British Legion is committed to remembering the vital Service of millions of men and women from South Asia, and of South Asian descent, who have defended Britain and our ways of life we enjoy today. They have served alongside or within Britain’s Armed Forces, the emergency services and in countless other ways.
For example, The Indian Army raised, trained and deployed 2.5 million personnel during the Second World War – the largest volunteer army in history.
We explore this shared heritage of Service and Sacrifice through their stories, from one man’s remembrance of his father’s wartime experiences, to how people continue to commemorate those who have served. This ranges from devising a special tribute to Sikh service, to visiting inspirational places of Remembrance. Through actions like these, the contribution of those who have served, and sacrificed, is not forgotten.
Chattri Memorial
The Chattri Memorial honours the 53 men (37 Hindu and 16 Sikh) of the Indian Army who died of their wounds and illnesses obtained whilst serving on the Western Front from 1914 to 1915.
The Khanda Poppy Tribute
The story behind the tribute to commemorate the service of Sikh members of the Armed Forces.
Indian Army Memorial Room, Sandhurst
The Indian Army Memorial Room stands as a tribute to the rich history and enduring spirit of the Indian soldiers of the British Indian Army.
Pilgrimage for Noor
An aviation enthusiast’s special mission to honour a Second World War agent in occupied France.
The National Memorial Arboretum
Exploring some of the memorials with South Asian connections at the year-round centre for Remembrance.
There are millions of individual stories of service and sacrifice from men and women from South Asia.
Below are some inspiring stories that highlight their contribution:
The Sepoy- Khudadad Khan VC
Born in 1888 in the Punjab village of Dab, Khan was a Muslim Rajput. Khan’s parents died while he was a teenager, and he became
Hardit Singh Malik
Sardar Hardit Singh Malik was born on the 23rd November 1894 in Rawalpindi in West Punjab. Sent to England aged 14, he attended Eastbourne College,
Gabar Sing Negi VC
Born in Chambra, Uttarakhand in 1895, Gabar Sing Negi was just twenty years of age when, along with his comrades in 2nd Battalion 39th Garhwal
Manta Singh: A General Connection
Manta Singh joined the Indian Army from school in 1907. Promoted to Subedar, the equivalent of captain, he served in the 15th Ludhiana Sikhs alongside
Indra Lal Roy DFC
Indra Lal Roy was born in Calcutta on 2nd December 1898. His father was Director of Public Prosecutions in Calcutta, his mother ran their home
Lieutenant Mahesh Sharma, The Experience of War
In the 1930’s, for many young middle-class men from undivided India, a career in the Army was seen as an opportunity for advancement. Even when
Mohinda Singh Pujji DFC
After the fall of Dunkirk, it is said Britain stood alone. However, while Britain was alone in not being occupied, the men and women defending
Muhammad Ismael Khan, Prisoner of War
By mid-1945, the war in Europe had ended but for those fighting Imperial Japan, the war waged on. For the thousands of prisoners of the
Our South Asian Heritage Month Video
The Royal British Legion (RBL) is the UK’s largest charity dedicated to supporting the needs of the Armed Forces community, past and present, and their families.
The RBL is a champion of Remembrance and safeguards the Armed Forces Covenant.
It is well known for the annual Poppy Appeal and its emblem the red poppy. For further information, visit rbl.org.uk.
