Begum Pasha Shah: A Trailblazer in Indian Military History
Begum Pasha Shah etched her name in history as the first Muslim woman to join the Women’s Auxiliary Corps (WAC) in India.
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The National Memorial Arboretum, located in Staffordshire, England, is a 150-acre site dedicated to remembering those who have served and sacrificed for their country. Established by the Royal British Legion, it functions as a year-round centre for remembrance and education.
With over 400 memorials spanning a range of conflicts and services, the National Memorial Arboretum provides a permanent and moving tribute to courage and sacrifice. The prominent Armed Forces Memorial is a nationally significant monument that honours service members killed since the Second World War while on duty or operations. Over 16,000 names are inscribed on the memorial.
The Sikh Memorial features a statue of a resolute soldier, commemorating more than 130,000 Sikh soldiers who served in the First World War.
Two memorials, the Sumatra Railway and Burma Railway memorials, stand as stark reminders of a brutal period in history. These memorials honour the Allied prisoners of war in the Far East during the Second World War who suffered and died while forced to construct these railways under harsh conditions. The Burma Railway Memorial is built using the original rails and sleepers.
Located opposite the railway memorials is the Far East Prisoners of War Building, constructed by the Children and Families of the Far East Prisoners of War (COFEPOW). This building houses artefacts and exhibits that tell the stories of those who endured captivity in the Far East. It serves as a place of both remembrance and education, ensuring the experiences of these prisoners of war are not forgotten.
The Vera Atkins Memorial Seat in the Allied Special Forces Memorial Grove at the Arboretum, which was dedicated in September 2011, honours the missing women of F Section Special Operations Executive (SOE) including Noor Inayat Khan a British spy with Indian heritage, who was a vital part of the SOE in the Second World War. Despite capture and torture, she remained loyal, giving her life to protect Allied secrets and comrades.
The National Memorial Arboretum encompasses hundreds of memorials, each with its own unique story. Visitors can explore these memorials amidst the thousands of trees on the site. The Arboretum serves as a place for reflection, where the sacrifices of those who served are remembered and the importance of remembrance may be passed on to the next generation.
To learn more please visit the National Memorial Arboretum website
Begum Pasha Shah etched her name in history as the first Muslim woman to join the Women’s Auxiliary Corps (WAC) in India.
Gaje Ghale was born on 1 August 1918 in Barpak, Gorkha District, Nepal. Barpak, a small village nestled in the rugged terrains of the Himalayas, is in a region that has produced some of the most esteemed soldiers to have served in the armed forces.
Records indicate that no Victoria Crosses were awarded to Indian soldiers specifically for their actions at Monte Cassino during The Second World War. However, Indian soldiers played a significant role in the gruelling battles for Monte Cassino, with many displaying exceptional bravery. One soldier, Sepoy Kamal Ram of the 8th Punjab Regiment, did receive the Victoria Cross for his actions at the Garigliano River in Italy in May 1944.
The George Cross (GC) is the highest civilian gallantry award given in the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth.
The first of the Trust’s projects is the South Asian Heritage Month (SAHM), which first took place in 2020 and runs from the 18th of July to the 17th of August each year.
SAHM seeks to commemorate, mark and celebrate South Asian cultures, histories, and communities.
It seeks to understand the diverse heritage and cultures that continue to link the UK with South Asia.
© South Asian Heritage Trust | All Rights Reserved
