Pilgrimage for Noor
An aviation enthusiast’s special mission to honour a Second World War agent in occupied France.
© South Asian Heritage Trust | All Rights Reserved
The National Memorial Arboretum, part of the Royal British Legion, in Staffordshire, is a year-round centre for Remembrance, spanning 150 acres of picturesque countryside. It stands as a living tribute to the bravery of those who have served and sacrificed in service to their country and community.
As you enter the National Memorial Arboretum, the vastness of the space envelopes you. At its heart is the nationally significant Armed Forces Memorial which remembers those members of the Services who have been killed since the Second World War while on duty or on operations. More than 16,000 names are inscribed on the memorial including those of members from South Asian heritage. There are more than 400 other monuments on the site to explore, including many with connections to the South Asian community.
Your first stop is the Sikh Memorial. As you approach, the statue of a resolute Sikh soldier catches your eye. With his turbaned head held high, he represents the valour of the 130,000 Sikh soldiers who served in the First World War. The memorial stands tall, bearing inscriptions that honour their bravery and dedication. You can take a moment to reflect on the courage it took for these soldiers to fight far from home.
Nearby are two memorials to infamous ‘Death Railways’ – the Sumatra Railway and the Burma Railway Memorials. They serve to remind of the appalling conditions endured by Allied prisoners of war in the Far East during the Second World War who suffered and died during the forced labour of constructing the ‘Death Railways’.
The Burma Railway Memorial stands against a backdrop of serene greenery and is constructed from some of the original rails and sleepers. A bench is available at the side of the rails, for you to sit and reflect.
The memorials stand as a symbol of resilience and solidarity, a reminder that the bonds of humanity can persevere even in the face of hardship.
Opposite the railways, you arrive at the Far East Prisoners of War Building created by the Children and Families of the Far East Prisoners of War (COFEPOW). Stepping inside, you are transported back in time. The timber building houses a collection of artifacts and exhibits that tell the stories of those who endured captivity in the Far East. It is a place of Remembrance and education, ensuring that the experiences of these prisoners of war are never forgotten.
As you continue your journey around the Arboretum, you encounter hundreds of memorials, each with its own profound significance, sited among the thousands of trees.
The National Memorial Arboretum stands as a place of reflection where the stories of those who served and sacrificed are not forgotten and the baton of Remembrance is passed on through the generations.
More information can be found at:
An aviation enthusiast’s special mission to honour a Second World War agent in occupied France.
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.
The story behind the tribute to commemorate the service of Sikh members of the Armed Forces.
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 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
