Skip to content 
Search

Latest Stories

'Recognise Commonwealth soldiers' services during World War II'

The letter pointed out that service personnel from across the Commonwealth had fought important battles across the world – from Monte Cassino in Italy to Burma

'Recognise Commonwealth soldiers' services during World War II'

Military veterans, politicians, historians, faith and civil society groups have written a joint letter on Tuesday (June 4) stating that while marking the 80th anniversary of D-Day this week, we should recognise the contributions made by the troops from various Commonwealth countries during the second world war.

The D-Day marks the landing of Allied forces on the German-occupied Normandy beach in France on June 6, 1944.


The letter pointed out that in the same year service personnel from across the Commonwealth had fought important battles across the world - from Monte Cassino in Italy to Burma and Northern India.

The 1944 Victoria Cross roll of honour includes Sikh, Muslim and Hindu soldiers from India, as well as Nepalis from the Gurkha regiments.

The letter called for honouring all those who served and added, “The service of Commonwealth forces as part of the British Empire in WW2… has shaped the multi-ethnic and multi-faith society we share today.”

The signatories include a former Chief of the General Staff and Chief of the Defence Staff; the Director-General of the Royal British Legion; as well as leading historians and faith and charity leaders.

A poll by thinktank British Future said that while six in ten Britons (62 per cent) are aware that large numbers of soldiers from India fought for the Allies in the Second World War, but only 35 per cent know about the service of those from Jamaica and just 30 per cent know that Kenyans also fought for Britain.

Only 38 per cent know that large numbers of Muslim soldiers fought for Britain, yet up to 2.5 million people from pre-partition India fought in WW2, many of them Muslims from present-day Pakistan.

Some 85 per cent of the public agrees that we should commemorate all those who fought for Britain in the world wars, regardless of where they came from.

Sunder Katwala, Director of Integration, British Future, said, "The country’s diversity owes much to the legacy of Empire, and troops from across that Empire fought alongside British forces in the Second World War. This is shared history, across people from different backgrounds, which we should remember together."

“Most people now know that Indian soldiers fought in the world wars – but fewer know that a third were Muslim or about the contributions of other minority faiths. Raising public awareness, by the time we mark the VE Day anniversary next year, can help build a shared sense of identity today.”

Dr Irfan Malik, a Nottingham GP whose grandfathers were Burma Star veterans in the second World War (and whose great-grandfathers served in WW1) said, “Researching about my ancestors’ involvement in the World Wars has transformed my thoughts about remembrance, making me feel more British. I do think that educating the public about the service of Black and Asian soldiers could help make moments like D-Day 80 and Armistice Day feel more relevant to people from all backgrounds in Britain today.”

Dr Ghee Bowman, whose latest book ‘The Great Épinal Escape’ tells the story of 500 Indian POWs who escaped just weeks before D-Day, lamented that very little is known about the Indian, African and Caribbean soldiers who served in the Second World War.

"Indians were evacuated at Dunkirk alongside British troops. The Épinal escape was much bigger than Stalag Luft III and happened around the same time, yet never made it into the movies. It’s important these stories are shared and heard more widely,” he added.

More For You

National Trust sets vision to heal
nature and engage more Asians

Lisa Nandy, Steve Reed, René Olivieri and Hilary McGrady at a National Trust event marking its 130th anniversary

National Trust sets vision to heal nature and engage more Asians

THE National Trust, which is seeking to broaden its appeal to British Asians, is marking its 130th anniversary with a renewed commitment to restoring nature and widening access under a 10-year strategy.

Its director-general, Hilary McGrady, also aims to inspire more people to get involved in caring for the country’s natural resources.

Keep ReadingShow less
 7/7 bombings

The King said the public should draw on the 'extraordinary courage and compassion' shown in response to the attacks. (Photo credit: X/@RoyalFamily)

Starmer and King Charles pay tribute on 20th anniversary of 7/7 bombings

PRIME MINISTER Keir Starmer and King Charles on Monday paid tribute to the unity shown in the aftermath of the 7 July bombings in London, as the country marked 20 years since the attacks.

On 7 July 2005, four Islamist extremists carried out suicide bombings at Aldgate Station, Edgware Road, King's Cross and Tavistock Square. The attacks killed 52 people and injured hundreds more.

Keep ReadingShow less
Navroop Singh

Navroop Singh was convicted of five charges including rape and was sentenced on July 4 at Isleworth Crown Court. (Photo credit: Metropolitan Police)

Man jailed for life over rape and attempted rape in west London

A 24-year-old man has been sentenced to life in prison for rape, attempted rape and firearm offences following a Metropolitan Police investigation in west London.

Navroop Singh, of Mellow Lane East, Hayes, was convicted of five charges including rape and was sentenced on Friday, July 4 at Isleworth Crown Court. He must serve a minimum of 14 years.

Keep ReadingShow less
Lepra

'The 100 Club offers a powerful way to support and scale-up this work,' said the organisers.

Lepra launches 100 Club to support community-based leprosy detection

LEPRA launched its first high-value giving network, the 100 Club, on June 26. The event was held at Quilon Restaurant in London and brought together philanthropists, business leaders and supporters of the charity’s work.

The event was hosted by Kalpesh Solanki, Group Managing Editor of Asian Media Group and President of the 100 Club. Remarks were delivered by Lepra’s Chair of Trustees Suzanne McCarthy and CEO Jimmy Innes, who spoke about the organisation’s ASPIRE project.

Keep ReadingShow less
family-centre-iStock

Currently, one in four families with children under five do not have access to local children’s centres or Family Hubs. (Representational image: iStock)

£500 million plan to expand family services across England

THE UK government has announced the nationwide rollout of Best Start Family Hubs across every local authority, aiming to support 500,000 more children by 2028.

The hubs are intended to offer easier access to family services and reduce pressure on parents.

Keep ReadingShow less