A BRONZE sculpture that commemorates the 2.5million South Asian soldiers who served in the British Indian Army during the Second World War will go on display at Leicester Museum & Art Gallery from tomorrow (Friday 8 May).
Created by the renowned artist Mahtab Hussain, The Forgotten Army features five uniformed figures that represent the diversity of the British Indian Army – the largest volunteer force in history – including Gurkhas, Muslims, Sikhs and Hindus.
At the front of the sculpture, a female soldier holds the Royal Governor’s flag aloft, while around her, four figures represent the soldiers from South Asian communities who fought valiantly for freedom and democracy.
The Forgotten Army goes on display in Leicester as the nation marks the 81st anniversary of VE Day (8 May).
Assistant city mayor Cllr Vi Dempster said: “The Forgotten Army commemorates the brave men and women from South Asian communities whose service and sacrifice in the Second World War is often overlooked.
“It’s poignant that this sculpture will go on display in Leicester on the anniversary of VE Day, when we remember all those who served their nation and helped to end the war.”
Artist Mahtab Hussain said: “It’s important that all aspects of this story are told and everyone is included in Remembrance.
“The sculpture celebrates the contribution of the largest volunteer army in history and shows the impact of all faiths coming together and fighting for a bigger cause.”
The sculpture was unveiled in Liverpool last May to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day. It will remain on display in Leicester until Sunday 14 June, before moving to Huddersfield as part of its national tour.
The Forgotten Army is a collaboration between the Royal British Legion (RBL) and think tank British Future.
Antony Metcalfe, head of community engagement at the RBL, said: “The contributions from many different countries – including those in the Caribbean and South Asia – have moulded Britain as it is today. The very nature of Remembrance is about inclusivity and unity – all service should be recognised and remembered.”
Sunder Katwala, director of British Future, said: “We should never forget what we all owe to those who won the Second World War against fascism. South Asian soldiers were the largest volunteer army in history. Ensuring that their enormous contribution is fully recognised in our national story remains important work in progress.
“Our national traditions of Remembrance can bring today's modern, diverse Britain together ever more powerfully when we commemorate all of those who served to secure the freedoms that we enjoy today."
A roadshow at Leicester Museum on Saturday 16 May will provide lots of opportunities for families to find out more about the contribution of South Asian soldiers.
Forgotten Army Roadshow: South Asian Service in the World Wars runs from 11am-2pm and will include fun activities such as building a spitfire, wartime-themed dressing and free arts and crafts.
The Forgotten Army opens at Leicester Museum & Art Gallery tomorrow (Friday) and continues until Sunday 14 June.
More details of the Forgotten Army exhibition can be found here
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