WWI Indian soldiers honoured in special tribute

Twelve Indian soldiers who lost their lives during World War One have finally been remembered with a plaque at the site of a former military hospital.

The community in Bournemouth came together in the town gardens for the unveiling of the plaque which honoured Indian soldiers who volunteered to serve the British Army and fought bravely on the Western Front.

About 100 soldiers from the British Indian Army first arrived in Bournemouth to be cared for at the Mont Dore Hotel, now the Bournemouth Civic Centre.

Former councillor Harmeet Singh Brar said: "It is the story of a country that opened its doors and welcomed people with a shared mission to fight for freedom."

The 12 soldiers who tragically died from their injuries were buried in Bournemouth cemeteries.

The soldiers honoured were: Daffadar Imam Ali Khan, Driver Budha, Lance Naick Lakhman Singh, Daffadar Bishan Singh, Riflemen Har Singh Negi, Gajle Pun, Himan Singh Gurung and Dilmani Thapa, as well as infantry Munsha Singh, Sant Ram, Meher Khan and Kesar Sing.

Singh Brar said the gathering was "a very emotional and special tribute, full of happy emotions".

He explained that this project had taken five years to come together and he is proud that the 12 Indian soldiers "finally have officially been recognized for their service and sacrifice".

He said: "It was such a shame that these men and their stories had been forgotten.

"It is important to know their names, who they were and remember them for what they did for us and this country.

"Now their stories have come to life and they are getting the acknowledgement that they deserve.

"They will be remembered now and forever more, their story will be shared."

"We put their souls to rest and they are finally at peace," he added.

BCP Councillor Andy Martin said: "It has been a pleasure and a privilege for the council team to work with our Indian community to ensure there is a permanent memorial.

"I would like to pay a heartfelt tribute to the BPC Indian community, and especially Ramesh Lal, for their tireless efforts in making this happen 110 years on."

He added: "It is moments like this, that celebrate our shared history and values, that are so important and amidst the division we sadly see in our world today."