General Interest

The Chattri (which means umbrella in Hindi, Punjabi and Urdu) is a monument located in the South Downs near Patcham dedicated to the Indian Soldiers who died in the First World War.

Around 12,000 Indian soldiers who were wounded on the Western Front were brought to the Brighton area and treated for their injuries at sites such as The Royal Pavillion which was converted into a hospital. 

The Chattri - watching over memories

The funeral rites of those who died were adhered to accordingly – the Muslim soldiers were buried at a purpose built cemetery near the Shah Jehan Mosque in Woking and the Hindu and Sikh soldiers were cremated at the site at which the Chattri now stands and their ashes were scattered at sea.

This year marked the 85th anniversary of the Chattri, originally unveiled by the Prince of Wales in 1921.

The Patcham branch of the British Legion used to organise an annual pilgrimage to the Chattri, but were unable to carry on doing so and since 2000 local teacher Davinder Dhillon has organised the service which takes place in June every year.

This year’s service took place on Sunday 18th June and included prayers lead by a Sikh priest and songs of tribute performed by members of the Hindu Women’s Group.You can hear the stories of some of those who were at the service by following the links in this story and on this page.

View the photo gallery for pictures of this year’s service…