As Britain and the
Commonwealth prepare to mark Remembrance Day, the Commonwealth War
Graves Commission has released an introductory DVD about the
often-overlooked contribution made by servicemen from undivided
India during the First World War.
Every school in the UK will receive a copy of “Forever India”,
which tells the incredible story of the hundreds of thousands of
men who left their homes in the Indian sub-continent in order to
fight for the Empire.
The Indian Army’s contribution, both on the Western Front and
elsewhere, was vital and its involvement should never be
forgotten. More than 74,000 died in this conflict and their
stories of bravery and sacrifice are both inspirational and sobering.
The DVD makes fascinating viewing in its own right, but it is
just the first phase of a joint project between the Commonwealth
War Graves Commission and the Indian government, which will
explore both the First and Second World Wars in greater depth.
Alan Pateman-Jones, Director-General of the CWGC
said: “With this film, the Commission is telling a story
which many people remain unaware of. “Forever India” will allow
young people to uncover the personal accounts from Indian
servicemen and women who served and died, but whom the Commission
continues to honour at memorials and cemeteries around the World.”
“Forever India” can be viewed at www.cwgc.org/foreverindia
or by clicking here.
For further information, please contact the Commission’s PR
& Media Manager Ranald Leask on 01628 507204 or 07887
860541 or ranald.leask@cwgc.org
Ends.
Notes for Editors
1. The Commonwealth War Graves Commission
The Commonwealth
War Graves Commission is responsible for marking and maintaining
the graves of those members of the Commonwealth forces who died
during the two world wars, for building and maintaining memorials
to the dead whose graves are unknown and for providing records and
registers of these 1.7 million burials and commemorations found in
most countries throughout the world. For more information visit www.cwgc.org
2. “Forever India” is a 12 minute film which includes stories of
Muslim, Sikh, Hindu and Gurkha soldiers who served in the First
World War. It features Commission sites such as Brookwood Military
Cemetery in Surrey, England and the Neuve Chapelle Memorial in
France, which commemorates over 4,700 Indian soldiers who died on
the Western Front. The film also includes the unveiling of the new
screen wall at the Brighton Chattri, upon which 53 Indian
soldiers’ names are inscribed.
Contacts:
News Distribution Service NDS
Phone: 020 7261 8997
Fax:
020 7928 5696
nds@coi.gsi.gov.uk