Memorial honouring the service and sacrifice of the British Indian Army to be erected in Glasgow

Image by Facebook @Kelvingrove.GlasgowMuseums

The local council has approved plans to erect a memorial in honour of millions of Indian soldiers who fought alongside the British during the two world wars at the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in Glasgow.

The new British Indian Army Memorial is being led by the Colourful Heritage multimedia project, which celebrates the history of Scotland’s South Asian community. The structure is set to be Scotland’s first permanent memorial wall to recognise the service and sacrifice of 4 million soldiers who were fighting for the British Indian Army.

Glasgow City Council approved the gave the plans a go-ahead, enabling further finalisation of the designs which will be subject to certain conditions.

Colourful Heritage mentioned, “We aim for the memorial to represent the diversity of all the Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Gurkhas and more who fought alongside British troops in World War I and II.”

The memorial is reported to feature a Chattri (Dome), along with pillars which will feature a South Asian traditional design. The structure will be surrounded by benches for visitors to sit and reflect, and new cherry trees will be planted.

According to reports, the pupose behind the memorial is to represent the diversity of all Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Gurkhas and many others who fought alongside British troops during the First and Second World Wars. It will also serve as the special link between Scotland and Force K6, the all-Muslim Punjabi regiment that escaped from Dunkirk during World War II and made their way to Scotland. 

Glasgow Times mentioned that the next step will involve sending samples of the materials for the pavilion and surrounding blocks, and full details of the designs and content of carvings into the stone to the council for approval.

The call for such a memorial was backed by Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) last year.