Legacy of Valour exhibition will be open to the public at Reading Town Hall from August 2 to August 31
READING, UK—The contribution of Sikh and other Indian soldiers in the First World War will be commemorated at a special exhibition in Reading.
Reading residents can acknowledge and appreciate the efforts of more than 1.5 million Indian soldiers who fought for Britain at the Legacy of Valour exhibition between Sunday August 2 and Monday August 31 at Reading Town Hall in Blagrave Street, Reading.
The free exhibition will display rare photographs of Indian soldiers, as well as highlighting the connection with Reading Town centre, where many Indians trained as Royal Flying Corps combat pilots.
The display will be opened on Saturday August 1 at a special ceremony by high commissioner of India to the UK Ranjan Mathai and her majesty’s lord lieutenant of Berkshire James Puxley.
Inderpal Dhanjal, Legacy of Valour project leader, said: “India provided Britain with a massive volunteer army in its hour of need. Over 1.5 million Indian soldiers and support personnel, one in six, served during 1914-18, fighting in all major theatres of war.
“The Legacy of Valour exhibition commemorates the remarkable but forgotten contribution of Sikh and other Indian soldiers in the First World War.
“We are expecting many distinguished guests at the opening of this exhibition, including local MPs, Member of House of Lords, Mayor, local councillors, representatives of faith and charity organisations, police, Home Office, armed forces as well as prominent community members.”
Legacy of Valour is a heritage project that was launched in October 2014 as part of the First World War centenary, with the aim of getting the Punjabi community living in Reading and Wokingham to learn, understand and share the contribution of Indian soldiers between 1914 and 1918.
The project is funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and the local Punjabi coummity. It is also supported by local organisations including: Berkshire WW1 project, Reading Museum, Reading Borough Council, Punjabi Community Association of Reading & Wokingham, Reading Library and the University of Reading.
In addition to the main gallery, a small display will be available to view on the ground floor of the museum until January 10.
