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Indians’ Great War sacrifice honoured by Royal Navy’s Race Network
23 June 2025
Sailors from the Royal Navy’s Race Network made the pilgrimage to Brighton to remember Indians who died in the Great War.
They joined members of the Hindu and Sikh communities at the Chattri, the memorial built on the site in memory of 53 Indian soldiers were cremated, having succumbed to wounds or illness.
More than one and half million Indians fought alongside British Tommies between 1914 and 1918.
Many of those injured on the Western Front were shipped to Brighton for long-term treatment and recuperation where several military hospitals were hurriedly established, including one in the famous Royal Pavilion.
Between December 1914 and August 1915, at least 74 soldiers died, their bodies disposed of according to their religion.
Muslim soldiers were laid to rest at a new cemetery in Woking, while a ghat – funeral pyre – was built at a remote site on the South Downs outside Brighton for Hindu and Sikh dead. Once cremated, their ashes were scattered in the Channel.
The impressive Chattri memorial was erected shortly after WW1 and, since 1950, has been the focal point for an annual service of remembrance and thanksgiving by friends, families, historians, military and members of the Indian community.
More than two dozen members of the RN’s Race Network, Sea and Royal Marines Cadets attend the ceremony which including a mix of prayer, hymns, wreath laying and speeches.