In pictures: Sussex pays tribute to Indian soldiers

The 75th annual Memorial Service was attended by Cllr Abul Azad, Vice Chairman of East Sussex County Council, who laid a wreath.

The Chattri Memorial, on the South Downs above Brighton, marks the spot where 53 Hindu and Sikh soldiers of the Indian Army were cremated with full religious rites.

These men were among more than 12,000 Indian troops cared for in Brighton’s wartime hospitals, including the Royal Pavilion, Dome, York Place School, and Corn Exchange. In addition, 19 Muslim soldiers who passed away during treatment were respectfully buried near the Shah Jahan Mosque in Woking, in accordance with Islamic tradition.

Cllr Azad said: “Today’s service was a deeply moving tribute that honoured the bravery, sacrifice, and diversity of those who fought and died far from home. It was incredibly heartening to stand among such a diverse group—faith leaders, veterans, councillors, schoolchildren, members of the Armed Forces, and local residents—all united in respect and gratitude.

"The Chattri is not only a place of mourning, but a beacon of multicultural history and solidarity. As Vice Chairman of East Sussex County Council, I am proud that our county continues to uphold the values of respect, unity, and historical truth. Let this memorial serve as a lasting reminder that our freedom was shaped by soldiers of many nations, faiths, and cultures. We will remember them.”

The 75th service included a Sikh Ardaas (prayer) by Sri Guru Singh Sabha Gurdwara (Hounslow), a Hindu Bhajan(hymn) by Bindu Vachhani, a wreath-laying ceremony led by the HM Lord-Lieutenant of East Sussex Mr Andrew Blackman, the Exhortation and Kohima Epitaph, The Last Post, and a two-minute silence.

Built from white Sicilian marble and designed by E.C. Henriques of Mumbai, the Chattri—meaning “umbrella” in Hindi, Punjabi and Urdu—was unveiled in 1921 by the Prince of Wales. It stands directly over the original cremation slabs and remains the only memorial of its kind in the UK dedicated to Indian soldiers.

Cllr Azad extended his heartfelt thanks to Davinder Dhillon OBE DL, Chair of the Chattri Memorial Group, for his leadership and commitment to preserving the legacy of Indian soldiers, and to the Patcham Branch of the Royal British Legion for reviving the pilgrimage in 1950 and continuing to support it through the decades.

Following the ceremony, attendees gathered at Patcham High School for refreshments and a powerful exhibition tracing the journey of Indian soldiers from the front lines of Europe to Brighton’s care homes.