Academics to highlight Commonwealth contribution to World War 1

Two University of Wolverhampton academics will be speaking at an event which recognises the Commonwealth contribution to the British Armed Forces.

Dr Opinderjit Takhar MBE, Director of the University’s Centre for Sikh and Panjabi Studies, and Professor Stephen Badsey of the university's Department of History, Politics and War Studies, will be guest speakers at the British Organisation for People of Asian Origin (BOPA) Remembrance Day for Commonwealth Contribution to World War 1.

The event is being held at the National Memorial Arboretum in Burton-on-Trent in remembrance of the 100^th Anniversary of World War 1.

Dr Takhar said: “I’ve been invited to speak at this prestigious event to highlight the contribution of the Sikhs to World War 1.  In many ways the Sikhs, indeed Indian soldiers of the British Army as a whole, are the ‘forgotten heroes’.

“Thousands of Sikhs from the Indian subcontinent were soldiers for the British Army and thousands of Sikh soldiers died fighting for Britain during the war.

“A poll conducted by “British Future” revealed that less than half of the general British public know of the contribution made by Commonwealth forces in both World Wars. This is history that has largely been overlooked and it’s an honour, both for myself and Stephen, to have been asked to talk about the important contribution these soldiers made during World War 1.”

The event, which will include youth performances displaying art and culture from Commonwealth countries, along with exhibitions and displays and a walking tour of the Arboretum, will take place on Tuesday 16^th October between 10.30 am and 3.30 pm at the National Memorial Arboretum, Burton-on-Trent, DE13 7AR. 

ENDS