Are you interested in local World War One history?
What do you know about the Indian army medical facilities based in the local area in World War One?
Is it true that in Milton Parish in 1915, the Reverend John Edward Kelsall stated that one third of the population was born in India?
Did you know that the Barton-on-Sea Indian convalescent depot was set up in November 1914 and helped sick and wounded Indian soldiers to recover until March 1916?
The first Indian soldier to be awarded the Victoria Cross for gallantry was told of his award whilst he was recuperating at the Barton Depot.
The local residents of Barton and New Milton offered friendship and gifts to the Indian soldiers.
Did you know that some of the trees in Barton Court Road, were planted by Indians soldiers in 1915?
Would you like to know more about the Indian hospitals in Brockenhurst and Bournemouth and the Indian Refitting Depot at Milford on Sea?
What did the WW1 Indian soldiers think of their stay in the New Forest?
How did the local residents and Indian soldiers get on with each other?
The Indian memorial was unveiled in Barton on the 10th of July 1917. It was the first memorial to the WW1 Indian army in the country. It is Grade II listed.
Since 2018 on the 10th of July Barton hosts a memorial service at the monument.
If you would like to know more about this aspect of our local history and our shared cultural history why not join the Friends of the Indian Soldiers Memorial?
The Friends of the Indian Soldiers Memorial are holding their inaugural AGM on Wednesday 28 September being held at the Town Hall. The meeting starts at 6pm.
Members of the public are invited to attend the AGM, meet the committee, and learn more about the activities of the Friends Group.
Please register your interest in attending to
Sue Larking, FISM Secretary, tele 07889 922344 or email indiasoldiersnewforest@outlook.com.
