Chattri Memorial – Brighton – 13.6.10
On Sunday 13th of June 2010 at 2.30pm, a memorial service will be held at the Chattri in Patcham (Brighton), for the Indian soldiers who died while in hospitals in Brighton and Hove during (1914- 1918). It is believed to be the only service of its kind in England.
Exhibition and Refreshments afterwards from 3.30pm, venue to be confirmed. If it is wet on the day please wear sensible gear, approx. 1 mile walk from A27/A23, motor vehicles are allowed to travel to the Chattri on the day.
Everyone is most welcome. Please circulate to your contacts.
In Remembrance to the Brave Indian Soldiers who died so far from home, preparing to defend and die for our freedom and liberty, fighting side by side with British soldiers.
In total India provided 1.27 million men to the fighting in Europe during the Great War, over 12,000 wounded Indian soldiers returned to “Doctor Brighton” to be cared for. Many buildings in the City were converted and specially adapted for the wounded Indian soldiers, including the Royal Pavilion, The Dome, Corn Exchange, Brighton General Hospital, and York Place School.
While the Indian soldiers were in Brighton and Hove, every religious rites were respected as would be in India. 53 Hindus and Sikhs bodies were cremated at the Chattri. 21 Muslim bodies were taken from Brighton to a mosque in Woking for burial.
The Chattri unveiled by the Prince of Wales in 1921. This year marked its 89th anniversary.
The Chattri bears the following inscription, in Urdu, Hindi and English. The inscription, reads:
“To the memory of all Indian soldiers who gave their lives for their King-Emperor in the Great War, this monument, erected on the site of the funeral pyre where the Hindus and Sikhs who died in hospital at Brighton passed through the fire, is in grateful admiration and brotherly affection dedicated”.
The Chattri means umbrella in Hindi, Punjabi and Urdu.
To view the Chattri memorial service in June 2004:
For more information contact the Chattri corodinator Davinder Dhillon 01273 852275