A French memorial honors thousands of Indian soldiers who fought in the Great War

Countries & Cities · Published 29 September 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: In the Pas-de-Calais region of France stands a circular stone monument dedicated to the thousands of Indian soldiers who perished during the First World War. Designed with a blend of Eastern and Western motifs, this site serves as a permanent testament to the sacrifice of those who fought far from home.

The Neuve-Chapelle Indian Memorial commemorates approximately 4,742 soldiers from India and Nepal who served with the British Indian Army and have no known graves. The site was selected specifically because Indian troops participated in the Battle of Neuve-Chapelle. Architect Sir Herbert Baker designed the structure, which features a central pillar topped with a lotus capital, flanked by carved tigers and two domed chattris. The enclosure includes a Stone of Remembrance inscribed with the phrase, "Their name liveth for evermore."

Unveiled on 7 October 1927 by F. E. Smith, the 1st Earl of Birkenhead, the memorial reflects a cross-cultural tribute. The main column displays inscriptions in English, Arabic, Devanagari, and Gurmukhi, declaring that God is one and victory belongs to Him. During the unveiling, Marshal Ferdinand Foch addressed the visiting Indian contingent, which included Sikhs, Dogras, and Garhwalis, urging them to share the story of their comrades' bravery in the cold northern territories of France and Flanders with their families back in the East.

The memorial remains a significant site for international diplomacy and remembrance. It honors two Victoria Cross recipients, Gabar Singh Negi and William Arthur McCrae Bruce, and later additions have expanded its scope to include Indian Army casualties from both World Wars. In April 2015, Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi visited the site to pay his respects, noting that the soldiers who fought in the Great War earned global admiration for their loyalty and courage. The site continues to serve as a bridge between the history of the Indian Corps and the landscape where they fought.

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