By Jayanti Shah, MBE. Secretary, Southampton Stand Up To Racism. Images courtesy of New Forest Heritage Centre.
This Sunday 9th November, the far-right ‘Southampton Patriots’ plan to march separately to the Cenotaph for Remembrance Sunday.
To hijack a ceremony of solemn remembrance — after desecrating the memory of those who fought fascism with their own hate — is the height of hypocrisy. Shame on them.
Just a couple of weeks ago, this same group held a hate-fuelled rally in Hoglands Park against immigrants — mere yards from the memorial to those who died in the Southampton Blitz, including in a direct hit on a shelter in the park, when Britain and its allies stood firm against fascism. They claim not to be racist, yet we have witnessed neo-Nazi groups on their marches.
As they march, we remember the true, diverse local history of sacrifice — including the Indian soldiers of the Indian Expeditionary Force who arrived in the New Forest in October 1914. These troops, who initially camped at Ashurst and later moved to areas such as Lyndhurst, were part of the Indian Corps, including divisions like the Meerut and Lahore Divisions. They played a vital role in World War I, reinforcing British lines when forces were stretched thin and taking part in critical early battles, such as the First Battle of Ypres, helping to hold back the German advance. Their bravery and service are part of a history written in the soil of the New Forest, the streets of Southampton, Netley, and the shores of New Milton and Barton-on-Sea.
Brockenhurst became home to the Lady Hardinge Hospital for wounded Indian soldiers, where nearly 3,000 men were treated. The hospital was named after Lady Hardinge, the wife of the British Viceroy of India, who died shortly before the war broke out — in honour of the many hospitals she had founded in India. The Balmer Lawn and Forest Park Hotels were commandeered and fitted out as medical facilities, with temporary structures in the grounds providing additional accommodation.
Many were also cared for in Barton-on-Sea, where hotels were similarly adapted for convalescence. A memorial obelisk, erected in 1917, still stands in their honour.
Indian soldiers were also treated at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Netley, Southampton during World War I and later conflicts. As wounded soldiers returned from the Western Front and other theatres of war, Netley served as a major centre for treatment and rehabilitation, supporting the empire that relied on their service.
Among the wounded was Khudadad Khan, the first Indian recipient of the Victoria Cross. He was treated in New Milton, and his heroism was celebrated on the front page of the Daily Mirror.
Their bravery was recognised at the highest level — King George V and Queen Mary personally visited the Indian patients at Brockenhurst.
These men — soldiers, heroes — from the very lands whose descendants the so-called ‘Patriots’ now demonise, shed their blood for the freedom we all share. They fought against the very fascist ideology many on the far-right now flirt with.
So as these marchers pass the restaurants and businesses run by the descendants of those who fought for this country, we remember the truth:
Our shared history — forged in courage and sacrifice, and honoured by a King and Queen — is far stronger than their hate.
We will remember them. All of them.
Footnote: While this letter focuses on the local history of Southampton and the New Forest, we must always remember the troops from Africa, India, and the Caribbean who were an integral part of both World Wars and in defeating fascism in World War II. Their courage and sacrifice are a vital part of our shared history.
- In Common is not for profit. We rely on donations from readers to keep the site running. Could you help to support us for as little as 25p a week? Please help us to carry on offering independent grass roots media. Visit: https://www.patreon.com/incommonsoton