Presenters:

• Cynara Davies, English Heritage Outreach Officer
• Padmini Broomfield, oral historian
• Aik Saath members: Mandeep Kaur Sira, Rob Deeks, Asad Sadiq, Raja Ali, Jawad Ahmed.

“We will remember you”, is a phrase that must now be applied to all who were involved in this project: Indian army veterans, members of Aik Saath and the project organisers. The conference presentation, which included recorded voices, the touring exhibition panels, the booklet, together made a strong impact on all the delegates present.

‘Remembering Forgotten Heroes’ is an English Heritage oral history project involving Indian army veterans and young people which made memories accessible for the future. It aims to raise awareness, in different communities, across generations, of the contributions made by Indian servicemen.

It gave a formal outlet for members of the Undivided Indian Ex-Serviceman’s Association of Slough to record, with pride, the stories of the important roles they played fighting for Britain. The project moved backwards in time linking these veterans with earlier Indian heroes who had fought in the First World War by taking them to visit war graves and memorials to Indian servicemen and to a Capa Photographic Exhibition. Although some were reluctant to record their memories, once relationships were established, the veterans, often interviewed in pairs, had plenty to say. Many expressed gratitude, on their own behalf and for those who could not be there, for the opportunity to speak.

Essential to the project’s success, moving forwards in time, was the involvement of Aik Saath who met the ex-servicemen to find out about their lives. Aik Saath is an organisation of young people who want to live in racial harmony and resolve conflicts in Slough. They did not know the depth of linkages that runs back through last century and how this has shaped our society. They found they became emotionally involved and then understood better how they can help bond Slough communities together.

As a footnote to the project, and as an example of sustainability, the young people were so inspired by their experiences on the project that they have since successfully applied for an HLF Young Roots award to do another project with elders from the community, this time looking at the issues around Partition.

Last words from a veteran, which speak for young and old: “We are visible now.”