Leicester honors South Asian WWII volunteers with new sculpture
A bronze sculpture commemorating the 2.5 million South Asian soldiers who served in the British Indian Army arrives at Leicester Museum & Art Gallery. Created by artist Mahtab Hussain, The Forgotten Army features five uniformed figures representing the diversity of the largest volunteer force in history, including Gurkhas, Muslims, Sikhs, and Hindus.
The installation coincides with the 81st anniversary of VE Day. A female soldier stands at the front of the sculpture holding the Royal Governor’s flag, surrounded by four figures representing South Asian communities who fought during the Second World War.
📌 Key Highlights
* Artist: Mahtab Hussain
* Subject: 2.5 million South Asian volunteers of the British Indian Army
* Location: Leicester Museum & Art Gallery
* Duration: 8 May to 14 June
* Partners: Royal British Legion and British Future
Commemorating the world’s largest volunteer force
The British Indian Army remains the largest volunteer force ever assembled. Artist Mahtab Hussain designed the piece to ensure all faiths and backgrounds involved in the war effort are recognized in national remembrance traditions. The sculpture previously debuted in Liverpool for the 80th anniversary before moving to Leicester as part of a national tour.
Assistant city mayor Cllr Vi Dempster noted that the sculpture highlights the service and sacrifice of South Asian men and women which is often overlooked in traditional narratives. Following its Leicester residency, the work will move to Huddersfield.
| Event Detail | Date and Time |
|---|---|
| Exhibition Opening | Friday, 8 May |
| Family Roadshow | Saturday, 16 May, 11:00 – 14:00 |
| Exhibition Closing | Sunday, 14 June |
| Next Tour Stop | Huddersfield |
Interactive roadshow for local families
Leicester Museum will host a dedicated roadshow on Saturday, 16 May, focusing on South Asian service in the World Wars. The event includes educational activities designed for families, such as building Spitfire models and wartime-themed crafts.
Antony Metcalfe of the Royal British Legion stated that the contributions from South Asia and the Caribbean have shaped modern Britain. Sunder Katwala, director of British Future, added that South Asian soldiers were instrumental in the victory against fascism and that recognizing this contribution is essential for a cohesive national story.
The exhibition is free to attend and remains open daily until mid-June.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is ‘The Forgotten Army’ sculpture significant for the Leicester community?
This bronze monument by Mahtab Hussain recognizes the 2.5 million South Asian volunteers who served in the British Indian Army—the largest volunteer force in history. Its presence in Leicester is culturally vital as it honors the diverse contributions of Sikh, Muslim, and Hindu soldiers, as well as female personnel, ensuring their roles are no longer overlooked in traditional UK remembrance narratives.
When and how can I visit the South Asian WWII memorial exhibition in Leicester?
You can view the sculpture at the Leicester Museum & Art Gallery from May 8 to June 14. Entry is free during standard museum hours. For a more interactive experience, attend the Family Roadshow on Saturday, May 16, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, which features educational activities specifically designed to help local families explore their ancestral history and wartime service.
How does this exhibition impact Leicester’s local heritage and remembrance traditions?
The installation bridges a historical gap by providing a physical space for Leicester’s large South Asian community to see their ancestors’ sacrifices represented in public art. By integrating these stories into the city’s VE Day commemorations, it fosters a more inclusive local identity and encourages younger generations to engage with their family’s military heritage through a modern, artistic lens.
What happens to the sculpture after the Leicester residency concludes?
Following its final day in Leicester on June 14, the sculpture will continue its national tour, with its next confirmed stop in Huddersfield. For official updates on future tour dates or to find educational resources related to the British Indian Army, you can visit the Royal British Legion or the British Future website.
Source: Leicester City Council
