Neuve-Chapelle Indian Memorial, Neuve-Chapelle, France

The Neuve-Chapelle Indian Memorial is a World War I memorial in France, located on the outskirts of the commune of Neuve-Chapelle, in the département of Pas-de-Calais. The memorial commemorates some 4,742 Indian soldiers with no known grave, who fell in battle while fighting for the British Indian Army in the First World War. The location of the memorial was chosen because of the participation by Indian troops at the Battle of Neuve Chapelle.

The memorial, designed by Sir Herbert Baker, with sculpture by Charles Wheeler, is a circular enclosure centred on a tall pillar that is topped by a lotus capital, and carved representations of the Star of India and the Imperial Crown. One half of the circular enclosure consists of the panels of names of the dead, while the other half is open. Other architectural and sculptural features of the memorial include carved stone tigers, and two small domed chattris. At the foot of the pillar is a Stone of Remembrance inscribed with the words: 'Their name liveth for evermore.'

The memorial was unveiled by F. E. Smith, 1st Earl of Birkenhead, on 7 October 1927. Later additions to the memorials commemorated other Indian Army dead of both World Wars.

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User Reviews

Jaideep Singh Dang (6 months ago)
For the heritage buff this will be rewarding. A salute to the CWGC for keeping the memory of these heroes alive. Would be nice to have a small photo gallery to add faces to names.

br3652 (2 years ago)
Stopped to show my respects to all the soldiers and civilians who lost their lives during the war.

Leon M (2 years ago)
A memorial to the soldiers of the British Raj who were lost or missing during the great war. The site was bombed in world war two as there was a Luftwaffe operation center nearby. The damage is still visible on the walls. The site despite some damage remains in tact.

Peter Watson (4 years ago)
Immaculately maintained memorial.

raja biswas (4 years ago)
Great Indian soldiers

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