Commonwealth Forces Honoured in VE Day Ceremony
Indian Army specifically remembered this year by Council leader
Cllr Govindia pays special tribute to the soldiers of The Indian Army
The contribution of soldiers from the Indian Army to the defeat of Nazi Germany was particularly remember this year in Wandsworth’s official VE Day ceremony.
This Saturday (8 May) the Mayor of Wandsworth and the Leader of the Council laid wreaths honouring the contribution of soldiers from across the Commonwealth who played such a leading role in freeing Europe.
The important, but often overlooked, role of the Indian Army in helping to secure the Allied victory in the Second World War was highlighted by council leader Ravi Govindia whose wreath paid specific tribute to soldiers from the sub-continent who served with bravery and distinction in both the North African and Italian campaigns.
The wreaths were laid in the memorial garden at the front of the town hall, alongside stone tablets that commemorate borough residents who served in the armed forces and were awarded The Victoria Cross for valour.
VE day is held each year on May 8 and marks the end of the Second World War in Europe. It was the day in 1945 when Nazi Germany surrendered unconditionally to the Allies.
In her address Wandsworth’s Mayor Cllr Jane Cooper said, “We recognise the sacrifice made by so many to free Europe from six years of often horrific warfare. We must of course remember the men and women of the British armed forces, the merchant navy and the civilian organisations who risked their lives, and in so many cases paid the supreme sacrifice, that we might be here in freedom today. In particular let us recall with thanks those from Wandsworth who served their country in whatever capacity.
“It must be remembered that not all were born and bred in Britain. Let us also recall with gratitude the members of the Commonwealth, largely volunteers, who also fought in the wider European theatre. Among them were Australians, New Zealanders and above all members of the Indian Army who fought in the North African desert, Gurkhas, New Zealanders and Indians in the bitter and uncompromising Italian campaign and the Canadians who fell at Dieppe and in the advance through Normandy.
“We will remember them. To this end one of the wreaths being laid today commemorates the Indian Army, representing on this occasion all forces from the Commonwealth.”
The Mayor of Wandsworth Cllr Jane Cooper lays her wreath to mark VE Day
Cllr Govindia said, “Victory in Europe was the hard-fought result of great sacrifice by many nations, including India, as well as many other Commonwealth countries. The role of the Indian Army in the European victory is not well recognised but was crucial in famous and decisive battles like El-Alamein and Monte Cassino. I was honoured to lay a wreath in recognition of its service.
“And later this year on VJ Day I will lay a similar wreath to commemorate the invaluable contribution of soldiers in the Indian Army to victory over Japan.”
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May 12, 2021