Exhibition to honour ‘Forgotten Army’ opens in Oldham

A special exhibition to honour the selfless role played by the British Indian Army during the Second World War has opened in Oldham.

As part of the exhibition, British Asian families were invited to Gallery Oldham today (Tues) to bring along stories, medals and memorabilia of ancestors who served, highlighting the South Asian contribution to both world wars, and creating an archive for future generations. 

The Royal British Legion commissioned a bronze sculpture as part of the ‘Forgotten Army’ exhibition – the sculpture will be on display in Gallery Oldham marking the 80th anniversary of the end of the War and paying homage to the 2.5 million soldiers of the largest volunteer force in history. 

Created by British artist Mahtab Hussain, the 120kg bronze sculpture depicts five figures in uniform, representing the diverse nature of the British Indian Army, including Gurkhas, Muslims, Sikhs and Hindus. 

Mahtab said: “Learning about the Second World War at school was very much a ‘white’ experience, I had no idea the British Indian Army also fought or that they had more than 2.5 million soldiers.” 

Mahtab has a personal connection to that unique generation, as his own grandfather volunteered to serve.  

He said: “It’s important that all aspects of the story are told and everyone is included in Remembrance. The sculpture celebrates the contribution of the largest volunteer army in history and shows the impact of all faiths coming together and fighting for a bigger cause.” 

The figures are based on 3D scans of soldiers currently serving in the Army who all have a family connection to the Second World War.  

Their stories form part of the wider Royal British Legion ‘Forgotten Army’ exhibition, which highlights the diverse, multi-faith Commonwealth contribution made during the Wars. 

Gail Walters, Head of Network Engagement at the RBL, said: “The contributions from many different countries – including those in the Caribbean and South Asia – have moulded Britain as it is today. The very nature of Remembrance is about inclusivity and unity – all service should be recognised and remembered.” 

The ‘Forgotten Army’ exhibition is a collaboration between the RBL and the charity British Future. Sunder Katwala, Director of British Future, said: “We should never forget what we all owe to those who won the second world war against fascism. South Asian soldiers were the largest volunteer army in history. Ensuring that their enormous contribution is fully recognised in our national story remains important work in progress. 

“Our national traditions of Remembrance can bring today's modern, diverse Britain together ever more powerfully when we commemorate all of those who served to secure the freedoms that we enjoy today." 

The event is also supported by My Family Legacy, which collates family histories from the South Asian community.  

“The idea is we collect stories, artworks and archives as the bronze tours the country, and build an exhibition of material around it,” said Mahtab. 

The exhibition, which opened on Friday, March 27, is held at Gallery Oldham, Greaves Street OL1 1AL, until April 23, 2026, before moving to Leicester as part of its national tour.