A journey through a momentous chapter of Sikh history left visitors moved as they walked in the footsteps of the heroes who fought and died with the British Army during The ‘Great War' of 1914-1918.

Seventy people joined ASHT Tours on May 2nd, with expert guides from Anglia Battlefield Tours who brought the conflict to life. The party were able to stand in places where Sikh soldiers had actually fought, touch and feel real weapons from the Great War, and get a glimpse of the invaluable contribution made by ‘India's fighting sons'.

The tour included a pilgrimage to the spectacular Indian Memorial at Neuve Chapelle. The palace like structure is a memorial to all Indian Soldiers including many Sikhs who died in the conflict. The memorial walls are inscribed with the names of many Sikhs whose lives were cut short in the muddy battlefields of Northern Europe.

At dusk, the group joined the hundreds of spectators who gathered for ‘The Last Post' ceremony at the Menin Gate in Ypres. This poignant and sombre remembrance ceremony has taken place every day at 8pm since 1926 and tributes the tremendous sacrifice made by millions of men and boys for the freedom of Europe.

This was an experience of a lifetime and I feel honoured that I was able to take part, especially the ceremony at Menin Gate. J K Sandher

Read more about the experiences of those that took part & see images of the tour here.

A stunning new book about the life of Maharajah Duleep Singh, ‘Sovereign, Squire and Rebel' by author and historian Peter Bance, was launched at the Ancient House Museum of Thetford Life in mid May. The launch event was attended by the new Mayor of Thetford, renowned author of ‘The Maharajahs Box', Christy Campbell, as well as many other dignitaries and organisations.

This highly illustrated book features over 250 rare photographic images reproduced in full colour. These images help to trace in greater detail the Maharajah's eight children, their partners and the last Sikh Maharajah's life in Lahore and Fatehgarh before he was exiled to Britain.

Read more about this new book and get your ASHT Limited Edition copy, signed by the author here!

Situated in the heart of Scotland's capital city Edinburgh, the National Museum of Scotland is home to key exhibits from all over Scotland and beyond. Included among these is a rich collection of artefacts which once belonged to Maharajah Duleep Singh.

On display as part of the exhibition 'Treasured: Wonderful things, amazing stories' there are a number of beautiful decorative Indian artefacts exhibited which Duleep Singh collected. These include a set of ornate armlets each featuring two dragon heads inlaid with diamonds, rubies and emeralds

For further information on the collection visit www.asht.info/trail

This year Anglo Sikh Heritage Week will take place over a whole month!  With  evening and weekend events throughout September, ‘Heritage Shared' will include our regular series of illustrated talks at landmark locations such as Osborne House and the National Army Museum, as well as exciting new events with artists 'The Singh Twins', live music performances at the Tower of London and activities for young people, so there's even more for the whole family to enjoy!

'Osborne: Maharajah Duleep Singh and Queen Victoria at the seaside'

This free talk by Julius Bryant, Keeper of Word & Image at the V&A, is a  vivid introduction to Queen Victoria's seaside family home on the Isle of Wight, and her favourite regular guest there, Maharajah Duleep Singh.

Location: Sackler Centre Auditorium, V & A, London

Date & Time: July 10th 7:00pm

Visit www.asht.info/events to keep up to date with the season of events that aims to inspire and entertain.

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