'Unique opportunity' to do more – councillors' call to group wanting mural for First World War Indian hero Sepoy Khudadad Khan at Barton

NEW Milton councillors urged a conservation group to think bigger with a tribute to all Indian First World War troops treated at Barton.

Friends of the Indian Soldiers Memorial (FISM) members were told they had “a unique opportunity” as they defended plans for a mural of Sepoy Khudadad Khan, the first British Indian soldier awarded the Victoria Cross.

As reported in the A&T, the amenities committee questioned the mural’s proposed positioning on a toilet block by the obelisk, with Cllr Valya Schooling branding it “an insult”.

At a recent amenities meeting, FISM committee chair Goff Beck said: “I’m not here to be contentious, but I’m here for logical reasons and logic tells us a wall is a wall.

“I understand the New Forest District Council leader is behind the proposal, as is FISM.”

FISM member and Milton Heritage Society chairman, Nick Saunders, stressed there was nowhere for descendants of Indian troops who died in the New Forest to remember them.

He recounted a comment from Brigadier Vikram Gill, who attended last year’s annual 10th July remembrance at the obelisk.

Calling the mural plan a “laudable project”, the Brigadier said some might question why a toilet was built there in the first place.

Mr Saunders suggested a separate board for the mural could be installed just in front of the wall.

Regarding concerns over sole recognition for an officer, he stressed Sepoy Khudadad was a private when he earned the VC.

Calling on the town council to support the mural, a Durlston Court School student told how it had the backing of renowned VC collector Lord Ashcroft.

Durlston history teacher Mr Petty highlighted the religious significance to the Indian troops of The Dome former hotel building adjacent to the obelisk.

He suggested a board displaying the mural and other information could be placed on the grass verge outside, facing the memorial and the sea.

Although fully supporting FISM’s bid, Cllr Steve Clarke called for a much wider scope.

“The controversial thing is that I don’t want it to be just about one man, but many men,” he said.

Agreeing, Cllr Schooling was still against the toilet wall siting and favoured a board placed just in front.

Amenities chair Cllr Geoff Blunden stressed the mural bid was a community-led project and the committee could only offer guidance.

Addressing the FISM representatives, he said: “You have a unique opportunity to do something really special.

“I know it could involve more costing, but I’m sure the town council would be fully behind that.”

Sepoy Khudadad received the highest military award for gallantry in the face of the enemy for his actions while fighting at Hollebeke in Belgium on 31st October 1914.

Despite being severely wounded, the 26-year-old worked his gun until the other five men of the gun detachment he led had been killed.

He was informed he would receive the VC while being treated at Barton’s convalescent depot for Indian troops.