‘Grandad fought the nazis too’: Mobeen Azhar on WWII and Britain’s forgotten soldiers

As a film enthusiast with a deep-rooted connection to my family history, I can confidently say that the story of my grandfather, Nawab Din, and the British Indian Army is one that deserves far more recognition than it currently receives. Growing up, I only had a handful of meetings with him before his passing, but those memories have stayed with me, particularly our shared breakfasts in the open-air courtyard of my father’s childhood home in Sialkot, Pakistan.

This article first appeared in TopMob magazine.

I didn’t get to spend much time with my grandfather, Nawab Din, as he passed away at the age of 75, and our encounters were limited.

As a native of Huddersfield, I had the privilege of journeying to the vibrant city of Sialkot, Pakistan, for our grand family weddings. One particular memory that stands out is sharing parathas over breakfast with him in the open-air courtyard of my father’s childhood home.

My father figure, affectionately known as Dadajaan (a term of respect in Punjabi), was characterized by stoicism and kindness, yet he was guarded with his emotions. He earned a strict reputation, but I believe he grew more compassionate over time, as he appeared tender-hearted to me during my interactions with him in his later years.

Growing up, I knew my grandfather took part in World War II, but I didn’t know much beyond that. He passed away in 1989 when I was just nine years old, before I could learn about his war experiences. When I created “The Soldiers that Saved Britain,” I found out he was a signal corps member in North Africa. My grandfather was involved in the Battle of El-Alamein in Egypt, a crucial battle and a significant turning point in the battle against fascism.

At the age of twenty, my grandpa enlisted in the British Army during the time when India was under British rule. It’s worth noting that many people in his situation chose to do so, as over 2.5 million men from what are now Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh decided to serve, making it one of the largest volunteer forces ever recorded in history.

The British Indian Army participated in numerous military actions spanning regions like the Mediterranean, Africa, the Middle East, and the Far East. The magnitude of their involvement was immense and unquestionable, yet their narratives have been underappreciated within Britain for far too long.

As a cinema aficionado delving into my grandfather’s past, I ventured to Egypt and stood on the hallowed ground of the Battle of El-Alamein. Scattered shrapnel beneath my feet served as a stark reminder of his presence there. A sense of spiritual connection washed over me, but this was no sacred site; it was a warfront where he endured unimaginable hardships, the inferno of war under scorching heat and brutal conditions.

Experiencing this deeply private journey during the tumultuous summer race riots carried a poignant symbolism that resonated with me, mirroring the struggles my parents faced when they immigrated to Britain, which they perceived as their safe haven.

Growing up, I learned that my father was viciously attacked by the National Front due to racial hatred, before I even existed. The bigotry my parents faced became a disturbingly familiar aspect of life in Britain. This summer, upon hearing news about Muslim graves being vandalized in Burnley amidst unrest, I found myself pondering, “Why can’t Britain seem to heed its own history?

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The histories of numerous black and brown individuals, including my family, extend beyond contemporary understandings of immigration. Significant parts of history have been selectively overlooked, with many participants in this summer’s riots potentially unaware of how various global populations have shaped and influenced British history.

Therefore, I firmly think that establishing a memorial is crucial for modern-day Britain to recognize its past. After gaining knowledge about my grandfather and countless others in similar situations, it’s astounding that there isn’t a permanent tribute to the soldiers who made such tremendous sacrifices.

I’m advocating, along with artist Mahtab Hussain, for a large-scale bronze sculpture in London to honor South Asian soldiers, as there is currently no significant memorial dedicated to the British Indian Army soldiers who fought during World War II. My grandfather’s narrative, and that of his fellow soldiers, is an integral part of our shared history. It’s crucial that we don’t overlook the contributions of Indian soldiers in our collective memory.

This year’s Remembrance Day holds a unique significance for me. I’ve gained fresh insights into both my family’s past and Britain’s history, insights I believe are worth sharing by everyone.

The Soldiers That Saved Britain airs at 7:10pm on Saturday 2nd November on Channel 4.

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2024-10-28 17:35

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