Push to Include Contributions of Black and Asian Soldiers in UK Schools

Leading politicians and community figures are advocating for greater inclusion of the history of black and Asian soldiers who fought for Britain during the world wars in school curricula. They believe that highlighting these contributions could help combat ignorance, racism, and anti-Muslim sentiment, particularly in the wake of recent riots.

On the 110th anniversary of the first Muslim recipient of the Victoria Cross, prominent minority ethnic leaders have stressed the importance of acknowledging the sacrifices of black and Asian service members. Qari Asim, an imam in Leeds and chair of the Mosques and Imams National Advisory Board, alongside Labour MP Calvin Bailey, who chaired the RAF ethnic minorities network, and Sayeeda Warsi, whose grandfathers served in the second world war, are raising awareness of the remarkable story of Khudadad Khan.

Khan, a machine-gunner, sustained injuries on October 31, 1914, while valiantly attempting to stop German forces from seizing crucial ports in France and Belgium. Despite being wounded and outnumbered, he delayed the German advance long enough for Indian and British reinforcements to arrive, becoming the sole survivor of his unit.

In 1915, while recovering in a UK hospital, King George V awarded Khan the Victoria Cross, making him the first Indian soldier to receive this honor. After the war, he returned to Pakistan and later India before the partition. His Victoria Cross is now displayed in the Ashcroft Collection at the Imperial War Museum in London.

Campaigners are calling for such narratives to be prominently featured during the upcoming 80th anniversary celebrations of VE Day.

Asim remarked, “The events of this summer highlighted a troubling reality, with a toxic minority targeting mosques and threatening local Muslims. If more people understood our country’s history—what Khudadad Khan and countless other Muslim soldiers did for Britain in the world wars—perhaps they would reconsider their views.”

Bailey added, “Khudadad Khan’s courage represents the shared history that shapes our identity today. The contributions of soldiers from Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean were crucial to the victories in both world wars. These are vital stories that need to be widely recognized.”

Lady Warsi stated, “This summer revealed some of the darkest aspects of Britain, as a misguided few directed their anger toward ethnic and faith minorities, as well as the police protecting them. Next month, we will honor the men and women whose sacrifices safeguarded our freedoms. The armies of the world wars included individuals like Khudadad Khan and soldiers from Africa and the Caribbean, as well as both of my grandfathers. In times of adversity, Britain thrives best when we unite.”