Born in northwest Pakistan, Mir Sultan Khan served as a sergeant in the 2nd Battalion of the First Punjab Regiment in the British army during the Second World War. While fighting in Burma he was captured by Japanese forces and held in a prisoner of war camp until 1945. He was later awarded two medals for his service.
For his grandson, Muhammad Tanveer, his grandfather’s service has allowed him a greater sense of connection with British history – and inspired a military career of his own. Speaking to students at Eden Girls’ School, Waltham Forest – a Muslim school for girls in east London – Mr. Tanveer said that the wareffort contributions by ethnic minority Britons must not be forgotten to history.
“His military service is really inspiring for me. I feel more part of the history, I feel more connected – I feel proud,” Mr. Tanveer, now a cadet instructor, said. “This influence and inspiration I took from my grandad – it drove me towards choosing this career, to be a part of the Ministry of Defence. This history should come into the spotlight, especially for young generations.”
Mr. Tanveer’s own daughter, Roviha, a pupil at the school, said that discovering her great-grandfather’s Second World War contribution has meant that this year’s Remembrance Day commemorations have taken on a new meaning.
This story is from the November 15, 2021 edition of The Independent.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the November 15, 2021 edition of The Independent.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
STOLEN MOMENTS
The antics of the gentleman thief in EW Hornung's 'Raffles' bring Anthony Quinn as much joy as when he was a child.
Can Glaser give Hollywood the roasting it deserves?
The stand-up comedian's close-to-the-bone comedy makes Nikki Glaser the ideal choice to host tomorrow's Golden Globes. Move over, Ricky Gervais, writes Kevin E G Perry
'I'd just turned 18... I don't think I was remotely sexy'
Little Mix's Jade Thirlwall is newly solo with a debut electropop hit to her name. She talks to Annabel Nugent about the downside of fame and how she's never feared 'clapping back'
The disruptor: why Musk is a risk to German democracy
The tech billionaire's move to support the AfD is proof he is determined to unsettle a nation that knows all too well what far-right dictatorship can bring, writes John Kampfner
Slot turns transfer saga into surprise Liverpool benefit
Arne Slot has claimed that the saga about Trent AlexanderArnold's future is helpful to him as it prevents his Liverpool players from being overloaded with praise that could make them complacent.
United 'are starving for leaders', admits Amorim
When Ruben Amorim got to convey good news, it still came with a demand.
Still a teenager but there are few weaknesses in his game
Whether he beat or lost to Michael van Gerwen on the Alexandra Palace stage on Friday night, Luke Littler was al going to leave his second World Darts Championship as a winner.
Littler makes history after winning world title aged 17
Darts has a new world champion, and he's a 17-year-old boy from Warrington.
The hot UK industry that could be facing a wipeout
Don't tell Liam and Noel, but the biggest entertainment event of 2025 won't be their reunion, it'll be the launch of Grand Theft Auto VI.
Taxes to rise again despite growth, warn economists
A group of economists have warned that the Treasury is likely to raise taxes even further this year, despite an expectation that the country will return to growth in 2025.
