Driver Abdul Ghani, painted by Henry Lamb in 1941. A new display in Glasgow explores the role of south Asians in Scottish life during the Second World War
Millions of soldiers in the British Indian Army (BIA) fought for the Allies during the Second World War. Scotland has a particularly strong bond with the BIA, its Force K6 contingent having been stationed here for training. Now a new display at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum tells the story of Glasgow’s south Asian population which, though small, had a palpable impact on the city.
There were the workers who supported the war effort in munitions factories, members of the community who joined the Red Cross, and merchant seamen who took to the dangerous seas to transport food, supplies and people around the world. Images and artefacts, including loans and family photographs from local people, explore an enduring legacy.