BRIGHTON, CHATTRI WAR MEMORIAL

World War 1 - Commemorative Memorial
Compiled and copyright © Mick Tilley 2007

The Chattri stands on the Sussex Downs overlooking Brighton close by the modern Sussex Border Path. It commemorates the Hindu and Sikh soldiers of the Indian Army who died following hospitalisation in Brighton. They were cremated at this spot and their ashes scattered at sea. The Chattri was erected on the cremation site and unveiled in 1921; a memorial service has been held there every year since. This is believed to be the only such service of its kind in England.

Photograph Copyright © Mick Tilley 2007

There are no names on the memorial but on the sides of the monument are inscriptions in English and Hindi. The English inscription reads:

TO THE MEMORY OF ALL THE INDIAN SOLDIERS WHO GAVE
THEIR LIVES IN THE
SERVICE OF THEIR KING EMPEROR IN THE GREAT WAR THIS
MONUMENT ERECTED ON THE SITE
OF THE FUNERAL PYRE WHERE THE HINDUS AND SIKHS WHO
DIED IN HOSPITAL AT BRIGHTON PASSED
THROUGH THE FIRE IS IN GRATEFUL ADMIRATION AND
BROTHERLY AFFECTION DEDICATED

Last updated 6 July, 2007