What historical event fascinates you the most?

A memorial at Barton

really caught my eye

Indian convalescents

on Britain’s Hampshire coast.

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I knew they fought

in our ‘Great War’

Were on the Western Front

But here in sleepy Barton?

That took me by surprise.

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How were they received here?

It must have been a shock.

Probably the first brown face

The locals ever saw.

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I learned that they were feted,

Really popular,

The propaganda message:

The Empire backs our war.

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Pictures show a concert

They held there for the troops

Parades and celebrations

When they finally left.

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Khudadad Khan

was based here

India’s first VC,

Awarded that great medal

for his bravery.

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I’ve made the place a study

The letters they wrote home.

They found the locals friendlier

Than the British back at home.

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It led me on to study

The Indians at war

A fascinating study

I hope to learn much more.