The Islamic Religious Advisor to the Chief of Defence Staff and Service Chiefs Asim Hafiz has called for a more nuanced debate about the role of the armed forces. In a wide-ranging and exclusive interview for the Religious Reader, Hafiz was critical of those in Muslim and non-Muslim communities who see the army as a […]
An overview of Commonwealth contributions in WW2
Australia With the outbreak of war, Australia sent its air force, the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) overseas to assist. Throughout the war effort, RAAF soldiers flew on missions with the Royal Air Force (RAF). Australia, with other British Dominions had adopted the Empire Air Training Scheme (EATS) to swell RAF ranks. In spite of […]
Meet the Commonwealth Victoria Cross recipients
A cross that signifies valour is awarded to the brave few, the highest of military honours transplants the heroism of old into the present, and also celebrates the modern. In this year alone, a small number of individuals received the Victoria Cross, including L/Cpl Joshua Leakey, of the Parachute Regiment, who ‘disregarded’ his own safety […]
India’s role in both World Wars
India’s role in both World Wars During World War One, India provided over a million volunteer soldiers to swell the depleted British ranks. The colonial theory of “martial races” influenced their selection. It dictated that certain races and castes were more “loyal” and “warlike.” For example, it favoured “loyal” Sikhs, Punjabi Muslims, and Gurkas. Whilst […]
Join Us at the Armed Forces Engagement Event at the Baitul Futuh Mosque in Morden
Come and join us at our next armed forces community engagement event that will be taking place in Morden in South London. Join us at the Baitul Futuh Mosque in Morden around the ‘Celebration of the Cultural, Ethnic and Religious Diversity of Our Armed Forces.’ This will take place on the 12th of June, between […]
Building Our Futures Together – Bridging the Armed Forces with Diverse Communities
We have been co-ordinating and running a number of sessions over the last 6 months which have involved engaging serving members of our armed forces and serving chaplains, with diverse and mixed communities across London. The work has involved holding numerous events in boroughs across London and we have also produced the following booklet as […]
Sergeant Johnson Beharry – A Shining Example To Us All
Two weeks ago at the launch of the ‘Building Our Futures Together’ project, we had the pleasure of meeting Sergeant Johnson Beharry who attended the event in Westminster in Central London. The background of Sergeant Beharry is one of courage, community engagement, commitment and a desire to do what is right for communities. It is not […]