He was a junior commander in the Expeditionary Force of the British-Indian Army, serving at the Battle of the Somme in France. It is believed that both attained martyrdom during the war itself. This picture is quite rare, which shows the active participation of Indians in the First World War. Lord Stephen Parkinson, the UK’s Minister for Arts and Heritage, said: ‘This magnificent and sensitive painting captures an important moment in our history, when troops were brought in from around the world to help fight the First World War.’
Photograph made in London before going to France
‘I hope this magnificent picture remains in the UK to help tell the story of the brave soldiers and their contribution,’ he said. About 1.5 million Indian soldiers were deployed during the First World War. According to records, the two soldiers in the picture sat before Philippe de Lazlo in London two months before they were sent to France to fight, so that he could engrave their images on canvas.
Khalistan Indian High Commission: Demonstration of ‘Khalistanis’ again in Britain, getting a befitting reply like this
Picture made for personal collection
De Lazlo is believed to have made this painting for his own collection and it was kept in his studio until his death in 1937. The UK government has banned the export of this picture on the advice of a committee. The committee has made this recommendation on the basis of the importance of studying the contribution of Indians in the war.