Bradford gets UK's second Commonwealth war memorial

The ceremony to unveil the Commonwealth war memorial in Bradford

The first Commonwealth war memorial outside of London has been unveiled in Bradford.

Troops from former British colonies who fought in World War One and World War Two were honoured at the monument on Wednesday.

It has been placed beside the Bradford Cenotaph and "will provide a lasting tribute to the bravery of Commonwealth soldiers, offering a space for reflection and unity".

The Lord Mayor of Bradford, councillor Bev Mullaney, led the ceremony, alongside Lord Lieutenant of West Yorkshire Ed Anderson, a representative from the Commonwealth office and a war veteran.

Mirza Khan, 102, from Bradford, served in the Indian Army during World War Two

Mullaney said: "This is incredibly important for us as a city and district to recognise and remember the service and sacrifice of those who contributed to the UK's war efforts from Commonwealth countries."

Councillor Joanne Dodds, Bradford Council's armed forces champion, added: "This is a significant day for Bradford as we unveil the first Commonwealth war memorial outside of London.

"It will be an important space for all communities to come together within our memorial garden and remember the sacrifices made by Commonwealth nations during the world wars."

'Diverse heritage'

Bradford Council said the unveiling aligned with the city's designation as the City of Culture.

Dr Saira Ali, the landscape architect who designed the monument, said: "Creating this memorial was an honour. We aimed to design a space that not only reflects the deep respect we hold for the Commonwealth troops but also serves as a place of peace and remembrance for all.

"It reinforces our commitment to remembering and uniting communities around shared sacrifices.

"The Memorial Garden in which it stands offers a quiet, reflective environment, where the beauty of nature complements the solemnity of the monument”

The ceremony was attended by veterans including Mirza Khan, 102, who served in the Indian Army during World War Two and Jack Crawford, 101, who grew up in Jamaica but joined the British forces and was based in Filey, North Yorkshire.

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