British troops advancing at Meiktila, Burma, February 1945. Photograph from the collection of Major General Sir Frank Walter Messervy. National Army Museum, Out of Copyright

By KAF TV Newsdesk –

National Army Museum shines a light on the overlooked sacrifices of Britain’s colonial troops

A new exhibition at the National Army Museum in London is uncovering the overlooked stories of African and Indian soldiers who fought in brutal conditions during the Second World War.

Beyond Burma: Forgotten Armies

The exhibition, Beyond Burma: Forgotten Armies, brings to life the experiences of tens of thousands of troops from Britain’s colonies who served in South Asia against Japanese forces.

Through rare artefacts, personal stories, and historical accounts, the museum is seeking to restore long-overdue recognition to soldiers whose contributions were erased from official narratives.

The exhibition runs from 16 September 2025 to 13 April 2026.

Colonial Soldiers in Harsh Conditions

It is estimated that around 80,000 men from West African nations, including the Gambia, Ghana, and Sierra Leone, were deployed to Burma (modern-day Myanmar) as part of the British 14th Army.

Nigerians made up more than half of the West African contingent, serving in the 81st and 82nd (West Africa) Divisions after 1943.

These troops endured treacherous terrain, extreme weather, and deadly jungle warfare.

Yet, despite their sacrifices, their role remained largely unacknowledged.

When Allied commander General William Slim delivered his speech honouring the 14th Army, he failed to mention the African soldiers at all.

Reclaiming Erased Histories

The exhibition serves as a powerful reminder of the countless contributions made by soldiers from across the Commonwealth, many of whom have been forgotten despite their extraordinary sacrifices.

As the exhibition highlights, these stories are not just about military history but about the need to address how Britain remembers its past.

There are countless untold stories of individuals and communities whose sacrifices have been overlooked in Britain’s historical memory.

This exhibition is a striking example of why reclaiming these histories is vital.

The exhibition is free to access, and you can learn more details on the National Army Museum website.