A 10-FOOT high bronze statue of a First World War Sikh soldier is set to be created by Cradley Heath artist Luke Perry in commemoration of 100 years since the end of the conflict.

The sculptor has been appointed by Guru Nanak Gurdwara Smethwick to create the ‘Lions of the Great War’ monument to honour the sacrifices made by South Asian service personnel of all faiths from the Indian subcontinent who fought for Britain in the two world wars and subsequent conflicts.

Millions of men from the Indian subcontinent fought in the two world wars, serving in the British Indian Army and the majority of these soldiers never visited the country they were fighting for, yet many sacrificed their lives on the battlefield or afterwards.

Luke said: “The importance of this monument both locally and nationally is huge. I am incredibly proud to be working on a sculpture that is, at its heart, a statement of gratitude for the actions of a people who gave their lives for our independence when they had not yet achieved their own.

“It will be a striking and permanent marker of the richness of our community and that those who have been under-celebrated are finally getting the recognition they deserve. I intend it to be my finest work to date.”

The Lions of the Great War statue is set to be sited between Smethwick High Street and Tollhouse Way, where Sandwell Council plans to work with the Gurdwara to create a paved public space with seating and lighting.

Under the plans, the statue will stand on a six-foot granite plinth with inscriptions that name the regiments in which South Asian soldiers served.

Jatinder Singh, president of the Gurdwara, said: “The memorial will honour the sacrifice of all those brave men who travelled thousands of miles to fight for a country that wasn’t their own.

“These men volunteered to serve and fought to defend the freedoms we enjoy today. The memorial will ensure that this part is never forgotten.”

Councillor Steve Eling, council leader, added: “I hope this contributes to the growing recognition of the sacrifices that servicemen from Commonwealth countries have made for our country.”