Italy unveils unique memorial to honour valour and sacrifice of Indian soldiers during Second World War

Saluting the contribution made by the Indian Army in Second World War, Italy has unveieled a unique memorial in the form of a live sundial.

The Commune of Monotone and Italian military historians unveiled the ‘V C Yeshwant Ghadge Sundial Memorial’ at Montone in Perugia as a tribute to the Indian troops who fought during Italian campaign during the Second World War and to honour Naik Yeshwant Ghadge, Victoria Cross, who was killed in action fighting on the heights of Upper Tiber Valley.

Ambassador of India in Italy Neena Malhotra and the Indian Defence Attache represented India during the ceremony which was also attended by a large number of Italian citizens, distinguished guests and members of Italian armed forces.

Indian soldiers played a central role in the Italian Campaign during the Second World War, wherein more than 50,000 Indian Army soldiers from 4th, 8th and 10th Divisions were involved. Out of the 20 Victoria Crosses awarded in Italy, six were won by Indian soldiers. Indian soldiers suffered 23,722 casualties, of which 5,782 Indian soldiers made the supreme sacrifice, and are commemorated in the 40 Commonwealth War Graves spread all over Italy.

In order to make this memorial a participative endeavour, an Indian Army plaque has been placed at the memorial commemorating the gallant sacrifice of all ranks of the Indian Army who fought in the Italian Campaign.

The motto of the memorial is ‘Omines Sub Eodem Sole’ which translates in English as “We all live under the same sun”.

Inauguration of this memorial honouring the contributions during Italian Campaign is a testimony to the fact that Italy holds in high reverence the supreme sacrifices and contributions by the Indian soldiers during the Italian Campaign of the Second World War.