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Published: 09 November 2024

In a solemn and historic ceremony in Cambridge, the sacrifices of Indian soldiers in World War I and II were commemorated with reverence and gratitude. The event, organized by the Cambridge City Council under the leadership of Mayor Baiju Thittala, highlighted the pivotal contributions of these soldiers, whose courage and dedication often remain overlooked in mainstream narratives of the World Wars.

The commemorative event brought together a diverse assembly of dignitaries and attendees, uniting communities across nations and faiths. Grand Master Robert Dryden, Grand Prior Richard Brown, knights and dames of the Order of St. George the Martyr, Abdul-Kayum Arain, chair of the Cambridge Muslim Trust, and an honored guest, Sir Pasquale Marchese, Mayor of Castelluccio Valmaggiore in Italy, joined the proceedings. Together, they honored the legacy of the fallen soldiers and underscored the importance of preserving their memory.

The day began with a multi-faith prayer service at St. Mary’s Church in Cambridge, where prayers from various religions symbolized the diverse backgrounds of the soldiers who fought under the British Indian Army banner. This was followed by a solemn meeting at Guild Hall, where dignitaries delivered heartfelt speeches, each reflecting on the extraordinary bravery and sacrifice of the 1.5 million Indian soldiers who served in World War I and the 2.5 million who fought in World War II. Mayor Baiju Thittala, the driving force behind the event, emphasized the need to recognize and honor these unsung heroes. He highlighted their sacrifices as a bridge to foster unity within the British-Indian diaspora and expressed hope that this commemoration would inspire deeper connections between communities in the UK and beyond.

The event culminated in a shared resolve to ensure the sacrifices of Indian soldiers are never forgotten. Italian Senator Gisella Naturale’s message, delivered by Julie Spence, His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of fostering intercultural relationships and celebrating shared heritage.

Sir Pasquale Marchese spoke passionately about the shared history between Italy and the British Indian Army. He pledged his town’s support for Cambridge’s proposed memorial and announced plans to create a corresponding tribute in Castelluccio Valmaggiore, symbolizing unity and the enduring legacy of these soldiers. Abdul-Kayum Arain moved the audience with a poignant poem that paid tribute to the soldiers’ diversity and valor. His words called for a lasting memorial in Britain, urging the recognition of their sacrifices as a testament to unity and resilience. The poem resonated deeply, serving as a reminder of the unifying power of shared history.

The presence of the Grand Master, the Order of St. George, and international dignitaries underscored the universal significance of this commemoration. The collaboration between Cambridge and Castelluccio Valmaggiore symbolized a commitment to peace, understanding, and historical remembrance.

As the day concluded, a sense of unity and purpose filled the room. Plans for the proposed memorial in Cambridge gained momentum, with promises of continued collaboration between communities in the UK, Italy, and beyond. The commemoration was not merely a tribute to the past but a call to action for the future - a commitment to preserving history, fostering unity, and teaching the next generation about the enduring costs of freedom and the shared sacrifices that sustain it.

All photographs by the Order are available at https://www.flickr.com/photos/msfoto-uk/albums/72177720322068131

Also, you can watch the full video from the event below.

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Published: 07 November 2024

For members of the Order of St. George the Martyr, next week’s journey to Rome represents more than just a trip — it is a pilgrimage and an opportunity to honor the spirit and legacy of the Order. Led by our Grand Master, Robert Dryden, we are thrilled to embark on this journey from Cambridge to the Vatican for a private audience with His Holiness Pope Francis. This extraordinary opportunity allows us to deepen the bonds of fellowship between the Church of England and the Catholic Church while reaffirming the Order’s long-standing values of compassion, faith, and chivalry.

This upcoming visit has garnered attention locally, highlighted in the Cambridge Independent.

Our visit will take us to sites of deep historical and spiritual significance, including the grave of St. George, who stands as a symbol of courage and sacrifice for our Order. Additionally, we will visit the British Embassy in Rome and the Italian Senate of the Republic, continuing our tradition of engaging with civic and international communities.

The chance to meet with Pope Francis is a profound honor, and we are grateful for this opportunity to share in dialogue with a leader who embodies the values we hold dear. As one of our members, Knight Piero D’Angelico, noted, “Being invited to meet with His Holiness is an incredible privilege. We hope this visit will build bridges between our communities and strengthen our shared commitment to compassion, unity, and service.”

In advance of the visit, the Grand Master, Robert Dryden, conveyed our shared hopes to Pope Francis, expressing our admiration for the Holy See’s mission to promote peace, justice, and interfaith dialogue — values that resonate deeply with us as members of the Order of St. George the Martyr.

Founded more than 700 years ago in Hungary, our Order has always stood for charity, courage, and faith. Today, these values continue to guide our charitable efforts, including recent fundraising for the Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA). This cause, which benefits more than 20,000 disabled children and adults, reflects our commitment to supporting those in need, offering opportunities for therapeutic riding, fitness, and achievement.

As we prepare for this momentous journey, we carry with us the well-wishes of the Cambridge community and our dedication to the ideals that have guided the Order for centuries. Our hope is that this visit to the Vatican will not only strengthen our faith but also serve as a testament to the enduring power of unity, service, and friendship across borders and beliefs.

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Published: 21 October 2024

On the 21st of October 2024, the Order of St George the Martyr gathered for a memorable evening at The Varsity in Cambridge, where members enjoyed an elegant dinner and lively discussions. The event provided a wonderful opportunity for members to connect and share in the anticipation of the upcoming journey to Rome, a significant highlight for the Order.

Members discussed the packed itinerary, which includes a private audience with His Holiness the Pope at the Vatican, a visit to the historic grave of St George, and stops at prominent landmarks such as the British Embassy in Rome, the Italian Parliament's Senate of the Republic House, Father Eugene's seminary, and the iconic Colosseum.

The evening also highlighted the Order's continued growth and initiatives. Members discussed the recently launched website and an exciting new idea to host online auctions serving charitable purposes, providing additional avenues for members to support the Order's mission.

The dinner was not only a chance to review exciting plans but also a warm reminder of the fellowship that bonds the members of the Order of St George the Martyr.

Our Grand Prior added, "It was a very pleasant evening with fine food and delicious wine in a lovely setting overlooking Cambridge. The camaraderie and conversation flowed like wine, and everyone had an enjoyable social evening."