India raised the largest volunteer army and research by the Memorial Gates Trust shows that 'participants from the Indian subcontinent won 13,000 medals', including 11 Victoria Crosses.

The Battle of Neuve Chapelle (10-13 March 1915) was a British offensive on the Western Front involving several Indian regiments. During this battle Manta Singh risked his own safety to rescue his injured English comrade, Captain Henderson, pushing him to safety in a wheelbarrow.

Stories like these are the focus of Calderdale-based, Annapurna Indian Dance Company’s The Unknown Becomes Known project. Over the next 10 months the project will focus on the contribution of India to the First World War, building on research from the Forever India project.

Forever India is a joint project between the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and the Indian government highlighting the importance of the contribution made by the servicemen and women from Undivided India that sacrificed their lives during both World Wars.

There will be plenty of opportunities throughout the project to discover this fascinating heritage through Asian dance performances and public events. The first community event takes place on 8 March and is open to all to find out about the project and get involved in some activities. Follow their progress through Annapurna Indian Dance website and on Twitter @annapurnadance.

These lesser known stories may inspire you to delve deeper into the history of the First World War. The First World War: then and now programme can help to bring to light untold stories and new perspectives of the First World War and its impacts on the front lines and at home. If you have an idea then put in an enquiry or get in touch with the Yorkshire and the Humber Development Team.