Hamish Johnston

1945 – 2026

Hamish Johnston was a dedicated researcher and historian whose work helped bring to light the story of Force K6 — Muslim soldiers from Undivided India who served in Scotland during the Second World War. Through his writing, including A Corner of Pakistan in Scotland, and his close support of remembrance initiatives with Colourful Heritage, Hamish played a vital role in preserving and sharing this important chapter of shared history.

Colourful Heritage Testimonial
Eulogy for Hamish Johnston
Hamish Johnston Order of Service
Following in the Footsteps of Force K6 (Hamish’s contribution)
Gallery
Videos
A Corner of Pakistan in Scotland

Gallery

Videos and Podcasts

Hamish Johnston – An Introduction to Force K6 17:57

Colourful Heritage are proud to present a short presentation, delivered by Hamish Johnston. Hamish is well-versed with the Muslim-Punjabi regiment “Force K6” from WW2.

Kingussie Remembrance Service, 2018 9:18

On 15th November 2018, Colourful Heritage and the British Army organised the inaugural memorial service commemorating the British Indian Army soldiers of Force K6 buried in Kingussie, Scotland. This video features an interview with Hamish.

BBC Antiques Road Trip – Force K6 and Kingussie 04:37

In the first of a two-part series, Ghee explores the British Indo-Pak Army’s time in Europe where they were present at Dunkirk, The North African Campaign, and in Britain training for being deployed out in the war.

Finding Force K6 Podcast

Hamish paints us a vivid picture of the daily lives of the Force K6 soldiers, the deaths of these soldiers, as well as their struggles with the harsh weathers of Scotland.

The British Indian Army Memorial – Coming Soon! 02:27

Colourful Heritage are building a memorial in Scotland to commemorate the fallen soldiers of the British Indian Army. Why is it important to have this memorial? This video answers this question, collating video statements from a few close associates, including Hamish Johnston.

Remembrance Dinner for the BIA, Lorne, 2018 06:08

To mark the centenary year of the end of WWI, our programme and dinner in Glasgow invited attendees to learn more about the contribution of the 4 million soldiers from pre-partition India during World War I and II.

A Corner of Pakistan in Scotland  by Hamish Johnston

“A Corner of Pakistan in Scotland” refers to the historic presence of Force K6, a Royal Indian Army Service Corps unit of Punjabi Muslim soldiers stationed in the Scottish Highlands during WWII (1942–1944). Researched by Hamish Johnston the story highlights 13+ soldiers who died in Scotland, with 9 buried in Kingussie Cemetery, representing a unique, poignant intersection of South Asian and Scottish history. Click here to read the full article.