Dr Ghee Bowman

1961 – 2025

This year marked the heartbreaking loss of Dr Ghee Bowman — a dear friend, collaborator, and champion of shared histories between South Asian and British communities. His unwavering dedication to uncovering the legacy of Force K6, and his tireless efforts to educate, inspire, and connect generations, have left an indelible mark on Colourful Heritage and beyond. His memory, teachings, and legacy will continue to shape how we honour our intertwined histories and build a more inclusive future.

Testimonials
Videos and Podcasts
Blogs and Books
Force K6 by Dr Ghee Bowman
Colourful Heritage Testimonial
Everyday Muslim Testimonial

Further Testimonials

“

Dr. Ghee Bowman’s absence will be greatly felt by all of us at Colourful Heritage, as it marks a significant loss to the community and the wider field of historical research. With his pleasant demeanour and engaging style of presenting, Ghee had a remarkable ability to bring history to life, making the stories of Force K6 soldiers both real and relatable. His sincere and unwavering determination to uncover and share their legacy was truly inspiring. From his travels to Pakistan and India to his regular updates on new discoveries, Ghee demonstrated a genuine commitment to giving these forgotten soldiers the recognition they so rightly deserve. The South Asian community owe him a debt of gratitude for discovering our shared heritage particularly connected to Scotland and we are deeply grateful for his contributions and dedication—his legacy will continue to resonate for years to come.

Dr Omar Shaikh and Dr Saqib RazzaqFounder and Project Officer of Colourful Heritage
“

I discovered Ghee's ground-breaking research on the Indian Contingent / Force K6 when I was researching my book about the Cairngorms. In 2022, when I worked with Colourful Heritage and local people to present the story of these soldiers' time here, 80 years ago, Ghee kindly gave support and travelled all the way to join us for the story event and the unveiling of the memorial in Kingussie. He was unfailingly generous, wise, respectful and kind, and I count it and honour to have met and worked with him. What a man of goodness and grace.

Merryn GloverAuthor of "The Hidden Fires"
“

Ghee’s drive and work rate were amazing – a Masters, a PhD and a book “The Indian Contingent” (2020) all in just six years! He brought the story of the British Indian Army’s contribution to the British effort in World War II to a wide audience, and in so doing contributed to improving understanding and tolerance in our multiethnic and multi-faith society. Something to be very proud of.

Hamish JohnstonAuthor of "A Corner of Pakistan in Scotland (2012)"
“

I'm wondering why I never contacted these guys sooner! Seriously, they all have commendable talent in their respective fields and knocked my concept out of the ballpark. Thanks for an amazing experience!

Jack GrahamCo Founder, Coffee Inc

Videos and Podcasts

Tips to Explore the British Indo-Pak Army 2:42

Ghee encourages you to talk to teacher, parents and grandparents to learn more about British Indo-Pak Army.

Don’t forget to visit the graves of the British Indian Army soldiers.

Talk 241: #IndiaAndWW2 – Untold Stories From Europe by Dr Ghee Bowman 1:11:11

Ghee presents some of his findings: of Punjabi mule-handlers in France in 1940, of Indian soldiers in Britain, of Indian Prisoners-of-War held by the Germans and Italians, and the truth behind the real ‘Great Escape’.

“Well That Aged Well” – The Indian Contingent: Interview with Dr Ghee Bowman 56:30

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.

Ghee Bowman In Conversation With Jairam Ramesh 25:21

Ghee discusses the launch of his first book, ‘The Indian Contingent: The Forgotten Muslim Soldiers of the Battle of Dunkirk’ with Jairam Ramesh.

Kingussie Remembrance Service, 2018 (09:18)

Clips from the inaugural memorial service commemorating the British Indian Army soldiers of Force K6 buried in Kingussie, Scotland, featuring Dr Ghee Bowman.

The Forgotten Muslim Soldiers of Dunkirk (1:12:02)

What journey had brought these men to Europe? What became of them – and of comrades captured by the Germans? Watch now to find out more.

The Indian Contingent at Dunkirk (58:03)

Dr Ghee Bowmans talks at the National Army Museum with Dr Peter Johnston, Head of Collections Research & Academic Access at NAM (29th May 2020).

For You the War is Over (Podcast) 58:06

Season 7, episode 1 of the podcast “For You the War is Over” featuring Ghee Bowman explores Ghee’s second book “The Great Épinal Escape”, and the amazing tale of the mass breakout from a camp in Épinal by hundreds of Indian servicemen.

Finding Force K6 (Podcast)

Ghee worked with Colourful Heritage Project Officer, Dr Saqib Razzaq, to curate several episodes of our first podcast, titled “Finding Force K6”. This podcast unravels the stories, struggles and successes of Force K6, the all-Muslim Punjabi regiment that found themselves in Scotland during WW2.

Books, Blogs and More

The Indian Contingent by Dr Ghee Bowman

The Great Épinal Escape by Dr Ghee Bowman

Blogs
We’re all Jock Tamson’s Bairns (by Dr Ghee Bowman)
Who Else Was on the Little Ships (by Diya Gupta)
Reviews
Review of “The Indian Contingent” (by Dr Nadeem Bhatti)
Review of “The Indian Contingent” (by Karwaan: The Heritage Exploration Initiative)
Review of “The Great Épinal Escape” (by University of Exeter)
Other
‘The Indian Contingent at Dunkirk’ (talk by Ghee Bowman)
“‘No Pakis at Dunkirk’: Remembering and Forgetting Force K6 in Europe 1939-1945” (thesis by Dr Ghee Bowman)