Episode image for The Muslim Tommies

Duration: 30 minutes

Much has been made of the threat posed by Islamic fundamentalists to the security of Britain. But what is often forgotten is that Muslims have fought on behalf of Britain for hundreds of years; thousands have lost their lives in the process.

Using simple reconstructions, this film gives voice to some of the Muslim soldiers who fought in the trenches of France during the First World War as part of the Indian Corps. Censors office reports from the time included many translated letters which document what life was like on the front line.

The letters contain fascinating but often heart-breaking details about the religious practices, sense of identity, hopes, fears, injuries and brave actions of the soldiers from 1914 - 1918.

Last on

Mon 19 Oct 2009 00:25 BBC One except HD, Wales

Credits

Narrator
Mishal Husain
Director
Rob Cowling
Producer
Rob Cowling
Executive Producer
William Lyons

Broadcasts

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