THE wartime history of Brighton’s Royal Pavilion was brought to life with period battle dress.

A Heritage Open Day explored the Regency palace’s use as an Indian military hospital during the First World War when, from December 1914 to February 1916, it accommodated troops from the Indian Corps wounded on the Western Front in France and Flanders. A 15th Ludhiana Sikh Regiment re-enactment group appeared at the open day, complete in the uniform of the period.

Among them was Kuljit Singh Sahota, the great, great grandson of Manta Singh, a soldier of the 15th Ludhiana Sikhs, who rescued his English comrade Captain Henderson during battle by carrying him to safety in a wheelbarrow. Kuljit, now a medical student at the University of Brighton, was involved as part of the National Army Museum's War And Sikhs project.

The re-enactors drew crowds in the Royal Pavilion Gardens who were keen to catch a glimpse and take pictures of the authentic display.