THE only Indian soldier to receive a Victoria Cross from King George V will be honoured in a special service this weekend.

A blue plaque will be unveiled in memory of First World War hero Mir Dast who was recognised for his bravery in carrying eight wounded soldiers to safety in April 2015.

The plaque will be unveiled close to the Royal Pavilion in Brighton, which served as a makeshift wartime hospital for Indian soldiers, and the India Gate which was a gift from India to mark British hospitality during the First World War.

Mr Dast will be the first non-white recipient of a blue plaque in the city and organisers hope he will be the first of many.

The event will be held on Sunday from 4pm and will be attended by a number of dignitaries including the Deputy High Commissioner of India Dr Virander Paul, Brighton and Hove mayor Pete West and the Lord Lieutenant of East Sussex Peter Field.

It will mark the end of a week-long celebration of Brighton’s links to Indian war heroes following the successful running of the Brighton Festival performance Dr Blighty which has lit up the Royal Pavilion.

The plaque will be unveiled on the wall of The Royal Pavilion shop close to the royal palace where Mr Dast was both treated for his injuries and where in August 1915 he received the Victoria Cross from George V.

The Indian-born soldier was awarded his VC for his bravery at Wieltje near Ypres in Belgium in April 1915 in rescuing eight wounded British and Indian officers under heavy fire having already rushed to the aid of other stranded soldiers.

The plaque for Mr Dast, who died in Pakistan in 1945, has been paid for by groups including Sussex Police, Gujarati Cultural Society, children from year six Hertford Junior School and many individuals.

Chattri Memorial Group chairman Davinder Dhillon has organised the funding of the plaque and will give the closing remarks at the ceremony.

He said: “It is in part a recognition here of the huge role India played in support of the Western powers in holding the line against its enemies, a contribution that is often downplayed.

“Mir Dast was one of many brave men and one of only 11 Victorian Cross holders from India.

“This is a historical moment and Brighton is very forward looking in that it is beginning to recognise people from diverse backgrounds who have made a difference.”