A SOLDIER who was shot while saving a comrade's life in the First World War has been honoured with a poppy wreath.

Subedar (Lieutenant) Manta Singh and Captain George Henderson fought in the Battle of Neuve-Chapelle in France in March 1915 - one of the bloodiest battles of WWI.

During the conflict, Captain Henderson was shot and severely injured.

In an act of heroism, Mr Singh risked his own life to carry his comrade to safety – but he was also shot in the process.

As with many wounded Indian soldiers, Mr Singh, a member of the 3rd (Lahore) Division, was sent to Brighton for hospitalisation.

His wounds were listed as “one, gunshot, left leg, two, gangrene of leg and toxaemia” by the Chief Resident Officer at the Kitchener Indian Hospital in Brighton – one of many hospitals across the city, including the Royal Pavilion.

Mr Singh did not survive his injuries and died on March 15, 1915.

In the aftermath of the war, Captain Henderson travelled to Punjab to meet Mr Singh’s son Assa.

He helped Assa secure a job in the same British Indian Army regiment as his father and over the years, the pairs sons became friends.

Even to this day, the third generation of both families – Jaimal Singh (grandson of Manta Singh) and Ian Henderson (grandson of Captain George Henderson) – remain friends.

The Argus: WWI soldier who saved comrades life honoured with poppy wreath at Brighton Railway Station WWI soldier who saved comrades life honoured with poppy wreath at Brighton Railway Station

On Monday, Ian travelled to Brighton Railway Station to pay his respects to his grandfather and Mr Singh by laying a poppy wreath.

“Manta Singh risked his life to save my grandfather and without him, I wouldn’t be here,” Ian said.

“These strong connections have allowed our families to remain friends for three generations – my mother even helped both of Manta’s sons learn English.

“Every year, I travel to Brighton to pay my respects to Indian soldiers that died fighting for Britain. It’s incredibly important to remember our veterans and I’m proud to re-tell my story with Southern for the Routes of Remembrance campaign.”

The wreath was laid beside the Silent Soldiers silhouette, which was created in 2018 by non-profit organisation the There But Not There.

During WWI, 100,000 railway workers were enlisted to help the war efforts. More than 20,000 died.

Nick Parker, Head of Stations at Southern, said the railways played a “crucial” part in WWI and WWII by moving equipment and transporting troops.

“It’s very likely that Manta Singh would have been taken on the train from Southampton to Brighton to be treated, so we’re proud to be honouring his story with a wreath laid at Brighton station,” he said.

“It was a privilege to travel with Ian today as he embarked on his very own route of remembrance on behalf of his grandfather.

“We have a large community of ex-military in the railway, and it has been fantastic to work with The Veterans Charity in the lead up to Remembrance Day itself.”

A two-minute silence and a memorial service will also be undertaken at Brighton Station on Armistice Day.