Rajesh Patel

Craftsman Rajesh Patel served with the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers in the Burma campaign, maintaining and repairing vehicles and equipment in extreme jungle conditions. His skills kept vital supply vehicles running during the advance on Rangoon. After Indian independence, Rajesh chose to settle in Birmingham where he opened a small engineering workshop. He was active in the Sikh veterans' community and helped establish a memorial garden in Handsworth commemorating Indian soldiers who served in both World Wars.