MP learns stories of fallen soldiers on visit to Cambridge City Cemetery ahead of South Asia Heritage Month

MP Daniel Zeichner heard the stories of fallen soldiers commemorated at Cambridge City Cemetery from the Commonwealth Graves Commission for South Asia Heritage Month.

Among them was Pilot Officer Nelson Arthur McGinn, who was born in Kolkata, Indian around 1923.

On a visit to the Newmarket Road cemetery, the Cambridge MP heard how Nelson’s father, Edwin, worked for the British India Steam Navigation Company.

A member of the Royal Indian Air Force, Nelson had completed his training in Canada as part of the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan. He was killed on the March 24, 1945, during a Spitfire accident. His parachute did not open in time.

The Labour MP said: “It was a great privilege to return to Cambridge City Cemetery and meet again with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. Behind every name, there is a person, with their own history and heritage.

“It is important that we remember and honour all those that made the ultimate sacrifice and died for our country, wherever they were from in the world. I would encourage people from across Cambridge to visit this beautiful resting area and to learn about the heritage of those that fought for Britain in the First and Second World Wars.

“I would like to thank the Commonwealth War Graves Commission for hosting me again and for helping to take care of the graves in the cemetery.”

South Asia Heritage Month began on July 18 and runs until August 17.