Wreath‑laying on Commonwealth Day pays tribute to Women in War

Held annually on Commonwealth Day, the wreath-laying ceremony brings together High Commissioners, representatives of the Armed Forces, veterans, faith leaders and members of the public to reflect on the shared sacrifices that shaped the modern world. This year’s theme, Women in War, recognises the courage, resilience and leadership of women whose service has too often remained under acknowledged in public memory.

From resistance networks in occupied Europe to military hospitals in South Asia, from the Auxiliary Territorial Service to civil defence organisations across Africa and the Caribbean, women played vital roles in intelligence, communications, nursing, logistics, mobilisation and frontline support. Their service strengthened Allied operations and sustained communities during times of extraordinary strain.

Among those remembered is Noor Inayat Khan, the British Indian Special Operations Executive agent who served in occupied France during the Second World War. Operating under the codename Madeleine, she became the first female wireless operator sent into Nazi occupied territory. Betrayed, captured and executed at Dachau in 1944, her courage and refusal to betray her colleagues remain a powerful symbol of conviction and sacrifice.

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Today’s ceremony also honours women such as Margaret MacDonald of Canada, Constance Mark of Jamaica, Vivian Bullwinkel of Australia, Comfort Adeoye of Nigeria, Indira Sinha of Sri Lanka and Begum Pasha Shah of India. Their leadership, medical service, mobilisation efforts and post war advocacy form part of a broader educational initiative developed by the Memorial Gates Council.

As part of this year’s commemoration, the Council has introduced an education programme entitled Women in War, designed to ensure that a new generation understands the full breadth of Commonwealth service and the central role women played within it.

Through remembrance and education, the Memorial Gates continue to honour the five million men and women from the Indian subcontinent, Africa and the Caribbean who volunteered to serve during the World Wars, and to recognise the enduring contribution of their descendants to British society today.

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Lord Boateng, PC, CVO, Chairman of the Memorial Gates Council, said:

“The Memorial Gates Foundation highlights on Commonwealth Day the contribution of peoples of every race and creed to the global defence of freedom and justice in the course of two World Wars.

"The role of women in those conflicts will be particularly marked in this year and will be central to the act of commemoration. We will remember those women one of whom Connie Marks. I was privileged to know personally as a young man and who have been a source of inspiration to my own and successive generations.

"The ideals of service and sacrifice in the defence of liberty which they represent are today particularly relevant in the face of a resurgence of global aggression on the part of authoritarian regimes. We owe those women and men like the recently deceased Major Mani Rai a debt of gratitude for their example and tireless work in the cause of remembrance.”

Ms Shrabani Basu, Author and historian, said:

“Today we honour not only the women whose names are recorded in history, but also the countless others whose stories were never fully told. Noor Inayat Khan represents the quiet courage of so many Commonwealth women who stepped forward in moments of global crisis. Their service challenges us to widen our understanding of remembrance and to ensure that future generations recognise the full breadth of contribution made in defence of freedom.”

Defence Hindu Chaplain Acharya Krishan K Attri MBE, said:

"On Commonwealth Day we honour the vital role and sacrifice of Indian and Commonwealth women during the two World Wars.

"From nurses caring for the wounded on distant fronts to factory workers, miners and labour corps members supporting the Allied effort in India, these women showed extraordinary courage and resilience. During the First World War they led relief efforts and sustained communities at home. In the Second World War thousands served in auxiliary forces, built infrastructure and supported vital production.

"Their contributions were often overlooked but were essential to the war effort and remain an important part of the shared history of the Commonwealth. We remember their service and honour their legacy. Their courage and dedication continue to inspire us to build a more just and united world."

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Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Hon Shirley Botchwey, said:

“These Memorial Gates remind us not only of loss, but of unity, of what is possible when people of different faiths, races, languages and cultures stand together against the forces of hatred and oppression. 

“This year, we remember in a special way the women of the Commonwealth who served. For every Noor Inayat Khan whose story we can tell, there are countless others whose names we do not know. In doing so, they bound our nations together in shared sacrifice. 

"Their example lives on in the quiet determination of nations that continue to choose partnership over division. May we be worthy of that inheritance. May the flame entrusted to us, that precious flame of liberty, solidarity and peace, burn brightly for generations to come.” 

The Royal British Legion’s Director of Remembrance, Philippa Rawlinson, said:

“The Royal British Legion is proud to support today’s event, highlighting the pivotal part played by people across the Commonwealth who stood together in times of global conflict. It’s important that we come together to recognise the lasting impact they had, and continue to have, on the diversity of British society today.

“We also pay special tribute to Noor Inayat Khan, the only woman named amongst the Victoria and George Cross recipients on the pavilion at the Memorial Gates, whose courage stands as a powerful testament to the role of women in service – a vital role which continues to this day.”

Commonwealth Day 2026