A son of a brave World War II hero is now seeking the removal of his father’s name from a war memorial in London after a painful visa refusal.
The family, living in Sylhet, Bangladesh, has faced a disheartening challenge to visit the Tower Hill Memorial, where the name of Ershad Ali, who served in the Merchant Navy, is etched in honor of his sacrifice.
Despite their long-standing dream to pay respects to their fallen hero, the UK government’s visa refusal has left them feeling deeply disrespected and humiliated.
The Legacy of Ershad Ali
Ershad Ali’s legacy as a war hero is marked by his untimely death while serving in the Merchant Navy.
He was tragically killed on June 19, 1944, when the Dutch cargo ship SS Garoet was struck by a German U-boat torpedo.
His sacrifice was later recognized with five prestigious medals, including the Burma Star, Atlantic Star, and the 1939-45 War Medal.
His name was forever etched into the Tower Hill Memorial in London as a testament to his service to the Allied forces.
For his son, Ataur Rahman, 86, and grandson Suhel Rana, 30, visiting that memorial was not just a desire but a lifelong dream to honor the memory of a father and grandfather they never knew.
Ataur was just six months old when his father went off to war and never returned home.
Yet, despite their efforts, the family’s visa application was rejected, and they were left devastated.
The Emotional Toll of Rejection
Ataur Rahman expressed his heartbreak and disillusionment over the rejection, which he believes was a deliberate act of disrespect.
“I think they insulted not only my father but all the seamen who died in World War II,” he shared, noting that the pain of never having seen his father lingers in his heart.
His son, Suhel, worked tirelessly for years to have Ershad’s recognition in 2019, but despite this achievement, they are now denied the chance to pay their respects.
For Ataur, this rejection has become a symbol of humiliation.
He now believes that his father’s name should be removed from the memorial entirely, as he feels the UK government has shown a complete lack of respect.
“We are humiliated and ashamed,” he said, adding that his only wish in his final years was to visit his father’s memorial—a dream that has now been dashed by the UK Home Office.
A Call for Justice and Remembrance
As Ataur approaches the final stages of his life, he has vowed to return his father’s medals and remove his name from all official documents.
“Since we have no right to respect, there is no basis for keeping my father’s name on the memorial,” he said.
This declaration has echoed in the hearts of many, who have supported the family’s cause.
Suhel, too, has voiced his distress over the situation.
“We feel so disrespected and discriminated against,” he remarked, adding that the family is contemplating sending back the medals and removing Ershad’s name from all memorials as a protest.
Steve Belgrove, who runs Medals Lost & Found, has been helping the family, attempting to secure a visa for them, but so far, their efforts have been unsuccessful.
A Plea for Respect and Recognition
The family’s battle is one for basic recognition. “Why put someone’s name on a memorial if the families can’t even go and pay their respects?” Belgrove questioned.
The UK’s decision has left them feeling not only disrespected but also ashamed.
Suhel, a passionate WWII history enthusiast, has visited numerous memorials around the world, yet his grandfather’s remains out of reach due to this visa refusal.
A spokesperson for the UK Home Office has declined to comment on the specific case, citing the longstanding policy of not discussing individual cases.
However, the situation has sparked outrage, particularly among those who believe that the families of these brave servicemen should be given the opportunity to honor their loved ones, especially in the very memorials dedicated to their sacrifice.
In the end, this story is not just about one family’s fight for justice, but a reminder of the respect and honor owed to those who gave everything for their country.
The UK’s refusal has left the Rahman-Rana family grappling with a painful decision—one that highlights the need for the government to reconsider how it honors the legacies of its war heroes.