Archive and Museum Collection
Each month, we’ll be sharing stories from the collections at Newham Heritage Centre. From rare photographs to historic objects to documents, our archive and museum collections reveal the rich, diverse history of the borough and its communities.
This regular feature highlights newly catalogued items, special finds, and fascinating pieces of local heritage — offering a glimpse into Newham’s past through the collections we care for.
Phases
August
Stories from the Archive: Captain Dhillon’s Story
During South Asian Heritage Month, we explored the remarkable life of Captain Nasib Singh Dhillon — a proud son of Punjab and a distinguished officer of the 1st Madras Regiment of the Indian Army.
Born in 1914, Captain Dhillon served with courage during the Second World War, one of many soldiers from across the British Empire who made vital contributions. After the war, he settled in Manor Park, London, where he worked as a Station Master in customs. A devout Sikh, author, and respected community figure, Dhillon was known for his wisdom, fierce independence, and deep pride in his heritage — regrowing his beard and hair after being compelled to cut them during service.
He was also a practitioner of Ayurvedic medicine, a scholar of Sikh scripture, and lived to the remarkable age of 104.
In the photograph above, Dhillon is pictured aged 37, in his military uniform — part of the Newham Heritage Centre archive.