The Royal Indian Navy existed from 1934 to 1950, but very little has been recorded about those who served in the force. Now the National Museum of the Royal Navy is looking for untold stories as part of an exhibition due to open next year.

Hear My Story will launch in Spring 2014 at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, bringing visitors closer than ever to this part of the Royal Navy’s heritage and allowing people to share personal and family stories.

Project director Matthew Sheldon is appealing for people to come forward and tell their untold stories.

“Hear My Story will tell the undiscovered stories from the ordinary men, women and ships which have made the Navy’s amazing history during the past 100 years,” he said.

“This story will not be complete without knowing more about the naval volunteer forces from the Caribbean and Straights of Singapore.”

One story already discovered is that of Leading Seaman Mohammed Rahim, one of only 23 personnel from the Royal Indian Navy awarded the Distinguished Services Medal for Bravery during World War Two for operations in Burma.

He received the award “for gallantry going to the rescue of a wounded seaman, regardless of heavy fire”, risking his life to save a wounded seaman during a night time secret operations raid in February 1944.

Rahim’s medal will be on temporary display at the National Museum of the Royal Navy from February 10-24 to mark the centenary. It will then go on permanent show in the new galleries opening next year.

• Visit www.nmrn.org.uk/hms for more details or to contribute.