Sikhs in the British Army

Some images of Sikh soldiers from the world wars and before.

"The British, as well as the Indians, are proud of the 36th Sikh Regiment. It is no exaggeration to record that the armies which possess the valiant Sikhs cannot face defeat in war" - Parliament of the United Kingdom [standing ovation to the 36th Sikh Regiment, Battle of Saragarhi (Tirah Campaign), 1897].

"In the last two world wars 83,005 turban wearing Sikh soldiers were killed and 109,045 were wounded for the freedom of Britain and the world during shell fire, with no other protection but the turban, the symbol of their faith."
— General Sir Frank Messervy KCSI, KBE, CB, DSO and Bar

Sikh regiments under Great Britain, India and the UN have served all over the world including Germany, France (Ypres • La Bassée • Neuve Chapelle • Festubert • Loos • Givenchy • Somme), Flanders, South Africa, Afghanistan, Saragarhi, China & Hong Kong, Burma, Singapore, Malaya, Abyssinia, Persia, El Alamein, North Africa, Jerusalem, Malta, Gallipoli, Monte Cassino (British Army), Congo (India\UN), Lebanon (India\UNIFIL).

The Sikhs represent a proud martial tradition of 300+ years, decorated with 15+ Victoria Crosses and innumerable other unit citations and battle honours. They continue to serve in the Indian Army, the British Army, the US Army and the Canadian Forces.

Their war cry: "Bole So Nihal, Sat Sri Akal' [God is Truth].

Music: "Scotland the Brave" performed by 6th Queen Elizabeth's Own Gurkha Rifles Pipes and Drums.

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• Sikhs
• British
• army
• World
• War
• sikhs
• martial
• sikh
• history
• empire
• Sikhism
• Honour

[vik238]

Please watch:

watch?v=i2r4gSTed44

watch?v=z-VD_xnVLxw

[MrTeejaysingh]

what is the name of this piece?? (the bag pipes)

thank you

[vik238]

@MrTeejaysingh Its 'Scotland the Brave' by 6th Queen Elizabeth's Own Gurkha Rifles Pipes and Drums.

[vik238]

watch/?v=U1AKNg-Anx4&NR=13

[topper2142]

Its nice to see a video dedicated to those sikhs whom fought in wars,you rarely here of theyre service,however,they played big parts in several wars,thankyou for your service and dedication.

[vik238]

@topper2142 thank you.

[260191894]

I think that sikhs deserve to wear their turban as royal guards and in the military for their loyalty to England. They fight with us, they're one of us.

[MrTeejaysingh]

when all avenues to peace are exhausted, it is just to raise the sword.... my respect to all sikh and brit soldiers past and present!

[segano1]

Sikhs, one of the greatest regiments of the British army along with the Scots.

[MrCagivaman]

My Uncle Frank was part of the Indian Army during WW11 and served in N Africa and Italy with these guys. After the war one of his men opened a restaurant in Southall, London and when ever he and his wife Kit visited, he was never charged..That was the bond between them. He looked after them, they will then look after you. According to him, he was in the Indian Army, not the British. He actually came from Wiltshire, West of England.

[ngh1]

@queenshussars thats funny - one of my great grandparents served there too. Its alwyas encouraging to see comments from people like yourself as sometimes I feel the generation of brits who knew the Sikhs are fading away and being replaced by another generation obsessed with muslim extremists on the telly. God bless your grandfather - soldiers are pretty sacred to us Sikhs.

[AngloSikhHeritage]

Sat 27th Aug 2011

ASHT Battlefields tour- Take a guided day trip to the Battlefields of Northern Europe & visit the places where Sikh soldiers fought & died during World War One, see the memorials dedicated to their honour. See ASHT site for details

[rsvideoentertainment]

Being sikh is the best thing in my life :)

knowing our background is truly ... amazing.

[clydewell]

Fabulous. My Dad served with Indian regiments in Burma, no finer.

[MrChadbag]

Cool! Thanks. Any one who fights for the right and freedom is OK in my book.