Sikh Contribution to WW1 and WW2

(The Khalsa [Orthodox Sikh] belongs to Waheguru [God] All victory belongs to Waheguru)

The connection with Sikh soldiers is through the historic links of the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment, based at Fulwood Barracks.

Dedicated to the memory of the 83,000 Sikh Soldiers of the British Indian Army who were killed serving in the two World Wars and 109,000 Sikhs who were injured. During WWI The British Indian Army, the largest volunteer army ever, was made up in great proportion of soldiers of the Sikh religion.

The Jullundur Brigade was typical of many Indian Army Brigades that fought so valiantly for the cause of freedom. It consisted of the 15th Ludhiana Sikhs, 47th Sikhs and the 34th Sikh Pioneers from Lahore. It was one of the first brigades from the Indian Army to go into action on the Western Front during WWI, having left India in August 1914, and by mid-October 1914 was deployed in the trenches around Neuve Chapelle in France. 

Sikh bravery was recognised at the highest level with five Victoria Cross awards and many more Sikh soldiers decorated. For Sikhs, serving goes to the heart of our values of equality and fighting for social justice. They did their duty with honour and dignity, whilst maintaining their faith in Wahe Guru ji [God] and the Khalsa tradition. In October 2014, representatives from the Sikh, Hindu and Muslim community accompanied the Duke of Lancaster’s  Regiment for a commemorative service at Neuve Chapelle Indian. 

WAHE GURU JI KA KALISHA WAHE GURU JI KI FATEH

In 2018 a Plaque was installed on the entrance of Avenham Park to in recognition of the Sikh’s contribution to WWI and WWII sacrifices made by them. The Sikhs made whist maintain the allegiance to the Sikh faith the 5 Ks [ Kangha, Kara, Kesh, Kirpan and Kuccha] embracing the Khalsa identity along with the British uniform in battle. 

The Plague was unveiled by the Lord Lieutenant of Lancashire – Lord Shuttleworth KG; KCVO and the Mayor of Preston Cllr Trevor Hart and was in partnership with ‘Field in Trust – Centenary Fields’.