THE MONUMENT
The Sikh Soldier Organisation is proud to announce that the monument to commemorate the role of Sikh soldiers in the Two World Wars was finally unveiled on Saturday 30th November 2019 in the beautiful setting of the Rose Garden in Greenhead Park, Huddersfield.
The Unveiling Ceremony has been a special and historic moment not only for the Sikh community, not only for the great town of Huddersfield and the County of West Yorkshire, but also for the global community at large. This memorial has gripped the hearts and minds of well wishers across the world and has been featured by many media channels int he UK and beyond.
The 6 foot bronze statue, high up on a 4 foot plinth was finally unveiled by Lord Lieutenant (Ed Anderson) of West Yorkshire infront of a large crowd and with the eyes of the world on us via the variety of media channels.
Our Sikh Soldier, our Warrior in the Park, now proudly stands on a plinth of strong, sturdy, durable Yorkshire stone, as he looks up towards the Cenotaph, as he looks out to the world. And every day the Warrior reminds us of the great numbers who fought bravely in Ypres, Flanders, the Burmese jungles, and in Africa for Freedom and Justice. And he reminds us that the debt we owe these brave combatants in all the Armed Forces cannot and never should be forgotten.
Unknown to many, thousands of miles from their homes in the Punjab many thousands of Sikhs came to Europe to join the fight against injustice and subjugation. This they were to do in both World Wars. Thousands of Sikhs gave their lives so that we could be free. Their legacy is worthy of remembrance.
In the two World Wars Sikhs played prominent roles in the conflicts. The closest estimates report that 83,005 Sikhs gave their lives in the battlefields of the two World Wars, with 109,045 wounded in battle across the world.
World Wars
In the two World Wars Sikhs played prominent roles in the conflicts. The closest estimates report that 83,005 Sikhs gave their lives in the battlefields of the two World Wars, with 109,045 wounded in battle across the world.
Thousands of Sikhs who bravely volunteered to join the war effort in both great conflicts were never to see their homeland again. They were however to leave an incredible legacy of tales of incredible bravery and courage. The sacrifice of our gallant Sikh brothers is hardly given a nodding mention in the history books in Britain.
HIGHEST AWARDS FOR VALOUR
The First World War
The Victoria Cross, the highest award for bravery, was presented to: Darwan Singh Negi, Lance Daffadar, Gobind Singh Risaldar, Badlu Singh, Gabar Singh Negi and Darwan Singh Negi were among the first Sikh soldiers to be presented with the VC by King George V on 5 December 1914.
The Second World War
Amongst the recipients of the Victoria Cross, we can honour Subadar Ram Sarup, Ishar Singh, Naik Gian Singh, Naik Nand Singh, Jemadar Prakash Singh Chib and Lt Karamjeet Singh Judge
SIKHS WHO HAVE BEEN HONOURED
290
Indian Orders of Merit
23
Military Crosses
706
Indian Distinguished Service Medals
THE ULTIMATE
The plaque on the plinth for the Memorial will open with the warrior prayer bestowed by Guru Gobind Singh ji which Sikhs recite prior to going into battle. These precious words in the prayer were written by Guru Gobind Singh ji to inspire his Sikhs to confront life’s challenges and rise up with a pure heart and a strong mind living the life of righteousness.
Thousands of miles from their homes in Punjab, these brave Sikhs were to do just that, making the ultimate sacrifice in the name of freedom and world peace.