Saragarhi Day 12 September
It was 119 years ago today that possibly the greatest last stand in military history took place on a remote outpost on India's northwestern frontier. In a battle of almost unbelievable odds, twenty-one men of the 36th Sikhs refused to surrender against up to 10,000 Afghan tribesmen.
Every Sikh died fighting that day and their heroic spirit is commemorated by Sikh military personnel on 12 September as Saragarhi Day. As a fitting tribute, in this week’s newsletter we uncover the story of a WW1 Sikh who enlisted in the same year, and later fought in the same region, as the Saragarhi 21.
Arjan Singh: A Wartime Hero
Arjan Singh of the 53rd Sikhs was born in Harse Chhina village, Amritsar District. His acts on the battlefield is the stuff of legend: saving his British officer under heavy fire then fighting his way up the Tigris River to help relieve besieged troops at Kut, where his 'Brandy' greatcoat saved him from an otherwise deadly bullet in the neck.
You can read the account of his escapades and of how his family have preserved his uniform and medals here. The hunt is on to find a photograph of him, so if you can help contact us.
The Sikh Roll of Honour: 100 Years Ago This Week
This week's roll of honour of those who died exactly 100 years ago is one of the shorter lists. Their names seem all the more poignant for being so. The three were all Sepoys and served and died in the forgotten fronts of Egypt, Iraq and Kenya.
Sikh Roll of Honour week commencing Monday 12 September:
Monday, 12 September 2016Bishn Singh • born in the village of Fallemal Khurd, Malerkotla • Sepoy in the 55th Coke's Rifles (Frontier Force) • died in Kenya
Wednesday, 14 September 2016
Beant Singh • born in the village of Panjour, Garhshankar, Hoshiarpur • Sepoy in the 126th Baluchistan Infantry • died in Iraq
Thursday, 15 September 2016
Channan Singh • born in the village of Ganga, Moga, Ferozepore • Sepoy in the 58th Vaughan's Rifles (Frontier Force) • died in Egypt
But who were these men? What is their story? Help us find out by becoming a Citizen Historian and following our step-by-step getting started guide on how to research a WW1 Sikh soldier.
Do you have a personal link to any of them? Check the list below - do you recognise your village? If yes, then could it be that the soldier is connected to you, even possibly your WW1 ancestor?
Click on a name above and you'll be taken to their Soldier Record where, to the bottom- right, you'll see the 'Adopt Soldier1 button - click on this to begin your journey as a Citizen Historian, helping to create a lasting memorial and legacy to the fallen.
The Sikhs of World War One - With Your Help They WILL Be Remembered
All The King's Men: The Great War's Forgotten Army
This week's Citizen Historian story was researched by Rana Chhina, a leading historian of Indian
military history. His eye-opening illustrated talk on the Indian Army's achievements and the
significant role it played in the grand scheme of the world's first global conflict - including in the
first months of the war when their arrival helped stave off an early Allied defeat - can be
watched here.
Media Roundup
ITV London News did a great piece on our summer 2014 exhibition that became an internet sensation with hundreds of thousands of views. Check out why here.
And don’t forget to keep up to date with our regular updates and your chance to join in the conversation on Facebook & Twitter.
Till next time
The EFW Team
The Sikhs of World War One: With Your Help They Will Be Remembered.
Picture Credits:
1. Ruins of Saragarhi, 1897 (UKPHA Archive).
2. Detail from Arjan Singh’s uniform (Courtesy: Rana Chhina).
3. Detail from the memorial plaque in the village of Narangwal (Image credit: Baljinder Singh).
4. Rana Chhina delivering his talk (UKPHA Archive).
5. Amrit Kaur Lohia on ITV London (UKPHA Archive).
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Related Articles:
http://www.sikhnet.com/news/one-website-chronicling-sikh-contribution-wwi
http://www.sikhnet.com/news/turkish-connection
http://www.sikhnet.com/news/breaking-glass-ceiling-then-and-now.
http://www.sikhnet.com/news/french-connection-how-sikhs-interacted-wartime-french