in memoriam: Sikh Contribution

[Kyt]

Having just bought a copy of a book called "Memories of Friends and Foes" by Gian Singh, I thought I'd just highlight the contibution of the Sikhs (as a way of thank you so close to Remembrance Day). The book is a short one, with some descriptions of Gian Singh's experiences at Imphal, and some poetry. If you're interested please visit:

http://www.burmastar.org.uk/gian_singh.htm

Another Sikh (a hero of mine) is Mahindra Singh Pujji, a fighter pilot during the war:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/1645374.stm

Two amongst many brave men (of all nations).

See also:

http://www.mgtrust.org/ind2.htm
http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Hi...PilotsRAF.html

[von Poop]

Fascinating stuff, particularly the flyboys.
I'm ashamed to say my knowledge of Sikhs in WW2 pretty much stopped at;
'They could look damned cool'.

Cheers for that,
Adam.

[Kyt]

Originally Posted by Von Poop

Fascinating stuff, particularly the flyboys.
I'm ashamed to say my knowledge of Sikhs in WW2 pretty much stopped at;
'They could look damned cool'.

Cheers for that,
Adam.

Thanks Adam for looking. My favourite picture is Ft Lt Pujji, who was the first pilot to be allowed to keep his turban, and special head-phones were made. Ironically, he is now clean-shaven and balding!!

[Owen]

On the Coventry thread I posted a picture of the Memorial there to Sikhs killed in action.
Coventry Memorial

Quote:
This 22ft marble monument which incorperates the insignia of all the Sikh Regiments which served in the Army from 1850 until 1945 stands in the middle of a traffic island on the Stoney Stanton Road at the crosspoint of the North South Road in Coventry. It is a unique monument marking 200 years of Sikh involvement in British history and the last two world wars.

[Kyt]

Thanks Owen. I've never been to Coventry but I would love to see it one day. I'll have to look it up to see what details and inscriptions are on it.

Thanks again

[seamonkey]

Mahindra Pujji was a wonderfully brave man, I have several interviews on video that he did.

[Gotthard Heinrici]

Brave men all Kyt and thanks for posting this! Reason wjhy we have such a treasure trove of info here.

[Owen]

Black, brown, white , yellow, pink, gay, straight we must remember them all.


Bless 'em all, bless 'em all
The long and the short and the tall
Bless all the sergeants and W.O. Ones
Bless all the corp'rals and their blinking sons
For we're saying good-bye to them all
As back to the barracks we crawl
You'll get no promotion this side of the ocean
So cheer up my lads Bless 'em all,

[Elven6]

Good to see atleast someone remembers our contributions, from my many visits it seems like India dosen't care much about their contribution in the two world wars. Wars that came after independence with Pakistan and China are more "popular" with many.

I highly recommend you guys check out Mark Tully's program "Stand at East",

BBC - Radio 4 - Stand at East

[Owen]

I've been pestering a Sikh chap at work who's Grandad was in WW2 to bring in some photos.
No luck yet, I'll keep trying.
I've recently read the History of 4th Indian Division , good to read about their war.