Sikhs in World Wars
Sikhs in Worlds Wars were and are often referred to as Lions of the Great War. After fall of the Sikh Empire and death of its king Mahahraja Ranjit SIngh, being the most difficult and longest land to take during the British Conquest, the British began recruiting Sikhs in their army in large numbers.[1] Contributing the most volunteers of any of the British imperial holdings that fought in the war, India produced between 900,000 to 1.5 million Sikh troops for combat by 1919. Of these troops, the Sikhs, one of the two loyal 'martial races' of the British Raj, rallied in enormous numbers for the King, Empire, and the defense of Europe.
At the beginning of the war, Sikh military personnel numbered around 35,000 men of the 161,000 troops, which is around 22% of the British armed forces, yet the Sikhs only made up less than 2% of the total population in India. Sikhs, before and after were and are well known for their martial skills, freedom in speaking their minds and their daredevil courage.[2] The Sikhs strongly believe in martial arts and battle warfare and the idea of martyrdom and battlefield heroism. For a Sikh it is a great honour to die fighting on a battle field, qouted in the Sikh Natinal Anthem; "...May i Die Fighting on the Battlefield Courageously."
The Sikhs contribution to the world wars widely helped the British Army in defeating the German army and defending Britain.[3]
Sikhs in World War I
The Sikhs efforts were greatly appreciated. Having joined the British Army, being well aware that their martial bravery would aid the Army. Known as the Lions of the Great War after the war, during the war they were often called the Black Lions.[4] Leaving their homeland, the Punjab, they offered to fight and help Britain, yet they did it out of honour and loyalty.
Sikhs were allowed to use traditional Sikh weapons (such as Sikh quoits and the sabre), and it was not uncommon to see the Sikh holy book, Guru Granth Sahib, being carried before a marching Sikh battalion or even on the front lines among the battling Sikh troops.[5]
Sikhs in World War II
The Sikhs were bravely volunteered to fight on the front line, however Churchill declined this sometimes as he said 'we need them.' Also when the Sikhs were not asked to fight in the front during an attack by German troops with tanks, this was a long task which took almost a week for the British Army to push back the German Army, however on Friday 1916, the Sikh Regiment was sent in and then took a night to push back the German Invaders.[6]
- ^ Abel, Ernest. "Sikhs of the war".
- ^ Abel, Ernest. "Sikhs of the war".
- ^ Abel, Ernest. "Sikhs of the war".
- ^ Abel, Ernest. "Sikhs of the war".
- ^ Abel, Ernest. "Sikhs of the war".
- ^ Abel, Ernest. "Sikhs of the war".