World War I and my Grandfather

Every year on November 11th we commemorate the end of the First World War and the thousands of soldiers and civilians who died as a result. This year we encourage you to remember the Sikh soldiers who volunteered to fight in the British Armed Forces on behalf of the British Raj, many of whom died during the four-year conflict. 

Sikhs fought and died on every major front of the war, from Ypres and Flanders in Belgium, the Somme in France, Gallipoli in Turkey, to East Africa, Palestine, and Egypt. Throughout this war they not only battled the Germans but the disease and filth that came with trench warfare.

Sikhs became known for their bravery and fearlessness under fire. They fought while wearing their dastars proudly, and carried their talwars into infantry charges against enemy forces. 

Sikh battalions would carry a saroop of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji wherever they went. It was not uncommon for Sikhs to set up temporary Gurdwaras behind trench lines, so they could do their nitnem and celebrate Gurpurabs and Prakash Purabs.

This year and every year forward, we ask that you remember how these Sikhs kept their rehat while they fought in foreign lands, around strange people, surrounded by the horror of modern warfare.

The war ended on 11th month, 11th day and 11th hour. That’s why Veterans Day is on 11th and does not change.

Sikhs as above gave exampalary sacrifices even maintaining their ‘Rehat’ I.e. keeping their hair and turbans intact and taking holy book along with them with continuous praying even in trenches.

Our maternal grand father late L Kanwar Bhan as a Quarter Master played a prominent part and earned many rewards & laurels. He brought a bag full of gold coins, thus earning a fortune.