A Sikh Legacy of Courage That Helped Secure Allied Victory

The contribution of Sikh soldiers to the Allied victories in World War I and World War II remains one of the most remarkable yet often overlooked chapters of modern military history. Despite making up only a small percentage of the population of British India, Sikhs served in astonishing numbers, fighting with distinction across Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia.

Their bravery, discipline and deeply rooted warrior tradition played a critical role in ensuring the success of Allied forces in both global conflicts.

A Warrior Tradition Forged by Faith

The Sikh tradition of military service dates back to the 15th century when the Sikh faith was founded. From its earliest days, Sikhism involved standing against oppression, defending justice and protecting the vulnerable. These values were forged in conflict, particularly during prolonged struggles against the Mughal Empire, which sought to suppress religious freedom in the region.

By the mid 19th century, Sikh soldiers had earned a reputation as formidable warriors. In 1851, they were formally inducted into the British Indian Army, where they quickly became a backbone of imperial military power. Sikh regiments fought across Africa, the Middle East and Asia and were instrumental in supporting the British during the Indian Rebellion of 1857. This long standing military relationship set the stage for Sikh involvement in the world wars of the 20th century.

When World War I broke out in 1914, the British Empire drew heavily upon its colonial forces. The scale of Sikh participation was extraordinary. Although Sikhs represented only about 2% of India’s population, they accounted for 22% of the 161,000 Indian troops who served in the British Indian Army during the war. Sikh soldiers fought in some of the most brutal theatres of conflict, including the Western Front, Gallipoli, Mesopotamia and East Africa.

Their presence was not limited to British units. In Canada, archival records show that 10 Indo-Canadian men enlisted in the Canadian Army during WWI, eight of whom carried the Sikh surname Singh. These men served alongside white Canadian soldiers at a time when racial exclusion was still widespread.

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Powerful Stories Throughout History

One of the most powerful individual stories is that of Buckam Singh, a Sikh immigrant and labourer who enlisted in the Canadian Expeditionary Force in 1915. Born in Punjab in 1893, Buckam Singh migrated to British Columbia as a teenager and later settled in Ontario. He served with the 20th Battalion of the Canadian Corps in Belgium coming under relentless shelling and harsh trench conditions at Ypres.

Wounded multiple times in combat, Buckam Singh ultimately contracted tuberculosis, a disease that claimed millions of lives in the 20th century. He was discharged and died in 1919 at just 25 years old. Today, his grave in Kitchener, Ontario is the only known gravesite of an Indo-Canadian WWI soldier in Canada and annual memorials are held in his honour. His surviving Victory Medal is also the only known WWI medal issued to a Sikh-Canadian soldier.

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ANZACS and Sikh Legacy

Sikh involvement in World War I also extended to Australia. Recent research has uncovered the stories of nine Sikh men who enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force (AIF) and fought alongside the Anzacs. Motivated by Sikh values of equality and resistance to injustice, these men saw the war as a moral duty.

One such soldier was Desenda Singh, who served with the 34/3 Light Horse Regiment in Egypt in 1918 and was known for wearing a blue and gold turban. His story, rediscovered by his greatgrandson Nehchal Singh more than a century later provides another example of how Sikh soldiers fought shoulder to shoulder with Australian troops, forging bonds that overcame race and religion.

Although their numbers were small, historians argue that these Sikh Anzacs played a vital role in establishing a lasting Sikh identity in Australia one rooted in shared sacrifice and service.

Sikh participation expanded even further during World War II. More than 300,000 Sikh soldiers served with the Allied forces again a large number relative to their population which showcases the morals and values the Sikh community stands by. Sikh regiments fought in North Africa against Rommel’s forces, in Italy, in Burma against Imperial Japan and across the Middle East.

Their resilience, adaptability and combat effectiveness were widely recognised by Allied commanders. Sikh soldiers became known for holding critical defensive positions, launching successful counter attacks and maintaining morale under extreme conditions. Without the manpower and determination of Indian forces particularly Sikh regiments the Allied war effort would have been significantly weakened.

The legacy of Sikh soldiers in World War I and World War II is one of extraordinary courage, sacrifice and loyalty to universal principles of justice and freedom. From the trenches of Flanders to the deserts of Egypt and the jungles of Burma, Sikh soldiers were a major force in securing Allied victory.

Today, it has never been more important to remember these stories and give the recognition they deserve. Remembering their contribution is not only an act of historical justice, but a reminder that the freedoms enjoyed today were won through the shared sacrifices of diverse communities united against tyranny.