The Sikh Service in the British Army
Produced in consultation with the Defense Sikh Network and historian Gurinder Singh Mann (Sikh Museum Initiative), the Sikh Service in the British Army resources help students aged 11–16 to explore the varied contributions of Sikh soldiers throughout the history of the British Army.
The education resources exploring the role of Sikh soldiers in the British Indian Army. These resources focus on the development of the Sikh faith as well as the Battle of Saragarhi. This battle pitched around 10,000 Orakzai and Afridi tribesmen against 21 Sikhs of the Indian Army.
Led by Havildar Ishar Singh, the 21 soldiers in the fort—all of whom were Sikhs—refused to surrender and were wiped out in a last stand. The post was recaptured two days later by another British Indian contingent. All the 21 soldiers involved in the battle were posthumously awarded the Indian Order of Merit, which was the highest gallantry award that an Indian soldier could receive at the time.
The resources can be used to commemorate the battle on 12th September, remembrance day and throughout the year.
Visit the resource at The Sikh Service in the British Army