Photo - by Jagdev Singh Grewal
History
Gallipoli 1915-2015:
National Memorial Service -
London, United Kingdom
NEWS REPORTS
NATIONAL MEMORIAL SERVICE
1914 SIKHS - ST MARTIN-IN-THE-FIELDS
A SOLEMN COMMEMORATION OF THE CONTRIBUTION OF THE SIKH REGIMENT AT THE BATTLE OF GALLIPOLI & THROUGHOUT THE GREAT WAR
Monday, June 8, 2015 - 3 pm
The Commemoration Service of the Sikh contribution at the Battle of Gallipoli and throughout the Great War was held at St Martins-in-the-Field, Trafalgar Square, London, United Kingdom, on Monday, 8 June, 2015.
A large and appreciative congregation attended the Service conducted by Revered Dr Sam Wells, Vicar of St Martins, and by Mandeep Kaur, Sikh Chaplain to the British Armed Forces.
Members of the House of Lords, politicians, members of the Diplomatic Corps, serving Military Officers from High Commissions and UK command appointments, and many distinguished guests from Punjab, India and UK filled the Church.
Readings were carried out by:
* Major General Peter Davies CB, Patron, 1914 Sikhs Campaign and President of the Jullundur Brigade Association
* Field Marshal Lord Guthrie GCB, LVO,OBE,DL, former Chief of the Defence Staff
* James Rattray, grandson of Thomas Rattray who commanded the Rattray's Sikhs in 1916/17 and was killed in action in February 1917 and son of PH Rattray, the last Commanding Officer of the Rattray's Sikhs in 1947
* Andrew Smyth, the grandson of Brigadier Sir John Smyth VC, MC of 15th Ludhiana Sikhs who won his VC at the Battle of Festubert at the head of a party of ten Sikhs
* The Viscount Slim OBE, DL President of the Burma Star Association
* Pushpindar Singh, Vice President of the Jullundur Brigade Association and son of Major General Mohinder Singh, Founder of the Jullundur Brigade Association
* David Bellamy (representing the family of Lieutenant General Sir Reginald Savory KCIE, CB, DSO, MC who took part in the Gallipoli Campaign and was Colonel of Ist Battalion Sikh Light Infantry)
* Lieutenant General Andrew Graham CB, CBE former Director of the UK Defence Academy
* Oliver Chamberlain, grandson of Sir Joseph Chamberlain KG, Secretary of State for India 1915-17
* Lord Indarjit Singh of Wimbledon CBE, Director of the Network of Sikh Organisations (UK)
* Ian Henderson CBE, the grandson of Lieutenant George Henderson of the 15th Ludhiana Sikh Regiment and who was wounded at the First Battle of Neuve Chapelle in October 1914
* Major General Peter Currie CB CBE, a former Lieutenant Governor of the Royal Hospital Chelsea
* Mr David Lelliot OBE, Deputy British High Commissioner, India
* Suki Kaur Bassi, a volunteer for the 1914 Sikhs Campaign
* Dr Gurnam Singh PhD, Principal Lecturer in Social Work, Coventry University * Mankamal Singh, a volunteer for the 1914 Sikhs Campaign and an executive member of the Sikh Council UK.
The final words were spoken by the Honorary Director of the 1914 Sikhs Campaign, the conceiver and organiser of the Service, Harbinder Singh.
Before concluding, he called to the front Harbans Singh Thandi, the son of Udai Singh of 14th KGO Sikhs who had saved the life of Lieutenant Savory at the battle of Krithia during the Gallipoli campaign. A depiction of this gallant action was included in the Order of Service.
This was the first time that he had met the Savory descendants. Together with the Patron and the Honorary Director, and supported by his daughter, he led the congregation out of the Church and through the Guard of Honour formed by the 1914 Sikhs platoon.
Music was performed by: Gursevak Jatha who are all students of the Gurmat Sangeet Academy; Acapella Jatha -- three sisters who have been singing together for nearly 25 years; and Oliver Nelson, a renowned British violinist.
A formal guard was provided by members of the 1914 Sikhs Platoon.
The Last Post was played by Drummer Liliequist of the Scots Guards.
* * * * *
A JOINT ACT OF COMMEMORATION
Rev. Dr Sam Wells, Vicar of St Martin-in-the-Fields
St. Martin-in-the-Fields is sometimes described as the church with the ever-open door. It is a description which reflects not only its status as an iconic landmark in London but also its tradition of serving the multinational community to which the capital plays host.
By virtue of its position amongst the prominent churches of London, St Martin’s has also been at the confluence of history and acts of worship. Our archives testify to the long tradition of the church as a venue to significant historic events.
The memorial service for HH Prince Victor Albert Duleep Singh of Lahore, the eldest son of the last Maharajah of the Punjab, took place here in June 1918.
However it was in June 1915 that well-wishers of the Sikh regiment assembled here in solemn commemoration of its heroism at the Battle of Gallipoli: heroism that had been mentioned in the Houses of Parliament.
It is therefore fitting that almost a hundred years later to the day we are assembled here to once again honour that bravery, in a joint act of commemoration.
The Sikh and Christian faiths share a recognition of the virtues of Mercy, Truth, Righteousness and Peace. In this sense they both reach beyond their faithful to a vision of a better world. It is for the vision of that world, and in commemoration of those who have died seeking it, that we are gathered today.
June 10, 2015
Conversation about this article
1: Baldev Singh (Bradford, United Kingdom), June 10, 2015, 8:08 PM.
The Europeans have always found it difficult to get on together and have had wars galore! Including two world wars! And they have had to bring millions from their colonies to do their dirty work! The Sikhs have made the greatest contribution during the two world wars, including kicking the Nazis and Japanese' teeth in but also paid the highest price in battles like Gallipoli where they were nothing but canon fodder, despite their extraordinary bravery and sacrifices.
2: Ari Singh (Sofia, Bulgaria), June 11, 2015, 6:01 PM.
Sikh culture, religion, tradition and history revolve around each man and woman being both a saint and a soldier, rolled into one. Therefore, no one can outdo Sikhs either in their spiritual values or in their ability to fight the good fight. Because central to each Sikh being a spiritual warrior is being merciful, compassionate, charitable and humble. Despite 1984, both Hindus and Muslims -- when they are objective and not ruled by vested interests -- respect them and cannot help holding them in awe.
3: Anup Singh (London, United Kingdom), June 12, 2015, 1:39 AM.
I had the privilege of being at this event. It was hugely moving and a fitting tribute. The number and quality of dignitaries were most impressive and it was refreshing to see an event of such professionalism and quality for a Sikh cause. Every reading was emotionally charged and relevant. A memorable occasion I am unlikely to forget.