The campaign for a new Sikh war memorial was led by Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi, Britain's first turbaned Sikh MP, who now has the support of the UK's Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to help set up a Working Group to find a suitable location.
The UK government has agreed to support and fund a national memorial to honour the sacrifices and contribution of Sikh soldiers who fought for Britain and its allies during the two World Wars.
More than 83,000 turbaned Sikh soldiers gave their lives and more than 100,000 were injured during the wars.
"We are indebted to all those servicemen who volunteered to serve and fought to defend the freedoms we enjoy today," said UK communities secretary Sajid Javid yesterday as he announced government backing for the new memorial in London.
"A Sikh war memorial in our nation's capital will honour their sacrifice and ensure that this part of our shared history is never forgotten. So, I'm delighted to get behind this campaign and ensure its success," he said.
Absolutely thrilled to have hosted a historic cross party gathering in @UKParliament for the launch of central #London @SikhWarMemorial
— Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi MP (@TanDhesi) January 30, 2018
A staggering £375,000 pledged. With the announced @mhclg @MayorofLondon @jeremycorbyn support we'll finally achieve this longstanding demand pic.twitter.com/zhaA60Dhrv
The campaign for a new Sikh war memorial was led by Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi, Britain's first turbaned Sikh MP, who now has the support of the UK's Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to help set up a Working Group to find a suitable location.
Once an appropriate site has been identified and detailed plans agreed, the ministry has agreed to provide funding towards the project.
Trustee Ian Henderson CBE addresses the attendees at @HouseofCommons launch of @SikhWarMemorial pic.twitter.com/hob00OjhJV
— The National Sikh War Memorial Trust (@SikhWarMemorial) January 30, 2018
"The part played by Sikh servicemen really stands out a contribution that is all the more remarkable when you consider that these brave men travelled thousands of miles to fight for a country that wasn t their own," said Javid.
Huge congratulations to @TanDhesi and all cross party supporters for the National Sikh War Memorial https://t.co/bP4v1ZABg2
— NISAU UK (@NISAU_UK) January 31, 2018
Over 27,000 people had signed an online petition by Dhesi, the Labour party MP for Slough who also submitted an Early Day Motion (EDM) in the House of Commons on the issue, which attracted cross-party support from over 260 MPs.
"Given that the Sikh community, which is very proud of its military traditions, there has been a demand for more than a decade for a Sikh memorial in a prime central location in London," Dhesi said.
I'm very glad to support the @SikhWarMemorial campaign. This campaign proposes a permanent war memorial to honour the contribution #Sikh servicemen have made to our country.
— Stephen Kerr MP (@stephenkerrMP) January 31, 2018
In WW1, Sikhs made up 20% of the Indian Army, and saw action in almost all theatres of war. pic.twitter.com/o3NOKTHRNo
"Britain owes a huge debt to the Sikh service men and women who fought alongside British troops in the First and Second World Wars. I look forward to supporting the work of the new National Sikh War Memorial Trust in lobbying for proper recognition of these courageous individuals," added London Mayor Sadiq Khan.
Britain owes a huge debt to the Sikh service men and women who fought alongside British troops in the First and Second World Wars. I look forward to supporting the work of the new National Sikh War Memorial Trust in lobbying for proper recognition of these courageous individuals. pic.twitter.com/np2ZpnxMYk
— Sadiq Khan (@SadiqKhan) January 30, 2018
According to official records, despite making up only 2 per cent of the Indian population when the First World War broke out, Sikhs accounted for more than 20 per cent of the Indian Army's manpower.
Sikh soldiers from Punjab and surrounding states saw action in Europe, Africa and the Middle East, most notably on the Western Front and at Gallipoli.
Proud to support the campaign for a permanent National Sikh War Memorial in London which was boosted by a tremendous event in Parliament tonight. This will recognise the sacrifices of Sikh soldiers in the service of Great Britain and their fight for our freedom. pic.twitter.com/Yl8rSqQCqn
— Seema Malhotra (@SeemaMalhotra1) January 30, 2018
Great to join @SikhWarMemorial event in Parliament tonight led by @TanDhesi - and to see Speaker, @SadiqKhan and @Jas_Athwal there to support pic.twitter.com/1SZrDzH0Gb
— Wes Streeting MP (@wesstreeting) January 30, 2018
On the Western Front Sikhs fought and died alongside their British, Indian and Commonwealth counterparts. Their contribution was essential to the war effort and of the 22 Military Crosses awarded to Indian soldiers, 14 went to Sikhs.
Congratulations to @TanDhesi for excellent campaign launch of @SikhWarMemorial receiving government and cross party support and securing an impressive £375,000 in community funding commitments @SikhCouncilUK members delighted to partner on the project pic.twitter.com/rSbPRdmfnD
— Sikh Council UK (@SikhCouncilUK) January 30, 2018
Good luck to @SikhWarMemorial and @TanDhesi with their campaign. We have seen many overseas memorials to Sikh soldiers from 2WW e.g. #Tunisia. It would be good to see one in London. pic.twitter.com/AbZvVX83qc
— Defence Photography (@DefencePhoto) January 30, 2018
Launch of The National Sikh War Memorial Trust today at @HouseofCommons hosted by @TanDhesi @AppgBritSikhs pic.twitter.com/wJnYvmAziz
— The National Sikh War Memorial Trust (@SikhWarMemorial) January 30, 2018
Proud to support campaign for permanent national memorial to honour brave Sikh servicemen who fought for our country to help defend the freedoms we enjoy today #WeWillRememberThem https://t.co/M09VDKQqIV pic.twitter.com/u2ESDGJeMI
— Sajid Javid (@sajidjavid) January 30, 2018
