A request from the local temple resulted in the British Army taking part in Vaisakhi celebrations in Derby.

Soldiers joined the Sikhs’ founding anniversary and new year procession through the city on Sunday April 19.

Army spokesman Lt.Col. David Hollas said that the Sikh community had wanted to commemorate historic ties with the Army.

He told BBC News that the Sikhs had a very strong military tradition. He wanted to reactivate the sense of a shared history – to say to British Sikhs: “We’re your Army and let’s continue the journey together.”

City Councillor Ranjit Banwait, who helped arrange the Army’s attendance, said that in the Second World War Sikhs fought bravely with the British Eighth Army in North Africa and Italy. They also experienced the terrible conditions of the trenches in the First World War alongside British comrades.

The Army’s presence in the procession – comprising 30 soldiers including a colonel and three majors – celebrated old friendships and forged new ones, he said.

Representatives of the Sri Guru Singh Sabha Gurdwara in Princes Street, Derby, initiated the invitation to the soldiers.

Around 12,000 people witnessed the parade.

• About the Author
• Latest Posts

About Mann Matharu

Mann Matharu is the Chief Editor and Founder of Sikhs Online. He is responsible for the research into Sikh related stories and marketing of the site.

• The Earl and Countess of Wessex visit Sri Guru Singh Sabha in Southall, UK - December 8, 2018
• Direct Flights Between London Luton Airport and Amritsar - November 27, 2018
• Empire of the Sikhs Exhibition Opens in London - July 10, 2018
• Indian Athlete Dedicates Gold Medal to his Father - August 28, 2018
• Maharani Jind Kaur’s Jewellery Sells for £182,000 - July 5, 2018
• Lepra urges UK Government not to neglect Leprosy - January 31, 2018
• Could you give a Sikh child a brighter future? - January 30, 2018
• Roko Cancer Charitable Trust - January 22, 2018
• Royal Mail stamp to feature Princess Sophia Duleep Singh - January 15, 2018
• Welcome to the team Rajveer Kaur - January 9, 2018

Share this story