A Bristol woman whose Great Grandfather was one of the highest ranking officers in the British army has been honoured in the Bristol honours fallen Sikh soldiers of the World Wars in Bristol.
The memorial which was unveiled on Tuesday April 2 in Why yesterday was the 'biggest day in Castle Park's history' , features Bip Barnjit Kaur’s relative who died fighting in World War One.
Lt.Col. S. Nihal Singh Bahadur has received some of the highest honours in the military, and even once received a visit from the Viceroy of India, Lord Mount-batten.
His name will now be permanently displayed at the memorial in the heart of the city.
Bip Parmjit Kaur first came to Bristol in 1973, and belongs to the Sandhu Clan of Sikh Jats, originally from the Amritsar region of the Punjab in India.
They are very close in lineage to the Sikh Gurus, going back to the founder of the religion Guru Nanak Dev Ji in 1500.
Bristol honours fallen Sikh soldiers of the World Wars
Now living in Stoke Bishop , she is ‘very proud’ to see her family honoured in this way.
When the British took over the Punjab in 1849, the Sandu clan were treated as a ‘Martial people’’ by the British, and became closely linked to the British Army.
Bip Barjit explains: "My Great Grandfather Lt. Col. S. Nihal Singh Bahadur was honoured for his distinguished services during the Great War.
"He had fourteen medals on his chest, and due to his dedicated service and bravery was promoted to the rank of Lt Col and commanded a battalion. This is one of the highest ranking officers from Indian in the British Army.”
During the war, Parmjiit’s Great Grandfather and his younger brother Captain Vadhawa Singh, were moved into the Sikh regiment of the British Army.
She said; “The Sikhs are the most decorated in the Indian army even today. My relatives fought like tigers on the western front. Sadly the younger of the two, was killed in action.”
Lt. Col. Bahadur went missing in action, and his whereabouts was unknown for five years.
On his return to India he was heralded, decorated with medals, and honoured by the British and by the Maharaja of Kapurthla.
Because of his service, he was offered land, and Bip Parmjit even stated: “it is said that the Viceroy of India, Lord Mount-batten himself visited our village, to honour his distinguished service during the Great War.”
Of the war memorial Parmjiit feels it is a great tribute and fits perfectly. She said: “I am so proud of my Grandfather, and today was so special. The ceremony, the flowers, the speeches, and the plaque is perfect. It feels so good. My heart is full of emotion.”
Why yesterday was the 'biggest day in Castle Park's history'
To have this permanent reminder is a special thing for her.”It is important for all us old Sikh generation to see this, but also for the young, the new generation. To remind them of the bravery and for all to see everyday. I am so happy we have this,” she said.
The Sikh war memorial honours all the fallen soldiers from both World Wars that have family in the city, and is free to visit in Castle Park in Bristol city centre.
