During the World Wars, members of the Commonwealth came together, with troops from India, Pakistan, Africa, the Caribbean and beyond. On television, on November 4, the BBC showed how the Sikh community helped during the 1914-1918 and 1939-1945 wars. An officer of the Indian Army, Manta Singh saw his commanding officer, Captain Henderson, shot in […]

During the World Wars, members of the Commonwealth came together, with troops from India, Pakistan, Africa, the Caribbean and beyond.

On television, on November 4, the BBC showed how the Sikh community helped during the 1914-1918 and 1939-1945 wars.

An officer of the Indian Army, Manta Singh saw his commanding officer, Captain Henderson, shot in battle, so, under heavy fire, Manta obtained a wheelbarrow, put the officer in it and pushed him to a safe area.

Just before getting there, Manta was shot in the legs, but as they were almost safe, men came forward and saved them both.

Both were treated at a makeshift hospital at the Royal House, in Brighton, Both families became close friends.

I was on a hospital ship during the Second World War and saw a lot of terrible injuries of men from the Indian Sikh community, injured in the fierce fighting in Burma. I never heard any of these men complain of their injuries.

Britain owes a lot to these men, coming to our aid during both World Wars. Thankfully, their families can now live in peace in England – a small price to pay for their help when it was needed.

Mr M Patrick, Ibstock.

~ Source: www.leicestermercury.co.uk