Statue Honouring Sikh Soldiers Unveiled In Yorkshire

Hundreds of people in Yorkshire have gathered to watch the unveiling of a statue honouring Sikh soldiers who died fighting for Britain in the two world wars.

The six-foot bronze sculpture is Yorkshire's first memorial to the 83,000 Sikh soldiers who lost their lives.

The monument was transported from Mumbai to its new home in Huddersfield.

Major Joe Stanton, 4th Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment, said: "I think probably the Sikh sacrifice, the Sikh contribution and involvement in the Great War and World War Two, and the conflicts that followed, is something that has perhaps been overlooked.

"Maybe it's something that, unless you're part of the Sikh community, you wouldn't necessarily be aware of it, but they're a very proud religion and community.

"They've provided some of the bravest, most loyal and professional soldiers that the British Army has had over the last 200 years."

The project was initially proposed seven years ago, but only got the go-ahead in 2019.

The local community raised £50,000 in order to convert their plans to reality.

Tim Bhullar, Chairman of the Sikh Soldier Organisation, paid tribute to the efforts of all those involved in making it happen.

"It's been one of the most difficult propositions but if I didn't have a good team with me - some very committed and loyal members, volunteers with me in this committee.

"It needs to be put in a place where people respect it, and we do send the correct message to the rest of the world."

President of the Sikh Soldier Organisation, Manjit Singh, said: "I never thought it would come to the day while I'm living. It has, and I'm so proud it's come."

The monument sits on a plinth of Yorkshire stone, bringing together the two worlds of the men who laid down their lives.