Preston in Lancashire, England, United Kingdom — Northwestern Europe (the British Isles)
Sikh Contribution to World War I and World War II
| | Avenham Park Memorial Centenary Field | |
Photographed by Ray Gurganus, April 10, 2025
1. Sikh Contribution to World War I and World War II Marker
This panel is dedicated to the memory of the 83,000 Sikh Soldiers of the British Indian Army who were killed serving in the two World Wars and 109,000 Sikhs who were injured. During WWI the British Indian Army, the largest volunteer army ever, was made up in great proportion of soldiers of the Sikh religion.
The Jullundur Brigade was typical of many Indian Army Brigades that fought so valiantly for the cause of freedom. It consisted of the 15th Ludhiana Sikhs, 47th Sikhs and the 34th Sikh Pioneers from Lahore. It was one of the first brigades from the Indian Army to go into action on the Western Front during WWI, having left India in August 1914, and by mid-October 1914 was deployed in the trenches around Neuve Chapelle in France.
Sikh bravery was recognised at the highest level with five Victoria Cross awards and many more Soldiers decorated.
"For Sikhs, serving goes to the heart of our values of equality and fighting for social justice. They did their duty with honour and dignity,
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Topics and series. This memorial is listed in these topic lists: Religion & Religious Structures • War, World I • War, World II. In addition, it is included in the Victoria Cross and George Cross Recipients series list.
Location. 53° 45.273′ N, 2° 42.1′ W. Memorial is in Preston, England, in Lancashire. It is on Ribblesdale Place, on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Memorial is at or near this postal address: 23-24 Ribblesdale Place, Preston, England PR1 3NA, United Kingdom. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this memorial is in North West England. Globally, it is on the Atlantic Ocean, in the North Atlantic Region, in Europe, in Atlantic Europe, on one of the British Isles, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Roman Empire.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Swiss Chalet (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Holy Child Jesus Convent and School (about 120 meters away); South African War Memorial (about 120 meters away); The Italian Villa (about 150 meters away); Robert Peel (about 180 meters away); The Winckley Club and The Literary & Philosophical Institution (about 180 meters away); Edith Rigby 1872-1950 (about 210 meters away); The Syke (about 210 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Preston.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 8, 2025. It was originally submitted on June 4, 2025, by Ray Gurganus of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 494 times since then and 275 times this year. Photo 1. submitted on June 4, 2025, by Ray Gurganus of Washington, District of Columbia. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. photo of the marker within its surroundings • Can you help?
