Sikh Voices of the First World War: 'This is the most happy death that anyone can die'.
On the eve of Remembrance Sunday it is fitting to recall the grim reality of war for most soldiers.
One poignant letter from the Western Front is from Jemadar Indar Singh, a cavalryman writing in 1915 from France. His letter is one of reconciliation and resignation of his fate:
I am off for a cavalry attack on the 15th September.
It is quite impossible that I should return alive because a cavalry charge is a very terrible affair.... Don’t be grieved at my death because I shall die arms in hand, wearing the warrior’s clothes.
This is the most happy death that anyone can die. I am very sorry that I have not been able to discharge my obligations towards my family because God has called me already.
Well, never mind; you must forgive me. I have abandoned to you all my worldly possessions which you must make use of without hesitation.
Don’t worry your grandparents after I am gone. Give my love to my parents and tell them not to grieve as we must all die some day.
Indeed this day of death is an occasion for rejoicing.
Jemadar Indar Singh (Sikh) to Chattar Singh (Ludiana Disst, Punjab) FPO.42
Picture credit: Sikh cavalry men in France