EMPIRE, FAITH & WAR

BALBIR SINGH BANWAIT

Son of a signaller in the 14th Sikhs

After a lucky escape at the age of 11, Havildar Waryam Singh joined a renowned Sikh regiment and saw action in Gallipoli, Egypt, Mesopotamia and Waziristan from 1914-1919. He was wounded in action.

After the war ended he was selected to go to England where he met King George V at Buckingham Palace.

He later became a recipient of the Indian Distinguished Service Medal.

To read a translation of the interview tracks, click here.

Total length (approx.): 11 mins
Interviewer: Harjit Singh (Australian Sikh Heritage Association)
Date: September 2014
Location: Sydney, Australia
Translators: Tarunpreet Singh (Australian Sikh Heritage Association) & Sukhdeep Jodha
Image credit: Harjit Singh (Australian Sikh Heritage Association)