Two Western Australian ANZACs, of Indian origin, will be honoured this weekend as part of the Sikh Association of WA’s Remembrance Day service.
More than 15,000 Indian Sikh soldiers served at Gallipoli in Turkey during the battle in 1915, and it is believed almost 1400 Indians died with a further 3500 wounded.
The Sikh Association of Western Australia is hosting their fourth consecutive Remembrance Day service on June 6, at the State War Memorial at Kings Park, Perth.
Remembered with honour at the Lone Pine Memorial, Private Charles Henry Fairbeard, who served at the 16th Australian Imperial Force (AIF) battalion and died in May 4, 1915, will be also be remembered this weekend.
Private Nain Singh Sailani from the 44th AIF battalion, who died in June 1, 1917, will also be honoured. Private Nain Singh Sailani is buried at the Strand Military Cemetery in Belgium.
Sikh Association of WA volunteer and Canning Vale resident Tarun Preet Singh said the association is committed to expanding the ANZAC spirit by sharing the stories of less known ANZAC legends.
“I want people to remember the Indian contribution during World War I, which includes Gallipoli,” he said.
“Our Australian community from different nationalities interpret the word ANZAC in different ways.
“Our association endeavours to expand this story of the ANZAC spirit by contributing through this annual remembrance service which is supported by RSL WA and the Royal West Australian Regiment as well as the political fraternity of WA.”
The service will commence at 9am starting at the Cenotaph and a march from the Flame of Remembrance and Pool of Reflection to the Cenotaph.
A 45-minute service including wreath laying will conclude the event.
Following the government’s easing of restrictions, the association is expecting to have 100 people attending this year.
