experiences of our antecedent brothers in arms.
4th Battalion visits the Sikh Community
4th Battalion sits cross-legged in the Gurdwara
Akaal Organisation took it upon itself to invite the 4th Battalion to Guru Nanak Gurdwara, Sedgley Street, Wolverhampton to meet the Sikh community. Over 110 soldiers and Officers went to the Gurdwara for an honorary blessing and Langar. This gesture earned a Royal vote of thanks from Prince Charles, the Colonel in Chief of the Regiment. The troops removed their boots before entering the Gurdwara and later sat cross legged with the congregation on the floor. Mr Satinder Singh Basra, a member of Akaal organisation, told the soldiers: “You have been on harrowing operations in Afghanistan. We Sikhs are a martial nation and we honour
other brave warriors.” Lt Col Martyn Forgrave, the commanding officer, said: “We are honoured and privileged to be invited to the Guru Nanak Gurdwara and are particularly grateful to the Akaal organisation who have been central to the planning of the event.” He also read a letter from Prince Charles to the congregation saying “…how the Prince of Wales was delighted to hear of the blossoming relationship between the Sikh community of Wolverhampton and the 4th Battalion of The Mercian Regiment.” He also presented a copy of the 1880 painting of Sikh officers from the 2nd Regiment of Cavalry Punjab Frontier Force. The original of the painting currently hangs in the Indian Army Memorial Room at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst.
Mr Tarsem Singh, Mr Gurdial Singh and Mr Lakha Singh presented a ceremonial sword to Brigadier Mark Banham and a plaque to Lt Col Martyn Forgrave for the unsung bravery of the troops of the 4th Battalion. The Officers and soldiers came from all areas of society and from a variety of professions and occupations. They volunteer their services to Queen & country without a thought for their personal safety. The battalion were then served Langar which is the traditional
The Australian Army Australian Reserve Battalion celebrates 150 years of continuous Service
Like the British Army, Australian Army units have had many amalgamations and name changes. The Australian Army was formed on 1st March 1901 after the federation of the colonies of Australia on 1st January 1901 and is made up of a Full-time and a Part-time (or Reserve) component. In the State of Victoria, one country town has had an infantry unit, now known as 8/7 RVR, in its locality since 1858.
way for a Sikh to show respect, rather like inviting a person round to your home for a meal in a gesture of friendship. Other members of Akaal Organisation commented: “It was simply our way of saying thank you. The troops do a very hard job that is not always appreciated. Sikhs have fought alongside the British for many years and this is just a natural progression from that. This has nothing to do with where the British troops have been serving. We are British and justifiably proud of the role played by our armed services. A special thanks went to Warrant Officer Jai Patel (Community Liaison Officer, British Army West Midlands) for aiding Akaal Organisation in organising this special day.
The Commanding Officer presents a copy of the 1880 painting of Sikh officers from the 2nd Regiment of Cavalry Punjab Frontier Force
8/7 RVR exercise The Freedom of Ballarat The Mercian Eagle October 2009 97
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