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Sikh Light Infantry
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| Sikh LI Crest |
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The Sikh Light Infantry
Soldiering has been a way of life for the Sikhs of Punjab for centuries. After the sepoy revolt of 1857 the 'Purabeeas' were replaced by the Punjabis as the major source of manpower for the British Army in India, but their loyalty had to be carefully nurtured. The British made many mistakes, at first failing even to recognize the religious significance of the Sikhs' beards and long hair. Performing well in WW1, the Sikh Pioneers were then disbanded in 1933, a traumatic experience for the community. However, the Sikh Pioneers were revived in WW2, becoming the Sikh Light Infantry. The reconquest of Burma was essentially an Indian Army campaign. It was here that the Sikh Light Infantry tasted blood and earned their first battle honors.
The military and religious fervour present in the soldiers of Sikh Light Infantry can be attributed to the indomitable spirit imparted by Guru Gobind Singh to their ancestors. These soldiers are the offspring of Baba Jiwan Singh, Sangat Singh, Katha Singh (Ramdasia), Bir Singh, Garja Singh and Nabbau Singh, who had been baptised by Guru Gobind Singh. Guru Gobind Singh recognised the martial potential of the downtrodden and baptised them in the fold of Sikhism, which did not differentiate on the basis of caste or creed and held everybody equal. This emboldened the downtrodden to fight against injustice, tyranny and persecution.
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(1 Sikh LI Troops in 1900)
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When Britishers took over the reigns of Punjab, they organised a military system which included Mazhabi Sikhs and Ramdasia Sikhs They were greatly impressed by their superior physique and the martial and religious fervour imparted by Sikhism. They utilised the services of Sikh soldiers in various military campaigns in India and abroad. The name of Sikh Light Infantry was given by the then Director of Infantry, Major General Sr Reginnald, in 1944. Thus, the martial spirit of Sikh Light Infantry soldiers can be traced back to the earliest days of Sikhism. In view of its linkages with the Pioneers, the Sikh Light Infantry received its earlier seniority after the Sikh Regiment.
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The reconquest of Burma was essentially an Indian Army campaign. It was here that the Sikh Light Infantry tasted blood and earned their first battle honors. 1 Ashok Chakra, 5 Maha Vir Chakras, 6 Kirti Chakras, 23 Vir Chakras, 13 Shaurya Chakras, 82 Sena Medals, 4 Param Vishisht Seva Medals, 8 Ati Vishisht Seva Medals, 3 Yudh Seva Medals, 17 Vishisht Seva Medals, 49 Mention-in-Despatches and 122 COAS Commendation Cards.
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15th Sikh LI troops taking over reins from another Bn as part of UN (undisclosed location)
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2 Sikh LI
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Regimental Motto: Deg Teh Fateh (Prosperity in Peace and Victory in War). Battle Cry: Bole So Nihal, Sat Sri Akal (He who cries God is Truth, is ever Happy). |
The Battalions
- 1st Battalion
- 2nd Battalion
- 3rd Battalion
- 4th Battalion
- 5th Battalion
- 6th Battalion
- 7th Battalion
- 8th Battalion
- 9th Battalion
- 10th Battalion
- 11th Battalion
- 12th Battalion
- 13th Battalion
- 14th Battalion
- 15th Battalion
- 16th Battalion
- 17th Battalion
- 18th Battalion
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