Private Laal M Singh in the Great War

Sikh Soldier Served as Lashman Singh

Private Laal M Singh one of only two Canadian Sikh soldiers buried on the Western Front in the Great War. Singh’s CWGC headstone, erected only in 1929, bears the wrong name, the wrong inscription, a regimental badge, and a Christian cross!

“I’m a Canadian soldier. I’m also Sikh. I shouldn’t have to choose between faith and service.”

Maj. Sarabjot Anand

Maj. Sarabjot Anand serves as a communications and electronics engineering officer in the Canadian Armed Forces. He is based in Ottawa, where he is a project director and develops new cyber capabilities for the CAF.

Beard

For Sikhs, the beard considered a symbol of courage, self-respect and piety. Sikh men required to keep their hair uncut, including their beard, as a way of honouring God’s creation and as a reminder of their commitment to the Sikh faith. In Sikhism, the body is a gift from God and should be respected and maintained in its natural state.

Kirpan

The kirpan carried by Sikhs evolved from the typical 30 inch blade of a tulwar sword to a short blade less than 18 inches. The kirpan an article of faith that plays a role in the Sikh religion similar to that of a Christian cross, a Jewish Star of David, or a Muslim hijab, with one crucial exception: it is not optional, as has been noted in Canadian jurisprudence.

Footage of Indian Troops

It may appear surprising that footage of Indian troops should feature so prominently within the first set of official war pictures. Reviews noted a popular fascination with the Indian material. A Times correspondent argued that ‘the views of the Indian troops will at least have much of the charm of novelty’, while a subsequent review suggested that Indians were ‘always a picturesque and popular subject’.

The Times obviously had no idea at the time IWGC/CWGC headstones of Indian soldiers would become the most picturesque of all headstone types. Hilton DeWitt Girdwood had a particular interest in filming Indian troops. Having lived in India since 1903, he had set out in 1914 with the first units of the Indian Expeditionary Force ‘determined to make a photographic record of their service overseas’.

He wanted to take photographs and films to strengthen India’s support for the war (‘I found that nothing so impressed the vast multitudes of the East as pictorial representation’) and emphasised to the India Office the importance of making these films ‘so that Indians may see with their own eyes the actual state of affairs and how well the Indians are being looked after in camp, in trench, and in hospital’ (Hiley, 1993, 131). 

Service of Private Laal M. Singh

Private Laal M Singh 219222 born 1885-01-15 in Punjab Engo, West Indies enlisted 7 September 1915 at Smith Falls, Ontario. N.o.K. a brother Dalip Singh in Village Dhadda, Fatch Singh, P.O. Bulhowal, Dist Hoshiarpur, Punjab, India. Laal a labourer, 30 years of age, standing 5′ 8″ tall, 152 pounds.

A.K.A.: Lash Man Sing, Lashman Singh, Loal Singh, or Laal M. Singh.

42nd Field Artillery Regiment

Private Laal M Singh 219222 enlisted with 42nd Field Artillery Regiment (Lanark and Renfrew Scottish), RCA, Ontario. The 42nd Field Regiment (RCA) Lanark and Renfrew Scottish Regiment one of Canada’s oldest military units, tracing lineage back to the early 1800s.  The Regiment formed on 5 October 1866, as the 42^nd Brockville Battalion of Infantry with Companies in Almonte, Brockville, Perth, Fitzroy, Lansdowne and Smiths Falls.  In 1871, the Pembroke Infantry Company became the Battalion’s seventh Company.

Pte Laal M Singh transferred on 6 October 1915 to D Coy, 80th Battalion, CEF, commanded by Col W G Hutcheson.

80th Canadian Infantry Battalion

The 80th Battalion authorized on 10 July 1915 and embarked for Great Britain on 20 May 1916. It provided reinforcements to the Canadian Corps in the field until 30 September 1916, when its personnel absorbed by other units of the 4th Canadian Division. Commanded by Lt.-Col. W.G. Ketcheson from 22 May 1916 to 25 September 1916.

Private Hari SINGH 139181 formerly of the Indian Army on the nominal roll of the 75th Battalion. Hari would be blown up at Vimy, and returned to Canada in late 1918.

SS BALTIC

The 80th battalion departed Halifax on 20 March 1916. Herbert G Mason collection – Lt Harry Denver Mason the photographer.

The 80th never a fighting battalion as it provided reinforcements to the Canadian Corps in the field until 30 September 1916, when its personnel absorbed by other units of the 4th Canadian Division. 

Private Laal M Singh transferred on 9 June 1916 to 74th Battalion, but would travel overseas and serve with the 75th Battalion.

74th Battalion

The battalion authorized on 10 July 1915 and embarked for Great Britain on 29 March 1916 where it provided reinforcements to the Corps in the field. On 30 September 1916 its personnel absorbed by the 50th Battalion (Calgary), CEF, the 51st Battalion (Edmonton), CEF, the 52nd Battalion (New Ontario), CEF and the 2nd Battalion, Canadian Mounted Rifles, CEF.

The 74th Battalion had three officers commanding:

• Lt.-Col. A.J. McCausland, 27 March 1916 – 4 June 1916
• LtCol D.M. Sutherland, 4 June 1916 – 18 July 1916
• Lt.-Col. A.J. McCausland, 19 July 1916 – 25 September 191

Just prior to embarking overseas, Private Laal M Singh transferred to the 75th Battalion.

75th Battalion

The 75th (Mississauga) Battalion authorized on 10 July 1915 and embarked for Great Britain on 29 March 1916. It disembarked in France on 12 August 1916, where it fought as part of the 11th Infantry Brigade, 4th Canadian Division.

The 75th Battalion had three commanding officers:

• Lt.-Col. S.G. Beckett, 1 April 1916 – 1 March 1917 (Killed-in-action)
• LtCol C.B. Worsnop, DSO, 11 March 1917 – 16 April 1917
• Lt.-Col. A.J. C.C. Harbottle, DSO, 16 April 1917 – Demobilization

France

75th Battalion in France from 11 August 1916. Captain A W Boddy accepted Private Laal M Singh’s Last Will and Testament on 9 August 1916 (he bequeathed all to his brother).

Attached temporarily to 11th Canadian Infantry Brigade, 182nd Tunnelling Co. (Royal Engineers) from 9 December 1916. Tunnelling companies engaged chiefly in mining and counter-mining but also used in the construction of subways and deep dugouts. Before returning to the 75th Battalion, Singh likely spent much time digging deep mines at Kruisstraat along with the 3rd Canadian Tunnelling Company. These mines blown during the Battle of Messines (7-14 June 1917).

Fighting in Billets

The Commanding Officer of the 182nd Tunnelling Co. sentenced Private Laal M Singh to 7 days FP No. 2 for “When on Active Service Fighting in Billets after Lights Out”, 26 January 1917.

On the night of February 28 – 1 March 1917, the 75th, along with the 72nd, the 73rd, and the 54th Battalions chosen to conduct a multi-battalion sized raid on German positions at Hill 145. The raid claimed the life of the Commanding Officer, LCol S.G. Beckett, his adjutant Maj. James Miles Langstaff, and a total of 9 Officers, 112 other ranks killed, missing or wounded. 

Private Laal M Singh ceases to be attached to 182nd Tunnelling Co. on 13 April 1917.

Return to 75th Battalion

The 75th Battalion lost a dozen officers and over two hundred other ranks in the Battle of Vimy Ridge. Elements of the 75th attacked in the first wave at 0530 hrs in front of the Tottenham Trench on a particularly stubborn German sniping position.

Private Laal M Singh catches up to the survivors at Berthonval Wood. The remainder of April spent at St Lawrence and Canada Camp, returning to Berthonval on 8 May 1917.

Lt Harry Denver Mason

Lt (Observer) Harry Denver Mason, RFC killed-in-action 28 April 1917. Mason had photographed the 74th Battalion coming over to England aboard SS BALTIC. Buried at BRUAY COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION, Row F, Grave 9.

Private Laal M Singh’s first day in the line on 11 May 1917 at VIMY ANGRES line, relieving the 102nd Battalion. The companies rotated in the line for the next ten days, finally relieved by the 72nd Battalion.

A night raid on enemy trenches on 8/9 June 1917 from the Souchez Valley results in a special order in connection with the raid by Br-Gen Victor Odlum. Lt W M Pratt died of wounds received in action on the night of 9/10 June 1917.

AWOL

Private Laal M Singh forfeits 10 days pay for AWL from PM 1-10-17 to 2-10-17. Forfeits 2 days pay under RN. The 75th Battalion currently very busy training at Gouy-Servins for a forthcoming offensive. The official Canadian Photographer photographed the officers at Chateau-de-la-Haie on 2 October 1917.

The 75th and 102nd the last Canadian battalions to leave the Ypres Salient following the Second Battle of Passchendaele.

Striking a Superior Officer

At Camblain-Chatelain, Singh in confinement awaiting trial 30-11-17 to 19-1-18. Tried and convicted striking an officer, sentenced to 90 days FP No. 1 (striking an officer), 12 February 1918. At detention camp from 18 February 1918.

No. 1 CFA, 1 March 1918 (V. sore face). Admitted to No 51 General Hospital, Etaples 5 March 1918 (VDS).

Private Frederick Charles Butler

Singh released from FP 20 April 1918, and discharged to duty on 5 May 1918, having forfeited pay while in hospital from 5-3-18 to 5-5-18 (62 days). On the same day, Pte Frederick Charles Butler of C Company killed (SUCRERIE CEMETERY, ABLAIN-ST. NAZAIRE) while at the water tank in the BLUENOSE strongpoint. Singh would meet his company coming out of the line on 8 May 1918 outside Caucourt.

Negligently Losing Kit

Private Laal M Singh forfeits pay for negligently losing kit (a mess tin cover), 12 August 1918, rejoining unit on 17 August 1918.

Captain Bellenden Hutcheson MV MC

The 75th’s Medical Officer, Captain Bellenden Hutcheson MC awarded the Victoria Cross for actions on 2 September 1918 at the DQ-Line. Less than a month before, Hutcheson awarded the Military Cross.

Victoria Cross Citation

“Captain Bellenden Seymour Hutcheson, Can. A. Med. Corps, attached 75th Battalion, 1st Central Ontario Regiment. For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty on September 2nd, when under most intense shell, machine-gun, and rifle fire, he went through the Quéant-Drocourt Support Line with the battalion. Without hesitation, and with utter disregard for personal safety, he remained on the field until every wounded man had been attended to. He dressed the wounds of a seriously wounded officer under terrific machine-gun and shell fire, and, with the assistance of prisoners and of his own men, succeeded in evacuating him to safety, despite the fact that the bearer-party suffered heavy casualties.”

“Immediately afterwards he rushed forward, in full view of the enemy, under heavy machine-gun and rifle fire, to tend a wounded sergeant, and, having placed him in a shell-hole, dressed his wounds. Captain Hutcheson performed many similar acts, and, by his coolness and devotion to duty, many lives were saved”. The London Gazette, December 13, 1918, Supplement 31067, Page 14774.

Private Laal M. Singh Killed-in-Action

Private Laal M. Singh killed in action 24 October 1918 at the canal near Beuvrages, outside Valenciennes. He had just liberated the town of Bellaing.

Bellaing Church Cemetery, Grave 2 (L’église Saint-Denis). Buried along with Private Joseph Nadeau 4035144, 87th Battalion. Nadeau now buried at ARRAS ROAD CEMETERY beside Singh.

Exhumed from above and registered at Arras Road Cemetery, Roclincourt, Plot II, Row O, Grave 26.

Grave of Private Laal M. Singh

Having been moved to Arras Road Cemetery on 23 March 1929, Private Laal M Singh’s grave escaped being examined by the IWGC in the early 1920’s. A proper inscription (Here lies a Sikh Soldier of the Great War), removal of the regimental emblem and Christian cross would have been specified, as per the grave of Private Sunta Gougersing (Googar Singh) at La Laiterie Military Cemetery.

Private Sunta Gougersing (Googar Singh) the only other Sikh of the CEF buried on the Western Front during the Great War.

Treatment of Indian Graves

IWGC Meeting of the Indian Graves Committee held at the India Office on 20 March 1918 at noon.

Muslim Graves

Sahibzada Aftab Ahmed Khan said that it was against the rules of the Mohammedan Faith to exhume a body, and that he was of opinion that, no
Mohammedan should be exhumed, unless there was any cause for apprehension that the grave would be disturbed at a later date. If it were
certain that the graves would permanently remain as at present, there was no need for exhumation. Where exhumation was necessary the bodies should be concentrated in a central cemetery, reserved for Mohammedans.

Hindu Graves

Sir Prabhashankar Pattani said that in cases where, owing to Military necessity, Hindus had received burial in place of the usual cremation the ashes should, if possible, be exhumed and be cremated, and that the ashes should be scattered into the sea, into a river, or failing that to the wind.

That any bodies, Of Hindus which had received burial should, where possible, be; exhumed and cremated in some central place where it was possible to consign the Ashes to the elements . If cremation were not possible bodies should be allowed to remain in their present position and marked with a headstone bearing the device “Here fell etc”.

1920

It will be remembered that the original proposals for the treatment of graves of Indian troops in France provided for the reception of a Mahammedan Mosque and a Hindu Temple. The Government of India have criticized these proposals on the ground that they were framed on a very lavish scale and would be too costly to erect. They also stated that Sikhs would require a separate Temple of their own and that Gurkhas, although they were Hindus, desired to have a memorial which would disassociate them from their Indian co-religionists. – G M Young, 29 July 1920

Particulars

I am directed to acknowledge the receipt of your letter No. M.5598/21 of the 18th June enclosing a full sized drawing of the inscription in Arabic to be engraved on the headstones of Mahommedan soldiers, and to thank, you for the same. 23 June 1921, PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY

It should be noted that this layout only applies to the graves of Mahommedan soldiers in France and Belgium and not to Hindus.

It will be remembered that at the Conference held at the India Office on the 27th duly last it was agreed that the name and regimental particulars, etc. of the soldier should be in English.

1924

In March 1924 I became aware of the imperfection of the existing Indian records, and wrote to every unit in India asking for complete lists of their casualties. When they were received I instituted a systematic and detailed examination and correction of all the names by Major Fellowes or myself; and also arranged for them to be checked against the Indian Government Lists and any other lists available.

By this means this a fairly satisfactory list was constituted with consistent spelling throughout.

But many headstones had been erected before this examination, and as a result, in addition to the mere errors referred to above one contained in the attached list, there are many minor imperfections in these earlier headstones. These look foolish and would be held to indicate ignorance of the meaning of the names.

Those imperfections although obvious to an expert, are not, in my opinion, sufficiently important to justify the considerable expense of correction, but at the time they are particularly unfortunate in that they detract from the otherwise uniform standard of accuracy attained in the Commission’s work.

16 June 1931, REPORT ON INSPECTION OF INDIAN GRAVES to VICE-CHAIRMAN, IWGC

Cremation of Hindus

The IWGC wished to be able to cremate Hindu soldiers on the site of the cemetery containing their remains.

Dear Ingpen (Major A L Ingpen, OBE), It is sometimes, necessary to exhume Hindus for reburial elsewhere. The Hindu faith, as you probably know, directs that on “exhumation the remains should, if at all possible, be cremated; but if it, is not, possible there is no objection to reinterment.

16 December 1921

I discussed the question of the cremation of Hindus in the Ministry of the Interior in Paris early this month. I was informed that cremation is forbidden by a French law, except in properly constituted crematoriums, and that such crematoriums have to be certified by the competent Government officials. Further that any attempt, to incinerate outside a properly certified crematorium would be immediately stopped by the police or other Civil authorities and action taken against the persons carrying out such work.

22 April 1922. M Adams, Secretary-General, IWGC, Brussels.

Note: Headstones for Hindu servicemen may include religious texts or symbols reflecting their faith, indicating they were cremated according to their beliefs. Sikhism and Hinduism, while originating in the same region and sharing some common ground, are distinct religions with different philosophies and practices.

Regarding his visit to 44 cemeteries from 3 May to 6 May 1931.

In conclusion I have no doubt in saying that that the parents of those Indian soldiers who gave their lives in the Great War in France and Belgium, may rest assured that their sons rest in a manner commensurate with the sacrifice they made in the cause of the Empire. – Colonel B C Penton, DDPS, AHQ, India to VICE-CHAIRMAN, IWGC (Sir Fabian Ware), June 1931

Other Sikh CWGC Burials

Hazebrouck Communal Cemetery

Sepoy Daya SINGH 2355, 12th KGO Ferozepore Sikhs, 6 November 1914, Hazebrouck Communal Cemetery, 5 April 2017, CEFRG.ca – This is a CWGC SIKH headstone.

Another Sepoy Basawa SINGH, 45th Ratrray’s Sikhs, 4 May 1915, Hazebrouck Communal Cemetery, 5 April 2017, CEFRG.ca – This is a CWGC SIKH headstone.

Unknown Indian Soldier, 1918, Hazebrouck Communal Cemetery, 5 April 2017, CEFRG.ca

• The surface of the stone is flaking away badly from the face of the inscription. – 16 June 1931, REPORT ON INSPECTION OF INDIAN GRAVES to VICE-CHAIRMAN, IWGC

Les Baracques Military Cemetery

Driver Ram Sa RAN 3320, Royal Artillery, 8 November 2918, Les Baracques Military Cemetery, 24 April 2018, CEFRG.ca

• XVI.5 RAM SA RAN – SARAN should be made to read one word. – 16 June 1931, REPORT ON INSPECTION OF INDIAN GRAVES to VICE-CHAIRMAN, IWGC

Lillers Communal Cemetery Extension

Sohan SINGH, Jati SINGH, Sant SINGH and others, Lillers Communal Cemetery Extension, 5 April 2017, CEFRG.ca – This is a CWGC SIKH headstone.

11 Unknown Indian Soldiers, Lillers Communal Cemetery Extension, 5 April 2017, CEFRG.ca

39 Unknowns in one grave

Meteren Military Cemetery

Sepoy Basant SINGH 5268, QYO Corps of Guides, 27 April 1915, Meteren Military Cemetery, 16 April 2018, CEFRG.ca – This is a CWGC SIKH headstone. A rare instance of a Sikh Soldier’s headstone bearing a Regimental emblem.

Sepoy Dalip SINGH, 11th Ludhiana Sikhs, 29 April 1915, Meteren Military Cemetery, 16 April 2018, CEFRG.ca – This is a CWGC SIKH headstone.

Naik Kesir SINGH, 57th Wilde’s Rifles, 29 April 1915, Meteren Military Cemetery, 16 April 2018, CEFRG.ca – This is a CWGC SIKH headstone.

Unknown Indian Soldier, Meteren Military Cemetery, 16 April 2018, CEFRG.ca

Merville Communal Cemetery

Daffadar Sajan SINGH, 20th Deccan Horse, 17 November 1914, Merville Communal Cemetery, 16 April 2018, CEFRG.ca – This is a CWGC SIKH headstone.

Sepoy Partap SINGH 2507, 34th Pioneer Indian Army, 8 November 1914, Merville Communal Cemetery, 16 April 2018, CEFRG.ca – This is a CWGC SIKH headstone.

Meaulte Military Cemetery

Locharbriggs Sandstone is a medium grained Permian sandstone with subtle bedding plains throughout. It is a rich red colour with linear black banding. This gives Locharbriggs its distinctive appearance.

The first SINGH should be erased on each of the following headstones. This requires early attention. – 16 June 1931, REPORT ON INSPECTION OF INDIAN GRAVES to VICE-CHAIRMAN, IWGC

Sowar Dharam SINGH 1378, 20th Deccan Horse, 31 August 1916, Meaulte Military Cemetery, 6 April 2017, CEFRG.ca – This is a CWGC SIKH headstone.

• 1378 Sowar SINGH DHARAM SINGH (changed)

Rue Petillon War Cemetery

Sepoy Ram SINGH 2413, 90th Punjabis, 8 July 1915, Rue Petillon War Cemetery, 22 April 2016, CEFRG.ca – This is a CWGC SIKH headstone.

Naik Sundar SINGH 3544, 31st Punjabis, 5 July 1915, Rue Petillon War Cemetery, 22 April 2016, CEFRG.ca – This is a CWGC SIKH headstone.

• Stake of Sundar Singh, 21st Punjabis, attd., 47th Sikh. Shows him as under Singh KICK. This last word is meaningless and should disappear. – DIRECTOR OF WORKS circa 1925.
• The headstone of Sundar Singh has been engraved correctly. – 25 October 1928, DIRECTOR OF WORKS

St Hilaire Cemetery

Sowar Mihan SINGH, 2nd Lancer’s Army, 7 June 1916, St Hilaire Cemetery, 19 April 2017 – This is a CWGC SIKH headstone.

Sowar Harditt SINGH, 36th Jacob’s Horse, 14 May 1916, St Hilaire Cemetery, 19 April 2017 – This is a CWGC SIKH headstone.

Y Farm Cemetery

There should be grass covering the two Indian Plots. – 16 June 1931, REPORT ON INSPECTION OF INDIAN GRAVES to VICE-CHAIRMAN, IWGC

Unknown Sikh Soldier, 47th Sikhs, Y Farm Cemetery, 20 April 2017, CEFRG.ca – This is a CWGC SIKH headstone.

Sowar Harditt SINGH, 36th Jacob’s Horse, 14 May 1916, St Hilaire Cemetery, 19 April 2017

Sepoy Hira SINGH, 34th Sikh Pioneers, 25 November 1914, Y Farm Cemetery, 20 April 2017, CEFRG.ca – This is a CWGC SIKH headstone.

Two Unknown Indian Soldiers, Y Farm Cemetery, 20 April 2017, CEFRG.ca

Ypres Reservoir Cemetery

Headstone to Baldeo SINGH not yet erected. – 16 June 1931, REPORT ON INSPECTION OF INDIAN GRAVES to VICE-CHAIRMAN, IWGC.

Today, Baldeo honoured at DELHI MEMORIAL (INDIA GATE), Face 3- 27, India. The Delhi Memorial acts as a national memorial to all the 70,000 soldiers of undivided India who died during the years 1914-1921, the majority of whom commemorated by name outside the confines of India.

Neuve-Chapelle Memorial

The Indian Memorial at Neuve Chapelle commemorates over 4,700 Indian soldiers and labourers who lost their lives on the Western Front during the Great War and have no known graves. The location of the memorial was specially chosen as it was at Neuve Chapelle in March 1915 that the Indian Corps fought its first major action as a single unit.

The memorial takes the form of a sanctuary enclosed within a circular wall after the manner of the enclosing railings of early Indian shrines. The column in the foreground of the enclosure stands almost 15 feet high and was inspired by the famous inscribed columns erected by the Emperor Ashoka throughout India in the 3rd century BC.

The column is surmounted with a Lotus capital, the Imperial British Crown and the Star of India. Two tigers are carved on either side of the column guarding the temple of the dead. On the lower part of the column the words ‘God is One, He is the Victory’ are inscribed in English, with similar texts in Arabic, Hindi, and Gurmukhi.

1945 Massacre of Sikhs

1984 Massacre of Sikhs

Over the last three decades, at least 12 inquiry commissions and committees have looked into the 1984 killings. Over two years and three term extensions later, the SIT finally stated in 2017 that it had closed 241 cases and filed charges in just 12 cases. In August, the Supreme Court set up a panel comprising two former judges to examine the SIT’s decisions to close cases.

At least 3,000 Sikh men, women and children killed, mainly in Delhi, in 1984 over the course of four days of killing and looting that followed the assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Yet only a tiny fraction of those responsible brought to justice.

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