Not many Kiwi-Indians are aware that the spirit of Anzac Day, which New Zealanders and Australians hold in high regard, has a deep Indian connection.
This significant day is observed to honour the memory of about 8,000 Australians and nearly 3,000 New Zealanders who made the ultimate sacrifice fighting for the British Empire on the Gallipoli Peninsula during World War I.
However, what many Kiwi-Indians may not realize is that the Gallipoli campaign was fought not just by New Zealanders and Australians. As subjects of the Crown under British rule, Indians had no choice but to participate in World War I.
Nearly 47,000 Indian soldiers lost their lives during the four-year war, with about 65,000 wounded. Of those, an estimated 1,358 Indians died and more than 3,421 were injured during the Gallipoli campaign.
The 14th Sikh regiment was among the Indian troops who fought at Gallipoli, and they fought with incredible bravery and discipline. Between June 3 and June 4, 1915, 371 Sikh soldiers lost their lives in battle, and General Sir Ian Hamilton, who led the troops against the Turks during the operation, praised the regiment for their valour.
Despite the Sikh regiment's bravery, there are few records of the thousands of other Indian soldiers who lost their lives fighting for the Crown in other war theaters during World War I. Although this battle has been recognised in UK monuments, the sacrifice of the Indian soldiers who fought alongside New Zealanders and Australians has not been fully acknowledged.
As we honour the memory of the Kiwi and Australian soldiers who died at Gallipoli on Anzac Day, it is important to also remember the sacrifices of the Indian soldiers who fought alongside them.
