The historic contribution made by Sikh soldiers who fought for Britain has been honoured by the British Army at an event at the Royal Military Academy in Camberley, Surrey.

Thousands of Sikhs died fighting for the British Indian Army during the two World wars.

Academy curator Anthony Morton said during the days of the British empire, Sikh soldiers were highly regarded by British officers for their martial prowess.

“Today is really about commemorating the Sikh contribution to the armed forces both today and in the past,” BBC quoted Lt.Col. John Kendall, who organised the event at the Indian War Memorial room at the academy, as saying.

Author Jay Singh Sohal believes contribution of Sikhs in the British Army is largely unrecognised, which is why events like this are important.

“British Sikhs, third generation, fourth generation can take inspiration from the fact that their forebears fought for Great Britain,” he said.