Introduction

As Nations around the globe commemorate the 100th anniversary of World War I (also known as the Great War or WWI) in 2014, this year's Sikhpoint.com Calendar seeks to contribute to a wider understanding of this historic episode in modern history and that of World War Two (WWII), by highlighting the Sikh involvement in these conflicts and their legacy of valour in the Sikh saint-warrior tradition and as soldiers of the British Empire.

The fighting spirit of the Sikhs stems back over 500 years to Sikhism's founder Guru Nanak Dev Ji who preached the importance of freedom and equality for all. The formation of the Khalsa, built on values of self sacrifice and fearlessness in the face of the enemy, led to a proud history of martial prowess and martyrdom that would inspire future generations and lead to a tradition of Sikhs entering military service.

After the death of Guru Gobind Singh, the Sikhs' sustained defenses against oppressive foreign Mughal rule eventually led to victory and the establishment of the independent Kingdom of Punjab in 1799. After Maharaja Ranjit Singh's death in 1839, the Kingdom was eventually annexed to the British Empire in 1849. The British dissolved the State army of Ranjit Singh and set up new regiments under British rule, which marked the beginning of a long and distinguished period of Sikh loyalty to the Crown, and later service in both World Wars.