September

The Sikh roars like a lion on the field of battle, And yields up his life as a sacrifice. Whoever is fortunate enough to be born a Rajput, Never fears the foe in battle. He gives up all thought of worldly pleasure, And dreams only of the battlefield. He who dies on the field of battle, His name never dies, but lives in history. He who fronts the foe boldly in battle, Has God for his protection. Once a Sikh takes the sword in Hand, He has only one aim: victory!

(English translation of a poem by a Sikh soldier (Dafadar Nathan Singh) of the 2nd Lancers, to Sowar Paran Singh of the State Cavalry, Jind, Punjab. Written from France on 18th April 1916). Source: www.worldsikhnews.com

"The situation was a critical one…The reserve trenches were some 250 yards distant, and the ground between them so exposed to the fire of the enemy as to render the dispatch of reinforcements a desperate undertaking. Twice had the Highland Light Infantry made an attempt, and on both occasions the officer in command had been killed and the party wiped out. Nevertheless, the Sikhs were resolved to take their chance [even though] ….no one doubted that…almost certain death waited him."

(Extract from an account of the sacrifice of Sikhs, including Sepoy Lal Singh at the Battle of Ypres titled 'Deeds that Thrilled the Empire')