London(Satnam Singh Chahal)British MP Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi paid tribute to fallen servicemen and women on Armistice Day by laying a wreath at the Poppies to Paddington remembrance service on November 11, 2026.
Dhesi, who represents Slough in the UK Parliament and serves as Chair of the House of Commons Defence Committee, said he was humbled to participate in the ceremony on behalf of the people of Slough and the Defence Committee.
In a message shared on social media, Dhesi also welcomed the prominent recognition given to the 1914 Sikhs and the King’s Gurkha Artillery Unit during the remembrance event organised with the involvement of Great Western Railway (GWR).
The participation of Sikh and Gurkha military representatives highlighted the important contribution made by soldiers from these communities to Britain’s military history, particularly during the two World Wars.
The Sikh contribution to the First World War remains an important chapter in the history of the Sikh community. Sikh soldiers served in large numbers alongside British and Commonwealth forces, displaying courage and sacrifice on battlefields far from their homeland. Their role deserves continued recognition in public commemorations and historical education.
Armistice Day is observed every year on November 11 to remember those who lost their lives in wars and conflicts. The date marks the armistice signed in 1918, which brought an end to fighting on the Western Front during the First World War.
Dhesi’s participation also underlined the importance of recognising the contributions of ethnic minority communities to Britain’s armed forces and national history.
For the Sikh diaspora, the recognition of Sikh soldiers at national remembrance events carries particular significance. It reinforces the historical connection between the Sikh community and Britain’s military heritage while ensuring that the sacrifices of earlier generations are not forgotten.
The prominent presence of the 1914 Sikhs and the King’s Gurkha Artillery Unit at the Poppies to Paddington service was therefore a meaningful part of this year’s Armistice Day remembrance.
Additional historical significance: The British Army’s official account of the event states that approximately 130,000 Sikh soldiers served in the British Indian Army during the First World War. Sikh soldiers also fought at the Battle of the Somme, whose 110th anniversary was commemorated during this year’s event.The event is particularly significant because it brings greater public recognition to Sikh soldiers whose contributions to Britain’s military history have not always received adequate attention.
Sources: British Army – Poppies to Paddington 2026 | UK Parliament – Defence Committee.