Keeping the legacy of fallen Indian Anzacs alive

Two soldiers of Indian origin, who enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force in the early 20th century, and went on to become casualties of war during WWI, were remembered in a solemn ceremony held in Perth over the weekend.

Memorial service to two fallen Indian Anzacs held in Perth Source: Supplied

The Sikh Association of Western Australia, together with RSL, came together on June 2, to mark the ultimate sacrifice made by Private Charles Fairbeard and Private Nain Singh Sailiani during WWI.

Source: Supplied

Pte Fairbeard was of Indian origin, who was among the very first volunteers to join the Australian Imperial Force, enlisting on September 7, 1914, soon after WWI broke out.

He was also among the very first soldiers to die in the Gallipoli campaign, which began on April 25, 1915. Records show that Pte Fairbeard died on May 4, less than two weeks after the Gallipoli landing. 

Pte Nain Singh Sailani was also of Indian origin, enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force in 1916 and was killed in Belgium while on active duty in June 1917.

Both of these bravehearts were commemorated in a moving ceremony in Perth last weekend.

Source: Supplied

"We have decided to hold a ceremony to honour these fallen Indian Anzacs every year," said Mr Gurdarshan Singh Kailley, the president of Sikh Association of Western Australia.

'We are grateful to many stalwarts in our community like Tarunpreet Singh and Amarjit Singh Pabla, who have unearthed this invaluable history for us."

"We will continue to pay homage to these Indian Anzacs on the first Saturday of June every year. This is because Pte Nain Singh Sailani was killed in active duty on 1 June 1917, and we marked the centenary last year."

'We will keep their legacy alive."

You can hear the full interview with Mr Kailley by clicking on the audio link above.

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