Birmingham Army Major commemorates thousands of 'forgotten' British Indian Army soldiers
The Major will be taking part in a major tribute this Armistice Day
Last updated 11th Nov 2026
Major Jay Sohal-Singh OBE VR, from Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham, is leading efforts to ensure forgotten soldiers from the British Indian Army are commemorated in an Armistice Day tribute at London Paddington's War Memorial.
With a military career spanning 17 years, Major Sohal-Singh has channelled his passion into raising awareness about the Sikh and Commonwealth contributions during the World Wars, dedicating over a decade to telling these stories.
Sohal-Singh's interest in this history began at a young age, growing up in Birmingham, where stories about the Sikh contribution during the World Wars were shared within his community but rarely taught in schools.
"It was very difficult to learn more, or find out more," he said.
"So, the more I found out about this contribution, the more I felt quite strongly and passionately about raising awareness about it."
When centennial commemorations took place in 2014, Sohal-Singh felt compelled to act, establishing the UK’s first national Sikh memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire.
"In this day and age, I think it's very important that we recognise that during the First and Second World War, people from all over the British Commonwealth stood up to volunteer, to serve, to fight in the cause of freedom and against injustice," the Major said.
His efforts culminated in receiving an OBE in 2025 for his services to the commemoration of Commonwealth soldiers' contributions to Britain.
Major Sohal-Singh emphasises the significance of telling young people about the diverse backgrounds that united in fighting for British freedoms.
"The world wars weren't a white war," he stated. "They were a war that all people of all faiths and backgrounds fought in. It's something that can bring us all together."
On Armistice Day, Sohal-Singh will join veterans, serving personnel, and special guests as the Poppies to Paddington tribute unfolds on Platform 1.
Hundreds of wreaths will be brought to London Paddington on services across the Great Western Railway network, recognising the sacrifices made by Sikh, Hindu, and Muslim soldiers during the First World War.
They will also represent the 9,909 names of British Indian Army servicemen casualties that were recently uncovered by research, having previously gone unrecognised for generations.
The King’s Gurkha Artillery Unit will form a guard of honour alongside the Sikh Ceremonial Troop. A two-minute silence will follow at 11am to remember those lost in conflicts past and present.
As a prominent figure in commemorating Sikh contributions, Sohal-Singh's work aims to inspire future generations through values of service, duty, and remembrance, championing a shared history and unity among British communities.
Major Sohal-Singh will have a speaking role during the event, honouring those who served from across the Commonwealth.
"I think there was a lot more respect, mutual respect, and understanding within those who served at the time, because at the end of the day, they were brothers in arms," he said.
"In the modern British Army, we're quite privileged to have this connection continue. We've got a lot of serving soldiers and officers who are from Commonwealth heritage, and it certainly strengthens our military, that we're able to draw upon this diversity of skills as well as understanding and knowledge in defence of Great Britain today."
Sohal-Singh says he hopes the tribute will encourage communities to embrace their shared heritage and proudly recognise the contributions made by their forebears.