Book Review
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Review by:
Major General BS Dhillon, VSM (Retd) Indian Army
Narindar Singh Dhesi has done it again in his sincere research and admirable work to further add and compile the history of Sikh soldiering, which spans over a large canvas of time and space. It was a matter of proud privilege to read his earlier books Sikh Soldier Volume Four-Warriors and Generals and Sikh Soldier Volume Five-At War. Sikh Soldier-Forgotten Regiments is work that would have taken tremendous amount of patience, devotion and efforts to dig out the historical facts when no eye witnesses are alive to assist in such a difficult task. He has gone into the details making it an easy reading for even non military readers. It's like going through a war diary or Digest of service of Regiments by a military man. The stead fastness and bravery of highest order in the face of the enemy were at display by Infantry and Cavalry. Author has explained in layman's language as to how well were they organised at that point of time when mobility and communications were not advanced as compared to present day warfare.
An action of Sikh forces had very far reaching results in ensuring the state of territorial jurisdiction during the successive regimes in the country and has bearing on the present state area under control. Sikh Soldier-Forgotten Regiments is also a saga of valour that has been enshrined in the Sikh history wherein they fought away from their homes for years and yet never displayed any weakness of any kind. Fighting and fighting well, playing havoc into the enemy was their sole aim all the time. This brought out the best traits of soldiering and leadership.
Narindar Singh Dhesi's deep research into Sikh soldiering has brought clearly the lightening terror that Sikh soldier carried into the enemy heartland during the actions. Some of the Regiments may have been forgotten while penning the history but it is this work of author that brings in the tough and resolute Sikh's spirit to win always.
Compliments to Narindar Singh Dhesi, for his outstanding contribution in recording the heroic deeds of unmatching soldiering of the Sikh soldier, in various theatres of battles and wars. His works a treasure for our institutions at all levels and would go a long way to motivate the future generations to read, imbibe and keep up the traditions of never say die by our ancestors on the battle fields all over the world.
A great work under taken by Narindar Singh Dhesi and one and all of the community should go through it. It will be in fitness of things if selected actions are included in the School/Colleges text books as part of motivation. Author has amply proved that Warriors and Regiments cannot be forgotten. A job indeed very well done! Narindar Singh Dhesi. I salute you for your consistent devotion, diligence and stamina to the cause and proud you have done to the community by your untiring efforts.
Reviews by Sikh Generals
This book will be a great boon to today's Regiments who were formed from them....a book which would be a must read by all military historians and by all officers whose parentage is linked with the 'Forgotten Regiments'.
Lieutenant General BS Dhaliwal, PVSM, AVSM, VSM (Retd) Indian Army.
The Forgotten Regiments' is the sixth volume of the series on the Sikh Soldier by Narindar Singh Dhesi. The Sikhs are a warrior class who have borne arms since centuries. Initially they fought for the Khalsa armies before they were recruited in large numbers (due to their famed fighting qualities) for the British Indian Army regiments, where they distinguished themselves in the battles and campaigns of both the world wars and elsewhere. After Partition of the sub-continent in August 1947, most of these units went to Pakistan; some of them were merged to form new entities while many others were demobilised. The author has lucidly encapsulated the histories of these regiments and highlighted their contribution in warfare for future generations. Researching the histories of so many regiments is a very onerous task indeed, but he has traced the journey from their raising till their eventual transfer to Pakistan in detail. This treatise will surely be of immense interest to those interested in military history. In bringing out this volume, Narindar Singh Dhesi has ensured that these great Sikh regiments will never be 'forgotten'!
Major General AJS Sandhu, VSM (Retd) Indian Army.
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