A solemn memorial service was held at the Kranji War Memorial to honour soldiers who fought and died defending Singapore and Malaya during the Second World War, marking both remembrance and a centenary milestone for one of Singapore’s oldest Sikh institutions.
The Remembrance Day Memorial Service, organised by the Pardesi Khalsa Dharmak Diwan, drew diplomats, community leaders and members of the Sikh community to pay tribute to Sikh servicemen who played a central role in the defence of the region during the Japanese invasion of 1941 and 1942.
Held in northern Singapore, the ceremony included the laying of wreaths, the sounding of the Last Post, Sikh prayers and addresses by dignitaries and community representatives. High Commissioners and officials from the United Kingdom, Australia, Malaysia, India, New Zealand, Canada and Pakistan were in attendance, reflecting the shared wartime history of Commonwealth nations.
The Kranji War Memorial commemorates more than 24,000 Allied servicemen who died during the war and have no known grave. Among them are Sikh soldiers whose service formed part of the defence of Singapore during one of the most turbulent periods in its history.
Thousands of Sikh troops were deployed to Malaya and Singapore as part of the British Indian Army. They served in frontline combat units, police formations and defensive positions as Japanese forces advanced down the Malayan peninsula. Many were involved in some of the fiercest fighting of the Malayan Campaign and the defence of Singapore. Despite difficult conditions and stretched supply lines, Sikh regiments were tasked with holding key positions as the situation deteriorated.
The memorial service was held on 8 February, the anniversary of the Japanese landing in Singapore in 1942, an operation that led to the fall of the island after days of intense fighting. For organisers, the date carries both historical weight and personal meaning.
The ceremony blended military remembrance with Sikh religious observance. Proceedings began with the arrival of dignitaries and community members, followed by a formal procession led by bagpipes and drums. Wreaths were laid by senior representatives and diplomatic officials before the Last Post was sounded. Sikh hymns and the Ardas were performed, linking the military tribute with spiritual reflection.
Speakers reflected on sacrifice, duty and the need to preserve historical memory. Exhibits of Sikh martial artefacts were also displayed, highlighting the long military tradition of Sikh soldiers and their service across different conflicts.
This year’s gathering carried added meaning as it coincided with the 100th anniversary of the Pardesi Khalsa Dharmak Diwan. Founded in the early twentieth century, the organisation has supported Sikh religious, cultural and community life in Singapore for generations. Its centenary offers a moment to recognise both its institutional history and the wider contributions of the Sikh community to the country’s development.
Community leaders noted that remembrance is not solely about honouring the past, but about ensuring younger generations understand the role diverse communities played in defending Singapore and the wider region. The service served as a reminder that the wartime story of Singapore is shared across ethnic and national lines.
As attendees left the memorial grounds, the tone remained reflective. The ceremony linked present day community life with the sacrifices of those who fought decades ago, reinforcing a commitment to remembrance grounded in history rather than rhetoric.
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