"Up to 20 Australians of Indian heritage served with the Anzacs, but none were at Gallipoli due to enlistment restrictions." — UNSW historian Peter Stanley

The Legacy of Private Desanda Singh: A Century of Sikh Service in the Australian Military

A Great-Grandson’s Discovery

Nehchal Singh, the great-grandson of Private Desanda Singh, discovered his ancestor’s military service after moving to Melbourne. He expressed immense pride in this heritage, which links his family to the Australian Imperial Force during World War I.

The First Sikhs in the AIF

Private Desanda Singh served with the 3rd Light Horse Regiment. At 38 years old, he was working as a trader in Ceduna, South Australia, when he enlisted.

The 1903 Defence Act originally prohibited non-Europeans from enlisting, but relaxed rules during WWI allowed about 1,000 Indigenous soldiers and some Muslims, Sikhs, and Hindus to serve.

A Surprising Origin of the Slouch Hat

Harjit Singh from the Australian Sikh History Association noted a fascinating cultural link: the puggaree band on the Australian slouch hat originates from Indian headwear. This seven-pleated band, adapted from Sikh and Rajput tradition, remains a hallmark of Australian military dress.

Modern Service, Modern Stories

Former Flight Lieutenant Kuljit Jassal recalled being the only Sikh woman when she joined the RAAF in 1988. Her experience highlights the slow but steady diversification of the Australian Defence Force (ADF).

"I joined the army to serve the country." — Signaller Harshpreet Bachhal

Major Amrinder Singh Ghuman, the first Sikh commissioned as an officer in the ADF, described Sikhism as his "internal driver." His achievement marks a significant milestone for representation in the military.

Signaller Puran Sandhu emphasized the importance of diverse role models, stating that visible diversity helps inspire future generations to serve.

The Numbers Today

The 2023 ADF Census reports that about 90% of permanent ADF members and 80% of reserves were born in Australia. While the force remains predominantly native-born, the stories of Sikh service members—from WWI to the present—reflect a broader, often overlooked, history of multicultural contribution to Australia’s defence.