The Sikh Soldiers Nobody Remembers

Over 2.5 million Indian soldiers served in WWII — the largest volunteer force in history. The Sikh Regiment was particularly decorated. At the Battle of Monte Cassino, Sikh soldiers led three separate charges up the mountain against the German position, suffering over 70% casualties on the third attempt. They eventually secured the position for the Allies. In Burma, 'V' Force — composed almost entirely of indigenous tribesmen and Sikh soldiers — conducted guerrilla operations across 10,000 square miles of jungle. One Sikh soldier, Sepoy Kamal Ram, held a position single-handedly against a German counterattack, continuing to fire his machine gun even after his entire section was wiped out.