Private Sarn Singh

Details contained below are taken directly from Private Sarn Singh's enlistment forms. Accordingly, details are at time not correct. We have accordingly noted where details have been confirmed later to be incorrect in italics.

Name: Sarn (Saran) SINGH 

Rank: Private

Regimental Number: 2255, 50th Btn, KIA 43rd Btn

Age: 33 years and 5 months on enlistment

Place of Enlistment: Adelaide, SA

Place of Birth: Jullundur, India

Native Village: Jandiala Manjki in Jalandhar District

Occupation: Farmer

Marital Status: Married

Address: 

Maggea, South Australia

Wife: Mrs Pardab SINGH, Jundala, Jullundur, Punjab, India 

Village: Chhokran 

Post Office: Moron

Tehsil: Phillaur

District: Jullundur

Religion: Church of England and Hindoo (both recorded) - Sikh (per details provided by sources it would appear Private Sarn Singh was a Sikh and never renounced his faith. Given the lack of awareness/indifference by Australians in the early 1900's of the difference between Sikhs, Hindus and Muslims, it would appear this would partly explain why Private Sarn Singh's religion has been recorded as Hindu on one form. The other form containing Church of England may indicate the level of discrimination existing at the time which prevented non-Europeans from enlisting in the Australian Imperial Force. Private Sarn Singh may have agreed to list the Church of England as his religion to ensure he got to serve. Further research is still pending in this regard) 

Audio Interview

Listen to a short interview regarding Private Sarn Singh's life by SBS Punjabi by clicking here.

Service Outline:

  • 15th May 1916 - Enlisted in the Australian Imperial Force in Adelaide and to camp Morphetville.

  • 16th June 1916 - To 50th Infantry Battalion.

  • 12th August 1916 - Embarked Transport vessel ‘Ballarat’ from Adelaide for the United Kingdom.

  • 17th August - 23rd September 1916 - Sick .

  • 30th September 1916 - Disembarked Devonport and to 13th Infantry Training Battalion Larkhill.

  • 25th November 1916 - Embarked Southampton for France with 43rd Infantry Battalion, 11th Brigade, 3rd Division.

  • 28th December 1916 - Operations France and Flanders against the Germans from near Armentieres.

  •  30th to 31st January 1917 - Sick with inflamed feet 9th Field Ambulance.

  • 1st May 1917 - To Journay and a four day Route March followed by training in preparation for forthcoming offensive.

  • 18th May 1917 - Back to Armentieres.

  • 23rd May 1917 - Relieved 36th battalion at the Front near River Lys.

  • 1st June 1917 - To billets at Pont Nieppe (Although some raids on enemy lines conducted).

  • 7th June 1917 - To St Andrews Drive and commenced attacks on Messines with unit providing carrying party support to the 9th Brigade.

  • Relieved 43rd Battalion and assaulted enemy positions from 2200 hours.

  • 10th June 1917 - Killed in Action in the Allied attacks on Messines Ridge.

Other Information:

  • Awarded British War Medal and Victory Medal 1914-1919 to widow in 1922.

  • Described as 63.25 inches tall, 136 pounds in weight, chest 34 to 36 inches, dark complexion, brown eyes and dark hair.

  • Noted brother Charn and father Mayor Kishan SINGH.

  • No Known Grave. Commemorated Menin Gate Memorial, Belgium.

  • Location on the Roll of Honour - Sarn Singh's name is located at panel 137 in the Commemorative Area at the Australian War Memorial in at Australia's capital, Canberra.

  • Private Sarn Singh's name is also located at the National War Memorial in Adelaide on the corner of North Terrace and Kintore Avenue under the heading of the 43rd Infantry Battallion.

 
 

We have been lucky enough to be provided the above image from the Mantung Hall Committee. This image shows part of the 'Avenue of Honour' at Mantung which consists of a tree and plaque for servicemen that enlisted from the local district. For those less familiar with the area, Mantung is approximately halfway between Karoonda and Waikerie in South Australia.

Three Sikh Anzacs are remembered here. Private Sarn Singh, Private Ganessa Singh and Private Juwan Singh. 

Special thanks to:

  • Mantung Hall Committee

  • Jamie Evans (Photographer)

  • Leanne Parker (Historian & Researcher)

Note: The information contained in the above webpage is a work in progress and will continue to evolve as further research is conducted. 

We acknowledge that inadvertent unintentional omissions may have been made in compiling this information in its current form. We would be happy to amend/add information to the above pages to ensure accuracy. Please kindly use our "Contact Us" page to provide us on any information you believe may require updating.