Glasgow businessman Satty Singh appointed Honorary Colonel for city reserve squadron
Satty Singh is a long-standing supporter of the Armed Forces and associated charities.
Glasgow restaurateur Satty Singh has been appointed Honorary Colonel for an army reserve squadron.
Businessman Mr Singh, who fronts Mr Singh’s India in Charing Cross, will advocate for the 52nd (Lowland) Support and Signal Squadron in this role - which is made up of people from Glasgow.
Honorary Colonels are senior civilian or retired military figures appointed to support Army Reserve units, acting as ambassadors who champion the unit within their local community and wider networks. The role does not carry any operational command responsibility.
The announcement has been timed to coincide with Saragarhi Day, commemorated annually on September 12, which marks the bravery of the 21 soldiers of the 36th Sikh Regiment who defended the Saragarhi post against overwhelming odds in 1897.
Satty began his career in the restaurant trade in Glasgow in 1988, before opening the world-famous Mr Singh's India restaurant in 1994. His restaurant has welcomed a host of famous clientele over the years.
52 Support and Signal Squadron is an Army Reserve sub-unit and part of 32 Signal Regiment of the Royal Corps of Signals. The Squadron provides tactical communications and support to the NATO Allied Rapid Reaction Corps, regularly participating in national and overseas training and operations.
Read more: 'I asked for help 60 times': Women plead with Swinney over 'unbearable' miscarriage delays
Mr Singh said: "It is a tremendous honour to be appointed Honorary Colonel of 52 Support and Signal Squadron. I have long admired the British Armed Forces and the proud history shared across the Commonwealth, with generations serving together in defence of our values and freedoms. I look forward to providing my support where I can to the Squadron."
He added: "Saragarhi Day holds deep significance for so many of us with Sikh heritage, and it feels especially fitting to announce this appointment at this time of year.
“The story of Saragarhi is one of duty, courage and unwavering commitment, values that resonate strongly with the ethos of the Armed Forces today.”
On September 12, 1897, 21 Sikh soldiers of the British Indian Army, defended a signal station on the Northwest Frontier of modern Pakistan against insurmountable odds.
On the morning of that fateful day, Saragarhi was surrounded by around 10,000 Afghans, also known as Pathans.
None of the defenders remained alive but the 21 Sikhs had accounted for around 1,400 Afghans. The last Sikh soldier was said to have killed over 40 tribesmen in the defence.
For their actions, the defenders of Saragarhi were awarded the Indian Order of Merit, the highest award available to soldiers of the British Indian Empire.
Mr Singh added: "My experience has shown me that military service helps people from every background develop a sense of purpose, resilience and belonging, and I look forward to helping grow awareness of the Squadron, and the opportunities Reserve service presents, in the Glasgow area."
“This is a humble honour for myself and my family, as a Scottish Sikh of Indian origin, to serve King and country."
Commanding Officer of 32 Signal Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel Matt Johns MBE, said: "Colonel Satty is a prominent member of the Glasgow business community and a long-time advocate for the Armed Services, including providing support to Army Cadets and SSAFA. We look forward to welcoming him into the Regimental family, and he will no doubt play an important part in raising awareness of the good work our Reserve soldiers do in Glasgow."
Comments
Want to join the conversation? Please or to comment on this article.