As Australians prepared to mark the Anzac day with great respect, to honour those who fell in battle, the contribution of Indian troops in Gallipoli is also being remembered at various parades around the country.
Shubhdeep Singh Bhangu is an Armament Engineering Officer currently serving as the Officer-in-Charge of Explosive Ordnance Disposal section in the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF).
Flt Lt Bhangu started his day today at the Anzac Day dawn service in Penrith in Sydney’s west with his army unit.
He told SBS Punjabi that Anzac Day reminds him of the sacrifices made by soldiers, and it also offers him time to think how he can serve the nation better.
“April 25 is a very special day,” he said. “It marks the landing of Australian and New Zealand (Anzac) troops in Gallipoli, a military campaign during WW1 which lasted eight months and claimed at least 125,000 lives.”
Flight Lieutenant Bhangu is currently serving as the Officer-in-Charge of Explosive Ordnance Disposal section in RAAF. Source: Supplied
How he spent this Anzac Day?
“This year I am spending Anzac Day with my colleagues in the ADF at the Dawn Service ceremony in Penrith. I am very fortunate to be spending this sacred day with those whom I serve alongside on a day-to-day basis.
“For us, it will be a reminder of the sacrifices that soldiers have made to shape Australia into the nation it is today.”
Lest we forget - Why it’s important to commemorate?
“Throughout history and across every country people reflect on those that have sacrificed their lives for their nation; for me, Anzac Day is no different and it is a day when I can pay homage to those service personnel who laid down their lives and made the ultimate sacrifice.”
“The Dawn Service is especially significant to me as it is reflective of the similar time that the Anzacs landed in Gallipoli.”
“The quiet peaceful moments just before dawn are comparable to the camaraderie the Anzacs must have felt as they approached the shored of Gallipoli.”
The 14th Sikh battalion troops in the trenches on Gallipoli in August 1915 (State Library of South Australia). Source: State Library of South Australia
The Sikh connection to Australian Army:
“I always feel a strong connection with the Anzacs as I am able to draw on my military heritage not only as an Australian but also as a member of the Sikh faith.
“The Sikhs and Anzacs served alongside each other in Gallipoli and there are numerous diary accounts of Anzacs referencing the Sikhs.
“Both Sikhs and Australians have proven throughout history that when the need arises, there is no shortage of those who step up to serve their countries. These rich historical roots to Anzac and Sikh soldiers provide me with the inspiration to continue serving my country.”
See this Video: Sikhs and the Australian Army
His journey to the Australian Army
Flt Lt Bhangu has been serving the Australian Army for the last ten years.
He studied aeronautical engineering at the Australian Defence Force Academy and was commissioned into the Air Force upon his graduation.
He told SBS Punjabi that it was his childhood dream to work for the defence forces.
“Since a young age, I was always interested in the military lifestyle and wanted to join the ADF, I was fortunate to be selected and have been in the Air Force for ten years now,” he said.
“Like all military training, it was hard and challenging, yet immensely fulfilling once completed.”
RAAF Flight Lieutenant Shubhdeep Bhangu (right) with one of his mentees, Afghan Air Force Captain Mohammad Anwar (Photo - Max Bree/Department of Defence). Source: Max Bree/Department of Defence
He has served in Afghanistan:
Flt Lt Bhangu was also part of Australian troops in Kabul recently.
“I stayed in Afghanistan for about six months. It was a very challenging environment to be in, but I felt proud that I was able to serve my country and provide back to the community,” Mr Bhangu told SBS Punjabi.
“I felt fortunate to have played a part in assisting the Afghan Air Force to increase its capability.”
“Being in Afghanistan was also special for me as I belong to the Sikh faith and Sikhs have a rich history in that part of the world. It was an absolute honour for me to serve over there and represent Australia.”
Shubhdeep Bhangu (sixth from right) with the Sikh Regiment contingent at the Anzac Day parade, Sydney in 2011. Source: Supplied
His Anzac Day message:
“Anzac day is a day to realise and reflect on how military sacrifices shape nations; it is thus a day to embrace and honour all those who have served Australia and those who continue serving Australia on military operations today. I hope this sacred day continues to hold a special place in the hearts of all Australians.”
Video: On April 25, when we reverently celebrate Anzac Day, let's also remember the Sikh soldiers who died fighting in Gallipoli campaign during World War I.
