IN OZ, MODI TO PRESENT TROPHY NAMED AFTER SIKH SOLDIER
Tuesday, 18/11/2014
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NEW DELHI: In a special way to commemorate his visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will present the Man Singh Trophy at the Australian War Memorial at Canberra on Tuesday. This gift is of immense historical significance, which was presented to the Officers’ Mess 14 (King George’s Own) Sikhs in 1919. All the Sikh Regiment battalions have a replica of this trophy in bronze.
The officers of the battalion who served in the unit during World War 1 in Egypt, Gallipoli, Sinai and Mesopotamia from October 1914 to May 1917, had made it in commemoration of the actions of their soldiers.
The trophy, originally in silver, is named after Man Singh who was recognised as a valiant soldier known for his, professional skill, sheer physical prowess and agility. At 6 feet and 4 inches, he was said to be so strong of limb that he was able to jump over high wire obstacles and broad ditches comfortably. This was part of trench warfare during the First World War. It is also said that he could lob a grenade up to a distance of 50 yards.
