Duty, Honour and Izzat

From Golden Fields to Crimson – Punjab’s Brothers in Arms in Flanders

By Canadian author, filmmaker and educationist. Steve Purewal

This book is an excellent source of information on our contribution and sacrifices made by our ancestors. I am proud to have been acknowledged by the author.

Steve Purewal’s book ‘Duty, Honour and Izzat’ gives an informative, accurate and succinct account of British Indian Army, contribution of Punjabis, especially the Sikhs during World War 1 & other International campaigns, briefs on regiments, gallantry award winners etc. The book has interesting narrations on how Duty and Honour is paramount and intrinsic in our Punjabi character. Our forefathers worked hard, faced vicissitudes of life, survived demanding situations, raised families and earned the respect and admiration of the British and the international community.

The book has beautiful illustrations which have been meticulously created to ensure authentic information is presented to the audience in a clear and concise manner. This book will introduce readers to our Sikh military heritage, tradition, service & sacrifices made by our ancestors, most of which have been unrecognized and forgotten by our future generations. The book is like a key, which will open doors for people to explore the vast mansions of knowledge.

This is an excellent book for both adults and children alike and will surely create a spark of curiosity and encourage them to learn more about our rich history, engage in discussions and ask questions. The readers will feel proud of their lineage with rejuvenated motivation to learn more and inform others of our achievements. Steve has done a good job in presenting dry/boring historical information in an interesting & engaging. manner that will keep the reader stimulated.

I am sure that people will find a personal connection and would be able to relate to a character or incident in their life, as I was able to connect to my ancestral village, Jadla and Daulatpur. Both our villages sent 54 & 87 men respectively to the Great War. One of the soldiers who died during WW I, mentioned in the book was from 45th Rattray’s Sikh Regiment, whose details are: Sepoy Harnam SIngh of Daulatpur, Nawanshahr, Jullundur Date of Death: 27 May 1916, Iraq

This book will give a good introduction to adults and youth alike on the importance of Indian army’s contribution and sacrifice of our ancestors during World War I.