Today a 100 years after their martyrdom Australia is paying tribute to two Indians who lost their lives in June. Private Sarn Singh Johal and Private Nain Singh Sailani. Private Sailani was killed in Belgium on the 1st of June. Their names are on the Roll of Honour at the Asutralian War Memorial on the at 137th and 138th number in the Commemorative Area.
Private Sailani was born in Shimla in 1873. He arrived in Geraldton town of Western Australia around 1895. He worked as a laborer before volunteering for the Australian Imperial force in 1916.
Private Johal was born in Jalandhar in 1870 and arrived in Adelaide, South Australia. He enlisted for the force on 15th May 1916 and was sent for service at the western front.
Both lost their lives in Belgium and are buried there. According to the Australian Indian History Society Private Sarn Singh was buried in West Flanders by the Reverend G. Huthenace on 10th June 1917. Though it is unknown where his grave is. Private Nain Singh was buried as an Australian soldier in the Stand Military Cemetery in Ploegsteert Wood, Belgium.
Both soldiers were awarded the British War Medal and Victory Medal.
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