This image forms the last in a set of four tragic photographs that were found amongst Japanese records when Allied troops entered Singapore shortly after the end of the Second World War. The sequence of events is narrated as follows:

1) Japanese soldiers load their rifles and prepare to shoot their prisoners.

2) The blindfolded prisoners sit with target marks hanging over their hearts, and stakes placed in the ground in front of them bearing their number. They sit with dignity awaiting their end.

3) The shots ring out. Some appear to be near misses, and none at this stage appear to be fatal.

4) To ensure the prisoners are dead, a Japanese soldier goes among the wounded with a bayonet. A second soldier can be seen using a pistol to kill any survivors.

A fitting tribute to Sikhs like these and many others who volunteered in their thousands to join the war effort can be found in the words of General Sir Frank Messervy:

“Finally, we that live on can never forget those comrades who in giving their lives gave so much that is good to the story of the Sikh Regiment. No living glory can transcend that of their supreme sacrifice, may they rest in peace. In the last two world wars 83,005 turban wearing Sikh soldiers were killed and 109,045 were wounded. They all died or were wounded for the freedom of Britain and the world and during shell fire, with no other protection but the turban, the symbol of their faith.” (Colonel F.T. Birdwood, The Sikh Regiment in the Second World War.)

Previous articles in Empire, Faith and Kinship

1. Maharaja Ranjit Singh

2 Daughters of Duleep Singh

3. Veterans of the Indian Mutiny

4. Sikh Woman before her marriage

5. Sikh Prisoner of War (World War I)