A Sikh Soldier's Service
A Photographic Journey Through Three Allied Armies
by Inderjit S. Mehat

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A rare photographic and narrative archive, A Sikh Soldier’s Service: A Photographic Journey Through Three Allied Armies brings to light the extraordinary life and service of Lachhman Singh Mehat, a Sikh soldier whose military career spanned the British Indian Army, the Indian Army, and the Canadian Army Reserves. Drawing from an exceptional family archive of previously unpublished photographs and documents, the book traces Lt. Col. Mehat’s journey from a farming village in Punjab to commissioned service in the Signals Corps, and later to military life in Canada. Through images and narrative, it offers an intimate view of military training, leadership, and the evolving identity of a soldier across changing political and historical landscapes, including World War II, Partition, and post-war migration. The book also examines the personal and institutional challenges he faced, including systemic discrimination within the Canadian military and the difficult decision to conform to dress regulations that required the removal of religious identity markers. Interwoven throughout is a story of family sacrifice, resilience, and unwavering commitment to service. Both a historical record and a visual tribute, this work preserves a legacy that might otherwise have been lost and highlights the often-overlooked contributions of Sikh soldiers in Commonwealth military history.

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"Too often in history there are important stories that are forgotten because they come from a different continent. However, the stories told here are essential to understanding how the policies of the British Empire impacted the people who lived in all corners of it, and continue to feel the impacts today. This book provides a much needed window into a history that isn't often told. I'm proud to see my family's history reflected in these historical details and I think we could all benefit from what this book has to teach us." Simi Sara, Host of Mornings with Simi on 730CKNW.

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Inderjit S. Mehat is an educator, writer, and multicultural education specialist based in British Columbia. His career spans decades of leadership in curriculum development, anti-racism education, and public service, including senior roles within the BC Ministry of Education and various school districts across the province. Drawing on his lived experience as both an immigrant and former Canadian Army Reserve member, Mehat brings a deeply personal and scholarly perspective to issues of identity, belonging, and systemic equity. A Sikh Soldier’s Service is his first published book. Here, he turns to family archives to honour the life and service of his father. Through this work, he seeks to contribute to a more inclusive understanding of military history and the immigrant experience in Canada and beyond. An avid photographer and outdoors enthusiast, he also enjoys classic cars, engine rebuilding, fishing, gardening, and long-distance road travel, including journeys through remote northern routes in Canada. He lives in South Surrey, BC with his wife.

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Inderjit S. Mehat