The UK Government has agreed to support and fund a national memorial to honour the sacrifices and contribution of Sikh soldiers who fought for Britain and its allies during the two World Wars.<br/>More than 83,000 turbaned Sikh soldiers gave their lives<br/><br/>and more than one lakh were injured during the wars. Announcing the government backing for the new memorial in London, UK Communities Secretary Sajid Javid said that U K is indebted to all those servicemen who volunteered to serve and fought to defend the freedoms that country is enjoying today. <br/><br/>According to official records, despite making up only two per cent of the Indian population when the First World War broke out, Sikhs accounted for more than 20 per cent of the Indian Army's manpower.<br/><br/>Sikh soldiers from Punjab and surrounding states saw action in Europe, Africa and the Middle East, most notably on the Western Front and at Gallipoli. <br/><br/>Their contribution was essential to the war effort and of the 22 Military Crosses awarded to Indian soldiers, 14 went to Sikhs.