Famed Glasgow restaurateur Satty Singh has been appointed as an Army Honorary Colonel to 52nd (Lowland) Support and Signal Squadron.
Famed Glasgow restaurateur Satty Singh has been appointed as an Army Honorary Colonel to 52nd (Lowland) Support and Signal Squadron.
Famed Glasgow restaurateur Satty Singh has been appointed as an Army Honorary Colonel to 52nd (Lowland) Support and Signal Squadron.
The announcement has been timed to coincide with Saragarhi Day, commemorated annually on 12 September, which marks the extraordinary bravery of the 21 soldiers of the 36th Sikh Regiment who defended the Saragarhi post against overwhelming odds in 1897, and continues to be honoured across the Commonwealth as a symbol of courage, duty and sacrifice.
A long-standing supporter of the Armed Forces and associated charities, Satty will advocate for the Squadron and bring with him a wealth of knowledge, insight and expertise gained across decades in Glasgow's business community.
Honorary Colonels are senior civilian or retired military figures appointed to support Army Reserve units, acting as ambassadors who champion the unit within their local community and wider networks.
The role does not carry any operational command responsibility, but Honorary Colonels play an important part in raising the profile of their unit, supporting recruitment, and fostering strong links between the Army and civilian life. Appointees are typically chosen for their standing in the community, their connections, and their ability to champion the unit's role and achievements.
Satty began his career in the restaurant trade in Glasgow in 1988, before opening the world-famous Mr Singh's India restaurant in Charing Cross in 1994. Since then, he has built a diverse portfolio of business ventures spanning golf, events, property, and food production. His widely acclaimed restaurant has welcomed a host of famous clientele over the years.
"It is a tremendous honour to be appointed Honorary Colonel of 52 Support and Signal Squadron. I have long admired the British Armed Forces and the proud history shared across the Commonwealth, with generations serving together in defence of our values and freedoms."
52 Support and Signal Squadron is an Army Reserve sub-unit and part of 32 Signal Regiment of the Royal Corps of Signals. The Squadron provides tactical communications and support to the NATO Allied Rapid Reaction Corps, regularly participating in national and overseas training and operations.
Made up of people from Glasgow who train around their full-time careers, the Squadron provides a vital service to the nation while its members develop valuable skills and qualifications.
Famed Glasgow restaurateur Satty Singh has been appointed as an Army Honorary Colonel to 52nd (Lowland) Support and Signal Squadron.
Satty said: "It is a tremendous honour to be appointed Honorary Colonel of 52 Support and Signal Squadron. I have long admired the British Armed Forces and the proud history shared across the Commonwealth, with generations serving together in defence of our values and freedoms. I look forward to providing my support where I can to the Squadron."
"Saragarhi Day holds deep significance for so many of us with Sikh heritage, and it feels especially fitting to announce this appointment at this time of year. The story of Saragarhi is one of duty, courage and unwavering commitment, values that resonate strongly with the ethos of the Armed Forces today.”
"Saragarhi Day holds deep significance for so many of us with Sikh heritage, and it feels especially fitting to announce this appointment at this time of year. The story of Saragarhi is one of duty, courage and unwavering commitment, values that resonate strongly with the ethos of the Armed Forces today.”
On 12 September 1897, 21 Sikh soldiers of the British Indian Army, defended a signal station on the Northwest Frontier of modern Pakistan against insurmountable odds.
Saragarhi was a hilltop post on the border of modern Pakistan and Afghanistan. Strategically important, it lay between two British forts which kept marauding Afghan tribesmen out of British India.
On the morning of that fateful day, Saragarhi was surrounded by around 10,000 Afghans, also known as Pathans. The station signalled one of the forts to ask for assistance and found that the forts were already under attack and could not help the beleaguered Sikh soldiers.
“The Squadron and I intend to build on the historical contribution of the Commonwealth family to the British Army. We will continue to commemorate their sacrifices, alongside engaging with present Commonwealth and minority communities, so we can increase their presence within the Reserves, Cadets and wider Armed Forces.”
The defenders of Saragarhi decided to fight and die to protect the soldiers of their regiment in the forts. After fighting off several attacks, the Sikh soldiers fell back and were gradually overwhelmed.
None of the defenders remained alive but the 21 Sikhs had accounted for around 1,400 Afghans. The last Sikh soldier was said to have killed over 40 tribesmen in the defence, dying with the Sikh war cry on his lips.
The soldiers helped save the two forts and eventually forced the Afghans back through the Khyber Pass.
For their actions, the defenders of Saragarhi were awarded the Indian Order of Merit, the highest award available to soldiers of the British Indian Empire.
Satty added: “The Squadron and I intend to build on the historical contribution of the Commonwealth family to the British Army. We will continue to commemorate their sacrifices, alongside engaging with present Commonwealth and minority communities, so we can increase their presence within the Reserves, Cadets and wider Armed Forces.”
Famed Glasgow restaurateur Satty Singh has been appointed as an Army Honorary Colonel to 52nd (Lowland) Support and Signal Squadron.
"My experience has shown me that military service helps people from every background develop a sense of purpose, resilience and belonging, and I look forward to helping grow awareness of the Squadron, and the opportunities Reserve service presents, in the Glasgow area."
“This is a humble honour for myself and my family, as a Scottish Sikh of Indian origin, to serve King and country."
"Colonel Satty is a prominent member of the Glasgow business community and a long-time advocate for the Armed Services, including providing support to Army Cadets and SSAFA. His achievements and sense of civic duty are to be commended. We look forward to welcoming him into the Regimental family, and he will no doubt play an important part in raising awareness of the good work our Reserve soldiers do in Glasgow."
Commanding Officer of 32 Signal Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel Matt Johns MBE, said:
"Colonel Satty is a prominent member of the Glasgow business community and a long-time advocate for the Armed Services, including providing support to Army Cadets and SSAFA.
His achievements and sense of civic duty are to be commended. We look forward to welcoming him into the Regimental family, and he will no doubt play an important part in raising awareness of the good work our Reserve soldiers do in Glasgow."
The British Army is recruiting right now to fill 10,000 jobs across the UK with more than 200 roles to choose from, covering everything from frontline combat and cyber security to helicopter pilots, chefs and support roles. If you’re aged 16 to 50 and if you want to find out more about a career in the Army, click Army Jobs website.