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First Sikh to guard Buckingham Palace - and
in turban
Sunday December 02, 2012 09:27:20 PM,
IANS
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London: An
Indian-origin Sikh is all set to be the first person guarding the
Buckingham Palace in his turban after being given the privilege
not to wear the mandatory bearskin on ceremonial duties.
Guardsman Jatinderpal Singh Bhullar, 25, who joined the Scots
Guards this year, has been given permission to wear a turban when
on guard duty outside Buckingham Palace, breaking hundreds of
years of tradition, Daily Mail reported Sunday.
The regiment traces its origin back to 1642 and its soldiers have
worn bearskins on parade since 1832.
Bhullar is based at Wellington Barracks in Birdcage Walk. The base
is used by soldiers from the Scots Guards' F Company, who are
responsible for public duties and guarding the Queen.
According to military sources, Bhullar, from Birmingham, is
expected to parade for the first time next week. When he marches
with his colleagues he will become the first guardsman not to wear
a bearskin headgear.
As a devout Sikh, it is mandatory for Bhullar to wear a turban. It
is intended to protect his hair, which he never cuts, and to keep
them clean.
For centuries, Sikhs have worn turbans in battle and fought as
part of the British Army - including Bhullar's grandfather, who
served in World War II.
The step, however, has irked some serving non-commissioned
officers based at Wellington Barracks, who are furious that the
Ministry of Defence (MoD) compromised centuries of history for one
soldier.
Traditionalists in the Scots Guards say the allowances made for
Bhullar will make the whole company look ridiculous to tourists
and onlookers.
Bhullar is one of only 20 to 25 British-born Sikhs in the British
Army.
An MoD spokeswoman said: "The Army takes great pride in its
diversity. Discussions are underway between this unit, the Sikh
community and the MoD. The individual will have the full support
of the Army and his colleagues."
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