Glasgow restaurateur Satty Singh has been appointed Honorary Colonel of 52nd (Lowland) Support and Signal Squadron, an Army Reserve unit supporting NATO’s Allied Rapid Reaction Corps, according to the British Army.
The appointment was announced to coincide with Saragarhi Day, commemorated each year on 12 September in memory of the 21 Sikh soldiers of the 36th Sikh Regiment who defended the Saragarhi signal post in 1897. Honorary Colonels are civilian or retired military figures appointed to support Army Reserve units and act as ambassadors between the military and their local communities. The role carries no operational command responsibility, but holders are expected to support recruitment, promote their unit and strengthen links with civilian organisations.
Singh has worked in Glasgow’s restaurant trade since 1988 and opened Mr Singh’s India in Charing Cross in 1994. His business interests have since expanded into property, events, food production and golf.
In the Army release, Singh 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.”
52 Support and Signal Squadron forms part of 32 Signal Regiment, Royal Corps of Signals. Its reservists provide tactical communications and support to NATO’s Allied Rapid Reaction Corps and take part in training in the UK and overseas. The unit is made up largely of reservists from the Glasgow area who train alongside their civilian careers. The timing of the announcement also reflects Singh’s Sikh heritage. Saragarhi Day marks the 1897 battle in which 21 Sikh soldiers of the British Indian Army defended a signal post on the North-West Frontier against a much larger attacking force.
Singh said he intends to use the honorary role to strengthen links with Commonwealth and minority communities and encourage greater awareness of Reserve and Cadet opportunities.
He said: “The Squadron and I intend to build on the historical contribution of the Commonwealth family to the British Army.”
Lieutenant Colonel Matt Johns MBE, Commanding Officer of 32 Signal Regiment, said in the Army announcement that Singh was a prominent member of Glasgow’s business community and a long-standing supporter of the Armed Forces, including Army Cadets and SSAFA. He said Singh would play an important role in raising awareness of the work carried out by reservists in Glasgow.
