Jay Singh-Sohal

A national leader in the commemoration of Commonwealth soldiers has received an OBE from His Majesty The King at an investiture ceremony at St James’ Palace, held on Friday 5th December 2025.

Captain Jay Singh-Sohal, founder of the UK’s first memorial to Sikhs who served during the World Wars and a trustee of the Commonwealth War Graves Foundation, was recognised for Services to Commonwealth Commemoration.

The 42-year-old from Royal Sutton Coldfield has also served as an Army Reservist for the past 16 years, and attended the ceremony in uniform to be admitted as an Officer into the Order of the British Empire

It follows more than a decade of volunteering, leading and advising charities and government initiatives that ensure that those from diverse backgrounds from across the Commonwealth who served Great Britain are also remembered.

Following the investiture ceremony, Jay said:

“Being recognised by The King is an immense honour, a once-in-a-lifetime moment that I am proud to have shared with my wife and children with a visit to St James’ Palace.

“It’s humbling because it’s such a rare occurrence for someone of my socio-economic background to receive such an accolade, and for something so prestigious.  So, my hope is it inspires more people from diverse backgrounds to serve our country, whether in uniform or by volunteering with charities.”

Jay founded the WW1 Sikh Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum in 2015, to ensure that the bravery and sacrifice of Sikh soldiers was remembered at that place of national significance.  The memorial was the first of its kind and led to other community monuments being raised all over England.

Based on this leadership, Jay joined the board of the Commonwealth War Graves Commissions charitable foundation in 2017.  He has since supported them with communications, engagement and outreach to ensure that the story of the Commonwealth contribution reaches the widest possible audience.

It’s an historic contribution that Jay feels forms an important part of the reasons why Indian migrants, such as his own grandparents, came to the UK.

Jay further adds a personal reflection and dedication to them: 

“My grandparents were very much on my mind today.  They came to a Britain in the 1960s still rebuilding after the Second World War and to a community in industrial Birmingham that needed them.

“They were humble, hard-working people with strong faith-based values who earned an honest living whilst remembering God and giving what they could to help others, in accordance with the Sikh tradition of seva or selfless service.

“Their example instilled strong Sikh values in me, which has made me who I am today.  I take pride in remembering them and dedicating this award to their memory, to Sardar Maha Singh and Mohinder Kaur Sohal”.

Ends.