Jagt Singh

Jagt Singh ਜਗਤ ਸਿੰਘ (1 January 1889- unknown) also known as Soldier Singh, was a New Zealand World War 1 soldier of Indian heritage.

Before serving in the New Zealand Army, Singh served in the Indian Army in the cavalry regiment, 20th Deccan Horse where he earned the name ‘Soldier Singh’.

Life and First World War Singh was born in the Indian state of Punjab in 1889 to father Sawan Singh. He left his village of Shankar before in 1913, at the age of 24, immigrating to New Zealand.

After a year of living in New Zealand, Singh enlisted in the Army. It is recorded that Singh, at time of enlistment, resided in Manakau and his occupation was labourer and sawmill hand. Singh was one of a small group of Indian New Zealanders to serve New Zealand in World War I.

World War I Nomination Rolls have Singh's name as 'Tagt Singh', although he also appears throughout archives as Jagt Singh.

Due to persisting injuries suffered in Gallipoli, Singh was discharged from the New Zealand Army on 5 December 1919. Example of the 1914-1915 Star that Singh received for his service in WWI. After his discharge in 1919 Singh visited Bombay, India before returning to the New Zealand Army. Eventually Singh moved back to India, returning to New Zealand for work on a few occasions.