Sikh soldier becomes first to guard Queen in turban - The Sun

Sikh soldier becomes first to guard Queen in turban

Break with tradition ... Jatinderpal Singh Bhullar proudly serves as guard in turban

David Hartley

By FRAN WETZEL

Last Updated: 12th December 2012

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SIKH Jatinderpal Singh Bhullar has become the first soldier to guard the Queen wearing a turban instead of a bearskin hat.

The 25-year-old, who joined the Scots Guards this year, has been given permission to wear the religious headdress outside Buckingham Palace.
He was seen standing guard and parading outside the palace for the first time this morning.
The Sun told earlier this month how the former bricklayer, from Birmingham, broke 180 years of tradition.
He is not the first Sikh to take part in guarding Buckingham Palace — but others wore traditional bearskin hats.
At the time, he said: “Conducting public duties in my turban is a great honour.
“I am very proud to be a member of the Household Division, and to be the first Sikh guardsman to mount guard in a turban will be the best thing in my life, especially as a member of the Scots Guards.”

Parade ... Guardsman Bhullar with comrades in bearskins

David Hartley

But he has reportedly been mocked by comrades, though no complaint has been made. It came as some in the Scots Guard have claimed the whole company will look “ridiculous” if one member does not wear a bearskin.
David Cuthill, one retired officer, told a newspaper: “It should be the regiment first and religion second. A Guardsman is not a Guardsman if he’s not wearing a bearskin.
“Hundreds of years of tradition should be protected. I appreciate his predicament but if all the other Guardsmen are in bearskins and he is in a turban, it is going to look ridiculous.”

Guardsmen ... Bhullar is first not to wear bearskin

David Hartley

But CO Lt Col Robert Howieson praised Bhullar, saying: “He will be a welcome addition. The precedent for Sikh soldiers wearing turbans on parade was set long ago.”
Guardsman Bhullar’s dad Surinder, 47, from Slough, Berks, said recently: “He deserves respect and he will stay strong. That includes wearing his turban instead of a bearskin, no matter what other soldiers say. He is observing his religion.”