Balbir Singh Nagra MBE is a Warrant Officer in the British Army Reserves—an organisation he has proudly served for over 40 years. In this interview, he reflects on the impact it has had on his life, as well as the challenges he has faced as an officer of Sikh heritage.
Balbir’s journey with the British Army Reserves began in 1980, when it was then known as the Territorial Army. At the time, he balanced his role in the Reserves with his regular job as a delivery driver for the Royal Mail.

Picture credit: Balbir Singh Nagra
While he enjoyed both careers, he admits that serving in the Army Reserves offered him challenges like no other and provided experiences beyond his wildest dreams.
Throughout his career, Balbir has traveled across Europe and had the unique opportunity to visit the U.S., where he was honoured with a medal by the Governor of Michigan. Operationally, he has been deployed to Iraq and Cyprus, serving in various capacities, including as an explosives and small arms expert.
The pinnacle of his career came in 1999, when he was awarded an MBE by Her late Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II.
“I’ve met the Queen—not once, but three times—and I have the honour of saying that I met the Queen Mother and Princess Diana. Those are once-in-a-lifetime opportunities, and not everyone gets them,” he shares with *Pukaar*.
“Receiving my MBE and making my family proud—that’s what I consider my greatest achievement. My only regret is that I got the award a year after my mother passed away. If she had been there, she would have been flying with pride…”
Balbir was born in Kenya and moved to the UK with his family at the age of 10. He was one of eight siblings living in a home in the Highfields area of Leicester.
Although he had a happy childhood, he recalls that Leicester didn’t immediately feel like home.
“We arrived in November, and the cold was a shock to the system. The snow was three feet high, and I used to walk to school with snow up to my knees,” he remembers.
“My mother and I—everyone—wanted to go back to Kenya, but we had sold my father’s business and everything. We had no choice but to make the UK our home.”
Now, however, Leicester holds a special place in his heart.
“Now, I love Leicester. It’s my city, and anyone who says bad things about Leicester clearly doesn’t know it. It’s a great place with a lot to be proud of.”
Balbir attended Melton Mowbray College, where he trained as a welder before working for an engineering firm. He later joined the Royal Mail as a postman.
After his father suffered a stroke, Balbir became the primary breadwinner for his family. Though he enjoyed his work with the Royal Mail, it was his decision to follow his brother into the Army Reserves that he credits as a turning point in his life.
“That’s where my life truly began,” he says.
“I always tell people to join the Reserve Forces. If you can’t join the regular Army, the Reserve Forces are just as valuable,” he emphasises.
“It’s beneficial in every way—comradeship, friendship, fitness. You meet people from all walks of life, and the physical training is second to none.”
Despite the many positives, Balbir admits he has faced challenges, particularly in the form of racism. He recalls that while it was more prevalent in the 1980s, the situation has improved significantly over the years.
“You’ll always encounter someone who doesn’t like you because of who you are. Racism will never fully disappear, but the Army has learned a lot,” he explains. “In the past, you’d be called names in front of others or given less desirable tasks. But not anymore. If I ever faced racism in the Army, my friends would have my back.”
Balbir began his journey in the Reserves as a Private in the 7th Royal Anglian Regiment before moving to the Assault Pioneers—a role he thoroughly enjoyed until he was promoted to Warrant Officer.
Today, his responsibilities include overseeing the welfare of recruits and conducting risk assessments—tasks he finds both important and fulfilling. Additionally, he leads a cadet unit, where he mentors and inspires the next generation of potential Army recruits.
Although juggling two demanding roles has been challenging, the 65-year-old has no regrets about the path he chose.
“I’m proud of myself, but also of my brothers, sisters, wife, and children, who have been my backbone. Without them, I wouldn’t be here,” he says.
“My wife has supported me through 46 years of this, and she’s only complained once. We’re a close-knit family, and my children always had plenty of love.”
Reflecting on his journey, Balbir remains deeply grateful for the opportunities and experiences the Army Reserves have given him.
“It’s a true privilege to serve in the Army Reserves, and I consider myself truly blessed.”