COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT AND SUPPORT

INITIATIVES-UK (CESI)

GREENWICH NEPALESE INTEGRATION PROJECT (GNIP)

GURKHA HERITAGE RESEARCH BULLETIN

August, 2011

Plumstead, London

54 Plumstead High Street, Plumstead, London; SE18 1SL, Tel: 02082652702, Fax; 0208 316 8708, E-mail: info@cesi-uk.org Web site: www.cesi-uk.org

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AcknowledgmentThis Research Booklet is one of the outcomes of “Greenwich Nepalese Integration Project” aimed to research, document and disseminate the History, Cultures, Traditions, Heritage and participation of Gurkha in the British Army over the past 200 years. Any accomplishment requires the effort of many people and there are no exceptions. This Research Booklet is a result of collective efforts of CESI Executive Committee members, Project Staff and a number of helping hands behind it who have guided us on our way.

First we thank Heritage Lottery Fund for entrusting us (CESI) and providing an opportunity to carry out the project that enables the British Gurkha Army to disseminate and preserve their contribution through Oral History recordings of Veteran Gurkhas and Showcasing their culture, traditions, Heritage and army lives made in the British Army over 200 years. The Project Management Committee (PMC - a mechanism constituted to guide the project) deserves our sincere thanks and appreciations for their able guidance and useful suggestions which helped us in completing the project work on time. We would like to thank Project Coordinator Mr. William Ekinu, Research Consultant Mr. Kesh Bahadur Gurung, Event Facilitator Mr. Bishan Thapa and Research Assistants Mr. Amod Pradhan, Ms. Reena Yolmo Rai and Ms. Gayatri Shah for their valuable contributions and hard works throughout the project. Words are inadequate in offering our sincere thanks to the project Volunteers namely Mr. Naran Gurung, Mr. Chakra Bahadur Rana, Mr. Bhoj Prasad Gurung and Mr. Nitesh Dev for their untiring efforts in bringing whole community together, mobilising Nepalese and Gurkha community, Publicising the project activities and supporting the works of CESI and project staff. We take immense pleasure to thank Gary Parker, Director, CNT Associates who carried out Evaluation study of the GNI Project. Similarly, our thanks go to Nepali TV for advertising and publicising the project activities and Mr. Kushal Shrestha for editing and producing the videos of two showcase events. We would also like to express our gratitude to Mr. Roshan Rai of the 'Believe Collective' for the design of CD covers and CD labels. We are grateful to project mentor, Ms Jocelyn Goddard for her continuous support and guidance throughout the tenure of the project work which was really useful and valuable to complete the project. Our sincere thanks go to all 22 Ex-British Gurkhas who recorded their life history/biography and special memories during their service in the British Army which covers wide range of tasks and events. Furthermore, we express our special gratitude to the musical band team: 'Nepali Panchai Baja' and Piper Bands, Sound System Team and a number of Nepalese musical teams and young artists and their guides and supporters for their lively performance of various Nepalese dances, music and Role Plays during the two showcase events. Similarly, we highly appreciate the Gurkha Veterans for the active participation and doing spectacular performance of Parade and various role plays of Army life during the showcase events. At the same time, we are equally thankful to the

logistic teams for both events such as catering facilities, and arrangement of events for which especially Mr Bishan Thapa, Dhana Thapa, Chakra Rana and Hasta Limbu are to be mentioned among others for their tireless efforts. More importantly, we would like to express my heartfelt and sincere thanks to whole Nepalese and Gurkha community in the London Borough of Greenwich whose active participation and Involvement at all stages of the project had been profoundly appreciated and without which this project would not have been successfully completed. Finally, if we have mistakenly omitted to giving credits, we want to accept the humble apology and want them to know that without their support there will have differences in this task. Laxman Sah Chairperson CESI

Contents

1. COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT AND

SUPPORT INITIATIVES-UK (CESI) 2. GREENWICH NEPALESE INTEGRATION

PROJECT (GNIP) 3. WHAT IS MEANT BY GURKHA AND WHO ARE

THE GURKHAS? 4. THE BRITISH GURKHAS 5. GURKHAS CULTURE AND HERITAGE 6. CONTRIBUTION OF GURKHAS IN THE

BRITISH ARMY

6.1 Starting of Gurkha Recruitment under British India Rule

6.2 Indian Rebellion of 1857 (Mutiny)

6.3 Gurkhas in the First World War (1914-1918)

64 Gurkhas in the Second World War (1939-1945)

6.5 India Independence from British Raj (1947)

6.6 Gurkhas in Malaya Emergency (1948-1960)

6.7 Gurkhas Fought in Borneo Confrontation

6.8 Gurkhas in Falkland War (1982)

6.8 Gurkhas in the Gulf War (1990)

6.9 Gurkhas After Hong Kong Handover (1997)

6.10 Gurkhs in Afghanistan Operation

7. GURKHAS SETTLED IN THE UK 8. GURKHAS: THE VICTORIA CROSS (VC)

WINNER 10. HOW THE GURKHAS BEING PERCEIVED? 11. GURKHA'S UNIQUE WEAPON 'KHUKURI' 12. BRIGADE OF GURKHA UNITS REFERENCES

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1. Community Empowerment and Support Initiatives-UK (CESI)

Community Empowerment and Support Initiatives-CESI, established in 2007 and based in the Royal borough of Greenwich, is a registered charity in England and Wales. The main objective of CESI is to improve the quality of life of the Nepalese community living in the UK. ‘Integrating people for better living’ is the slogan of CESI. In line with this,, so far, CESI has successfully implemented various projects and programmes contributing towards integration of the Nepalese community in the British society for their better living. Among these, the Greenwich Nepalese Integration Project (GNIP) was a major initiative targeted to the Ex British Gurkhas and their families. In addition, CESI provides voluntary support to the Nepalese for community cohesion and integration in the British society through advice and signposting for accessing services including welfare benefits, housing, education, health etc from the local government.

2. Greenwich Nepalese Integration Project (GNIP)

Greenwich Nepalese Integration Project (GNIP) was funded by Heritage Lottery Fund, London.Thepurpose was to increase the understanding of the Gurkha Heritage and participation in the British army through learning about all aspects of the Gurkha Heritage by documenting and disseminating the history of Gurkha participation in the British army over the past 200 years as well as their cultures and traditions. At the same time it aimed to increase the research skills and awareness of heritage among the Nepalese community by involving them as volunteers throughout the project to preserve Gurkha heritage for future generations. CESI implemented various activities to achieve the objectives ofthe project. These included research, focus group discussions, recordings of oral history of the Gurkha army veterans and their culture and heritage showcase events. Series of consultations with the Gurkha veterans were carried out to understand the Gurkhas’ culture and heritage and their contributions in the British army.

Focus group discussions wereorganised to identify the areas and the scope of the research. Consultations and focus group discussionsled to organising showcase event, exhibition of cultural heritage including costumes, traditional dances, and demonstration of Gurkha Army activities. In addition, one of the major activities of the project was to conduct oral history recordings of the Gurkha veterans. During consultations and focus group discussions, a number of periods of Gurkhas’ major involvement in the British army since the time of separation from India were identified.These included Malaya Emergency, Borneo Confrontation, Falkland War, Iraq War, and Afghanistan Conflict. Based on this, interviewees were selected for oral history recordings. In total 22 Gurkhas veterans were interviewed to record their memories, experiences and contributions while in the British army.Community members as volunteers and project staff were trained in oral history recording and research. These oral history records were produced and disseminated to wider audiences including individuals and organisations.

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3. What is meant by Gurkha and who are the Gurkhas?

The word ‘Gurkha’ is known as the synonym for ‘Bravery’, ‘Gallantry’ and ‘Excellence’ in the warfare and specially is famous in the Indian and British military history for the last 200 years. The word ‘Gurkha’ is derived from the name of a historic place of western Nepal ‘Gorkha’, now a name of one of the 75 districts in Nepal. Until 1769, the present day Nepal was divided into several small kingdoms known as Baiyise, Chaubise rajya; (literal meaning 22-24 states) being Gorkha one of them.

The state of Gorkha was ruled by king Prithivi Narayan Shah and was renowned for its glory of victorious military power. King Prithivi Narayan Shah always dreamed of unifying all the small states into one and create a greater Nepal. As a result, at the latter part of eighteenth century, the great king Priyhivi Narayan Shah not only unified all the small states into one but also expanded the territory to India up tp Kangara in the west and Teesta in the east and southern Gangetic plains using his brave military power- the Gorkhas. Thus, the terminology ‘Gurkha’ is seemed to be obviously derived from the name of a historic place in Nepal and the ‘Gurkhas’ refers to the indigenous people mainly from mid western and eastern hill parts of Nepal, who are well known for their bravery.

4. The British Gurkhas

During Anglo-Nepalese War (1814–1816), the British were impressed by the Gurkha soldiers and had recognised the potential of Nepalese soldiers in British service. As a result, the British started recruiting the Gurkhas in the British Indian force. Even after Indian independence and the separation of the British army from India, the British government continued to recruit the Nepalese Gurkhas in their army. This practice is still continued.British Gurkha army mainly consists of four ethnic groups; the Gurung, Magar, Rai and Limbu. Though all these indigenous people belong to Nepal’s Sino-Tibetan ethnic group, they have different customs, traditions and cultures. They have their own mother languages. These people are rich in

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their traditions and culture. The Gurungs also known as Tamuand the Magars come from mainly the western mid hills where as the Limbu and the Rai people come from the eastern hills of Nepal. These ethnic community people are well known for their courage and bravery. It is said that ‘if a man says that he is not afraid of dying he is either lying or is a Gurkha’. One of the very common things among these people is that they all carry a weapon called Khukuri with them. They all are very loyal, sincere, reliable and honest people.

5. Gurkhas Culture and Heritage

In order to exhibit and preserve Gurkhas culture, tradition and their contribution in the British army, two showcases performance were organised at Woolwich town hall and Asian Community Centre where Greenwich Mayor was a Chief Guest. More than 500 people witnessed the each performance from across the Royal Borough of Greenwich and other parts of London.

The event was very colourful as it exhibited photographs showing their culture, traditions, their army life and contributions while in the British army and different ethnic costumes and cultural activities including dances and songs. Gurkhas Veterans demonstrated various army life related

activities which included the process of Gurkha youths selection, training, service life and how retirement process takes place in the British Gurkha Army.

Gurkha Boys and Girls Singing the National Anthems of Britain and Nepal

Nepalese ethnic communities Cultural dance

Photographs showing Gurkhas costumes, culture and tradition

Nepalese ethnic Communities

cultural dance

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Ex-Gurkha servicemen salute the cheif guest

Participants of Gurkha showcase event I

Welcome to the chief guest of the Gurkha Showcase event

Participants of Gurkha showcase event II

Ex-Gurkha servicemen giving honour of parade to the Chief Guest of the ceremony, the Mayor of Greenwich in the showcase events.

Nepali Cultural performance by Gurkha Cultural Group

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6. Contribution of Gurkhas in the British Army

6.1 Starting of Gurkha Recruitment under British India Rule

The ‘British colonial power’ in the name of East India Company had started to conquer from south towards the northern part of India and Nepalese Gorkhas were expanding their territory from north to the south where these two groups had boundary disputes and raids in some points. The British side realised that without defeating the Gorkha it was not possible to conquer and protect the India. The British India Company, thus, declared war against Gorkha on 20 October 1814. They fought for two years and British side was influenced with the bravery of the Gorkhas; so they decided to end the war and agreed sign a treaty for peace and cooperation on the 4th of March 1816 which is known as ‘Sugauli Sandhi’ or “Sugauli Treaty” (Gurung, 2007). During the two-year long war mutual feeling of respect and admiration was emerged between the two sides. The British were much impressed with the Gurkhas for their abilities of fighting and other fine qualities such as enduring toughness even in adverse situations, their trustworthiness and loyalties; and commitment of do-or-die. "Better to die than be a coward" is the motto of the Gurkha soldiers. Because of these qualities and terms of the treaty a huge number of Gurkha soldiers were allowed to join to service under the Company's Army. From this time, the first regiment of the Gurkha Brigade was formed and good relationship between Nepal and Britain began. At present Nepal is the Britain's special and oldest ally in Asia. Under the control of East India Company they fought in Pindaree War in 1817, Bhurtpore in 1826 and two Anglo-Sikh Wars in 1846 and 1848.

6.2 Indian Rebellion of 1857 (Mutiny)

Although the Gurkhas have been fighting together with the British soldiers for the interest of the Great Britain in several countries and wars but some of the significant and remarkable ones were within India such as Indian rebellion of 1857 and surrounding territories. In the Indian Rebellion of 1857, they fought on the British side as part of the British Indian Army. In this conflict, the 'Sirmoor Battalion' (local battalion) made an important contribution and won 25 Indian Order of Merit awards during the Delhi Siege.

Men of the Sirmoor Battalion pictured outside Hindu Rao's house in 1857

Artists performing Casualty Rescue while on duty Nepali Cultural (Bhairav) dance

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Gurkhas had to fight very tough where they lost almost two third of their men ( 327 out of 490) during the four month long Siege of Delhi. At last they defended the Rao's house of Delhi. In addition, the then Prime Minister of Nepal 'Sri Junga Bahadur Rana' himself commanded 12,000 Nepali Gurkha Army and participated to relief Lucknow which is highly regarded as special help to the British India from Nepal. After the Rebellion the 2nd Gurkhas (Sirmoor Battalion) was honoured as rifle regiment and became part of the British crown and soldiers riflemen. Permanent residency of British government established in Kathmandu which is the first foreign diplomatic mission in Nepal after unification (Gurung, 2007). After the Indian Rebellion of 1857 and until the First World War, the Gurkha had actively served in Burma, Afghanistan, the North-East Frontier and the North-West Frontiers of India, Malta, Cypris, Malaya, China and Tibet (Bullock, 2009 p58).

6.3 Gurkhas in the First World War (1914-1918)

There is not an authentic published data to show the actual number of Gurkha soldiers in Indian Army who were involved, wounded, dead or disappeared in various wars during the period of 1815 to 1947 (132 years). However, record shows that the number of Gurkha soldiers in Indian forces were 24,709 in 1914 whereas 60,361 in 1918 (The Gurkha Museum, Winchester 2010). It is difficult task to quote the authentic exact figure of Gurkha soldiers involved in the First World War (1914-1918) under the commandment of British colonial power. However, some of the records showed that up to 200,000 Gurkhas fought the War (Wikipedia, the free Encyclopedia; Ayo Gurkhali..). They suffered 20,000 casualties which are believed that included those killed in action, wounded and died and missing (Gurung, 2007; The Gurkha Musuem 2010) and received 2000 gallantry awards (Gurung, 2007). During the First World War they fought on the battlefield of France, Mesopotamia, Persia, at the Suez Canal and Palestine against Turkish advance, Gallipoli and Salonika. Two Gurkha soldiers won Victoria Cross (VC) during this Great War for their gallantry service and much notable bravery.

6.4 Gurkhas in the Second World War (1939-1945)

In the Second World War too there are not matching figures of Gurkha in various documents. However it is given that the recruiteable population of Gurkhas was 280,000; pre war serving 18,000; total recruited number up to the year 1944 was 94,960 totaling to 112,960 (Gurkha Museum, 2010). It is estimated that some 250,000 Gurkhas served under British Service in 10 regiments and 42 battalions in almost all theatres. They fought in North Africa, Syria, Italy, and Greece and against the Japanese in jungles of Burma, northeast India and in Singapore. They earned 2734 bravery awards in this period of (1939-45) 7 years witnessing the loss of the casualties of 23,665 men in the process (Gurung, 2007; The Gurkha Musuem, 2010). Ten Gurkha soldiers received the most prestigious military award the Victoria Cross (VC) during this war.

6.5 India Independence from British Raj (1947)

Following the independence of India from British Raj in 1947, a tripartite agreement was signed between the Nepal, India and Britain which stated that four Gurkha regiments out of 11 from the existing Indian army to be transferred to the British Army. The Gurkha regiments joined the British Army on January 1, 1948 were:

2nd King Edward VII's Own Gurkha Rifles (The Sirmoor Rifles)

6th Queen Elizabeth's Own Gurkha Rifles

7th Duke of Edinburgh's Own Gurkha Rifles

10th Princess Mary's Own Gurkha Rifles The above four Regiments transferred to the British Army was named as the Brigade of Gurkhas and stationed in Malaya in the beginning. In addition, there were 69th Gurkha Field Squadron and the 70th Gurkha Field Support Squadron which

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later included in the 36th Engineer Regiment. British Gurkhas have served in Malaya emergency, Borneo revolt and confrontation, Hong Kong territorial duty, Falkland war, Gulf war and several peacekeeping missions such as in Sierra Leon, East Timor, Bosnia and Kosovo and in Afghanistan operation. Before 1997, the Focus of Brigade was in Far East but following the Hong Kong handed over to China it moved to UK base. A battalion of Gurkha has been based in Brunei and is fully operational as a part of the British Army worldwide. At present, the major units of the Gurkha Brigades are The Royal Gurkha Rifles (two battalions, based in Folkestone, Kent, and Brunei), The Queen's Gurkha Engineers, Queen's Gurkha Signals, and The Queen's Own Gurkha Logistic Regiment. In addition there are two independent companies - Gurkha Company (Sittang) at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and Gurkha Company (Mandalay) at the Infantry Battle School, Brecon.The Gurkha Company at the Infantry Training Centre Catterick, trains the recruits who pass the demanding selection procedure. Recently settled Gurkhas are trying to become part of British society; therefore, it is Imperative to

encourage them to record oral testimonies and publish so that wider community could know the history

of brave Gurkhas who served in British army over last 200 years. The Oral History recordings of 22

retired British Gurkha army veterans basically tell us the life history of British Gurkha including their pre

army life, routine life and memorable events during army service in various regiments of British Gurkha

army stationed in different places across the world. Oral history recordings are sound recordings of

historical information of the retired Gurkha army veterans of British Gurkha regiments, the regiments

created in 1947 after Indian dependence for Nepalese Gurkha to serve for British army

Further, the life of Gurkhas after retirement is covered in the interviews. Following veterans were

participated in the Oral History recordings.

Capt (Retd) Ram Bahadur Limbu MVO VC Retd Maj Man Bahadur Gurung MVO Csgt. Chakra Bahadur Rana Rfn Vinod Budhathoki

Rfn Bhoj Prasad Gurung 2bn2GR. Maj (Retd) Bhawani Limbu (7GR) Maj (Retd) Lal Bahadur Gurung (1/2 GR) Capt Chitra Bahadur Rai 10 GR.

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Cpl Durga Pun (6GR) Rfn Hast bahadur Limbu . Lt Damar Limbu (7GR) Ssgt Keshbahadur Gurung, QGE

WOII Om Prasad Gurung (QGS) Ssgt Subasing Gurung BEM (QOGLR) Capt Gam Bahadur Gurung (2/2nd GR) Rfn Dal Bahadur Gurung

WOII (Retd) Bhisan Thapa (1st 2nd GR) Capt (retd) Gary Ghale (6GR) Cpl Narayan Gurung Csgt Netra Limbu (7GR)

Rfn Lal Bahadur Gurung

6.6 Gurkhas in Malaya Emergency (1948-1960)

The Guerrillas of Malayan Communist Party (MCP) fought with Japanese troops to safe guard Malayan Government with the help of arms and ammunitions supplied by the British agents during Second World War. However, they betrayed and turned their arms pointing to the Malayan Government and the British nationals based in Malaya. Despite difficult situation and adverse environment, the Gurkha Regiment based in Malaya had to fight with Guerrillas of MCP to safe guard Malayan government and the British nationals based in Malaya. They lacked physical facilities such as proper barracks for residence, proper military equipment to fight with and insufficient knowledge and adaptation with local environment in the new place. This conflict is called Malaya emergency where the Gurkhas fought for several years against MCP. Other military forces involved to fight against MCP were Malayan, other British forces, Australian, New Zealand and Fiji.

VC Ram Bahadur Limbu (only the living Gurkha VC), fought for Malaya Emergency in 1958 and fought with MCP guerrilla. He recalls the wartime memory which is recorded in his Oral History excerpt:

“I went for action in Malaya in 1958 and fought with Bandits (MCP guerrillas). They were not fighting with British but the Guerrillas and Malayan were fighting each other and we as British forces were

VC Ram Bahadur Limbu

Cpl. Naran Gurung

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supporting to Malayan government and people to get independence from the guerrilla attacks. Malayan emergency was long but I was there at the end of the action....I joined the Brunei confrontation in 1964 in Sarwak, Brunei. Ranjit Rai got MC in the Action for his bravery... We went for action with 10 days Ration. We carried out patrol after 3 days of reaching in the boundary where the Indonesian forces were stationed....There was a peak of ridge, one side was land slide, and on the other side was a sloppy rock. It was in 21st November 1965, we got up 5 am and marched with guns and ammunitions, clearing the way forward in the jungle passed the landslide, there we found a firing trench. We (Company C) received sign to go forward...we had plan to bombard first and start firing later on but it could not happened as I saw a sentry of enemies and he also saw us then we started firing to them. There was a fierce fighting with enemies where we killed many of them as compared to us. I saved my wounded comrades and attacked to enemies with several casualties to them and at last we won the action. I won a VC for this fighting which I later knew and I was very happy and encouraged to serve.” Later on, in 12 July 1966 I received the Medal from Queen in Buckingham palace (Oral history, Ram Bahadur Limbu 2011).

6.7 Gurkhas Fought in Borneo Confrontation

Borneo confrontation (1962-66) took place along the 1100 miles border area between Sarawak, Brunei and North Borneo (Sabah) on the Brunei side, and Indonesian Borneo (Kalimantan) on the Indonesian side. This confrontation was started from a small revolt by the North Kalimantana Army (TNKU) on 8th December 1962 which is called “Brunei Revolt”. A group of rebels totalling around 4000 with very limited weapons tried to capture the Sultan of Brunei, seized the oilfields and took hostage of European citizens. British forces in Singapore reacted promptly and within 30 hours it was declared that the insurrection was failure where Gurkha troops secured the Sultan safely. Gurkha Veteran Major (Retd.) Man Bahadur Gurung, MVO, GCO (1/2nd GR) recalls both incidents the Revolt and Confrontation where he participated during 1962-1966 for four times. Below is the excerpt from his personal oral history recording: “It was Saturday morning on 8th Dec.1962, we were awaken and told to be prepared for operation, but had no clue....later on we headed to Brunei. Rebellions had attacked in many important places including oilfields, police stations, prime minister’s house, Sultan’s palace and airport. We took a big search operation in Brunei and captured thousands of rebels and handed over to police. We also captured many weapons. The rebels were spread many places including towns and jungles where we searched the town and surrounding area and chased them away. Sultan was safely secured by Gurkhas.”

He further recalls: “After the revolt incidence we went back to Singapore for a short period, had some training and rest over there and then came back to Brunei again and based in Jungle for fighting against the Indonesian rebellions. Similarly third and fourth time we came to Brunei in around one year’s interval and had to stay at least six months at every trip. Many rebellions were killed by Gurkhas during the operations in the boarder and we also had some casualties to our side as well. Our base was in thick rainforest of Borneo, where we couldn’t see outside of Jungle and there was danger of poisonous snake, malaria and many other harmful insects which could be hazardous for health and life.......”.

6.8 Gurkhas in Falkland War (1982)

Falkland war was fought in 1982 when Argentinean invaded to Falklands. Scots Guards fought a tough battle during the war where 1/7 Gurkha Rifles (1/7 GR), and Queen’s Gurkha Signals joined the battle to support them. Latter on Queen’s Gurkha Engineers had also joined the battle with them. When the Gurkha commenced attacking they found that the Argentinians were

Major (Retd) Man Bahadur Gurung, MVO, GCO (1/2nd GR)

Csgt. Netra Limbu 7th GR

Csgt. Chakra Bahadur Rana

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already fled away due to the propaganda extended by British side about the Bravery, toughness and war skills of Gurkha. A war veteran of Falkland War (Netra Limbu, 7th GR) with whom a Oral History was recorded recalls the memory of wartime during 1982 in Falkland. “After an in-depth training and war practice in Wales we arrived in Goose Green in May of 1982 where battle was going on between Britain and Argentina. “........I was so scared of walking because everywhere there was danger of mines laid by Argentinean. We went there on helicopter from Goose Green to another side to capture the enemies. When Gurkha landed there few people were seen running around and every had seen with white handkerchief the sign of surrender... They started to come forward, throw weapons, gun down, they were shivering and trembling, they were so scared, We stopped them and started convincing, we captured them, we did not fire a single round to capture 14 Argentineans in a few minutes. Then we did body searched and took them to our headquarters as war prisoners. Argentinean soldiers were so scared I think they were not proper soldiers. They were not professionals to carry out the job. 13 of June was main battle. On midnight of 14th June they surrendered so we did not have to fight further, and we achieved the objectives. Weather was so adverse, it was raining, windy and snowing, I never experienced such weather in my life where the temperature was -35, -40 degree Celsius.”

6.9 Gurkhas in the Gulf War (1990)

Gulf War (1990) also known as Iraq war was caused by the invasion of Iraqi troops to Kuwait. In this war the Gurkhas served as medical corps in the Kuwait and Iraq. Mr Subasing Gurung a Gulf War veteran who recalls his experience while serving in Gulf War (1990). “I served in transport regiment so my main job was to support the transport tasks in various situations and areas of action. I was given chance to take part in Gulf war in 1990. My job was to look after the kits and welfare of soldiers in Gulf War.”

6.10 Gurkhas After Hong Kong Handover (1997)

It was a historic turning point for Gurkhas when the Hong Kong was handed over to China in 1997. The Gurkhas were based in Hong Kong for a long time. After this event, they were relocated to UK as British soldiers based in Britain. After this their pay, pension and facilities were brought in line with their other British comrades and their families and dependants were allowed to settle in the UK. At the moment approx 3,000-3,200 army personnel of British Gurkha are serving in the Britain under Gurkha Brigade and serving in various places of importance.

6.11 Gurkhs in Afghanistan Operation

Following the attack on the ‘Twin Tower’ of USA in 11 September 2001, the Afghan war was started where Gurkhas have also been deployed as British Force along with other alliance troops. They are serving excellent along with their British colleagues against the Taliban militants proving that the Gurkhas were brave and excellent in history and still they are equally excellent at present. One of the Gurkha soldiers Acting Sergeant ‘Dipprasad Pun’ received a ‘Conspicuous Galantry Cross’ for his single handed battle with 30 militants where he killed and chased them away from his sentry point. He fired 400 rounds and launched 17 grenades and at last he used his machine gun tripods to beat away the enemies after finishing his ammunition. “His company commander, Major Shaun Chandler, arrived shortly after and slapped the Gurkha on the back – which made him think he may have been under attack again. Asked if he might have accidentally fired on his commander, he smiled and said: “I had no ammunition left.” Writes a newspaper Daily Mirror.” (http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/top-stories/2011/03/25/rambo-gurkha-is-awarded-gallantry-medal-for-heroics-in-afghanistan-115875-23013548/)

Soldiers of 7th Gurkha Rifles gathered around an anti-aircraft gun

Ssgt Subasing Gurung BEM (QOGLR)

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Some of the Gurkhas have been wounded very badly although they have not lost their courage and still

serving for the Queen and country. One of them is Mr. Vindod Budhathoki and whose Oral history was taken by CESI under the GNIP project and a short excerpt of which is as follows: “I served in some of the peace keeping missions such as in Falkland and Bosnia. Later on I had been deployed in Afghan operation. We went in October 2009 in Kenya for exercise for operation which was something similar to Afghanistan and after one month I came back. After that we did other small preparation and basic fitness preparation which was mandatory.... After one week of refreshment training we went to Helmond province, where we helped villagers around patrol base to make them safe from insurgents. A bad incident took place to me which was on 26 May 2010. I was leading 10 people, along with metal detector to clear the path. There was a canal which was vulnerable, though I did not find anything suspect able then I put my right feet into water and a bomb was exploded. I got out of water with the help of left hand, first of all my colleagues helped me in stopping bleeding and gave me medicine to relieve from pain. My sergeant called a helicopter, I had actually lost my leg I still was conscious, in 28th of May they flew me back to UK and got major treatment for 2 weeks in intensive unit. Dr. Warned to my attendees that my memory could be damaged and become

like child but fortunately nothing happened and when I become conscious I found that I lost both of my legs and I was very sad in the beginning, and later on everybody in the family and friends all met me and it was good morale for me. I now with the help of artificial leg, I am able to walk slowly which helped me boost the morale. I feel proud to be Royal Gurkha rifle.

7. Gurkhas settled in the UK

Gurkhas after serving in British Army in the range of 15-30 years were able to secure the pension and were discharged to their own homeland, Nepal. After handover of Hong Kong in 1997 and having had permanent base in the UK, the government announced in 2004 that the Gurkhas retired after 1997 would have the right to settle in the UK. It was partly because of various campaigns of Gurkhas for settlement and equal pension and 'terms and conditions' of service with other British soldiers; and change of base in the UK the government allowed them to settle with their family. However, Gurkhas those who retired before 1997 were denied that right which led to the formation of Gurkha Justice Campaign to work for settlement rights for all Gurkha regardless of retirement date. The campaign gained momentum since it was also supported by Actress Juanna Lumley, whose father had served with six Gurkha Rifles and at the same time it was supported by Liberal Democratic and conservatives as opposition political parties in the parliament at the time. At last in 2009 the government announced that the ex Gurkhas who retired before 1997 and served at least four years will have rights to settle in the UK. Since then, thousands of ex Gurkhas have been residing in the UK with their family and dependants. Now the ex-British Gurkhas are part of the British society as its youngest citizens in the country.

Photo sources: http://www.gurkhajustice.org.uk/

Rfn. Binod Budhathoki

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8. Gurkhas: The Victoria Cross (VC) Winner

Victoria Cross is the highest decoration in the British military which is awarded to its armed forces for fighting with exceptional courage, bravery and contribute significantly in achieving war victory or saving the fellow comrades in adverse conditions. The VC was introduced by Queen Victoria in 1856 but it was only in 1911, when King George V visited India, that Gurkhas became eligible for the award. Since then 26 VCs have been awarded to soldiers of the Brigade of Gurkhas (13 to British Officers and 13 to Gurkha soldiers). Following are a brief account of each VC winner Gurkhas starting from the First World War to post Second World War period.

Rifleman Kulbir Thapa Magar (1888-1956) Third Gurkha Rifles

Kulbir thapa was born on 15 December 1888 in Nigalapani of Baglung District of Nepal. He received VC for his bravery in the battle of southern France in 1915 during the First World War. He served in 3rd Gurkha Rifles (3rd G/R) throughout his service period. He fought with such a courage and skill that made him the first VC winner Gurkha soldier in the British military history. He not only did save himself as wounded soldier but he saved many other Gurkha and British comrades during the fierce warfare with Germans in the southern France. He received the most

coveted military award on 18th November 1915.

Rifleman Karanabahadur Rana Magar (1898-1973) Third Gurkha Rifles.

Rifleman Karna Bahadur Rana Magar was born on 20 December 1898 in

Phoksing Village of Gulmi District of Nepal. He was in the 3rd

G/R. When he went to war his battalion was already moved from France to Palestine. He was involved in the attack to German Force in a rugged slope land of Palestine where he showed bravery and enduring courage in the battlefield. He took the gun of his dying comrade (Luise Gunner) and opened fire towards German enemies where he made them engaged and setback. Due to this cover firing all his company comrades were safe and able to return back to their base. Due to this outstanding and unrivalled courage and bravery in the battlefield he was declared the winner of VC on 21

st June

1918 and finally awarded on 2nd

August 1919 by the King George V.

Subedar Lalbahadur Thapa Magar (1907-1968) Second Gurkha Rifles.

Lal Bahadur Thapa was born in 1907 in Baglung district of Nepal. He is the first Gurkha officer to receive VC award in the Second World War. He also had fought the North East Frontier of India between 1933-1937. Mr Thapa had joined the Army in 1925 in First battalion, Second Gurkha Rifles (1

st/2

nd

GR). His battalion departed to Middle East in 1941 with the aim of defeating German and Italian Forces from North Africa. He was deployed as a company commander in the attack to regain the control of a very significant post captured by Germans in the “Rass-Ez-Zouai” of Tunisia in 5/6 April 1943. As a commander of the battalion, he himself showed unrivalled tactics and while leading the team he cut the two German enemies with his

‘Khukuri’ and two were killed by revolver. Eventually they got the control of the position and the Germans were defeated and moved back. He was awarded the prestigious medal VC on 15

th July 1943 and he received it on

26 September 1943 by the King George VI in Buckingham Palace London.

Victoria Cross Medal

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Hawaldar Gaje Ghale (1922-2000) Fifth Royal Gurkha Rifles.

Gaje Ghale was born in 1919 in Barpak village of Gorkha district, Nepal. He was deployed for the 2

nd battalion of 5 GR after his training. He fought in

Burma against the Japanese forces during the Second World War. He was platoon commander when he was ordered to attack the Japanese forces. On the 27

th May 1943, two platoons of Gaje Ghale's company and other two

companies were ordered to make assaults on Japanese troops to stop them forwarding towards the Chin Hills from Basha East hill. It was very narrow precipitous, jungle where the enemies were concealed with a number of machine guns, artillery and mortars. As his platoon was about to approach the target (only 5 yards distance) and preparing for attack they were under heavy firing from all around. Ghale did not care of his own wounds of gunfire

on his chest, leg and hand but continued to command his team to forward until they defeated and displaced Japanese troops in the post. He was awarded VC in 1943 for his extraordinary bravery, fearlessness and courage in the battlefield during the Great War time.

Rifleman Ganju Lama (1922-2000) Seventh Gurkha Rifles.

Ganju Lama was born on 27 July, 1922 in Sangmo village of Rewang, Sikkim. Ganju Lama was recruited in 1942 and after training he had been allocated in 1

st Battalion of 7

th Ghurkha Rifles in Burma. On June 12, 1944

the enemies opened fire towards British Indian Army where Ghurkha also were part of them. Ganju Lama fired with his anti tank gun targeting to tankers used by the Japanese troops. He succeeded to put hand bombs on the front part of the tankers within thirty yards of distance which damaged the three tankers completely and killed several Japanese soldiers in a large number. Despite his self-injury and bleeding, he continued attack until Japanese were fled away and the post was captured. For this bravery and

courage, Ganju Lama was awarded V.C on 24th October 1944 by Field Marshall Lord Wavel.

Lt (Hon) Tul Bahadur Pun Sixth Gurkha Rifles.

Tul Bahadur Pun was born in Begkhola Village of Myagdi district of western Nepal on 23rd March 1923. He was recruited as a British-Gurkha soldier in India and was deployed for 3rd battalion of Sixth GR after completing the basic army training in Abbotabad. The battalion, later on was dissolved and reformed as Fifth Battalion of Fifth GR consisting of the same soldiers. During the Second World War, his battalion was in Burma to fight with Japanese troops. His battalion was ordered to attack on the strong hold of Japanese troops nearby Mogang, Burma on 23rd of June 1944. As they were preparing for attack the enemies (Japanese troops) opened fire on them just from the distance of 200 yards causing them great loss and casualty. The section commander was hurt seriously so Tul Bahadur Pun

with other friends opened fire on enemies without caring of the gunfire and bombarding. The battlefield was muddy, slippery, and full of water and ditches but he kept firing on the enemies in the bunkers. In such an adverse situation he killed three Japanese soldiers and five of them fled away. Mr Pun's Team managed to capture two LMGs and heavy ammunition which they used for attacking the remaining enemies. Eventually Mr Pun was successful to capture the target where the Japanese troops were stationed. Because of his bravery work even in such an adverse and difficult situation by staking his own life, Mr Pun was honoured with VC award on 3rd March 1945 by Viceroy Lord Wavle at Red Fort in New Delhi.

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Subedar Netrabahadur Thapa (1916-1944) Fifth Royal Gurkha Rifles.

Netra Bahadur Thapa Magar was born on the 8th June 1916 in Arunodaya village

of Tanahu District Nepal. He was recruited for 2nd

Battalion of 5th GR on 8

th January

1932. He was at war in Bisenpur of Burma. Two fake named positions “Mortar Bluff” and “Water Piquet” were under control of Japanese troops. To take in control and secure important positions around there the “Mortar Bluff” must be taken into control first. However, this task was very difficult. Mr. Thapa was leading his

platoon and continued cover firing but unfortunately his LMG and IMG jammed and could not open fire. The Japanese soldiers took advantage of this and attacked back and killed 12 out of 16 soldiers. Even in such adverse situation Mr. Thapa continued the counter attack on them with hand bomb, benet of gun and Khukuri and enemies were not able to move forward from their position. Later he got additional 8 comrades with weapons to support him. He continued fighting with grenade, hand bomb and Khukuri for more than 8 hours on his own but unfortunately he was killed by the grenade and bomb by enemies. His dead body was laying along with Khukuri on his right hand and several dead bodies of Japanese around him. His wife was awarded with VC award in Peshawar (now Pakistan) on 23rd January 1945.

Naik Agansing Rai Fifth Royal Gurkha Rifles.

Corporal Agamsing Thulung Rai was born in Aanpswara Village of Okholdhunga district of eastern Nepal on 24

th April 1920. He was recruited

as Indian-Gurkha soldier in 1941 in Ghum Pahad of Darjeeling (a Gurkha Recruitment Centre in the east) and after the basic training he was allocated for 2

nd Battalion of 5

th GR. Mr Rai was deployed for War against the

Japanese force at Chin Hill area of Burma where he had to face a fierce fighting in 1944. His battalion was under 17

th division of Indian army which

was involved in fighting with 15th division of Japanese troops around the 4

miles periphery of the Bisenpur-Shilchaur area where they spent 3 months at war. Two positions with fake name of "Water Piquet" and "Mortar Bluff" were very important as most of the transportation and communication stuffs of British/Indian forces used to pass through these positions. On 26

th of

June 1944 a company of second/fifth GR was ordered to capture these two significant positions. Cpl Agamsing Rai was leading one of the platoons. During fighting the Japanese troops from "Mortar Bluff" killed many soldiers of British/Indian batallion. Mr Rai took the Machine gun and started firing at the enemies and killed three Japanese out of four at once. Following this, Mr Rai and his team managed to kill all Japanese troops stationed at the Mortar Bluff position with their khukuri. Similarly other platoon was about to attack to 'Water Picket' position but they faced a heavy casualty at Gurkhas because of fierce bombarding and Machinegun firing from Japanese troops. There were only Agam Sing and 3 other soldiers remained alive. Agam Sing began attacking with Grenade on one hand and Bren gun on the other and managed to kill four Japanese instantly and all remaining Japanese fled away. This was possible because of Agam Sing's tactful strategies and courageous leadership and eventually they were able to capture both target positions. For this exceptional bravery and outstanding courage, Mr Rai was awarded VC on 23 January 1945 in Peshawar by the hand of Vice Roy and Field Marshal Lord Wavel.

Rifleman Thaman Gurung Fifth Royal Gurkha Rifles.

Thaman Gurung was born on 2nd of October 1924 in Singla village, northern part of Gorkha district. He was in First battalion of Fifth GR (1/5 G/R). On 10th November, 1944, a company of 5th Gurkha Rifles was ordered for war patrol in the 'Monte San Bartolo' of Italy to find out the enemies' activities for future attack. Thaman Gurung was one of the two scouts entrusted with this responsibility. Both of them reached to a ridge where they discovered the unidentified base of German forces. They continued to proceed further to see more activities where they found

that German forces were positioned on the trench just below the ridge and preparing their machine guns to attack Gurkhas base camp. Having observed the situation Thaman Gurung positioned himself and leapt to his

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feet and immediately opened fire with his Tommy gun and threw grenade in trenches of German forces. The frontline enemies were shocked and in return they opened fire with their machine guns. He continued firing and throwing grenades until all the ammunitions ran out. His other comrade was shot dead by German troops. He did not care of his own life and did not show his back to enemies and continued fighting until he was killed. As Thaman Gurung was able to discover the German force base camp, his battalion was successful to capture the base in the attack made after three days of his death. He could not come back to his home after recruitment since he was killed in battlefield very shortly. His photo was not available in his barrack, one of the British officers drew sketch of him recalling his face. Thaman Gurung, therefore, was awarded posthumous VC award on 19th December 1945 in New Delhi which was received by his mother for which she had to travel down to Delhi for ten days on her foot.

Rifleman Bhanbhakta Gurung Second Gurkha Rifles.

Rifleman Bhan Bhakta Gurung was born in Phalgu Village of Muchok, Gorkha District west Nepal in 1921. He was recruited in 1940 and allocated to 3

rd

Battalion of 2nd

GR after completing the basic training. He had been deployed on war to Chinding operation area of Burma. Third Battalion of 2

nd G/R had been

ordered to attack the ‘show den’ position controlled by Japanese troops. Bhanbhakta Gurung with immense courage and tactics was able to kill the enemy ‘Sniper' and it became easier to move forward. He then without the order of

commander moved forward and made attack on the bunker where Japanese troops were hiding. Using hand grenade and gun Benet he managed to destroy and kill four enemies. He did five consecutive attacks and killed a number of Japanese and also took control of significant amount of weapons and ammunitions. With this fearless and gallantry courage they were able to recapture the positions and destroy many bunkers, killed enemies and captured a huge amount of weapons and ammunitions. He was awarded the most coveted V.C award on the 16

th October 1945 at Buckingham Palace by the hand of King George VI.

Rifleman Lachhiman Gurung Eighth Gurkha Rifles.

Lachhiman Gurung was born in Dahakhani village of Chitawan district Nepal in 1917. He was recruited in December 1940 and allocated to 4

th Battalion of

8 GR. 4/8th GR fought with Japanese troops on 12/13 May 1945 in ‘Tangda’

war position of Burma. Lachhiman Gurung was in front line of his platoon. The enemies attacked to the Section of Mr. Gurung at midnight with heavy firing and grenade. Lachhiman picked up two grenades and threw back to the enemies but the third one blasted on his own hand. His right hand, fingers, leg, face and other parts of body was severely damaged. Without caring

himself, he continued firing at enemies continuously for four hours. Because of such relentless courage of Mr Gurung the enemies had to bear a heavy loss and casualties and his Section was protected. Altogether 87 dead bodies of Japanese troops were lying around among which 31 were on the avenue of Lachhiman Gurung’s trench. For his unrivalled courage, bravery and valour Mr. Gurung was awarded the most prestigious award V.C on 19

th December 1945 by the hand of Field Marshall Lord Waval in Red Fort New Delhi. He was retired on

1946 since his right hand was amputed.

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Lance Cpl Rambahadur Limbu Tenth Gurkha Rifles.

Rambahadur Limbu was born in 1939 in Chayngthapu Village of Panchthar district of eastern Nepal. He was recruited in 1957 and allocated to Second battalion of 10th G/R after training. Rambahadur was recruited during the Malaya Emergency where Gurkhas had to fight against the Indonesian insurgents at Malayan peninsula and Sarwak jungles of Borneo. On 21st November 1965, Rambahadur Limbu was on the first line of battle with his company against the Indonesian insurgents in the Bau district of Sarawak. It was in their

knowledge that a huge number of enemies were preparing for battle. It was very difficult to reach the area as it was like the edge of knife and only three people can pass the ridge at a time. Rambahadur could see the activities of enemies where he first encountered with an insurgent with machine gun. At one point he reached to the trench at a distance of 10 yards where he killed some of the insurgents. The sentry opened fire and one of his comrades was wounded. He moved forward and killed the sentry in a second. By this time the enemies were fully alerted and opened fire with machine guns. In such situation Mr Limbu fought with heroic courage, gallantry and skill and he killed a number of enemies managed to rescue his five comrades. He fought with enemies, and rescued who were heavily wounded and unable to protect themselves during one-hour long battle. He also recovered LMGs abandoned by the wounded comrades. At least twenty enemies were known to be killed whereas three were killed and two wounded to the Limbu's side. He exhibited heroism, self-sacrifice and devotion to duty and to his comrades at the highest level. For this all quality and valour of courage, Rambahadur Limbu was awarded the most prestigious award VC on 13th July 1966 from the Queen Elezabeth II at Bukingham Palace in London. Rambahadur Limbu is only the Living VC winner among the all 13 Gurkha VC winners to date. Out of total 13 VC winners, two were from First World War, ten from Second World War and Mr Limbu was from Malaya Emergency.

Rifleman Sher Bahadur Thapa (Chhetry) Ninth Gurkha Rifles.

Rifleman Sher Bahadur Thapa was born on 20th November 1921 in Ghalegaon of Tanahu district of West Nepal. He was recruited and trained at regimental training centre in India and allocated at the first battalion of Ninth G/R. His battalion was fighting against the Germans in the State of San Marino of Italy during the World War II. He could not return to his home once he went to war after his recruitment. There was not any photograph of Mr. Thapa in the army records since he was killed in battlefield so the VC sign is published

in place of photograph where it is required. On the midnight of 18/19th of September 1944, the first battalion of Ninth G/R was involved at war with strong German force which was based in a river valley in San Marino of Italy. Sher Bahadur Thapa's section was ordered to attack in the midnight. Rifleman Thapa was number one Bren gunner of his company. As Thapa moved forward the enemy opened. He and his section commander charged on German post killing the machine gunner and made others fled away. Mr. Thapa moved ahead and started firing with his Bren gun. Thapa went on laying on the open area with continued firing with his Bren gun and destroyed many machine guns of Germans. After the two hours long fierce fighting, they were running out of ammunition and exhausted so ordered to withdraw. Rifleman Thapa stayed there until all his ammunitions ran out. Then he used small arms, mortars and his Khukuri and rescued two of his wounded men. While he was returning, he was shot on his chest by the bullet of German's machine gun. He was posthumous awarded VC for his Excellency and Bravery on 3rd March 1945 in the Red fort of New Delhi India by then Field Marshall, Lord Wavel to his mother Lachhuwa Thapa.

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10. How the Gurkhas being perceived?

Professor Sir Ralph Turner, MC, who served with the 3rd Queen Alexandra's Own Gurkha Rifles in the First World War, wrote of the Gurkhas: "As I write these last words, my thoughts return to you who were my comrades, the stubborn and indomitable peasants of Nepal. Once more I hear the laughter with which you greeted every hardship. Once more I see you in your bivouacs or about your fires, on forced march or in the trenches, now shivering with wet and cold, now scorched by a pitiless and burning sun. Uncomplaining you endure hunger and thirst and wounds; and at the last your unwavering lines disappear into the smoke and wrath of battle. Bravest of the brave, most generous of the generous, never had country more faithful friends than you."

11. Gurkha's unique weapon 'Khukuri'

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12. Brigade of Gurkha Units

The Queen's Own Gurkha Logistic Regiment

The Royal Gurkha Rifles

Queen's Gurkha Signals

The Queen's Gurkha Engineers

Band of the Brigade of Gurkhas

British Gurkhas Nepal

References:

Bullock, C. (2009), Britain's Gurkhas. Third Millennium Publishing Limited, London (UK) The Gurkha Museum (2010), The Lineages and Composition of Gurkha Regiments in British

Service. Gurung, C. (2007), VC Bijeta Gurkhaharu. Manjusha Prakashan, Pokhara, Nepal. Websites:

MOD Brigade of Gurkhas website Wikipedia Gurkha Justice Campaign www.magarstudycentre.org www.ukmagar.com www.magar.org www.pukma.co.uk www.nefin.org.np www.tamusamaj.com www.kirat.org www.kirat.org.np www.chumlunguk.org Personal oral history Records of the Brave British Gurkhas who served during various wars and emergencies around the world.

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Glimpse of CESI Activities During 2010/2011

Interaction Programme with Council Personnel on Housing Benefit

Participants Taking Part in Interaction Programme with Council Personnel

Curator at Gurkha Museum, Winchester Briefing CESI Management Committee

Local People at Interaction Programme

Organised by CESI

Project Management Committee Having Meeting

About GNIP Project

Local MP (Nick Ryansford) Giving Speech at

the Interaction Programme Organised by CESI

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“This project has been able to integrate Gurkha community within the London borough of Greenwich through community events and sharing of Oral History recordings of Gurkhas”

Gary Parker, Director, CNTS Associates “the independent evaluator of the project” “the Oral History interview of Gurkha veteran is very important for sharing the life story with next generation and with wider community.”

Ssgt. Kesh Bahadur Gurung QGE, the Researcher of the Project “there is need for unity and common forum for all Gurkha community members to tackle the Gurkhas concerned and issues.”

Retd Major Man Bahadur Gurung, MVO. “this project has been successful for integrating Gurkha community with wider community, statutory and voluntary organizations in the borough and disseminating the ex-Gurkhas army culture and heritage within the British Society.”

Retd Ssgt. Subasing Gurung, BEM (QOGLR), One of the interviewees.

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