2015 marks 200 years of Gurkha service to the British Crown. These soldiers have made a significant and dignified contribution to the British Army; many have given their lives doing so.
In 1814, during the Anglo-Nepal war, the East India Company first came across the rival soldiers from the Kingdom of Gorkha, in the Himalayan foothills. It was in the standoff that developed an enduring sense of mutual respect and admiration. The British sought a truce, which enabled the “Gorkhas” to be recruited into militias to serve the “John Company”.
The Sirmoor Rifles was the Second Regiment to be formed. It recently celebrated its bicentennial at the British Camp in Pokhara, not very far from the former capital, the town of Gorkha. At the bicentennial celebration, there were three thousand members of the regimental family taking part. Cpl Lalbahadur Gurung, a former Gurkha Soldier was the oldest man at the parade. The 101 year old was enlisted into 2nd Gurkha Rifles in 1940. He has come to exemplify the close relationship between the Republic of Nepal and the United Kingdom.
During every autumn, the local recruiters (gullah wallahs) go to the hillside villages of Nepal to search for young men to recruit for the British Gurkha regiments. Commonly, about 6,000 men apply each year to become one of the 200-300 recruited to be taken to Catterick Camp in Yorkshire.
After being inducted and trained for a year, the young men will then become soldiers of the Brigade of Gurkhas.
The Brigade of Gurkhas count as 3% of the British Army. However, larger number of nepalis go on to join the Nepal Army and the Indian Army, yet the British Army offers the career of first choice for the Gurkhas recruits.
The criteria of the academic and physical tests are extremely demanding, making the competition to become a British Gurkha fierce. Those who succeed earn great honour and respect for their families and their villages.
The soldiers go on to receive great opportunities, such as, they are guaranteed a minimum of 12 years service in the British Army. Some go on to become sergeants, then officers and serve up to 30 years.
This is not a new practice for the Gurkha regiments. For two centuries, they gave ardent service with loyalty and courage; they were well rewarded. Until 1947, the Gurkha regiments were based in India for the most part. They played an important role in the Indian Mutiny of 1857 and on the North West Frontier. They also fought in China, Tibet and Malta.
During the two world wars, many more Gurkhas were recruited. During the First World War, they were recruited to the Western Front in France, to Gallipoli as well as to Mesopotamia. During the Second World War, they were sent to North Africa, Sicily and Italy along with the Eighth Army, as well as in Singapore and Burma.
In 1947, after the partition in India, the Gurkha regiments were prorated between the Indian and British Armies.
Operational gallantry has been a ratification of their service. Honours for valour in Gurkha regiments are between the soldiers and their British officers at 13 Victoria Crosses apiece.
A third generation Gurkha, Sergeant Dipprasad Pun won the Conspicuous Gallantry Cross, just short of a Victoria Cross in 2010. Dipprasad Pun unassisted confronted a major Taliban attack against his checkpoint in Afghanistan. Having used up all of his armaments, he consigned the final attacker with the butt of his machine gun.
In current times, the regiments of the Brigade of Gurkhas span between the British garrison in Brunei and the United Kingdom. They persevere to play a full part in the Army's operational and peacetime commitments.
The surviving Gurkhas who were recruited to fight in World War One and Two returned to Nepal after a few years' service. They returned without a pension, similar to their British and Commonwealth counterpart. Many were finding it difficult to adjust to farming livelihood back home. Many floundered and became bereft.
In 1955, Nepal opened its borders to foreigners. The plight of the ex-Gurkhas became apparent to their former British officers. This, along with the reduction in Gurkha strength following the Borneo campaign aided establishing The Gurkha Welfare Trust in 1969. The Trust delivers welfare and medical support. Pensions are distributed from a charity fund which relies on the generous donations of the British public.
Currently, there are still 6,700 veterans or their widows (with an average age of 78) who depend on the welfare pension, in order to live their later years with dignity.
The modern terms of service for the Gurkhas are similar to the British ones. On their retirement, the Gurkhas now have the option of British Citizenship. This is the felicitous appreciation of their ardent contribution to the British Army.
General Sir Peter Wall is chairman of the Gurkha Welfare Trust. To donate, visit gwt.org.uk/donate-now
Five Gurkha Victoria Cross Winners:
• Lachhiman Gurung, VC
• Agansing Rai, VC
• Gaje Ghale, VC
• Ganju Lama, VC
• Bhanubhakta Gurung, VC
