Don't mess with the Gurkhas ...
Discussion
If you ever see a copy, try to read the war memoirs of George McDonald Fraser, author of the Flashman novels. He served in Burma as an NCO, and his book is very readable.
He said the Gurkhas were like 12-yr old boys in a man's body. They were always playing pranks on each other, and carried catapults in their pockets which they aimed at passing officers. But they were intensely loyal, and awesomely brave, if a little foolhardy. He recalls one battle where they fought off the Japanese until they had no ammo or grenades left, and then just got out of the trench and charged with nothing but their bayonets and kukras. Problem was, they'd been told not to.
The Argentine conscripts in the Falklands campaign were apparently terrified of them, having been told stories of how they would be tortured with knives if they were captured. We should be proud to have them in our forces - a bit like a foreign "national treasure".
He said the Gurkhas were like 12-yr old boys in a man's body. They were always playing pranks on each other, and carried catapults in their pockets which they aimed at passing officers. But they were intensely loyal, and awesomely brave, if a little foolhardy. He recalls one battle where they fought off the Japanese until they had no ammo or grenades left, and then just got out of the trench and charged with nothing but their bayonets and kukras. Problem was, they'd been told not to.
The Argentine conscripts in the Falklands campaign were apparently terrified of them, having been told stories of how they would be tortured with knives if they were captured. We should be proud to have them in our forces - a bit like a foreign "national treasure".
nicanary said:
The Argentine conscripts in the Falklands campaign were apparently terrified of them, having been told stories of how they would be tortured with knives if they were captured. We should be proud to have them in our forces - a bit like a foreign "national treasure".
I remember somebody from the Army being interviewed just after the Falklands war being asked why we hadn't used the Gurkhas more and he answered something along the lines of, "if we let these buggers go they'd tear across the island, jump in the sea and swim to Argentina to top the Junta" 
They are as tough as old boots, if not tougher. A mate served alongside them and knew each exercise would be an experience. Even doing Stag duty wasn't straight forward. The Brits would do a patrol, cut a few corners on the perimeter patrol and in the summer, sunbathing on a bank. Not the Ghurka's, every foot of the perimeter fence would be walked, every door & lock checked.
I recall seeing many of them at Blackbushe Sunday market years ago. Blazer, shirt & tie, chino's and a pair of brogues was their usual attire. There was a guy in the crow's nest who would announce were the coaches had come from, one Sunday we had 'Brighton, Swindon & Nepal' come over the tannoy. Que much laughter from traders and a few members of the public.
I recall seeing many of them at Blackbushe Sunday market years ago. Blazer, shirt & tie, chino's and a pair of brogues was their usual attire. There was a guy in the crow's nest who would announce were the coaches had come from, one Sunday we had 'Brighton, Swindon & Nepal' come over the tannoy. Que much laughter from traders and a few members of the public.
paul71a said:
My Grandfather surved alongside the Gurkhas in Burmha during WW2.
He often said they were the bravest men he had ever known, and would always want them alongside him when the chips were down, so to speak!
I have so much respect for them.
My father served with Gurkhas then also, I have the medal somewhere.He often said they were the bravest men he had ever known, and would always want them alongside him when the chips were down, so to speak!
I have so much respect for them.
He had nothing but praise for these guys.
Oh and amazing curries.
t. 
My brother lives in Reading, and the area where he lives now has quite a sizable Nepalese population, having replaced another ethnic minority.
My brother, and his family, are all overjoyed and have nothing but praise for them. They are polite, respectful, honest, well-dressed etc... In fact they cannot think of a single bad thing to say about any they have met.
A bonus point is that crime in the area has collapsed because no-one wants to risk picking on them.
My brother, and his family, are all overjoyed and have nothing but praise for them. They are polite, respectful, honest, well-dressed etc... In fact they cannot think of a single bad thing to say about any they have met.
A bonus point is that crime in the area has collapsed because no-one wants to risk picking on them.
A body of men who would improve British society given the chance.
It irks me that those that join the French Foreign Legion (an august institution but an inferior country IMO) gain citizenship through service but the same privilege is not accorded to the Gurkhas.
Our society would be enriched by their inclusion.
It irks me that those that join the French Foreign Legion (an august institution but an inferior country IMO) gain citizenship through service but the same privilege is not accorded to the Gurkhas.
Our society would be enriched by their inclusion.
Gassing Station | News, Politics & Economics | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff