I understand that one Gurkha stopped his fellow passengers from being robbed on a train that he was traveling on. the would be train robber didn't know that the person who he was trying rob was a Gurkha until he saw the dagger.
I personally saw a different side of the Gurkhas as a small boy, maybe five or six years old, my parents took me to an open day at Bassingbourn barracks, there was a Gurkhas exhibit, my parents chatted to a couple of the soldiers while being a very inquisitive little boy I had a lot of questions too. Later in the day I wondered off and managed to loose my parents, I sought out the people who had been so patent with me earlier, the Gurkhas, they took me to the back of the tent, give me orange squash and a packet of crisps, a short time later one of the lads returned with my folks. That was over sixty years ago but I will never forget their kindness.
Cassino, 1944. My dad's regiment were tented next to Gurkhas. His boys were complaining about holes in their boots. Next morning they awake to two pair of new boots in the tent. Gurkhas had overheard, and with supreme stealth crossed the lines and nicked boots from Kesselring's troops. Outstanding!
An illustrative recent story of the fierceness of Gurkha troops even if only armed with a Kukri: On Sep. 2, 2010, when Bishnu Prasad Shrestha was returning home after a voluntary retirement from the Indian Army, the train incident happened. At around midnight on the Maurya Express train from Ranchi to Gorakhpur, 40 armed bandits boarded the train and started looting the passengers. He allowed himself to be robbed by the gun- and knife-toting train robbers. When they soon began to mess with an 18-year-old girl in front of her parents, who were watching helplessly, he couldn’t sit down any longer. Shrestha lost it. He took out his Khukuri and fought the entire group of 40 robbers single-handedly, killing three of them and injuring eight others. The rest fled. During the fight, he took a serious knife wound on his left hand and the girl took a small cut on her neck. He was able to recover what the bandits stole, 200 cell phones, 40 laptops, a significant amount of jewelry, and nearly $10,000 in cash. When the intended rape victim’s family offered him a large cash reward, he refused it, saying: “Fighting the enemy in battle is my duty as a soldier. Taking on the thugs on the train was my duty as a human being.” (www.wearethemighty.com/mighty-history/nepalese-warrior-train-robbery/)
Mark, I thoroughly enjoy your videos, however this vid of the Gurkhas I feel was somewhat understated. Gurkhas have a hard won and richly deserved reputation for loyalty, toughness, and ferocity in combat. They can make other Special Forces units seem ordinary in comparison.
A trade union shop steward at the then Hoover factory in West London in the 1970’s, where my dad worked, came down hard on any racism by workers or managers, against the Sikhs who worked there, part of post war immigration from the Commonwealth. As he was a 14th Army veteran in the Burma campaign.
My memory of the Gurkhas was, forty-plus years ago, visiting Sandhurst as part of my CCF training at school... a squad of gurkhas had hidden in a patch of scrub and we were supposed to spend ten minutes seeing how many we could spot... a rather bombastic (non-gurhka) officer decided to drone on and on for what seemed like forever before we were allowed to start the task... as we waited impatiently a grinning face appeared at the edge of the scrub, finger pressed to lips... as we watched, the gurkha stealthily crawled up behind the officer, undid his bootlaces and retied them left boot to right and right to left, before disappearing unnoticed back into the scrub... when the inevitable happened the officer wanted to put us all on a charge for laughing but, as we were only visitors, he couldn't... when he demanded that we identify the gurkha responisible obviously none of us had seen a thing... it still makes me laugh to this day...
I was up against a Gurkha platoon on the Warminster Platoon Commander's Course in 78. With a section. We got within 5 feet thanks to smoke and noise which distracted them, before charging through leaping their trenches helmet to helmet. How to pass out top of the course...
I was overly excited to see Gurkhas guarding a base in the UK when I was over there for work. My work partner didn't understand why, maybe this video will help him understand. Thank you Dr. Felton!
I remember attending the VJ70 commemoration in London. My wife was born in the far east during the Malayan Emergency, and the highlight for both of us was seeing the Ghurka Rifles marching past Field Marshal Slim's statue in Whitehall. Wonderful sight.
My father fought beside some Gurkha in North Africa in a battle during WW2. He spoke highly of them, commenting on their polite manner, dry sense of humour, and courage. He said every time they drew the Kukri they had to draw blood, even if it was their own. He had a photograph of himself with two Gurkha soldiers that he treasured dearly, he would comment without these two men I might not have been born.
@laurencetilley9194 my dad said the same about drawing blood. As he got older he would recount some of his experiences during the war. His matter of fact recollection of horrendous times where the abnormal became the normal. At the time, he was just nineteen...
My father related a story to me about a Gurkha and his Kukri: A retired Gurkha soldier worked as the guard for my grandfather's official residence back in the 80s (he was the director of a Leprosy Mission Hospital). When a robber attempted to break in, the Gurkha was able to stop him. He pulled out his Kukri in the process, but the robber managed to get away scot free (albeit foiled in his attempt to rob anything). The Gurkha proceeded to make a cut on his own hand to draw blood before putting the knife away.
@@xne1592 My father would relate battles and moments in battles to me. I was the oldest of four children, the others were never interested. Dad I spent every ANZAC Day together for more 50 years. We would go fishing, rain, hail, or shine, and he would tell me stories of his three international combat tours during WW2. He had over 1000 days of front line service recorded in his military service records, wounded three times, he fought all the King's enemies, the Vichy French, Italians, Germans, and Japanese. One story he related concerning a confrontation with the Vichy French, he said, on a patrol they run into a small number of enemy. Dad said we took cover, the handful Gurkha's drew their Kukri and started shouting in their own language whilst waving their Kukri above the top of their cover. So we, a handful of Aussies laughed and drew our bayonets and followed suit. The sporadic gun fire coming from the opposing cover stopped almost immediately. Dad said, after they had smoked a cigarette, the sergeant sent a couple of blokes forward to have a look and found an empty trench. He would then laugh to himself, saying that day was one to remember.
Where I live we often get groups of young Gurkhas visiting the town shopping. They are always impeccably dressed, incredibly polite and nobody, and I mean absolutely nobody would ever dream of messing with them. Their reputation for being completely fearless warriors proceeds them.
I was sent to Headly Court in the early 90’s to recover from a major surgery. There was not only a Gurkha sergeant, but also an English officer who had been in command of a Gurkha unit. I also lived near Catterick Army base. I have never seen so well dressed gentleman waiting outside of the gates as I saw with the Gurkhas. True gentleman and ruthless. Why on earth did the British Government try to discard them after all they did? Wonderful people and amazing fighters.
My landlady back 25 years ago was the sister of the Colonel of the Gurkha Signals before they left Hong Kong. I have seen their fighting knives, the Kukri up close and they are a fearsome weapon in skilled hands. We owe the Gurkhas a debt of gratitude.
Often saw the guys in Cardiff bus station, you'd see the NCO's in immaculate tie and blazers shephearding the scared and confused looking new recruits around on their first leave from Brecon. At one time when they started electronic payments, they issued new recruits ATM cards and gave them their pin number on a piece of card... it didn't occur to anyone to tell the recruit's how to use them and there were several cases where recruits handed their ATM cards and pin to strangers. There was the case of one Tibetan who joined the Gurkhas and was having a torrid time and was homesick. The British officers were stuck on how to deal with him, one of the Gurkha SNCO's told the officers 'don't worry, leave it to me...' before long the poor Tibetan's demeanor changed for the positive and there was a positive spring in his step. When the CO questioned the SNCO, he grinned and said 'Back in Tibet he was a yak herd and as we were driving back from the exersize area we passed a farm with some Scottish highland cattle that have a passing resemblance to a yak. So I went to the farm and asked for a favour. So, for a couple of days a week the Tibetan goes and mucks out the barns and helps feeding the cattle.' The way they're treated by the British government after their service is shabby.
The Gurkhas were founded by an Irishman General Fredrick Young who is buried in my hometown of Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin. He is buried in the same cemetery as my grandfather who was also an Irishman and officer in the British Indian Army who served in the 10th Baluch and Royal Indian Army Service Corps.
Love the Gurkhas! Worked with those dudes on cruise ships where they operate as ship's Security. They are dead serious, don't drink, don't party, and are absolutely dedicated to their job. And, if you are a crew member, they keep their eye on you. I always felt safe at sea with those guys.
That kind of thing makes me angry. There's a good chance we would have been fecked if these little chaps hadn't got on it, back in the day. The very least we can do is make sure they have a good retirement. Especially when we are giving loser politicians (thinking of Liz Truss especially) pensions that could probably sort out a company of these chaps for a year each. I know who I would rather give my money to and who I would spend an afternoon with, even if we can't understand each another.
An acquaintance of mine was in Afghanistan with the US/NATO mission and did a lot with the Gurkhas. Nothing but good to say about them. He was invited to attend one of their special feasts and one of their officers gave him his personal Kukri (not one they had brought along to give to special guests).
And of course, they have a piper! My mom's brother saw action in Sicily and Italy. According to him, the Gurkhas and Sikhs were some of the most disciplined combat soldiers he'd ever seen. Never rattled, completely cool under fire. Immense respect.
My favourite memory as a thirteen year old was visitng HMS Fearless, then in Fremantle, West Australia and watching the pipeband of the Princess Mary's Own Gurkha Rifles parade on the quayside. My parents bought me the LP record they had produced and the swirl of bagpipes always brings me back to that warm evening in Freo. I second the comments about their smart turnout as well as now living near Cattrick Garrison I see them in nearby towns such as Richmond or Darlington and always have a chat.
My father fought with the Gurkhas, 4th Indian I think. North Africa, Sicily, Italy and Greece. He said that if you thought you'd met your end, if the hand held out to help was brown you had a chance. A Gurkha would never leave yo but die fighting at your side. He said he saw them sacrifice themselves to support the Poles at Monte Cassino. He said they had curry powder on everything, even the custard. By the way, I beleive Gurkhas strike vertical rather than horizontal. My dad told me he saw a bunch of soldiers with their heads cut open, not off...
Getting invited into a Gurkha`s family home at Catterick Garrison for a traditional Goat Curry was one of the few highlights of staying at Catterick during my service in the UK Infantry from 2009 and 2014... Such genuine and loyal people...
The Gurkha Lachhiman Gurung won the VC for holding out against 200 Japanese in WW2. He threw back grenades until one injured him severely. He thrust his Kukri knife into the ground and shouted "Come and fight a Gurkha!". After four hours there were around 30 dead in front of his position.
Yeah a VC is a VC. But some are bigger than others. This one had computer game toughness, only it was true. And when I saw him interviewed he was a small, polite, one handed gentleman who had put on his best suit and hat on talk to the BBC. Legend.
Heard about the Gurkha for the first time on my trip to Nepal back in the 90's - which was just amazing. I was so impressed, I also bought a traditionally crafted khukuri knife, which is still displayed in my living room to this day. Great documentary - thank you for adding some deeper understanding.
While studying in Winchester, I was honored to be allowed to volunteer at the Gurkha museum as an archivist. That time will remain one of the most cherished memories.
The Battle of Nalapani near Dehra Dun in 1814 cemented the reputation of the Ghurkas as fearsome and honourable warriors in the eyes of the British commanders. It has remained that way ever since. I saw these wonderful soldiers guarding the British High Commission in New Delhi, in Belize and on parade during Republic Day parade. Always a credit to their nation.
My Dad was a combat engineer from 1957 to 1967 and served with the Gurkhas. He has nothing but good things to say about them and holds them in the highest regard. Oh and they introduced him to curry. To this day two curries are made. One for all of us and one for my Dad which is too hot for all of us.
I certainly had the hottest curry of my life when the battalion's RSM plucked me from the line on a visit to the Sergeant's Mess one evening and fetched the goat curry for me himself, adding some kind of red powder to it. I recall I downed 7 pints of very cold lager trying to eat it with Gurkha NCOs chatting to me on each side the entire time, and I was still stone cold sober at the end! And I finished the damned thing, which I think impressed my dining companions!
Very informative, thank you. My grandfather spoke in glowing terms of the Gurkhas. He served in WW2 with the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders of Canada (Princess Louise's) out of Hamilton, ON, Canada.
A story I heard about the Gurkhas in Aldershot was that during the Falklands war, they spent time on the ships as they were travelling there wearing hoods and practicing 'escaping' in complete darkness to simulate the ship being on fire. That shows so clearly how their contingency planning is second to none.
Outstanding history lesson. When I was stationed in Korea there was a UN Ceremonial Guards unit. Several different countries were represented including a detachment of Gurkas.
To see well turned out soldiers is always a joy, but when you see the pride the Gurkhas wear on their faces then it is doubly so. Long may we treasure their relationship to our country.
One night in Italy dads unit were getting harassing fire from a German machine gun.A couple of Gurkas came to my dad ,who was a sergeant, wanting to go into no mans land which he granted.The firing ceased and when they returned with a vital part of the gun they also had proof of their kills; ears.This was not the common practice amongst all units.The Kukri was also used for every purpose.
Story I heard goes something like this: A Gurkha was captured by the Japanese and escaped. He walked hundreds of miles through the jungle back to his lines. When his commanders asked how he had found them, he provided a map. It was of the London underground.
I had a Theatrical Lighting instructor at the U of AZ back in the '70s. He was a USAAF veteran and had been the Flight Engineer on B-17s and B-24s. When he was stationed in India, the airbase was guarded by Gurkhas. One day he asked one of the guards if he could see his knife. Yes Sahib! the Gurkha replied, and pulled out his Kukhri -- cutting his finger as he did so. The Airman asked the Gurkha why he'd cut himself? ''I have taken an oath never to draw my blade unless it draws blood,'' he replied. He never asked to see a Kukhri again.
In his book, "Quartered Safe Out Here", George MacDonald Fraser has several stories about serving alongside the Gurkhas in Malaysia as an enlisted infantryman, as well as one about a fellow officer candidate from his time as an officer candidate.
Having done a wee bit of adventure training with various British Army folks in the far north west of Scotland , the Ghurkas were the first group I worked with… 3 years down the line& they were also still the best group I’d worked with, in some instances by a very long way. Full respect to them.
In the mid 80's I lived in W. Germany and happened to become good friends with a young English man (I think we were both 19) and I learned many things about Brittan and he told me the story of how angry the Gurkha's were when the Argentinians ran away. And, when he was at "Public School" he did courses with various Royal Army and Air Force units like you did. That friendship started me on a life long love of English culture, so you could say I'm a bit of an Anglophile. Your videos are great and teaching younger generations about the sacrifices men and women in uniform have made to protect the free world is important work. Thank you very much for what you do.
I worked for a few companies based in Hampshire and Berkshire and we often had security teams composed of ex-Gurkha soldiers. They were always friendly and a pleasure to work with. There were several local curry houses that would offer real Nepalese dishes if asked or sometimes on the menu - always a treat!
Can't listen just now. In a restaurant. But I read that Britain first encountered the Nepalese Gurkhas as enemies who defended a mountain fort against the British. The British took the fort, but the Gurkhas defended it very determined. The following year the British sent another, smaller expedition into Nepal. And they were there to ask the Gurkhas, "How would you guys like a job?" And thus it started.
I think that was the battle of Nalapani, in Dehradun. I grew up in Dehradun, going to school which had many Gorkhas, had many friends during those years. Speaking of the Nalapani battle, it was here that the Anglos came across the Bir Balbhadra Kunwar, the Gorkha Commander whose forces defended the fort against a vastly, numerically superior English force, for a month. The Gorkhas had once their Kingdom spanning from the Eastern Indian state of Assam to the Kangra Valley, in what is now Himachal. Their history, prior to the Anglo-Gorkha wars is... Glorious!
Had the pleasure of looking after a whole bunch of Gurkhas at my bar in New Zealand, they came over for a joint training exercise with the NZ Army and ending up repeatedly coming to our bar on there time off. I can honestly say this about the Gurkhas...they are some of the nicest people you will EVER meet! (And they have really nice ciggys to trade lol) We had over 50+ of them in the bar each time they came in for pool and fizzy (They dont really drink...some do, but most dont), we ran a student bar, so the local students absolutely loved them!, sat up pool comps, darts and even had them on the volleyball area going hard against the local students & staff...every one of them had a constant smile and a great attitude...we all absolutely loved them to bits. But as my head of security said to me (He was active NZSAS at the time)..."These fun & friendly 'little guys'...ARE some of the fittest & most lethal Soldiers on the planet!!" ...Hence, I pitty the absolute FOOL who starts a fight with the Gurkhas!, not only did they just start a fight with the very BEST!!...they just started a fight with some of the most LOVED! & RESPECT!...and there mates WILL be coming for YOU!! - its a 100% certain death sentance if you go up against the Gurkhas! (They CAN stand alone...but they NEVER will!❤) Kia Kaha Nepal🥰...least we forget!
If you ever have the privilege of meeting a Gurkha you will meet a humble Man of great integrity, very polite and totally dedicated to his role. Its is a great pity that so many of our young men do not
I heard a Gurkha story some years ago. A group of soldiers sitting around having breakfast after a night patrol. one Gurkha soldier kept looking at his watch and smiling. "What's so funny?" said another. "Found three Jerries sleeping side by side last night, slit the throats of the two on the outside. the Jerry in the middle would be waking up about now". I understand that there is a rule that once the Kukri is drawn from its sheath, they must draw blood.
thanks, i was talking to a few friends about these fellows recently and of course i immediately came to your channel for quality reference but there was not one at the time. glad to see it. appreciated!
I served in Sierra Leone with the Gurkhas. The best men i ever served with and a nightmare on the razzle !!! helping them make a goat curry was an experience i'll never forget.
Britain has been incredibly fortunate to have Ghurkas fighting alongside them for 2 centuries. My respect and admiration of their qualities, both as fighters and humans, is immesurable, although veterans have been very poorly treated by successive governments, but no surprise there, really.
"Kapka Hunnu Bhanda Marhu Ramro" - "It is Better to Die Than to be a Coward". Engraved on one of number of khukris brought back by a friend who lived in Nepal for many years. Men you definitely want on your side.
The Gurkhas are truly noble soldiers, our history and our nation blessed by association with them. Extremely humble, good natured fellows, you'll sometimes come across one in a pub in Tonbidge or Maidenhead. I doubt the lifting of the Siege of Delhi would have been possible without them in 1857-8. In the aftermath Lord 'Bobs' Roberts wrote of a certain Highland battalion of high reputation forming a strong bond with a Gurkha battalion, through shared recognition of extreme bravery and endurance, so much so that one cold night on manouevers in the Punjab the Highland soldiers all donated their cloaks to the Gurkhas in the sub-zero conditions they were camped in. It was lucky their king at the time was a huge anglophobe, and willingly donated their service. Honour is a huge thing in the Gurkhali mentality.
Excellent video! I first became fascinated with them as a kid watching Man Who Would Be King Later I was lucky enough to serve in the same area as them in Kosovo.
"If a man says he is not afraid of dying, he is either lying or is a Gurkha". If you're unaware of Gurkhas reputation I highly suggest reading some quotes/stories. They are the definition of elite. Even the most uniformed brain-dead Brit knows about these guys, they're a household name here ❤
I worked with Englishmen for most of my younger years. Always a tone of admiration when these guys were mentioned. I didn't even really know who, and what they were until now.
I have yet to meet a Military person (some ex special forces) who has not said anything but utmost respect for the Ghurkas. Not once. If anything the ex special forces peoples reactions of how tough, relentless, and fearsome they are is the highest praise (if an ex SAS person says they would be very 'concerned' if they had to face up in battle against a Ghurka to me says a lot). Its the fact that its also said about EVERY Ghurka as if there is no discrepancy in abikity and compteance between any individual I find very telling. And to think they are fighting for the army of a different nation..... and we didn't 'think' they should have valid routes to citizenship post service until the very recent past blows me away even more in its shear insanity and disservice to them.
I have worked alongside Gurkhas that have settled here and to a man were humble, helpfull and the most freindly people I have ever met. I also grew up in Chichester, The RMP training barracks ran an edurance march every year. Anyone could enter a team, I was in our pub team 3 times and have 3 medals for completing it. Two teams always seemed to win it. The Royal Green Jackets or the Gurkhas. They both did the course at the double with packs. To see those Gurkhas pretty much running down the hill into the city, not even appearing out of breath was more than impressive.
I noticed the Gurkhas use lip straps. They know they can take it on the chin. I love when I've never heard of something on this channel and your personal connection. Thank you Dr. Felton
Thank you, Mark, for this excellent summary of the Gurkhas. As always, your access to video footage makes this channel unique and adds to your fine narrative.
"BFBS Forces news, The Life-Changing Journey Of Being Selected As A Gurkha". This is well worth a watch, would post link but youtube will remove comment. The dedication, commitment and honour they have is unreal.
"Ayo Gorkhali…!!!” Amazing soldiers. Although I was not in Gurkha battalion I had the absolute pleasure of serving and crossing paths with some of these guys over the course of my time in the army. They were always striving to be the best and always with a smile on their faces.
I had the immense privilege of receiving riot training from British Army Gurkhas in Tomislavgrad, Bosnia. Then we did a joint firing range in Glamoć nearby. I have the utmost respect and confidence in these modest but very professional soldiers. One of them even beat me in just a few moves in a game of chess.
A small Ghurkha squad was attatched to my Dads unit in Malaya and when their British Officer was killed a number of them dissappeared into the jungle and reappeared two days later with the rebels responsible slung on poles. He was on National Service and an Raf cook. They loved his fried eggs so much they would cook a curry occasionally as a ty....
My grandad was in North Africa and a number of other places with the RAF. He always had a great deal of respect for the Gurkhas. On Remembrance Sunday celebrations he would point them out as they marched past commenting on their bravery. I never learned what happened to instil this feeling. Amazing the quiet dignity and respect of people from that time. You do a great job Dr Felton of reminding us that we owe a great debt to those who went before us.
Ran into some in Hong Kong a few years back, retired living there with their families great people and left behind when Britain gave Hong Kong back to the Chinese...
My ex's grandad was a warrant officer with the Gurkha rifles. Some of his stories would make your toes curl. Some of the nicest, most polite and yet most brutal people he's ever had the privilege to know and serve with.
Thank you for such an excellent tribute to the bravest, most honourable fighting men in the world. Gurkhas! Long may they flourish and bring peace to this wicked world.
Because the empire is gone and shall never come back. Not in a thousand years. Not in million years shall this sectarian rabble rousing ill thought out lucky accident of fluke, ever happen again. The only role british army has is to play 2nd fiddle to us army, which does the heavy lifting.
A bunch of these chaps use a training establishment on my route to work. Early mornings, many are returning from their 5 mile run. These gentlemen, although mud spattered, always look as if they have just set off! V.tough characters indeed.
Dr Felton, as a fellow resident of Norwich, a lifelong supporter of the Gurkhas, and a subscriber to your channel, I am mildly disappointed that you failed to mention the outstanding work of the Gurkha Welfare Trust. The founding of the trust (1970) should be the subject of a further video in itself. Keep up the superb work 😊
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But anyone who didn't like it as a present would be FUMing. Oh, I'll get my coat....
I understand that one Gurkha stopped his fellow passengers from being robbed on a train that he was traveling on. the would be train robber didn't know that the person who he was trying rob was a Gurkha until he saw the dagger.
I personally saw a different side of the Gurkhas as a small boy, maybe five or six years old, my parents took me to an open day at Bassingbourn barracks, there was a Gurkhas exhibit, my parents chatted to a couple of the soldiers while being a very inquisitive little boy I had a lot of questions too. Later in the day I wondered off and managed to loose my parents, I sought out the people who had been so patent with me earlier, the Gurkhas, they took me to the back of the tent, give me orange squash and a packet of crisps, a short time later one of the lads returned with my folks. That was over sixty years ago but I will never forget their kindness.
They say Hitler loved dogs
Cassino, 1944. My dad's regiment were tented next to Gurkhas. His boys were complaining about holes in their boots. Next morning they awake to two pair of new boots in the tent. Gurkhas had overheard, and with supreme stealth crossed the lines and nicked boots from Kesselring's troops. Outstanding!
😆
I hope they left a note like "danke"
An illustrative recent story of the fierceness of Gurkha troops even if only armed with a Kukri:
On Sep. 2, 2010, when Bishnu Prasad Shrestha was returning home after a voluntary retirement from the Indian Army, the train incident happened. At around midnight on the Maurya Express train from Ranchi to Gorakhpur, 40 armed bandits boarded the train and started looting the passengers. He allowed himself to be robbed by the gun- and knife-toting train robbers. When they soon began to mess with an 18-year-old girl in front of her parents, who were watching helplessly, he couldn’t sit down any longer. Shrestha lost it.
He took out his Khukuri and fought the entire group of 40 robbers single-handedly, killing three of them and injuring eight others. The rest fled.
During the fight, he took a serious knife wound on his left hand and the girl took a small cut on her neck. He was able to recover what the bandits stole, 200 cell phones, 40 laptops, a significant amount of jewelry, and nearly $10,000 in cash.
When the intended rape victim’s family offered him a large cash reward, he refused it, saying:
“Fighting the enemy in battle is my duty as a soldier. Taking on the thugs on the train was my duty as a human being.”
(www.wearethemighty.com/mighty-history/nepalese-warrior-train-robbery/)
sounds like about has tough as a us special forces
Bishnu Prasad Shrestha
Yeah, I remember that happening. what an absolute chad!
Yes, even the editors at Soldier of Fortune were impressed!
Mark, I thoroughly enjoy your videos, however this vid of the Gurkhas I feel was somewhat understated. Gurkhas have a hard won and richly deserved reputation for loyalty, toughness, and ferocity in combat. They can make other Special Forces units seem ordinary in comparison.
My dad fought for the US in the India/Burma theater during WW2. He said that the Gurkhas and Sikhs were excellent fighters.
A trade union shop steward at the then Hoover factory in West London in the 1970’s, where my dad worked, came down hard on any racism by workers or managers, against the Sikhs who worked there, part of post war immigration from the Commonwealth. As he was a 14th Army veteran in the Burma campaign.
@@grahambuckerfield4640Is that the one in pinner that's a tescos now?
Yes the Sikhs have an incredible history of fighting and sacrificing. My Grandfather also fought in the Burma theater.
Very much so…
Have family that served along side them one still being alive!
Excellent fighters
The same with my grandfather on my mother's side of the family.
My memory of the Gurkhas was, forty-plus years ago, visiting Sandhurst as part of my CCF training at school... a squad of gurkhas had hidden in a patch of scrub and we were supposed to spend ten minutes seeing how many we could spot... a rather bombastic (non-gurhka) officer decided to drone on and on for what seemed like forever before we were allowed to start the task... as we waited impatiently a grinning face appeared at the edge of the scrub, finger pressed to lips... as we watched, the gurkha stealthily crawled up behind the officer, undid his bootlaces and retied them left boot to right and right to left, before disappearing unnoticed back into the scrub... when the inevitable happened the officer wanted to put us all on a charge for laughing but, as we were only visitors, he couldn't... when he demanded that we identify the gurkha responisible obviously none of us had seen a thing... it still makes me laugh to this day...
Good job!
Great story!
I was up against a Gurkha platoon on the Warminster Platoon Commander's Course in 78. With a section. We got within 5 feet thanks to smoke and noise which distracted them, before charging through leaping their trenches helmet to helmet. How to pass out top of the course...
I wager that it was a piece of comedy drama, excellently delivered to entertain but also to demonstrate the truth that the Army is massively social.
Good story 👍
"If man says he is not afraid of dying, He is either lying or he is a Gurkha." - Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw.
Yeah heard that quote before. I was glad these chaps got the full pension thing a few years back. Earnt every penny.
I was overly excited to see Gurkhas guarding a base in the UK when I was over there for work. My work partner didn't understand why, maybe this video will help him understand. Thank you Dr. Felton!
I remember attending the VJ70 commemoration in London. My wife was born in the far east during the Malayan Emergency, and the highlight for both of us was seeing the Ghurka Rifles marching past Field Marshal Slim's statue in Whitehall. Wonderful sight.
I served with the Gurkhas. Thank God they’re on our side.
My father fought beside some Gurkha in North Africa in a battle during WW2. He spoke highly of them, commenting on their polite manner, dry sense of humour, and courage. He said every time they drew the Kukri they had to draw blood, even if it was their own. He had a photograph of himself with two Gurkha soldiers that he treasured dearly, he would comment without these two men I might not have been born.
I have a Kukri from a Gurkha who served in that theater during WWII, a beloved and highly prized possession.
@laurencetilley9194 my dad said the same about drawing blood.
As he got older he would recount some of his experiences during the war. His matter of fact recollection of horrendous times where the abnormal became the normal. At the time, he was just nineteen...
My father related a story to me about a Gurkha and his Kukri: A retired Gurkha soldier worked as the guard for my grandfather's official residence back in the 80s (he was the director of a Leprosy Mission Hospital). When a robber attempted to break in, the Gurkha was able to stop him. He pulled out his Kukri in the process, but the robber managed to get away scot free (albeit foiled in his attempt to rob anything). The Gurkha proceeded to make a cut on his own hand to draw blood before putting the knife away.
@@xne1592 My father would relate battles and moments in battles to me. I was the oldest of four children, the others were never interested. Dad I spent every ANZAC Day together for more 50 years. We would go fishing, rain, hail, or shine, and he would tell me stories of his three international combat tours during WW2. He had over 1000 days of front line service recorded in his military service records, wounded three times, he fought all the King's enemies, the Vichy French, Italians, Germans, and Japanese.
One story he related concerning a confrontation with the Vichy French, he said, on a patrol they run into a small number of enemy. Dad said we took cover, the handful Gurkha's drew their Kukri and started shouting in their own language whilst waving their Kukri above the top of their cover. So we, a handful of Aussies laughed and drew our bayonets and followed suit. The sporadic gun fire coming from the opposing cover stopped almost immediately. Dad said, after they had smoked a cigarette, the sergeant sent a couple of blokes forward to have a look and found an empty trench. He would then laugh to himself, saying that day was one to remember.
Where I live we often get groups of young Gurkhas visiting the town shopping. They are always impeccably dressed, incredibly polite and nobody, and I mean absolutely nobody would ever dream of messing with them. Their reputation for being completely fearless warriors proceeds them.
Richmond, North Yorkshire?
I was sent to Headly Court in the early 90’s to recover from a major surgery. There was not only a Gurkha sergeant, but also an English officer who had been in command of a Gurkha unit. I also lived near Catterick Army base. I have never seen so well dressed gentleman waiting outside of the gates as I saw with the Gurkhas. True gentleman and ruthless. Why on earth did the British Government try to discard them after all they did? Wonderful people and amazing fighters.
My landlady back 25 years ago was the sister of the Colonel of the Gurkha Signals before they left Hong Kong. I have seen their fighting knives, the Kukri up close and they are a fearsome weapon in skilled hands. We owe the Gurkhas a debt of gratitude.
Often saw the guys in Cardiff bus station, you'd see the NCO's in immaculate tie and blazers shephearding the scared and confused looking new recruits around on their first leave from Brecon. At one time when they started electronic payments, they issued new recruits ATM cards and gave them their pin number on a piece of card... it didn't occur to anyone to tell the recruit's how to use them and there were several cases where recruits handed their ATM cards and pin to strangers.
There was the case of one Tibetan who joined the Gurkhas and was having a torrid time and was homesick. The British officers were stuck on how to deal with him, one of the Gurkha SNCO's told the officers 'don't worry, leave it to me...' before long the poor Tibetan's demeanor changed for the positive and there was a positive spring in his step. When the CO questioned the SNCO, he grinned and said 'Back in Tibet he was a yak herd and as we were driving back from the exersize area we passed a farm with some Scottish highland cattle that have a passing resemblance to a yak. So I went to the farm and asked for a favour. So, for a couple of days a week the Tibetan goes and mucks out the barns and helps feeding the cattle.'
The way they're treated by the British government after their service is shabby.
I disagree, the Joanna Lumley campaign created an almost level playing field for veterans' right of abode: a quite reasonable four years service.
Also, Nepalese not Tibetan. The Chinese took over and brainmangled the Tibetan people.
The Gurkhas were founded by an Irishman General Fredrick Young who is buried in my hometown of Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin. He is buried in the same cemetery as my grandfather who was also an Irishman and officer in the British Indian Army who served in the 10th Baluch and Royal Indian Army Service Corps.
Love the Gurkhas! Worked with those dudes on cruise ships where they operate as ship's Security. They are dead serious, don't drink, don't party, and are absolutely dedicated to their job. And, if you are a crew member, they keep their eye on you. I always felt safe at sea with those guys.
Gurkas and Soufricans dominate private security. Tough hombres.
My wife worked with Gurkhas on cruise ships when she was a nurse. She said the curries were very popular.
Worked with the Gurkha Engineers straight after the Falklands war. Mad buggers to a man, brilliant bunch of lads.
Unfortunately there are many that return to Nepal and end up living in poverty. The Gurkha Welfare Trust are a good charity that helps them out.
That kind of thing makes me angry. There's a good chance we would have been fecked if these little chaps hadn't got on it, back in the day. The very least we can do is make sure they have a good retirement. Especially when we are giving loser politicians (thinking of Liz Truss especially) pensions that could probably sort out a company of these chaps for a year each. I know who I would rather give my money to and who I would spend an afternoon with, even if we can't understand each another.
An acquaintance of mine was in Afghanistan with the US/NATO mission and did a lot with the Gurkhas. Nothing but good to say about them. He was invited to attend one of their special feasts and one of their officers gave him his personal Kukri (not one they had brought along to give to special guests).
And of course, they have a piper! My mom's brother saw action in Sicily and Italy. According to him, the Gurkhas and Sikhs were some of the most disciplined combat soldiers he'd ever seen. Never rattled, completely cool under fire.
Immense respect.
My favourite memory as a thirteen year old was visitng HMS Fearless, then in Fremantle, West Australia and watching the pipeband of the Princess Mary's Own Gurkha Rifles parade on the quayside. My parents bought me the LP record they had produced and the swirl of bagpipes always brings me back to that warm evening in Freo. I second the comments about their smart turnout as well as now living near Cattrick Garrison I see them in nearby towns such as Richmond or Darlington and always have a chat.
My father fought with the Gurkhas, 4th Indian I think. North Africa, Sicily, Italy and Greece.
He said that if you thought you'd met your end, if the hand held out to help was brown you had a chance. A Gurkha would never leave yo but die fighting at your side. He said he saw them sacrifice themselves to support the Poles at Monte Cassino.
He said they had curry powder on everything, even the custard.
By the way, I beleive Gurkhas strike vertical rather than horizontal. My dad told me he saw a bunch of soldiers with their heads cut open, not off...
A stare from an angry Ghurka would stop a charging element. Brilliant people, to whom we owe a great debt.
So guards can stop forest fires and typhoons. I knew they were skilled.
Getting invited into a Gurkha`s family home at Catterick Garrison for a traditional Goat Curry was one of the few highlights of staying at Catterick during my service in the UK Infantry from 2009 and 2014...
Such genuine and loyal people...
Mark Felton and the Gurkhas. What could be better?
I would love to hear a series on the Gurkha, as they were fearsome keeping out the Germans.
Gurkhas in Falklands
The Gurkha Lachhiman Gurung won the VC for holding out against 200 Japanese in WW2. He threw back grenades until one injured him severely. He thrust his Kukri knife into the ground and shouted "Come and fight a Gurkha!". After four hours there were around 30 dead in front of his position.
Yeah a VC is a VC. But some are bigger than others. This one had computer game toughness, only it was true. And when I saw him interviewed he was a small, polite, one handed gentleman who had put on his best suit and hat on talk to the BBC. Legend.
Heard about the Gurkha for the first time on my trip to Nepal back in the 90's - which was just amazing. I was so impressed, I also bought a traditionally crafted khukuri knife, which is still displayed in my living room to this day. Great documentary - thank you for adding some deeper understanding.
While studying in Winchester, I was honored to be allowed to volunteer at the Gurkha museum as an archivist. That time will remain one of the most cherished memories.
The Battle of Nalapani near Dehra Dun in 1814 cemented the reputation of the Ghurkas as fearsome and honourable warriors in the eyes of the British commanders. It has remained that way ever since. I saw these wonderful soldiers guarding the British High Commission in New Delhi, in Belize and on parade during Republic Day parade. Always a credit to their nation.
My Dad was a combat engineer from 1957 to 1967 and served with the Gurkhas. He has nothing but good things to say about them and holds them in the highest regard. Oh and they introduced him to curry. To this day two curries are made. One for all of us and one for my Dad which is too hot for all of us.
I certainly had the hottest curry of my life when the battalion's RSM plucked me from the line on a visit to the Sergeant's Mess one evening and fetched the goat curry for me himself, adding some kind of red powder to it. I recall I downed 7 pints of very cold lager trying to eat it with Gurkha NCOs chatting to me on each side the entire time, and I was still stone cold sober at the end! And I finished the damned thing, which I think impressed my dining companions!
This I can envision. The concept of Lt. Dr. Mark Felton is still new and raw to me. Thank you.
Very informative, thank you. My grandfather spoke in glowing terms of the Gurkhas. He served in WW2 with the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders of Canada (Princess Louise's) out of Hamilton, ON, Canada.
A story I heard about the Gurkhas in Aldershot was that during the Falklands war, they spent time on the ships as they were travelling there wearing hoods and practicing 'escaping' in complete darkness to simulate the ship being on fire.
That shows so clearly how their contingency planning is second to none.
British Empire.... If can't beat them, recruit them. Genius.
Outstanding history lesson.
When I was stationed in Korea there was a UN Ceremonial Guards unit.
Several different countries were represented including a detachment of Gurkas.
To see well turned out soldiers is always a joy, but when you see the pride the Gurkhas wear on their faces then it is doubly so. Long may we treasure their relationship to our country.
Total badasses, shameful the way the British govt treated them
"Ayo Gurkhali!"...the Gurkha war cry that sent shivers down the spine of their enemies, once unsheated, the kukri must taste blood. Very formidable...
One night in Italy dads unit were getting harassing fire from a German machine gun.A couple of Gurkas came to my dad ,who was a sergeant, wanting to go into no mans land which he granted.The firing ceased and when they returned with a vital part of the gun they also had proof of their kills; ears.This was not the common practice amongst all units.The Kukri was also used for every purpose.
Story I heard goes something like this: A Gurkha was captured by the Japanese and escaped. He walked hundreds of miles through the jungle back to his lines. When his commanders asked how he had found them, he provided a map. It was of the London underground.
I had a Theatrical Lighting instructor at the U of AZ back in the '70s. He was a USAAF veteran and had been the Flight Engineer on B-17s and B-24s. When he was stationed in India, the airbase was guarded by Gurkhas. One day he asked one of the guards if he could see his knife. Yes Sahib! the Gurkha replied, and pulled out his Kukhri -- cutting his finger as he did so. The Airman asked the Gurkha why he'd cut himself? ''I have taken an oath never to draw my blade unless it draws blood,'' he replied.
He never asked to see a Kukhri again.
Absolute unsung heroes
Safe to say Imperial Japanese soldiers didn't relish going up against them. Fierce fighters with a well- deserved reputation.
In his book, "Quartered Safe Out Here", George MacDonald Fraser has several stories about serving alongside the Gurkhas in Malaysia as an enlisted infantryman, as well as one about a fellow officer candidate from his time as an officer candidate.
As I've said elsewhere before, the Ghurkas are amongst the finest light infantry in the world.
Richard Vail, LCpl USMC (Ret)
Having done a wee bit of adventure training with various British Army folks in the far north west of Scotland , the Ghurkas were the first group I worked with… 3 years down the line& they were also still the best group I’d worked with, in some instances by a very long way. Full respect to them.
My father Tom McDonald served with the Gurkhas in Malaya in the 1950s. He always said what great warriors they were whenever they were mentioned ❤
In the mid 80's I lived in W. Germany and happened to become good friends with a young English man (I think we were both 19) and I learned many things about Brittan and he told me the story of how angry the Gurkha's were when the Argentinians ran away. And, when he was at "Public School" he did courses with various Royal Army and Air Force units like you did. That friendship started me on a life long love of English culture, so you could say I'm a bit of an Anglophile. Your videos are great and teaching younger generations about the sacrifices men and women in uniform have made to protect the free world is important work. Thank you very much for what you do.
mid '80s
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I worked for a few companies based in Hampshire and Berkshire and we often had security teams composed of ex-Gurkha soldiers. They were always friendly and a pleasure to work with. There were several local curry houses that would offer real Nepalese dishes if asked or sometimes on the menu - always a treat!
I really admire Dr Felton for referring to his wife as "Mrs. Felton". Very respectful, old-fashioned, and properly British. Respect.
I agree.
However, my first thought was, "Doctor Felton is punching above his weight."
Can't listen just now. In a restaurant. But I read that Britain first encountered the Nepalese Gurkhas as enemies who defended a mountain fort against the British. The British took the fort, but the Gurkhas defended it very determined.
The following year the British sent another, smaller expedition into Nepal. And they were there to ask the Gurkhas, "How would you guys like a job?"
And thus it started.
I think that was the battle of Nalapani, in Dehradun. I grew up in Dehradun, going to school which had many Gorkhas, had many friends during those years. Speaking of the Nalapani battle, it was here that the Anglos came across the Bir Balbhadra Kunwar, the Gorkha Commander whose forces defended the fort against a vastly, numerically superior English force, for a month. The Gorkhas had once their Kingdom spanning from the Eastern Indian state of Assam to the Kangra Valley, in what is now Himachal. Their history, prior to the Anglo-Gorkha wars is... Glorious!
@effendi77 In other words, the Gurkhas put up a fight? Hell.yes.
Great work Mark! Thanks for all your work.
Had the pleasure of looking after a whole bunch of Gurkhas at my bar in New Zealand, they came over for a joint training exercise with the NZ Army and ending up repeatedly coming to our bar on there time off.
I can honestly say this about the Gurkhas...they are some of the nicest people you will EVER meet! (And they have really nice ciggys to trade lol)
We had over 50+ of them in the bar each time they came in for pool and fizzy (They dont really drink...some do, but most dont), we ran a student bar, so the local students absolutely loved them!, sat up pool comps, darts and even had them on the volleyball area going hard against the local students & staff...every one of them had a constant smile and a great attitude...we all absolutely loved them to bits.
But as my head of security said to me (He was active NZSAS at the time)..."These fun & friendly 'little guys'...ARE some of the fittest & most lethal Soldiers on the planet!!"
...Hence, I pitty the absolute FOOL who starts a fight with the Gurkhas!, not only did they just start a fight with the very BEST!!...they just started a fight with some of the most LOVED! & RESPECT!...and there mates WILL be coming for YOU!! - its a 100% certain death sentance if you go up against the Gurkhas! (They CAN stand alone...but they NEVER will!❤)
Kia Kaha Nepal🥰...least we forget!
Most fascinating lesson Dr. Felton. Your videos provide much enjoyment to this American anglophile.
If you ever have the privilege of meeting a Gurkha you will meet a humble Man of great integrity, very polite and totally dedicated to his role. Its is a great pity that so many of our young men do not
I heard a Gurkha story some years ago. A group of soldiers sitting around having breakfast after a night patrol. one Gurkha soldier kept looking at his watch and smiling. "What's so funny?" said another. "Found three Jerries sleeping side by side last night, slit the throats of the two on the outside. the Jerry in the middle would be waking up about now". I understand that there is a rule that once the Kukri is drawn from its sheath, they must draw blood.
My dad served with them in Italy and the blood drawing is a myth.The Kukri was used for everything.
Gurkhas didnt fight in Normandy
thanks, i was talking to a few friends about these fellows recently and of course i immediately came to your channel for quality reference but there was not one at the time. glad to see it. appreciated!
I learn something new with each of your videos. Excellent work, thank you! 👍🤙
Glad these guys are on our side, via the UK... 🇺🇸🇬🇧🇳🇵
I served in Sierra Leone with the Gurkhas. The best men i ever served with and a nightmare on the razzle !!! helping them make a goat curry was an experience i'll never forget.
Britain has been incredibly fortunate to have Ghurkas fighting alongside them for 2 centuries. My respect and admiration of their qualities, both as fighters and humans, is immesurable, although veterans have been very poorly treated by successive governments, but no surprise there, really.
00:35
The Guard back right doing a double-take
''I thought she was one of us!''
"Kapka Hunnu Bhanda Marhu Ramro" - "It is Better to Die Than to be a Coward". Engraved on one of number of khukris brought back by a friend who lived in Nepal for many years. Men you definitely want on your side.
The Gurkhas are truly noble soldiers, our history and our nation blessed by association with them. Extremely humble, good natured fellows, you'll sometimes come across one in a pub in Tonbidge or Maidenhead. I doubt the lifting of the Siege of Delhi would have been possible without them in 1857-8. In the aftermath Lord 'Bobs' Roberts wrote of a certain Highland battalion of high reputation forming a strong bond with a Gurkha battalion, through shared recognition of extreme bravery and endurance, so much so that one cold night on manouevers in the Punjab the Highland soldiers all donated their cloaks to the Gurkhas in the sub-zero conditions they were camped in. It was lucky their king at the time was a huge anglophobe, and willingly donated their service. Honour is a huge thing in the Gurkhali mentality.
You forgot to mention how important Joanna lumley is to the Gurkhas
Excellent video! I first became fascinated with them as a kid watching Man Who Would Be King
Later I was lucky enough to serve in the same area as them in Kosovo.
Thanks to cover our ghurkha soldiers
I’ve met a few Gurkhas in my time with the army. They we’re good soldiers and their accents reminded me of my childhood in a village in Bangladesh.
I had the honor of meeting a Gurkha, at the chow hall when I was stationed in Yong san Korea. In '91
"If a man says he is not afraid of dying, he is either lying or is a Gurkha".
If you're unaware of Gurkhas reputation I highly suggest reading some quotes/stories. They are the definition of elite.
Even the most uniformed brain-dead Brit knows about these guys, they're a household name here ❤
I worked with Englishmen for most of my younger years. Always a tone of admiration when these guys were mentioned. I didn't even really know who, and what they were until now.
According to secret documents smuggled out of Area 51, Earth was nearly invaded by aliens several times. But then they found out about the Gurkas.
I have yet to meet a Military person (some ex special forces) who has not said anything but utmost respect for the Ghurkas. Not once. If anything the ex special forces peoples reactions of how tough, relentless, and fearsome they are is the highest praise (if an ex SAS person says they would be very 'concerned' if they had to face up in battle against a Ghurka to me says a lot).
Its the fact that its also said about EVERY Ghurka as if there is no discrepancy in abikity and compteance between any individual I find very telling.
And to think they are fighting for the army of a different nation..... and we didn't 'think' they should have valid routes to citizenship post service until the very recent past blows me away even more in its shear insanity and disservice to them.
I have worked alongside Gurkhas that have settled here and to a man were humble, helpfull and the most freindly people I have ever met. I also grew up in Chichester, The RMP training barracks ran an edurance march every year. Anyone could enter a team, I was in our pub team 3 times and have 3 medals for completing it. Two teams always seemed to win it. The Royal Green Jackets or the Gurkhas. They both did the course at the double with packs. To see those Gurkhas pretty much running down the hill into the city, not even appearing out of breath was more than impressive.
Gwan Mark..love this stuff ..Chartered Surveyor and Economist from Braintree !!
As always great, informative content. Thank you.
My Mom was born in 1925 and myself in 1951, and she told me of the brilliant reputation the Ghurkhas had in WW2.
I noticed the Gurkhas use lip straps. They know they can take it on the chin. I love when I've never heard of something on this channel and your personal connection. Thank you Dr. Felton
interesting video once again
Thank you, Mark, for this excellent summary of the Gurkhas. As always, your access to video footage makes this channel unique and adds to your fine narrative.
"BFBS Forces news, The Life-Changing Journey Of Being Selected As A Gurkha". This is well worth a watch, would post link but youtube will remove comment. The dedication, commitment and honour they have is unreal.
"Ayo Gorkhali…!!!”
Amazing soldiers. Although I was not in Gurkha battalion I had the absolute pleasure of serving and crossing paths with some of these guys over the course of my time in the army. They were always striving to be the best and always with a smile on their faces.
I had the immense privilege of receiving riot training from British Army Gurkhas in Tomislavgrad, Bosnia. Then we did a joint firing range in Glamoć nearby. I have the utmost respect and confidence in these modest but very professional soldiers. One of them even beat me in just a few moves in a game of chess.
Great presentation. You stated that you are proud to have them - I am proud to me on their side and yours.
A small Ghurkha squad was attatched to my Dads unit in Malaya and when their British Officer was killed a number of them dissappeared into the jungle and reappeared two days later with the rebels responsible slung on poles. He was on National Service and an Raf cook. They loved his fried eggs so much they would cook a curry occasionally as a ty....
My grandad was in North Africa and a number of other places with the RAF. He always had a great deal of respect for the Gurkhas. On Remembrance Sunday celebrations he would point them out as they marched past commenting on their bravery. I never learned what happened to instil this feeling.
Amazing the quiet dignity and respect of people from that time.
You do a great job Dr Felton of reminding us that we owe a great debt to those who went before us.
Ran into some in Hong Kong a few years back, retired living there with their families great people and left behind when Britain gave Hong Kong back to the Chinese...
My ex's grandad was a warrant officer with the Gurkha rifles. Some of his stories would make your toes curl. Some of the nicest, most polite and yet most brutal people he's ever had the privilege to know and serve with.
I knew a little about the Ghurkas before watching this video, but know a lot more about them now. Another brilliant video, Dr. Felton!
Simply amazing men and history, thanks for sharing.
Love the vids . Keep the coming Mark
Thank you for such an excellent tribute to the bravest, most honourable fighting men in the world. Gurkhas! Long may they flourish and bring peace to this wicked world.
I wonder why the UK does not recruit more Gurkhas to fill its ranks? These guys are outstanding.
Because the empire is gone and shall never come back. Not in a thousand years. Not in million years shall this sectarian rabble rousing ill thought out lucky accident of fluke, ever happen again.
The only role british army has is to play 2nd fiddle to us army, which does the heavy lifting.
@@nevergiveup19841ha ha gotta laugh at the yanks. Quality over quantity every time old boy!
Another history lesson thank you mark
A bunch of these chaps use a training establishment on my route to work. Early mornings, many are returning from their 5 mile run. These gentlemen, although mud spattered, always look as if they have just set off! V.tough characters indeed.
The Ranger badge is eerily close to the one worn by the Selous Scouts.
Never heard a bad thing about them. I grew up knowing a former British Special Operations Officer who had nothing but respect for them.
Another outstanding documentary. Great information to know more about Gurkha history and current disposition.
Outstanding!
Absolutely fascinating. An excellent video that gives them some recognition for their service.
Dr Felton, as a fellow resident of Norwich, a lifelong supporter of the Gurkhas, and a subscriber to your channel, I am mildly disappointed that you failed to mention the outstanding work of the Gurkha Welfare Trust. The founding of the trust (1970) should be the subject of a further video in itself. Keep up the superb work 😊
My farther fought alongside with the Gurkhas in Burma. I have fond memories of meeting some of these Brave and Honored Individuals.
Thanks for this history lesson, Mark.