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.
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.
I served 16 years in the British Army. 13 of them along side the Gurkas in the Royal Signals & 264 Signals. Absolutely lovely and great people many I class as best friends. I even went on to marry one.... A female Gurka chef who I met while training in Aldershot. We are retired from the Army now... 3 lovely kids and 2 dogs and we opened a Gurka resturant in Balham, South London. Great video Mark, everything spot on 👍
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...
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!
These are the soldiers tasked with taking Casino that got pinned down on the mountainside. They were trapped for a day or so having to stay low in cover. Once relieved they were found to be in good cheer and singing songs together. Not sure about you, but if I was trapped on a mountainside I wouldn't be singing cheerfully singing after a day or two.
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.
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.
I think that the best way to answer your question is to point out the TV series Yes Minister and Yes Prime Minister. That should provide you with plenty of information about how the British Government trys to work. Mark from Melbourne Australia
Because that was part of their contract - to return home to Nepal at the end of their service term. But they wanted the easy life in Blighty instead of returning home and building their own country, so some high priced lefty, lawyers took up their fight and hey presto! Now we have an abundance of carpark attendants in the UK.
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.
Absolutely true. I've heard that story myself. In his epic journey to enlist at Pokhara, he had crossed ravines, mountains and rivers. The only food he carried were small blocks of dried yak milk. Now that's what you call committed!
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 was with them in the Falklands, in the 90's, and we were playing enemy on an exercise. I was sect commander and was 'Briefed' that we would be captured as the Army were trying a new tactic, different to the RAF. We did as we were told and I don't recommend being captured by Gurkhas, even on exercise...
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.
@laurencetilley9194 My dad had three kids, me and a brother and sister. When he came home, he bought a farm in the north West of England and hardly ever left it. As a child I would ask him about the war, but he seemed reluctant to talk about his experiences. On one occasion, we were rounding a couple of dozen sheep up and walking them down a track to some land he owned. Out of the blue, he said one night an Indian patrol was sent out to find out if there were any Germans in a nearby hamlet, where they were, and how many. The Indians went out after dark and after a few hours, came back and gave their report. The following morning, the Gurkhas, along with British troops, my dad included, attacked. They were slaughtered. It turned out the Indians had not gone anywhere near the hamlet, instead they had curled up behind a stone wall smoking and sleeping. The report they gave was lies. It didn't take long for the Gurkhas to realise what had happened, why the slaughter had occurred. My dad said the Gurkhas killed all the Indians with their kukris. They cut their heads open and left them in the field. Dad said the lane to the hamlet was just like the lane to his land, and the dead bodies, from a distance, looked like sheep in a field. The other Indian soldiers who watched said those on the patrol were all muslim. In the early 2000's, some land near us was sold to a chap who kept a few donkeys and hens. He'd roll down and talk to my father occasionally. It turned out his wife's father was in the same Div as my dad. 4th Indian I think, he said he had died a few years ago and never spoke of his experiences. He did, however, have no time for arabs or muslims.....
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.
We owe them nothing. They are well paid soldiers from a foreign nation - the word mercenary comes to mind. They are desperate to leave the poverty of their homeland for a well paid job in the British Army. Medical care, dental care and pension all part of the deal. And at the end of it most of them fight like hell to stay in the UK. I think they might owe the British taxpayer a debt of gratitude 🤔
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.
@highcountrydelatite Disagree. Aussies come a close second, they were once called "white Gurkhas" in WWI (Remember, you first need the reputation of the Gurkha, in order to be then compared to it.)
@tim7052 These debates about which nation produces the toughest soldiers are a bit pointless. Yes, the Gurkhas have a reputation as high as they come, but that's not to say there aren't equally tough soldiers from just about every other nation. Perhaps as far as we should go is that the sheer attrition rate of extremely fit and able young men to even get a place in the unit means that the average level of the soldiers in the various units is extremely high. Whatever way you want to look at it, they are to be revered or feared, depending on whether you're on their side or not!
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.
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.
I am not sure this is actually true these days and is now out of date. As I understand it they have the right to permanent residence in the UK after service and have a comparable pension with British personnel. Many reside here and start their own businesses. Something that Joanna Lumley got involved with
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.
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.
ran into a lot of retired Gurkhas in India long time ago they always were helpful, only ones who spoke English ,great guys but most of them drank a lot
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...
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...
Sounds right, the best curry I ever had was in the Falklands when the Gurkhas were resident infantry. I sat with the Gurkha Armourer and asked why they left the bones in, he said, wait till the end and then educated me on marinated meat as we sucked the marrow from the bones. Wonderful, never had a curry like it since.
@Humble_Grumble I wish I had met some of the Gurkhas my father met during the war, on the rare occasions he mentioned them there was a real emotional in his voice. When he married my mum, he had regular nightmares, and my mums father, an Irishman, a surviver of the Somme and other WW1 battles, told him to talk about his experiences to my mum. He had done the same to his wife, my grandmother, on his return. He did for a while, but my mum said she couldn't stand it, the recollections seemed too painful. It appears the Gurkhas saved his life at least three times. One time, he was stuck in a hole being shot at by Germans or Italians and he couldn't move. He heard a voice shouting Tommy keep your head down we come for you. He then heard some Bren guns firing as they fired over the crawling Gurkhas to drag him back. I can remember the tears in my mothers eyes as she told me. He had thirteen weeks in hospital to recover.
No. My father taught me how the khukri is used. The striking action is lead by the hand, NOT by the blade. In this way the strike is a "slicing" action, not a "chop". The cut is started with the blade nearest the hand, with the weight (and belly) of the blade proper following through in the swing. In this way a head can be taken cleanly off, and (using the two-handed khukri) buffalo are decapitated. My father was a Gurkha Officer that fought at Kohima: he never told me of his experiences, but after the war, he left his khukri in the shed for years. It was only a year or so before he died that I showed him his khukri, and he told me some things about it.
We had Gurkhas as security when I was contracting in Afghanistan. I recall an Army Gurkha receiving a high level award after fighting off a large group of taliban by himself. When his machine gun ammunition ran out, he used the tripod to kill more. Incredible fighting men.
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!
My grandfather was sent to the CBI Theatre in 1943 after serving in the Western Desert. The British Army were short of officers & my grandfather was promoted to Lieutenant & was transferred to the 10th Gurkha Rifles, 4th Battalion, 20th Indian Division. My grandfather was in awe of the Gurkhas tenacity to fight out of situations that anyone else would have surrendered. After the war, my grandfather was still supporting his Gurkha comrades. They formed a line of honour at his funeral. He learnt their language, respected their customs & respected those who he served with.
All praise to the Gurkhas. My dad was attached to the Gurkhas during the Malay conflict. I was there as a young boy. We had Gurkha guards on our school bus. I still have his Kukri as a memento of his service.
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!
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).
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.
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.
My grandfather, an English-born Canadian World War One veteran, often said to my grandmother, " Thank God the Gurkhas were on our side"! God Bless those tough, loyal, fearsome, magificent soldiers!
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
Thank you for sharing our history Dr. Felton. My grandfather served in the British Gurkhas in Burma 1961-1971. He's since passed away but I am now serving in the US Army in his footsteps. He always loved telling stories about his service and he will be deeply missed.
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 😊
The British were so thankful for the fantastic service of these loyal and brave men that only in the late 1980's they decided to give them a ridiculous small pension. I remember a documentary on the Gurkhas that mentioned an old Gurkha that had been wounded in battle. He had to be carried down and up the mountain by his son, because he could only collect his pension in person. So, thank you Mark for giving these Gurkhas a bit of the credit that they deserve.
But he didn’t give the info you have just given. He talks about active pay so why didn’t he include that it’s only recently the latest govt turned down them getting equal pension. He hasn’t because maybe that would restrict the access he gets to do his research. An establishment type watched by those with similar views. How much else does he leave out of his videos that reflects badly on the armed forces?
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.
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.
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 grandfather served alongside the Ghurkas in North Africa and Italy in the Second World War, he would always tell me how much he admired them and made some life long friends, he said the Italian troops were terrified of them. He always thought the British Army treated them poorly, especially in retirement, I have always supported the Ghurka Welfare Trust on behalf of my Grandfather. Let’s hope we have Ghurkas in the Armed Forces for a long time to come, true warriors.
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.
Fascinating hearing this angle on the Gurkhas and your personal interaction! I once met a Nepali contract gate guard at a base in Northern Iraq. As I had never met a Gurkha before, I excitedly asked him if he had been one. He looked down and said something to the effect that he "didn't make it." I suddenly felt terrible for having asked. It's my understanding those kids hike for miles from their villages to the recruiting stations. If they "don't make it" some never return to their villages feeling such shame in failure. And really there shouldn't be shame in it as it is such difficult selection, but to some degree I imagine that is an East/West difference. Thanks for all your great content. Charles Sage, author of Potters' Run
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.
Thank you for this video. I remember my grandfather, who fought in WW1 speak of the ghurkas. Although he did not participate in WW2, he was involved in another way. My grandfather was the one who whetted my appetite for WW1 & 2 history and it has been somewhat of a passion of mine ever since. I am now 70 years old and my grandfather is long gone. He was a great racounteur and was the main person who formed the Legion for the ex-soldiers during the 1950's in the small island I grew up in. Up until then, many of these ex-soldiers were often in dire straits and condition and he tirelessly travelled the island going deep into unpaved country to meet these soldiers assisting them with medical help and devices and housing. He was later awarded the OBE by Prince Philip himself. I was so proud of him. With these amazing videos that you provide us all with, you do a great service to remind the many of what people fought and died for and how precious that freedom should be.
When I was growing up in Hong Kong the Gurkhas used to come and play soccer with us kids. I remember before the handover there was rumblings about China taking HK by force and there were nearly a million PLA troops over the border. Both my parents were ex service and both said the PLA wouldn't dare with 3000 Gurkhas in town.
@@MarkFeltonProductions Can't remember if they were barefoot in the mid 90s in HK but they were great with us, we were probably the safest and best protected kids on the planet on those days!
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.
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.
I have always wondered , how do they practice with their Kukhri, do they have ones that are separate and leave their personal ones sheathed . There must be some kind of procedure , otherwise that is a lot of bloodletting.
@@kennethbolton951 Probably if they're training, or sharpening, or just with their brother Gurkhas in the barracks, that isn't necessary. Only when strangers ask to see their knives, they have to keep the legend going. Otherwise, there would be a lot of soldiers missing digits. Just a guess.
It's a myth all this blood letting cock sorry. Just how in the hell they are supposed to keep the blade clean and sharp be inspected etc without completely bleeding out would be amazing
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.
My grandad was at cassino with the NZ division he described the Gurkhas as one of the doesn’t disciplined regiments he fought alongside. The thing that got him was they were always smiling , going out at night with their kukri and coming back having done the job on the Germans - he always said glad they were on our side , just because they were so good at what they did
I was at Puckapunyal Army Base in Central Victoria with my Regular/Reservist Integrated Signals unit back somewhere around '88 to early '90s and we came across a platoon of Gurkhas out training in Australia. I think that they may have been from Singapore. Anyway, as soon as one of the girls saw the Gurkhas, she said, 'We've been Invaded!' She was a bit dippy so someone informed her that they were Gurkhas, the best soldiers in the world. They did look quite fearsome in their jungle pattern camouflage uniforms and helmets plus added Australian bush greenery. It was when they saddled up with their packs and rifles that they looked impressive. Their packs were huge and heavy and they dwarfed the Gurkhas, but they formed up without complaint and marched off. That was my run-in with some Gurkhas. Nowadays the Cleaners/Logistics staff at the Boys school that I work at are nearly all Tibetans. Industrious but a cheeky bunch when you get to know them. Must be something to do with growing up on Himalayan mountains. Mark from Melbourne Australia😮
"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.
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 grandfather loved them. He was with them in India prior to WW2. He said that they were quite disdainful of the Indians in general which helped to keep them in line/oppressed. In WW2 itself he served with them in North Africa. I remember he said that once he was in a fire position (RHA) and he ‘d asked his co who was covering the flanks? The reply was that the Yarpies were on the right and the Gurkhas on the left. “Oh good. We can relax then” he said.
Great video Mr Felton, thank you. My Grandfather served in Burma during WW2 and fought alongside the Gurkhas, and he had nothing but admiration and praise for them. Whenever i'd visit him as a young lad, i'd always ask to see the Gurkha knife he had and he'd always say - 'if i show you the blade, i have to draw blood'....
My grandad fought alongside the Gurkhas in Asia and always sang high praise of them. He also recounts the tale of sleeping British soldiers in their bunks at night when Gurkha soliders would sneak in at night and run their fingers down the laces of their boots to make sure they were correctly tied British knots and not incorrectly tied knots done by a spy within ranks. And if they deemed a knot incorrect... that soldier wouldn't be waking up that morning
When I was working at a museum in the north of England we had a group of young Gurkhas visit with their mother-hen like, but grizzled old English sergeant. They were so polite and respectful and enjoyed their day out. What was hilariously funny was at the end of their visit they went to the gift shop. One soldier (obviously the mischievous wag of the troop) picked up a tiny souvenir bell from one of the shelves...His mates looked on in anticipation as he checked to see where the sergeant was then quickly gave the bell a tiny dingle and put it back on the shelf. His mates all found it hysterically funny and very naughty. Absolutely wonderful souls.
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!
@@ashcarrier6606 yeah, and the Bir(Nepalese for Brave) Balbhadra went on to join the Khalsa forces in Lahore, of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, he died fighting in what KPK of Pakistan today, alongside the Sikhs. Mostly, in 1947, during the summer when my family elders were being escorted to India, from Rawalapindi, forced to leave their homeland, the guards of the train were the Gorkhas, through the entire journey, up to Lahore, hundreds of muslims set upon the train, seeking to kill off the mostly women and children, the Gorkhas stopped the elderly women from killing their children, to prevent them from falling in the hands of the killer mobs, they would tell them, the Gorkhas would die first and then they may kill themselves and the children. My grandmother would tell me, they put up some fight, keeping the attackers off for the entire journey, through the evening, the night and the early morning, sometimes in hand to hand combat, the only losses that night were to the mobs of the attackers, who were shot or cut down by the Gorkha Soldiers. The families of the refugees were reunited with their menfolk months later, my own Late Grandfather was serving in the PIFFERs, his elder brother had been killed in Singapore, fighting the Japanese in 1942. I guess I owe my existence to those Bir Gorkhali Soldiers, who escorted my family safely to Amritsar. There were several trains of fleeing refugees who were cut down by the mobs, while escaping the massacres in what is now Pakistan.
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.
When I was 16, I was in the air cadets and we took part in the annual 100-mile military march in Nijmegen, in which NATO (and other) military forces competed. It was fascinating to see the US Berlin Brigade, Paras etc all in friendly competition. The PX bar was a rowdy affair. In the tent next to us was the Gurkhas. They kind of took us under their wing as we mostly boys in our mid-teens. At one point, one of us went missing. We eventually found him hanging by his ankles in the Gurkha tent as a prank. They soon cut him down and gave us slaps on the back and souveneirs. I still love them to this day.
Meet a Gurkha few years a go. Going back to barracks in Central London. Had combat gear on. But not with the famous hat. Like a idiot. I acked if was a gurkha. He said yes. I dont know why. I thanked him and a quick thumbs up to him. Am not a military man but i study a lot of military history. . He just smiled a big grin and thumbed be back. I was chuffed meeting Gurkha. After reading their bravery and exploits. Very approachable friendly people it seems. Britain lucky to have these solders. It was right to give British citizenship to them back in 2000s. After all the years they fought for us 🇬🇧🇳🇵👍
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 have, for some time now, known a fair amount about the history of the Gurkhas and their relationship with Britain, but I would not have guessed that they have a patrolling of British royal residencies and the like. That, and the fact that you, Dr. Mark Felton, had actually applied towards becoming a part of the Britain/Gurkha tradition; very cool stuff to have learned about.
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 was privileged to have served with Queens Gurkha Signals in Hong Kong for almost 3 years in the 1980's. Great soldiers and lovely people. I'm still in touch with some today.
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.
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.
Yes, it’s a truly remarkable account of his war service with The Border Regiment fighting against the Imperial Japanese Army in Burma - Highly recommended! P.S. At the end of the book, it mentions that he left his unit of the regiment: 9 Section following the end of the war in the Far East in order to go forward for selection as an officer. If you haven’t already done so, I would heartily recommend that you read his fictionalised account of his subsequent service as Lieutenant Dand* MacNeill with 2nd Battalion, Gordon Highlanders and his trials and tribulations of having to cope with a member of his platoon - Private John McCauslan (aka ‘The Dirtiest Soldier in the World’ ). Superbly written, very amusing short stories - as well as serving as an affectionate cameo portrayal of his commanding officer ‘the late, great’ Lieutenant-Colonel R. G. (‘Reggie’) Lees who, as a P.o.W. of the Imperial Japanese Army. served as a Major under Lieut.-Col. Philip Toosey while building two bridges over a major tributary of the River Khwae at Tamarkan in Thailand during the construction of the Burma - Thailand ‘Death Railway in 1942.
When my eldest Son passed out at Pirbright, I was pleasantly surprised to see a sizeable number of Gurkha troops on the instructor teams. Gurkhas go through a long and difficult selection process back in Nepal just for the right to _APPLY_ to the British army... That's quite an incredible set up those men have. I'm glad they're on our side, but it's worrying how more gurkhas are joining the Russian military.
Gurkha are extremely respected in my home town. There is a large Gurkha community in the town because of the army base bramcote nearby. Great people with a friendly smiling people and a fierce fighting spirit.
I served with Gurkhas in 2003 in northern Iraq during operation Iraqi freedom (OIF). I witnessed incredible exploits performed by these extraordinary soldiers. Two Gurkhas who were temporarily attached to our unit repelled an attack of over 2 dozen insurgents on a small outpost in Kirkuk without injury. Their prowess was legendary among our military personnel.
I served with half a dozen Nepalese soldiers who were at the School of Electrical and Electronics Engineering in Arborfield, Reading, Berkshire in late 1989/1990 - I was a REME Tels Tech and they were doing Basic Engineering training in Electronics. There were 6 of them, incredibly respectful young men, addressed Craftsmen as ‘Mister’ and they were often assigned a letter of the alphabet if their names were too difficult for general use (one was ‘Zed’ for example, to the troops I mean, not staff obviously) - they were generally small stature men but immensely and deceptively strong and agile, already averse in hand to hand combat and could tackle men twice their size with ease - I recall being shown the Kukri one afternoon and before it was sheathed ‘Zed’ cut the back of his thumb in front of the knuckle saying they were never to draw them unless they were to be ‘used’, which meant as minimum drawing blood before replacing it 😳 When out of uniform they wore Green blazers and dark cotton pants with polished shoes and marched in formation everywhere as a group, although they socialised as individuals too, absolutely fascinating guys who mixed really well with the British troops and were extremely honoured to be there, as were we all to be fair. After this I went to Bielefeld and Kuwait - funnily enough I also served with a Royal Anglian Corporal who took us on our final exercise before promotion to L/Cpl and out to our respective units from S.E.E. - 18 months from recruit to first posting. Basic Training, Basic Electronics, Trade Training, JMC and away. Man I miss it. 👍😉🫡
I had a classmate in law school from Nepal. When I saw an article on Gurkhas in MHQ magazine, I showed it to him and he informed me that he was of Gurkha ethnicity, though not a military veteran. I met many other Nepalis through him and I can confirm that they are some of the friendliest people on earth--and also some of the most determined.
I'm from the Philippines. While on official business in Brunei in the 2010s, I happened to be there on the Sultan's birthday. I was fortunate to see Gurkhas stationed in Brunei parade past the Sultan. Unfortunately, cellphones at that time had no cameras nor was I allowed to get past the viewing lines for spectators. Still, it was an unforgettable sight. And, Mr. Felton because of their reputation, Gurkhas have also been part of the Singapore police force for a long time.
My father in law (born in Agra) served in 1st Bat Royal Fusiliers as a boy soldier 1935 (Pembroke Docks,Wales) to his retirement in 1961 (Tower of London). He was transferred to India in 1936 and served in North Africa, East Africa, Iraq and, Syria in WW2 as a unit of the 4th Indian Infantry Division. He seldom talked of his army service but occasionally while having a pint of beer before Sunday dinner lunch he'd mention the gallantry and exploits of the Gurkhas he'd witnessed . The Gurkhas and Indian army played a significant role alongside Australian, New Zealand & Canadian forces in WW2.
First time I heard about Gurkhas, was at polish primary school in mid-nineties. My history teacher told us the story of these brave soldiers taking out nazi-german artillerymen in north Africa. "Whenever the british counter-battery fire was unable to knock out the krauts during the day, they were neutralized by Gurkhas at night. Silently, with their long knives" - he said.
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.
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.
20yrs ago I worked on a container ship chartered to the US TRANSCOM. We had 4 retired Gurkhas on board for security. Between 0000 and 0530 myself and one Gurkha were the only two on duty when at anchor (which was a majority of the time). I would make hourly rounds. Like you should when making rounds, I varied the time during the hour and the route of the round. EVERY SINGLE time, somewhere on the ship, I'd turn around, and there would be a smiling Gurkha behind me. He was having fun. On another ship, one of Gurkha's qualified on the M9 Barretta with a PERFECT score, while the ship was underway (that ship had a helipad they could do that on.) Oh, and their curry... YUMMY, but man, it burns!
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.
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.
Happened to be "climbing" Mt Kinabalu with my son some years back. 2 Ghurkas and a Brit "ran past me up to Low's peak and then again past me again to Mt Kinabalu while I was doing some rather heavy breathing and sweating. Tough as nails !
I had the honour to train and work with the 7th DEO Gurkha Rifles in Hong Kong in 1982 as they prepared for deployment to the South Atlantic. Additionally, I worked with the border patrols as a Chinese interpreter. Ultimate professionals. They are the quintessential infantryman.
As a US Marine, we told stories of the Gurkha exploits of the past. We held the in the same legendary regard as the 300 Spatans. Our officers wanted us to be inspired and hopeful to be as fierce, brave, and deadly as these men. Not only were they individually skilled, their teamwork was unparalleled.
"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 ❤
Wonderful tribute to amazing soldiers . I can imagine a British Officer dreaming of being part of those Regiments . The Empire takes many Kicks and few Kudos . The strenth of the relationship was put to the test in 1940 when the Brits asked for help . The Monarch of Nepal said that when a friend is in need , its our duty to help. And they did big time.
![PASULOL รามเกียรติ์ ตอนที่ 4 นนทกพบรัก [Ramakien Ep.4: Nonthok in love]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/tMUQgmZzf_A/mqdefault.jpg)
Go to tryfum.com/MARKFELTON or scan the QR code and use code MARKFELTON to get your free FÜM Topper when you order your Journey Pack today.
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.
Füm is pretty well known for being terrible, I'd take the money and never do another sponsorship with them
Never heard a bad word said bout a Gurkha. They are a standard that we should all aspire to.
Mr. Felton am I banned off your channel? I can’t seem to comment!
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
Why did you "loose" your parents? Were they tied up?
@@SusanPearce_H I think you 'loosed' your common decency
@@SusanPearce_H It didn't actually happen. He "wondered" off, he said. Sounds like he imagined the whole thing. 😂
@@DrinkTheKoolAid62haha he did! He’s pictured with a German shepherd, Mark Felton did a video about it I swear haha
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.
I served 16 years in the British Army.
13 of them along side the Gurkas in the Royal Signals & 264 Signals.
Absolutely lovely and great people many I class as best friends.
I even went on to marry one.... A female Gurka chef who I met while training in Aldershot.
We are retired from the Army now... 3 lovely kids and 2 dogs and we opened a Gurka resturant in Balham, South London.
Great video Mark, everything spot on 👍
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 👍
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"
Epic
@@Wargoat6 They would have written धन्यवाद
These are the soldiers tasked with taking Casino that got pinned down on the mountainside. They were trapped for a day or so having to stay low in cover. Once relieved they were found to be in good cheer and singing songs together. Not sure about you, but if I was trapped on a mountainside I wouldn't be singing cheerfully singing after a day or two.
"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.
Or he's an old Marine like me with nothing left to lose. 😂
"Today is a Good Day to Die" - Lt. Worf
This is a fact
Respect. What a compliment!
😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
Come meet the Commanchee or Blackfoot. You'll be running.
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.
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?
😂
@@notmenotme614 Might be Darlo. They hit up the mil surplus shops there aswell.
Q
Precedes
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.
I think that the best way to answer your question is to point out the TV series Yes Minister and Yes Prime Minister. That should provide you with plenty of information about how the British Government trys to work.
Mark from Melbourne Australia
because there xxxxxxx idots
Because that was part of their contract - to return home to Nepal at the end of their service term. But they wanted the easy life in Blighty instead of returning home and building their own country, so some high priced lefty, lawyers took up their fight and hey presto! Now we have an abundance of carpark attendants in the UK.
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.
@@MaxPlankton This particular Gurkha was ethnically Tibetan - that's why he was having a hard time fitting in.
@@efnissien Ah ok, wasn't aware of that.
Absolutely true. I've heard that story myself. In his epic journey to enlist at Pokhara, he had crossed ravines, mountains and rivers. The only food he carried were small blocks of dried yak milk. Now that's what you call committed!
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.
yip
Yes you really would not want them as your enemy
If they are not on your side, you might need to see if you are on the right side
I was with them in the Falklands, in the 90's, and we were playing enemy on an exercise. I was sect commander and was 'Briefed' that we would be captured as the Army were trying a new tactic, different to the RAF. We did as we were told and I don't recommend being captured by Gurkhas, even on exercise...
In which battle did the Gurkhas defeat the Germans in WW2 ?🤔
Asking for a friend!
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.
@laurencetilley9194
My dad had three kids, me and a brother and sister. When he came home, he bought a farm in the north West of England and hardly ever left it. As a child I would ask him about the war, but he seemed reluctant to talk about his experiences. On one occasion, we were rounding a couple of dozen sheep up and walking them down a track to some land he owned.
Out of the blue, he said one night an Indian patrol was sent out to find out if there were any Germans in a nearby hamlet, where they were, and how many. The Indians went out after dark and after a few hours, came back and gave their report. The following morning, the Gurkhas, along with British troops, my dad included, attacked.
They were slaughtered. It turned out the Indians had not gone anywhere near the hamlet, instead they had curled up behind a stone wall smoking and sleeping. The report they gave was lies.
It didn't take long for the Gurkhas to realise what had happened, why the slaughter had occurred.
My dad said the Gurkhas killed all the Indians with their kukris. They cut their heads open and left them in the field.
Dad said the lane to the hamlet was just like the lane to his land, and the dead bodies, from a distance, looked like sheep in a field.
The other Indian soldiers who watched said those on the patrol were all muslim.
In the early 2000's, some land near us was sold to a chap who kept a few donkeys and hens. He'd roll down and talk to my father occasionally. It turned out his wife's father was in the same Div as my dad. 4th Indian I think, he said he had died a few years ago and never spoke of his experiences. He did, however, have no time for arabs or muslims.....
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.
They were famous in HK as an elite troops
We owe them nothing. They are well paid soldiers from a foreign nation - the word mercenary comes to mind. They are desperate to leave the poverty of their homeland for a well paid job in the British Army. Medical care, dental care and pension all part of the deal. And at the end of it most of them fight like hell to stay in the UK. I think they might owe the British taxpayer a debt of gratitude 🤔
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.
medals are awarded not won...and australians are more dangerous in war
@highcountrydelatite Disagree. Aussies come a close second, they were once called "white Gurkhas" in WWI (Remember, you first need the reputation of the Gurkha, in order to be then compared to it.)
@tim7052 These debates about which nation produces the toughest soldiers are a bit pointless. Yes, the Gurkhas have a reputation as high as they come, but that's not to say there aren't equally tough soldiers from just about every other nation. Perhaps as far as we should go is that the sheer attrition rate of extremely fit and able young men to even get a place in the unit means that the average level of the soldiers in the various units is extremely high. Whatever way you want to look at it, they are to be revered or feared, depending on whether you're on their side or not!
@RossoVerdeNero Australians are
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.
f you want a surprise get a copy of Billy Conolly Who do you think you are. Many of h ancestors served in India for generations.
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.
Joanna Lumly is hot on this cause.
@@SusanPearce_HShe’s a great lady.
I am not sure this is actually true these days and is now out of date. As I understand it they have the right to permanent residence in the UK after service and have a comparable pension with British personnel. Many reside here and start their own businesses. Something that Joanna Lumley got involved with
@@SusanPearce_H
I do love me some Pats. 😂❤
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.
Such great soldiers? One wonders how they could not defeat us British on their own soil! 🤔😆🤣
@HangTheTraitors157 better technology?
@@davidcarr7436 Higher European IQ? I'll take that.
@HangTheTraitors157 There is no such thing as the "higher European IQ."
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.
ran into a lot of retired Gurkhas in India long time ago they always were helpful, only ones who spoke English ,great guys but most of them drank a lot
Sound like a boring lot!
they use to party at the upstairs cafe in Belize City they never got loud and mouthy like the english , but had a few
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...
British Empire.... If can't beat them, recruit them. Genius.
Capitalism triumphs over Fearlessness…
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...
Sounds right, the best curry I ever had was in the Falklands when the Gurkhas were resident infantry. I sat with the Gurkha Armourer and asked why they left the bones in, he said, wait till the end and then educated me on marinated meat as we sucked the marrow from the bones. Wonderful, never had a curry like it since.
@Humble_Grumble
I wish I had met some of the Gurkhas my father met during the war, on the rare occasions he mentioned them there was a real emotional in his voice.
When he married my mum, he had regular nightmares, and my mums father, an Irishman, a surviver of the Somme and other WW1 battles, told him to talk about his experiences to my mum. He had done the same to his wife, my grandmother, on his return.
He did for a while, but my mum said she couldn't stand it, the recollections seemed too painful. It appears the Gurkhas saved his life at least three times. One time, he was stuck in a hole being shot at by Germans or Italians and he couldn't move. He heard a voice shouting Tommy keep your head down we come for you. He then heard some Bren guns firing as they fired over the crawling Gurkhas to drag him back. I can remember the tears in my mothers eyes as she told me. He had thirteen weeks in hospital to recover.
No. My father taught me how the khukri is used. The striking action is lead by the hand, NOT by the blade. In this way the strike is a "slicing" action, not a "chop". The cut is started with the blade nearest the hand, with the weight (and belly) of the blade proper following through in the swing. In this way a head can be taken cleanly off, and (using the two-handed khukri) buffalo are decapitated. My father was a Gurkha Officer that fought at Kohima: he never told me of his experiences, but after the war, he left his khukri in the shed for years. It was only a year or so before he died that I showed him his khukri, and he told me some things about it.
We had Gurkhas as security when I was contracting in Afghanistan. I recall an Army Gurkha receiving a high level award after fighting off a large group of taliban by himself. When his machine gun ammunition ran out, he used the tripod to kill more. Incredible fighting men.
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.
@@MarkFeltonProductions Doesn't milk quench the fire from a curry?
by any chance was he stationed in Hong Kong?
My grandfather was sent to the CBI Theatre in 1943 after serving in the Western Desert. The British Army were short of officers & my grandfather was promoted to Lieutenant & was transferred to the 10th Gurkha Rifles, 4th Battalion, 20th Indian Division. My grandfather was in awe of the Gurkhas tenacity to fight out of situations that anyone else would have surrendered. After the war, my grandfather was still supporting his Gurkha comrades. They formed a line of honour at his funeral. He learnt their language, respected their customs & respected those who he served with.
All praise to the Gurkhas. My dad was attached to the Gurkhas during the Malay conflict. I was there as a young boy. We had Gurkha guards on our school bus. I still have his Kukri as a memento of his service.
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!
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
@@campbellpaul In which battle did the Gurkhas defeat the Germans in WW1 or 2 ???🤔😆🤣
@@tomcochrane3604 The Paras and Marines won the day. With the help of the RAF and RN of course.
Worked with the Gurkha Engineers straight after the Falklands war. Mad buggers to a man, brilliant bunch of lads.
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).
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."
@@K24Z3 Pssst You were not alone...
And a very lovely looking lady to boot, lucky bloke.
Better be respectful
Or we'll end up with a new YT channel: "Mrs Feltons War Stories: Episode 1, Dr Felton sleeps outside "
It's British banter to do this.
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.
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.
My grandfather, an English-born Canadian World War One veteran, often said to my grandmother, " Thank God the Gurkhas were on our side"! God Bless those tough, loyal, fearsome, magificent soldiers!
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
"Ayo Gurkhali!"...the Gurkha war cry that sent shivers down the spine of their enemies, once unsheated, the kukri must taste blood. Very formidable...
Thank you for sharing our history Dr. Felton. My grandfather served in the British Gurkhas in Burma 1961-1971. He's since passed away but I am now serving in the US Army in his footsteps. He always loved telling stories about his service and he will be deeply missed.
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 😊
The British were so thankful for the fantastic service of these loyal and brave men that only in the late 1980's they decided to give them a ridiculous small pension. I remember a documentary on the Gurkhas that mentioned an old Gurkha that had been wounded in battle. He had to be carried down and up the mountain by his son, because he could only collect his pension in person. So, thank you Mark for giving these Gurkhas a bit of the credit that they deserve.
But he didn’t give the info you have just given. He talks about active pay so why didn’t he include that it’s only recently the latest govt turned down them getting equal pension. He hasn’t because maybe that would restrict the access he gets to do his research. An establishment type watched by those with similar views. How much else does he leave out of his videos that reflects badly on the armed forces?
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.
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
*
The Argentinian soldiers sound awfully French to me. 😂
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 grandfather served alongside the Ghurkas in North Africa and Italy in the Second World War, he would always tell me how much he admired them and made some life long friends, he said the Italian troops were terrified of them. He always thought the British Army treated them poorly, especially in retirement, I have always supported the Ghurka Welfare Trust on behalf of my Grandfather. Let’s hope we have Ghurkas in the Armed Forces for a long time to come, true warriors.
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.
As I've said elsewhere before, the Ghurkas are amongst the finest light infantry in the world.
Richard Vail, LCpl USMC (Ret)
As an old Marine myself, I second that
Amongst is a surplus word.
Fascinating hearing this angle on the Gurkhas and your personal interaction! I once met a Nepali contract gate guard at a base in Northern Iraq. As I had never met a Gurkha before, I excitedly asked him if he had been one. He looked down and said something to the effect that he "didn't make it." I suddenly felt terrible for having asked. It's my understanding those kids hike for miles from their villages to the recruiting stations. If they "don't make it" some never return to their villages feeling such shame in failure. And really there shouldn't be shame in it as it is such difficult selection, but to some degree I imagine that is an East/West difference. Thanks for all your great content.
Charles Sage, author of Potters' Run
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.
Thank you for this video. I remember my grandfather, who fought in WW1 speak of the ghurkas. Although he did not participate in WW2, he was involved in another way. My grandfather was the one who whetted my appetite for WW1 & 2 history and it has been somewhat of a passion of mine ever since. I am now 70 years old and my grandfather is long gone. He was a great racounteur and was the main person who formed the Legion for the ex-soldiers during the 1950's in the small island I grew up in. Up until then, many of these ex-soldiers were often in dire straits and condition and he tirelessly travelled the island going deep into unpaved country to meet these soldiers assisting them with medical help and devices and housing. He was later awarded the OBE by Prince Philip himself. I was so proud of him. With these amazing videos that you provide us all with, you do a great service to remind the many of what people fought and died for and how precious that freedom should be.
When I was growing up in Hong Kong the Gurkhas used to come and play soccer with us kids. I remember before the handover there was rumblings about China taking HK by force and there were nearly a million PLA troops over the border. Both my parents were ex service and both said the PLA wouldn't dare with 3000 Gurkhas in town.
I played football with the Gurkhas - they played barefoot!
@@MarkFeltonProductions Can't remember if they were barefoot in the mid 90s in HK but they were great with us, we were probably the safest and best protected kids on the planet on those days!
@@MarkFeltonProductionsa real brits..even historian can play football ⚽😂
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 ❤
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.
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.
I have always wondered , how do they practice with their Kukhri, do they have ones that are separate and leave their personal ones sheathed . There must be some kind of procedure , otherwise that is a lot of bloodletting.
@@kennethbolton951 Probably if they're training, or sharpening, or just with their brother Gurkhas in the barracks, that isn't necessary. Only when strangers ask to see their knives, they have to keep the legend going. Otherwise, there would be a lot of soldiers missing digits. Just a guess.
It's a myth all this blood letting cock sorry. Just how in the hell they are supposed to keep the blade clean and sharp be inspected etc without completely bleeding out would be amazing
@@John-y5i3l I suspect it refers to when they are fighting...God help the enemy.
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.
My grandad was at cassino with the NZ division he described the Gurkhas as one of the doesn’t disciplined regiments he fought alongside. The thing that got him was they were always smiling , going out at night with their kukri and coming back having done the job on the Germans - he always said glad they were on our side , just because they were so good at what they did
I was at Puckapunyal Army Base in Central Victoria with my Regular/Reservist Integrated Signals unit back somewhere around '88 to early '90s and we came across a platoon of Gurkhas out training in Australia. I think that they may have been from Singapore. Anyway, as soon as one of the girls saw the Gurkhas, she said, 'We've been Invaded!' She was a bit dippy so someone informed her that they were Gurkhas, the best soldiers in the world.
They did look quite fearsome in their jungle pattern camouflage uniforms and helmets plus added Australian bush greenery. It was when they saddled up with their packs and rifles that they looked impressive. Their packs were huge and heavy and they dwarfed the Gurkhas, but they formed up without complaint and marched off.
That was my run-in with some Gurkhas.
Nowadays the Cleaners/Logistics staff at the Boys school that I work at are nearly all Tibetans. Industrious but a cheeky bunch when you get to know them. Must be something to do with growing up on Himalayan mountains.
Mark from Melbourne Australia😮
"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.
The first time I have heard anything about your military service. Thank you for your service Mark.
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 grandfather loved them. He was with them in India prior to WW2. He said that they were quite disdainful of the Indians in general which helped to keep them in line/oppressed. In WW2 itself he served with them in North Africa. I remember he said that once he was in a fire position (RHA) and he ‘d asked his co who was covering the flanks? The reply was that the Yarpies were on the right and the Gurkhas on the left. “Oh good. We can relax then” he said.
Great video Mr Felton, thank you. My Grandfather served in Burma during WW2 and fought alongside the Gurkhas, and he had nothing but admiration and praise for them. Whenever i'd visit him as a young lad, i'd always ask to see the Gurkha knife he had and he'd always say - 'if i show you the blade, i have to draw blood'....
My grandad fought alongside the Gurkhas in Asia and always sang high praise of them. He also recounts the tale of sleeping British soldiers in their bunks at night when Gurkha soliders would sneak in at night and run their fingers down the laces of their boots to make sure they were correctly tied British knots and not incorrectly tied knots done by a spy within ranks. And if they deemed a knot incorrect... that soldier wouldn't be waking up that morning
I would have been stuffed as I always used a single ended lace.
When I was working at a museum in the north of England we had a group of young Gurkhas visit with their mother-hen like, but grizzled old English sergeant. They were so polite and respectful and enjoyed their day out. What was hilariously funny was at the end of their visit they went to the gift shop. One soldier (obviously the mischievous wag of the troop) picked up a tiny souvenir bell from one of the shelves...His mates looked on in anticipation as he checked to see where the sergeant was then quickly gave the bell a tiny dingle and put it back on the shelf. His mates all found it hysterically funny and very naughty. Absolutely wonderful souls.
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.
@@ashcarrier6606 yeah, and the Bir(Nepalese for Brave) Balbhadra went on to join the Khalsa forces in Lahore, of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, he died fighting in what KPK of Pakistan today, alongside the Sikhs. Mostly, in 1947, during the summer when my family elders were being escorted to India, from Rawalapindi, forced to leave their homeland, the guards of the train were the Gorkhas, through the entire journey, up to Lahore, hundreds of muslims set upon the train, seeking to kill off the mostly women and children, the Gorkhas stopped the elderly women from killing their children, to prevent them from falling in the hands of the killer mobs, they would tell them, the Gorkhas would die first and then they may kill themselves and the children. My grandmother would tell me, they put up some fight, keeping the attackers off for the entire journey, through the evening, the night and the early morning, sometimes in hand to hand combat, the only losses that night were to the mobs of the attackers, who were shot or cut down by the Gorkha Soldiers. The families of the refugees were reunited with their menfolk months later, my own Late Grandfather was serving in the PIFFERs, his elder brother had been killed in Singapore, fighting the Japanese in 1942. I guess I owe my existence to those Bir Gorkhali Soldiers, who escorted my family safely to Amritsar. There were several trains of fleeing refugees who were cut down by the mobs, while escaping the massacres in what is now Pakistan.
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.
When I was 16, I was in the air cadets and we took part in the annual 100-mile military march in Nijmegen, in which NATO (and other) military forces competed. It was fascinating to see the US Berlin Brigade, Paras etc all in friendly competition. The PX bar was a rowdy affair. In the tent next to us was the Gurkhas. They kind of took us under their wing as we mostly boys in our mid-teens. At one point, one of us went missing. We eventually found him hanging by his ankles in the Gurkha tent as a prank. They soon cut him down and gave us slaps on the back and souveneirs. I still love them to this day.
Meet a Gurkha few years a go. Going back to barracks in Central London. Had combat gear on. But not with the famous hat. Like a idiot. I acked if was a gurkha. He said yes. I dont know why. I thanked him and a quick thumbs up to him. Am not a military man but i study a lot of military history. . He just smiled a big grin and thumbed be back. I was chuffed meeting Gurkha. After reading their bravery and exploits. Very approachable friendly people it seems. Britain lucky to have these solders. It was right to give British citizenship to them back in 2000s. After all the years they fought for us 🇬🇧🇳🇵👍
Total badasses, shameful the way the British govt treated them
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 have, for some time now, known a fair amount about the history of the Gurkhas and their relationship with Britain, but I would not have guessed that they have a patrolling of British royal residencies and the like. That, and the fact that you, Dr. Mark Felton, had actually applied towards becoming a part of the Britain/Gurkha tradition; very cool stuff to have learned about.
Nothing but the utmost respect and love for these, formidable, heroic, highly skilled and dedicated soldiers ❤
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 was privileged to have served with Queens Gurkha Signals in Hong Kong for almost 3 years in the 1980's. Great soldiers and lovely people. I'm still in touch with some today.
Most fascinating lesson Dr. Felton. Your videos provide much enjoyment to this American anglophile.
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
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.
Yes, it’s a truly remarkable account of his war service with The Border Regiment fighting against the Imperial Japanese Army in Burma - Highly recommended!
P.S. At the end of the book, it mentions that he left his unit of the regiment: 9 Section following the end of the war in the Far East in order to go forward for selection as an officer.
If you haven’t already done so, I would heartily recommend that you read his fictionalised account of his subsequent service as Lieutenant Dand* MacNeill with 2nd Battalion, Gordon Highlanders and his trials and tribulations of having to cope with a member of his platoon - Private John McCauslan (aka ‘The Dirtiest Soldier in the World’ ).
Superbly written, very amusing short stories - as well as serving as an affectionate cameo portrayal of his commanding officer ‘the late, great’ Lieutenant-Colonel R. G. (‘Reggie’) Lees who, as a P.o.W. of the Imperial Japanese Army. served as a Major under Lieut.-Col. Philip Toosey while building two bridges over a major
tributary of the River Khwae at Tamarkan in Thailand during the construction of the Burma - Thailand ‘Death Railway in 1942.
@@petergleave7807 Of course it was Burma. I don't know what I was thinking.
When my eldest Son passed out at Pirbright, I was pleasantly surprised to see a sizeable number of Gurkha troops on the instructor teams.
Gurkhas go through a long and difficult selection process back in Nepal just for the right to _APPLY_ to the British army...
That's quite an incredible set up those men have.
I'm glad they're on our side, but it's worrying how more gurkhas are joining the Russian military.
Gurkha are extremely respected in my home town. There is a large Gurkha community in the town because of the army base bramcote nearby. Great people with a friendly smiling people and a fierce fighting spirit.
I served with Gurkhas in 2003 in northern Iraq during operation Iraqi freedom (OIF). I witnessed incredible exploits performed by these extraordinary soldiers. Two Gurkhas who were temporarily attached to our unit repelled an attack of over 2 dozen insurgents on a small outpost in Kirkuk without injury. Their prowess was legendary among our military personnel.
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 served with half a dozen Nepalese soldiers who were at the School of Electrical and Electronics Engineering in Arborfield, Reading, Berkshire in late 1989/1990 - I was a REME Tels Tech and they were doing Basic Engineering training in Electronics. There were 6 of them, incredibly respectful young men, addressed Craftsmen as ‘Mister’ and they were often assigned a letter of the alphabet if their names were too difficult for general use (one was ‘Zed’ for example, to the troops I mean, not staff obviously) - they were generally small stature men but immensely and deceptively strong and agile, already averse in hand to hand combat and could tackle men twice their size with ease - I recall being shown the Kukri one afternoon and before it was sheathed ‘Zed’ cut the back of his thumb in front of the knuckle saying they were never to draw them unless they were to be ‘used’, which meant as minimum drawing blood before replacing it 😳
When out of uniform they wore Green blazers and dark cotton pants with polished shoes and marched in formation everywhere as a group, although they socialised as individuals too, absolutely fascinating guys who mixed really well with the British troops and were extremely honoured to be there, as were we all to be fair. After this I went to Bielefeld and Kuwait - funnily enough I also served with a Royal Anglian Corporal who took us on our final exercise before promotion to L/Cpl and out to our respective units from S.E.E. - 18 months from recruit to first posting. Basic Training, Basic Electronics, Trade Training, JMC and away. Man I miss it. 👍😉🫡
I had a classmate in law school from Nepal. When I saw an article on Gurkhas in MHQ magazine, I showed it to him and he informed me that he was of Gurkha ethnicity, though not a military veteran. I met many other Nepalis through him and I can confirm that they are some of the friendliest people on earth--and also some of the most determined.
I'm from the Philippines. While on official business in Brunei in the 2010s, I happened to be there on the Sultan's birthday. I was fortunate to see Gurkhas stationed in Brunei parade past the Sultan. Unfortunately, cellphones at that time had no cameras nor was I allowed to get past the viewing lines for spectators. Still, it was an unforgettable sight.
And, Mr. Felton because of their reputation, Gurkhas have also been part of the Singapore police force for a long time.
My father in law (born in Agra) served in 1st Bat Royal Fusiliers as a boy soldier 1935 (Pembroke Docks,Wales) to his retirement in 1961 (Tower of London). He was transferred to India in 1936 and served in North Africa, East Africa, Iraq and, Syria in WW2 as a unit of the 4th Indian Infantry Division. He seldom talked of his army service but occasionally while having a pint of beer before Sunday dinner lunch he'd mention the gallantry and exploits of the Gurkhas he'd witnessed .
The Gurkhas and Indian army played a significant role alongside Australian, New Zealand & Canadian forces in WW2.
First time I heard about Gurkhas, was at polish primary school in mid-nineties. My history teacher told us the story of these brave soldiers taking out nazi-german artillerymen in north Africa. "Whenever the british counter-battery fire was unable to knock out the krauts during the day, they were neutralized by Gurkhas at night. Silently, with their long knives" - he said.
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.
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.
20yrs ago I worked on a container ship chartered to the US TRANSCOM. We had 4 retired Gurkhas on board for security. Between 0000 and 0530 myself and one Gurkha were the only two on duty when at anchor (which was a majority of the time). I would make hourly rounds. Like you should when making rounds, I varied the time during the hour and the route of the round. EVERY SINGLE time, somewhere on the ship, I'd turn around, and there would be a smiling Gurkha behind me. He was having fun.
On another ship, one of Gurkha's qualified on the M9 Barretta with a PERFECT score, while the ship was underway (that ship had a helipad they could do that on.)
Oh, and their curry... YUMMY, but man, it burns!
Yes they are my friend served with them in Malaya wonderful gentle men, fierce soldiers
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.
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.
Happened to be "climbing" Mt Kinabalu with my son some years back. 2 Ghurkas and a Brit "ran past me up to Low's peak and then again past me again to Mt Kinabalu while I was doing some rather heavy breathing and sweating. Tough as nails !
Absolute unsung heroes
Safe to say Imperial Japanese soldiers didn't relish going up against them. Fierce fighters with a well- deserved reputation.
I had the honour to train and work with the 7th DEO Gurkha Rifles in Hong Kong in 1982 as they prepared for deployment to the South Atlantic. Additionally, I worked with the border patrols as a Chinese interpreter. Ultimate professionals. They are the quintessential infantryman.
As a US Marine, we told stories of the Gurkha exploits of the past. We held the in the same legendary regard as the 300 Spatans. Our officers wanted us to be inspired and hopeful to be as fierce, brave, and deadly as these men. Not only were they individually skilled, their teamwork was unparalleled.
Thank you Mark . My Grand father was a British Gurkha as well. Love from Ktm ,Nepal.
My Mom was born in 1925 and myself in 1951, and she told me of the brilliant reputation the Ghurkhas had in WW2.
"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 ❤
Wonderful tribute to amazing soldiers . I can imagine a British Officer dreaming of being part of those Regiments .
The Empire takes many Kicks and few Kudos . The strenth of the relationship was put to the test in 1940 when the Brits asked for help . The Monarch of Nepal said that when a friend is in need , its our duty to help. And they did big time.
The Last survivor of 28 (Maori) Battalion, Sir Robert Gillies, passed away in Rotorua New Zealand aged 99. Kua Hinga te totara o te Waonui a Tane.