23 Quotes About Gurkha soldiers

Who are Gurkhas?

You might have heard various stories and quotes about Gurkhas. They are world-famous soldiers from Nepal who serve in the Nepal army, the British army, the Indian army, and the Singapore police. Gurkhas have served in various conflicts worldwide, including world wars and peacekeeping forces. They are known for their physical fitness, bravery, loyalty, and endurance and are skilled in hand-to-hand combat using a traditional weapon called the khukuri knife and have a reputation as some of the toughest soldiers in the world.

Gurkhas have earned 13 Victoria crosses, along with various countless other medals. “Better to die than to be coward” is their motto whereas “Jaya Mahakali, Aayo Gorkhali” tans. as “Hail to goddess Mahakali, behold the Gurkhali are here” is their war cry.

Quotes About Gurkhas:-

I have collected the following quotes about Gurkhas:-

Reference: craiglawrence

Gurkhas during world wars

World War I:-

• Around 100000 Nepalese Gurkhas fought in the First World War.
• Gurkha battalions served at Neuve Chapelle, Givenchy, loos, and Ypres on the western front and in Mesopotamia, Persia, Palestine, and Gallipoli against the Turks.
• They suffered around 20000 casualties.
• Gurkha regiments received hundreds of gallantry awards along with Victoria Crosses.

World War II:-

• More than 110000 Gurkha served in 40 Gurkha battalions in Greece, Western Desert, Italy, Malaya, Singapore, and Burma. Nearly 30000 of them lost life or were wounded.

VC and Gurkhas

A Total of 26 Victoria Crosses were awarded to Gurkhas and British Officers serving with Gurkha regiments. Among which 13 have been bestowed on Native Gurkha. The first award was to native Gurkha, Kulbir Thapa in 1915 during World War I. Following is the list of all 13 native Gurkhas recipients of the Victoria Cross.

• Kulbir Thapa
• Karan Bahadur Rana
• lal Bahadur Thapa
• Gaje Ghale
• Tul Bahadur Pun
• Netra Bahadur Thapa
• Sher Bahadur Thapa
• Agansing Rai
• Ganju Lama
• Thaman Gurung
• lachhiman Gurung
• Ram Bahadur Limbu
• Bhanbhagta Gurung

Reference: craiglawrence

Facts about Gurkhas

• The term Gurkha or Gorkha came from the hill town of Gorkha, where the unification of Nepal started.
• The Gurkhas have a reputation for being fearless and unstable in battle, and their motto is “Better to die than to be a coward”.
• Gurkhas have served in the British Army for over 200 years since 1947 after they transferred from Indian Army. They Celebrated 200 yrs of serving in the year 2015.
• They are still recruited from Nepal by the British army, Indian army, Singapore police, and Gurkha Reserve Unit, Brunei. The majority of recruits are from Gurung, Magar, Rai, and Limbu ethnic Groups.
• The selection process of Gurkhas is considered one the toughest in the world where more than 10000 Nepalese youth compete with each other for 400 places every year. The process includes a Doko race where candidates have to run uphill carrying 35kg of sand and rocks in a Doko(Bamboo Basket) strapped to the back for 3 miles.
• The Gurkhas are primarily trained in the use of the kukri knife, a traditional Nepalese weapon that is always carried by Gurkhas in every combat.
• Out of 26 Victoria Crosses were awarded to Gurkhas and British Officers serving with the Gurkha regiment,13 have been bestowed on Native Gurkha.
• The Gurkhas are highly respected in British society and are often regarded as one of the finest infantry regiments in the world.
• The Gurkha’s legacy continues to this day, and they are still seen as a symbol of bravery, courage, and loyalty.

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