List of Nepalese Gurkhas Recipients of The Victoria Cross

Introduction

The Victoria Cross (VC) is a prestigious military decoration presented to members of the British or Commonwealth armed forces who have displayed acts of exceptional valor and gallantry in the face of the enemy during combat. This esteemed award holds the highest regard among soldiers for their courageous actions and selfless dedication in the line of duty. Established in 1856, the Victoria Cross has been bestowed upon 1,356 deserving individuals, symbolizing bravery, sacrifice, and heroism.

Gurkhas and the Victoria Cross

Since its inception, the Victoria Cross has been awarded 26 times to Gurkhas or British officers serving alongside Gurkha regiments. The first-ever VC was conferred upon a British officer of the Gurkhas, John Tytler, during the campaigns following the Indian Rebellion of 1857. The tradition continued, and in 1915, the first native Gurkha, Kulbir Thapa, was honored with the VC during the First World War.

Gurkhas’ Eligibility for the Victoria Cross

Interestingly, when the Victoria Cross was initially established, Gurkhas, along with other native troops of the British East India Company Army or the British Indian Army, were not eligible for this prestigious decoration. Until 1911, all Gurkha recipients of the award were British officers attached to Gurkha regiments, as the highest recognition they could receive was the Indian Order of Merit. However, from 1911 onwards, 13 out of the 16 VCs awarded to Gurkhas were bestowed upon native Gurkha soldiers, acknowledging their exceptional bravery and contributions to the military.

LIST OF NEPALESE GURKHAS RECIPIENTS OF THE VICTORIA CROSS:

Name	Regiment	Date Of Action	Place Of Action
Rifleman Kulbir Thapa	3rd Gurkha Rifles	25/26th September 1915	Fauquissart, France
Subadar Lal Bahadur Thapa	2nd Gurkha Rifles	5/6th April 1943	Rass-es-Zouai, Tunisia
Havildar Gaje Ghale	5th Gurkha Rifles	27th May 1943	Chin Hills, Burma
Rifleman Tulbahadur Pun	6th Gurkha Rifles	23rd June 1944	Mogaung, Burma
Naik Agansing Rai	5th Gurkha Rifles	26th June 1944	Bishenpur, Burma
Rifleman Ganju Lama	7th Gurkha Rifles	12th June 1944	Ningthoukhong, Burma
Rifleman Thaman Gurung	5th Gurkha Rifles	10th November 1944*	Monte San Bartolo, Italy
Rifleman Bhanbhagta Gurung	2nd Gurkha Rifles	5th March 1945	Snowdon East, Tamandu, Burma
Rifleman Lachhiman Gurung	8th Gurkha Rifles	12/13th May 1945	Taungdaw, Burma
Lance Corporal Rambahadur Limbu	10th Gurkha Rifles	21st November 1965	Sarawak, Borneo
Rifleman Karanbahadur Rana	3rd Gurkha Rifles	10th April 1918	El Kefr, Egypt
Subadar Netra Bahadur Thapa	5th Gurkha Rifles	25/26th June 1944*	Bishenpur, Burma
Rifleman Sherbahadur Thapa	9th Gurkha Rifles	18/19th September 1944*	San Marino, Italy

Note: The ‘*’ next to the “Date of action” indicates that the Victoria Cross was awarded posthumously.

Conclusion

The Victoria Cross remains a symbol of honor, bravery, and sacrifice, proudly worn by those who have displayed exceptional gallantry in the face of adversity. For the Gurkhas, this prestigious award is a testament to their unwavering dedication, fearlessness, and commitment to serving with valor and distinction.