The Gurkhas

Aiyo Gurkali-"The Gurkhas are coming"(battle cry of the Gurkhas). "I must not cry out-I am a Ghurkha"(wounded Gurkha) "My inclination to run for cover,not lessoned by a salvo of mortar bombs that came down behind me, was only restrained by the thought of what a figure the corps commander would cut, sprinting for safety, in front of all these little men. So, not liking it a bit, I continued to walk forward. Then from behind a a rock that offered scant cover to his bulky figure rose my old friend, the subadar-major of the 7th Gurkhas, his face creased in a huge grin which almost hid his almond eyes. He stood there and shook with laughter at me. I asked him coldly what he was laughing at and he replied that it was very funny seeing the General Sahib alone by himself not knowing what to do! And, by jove, he was right; I did not"-Field Marshall Slim(The Ghurkhas, by Bryon Farwell). When the British task force set out for the Falklands they deliberately released the names of the regiments that were going. Among them were the Ghurkhas. The Argentines took the hint. When the Ghurkhas swarmed up the ridge in the final assault , they found it empty of foemen for they had scattered to the winds. Sometimes it is good to have a reputation. The Ghurkhas are Nepali who have traditionally served in the British Army. They have recieved a distinction which few others have recieved. They are ALMOST as good as Englishmen. The Gurkhas naturally return the compliment. They think Englishmen are ALMOST as good as themselves. Traditionally the Ghurkas and the British have been as thick as thieves(cynics might note that that metaphor has in some cases been more accurate then one might wish, but that is beside the point). In Nepal, soldiering is a prestiegious occupation. Nepali are poor and warlike, and English are rich and warlike. Service in a Gurkha regiment provides a reputation that one can take home to one's hamlet in Nepal. It also provides material goods. There is pay, obviously. There are also perks like innoculation, and training in the use of technology. As a result nine can be turned away and one accepted making the Ghurkhas some of the most formidable infantry in the world. Gurkhas have a certain stereotype. They are always polite and rather boyish. They also take discipline quite seriously. And they are of smaller stature then normal among humans. One might remark sarcastically, that that description would fit a Golden Retriever. However that is PCness talking and while it is patronizing, there are worse sins then an officer feeling an affection, however snobbish, toward his men. Be that as it may, the Ghurkhas have always been steadfast and loyal troops and well deserve the reputation bestowed on them. They have a number of decorations to their credit and the only serving Victoria Cross is a Ghurka. Bryan Farwell gives a fascinating description of the Ghurkhas both in the field, and in their normal day-to-day life. It is written in a most engaging manne

Most Mercenary Troops are not what you would call top drawer people. Most having the most pressing reason not to hang around home. The reason usually involving a Woman or a Noose. Some of these outfits are noted for their draconian discipline like the Foreign Legion or the German Penal battalions of WWII. I would of not wanted to of been an officer or Non Com in those units. The Ghurkhas are another story and its a great story. From their war with "John Company" in 1815 to the present, The Gurkhas have set a very high standard indeed. As an example,It was a sight to see at Buckingham Palace in watching them mount Guard in place of the Guards. I just can't picture the Legion doing the same job in Paris. Of all the Regimental stories I have read so far this is near the top of the list. Mr. Farwell has done his usual good job of telling a good story about Englands Army and her late Empire.

This is another splendid book by Farwell. Over the years he has written many books chronicling the life of the British soldier and his many gallent campaigns in the days when the sun never set on the Union Jack. The Gurkhas have established themselves as one of the world's elite fighting forces, and justly so. Farwell does a nice job telling their story from their beginnings in 1815 when the British first encountered these redoubtable hillmen as enemies. Over the decades they steadily gained the trust and respect of all who commanded them in India. Their exploits during the Indian Mutiny of 1857 firmly endeared their trust to the British who were justly weary of the loyalty of any native troops after the attrocities committed by seapoys in that rebellion. The Gurkhas identified themselves as Rifles, or Light Infantry and assumed many of the traditions of the Rifle Brigade and Royal Green Jackets. This includes the fast 140 pace, the green hued uniforms, the use of bugles and the like. This is also seen in the style of performance in the band of the Brigade of Gurkhas who perform in their own unique style at Tattoos with fast paced marching and music. Past association with Scottish regiments resulted in another carry over tradition, the inclusion of pipes in all regimental music. Again, the Gurkhas have developed their own keen style of piping, including many traditional Napalese tunes as well as Scots pipe music. Too bad Farwell did not touch a little more on these interesting traditions which make the Gurkhas quite unique. Sadly in todays much reduced British army all of the Gurkha regiments have been reduced to one, the Royal Gurkha Rifles, with a paltry two battalions. Farwell's book is as much social history as well as military anedotes. This is a standard feature of many of his works. Since the book was written back in the 1980s it does not reflect any of the recent conflicts and peace keeping missions which the Gurkhas have been involved with, nor their current force reductions. Still an entertaining and informative book nonetheless.

The rousing history of the Ghurkas & their wonderful achievements are meat & drink for an author like Farwell & he certainly doesn't disappoint here. Good mix of general military history together with plenty of first hand, personal accounts of Ghurka bravery & quirkiness. These are a special people & this is a fascinating story of how their 200+ years of loyal service to the British Crown's Armed Forces came about & , sadly, ended on pretty poor terms. Recommended!

This book was well written and very informative in all areas pertaining to those durable soldiers, the Gurkhas. I couldn't put it down and was so enthralled with it that I had to take off from a day of work to finish it. This book has taught me of a warrior tradition I only knew from conversations. It has inspired me to find out more and more of this story. A must read for any military enthusiast