Facts you probably don’t know about the famous British Army’s Nepalese regiment
1) More than 46,000 Gurkhas have died fighting for the British Crown.
2) Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw is quoted as having once said: “If a man says he is not afraid of dying, he is either lying or a Gurkha.”
3) The Gurkhas celebrated serving the Crown for 200 years in 2015 and have been an integral part of the British Army since 1947 when they transferred from the Indian Army.
4) The name “Gurkha” originates from the Nepalese hill town of Gorkha.
5) Between them, Gurkha regiments have received 26 Victoria Crosses, the highest military decoration awarded for “valour in the face of the enemy”.
6) They still carry their traditional 18-inch kukri knife – a weapon of which it was said if drawn in battle had to “taste blood”, either of the enemy or of its owner, before being resheathed.
7) At the peak of the Second World War approximately 112,000 Gurkhas were fighting for Britain.
8) Gurkha soldiers are still recruited exclusively from Nepal, the majority coming from hill villages.
9) The selection process is one of the toughest in the world with 10,000 applicants vying for around 400 places. Tests include the infamous doko race which involves a three-mile uphill run carrying 35kg (77lb) of sand and rocks in a basket strapped to the back.
10) In 2009 all retired Gurkhas won the right to live in the UK.
Gurkhas we salute you and thank you for your service.