Valour: A History of the Gurkhas

The first Gurkha regiments were formed during the short and bloody Anglo-Nepali War (1814-15), when Nepalese troops surrendering to the British Indian army at the Battle of Malaun were recruited to fight for their captors. The Gurkhas have been staunch friends in every war fought by Great Britain and they have proved to be an unusually effective fighting force: In the Second World War, nearly a quarter of a million came down from the hills of Nepal to fight against Germany and Japan -- each and every one being a volunteer -- and throughout the 19th century and onto the Falklands campaign in 1982, the Gurkha regiments were continually used to support British colonial interests. Their renown in battle earned the respect of friend and foe; their valor has won countless decorations for gallantry, including thirteen Victoria Crosses.