With unrivalled loyalty and a fierce fighting reputation, the Gurkhas’ history shows why they are among the world’s most respected soldiers
December 1903 – September 1904
BRITISH EXPEDITION TO TIBET 04
The British Indian Army launches a temporary invasion of Tibet in an attempt to resolve ongoing border disputes. The Gurkhas fight well on several Tibetan battlegrounds, including the storming of Gyantse Dzong, where they rapidly scale a rock face to reach a breach in the wall before nightfall.
1814-16
ANGLO-NEPALESE WAR 02
As the Kingdom of Nepal fights the East India Company for control of mountainous territory, Gurkha defectors join the British forces. Colonel David Ochterlony sees the potential of using these men as irregular forces. They are formed into the Nasiri regiment, impressing Ochterlony with their abilities. After the Anglo-Nepalese War, they are recruited into the British Army permanently as the 1st King George’s Own Gurkha Rifles.
June – September 1857
SIEGE OF DELHI 02
The Gurkhas remain loyal to the Crown during the Indian Mutiny of 1857, exemplified by their actions in the Siege of Delhi. The Sirmoor Battalion fights alongside the 60th Rifles and the Corps of Guides at a defensive position outside the city before mounting an assault on 14 September. They help to recapture the city in intense street-by-street fighting.
1878-80
SECOND ANGLO-AFGHAN WAR 03
The Gurkhas’ excellence on the battlefield is critical in establishing a political settlement between Afghanistan and the United Kingdom, which lasts for 40 years. They fight at the battles of Ali Masjid and Peiwar Kotal, where one of their white officers, Captain John Cook, receives a Victoria Cross. They then participate in the climactic Battle of Kandahar to secure British victory.
1947
INDIAN INDEPENDENCE
Indian Independence divides the ten Gurkha regiments between Britain and newly independent India, with the 2nd, 6th, 7th and 10th Gurkha Rifles remaining part of the British Army. Their base moves to Malaya, with a training depot at Sungai Petani in northwest Malaysia.
May-August 1919
THIRD ANGLO-AFGHAN WAR
Another conflict in Afghanistan begins with the Afghan invasion of British India. The 11th Gurkha Rifles works with the RAF and British infantry to drive the Afghan forces back into their territory. Afghanistan is forced to sue for peace and the war ends with the Anglo-Afghan Treaty (1919).
