The Gurkhas  

On a warm evening in September, we had our first WI meeting after the summer break. After a rousing  'Jerusalem' we heard a couple of outing reports. The first was for Croome Park, our venue for the summer picnic, and the second for a Staffordshire  Federation weekend, both of which had been thoroughly enjoyed by the members. Dates for several events were announced, including the Book and Craft groups. A trip to the cinema was advertised and we were reminded of the Blythe Group meeting.

Our speaker this month  was Margaret Cross, who gave a very professional talk on 'The Gurkhas'. She started by giving us a brief description of her background. Her husband was in the army as a Royal Engineer, and had postings to Hong Kong and Kathmandu, Nepal. A 2 year posting to Kathmandu was extended to 3 years and they have remained in touch with the Nepalese since then.

Who are the Gurkhas?  'Gurkha is a term that refers to Gurkha soldiers from Nepal who have served or are serving in the British Army. The name 'Gurkha' comes from the hill town of Gorkha in central Nepal, from which the Nepalese kingdom had expanded.
Nepal is a landlocked country with China in the North and India in the South. Traditionally, Gurkhas were recruited from four ethnic groups in Nepal, the Gurungs and Magars from central Nepal and the Rais and Limbus from Eastern Nepal. Nowadays, Gurkhas come from all parts of Nepal to join the British Army.

Gurkhas first encountered the British in the Gurkha War of 1814-1816 which ended in stalemate. The Peace Treaty that ended the war, enabled Gurkhas to serve in the East India Company's army which, in turn, became part of the British Army. Since then, the Gurkhas have served all over the world. More than 200,000 fought in the two World Wars. The number of serving Gurkhas is now about 2,800 after a peak of over 112,000 in World War II.

It is a huge honour to be a Gurkha in the British Army and every year thousands of young Nepalese men compete for around 230 places. The selection process has been described as one of the toughest in the world. The Victoria Cross is the highest award in the British Army for gallantry when facing the enemy. Since 1858 the Brigade of Gurkhas has received 26 Victoria Crosses, 13 to Nepalese Gurkhas. For over 200 years the Gurkhas have helped fight our wars and keep our peace. Sadly, thousands paid the ultimate sacrifice and if there were a minute's silence for every Gurkha casualty from World War II, we would need to stay silent for two weeks.

After conflict, the brave soldiers returned to their poor hill villages and critically many had not served the 15 years required to earn an Army pension. So the Gurkha Welfare Trust was established in 1969 to relieve poverty and distress amongst ex-Gurkha soldiers and their dependants. It works in both Nepal and in the UK, by providing a monthly Welfare Pension, Winter Fuel Allowance and Emergency Hardship Grants. It looks after their medical needs and offers residential care. The Trust also delivers vital community aid to the Gurkha hill villages, installing clean water and sanitation systems, running mobile medical camps and refurbishing schools. The Trust were also able to help during the Nepal earthquakes in 2015. It formed an earthquake response team and was able to provide emergency shelter and food, medical aid and hardship grants.

Margaret gave us a thoroughly fascinating and informative insight into the life of these proud and  brave people. Our next meeting is on 12th October when we will be playing a selection of games provided by the committee. We meet in Yoxall Parish Hall and further information can be obtained from Penny Bailey through the link below.