Bravest of the Brave

Today we remember the sacrifices made by our soldiers, but we must also remember the contribution that those from the Commonwealth etc that fought bravely for our freedom and liberty. One such mighty band of warriors is the Gurkhas, and they have for a number of years come to our Remembrance Service in our village. I remember my grandmother always telling me stories of the Gurkhas and how they were such fearless warriors, and how they are held in such high respect.

The Gurkhas have been part of the British army for almost 200 years, and they come from Nepal, their motto is "better to die than be a coward." Over 200,000 of them fought during the two World Wars, and 43,000 lost their lives fighting for peace. Their bravery over the years has seen 13 of their men rewarded with Victoria Crosses, which is the highest military decoration awarded for valour in the face of the enemy. Becoming a Gurkha is by no means an easy feat and the selection process is one of the toughest any solider faces in the world, for 200 places each year it is estimated that 28,000 men will fight for the right to be a Gurkha.

I think the inscription by Professor Sir Ralph Turner MC that is on the Gurkha memorial in London says it all about our debt to them:

Bravest of the Brave
Most generous of the generous,
Never had country
More faithful friends
Than you