David Charles 2

Continuing the story of my Pa. As soon as he left school he enlisted, for it was wartime. He joined the Royal Scots as an officer cadet and was sent out to Bombay, aged 18, having never been out of Britain before. The next year he joined the 2nd King Edward's VII's Own Gurkhas (Sirmoor Rifles) and remained in India, presumably having a bit of training.  By 1943 he was a Captain in the 29th Gurkha Rifles, and I suspect this portrait was from that time. The following year he saw service in Burma, Borneo and Saigon. Like many men of his generation he didn't have a lot to say about his war experiences other than he kept his head down. I don't think that was entirely true for he came back a Major and bristling with medals, incredibly still only 21. He did have a lot to say about the Gurkhas though  - these are units in the British Army that are made up of Nepalese soldiers, an unlikely connection that goes back 200 years.The Gurkhas are renowned for their fierce loyalty and ferociousness in battle. Pa had the utmost respect for them and for the rest of his life supported them wherever and however he was able. It was not unknown to have the odd Gurkha or two in for a cup of tea when they were in town!  Many years later, when my parents were living in a remote fenland village, the local Branch of the British Legion invited a touring Gurkha band to come and play in the village. To everyone's amazement they came and Pa was guest of honour, Not a dry eye in the house when the regimental march was played - at full pelt, complete with dancing Gurkhas - think of the Kiwi Haka but a lot faster and with even more attitude!

After the war ended, civilian life obviously looked a little dull for he was straight back to India, possibly nursing a broken heart, this time as a tea planter! He became manager of the Glenburn Tea Estate, high up in the mountains near Darjeeling. I googled it recently out of curiosity - have a look! It was far more basic in his day, just a bungalow. He came back to the UK on leave in April 1951 and met my mother. A whirlwind romance ensued and by the end of May they were married, had honeymooned and he was back off to Darjeeling. His new bride followed him several months later. To be continued!