"Proof Gurkhas Are the Fiercest Fighters on the Planet" Topic

"In 1815, the British Army tried to conquer Nepal. But it was easily defeated by Nepal's warriors: the Gurkhas. So the British officers decided that, if they couldn't beat them, they'd get the Gurkhas to join them. A peace agreement ceased all British conquest in Nepal, and the Gurkhas agreed to be recruited into the Crown's military. The Gurkhas have fought in several wars, including both world wars and the Falklands War. Known as some of the most skilled and fiercest warriors in the world, the Gurkhas have impressed (and terrified) everyone around them. On the 200th anniversary of their service, here are some of the bravest soldiers and stories to ever come out of the Gurkha ranks…."
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Amicalement
Armand

I still have my Airfix 1/72 WW2 Ghurkas.

My favorite story is from the Falklands War. Some of the Argentine occupiers were terrified of the Ghurkas, their kukri knives, and their night operations. One of the civilians is said to have told an Argentine that it's actually easy to tell if the Ghurkas had been in an area during the night. "When you wake up, just turn your head left and right. If your head falls off, then there's been a Ghurka. Otherwise, carry on."

Well… that was new to me… (smile)

Amicalement
Armand

Also, if the Gurkhas around you ever stop smiling, run.

As long as you didn't make them stop smiling, they will stand between whatever is going to kill people and you, and will not think less of you for staying out of their way while they do it.

If you made them stop smiling for some reason, well, I hope your life insurance is paid up.

(smile)

Amicalement
Armand

Their selection, training and the expectations of their unit peers and history of their predecessors all unwaiveringly set a high standard. If you want to determine if a unit will be elite look at those points.

Actually, Nepal signed a treaty to end the Anglo-Nepalese War that forced them to give up a third of their territory – not exactly what one normally considers victory.

The British did indeed suffer some defeats, but overall did well enough to force that disadvantageous treaty.

One might also note that Nepalese expansion into Tibet was twice thwarted by Chinese armies.

British forces did outnumber the Nepalese (although the majority of those forces were sepoys) and one presumes that the Chinese also had a numerical advantage which is a testament to the fighting abilities and attitude of the Gurkhas.

This is why they should be hired and fight in Syria and Afghanistan! ;)