"Gurkha Officers & Kukris" Topic

I have a question. Did British officers in Gurkha regiments in WWII carry a Kukri? I have seen photographs of what is described as an officer's Kukri but no pictures of officers wearing them.

Any help is much appreciated!

I think they were presentation gifts for officers. Bit like giving an occifer a bayonet in WWII (not really meant to be used)

Having met many modern Gurkhas (as patients) they are quietly spoken, reserved types, very respectful….but so impressive. You do not mess with them, as a real elite.

Probably, certainly in the 80s it was a standard piece of belt kit for all members of a Gurkha Bn including the Engineers, Transport Sqn and Signals.. A working Kukri, scabbard usually covered in DPM material and a "Wet Fish" a shiny Kukri in a shiny black leather scabbard. And no, one did not have to draw blood every time they were taken from the scabbard! (FINCO 101 Int Section, HQ 48 Gurkha Infantry Brigade, Hong Kong, 1988-1990)

Tally Ho!

I gather Kukris were common tools in many British units in Asia during WW2.

As such I expect many if not most officers would carry them on active service.

They're not heavy and have many uses besides being weapons.

Of interest the handle of a Kukri is actually quite small and not too comfortable for a large hand. Some replaced the grip with a rubber bicycle grip, and as Skarper says used for all sorts of purposes,

Tally Ho!