Gurkhas

The Gurkhas remain one of the most distinctive and feared regiments of the British Army. Rumour has it that during the Falklands War, Argentinean troops lived in terror of being stalked and killed by Gurkha soldiers, reflecting the Gurkhas' well-founded fearsome reputation. Impressed by the fighting qualities of their Nepalese opponents in a short campaign in 1814, the British East India Company formed the first Regiment of Gurkhas in 1815. After the partition of India in 1947, the Gurkha Rifle Regiments were split between the Indian and British Armies, becoming an integral part of the latter. Following a brief history of the Gurkhas in the 19th century, the author examines their role in both World Wars and their extensive post-war active service in Malaya, Brunei and the Falklands and their more recent contributions in Bosnia, Kosovo, East Timor and Sierra Leone. The rigorous selection and training of Gurkhas in Nepal is also reported at first hand, making this book a useful introduction to the traditions, history and future of an elite fighting force.