Legendary Military Units: British Army, The Gurkha Brigade - "Better To Die Than Be A Coward"

The Brigade of Gurkhas has served the British Crown since 1815. However, the British East India Company declared war on Nepal in 1814 after enduring years of Gurkha attacks in Northern India.

Gurkha Bridgade History

The Gurkhas had the upper hand when it came to the lay of the land, but the British forces were technologically advanced. The two forces became friends after the war ended and the Treaty of Segauli was signed.

The Gurkhas became a part of the East India Company army. In 1857, sections of the Bengal Army rebelled against the British. However, the Gurkhas stayed loyal and helped stifle the rebellion.

In the 19th and early 20th Centuries, the Gurkha Brigade, which had ten regiments, fought in many wars. They battled in the Sikh Wars of 1845-46 and 1848-49, the three Burma Wars, and the three Afghan wars leading up wp 1919.

Modern Day Gurkhas

The Brigade of Gurkha participated in both World Wars and saw over 238,000 Gurkas join their ranks. In 1947, they officially became a part of the British Army. They have fought in the Malayan Emergency, Borneo, Hong Kong, Falklands, and Afghanistan.

The Brigade of Gurkhas has elements in combat, combat support, and combat service support. The Royal Gurkha Rifles are in Brunei, the 16th Air Assault Brigade, and the 3rd Battalion.

In Maidstone Kent resides the Queen's Gurkha Engineers, with the 36 Engineer Regiment. Many of their other units are spread throughout the UK. Training is at the Royal Military academy Sandhurst, the Infantry Battle School in Brecon, the Specialist Weapons School in Warminster, and the Infantry Traning Centre in Catterick.

Their headquarters is in Robertson House, Royal Academy Sandhurst, and oversees all of the Brigade units and personnel. In addition, Winchester is home to the Gurkha Museum, where you can learn about Nepalese culture, beliefs, customs, and diversity.

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3 comments on “Legendary Military Units: British Army, The Gurkha Brigade - "Better To Die Than Be A Coward"”

  1. Never saw any documentary OR other in Gurkhas anyplace, mentioned in some 1950s movies then otherwise nothing.

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