50,000 Dead and 13 Victoria crosses, countless wars and the finest soldiers in the history of warfare and it was ruled they had no substantive links to the UK.

Link

Good Luck

Moss

About time too. It's a bloody disgrace the way they've been treated over the years.

It does seem unfair that the UK let's practically anyone in (he11, it let me in!) and yet the Gurkhas didn't 'make the grade'!!! Shocking... So it's about time they got some justice.

Not much different to the soldiers from the rest of the colonies who have fought and died for mother England and the Empire. That said I am pleased that this decision has been handed down. It is not completed however because now the Home Office has to review each case on its individual merits and has set a schedule of at best one year to complete.

CB

That successive UK governments and their mandarins in the civil service (two words I use very loosely indeed) have demonstrated such disdain for the Gurkhas shows how little esteem is apportioned to those who have given true service (not the lip version) to the nation and it's ideals (however misguided they may be on occasion) and is a national disgrace of biblical proportions.

That this issue is now being addressed to the satisfaction of the Gurkhas, and the majority of the nation, can only be summed up in the words of Pete Townsend, on the reported release of a bootleg Who album, "About <deleted> time".

First of all, i'm very happy about this decision. About time we let someone in the UK who is deserving, instead of.....well, i won't go into a rant. But let's keep emotions to one side and throw something else into the mix.

I'm a UK citizen and when i was applying for my mrs to come to the UK, the fact i had served in the Royal Navy carried no clout whatsoever, for the application. Why should theirs?

Most of these guys had served whilst based in Hong Kong and never been to the UK. So not really any ties with the UK. Heck, when theyv'e been there over winter they'll all probably leg it.

What's the difference between what they did for the UK and what Missionaries do for other countries? They signed up to fight for a foreign country, for a salary. And quite a huge one compared to life in their own country.

I'm afraid they fought and died for Queen and country should read they fought and died for the salary and the chance for better medical care and a way out of poverty. Nothing wrong with it, but that's the way it is. The Royal Hong Kong Police had a huge South Asian contingent for many years. In the riots in the sixties the Pakistani cops on the border fought a hard dirty war, proudly wearing the crown on their caps which few have ever heard about...............Did they get citizenship in the UK.............errr No.

Perhaps if another cast member of ABFAB takes up their case........................

And before a few on hear get into Gurkha defence mode, I am happy for them as individuals, but unsure why as a group they have been selected for special treatment ( South Asians fighting and dying in HK for the crown since 1841 ).

And before a few on hear get into Gurkha defence mode, I am happy for them as individuals, but unsure why as a group they have been selected for special treatment ( South Asians fighting and dying in HK for the crown since 1841 ).

I wont go into Gurkha Defence Mode, because I was prepared for the counter argument.

But you can't deny they are the finest fighting force ever to pick up a rifle, kukri or other weapon to fight for the British Army.

Good Luck

Moss

I have used a few different Gurkha security companies in Hong Kong, always with satisfaction. Good for them to be recognized for their efforts.

And before a few on hear get into Gurkha defence mode, I am happy for them as individuals, but unsure why as a group they have been selected for special treatment ( South Asians fighting and dying in HK for the crown since 1841 ).

I wont go into Gurkha Defence Mode, because I was prepared for the counter argument.

But you can't deny they are the finest fighting force ever to pick up a rifle, kukri or other weapon to fight for the British Army.

Good Luck

Moss

Point taken

But you can't deny they are the finest fighting force ever to pick up a rifle, kukri or other weapon to fight for the British Army.

I think the SAS might disagree though.

But you can't deny they are the finest fighting force ever to pick up a rifle, kukri or other weapon to fight for the British Army.

I think the SAS might disagree though.

Yes they might, but they would be to busy being lost in a desert, whereas a Gurkha Rifle would march until he found the enemy and then engage him.

Rifleman Gurung

Grenades were flung into the trench injuring two of his comrades, including his platoon commander. Twice Mr Gurung threw back the grenades, but the third exploded in his hand, blowing off his fingers, shattering his right arm and cutting open his face, chest and right leg. Mr Gurung reloaded his rifle with his left hand for the next four hours, waiting for the next enemy wave to come towards him and then firing at point blank range. His comrades could hear him shouting, "come and fight a Gurkha".

Mr Gurung lost the use of his arm and the sight of one eye. But his actions saved the lives of British, Indian and Gurkha soldiers by keeping the enemy at bay for so long. Afterwards 31 dead Japanese were found around the position, dispatched by him, literally, single-handed.

Good Luck to him

Moss

But you can't deny they are the finest fighting force ever to pick up a rifle, kukri or other weapon to fight for the British Army.

I think the SAS might disagree though.

Yes they might, but they would be to busy being lost in a desert, whereas a Gurkha Rifle would march until he found the enemy and then engage him.

Rifleman Gurung

That's a bit harsh Moss, as we don't know the situation, the link you provided doesn't mention the SAS. Alot of the activities and operations that both the SAS and Ghurkha's carry out are often kept secret, so maybe there have been instances were the situation has been reversed.

All i know is, whilst serving in the RN, i have met both and believe me, i wouldn't like to mess with either

It may be relevant to point out that in Swedish, Gurka means cucumber.

It may be relevant to point out that in Swedish, Gurka means cucumber.

What's Swedish for Gherkin

gherkin = 'inläggningsgurka' or 'ättiksgurka' (back translated 'pickled cucumber' ; 'vinegar cucumber')

Highly useful.

Refreshingly off topic!

Refreshingly off topic!

Nah, not off topic Tiggs. Have you never seen a Ghurka with a deadly Cucumber, especially a Pickled one. It stings like mad if it gets in a cut

Refreshingly off topic!

Nah, not off topic Tiggs. Have you never seen a Ghurka with a deadly Cucumber, especially a Pickled one. It stings like mad if it gets in a cut

Yeah, but those Ghurkas are tough! They wouldn't cry...

That's a bit harsh Moss,

All i know is, whilst serving in the RN, i have met both and believe me, i wouldn't like to mess with either

Hi Jangles, I was, how do you say, fishing a little, looking for a bite.

I have met both too and I assure you, I wouldn't be looking for beef either, however the Gurkha's were a most jovial lot and were always smiling.

It may be relevant to point out that in Swedish, Gurka means cucumber.

gherkin = 'inläggningsgurka' or 'ättiksgurka' (back translated 'pickled cucumber' ; 'vinegar cucumber')

Highly useful.

I think this is being very derogatory toward the lads

Good Luck

Moss

Is this not an outrageous case of Vegetabilism? Call Trevor Phillips!

Is this not an outrageous case of Vegetablism? Call Trevor Phillips!

Now that is worthy of an other thread altogether.

Good Luck

Moss

What shall we call Trevor ?

What shall we call Trevor ?

Trevor the Turnip

What shall we call Trevor ?

Phillips?

Too obvious............

Trevor the Trench Onion.

Perhaps we can get Ringo to do the voices.

we have moved in two pages and 27 posts from the Gurkhas being allowed to stay in Britain to Trevor the trench onion.

Yes we are in Bedlam

Reminds me of when Baldrick engraved his name on a bullet, his rational was "Ya know how they say there's a bullet with your name on it? Well if I have that bullet I'm less likely to get shot by it"

Chortle.....................my favourite character by far.