The Gurkhas Campaign For Justice A Success!
This lens has been created to Support The Gurkhas Justice Campaign which has the amazing support of a wonderful woman in the form of Joanna Lumley. Joanna can be seen with one of the Gurkhas who were successful in the British High Court on 30th September 2008 - but there is much more to be done.
Joanna Lumley, whose father served with the Gurkhas, is one of a number of individuals leading the campaign. You can read more about the campaign at Gurkha Justice Campaign
Why YOU should support the Gurkhas..
The name "Gurkha" comes from the hill town of Gorkha from which the Nepalese kingdom originated.
The potential of these warriors was first realised by the Victorians at the height of their empire-building. The Gurkhas were seen as a "martial race" and were recognised for their particularly masculine qualities of toughness.
The world-famous Nepalese Gurkha soldiers motto is: "Better to die than be a coward", they sacrificed 43,000 of their men during the two world wars and they have been members of the British Forces for almost 200 years.
The Gurkhas still carry their traditional weapon the kukri an 18 inch long curved knife into battle.
Historically, it was said that once a kukri was drawn in battle, it had to "taste blood". If not, its owner had to cut himself before returning it to its sheath. Perhaps that is connected with their motto?
These days the kukri is more likely to be seen in use as a cooking implement.
After suffering heavy casualties in the invasion of Nepal, the British East India Company signed a hasty peace deal in 1815, which also allowed the company to recruit from the ranks of its former enemy.
Following the partition of India in 1947, an agreement between Nepal, India and Britain resulted in four Gurkha regiments from the Indian army being transferred to the British Army, these four regiments eventually became the Gurkha Brigade.
Since then, the Gurkhas have loyally fought for the British all over the world, receiving 13 Victoria Crosses between them.
The Gurkhas are now based at Shorncliffe near Folkestone, Kent. But they are not allowed to become British citizens.
The Gurkhas are still selected from among the young men living in the hills of Nepal; with about 28,000 youths competing, in what has been described as one of the toughest in the world, for one of just over 200 coveted places each year.
Today is the day that the British Government should honour the bravery and generosity of the Gurkhas by recognising their entitlement to become citizens.
Thanks for your support
Gurkha Justice Campaign
Gurkha Justice Campaign Information
- Gurkha Justice Campaign
- The Government has to change the law on how it treats Gurkhas. We demand the full, fundamental change in law that will allow all retired Gurkhas the right to live in the UK.
- Gurkha Justice Campaign Petition
- Please sign the petition for the UK Government to change the law on how it treats Gurkhas. We demand the full, fundamental change in law that will allow all retired Gurkhas the right to live in the UK.
- About the Gurkha Justice Campaign
- The Gurkha Justice Campaign is supported by Joanna Lumley, Peter Carroll, Martin Howe, Sir Jack Hayward, and numerous MPs, Peers, and others.
- Gurkha Justice Campaign Shop
- Support the Gurkha Justice Campaign by buying something to show your support
Joanna Lumley and The Gurkhas Outside The High Court in London
A View From Another Nation On The Gurkha Campaign For Justice
I think Case's comments are worth repeating here:
I'm not British, but...
Back in beginning of the seventies in the previous century, I learned about the Gurkas. It was from a Dutchman, who fought all over Asia in the second world war.
From every story this man told me, it appeared that the Gurkas are without doubt the most brave and the most loyal people any nation could have.
I double checked some of these stories in war archives and with other war veterans and, without exception, these stories were confirmed.
It's a bloody shame, that this loyalty only is appreciated when it comes to lending a big hand in life threatening war situations and NOT when money is involved when these people need help.
In the Netherlands, where I come from, there's a similar situation with the Moluccan. They fought their pants of on behalf of the Dutch government and were left in the cold when they needed help.
Really civilized nations would help these people.
The question is: are we?
Gurkha History
The Gurkhas: The Inside Story of the World's Most Feared Soldiers
Amazon Price: $13.06 (as of 07/10/2009) 
The Gurkhas
Amazon Price: $11.66 (as of 07/10/2009)
Genuine Gurkha Kukri
Amazon Price: $19.99 (as of 07/10/2009)
Valour: A History of the Gurkhas
Amazon Price: $26.56 (as of 07/10/2009)
The British Army, the Gurkhas and Cold War Strategy in the Far East, 1947-1954
Amazon Price: $96.00 (as of 07/10/2009)
Please Add Your Support For The Gurkha Justice Campaign
The Gurkha Justice Campaign needs your support! As well as signing the Petition please do add your comments here to support the campaign.
WindyWinters wrote...
Great Topic! It is unfortunate that such a loyal group of warriors have not been recognized as British citizens. :)
Posted May 07, 2009
pkmcr wrote...
in reply to roysumit Thank you I really appreciate your comments
Take care
Paul
Posted April 25, 2009
pkmcr wrote...
in reply to Robin_Forlonge_Patterson Thank you for taking the time to comment and to share your memories of your aunt - really appreciate it.
Take care
Paul
Posted April 25, 2009
roysumit wrote...
I, being an Indian Know about the Gurkhas quite a bit. The Indian army also have Gurkha Regiment because of their intregrity, commitment and of course courage for which they are well known in India. It's really sad to learn of their sorry plight in Britain today. Hats off to Joanna Lumley who has taken up the responsibility for leading the Gurkha Justice Campaign.
Posted April 25, 2009
Robin_Forlonge_Patterson wrote...
I agree that it seems like an injustice. Britain is hard on a number of its colonies.
My aunt Grace Patterson was a Church of Scotland teacher in northern India and Nepal for about 30 years. A kukri was among the gifts she left to nephews and nieces.
Greetings from New Zealand, which has once again (along with Australia) just celebrated ANZAC Day, the day when some of Britain's allies landed at Gallipoli in 1915.
Posted April 25, 2009
pkmcr wrote...
in reply to reasonablerobinson Thank you and I really appreciate that
Take care
Paul
Posted April 25, 2009
reasonablerobinson wrote...
A very important lens. I have Stumbled this and will be adding it a recent blogpost i have done.
Posted April 25, 2009
Tipi wrote...
This is an interesting topic, one that I knew nothing about before.
Fantastic lens Paul, good work! :) - Susie
Posted April 24, 2009
pkmcr wrote...
in reply to Robert Thank you Robert and I can echo those sentiments. For hundreds of years the Gurkhas have laid down their lives for us and we treat them like this!
Thanks for taking the time to comment.
Take care
Paul
Posted April 24, 2009
Robert wrote
I am ashamed to be British today.
Posted April 24, 2009
pkmcr wrote...
in reply to vbright105 Thank you that's very kind of you and much appreciated
Take care
Paul
Posted April 24, 2009
pkmcr wrote...
Thank you for your very kind comments and I hope that all our readers are finding the information helpful.
Take care
Paul
Posted December 14, 2008
Thyme2dream wrote...
My British husband has spoken often with high admiration about the Gurkhas and their dedication...I think this is a just and worthy cause and appreciate the attention you have brought to it here with this informative lens.
Posted December 06, 2008
Gurkha Campaign News From The Blogosphere
- A Gibo's Tale: Victory for Gurkha Justice campaign restores a ...
- At midday today, Home Secretary Jacqui Smith made an announcement to the House of Commons that the Gurkha Justice Campaign have been fighting for for years. All ex-Gurkhas who have served more than 4 years in the British Army will have ...
- Gurkha Justice Campaign « Just Williams
- The Gurkha Justice Campaign seems to be making some headway thanks to the splendid efforts of the actress and leading activist Joanna Lumley. She is reported to have had an encouraging meeting with the Prime Minister yesterday after ...
- The Gurkha Justice Campaign – Joanna Lumley | 24 Plus News
- Gurkhas are fighting for Justice. They want the same terms and conditions as their UK and Commonwealth counterparts. Britain has had no greater friends than.
- England NewsPapers: Remark led to Lumley Gurkha fight
- Ms Watsham said she told Peter Carroll from the Gurkha Justice campaign that he should approach Ms Lumley because she remembered the actress's father was an officer in the Gurkha regiment. She said Ms Lumley had also donated £500 ...
Gurkha Badges
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See Who Is Discussing The Gurkha Justice Campaign On Twitter
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- markthomasjones
- @edjeavons I'll be carrying all the money I'm taking to bribe gurkhas to carry me.
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- countrygateCal
- Four big hearted guys are tacklling Trailwalker 2009 on July 18th. Pls donate@www.justgiving.com/lumleyslads - for Oxfam and the Gurkhas.
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- countrygateCal
- Four big hearted guys are tacklingTrailwalker 2009 on July 18th. Please donate at www.justgiving.co.uk/lumley - for Oxfam and the Gurkhas.
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- Travis_Lindsay
- @CIGARINN I have smoked quite a few Gurkhas and they are good. Thanks for the tip.
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- Misha1976
- RT @nepalmonitor: How Hindi, Urdu connects Afghans and Nepal Gurkhas in Afghanistan, The Atlantic, http://tinyurl.com/mntqhc
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- nepalmonitor
- How Hindi, Urdu connects Afghans and Nepal Gurkhas in Afghanistan, The Atlantic, http://tinyurl.com/mntqhc
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- MarkH_B
- Geddit? Kukri? Cookery? Kurki? Nepalese? Gurkhas? Geddit? Eh? Kukri! It sounds like Cookery, ish! Ha ha! Ha! Ok, I'll stop now.
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- countrygateCal
- Those made of sterner stuff are tackling Trailwalker however. Please donate at www.justgiving.co.uk/lumleyslads - for Oxfam and the Gurkhas.
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- KnightRid
- @gurkhacigars Lovin em! One of the best Gurkhas I have smoked!
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- nimblebooks
- The Call of Nepal by J.P. Cross is available on Amazon -- life among the #Gurkhas! http://hub.tm/?wkWwD
