Just one day after Nazi Germany’s surrender, on 8 May 1945, the British Prime Minister Winston Churchill declared the war in Europe had ended. In 2025, as the nation comes together to commemorate and celebrate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE day) over Nazi Germany and its allies, it is important to acknowledge in May 1945 the war in the Far East against the Japanese continued.
Just one day after Nazi Germany’s surrender, on 8 May 1945, the British Prime Minister Winston Churchill declared the war in Europe had ended. In 2025, as the nation comes together to commemorate and celebrate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE day) over Nazi Germany and its allies, it is important to acknowledge in May 1945 the war in the Far East against the Japanese continued.
In commemorating the 80th anniversary of VE Day, this article will summarise the Gurkhas’ outstanding contributions to the Second World War and highlight that on 8 May 1945 some Gurkha soldiers were Japanese Prisoners of War (PoWs). One such PoW was Honorary Lieutenant Kalu Sing Chhetri, Sirdar Bahadur OBI MBE MC. His inspirational story is kept alive by his grandson, Warrant Officer (Class 2) Khadak Bahadur Chhetri, and The Gurkha Museum Trust.
During the Second World War approximately 140,000 loyal Gurkhas served Britain in various theatres of conflict, primarily in Malaya (now Malaysia), Burma (now Myanmar), India, North Africa, Italy, the wider Mediterranean and different regions of the Middle East. Their bravery and resilience played a vital role in the Allies’ victories not only in North Africa and Italy but also throughout the Burma Campaign, ultimately preventing the Japanese invasion of India. The Gurkha Museum’s series Path to Victory describes the Gurkhas’ contributions, month by month, in 1945. Gurkha soldiers were awarded 12 Victoria Crosses during the Second World War for their acts of valour and gallantry in the face of the enemy.
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The capture of Singapore by the Japanese in February 1942 resulted in the largest surrender of British troops in history. Unfortunately, three Gurkha infantry battalions found themselves in Japanese captivity after the fall of Singapore in early 1942 and were still prisoners on 8 May 1945. These Gurkha soldiers remained prisoners until Japan’s final defeat in August 1945. Tragically, many of them lost their lives due to the harsh conditions and brutal treatment they endured as PoWs. Amidst the inhumane circumstances, there are records describing Gurkhas’ unwavering resilience and courage. One notable PoW was Honorary Lieutenant Kalu Sing Chhetri, Sirdar Bahadur OBI MBE MC. An example of “devotion to duty of the highest order” and maintaining “the highest traditions of his regiment and of the … Army”
In November 1917, Jemadar (the equivalent of Lieutenant in the British Indian Army) Kalu Sing Chhetri enlisted in India and served on active service on the North-West Frontier between the wars. In 1941, he was sent to Malaya. He was awarded the Military Cross (MC) for his bravery during the retreat from North Malaya. “Having been forced back to Singapore itself the battalion and Kalu were forced to surrender on 15 February 1942”. Members of the Second Battalion 2nd King Edward VII’s Own Gurkha Rifles (The Sirmoor Rifles) (2/2GR, an antecedent regiment of today’s Royal Gurkha Rifles) were held captive by the Japanese as Prisoners of War.
When 2/2GR’s Subedar Major (the highest rank for Gurkha officers at that time and the de facto spokesman for the unit) was killed by the Japanese, Kalu took over as officiating Subedar Major. Despite the harsh conditions and beatings by their captors, under Subedar Major Kalu Sing Chhetri’s leadership, the Gurkhas never wavered their loyalty to the British Crown. Several attempts were made by the Japanese to force the Gurkha soldiers to join the Indian National Army, which was allied to Japan. For refusing to succumb to their captors’ demands and for defending his men, Subedar Major Kalu Sing suffered extra punishment. He was beaten by sticks, forced to work all day, and fed small amounts of rice mixed with mud.
Subedar Major “Kalu throughout, in spite of all adversity, and through the darkest and often most hopeless days, never wavered or lost heart.”
(MBE citation)
A letter from Subedar Major Kalu Sing Chhetri to the British Gurkha officers. This letter was smuggled out at great risk. The letter is held at The Gurkha Museum Trust (Credit: The Gurkha Museum Trust)
In total, Subedar Major Kalu Sing Chhetri spent a total of 3½ years in captivity with members of 2/2GR. The high number of Gurkhas that survived as PoWs may be attributed to Subedar Major Kalu’s leadership, courage and compassion.
For this, he was subsequently awarded the MBE in 1947. This award warrant, however, was never received by 2/2GR or Kalu Sing Chhetri at the time.
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After release, Subedar Major Kalu Sing Chhetri with the surviving members of 2/2GR returned to Dehra Dun, India, on 21 October 1945. Subedar Major Kalu Sing Chhetri subsequently resigned in 1947 from the army after almost 30 years of “devotion to duty of the highest order” (MBE citation). He was appointed Honorary Lieutenant in retirement. Honorary Lieutenant Kalu Sing Chhetri was the recipient of twelve medals for his bravery and service covering both the First and Second World Wars, these include:
While researching his grandfather’s story and awards during a visit to the Ministry of Defence Medal Office, Warrant Officer Khadak Chhetri found the citation for the MBE. There was no record of the award warrant being received by the battalion or soldier. It was thought this could have been the result of the battalion’s move to India after the war.
The MBE citation details the torture Subedar Major Kalu Sing Chhetri suffered as a Japanese as a prisoner of war between 1942 and 1945, and praises this Gurkha soldier’s extraordinary leadership, “moral and physical courage, tenacity, resource and devotion of the highest order” (MBE citation).
Nearly 70 years after the award should have been given to Subedar Major Kalu Sing Chhetri, his grandson Warrant Officer (Class 2) Khadak Chhetri accepted the award from the Duke of Cambridge (now Prince of Wales) at Buckingham Palace.
Warrant Officer (Class 2) Khadak Chhetri receiving his grandfather’s MBE at Buckingham Palace in 2016
A third-generation Gurkha, Warrant Officer (Class 2) Khadak Chhetri is a serving member of the Gurkha Staff and Personnel Support (GSPS) Company of the Brigade of Gurkhas. His dedication and outstanding service have been recognised through numerous medals and citations. His accolades include the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal, NATO Medal with Clasp for Former Yugoslavia, Operational Service Medal for Afghanistan, NATO Medal for ISAF, and multiple Jubilee medals. Notably, he was awarded Army Three Star Commendations and Meritorious Service Medal (MSM) by both the UK and US armies.
Warrant Officer (Class 2) Khadak Chhetri giving tikka during Dashain celebrations at Camp Bastion in Afghanistan (2013)
“Gurkhas have loyally served the Crown for over 210 years. None more so than my grandfather, Honorary Lieutenant Kalu Sing Chhetri, and his son, my late father Captain (QGO) Bishnu Bahadur Chhetri 1/2 GR. They served with courage, conviction and drew upon their heritage during difficult times. As have I. Every day I draw inspiration from my forefathers and promote, through personal example, the culture, traditions, our Kaida..
It is with immense pride that the story of my grandfather, the legendary Kalu Sing Chhetri is being included as part of the nation’s Victory in Europe 80th anniversary celebrations. My grandfather, who at the time was being held as a Prisoner of War in the Far East, would not have been immediately aware of the cessation of fighting and celebrations in Europe. He continued to fight for his soldiers’ conditions and maintained the highest of standards throughout their captivity. His valour and values remain alive, 80 years later.”
Warrant Officer (Class 2) Khadak Chhetri and the bravery of his family are being honoured as part of SSAFA’s VE80 celebrations. As the nation celebrates the end of the conflict on the European mainland, known as Victory in Europe, we ought to pause and commemorate the bravery and service of those who continued to fight in other theatres, or fought for survival as Prisoners of War.
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Discover more about the Gurkhas’ outstanding contributions to ending the Second World War by following The Gurkha Museum Trust’s Path to Victory series.
Today, the medal set belonging to Honorary Lieutenant Kalu Sing Chhetri, along with a letter he wrote as a Prisoner of War can be found at The Gurkha Museum. The Gurkha Museum Trust is an independent registered charity (1169920) dedicated to the preservation, protection, and promotion of the heritage and culture of the Brigade of Gurkhas. Sign up as a Friend of Gurkha heritage (for as little as £20 pa) to receive regular researched stories of Gurkhas’ past and current heroics, as well as updates on the nation’s museum honouring our Gurkhas.
