Path to Victory

The year 2025 holds great significance for the peoples of Britain and Nepal, as well as for all friends of Gurkha heritage. This year The Gurkha Museum Trust will commemorate important anniversaries, including the 80th anniversary of the Gurkhas’ bravery in Burma and their courageous contributions during the final months of the Second World War.

The Museum’s Path to Victory series will highlight the service and sacrifices of the Gurkhas in 1945. This series includes a monthly article that coincides with the anniversaries of major battles involving the Gurkhas, leading to Victory over Japan (VJ) Day.

‘We have entered another year. A year that I hope will bring freedom and peace to the world" - Captain G. K. Marshall

The Path To Victory I: Starting Points

In January 1945, Gurkha battalions were positioned across various fronts, with some in Italy, others in Greece on peacekeeping duties, and many in Burma preparing for renewed offensives against the Japanese. The Gurkhas had been in action since 1941, and in 1945, they would play a pivotal role in the final push towards peace, which would culminate in the end of World War II.

The Path to Victory II: Crossing the Irrawaddy

In the middle of February 1945, 19-year-old Second Lieutenant Patrick Davis was marching towards his first battle. A few months before he had joined the 4th Battalion, 8th Gurkha Rifles in the aftermath of the Battle of Kohima. After a period of restructuring and line holding, 4/8GR was sucked into the 14th Army’s effort to cross Burma’s formidably defended Irrawaddy river.

The Path to Victory III: Meiktila and Mandalay

In January 1945, the 19th Indian Infantry Division forced its way across the Irrawaddy River at Thabeikkyin and Kyaukmyaung, opening the 1945 offensive into central Burma. The 2nd British and 20th Indian Divisions followed on 14 February, crossing near Mandalay and causing the Japanese forces under General Heitarō Kimura to scramble north towards the city.

Path to Victory IV: Endgame Italy

The Italian Campaign began in July 1943 when Allied forces invaded the island of Sicily. The island was captured after five weeks of fighting, inflicting a defeat on the Italians that led to collapse of Benito Mussolini’s fascist regime. Nine Gurkha battalions fought in Italy. Throughout 1944 they saw some of the worst fighting of the campaign, suffering heavy casualties at Monte Cassino and the Gothic Line. But despite this, the Gurkhas were regarded as some of the finest troops in Italy.

What's on at The Gurkha Museum

Post-Second World War: The Embers and Fires of the Far East (1945-46) with Chris Jupp

Join military historian Chris Jupp who uses anecdotes and first-hand accounts along with in-depth research to bring to life the events that unfolded eighty years ago in Southeast Asia following the celebrations of Victory in Europe (VE) and Victory over Japan (VJ) Day. Chris will honour the contributions of 13 battalions of Gurkhas, who, as part of the Old Indian Army on its last and most unpleasant campaign, engaged in combat and peacekeeping operations for months after peace was officially declared in Europe.

Spices and Creations – Children’s curry and craft

Bring your family to The Gurkha Museum this forthcoming May half term and savour the exciting world of Nepali flavours and creativity for children of all ages! Do not miss out on this wonderful opportunity to learn about the traditional spices used in Nepali cooking and decorate your very own Nepali spice jar to take away with you.

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