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.

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What's on at The Gurkha Museum

Operation Jungle Rescue: Family LEGO Coding Challenge

Bring your family to The Gurkha Museum Trust this forthcoming February half term and get creative with Lego. Join our exciting Lego building and coding challenge for children aged 7 and up. As part of our Path to Victory series, this activity introduces families to the Gurkhas’ contributions in 1945 in a family-friendly, fun and creative way!

Bravery in Burma – Evening Lecture with The Director and Assistant Curator

Join us at your Museum for an evening lecture given by The Gurkha Museum’s Director and the Assistant Curator. As part of our Path to Victory series, discover more about the Gurkhas’ brave actions in Burma in 1945 and the Victoria Crosses awarded.

‘You can’t do much training here; it is all bloody jungle’ with Mike Tickner

Join Lieutenant Colonel Mike Tickner on June 13, 2025, for a fascinating lecture on how the Indian Army transformed into a world-class fighting force during WWII, focusing on the critical training that led to victory in Burma. The event, held at The Gurkha Museum, includes a 45-minute talk, a Q&A session, and an optional two-course Gurkha curry lunch