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Gurkhas and Hussars – The Battle of Medicina –

Gurkhas and Hussars – The Battle of Medicina – 16th April 1945.

Perhaps best known for their jungle-fighting abilities, Gurkhas’ versatility is sometimes overlooked. The Battle of Medicina in Italy on April 16th 1945, is but one example of just how adaptable they are. Having fought through mountainous terrain for much of the Italian Campaign, units of the 43rd Gurkha Brigade under Brigadier ‘Tochi’ Barker, were tasked with fighting in an urban scenario, taking the small, medieval town of Medicina, nestled in the flatter, river-filled plains of northern Italy and firmly held by retreating German troops. 2nd Battalion 6th Gurkha Rifles (2/6 GR) was detailed to lead the attack, alongside the 14th/20th Kings Hussars, an antecedent of today’s Kings Royal Hussars (KRH). The fighting, sharp, short and fierce, carried mostly by the points of bayonets and kukris, was over by 9pm on the evening of the 16th, with the town firmly in Allied hands. The shared victory of 2/6GR and the KRH is remembered by the fact that today in the affiliation between the Royal Gurkha Rifles and the Kings Royal Hussars. #Gurkhas #GurkhaHistory #Onthisday #Onthisdayinhistory

2nd Battalion 2nd Gurkha Rifles and Poison Gas –

2nd Battalion 2nd Gurkha Rifles and Poison Gas – April 1915.

The 2nd Battalion of the 2nd Gurkha Rifles first learned of the use of poison gas by German forces in April 1915. In response, the men of the battalion were directed to take precautions against such an attack. They were directed to wear a cloth at the neck, which could, in the event of a gas attack, be dipped in a solution of bicarbonate of soda placed in each trench. These measures had to suffice until proper gas masks could be supplied.

Rifleman Karanbahadur Rana VC and the action at El

Rifleman Karanbahadur Rana VC and the action at El-Kefr, Palestine.

On this day in 1918 Karanbahadur Rana was awarded a VC for his action at El-Kefr, where he led a handful of soldiers against a Turkish machine-gun post. Taking a Lewis Gun from a dead comrade he opened fire clearing the post and its surrounding positions, staying cool under heavy fire.

You can read the full story of his actions, including extracts from his citation, on our website. Link in Bio. #Gurkhas #GurkhaHistory #Onthisday #Onthisdayinhistory

We are all saddened to hear of the passing of HRH

We are all saddened to hear of the passing of HRH Prince Phillip. Our thoughts, along with those of the World, are with the Royal Family at this difficult time.

The Royal Title ‘Duke of Edinburgh’s Own’ was given to the 7th Gurkha Rifles on January 1st 1959 (on the same day as the 6th Gurkha Rifles also got their own Royal Title). The Duke paid his first visit to Regiment early 1959. The Special Order of the Day issued by the Colonel of the Regiment on January 1st 1959 reads:

“Now must we all who form the Regiment to-day, inspired by the distinction of the personal connection with His Royal Highness, strive further to enhance its reputation gained by the glorious achievements over the past fifty-six years in the service of the Crown”.

Thank you Sir, for your service. RIP.

Subedar Lalbahadur Thapa V.C. and the Battle of Wa

Subedar Lalbahadur Thapa V.C. and the Battle of Wadi Akarit.

On the night of 5th/6th April 1943 Subedar Lalbahadur Thapa of 2nd King Edward VII's Own Gurkha Rifles (The Sirmoor Rifles) participated in an action in Tunisia for which he was awarded the Victoria Cross.

You can read the full story, including an extract from Subedar's citation, on our website. Link in Bio. #Gurkhas #GurkhaHistory #Onthisday #Onthisdayinhistory

1st Battalion 10th Gurkha Rifles – First Major W

1st Battalion 10th Gurkha Rifles – First Major WWII Casualties

The 1st Battalion of the 10th Gurkha Rifles suffered its first serious casualties of the Second World War on the afternoon of 2nd April 1942 in Burma. The Battalion was ordered to withdraw from its existing positions close to Prome around midnight on 1st April. Despite other units around them having withdrawn previously, leaving the Battalion in a dangerous position, the Battalion managed to safely extricate itself and withdraw north, towards Allanmyo. On the afternoon of 2nd April, however, during the gruelling march north, the Battalion was bombed by Japanese aircraft a few miles south of Allanmyo. 20 Gurkha soldiers were killed and 40 wounded; a further 15 were never accounted for. #Gurkhas #GurkhaHistory #Onthisday #Onthisdayinhistory

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