Providing financial medical and community aid to alleviate hardship and distress among Gurkha ex-servicemen of the British Crown
Decorated Gurkhas
The Victoria Cross is the highest award in the British Army for gallantry when facing the enemy. It is awarded without regard of rank. Since 1858 The Brigade of Gurkhas has received 26 Victoria Crosses. Of these, 13 have been awarded to British officers and 13 to Nepalese Gurkhas. Each Victoria Cross won has its own unique story of courage and devotion.
10 Facts about Gurkhas and the VC
1. The elderly father of Rifleman Lachiman Gurung VC was carried for 11 days from Nepal to Delhi to see his son decorated by His Excellency the Viceroy of India, Field Marshal Lord Wavell.
2. Enough metal remains from the Sebastopol cannon for 85 new Victoria Crosses. The famous metal is locked at Central Ordnance Depot, Donnington.
3. Unlike any other award for gallantry the VC is not made in a die nor struck but cast exclusively by Hancocks and Co, London.
4. 12 medals are made at one time with remaining stock held by the MOD. Thus, there has never been a VC made for a specific individual.
5. According to regimental sources, no photographs existed of Rifleman Thaman Gurung when he was awarded the VC posthumously. His officers asked men with similar features to pose for artists. Sketching continued until the Rifleman's comrades agreed the portrait was an accurate representation.
6. HM, Queen Victoria replaced the original words 'For Bravery' on the cross with 'For Valour'. 'For Bravery,' she said, 'would lead to the inference that only those are deemed brave who have got the Cross".
7. Rifleman Kulbir Thapa VC had never been under fire until the battle where he was awarded his Victoria Cross
8. Measuring less than five foot, Rifleman Lachiman Gurung would fail today's army selection criteria.
9. VC holder, Rifleman Ganju Lama's real name was Gyamsto. While not an enthnic Gurkha, the war effort welcomed all willing men. With a stroke of a clerk's pen, his name at enlistment and subsequent entry on honour rolls is Ganju, not Gyamtso.
10. During the relief of Lucknow in 1857, a record 24 VCs were awarded in one day.
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