Providing financial medical and community aid to alleviate hardship and distress among Gurkha ex-servicemen of the British Crown
Rifleman Nanasing Thapa MM
Rifleman Nanasing Thapa MM travelled to India to enlist in 1942. He saw heavy fighting as part of the Allies' drive north to attack the German's last defensive line in Italy. The enemy's resistance however was dogged.
In wrestling for the Baldo feature, Rifleman Nanasing's company was ambushed. Many soldiers fell. Rifleman Nanasing took the initiative, jumping to the roadside to await the infiltrating enemy. He held his fire until they were within 10 yards, then pounced. A rapid burst killed eight enemy and wounded others. Rifleman Nanasing defended his position from a fierce counter attack. He then chased an enemy section up the road, firing from his hip. He stayed in position until his company was safe and only withdrew when his ammunition was spent. This act of valour earned this gallant man the Military Medal.
Today, this jolly old soldier and his wife live with their son's family. With just a small patch of dry land to sustain them, the welfare pension is the household's only form of income. Despite suffering from asthma and chronic back pain, Rifleman Nanasing walks for two days to the nearest road-head for a day long bus journey to collect his welfare pension.
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One of 16 children, Naik Gaganbahdur enlisted when he was just 15. He fought in Iraq and north Africa before sailing nor...
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