A Glimpse into Nepal: The Lost Memoir of a Gurkha Officer
When former Gurkha officer Major John Burlison passed away in 2023, his family made a remarkable discovery in his attic: a long-forgotten manuscript of a memoir he had written in the 1980s. Based on his years spent in Pokhara, the book captures his incredible nomadic life as he trekked hundreds of miles each year through remote communities on a mission to recruit Gurkha soldiers and provide welfare support to their families.
A life of service
Major John Burlison was a widely respected and deeply committed officer who made significant contributions throughout his military career. Having served in both the 1st and 2nd Battalions of the 2nd Gurkha Rifles, his relationship with the Gurkhas was built on dedication, compassion, and a determination to always serve their best interests.
Although his military career took him far beyond Nepal, the country always held a special place in his heart. As a Recruitment Officer in Nepal the 1980s, and later commanding the British Gurkha Centre in Pokhara, John helped discover young Gurkha recruits across Nepal and worked closely with both The Kadoorie Aid Foundation, helping to identify potential infrastructure projects in need of funding, and The Gurkha Welfare Trust, championing its mission to support Gurkha veterans and their families.
Through this multitude of roles, he forged a close bond with the Nepali people, and it is this connection that shines through his memoir, ‘Gurkha Hills’.
A lasting legacy
More than just a personal diary, Gurkha Hills offers an intimate portrait of Nepal and its people and serves as a memorial to John’s extraordinary life. In a beautiful twist, the cover artwork was painted by John’s sister, Celia, back when he first drafted the manuscript – something she had completely forgotten doing until the rediscovery of the manuscript!
John’s profound love for Nepal and his steadfast commitment to the Gurkhas live on not only in the pages of this book, but also in the Burlison Room at the Gurkha Museum in Pokhara, where copies will always be available.
Continuing his mission
John’s unwavering commitment to The Gurkha Welfare Trust was a constant throughout his life, and it was his wish that it would continue after his passing. Today, his family are honouring his wishes by donating all proceeds from Gurkha Hills to the Trust, ensuring his legacy of service and support lives on for the Gurkhas and communities he cherished so deeply.