VJ Day at 101: The Extraordinary Life of WWII Veteran Bom Bahadur Ghale

Today on 15 August 2026, we commemorate 81 years since Imperial Japan surrendered in World War II, effectively bringing the war to an end. On this anniversary, we pay special tribute to the veterans who served in Asia and the Pacific, as well as those who made the ultimate sacrifice for peace.

During the brutal Burma Campaign of World War II, Gurkha soldiers demonstrated extraordinary bravery, with several receiving the Victoria Cross, the highest award for gallantry in the face of the enemy. These acts of valour cemented the Gurkhas’ legendary reputation for courage and sacrifice in the most challenging of combat environments.

Among those heroes was Rifleman Bom Bahadur Ghale. This is his story.

Bom Bahadur enlisted in October 1944, serving as a Rifleman with the 2/5th Gurkha Rifles. Before being deployed overseas, he underwent rigorous preparation, learning to master weaponry, endure tough physical conditioning, and navigate forest terrain during exercises. This demanding environment forged a strong foundation of discipline, resilience, and teamwork, virtues that remained with him throughout his life.

Although many of the details have faded with age, his family say that Bom Bahadur continued to speak proudly about his time in the Army. He would sometimes talk about Japan, Burma and the end of the war, although the places and events had gradually become mixed together in his memory.

“We went to places like Hiroshi, Nagasi, Fukoshi, Tokyo. Stayed there in duty. Japan was the place where the war ended. I don’t remember much. I know it was very cold. I remember wearing six layers of clothes underneath. It used to snow over there.”

As the years passed, he spoke less about the fighting and more about the people he served alongside. He remembered sharing meals with fellow Gurkhas, supporting one another and forming friendships during difficult times.

When the war ended, Bom Bahadur returned to Nepal. Like many Gurkha veterans of his generation, he settled back into village life and devoted himself to farming and raising his family.

Building a life back home

After returning from military service, Bom Bahadur spent decades working on the land and caring for his family. He kept livestock and worked around the house, living a simple life in the hills of Dhading.

He and his late wife, Kamal, raised six sons. Bom Bahadur now lives with his second eldest son, Gyan Bahadur, who has taken on the responsibility of caring for his father.

Rebuilding After the Earthquake

For many years, Bom Bahadur and his family lived in their original house. That changed after the devastating earthquake of 2015.

Following the earthquake, the family found themselves living in temporary shelter. “Luckily, no one was hurt, but our old house was badly damaged,” Gyan explains. “The Gurkha Welfare Trust built a new home for us, and it made a huge difference. Life became much easier after that.”

Beyond providing a safe, secure roof over their heads, GWT continued to adapt the home as Bom Bahadur grew older. A new bathroom was added in 2020, followed by a veranda in 2022 to improve comfort and accessibility.

Today, the family also benefits from their own tapstand – a vital improvement that makes daily life far easier for the ageing veteran.

Growing old

Bom Bahadur’s son, Gyan Bahadur, manages almost every aspect of his father’s daily care, cooking his meals, washing his clothes, assisting with bathing, and ensuring he takes his medication. Whenever health concerns arise, Gyan’s first step is to contact the local Area Welfare Centre for guidance from the team.

As Bom Bahadur has grown older, his health has become increasingly fragile. Following a recent hospital stay, The Gurkha Welfare Trust stepped in to cover all medical and prescription costs for his treatment.

Knowing how quickly his condition can change, the family acts fast, keeping our medical team informed and seeking hospital care whenever necessary. The welfare team’s constant presence brings immense peace of mind, continuing to monitor his progress, provide medical support, and offer steadfast care every step of the way.

“Despite my age, I still enjoy sitting outside in the sunshine whenever I feel well enough. I like watching the people around me and seeing what is happening in the village. In the past, I spent much of my time looking after our livestock and working around the house. Those simple daily activities brought me great happiness.”

Memories that remain

Much of Bom Bahadur’s life is now behind him, and many memories have become difficult for him to recall. Yet his Army service remains a source of pride. 

His family say that whenever he talks about his past, there is still a sense of pride in having served as a Gurkha. He remembers the uniform, the training, the long journey overseas and the friends he made along the way. 

“Many of my memories have faded over the years, but I still remember the discipline of Army life, wearing the Gurkha uniform and serving alongside my fellow soldiers. Those experiences remain among the proudest moments of my life.” 

A message of gratitude

At 101, Bom Bahadur has lived through war, military service, decades of hard work, the loss of his wife, a devastating earthquake and the challenges of growing old in a remote part of Nepal. 

Today, he depends heavily on his family, but he also continues to receive support from the Gurkha Welfare Trust, support that has followed him through different stages of his life. 

“The support I have received from the Gurkha Welfare Trust has been invaluable. The regular visits from the Welfare team and medical staff mean a great deal to me and my family. They check on my health, provide medicines and ensure that I receive the care I need. Their kindness has made my life much easier in old age.” 

He wanted to leave a message for those whose generosity makes this support possible: 

“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who has supported the Gurkha Welfare Trust. Your generosity has helped me and many other veterans live with dignity and security in our later years. Thank you for remembering us and for continuing to stand by us when we need you most. My blessing to all.”