No. 45 Winter 2016

A history of fighting side by side

1814-1816: Anglo-Nepalese war

1815: are enlisted into British forces

1817-1818: Pindari War

1845-1846: Anglo-Sikh War

1848-1849: At this time of remembrance, Second Anglo-Sikh War 1857-1859: we salute them for 200 years of bravery Indian Sepoy Rebellion

For over 200 years Gurkhas have served alongside British troops. Time and again they've 1878-1880: proved their loyalty and courage, earning 13 Victoria Crosses along the way. In the World Wars they suffered over 40,000 casualties fighting for our freedom. Second Afghan War This Remembrance Day, it's our time to salute their bravery and to repay our nation's 1914-1918: debt of honour to these brave men and their families. World War One

1939-1945: What your support means for veterans World War Two

Former Rifleman unable to grow much grain 1948-1960: Alai Bura (pictured) sits recently and, as a result, with his treasured in their store room is nearly Malayan Emergency a village called Tharna in empty. Alai’s favourite food western . Alai is 91. is rice but he is often unable 1962-1966: He enlisted with the to afford it. When we visited Borneo Confrontation Gurkhas in December 1941 him recently, he had run up and fought throughout a small debt at the local 1982: the remainder of WWII. grocery store. The Falklands Conflict Sadly, his wife passed away As part of our commitment Our medical staff two years ago. Since then 2001-2014: to providing financial aid continue to monitor he has lived with his only to Gurkha veterans in Nepal, Alai’s health and ensure Afghanistan son and his family. we were able to pay off Alai’s that he receives the Weather conditions mean debt and help him afford Trust’s Welfare Pension 2003-2011: that his family has been more substantial food. every quarter. Iraq Samachara No. 45 Winter 2016 More support for brave Gurkhas and their Stepping up our support families in Nepal We will be working on 120 clean We hope to finish all 1,200 We're delighted to announce that Every winter we pay a Winter Fuel Our Carer's Allowance is given to families water and sanitation schemes in rebuilds and 500 repairs this all of the grants we provide for Allowance to all our pensioners caring for an elderly pensioner and 2016/17 – 40 more than usual, financial year, although minor Gurkha veterans and widows in to ensure they have the means to covers the additional costs or loss of thanks to an increase in UK aid shocks continue to cause Nepal have increased thanks to your live comfortably during the harsh income. It also has gone up from 2,000 from the British government. new damage. amazing support. Novembers and Decembers in to 2,500 NPR (£18) per month. Nepal. This has now been increased In total, we willl be spending over At the time of writing we provide For over 200 years Gurkhas have served We will also repair the last 32 of from 2,200 NPR to 2,500 NPR (£18) £18 million in Nepal over the year, a monthly Welfare Pension to Britain. Looking after them in their time our water projects damaged by per month. the 2015 earthquakes. including around £3.5 million on around 5,800 veterans and widows of need is the least we can do. our earthquake response. who aren't eligible for the standard We will build two community Army pension and who would This level of aid is only possible A Gurkha widow receives her monthly centres and two extra health otherwise face a life of poverty. posts. The centres provide a hub thanks to the unerring kindness Welfare Pension in Butwal, Nepal for community activity and the and generosity of our supporters, The pension has increased over 10% health posts give those living in who continue to support Gurkha in line with inflation, to 10,000 With my feet now firmly under the remote areas access to vital veterans, widows and communities Nepalese Rupees (NPR), which desk here at GWT HQ, I'm keen to medical care. These will cost us in their time of need. equates to approximately £71.50. The push on and I am delighted to be just over £170,000. amount, whilst appearing modest by taking the helm at a time of UK standards, is calculated on a significant activity. We will be rebuilding 13 large shopping basket of essential goods, schools at a cost of over £1.4 As we enter 2017, the following ensuring our pensioners are able to million. This is a marked increase on points outline just some of our afford all of the essentials. our previous Schools Programme. ambitious strategy to ensure that 48% of our pensioners are over 80 Gurkha veterans, their widows and We will also be spending over and the majority are often heavily their wider communities are able £1.3 million on our Home Al Howard reliant on the funds we provide. to live their lives with dignity. Rebuilding Programme. Director In addition to the Welfare Pension, we provide a number of other grants to Gurkha veterans and their families. These have also just been increased Over 500 new quake-resistant homes now complete thanks to your generosity. That’s 504 veterans or widows who now have somewhere safe to live after last year’s devastating earthquakes reduced their old homes to rubble. Our medical care in action Our homes are unique in that they are built to This is World War Two veteran Rifleman Birbahadur Gurung, ensure they're strengthened against future ex 1/3 Gurkha Rifles. earthquakes. They cost us approximately £7,100 Bir is 98 years old and relies heavily on his daughter-in-law to care for to construct. him. He is completely blind and suffers from arthritis, asthma and 504 puts us over one third of the way to hypertension. Our mobile medical staff visit him regularly to ensure he rebuilding all of the 1,200 Gurkha homes that has the medication and support he needs. were destroyed, which we aim to achieve by Last year we provided him with a commode and a mattress, which have June 2017. In fact, construction work has already made a great difference to his quality of life. On top of the Welfare begun on a further 287 homes. Pension Bir receives from us, we are able to provide his daughter-in-law Of course, we still have a long way to go and with a Carer's Allowance, around 2,500 NPR (£18) per month, which helps we’re committed to rehousing all veterans and compensate for her lack of income as a result of caring full-time for Bir. widows as soon as possible. We're pleased that On the day this photo was taken in August, our mobile medical staff visited 22 other Gurkha veterans and widows despite the many challenges – including across Bheri on their motorbikes. Our Medical Programme is hugely valued by Gurkha veterans and their families monsoon season – we’re making strong headway. who otherwise would have no access to medical care. You can read more about our home rebuilds on our website at www.gwt.org.uk/rebuilding-homes or follow us on Facebook @GurkhaWelfareTrust to see a collection of photos of veterans and widows on their moving-in days.

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The Gurkhas and the Falkland Islands The impact of our Rural Water No bridge too far - As with so much of the In early 2016, a group of our doctors on bikes 7GR troops celebrate victory Gurkhas' history, Gurkha dedicated supporters in the and Sanitation Programme in the Falklands, 1982 involvement in the Falklands Falklands decided that they We'd like to thank those of you Conflict has become the would like to step up and who responded so generously to stuff of legend. help the people of Nepal. the story of our new motorbikes During the Conflict in 1982, After raising a terrific in the last edition of Samachara. Argentine propaganda had amount of money, they came One supporter, Mr J.V.H Robins, spread amongst their troops to us to see how we could contacted us immediately to offer that the opposing British spend their funds where it £2,600 - enough to purchase one forces would "butcher" their was needed most. of the bikes for us! prisoners of war. Not only This is Rastriyaq Secondary that, "the Gurkhas would “Having had the privilege of School in Diktel, Nepal. then eat them!" serving in 2/10 Gurkha Rifles The propaganda was for my National Service, I have apparently spread by Lance Corporal Karna Kubir Rai long supported the excellent Argentinians to fire up their work of The Gurkha Welfare Karna Kubir Rai joined the in 1975 troops and give them even Trust. In its latest newsletter, more of a reason to hate and went on to become a Lance Corporal with the I read how motorbikes are 7th Gurkha Rifles. the British. Unfortunately, it was said to backfire cutting down the time it takes In 1982, he deployed to the Falkland Islands with his catastrophically, promoting for the Trust’s doctors to visit battalion and was among the first troops to enter wide-spread fear in the their patients. Port Stanley when Argentinian forces surrendered on Falklands. It is even said that Located in the recruitment 14 June 1982. Karna Kubir is photographed above the leading Junta of the time areas for 7GR (the regiment Trips that would have taken (left, in the Falklands) waving with comrades from 7GR. contacted the Nepali that served in the Falklands), three to four days are now government to ask for the school was already in taking only a day. The Trust In 1986, he was discharged from the Army and Gurkhas to be recalled dire need of repair before needs an additional six returned to his village in Okhaldhunga District, the earthquakes struck from the front-line. motorbikes and I am pleased eastern Nepal. Today, we support Karna Kubir with last year. During the quake regular financial and medical aid. We may never know how the classrooms were to sponsor one of those. true these stories are; This is a real example of how The earthquake of 25 April 2015 left his mud and damaged beyond repair, however what we do know as were the toilets. The a relatively modest gift can stone house severely damaged and unsafe to live in. is that the residents of the furniture and blackboards "For a country like Nepal where there is little or no effective healthcare have a really significant impact, Our team provided a temporary shelter and oversaw Falkland Islands have never were also damaged and so services, people die from waterborne illnesses that prevail in the wet helping hundreds and hundreds the rebuilding of a new, earthquake resistant home. wavered in their support of need totally replacing. the Gurkhas. season (traditionally June - Sep). However, what most of us do not of people in Nepal.” On 25th April 2016, one year to the day after the Reconstruction of the school understand is that these illnesses, that cost us so many lives and such a earthquake which left him and his family homeless, One of our Welfare Officers will cost just over £70,000 – lot of money, are mostly completely preventable. Karna Kubir moved in to his new home (below). in Nepal, Purna Limbu served an amount which the in the Falklands as part of dedicated Falkland Islanders As one of ’s Mobile Doctors, I have to regularly When Karna Kubir learnt that his new home had been 7GR. He remembers his time have already surpassed go on field visits to treat and check up on our elderly and frail pensioners funded by a Naval Officer who had also been involved there, and particularly the in the Falkland campaign, the former soldier became thanks to a matching scheme in their homes. During one such trip recently in Bheri in west Nepal, I had local people, fondly: offered by their government. visibly moved. He has asked us to pass on his an opportunity to attend one of our Rural and Water and Sanitation "The Falkland Islanders heartfelt thanks to the Officer and to all those who Construction will begin on Programme’s (RWSP) drinking water projects. This area of our work helps gave us a warm welcome. the site imminently and the make our support possible. remote areas by providing a clean water supply to all the families in a Without their embrace we school, which teaches over would not have had such 250 students, will be village through individually installed household taps, and making sure a smooth deployment." complete in June 2017. each house has its own toilet. The impact is impressive! In villages where we have installed water and sanitation systems, sickness rates are down by 90%! With significantly lower illness rates and higher crop yields leading to improved nutrition If you would like more information and income generation of unwanted crops, the living standards of the on how you (either individually or villagers have improved dramatically." as a group) can purchase a bike on Gurkhas perform a kukri dance at a school Dr Khimesh Chhantyal Pun, our behalf please get in touch. in the Falklands Mobile Doctor, The Gurkha Welfare Trust

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The Country That Shook Get your Shaking the bucket to the tune of £100k! Author Sophie Maliphant was in Nepal on 25 April 2015 when the terrible earthquake hit. Now she's doing her part to help us rebuild the country. Christmas cards When Harry Windsor, 82, started fundraising for The between March and September collecting at Gurkha Welfare Trust in 1999, we could never have supermarkets, and the money Harry has raised for the As she travelled from Nepal down to , Sophie came up with a plan to help and calendars expected the amazing impact his efforts would have. Trust has just surpassed an incredible £100,000. the country using her professional experience. A talented graphic designer, she decided to write and illustrate her own children’s book. If you haven't yet ordered yours, A veteran of the forces himself, Harry served in both Harry and Marian are two of our most valued still has The Rifle Brigade and the Army Catering Corps from supporters and we’d like to extend our sincere thanks, The book tells the story of Shanti, a little girl in Nepal who goes exploring to Christmas Cards and 1952–74. He served alongside the not just on our own behalf, but on find out the cause of the earthquake – with surprising results. 2017 Calendars Gurkhas in Hong Kong in the 1950s behalf of the Gurkha veterans and available to buy. and he counts that as the start of widows their money has helped. a lifelong fascination with the His advice for those collecting Brigade – and the Band of the on our behalf: Brigade of Gurkhas in particular. “Present yourself, be polite, This respect for the Gurkhas has be enthusiastic and know your motivated Harry to fundraise subject – Gurkhas have a rich relentlessly on our behalf. Harry history and educating people is and Marian spend most weekends what gets them interested!”

Make your legacy count Did you know that, Leaving a gift in your Will Her generous donation although three quarters is really easy, whether you has allowed us to build of us regularly support already have one or not. two new earthquake- Profits from the sales benefit charities, only 7% get Please call Hayley on resistant homes for Gurkha both the Museum and the Trust round to leaving a gift 01722 323 955 or email veterans and widows, whose We're delighted that Sophie and The Country That Shook have decided to and you can order online at to a charity in their Will? [email protected] homes were destroyed in partner with us. All money raised will support one of our vital school www.thegurkhamuseum.co.uk the earthquakes. rebuilding projects - Shree Brichet Secondary School in Dhading, Nepal. or call 01962 842832. We know that people care to find out more. You can purchase the book for £10 + P&P from thecountrythatshook.com about elderly and vulnerable When Mrs Johanna Burgess, Mrs Burgess’ late husband Gurkhas. Having served us pictured here on her 90th Mike was a long-standing for that support to so loyally for over 200 years, birthday, sadly passed away supporter of our work, continue. We are extremely it is only right that they are in 2014, she left a residual having served in the forces grateful for the lasting supported in their old age. gift to the Trust in her Will. himself. Johanna was keen impact their legacy has had. Trailwalker 2016 - 100km in 11 hours Set up by the legendary Gurkhas, Trailwalker is the ultimate We hope to see you all again next year! physical and mental challenge. 100km across the South Sign up now at www.oxfam.org.uk/ trailwalker. Downs in less than 30 hours. Since 1981 enthusiastic walkers and trekkers have taken Free scarf offer for supporters on the challenge with varying degrees of success and the event is currently held in eleven different countries. We are privileged to have a host of corporate partners who help support our work, in a range of different ways. In the UK, we partner with Queen’s Gurkha Signals and Oxfam GB to host the event, which takes place across the Our friends at Glenbrae Knitwear have kindly agreed that this year, in the South Downs every July. This year over 400 teams took part. run up to Christmas, they will give £10 to the Trust AND a complementary merino wool scarf (worth £30) to those who order a jumper, when using Unsurprisingly, the event was won by Gurkhas. A team from the code 'GURKHAXMAS' at checkout. 1st Battalion The braved the hot weather to cross the finish line in an amazing 11 hours and 4 minutes. They sell high quality wool clothing of all kinds and we encourage you to get your Christmas shopping started at www.glenbrae.com or phone them on 01484 843732. In fact, the top six teams on the day were from the Brigade of Gurkhas, underlining just how impressive these soldiers really are.

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The Gurkhas are there as part of A word from Afghanistan Operation TORAL (the mission to protect NATO’s military and Since combat operations began in Afghanistan, Gurkha soldiers and officers have been civilian advisers) and for many regularly deployed both in Kabul and Helmand Province. Currently hundreds of troops of the soldiers, this represents from 2nd Battalion, The Royal Gurkha Rifles (2RGR) are deployed in the region. their fifth or sixth deployment to the region. For the majority of the conflict in Afghanistan (2002 – 14), Gurkha units were sent to Helmand province where their bravery, skills in hand-to-hand combat and ability to build relationships with the Afghans proved invaluable. On the ground the tour of duty rolls on. As well as building relationships, the soldiers have been undertaking joint-training with allied troops. When the Americans organised a 5km run recently as part of their Memorial Day celebrations, nine out of the top ten finishers were Gurkhas - which certainly helped cement their reputation in Kabul.

From history: Riflemen, including Pipers, from 4th Gurkha Rifles pose at Fort White, Burma (now Myanmar) in 1890 shortly after the Third Burma War. Photo courtesy of the Gurkha Museum.

Images provided with kind permission of: Johnny Fenn, The Gurkha Welfare Trust Tel 01722 323 955 Norman Clark, the Gurkha Museum and Capt Ben Norfield, PO Box 2170 Fax 01722 343 119 Glenbrae and Sophie Maliphant. 22 Queen Street Email [email protected] ©The Gurkha Welfare Trust 2016. Salisbury, SP2 2EX Website www.gwt.org.uk The Gurkha Welfare Trust is a registered charity in England No. 1103669 Company limited by guarantee No. 5098581