WW2 15: gurkhas

WW2 15 Princess Mary's Own Gurkhas cap badge WW2

What’s on this badge? Who do you think wore it?

This hat badge was worn by a Gurkha soldier who served in in the 10^th Princess Mary’s Own Gurkha Rifles in World War 2.

The design includes the kukri, the curved knife carried by all Gurkha soldiers.

The Gurkhas, who come from Nepal, have a distinguished history of service with the British Army, dating back to the 18^th century.

During World War 2, the 10^th Princess Mary’s Own saw service in Italy and Burma where they were honoured for their bravery in several battles.

In a famous engagement in 1945, Rifleman Ganjabahadur Rai fearlessly charged two German soldiers, killing them both with his kukri, before he was killed himself.

Victoria Cross (VC). The premier award for gallantry, the VC may be awarded to all ranks of the services and civilians for gallantry in the presence of the enemy. It may be awarded posthumously.

Description: A cross patte in bronze. The obverse of the medal (shown here) bears a lion statant gardant on the royal crown, with the words 'FOR VALOUR' on a semi-circular scroll. The reverse bears a circular panel inside which is engraved the date of the act for which the decoration was awarded. The reverse of the suspender is engraved with the rank, name and ship, regiment or squadron of the recipient.

Clasp. A bronze bar ornamented with laurels may be issued to VC holders performing a further act of such bravery which would have merited award of the VC.

Ribbon. Plain crimson. Prior to 1918, a dark blue ribbon had been issued for the Royal Navy. When the ribbon alone is worn a replica of the cross in miniature is affixed to the centre of the ribbon.

History. Instituted by Queen Victoria to cover all actions since the outbreak of the Crimean War in 1854, the Victoria Cross has been awarded 1356 times and 3 bars have been awarded.

The VC is made from the bronze of Russian guns captured at Sebastopol, though modern research suggests that Chinese guns may have been used at various times.

What kind of medal is this?

This is a Victoria Cross medal, the highest gallantry award in the British Army. These are only awarded to the very bravest soldiers.

In total, the Gurkhas have been awarded 26 Victoria Crosses.

One of these was awarded to Ganju Lama, who in the Burma campaign in May 1944, single-handedly used an anti-tank launcher to destroy two Japanese tanks, despite already being injured.

In 2004, all Gurkhas who had served in the British Army won British citizenship after a long legal battle. Many settled in Folkestone with their families and have developed close and lasting links with the town.

The Royal Gurkha Rifles (which now includes all Gurkha soldiers in the British Army) are based at Shorncliffe in Folkestone.

Fascinating Fact
The 10th Princess Mary’s Own Gurkha Rifles distinguished themselves from other Gurkha regiments by carrying silver-handled kukris, made specially for them in Nepal.

You can find out more about the Gurkhas at the Gurkha Museum.

Fascinating Fact
The 10th Princess Mary’s Own Gurkha Rifles distinguished themselves from other Gurkha regiments by carrying silver-handled kukris, made specially for them in Nepal.