The Gurkhas
by Byron Farwell
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Book Summary Information
Author: Byron FarwellEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Original Language); English (Unknown); English (Published)
Published: 1990-11
ISBN: 039330714X
Number of pages: 317
Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company
Book Reviews of The Gurkhas
Book Review: An Engaging Tribute to an Engaging People
Summary: 5 Stars
Aiyo Gurkali-"The Gurkhas are coming"(battle cry of the Gurkhas).
"I must not cry out-I am a Ghurkha"(wounded Gurkha)
"My inclination to run for cover,not lessoned by a salvo of mortar bombs that came down behind me, was only restrained by the thought of what a figure the
corps commander would cut, sprinting for safety, in front of all these little men. So, not liking it a bit, I continued to walk forward. Then from behind a
a rock that offered scant cover to his bulky figure rose my old friend, the subadar-major of the 7th Gurkhas, his face creased in a huge grin which almost hid his almond eyes. He stood there and shook with laughter at me. I asked him coldly what he was laughing at and he replied that it was very funny seeing the General Sahib alone by himself not knowing what to do! And, by jove, he was right; I did not"-Field Marshall Slim(The Ghurkhas, by Bryon Farwell).
When the British task force set out for the Falklands they deliberately released the names of the regiments that were going. Among them were the Ghurkhas. The Argentines took the hint. When the Ghurkhas swarmed up the ridge in the final assault , they found it empty of foemen for they had scattered to the winds. Sometimes it is good to have a reputation.
The Ghurkhas are Nepali who have traditionally served in the British Army. They have recieved a distinction which few others have recieved. They are ALMOST as good as Englishmen. The Gurkhas naturally return the compliment. They think Englishmen are ALMOST as good as themselves. Traditionally the Ghurkas and the British have been as thick as thieves(cynics might note that that metaphor has in some cases been more accurate then one might wish, but that is beside the point).
In Nepal, soldiering is a prestiegious occupation. Nepali are poor and warlike, and English are rich and warlike. Service in a Gurkha regiment provides a reputation that one can take home to one's hamlet in Nepal. It also provides material goods. There is pay, obviously. There are also perks like innoculation, and training in the use of technology. As a result nine can be turned away and one accepted making the Ghurkhas some of the most formidable infantry in the world.
Gurkhas have a certain stereotype. They are always polite and rather boyish. They also take discipline quite seriously. And they are of smaller stature then normal among humans. One might remark sarcastically, that that description would fit a Golden Retriever. However that is PCness talking and while it is patronizing, there are worse sins then an officer feeling an affection, however snobbish, toward his men.
Be that as it may, the Ghurkhas have always been steadfast and loyal troops and well deserve the reputation bestowed on them. They have a number of decorations to their credit and the only serving Victoria Cross is a Ghurka. Bryan Farwell gives a fascinating description of the Ghurkhas both in the field, and in their normal day-to-day life. It is written in a most engaging manner and describes not just their martial qualities but their customs, idiosyncracies, and manner of living. It is an affectionate look at people who are regarded as fearsome in battle, but tender, boyish and lovable off-duty. A strange stereotype but not the worst and if true it fits the image of the ideal warrior who is "fierce in the field and meek in the hall." Many of the writers perspectives would be considered old-fashioned today. But being old-fashioned does not mean he has nothing to say.
Besides historical and social descriptions the author gives various things including jokes about Ghurkhas(usually relating to their sense of discipline)and one or two jokes by Ghurkhas(they love to laugh but have a rather grim sense of humor that can be an aquired taste). Also such things like the custom of satirizing officers in little skits, and customs surrounding the fearsome Kukri-blades which are brush-cutter, meat-cleaver,religious sacrificial implement, and weapon all in one and are forever associated with the gallant Ghurkhas. There are also a number of entertaining war-stories from the time the Ghurkhas first started taking service to the present day. The book was published to early to have any stories from the present conflict and those who are looking for such will have to look elsewhere. However there are more then enough blood-and-thunder anecdotes to entertain anyone.
So if you wish to follow the Ghurkas as they go to the ends of the Earth in the Queen's service, read this book.
Summary of The Gurkhas
This book will tell who the Gurkhas are and where they come from. It will describe their manners, customs, and character, and their history as soldiers, with special attention to their unique skills and remarkable valor. Their story is as colorful and as romantic as that of the French Foreign Legion, and yet it has never been fully or adequately told.General Books
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