GURKHAS FACE BAN FROM BRITISH ARMY
Posted on 29 May 2008 by Jack
THE 200-year tradition of Gurkhas fighting alongside the British Army could be lost for ever, it was feared yesterday.
Nepal’s Communist rulers say they are determined to stop the warriors enrolling.
The Maoists, who won a surprise election last month after a decade of civil war, insist that the practice is humiliating and mercenary.
The former rebels say other job opportunities will be created in the poverty-stricken country and they intend to close British Army recruitment centres.
They have already vowed to abolish the Himalayan kingdom’s 239-year-old monarchy to ensure that Nepal becomes the world’s newest republic.
Baburam Bhattarai, the Maoists’ deputy leader, said: “The obnoxious practice of citizens joining foreign armies as mercenaries will be stopped.”
But the move has met opposition among politicians and former soldiers in Britain.
Conservative MP and Daily Express columnist Ann Widdecombe said she was “saddened” that the Maoist assembly could even entertain the idea.
“The Gurkhas have served in the British Army for over half a century and alongside us for many more years before that.
“They do a tremendous job and their right to enrol in the British Army must be allowed to continue.”
Popularity: 68% [?]
May 29th, 2008 at 11:28 am
These were the fellows that took the brunt of the first use of mustard gas in the Ypres salient, and they held their position on the flank of the CEF. They are loyal, true, courageous, and fierce. This is quite an insult.
May 29th, 2008 at 12:00 pm
I suspect this means the civil war is about to flare up again. The Gurkhas won’t put up with this kind of nonsense.
May 29th, 2008 at 7:46 pm
LG:
I agree with your assessment of the Gurkhas.
However, I believe you are referring to “chlorine gas” that was first used at the Second Battle of Ypres in 1915. Mustard gas wasn’t introduced until the Third Battle of Ypres in 1917, by which time the Gurkhas were fighting in Palestine.
June 14th, 2008 at 3:47 pm
God I love this site. Little details, such as the dates of gas use in WWI comes up. Where else would I learn this..and I’m not saying this in jest, I do appreciate the info.
Appreciative Brew
June 14th, 2008 at 3:50 pm
I’m sure the Maoists don’t like having a well trained military body in their midst that is not particularly loyal to the Maoists. Probably keeps them up at night.
Respect to the Ghurkas!!
July 18th, 2008 at 4:02 pm
A sad piece on news. But what do you expect with a new communst regime?