"His sacrifice will not be forgotten," said the parents of Rifleman Sachin Limbu, 23 years old and a member of the 1st Battalion, The Royal Gurkha Rifles.
Rifleman Sachin Limbu died last Monday at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham 18 months after being injured by an IED in Afghanistan. His parents were with him.
Lt. Col Gez Strickland, his Commanding Officer on Operation Herrick 12, said:
"The Rifleman's sacrifice has prevented him from fulfilling a rewarding career but his inspiring determination not to succumb to his injuries for so long was in the true sprit of those Gurkhas who have gone before him.
'He was highly cherished and loved by his fellow Gurkhas and left his mark on all those that had the honour to meet him.
'As the only son of a retired Gurkha this will have been devastating for his family; our thoughts and prayers are with them at this difficult time.'
Rifleman Limbu's father was a Gurkha Senior NCO.
"In hospital the young man fought against incredible odds for a very long time with more courage than I have ever seen in another human being, helped at every step by his wonderful, loving parents," added Lt. Col. Strickland.
All too often we forget the role the Gurkhas take within our military. His death is no more important than the others who have died before him, but it's appropriate to remember those who struggle every minute of the day to stay alive. They deserve our prayers, be they religious or words of help from one human to another.
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I have wonderful memories of transporting Ghurkas on exercises. A more dignified person I've yet to meet. Yet if you were serving alongside them, pity their opponents.
My introduction to the Gurkhas was memorable FE. Aside from their one meal a day, their snacks were hard boiled eggs and chillis - and masses of both.
Their NAAFi made more profit from the walls of one-armed bandits which they played every spare moment they had.
As for courtesy, they regarded women as equals in many ways, although they believed themselves to be what we now consider the breadwinners.
I'll never forget my moments with the Gurkhas. A very honorable race which has been more than good to the UK.
ps The only problem I had was that few spoke English although with perseverance I discovered most did understand the basic language.
I am very, very sorry to say it will be forgotten. Ask any politician in 14 days time (without internet access) to name the ghurka who died two weeks ago.
Sad that he lasted so long and then succumbed to his injuries.
Rifleman Limbu's courage and tenacity upholdss the high standing of Gurkhas, especially those who bear the name Limbu. They make them exceedingly tough yet gentle. Ayo Gurkhali!
They'd have been even more forgotten if it had not been for Johanna Lumley.
There's a marvellous charity that helps pay pensions to ex Gurkhas and the widows of Gurkhas.
http://www.gwt.org.uk/
You can sponsor a pensioner, or help in many other ways.
(I hope you won't mind the link SR. By all means take it down if you do.)
Another young life wasted for Dick Cheney's oil.
The Brigade of Gurkhas was, for a number of years, based in Hong Kong. I had the privilege of being the de facto Military liaison officer in the Royal Hong Kong Police as I was working on the Sino-British border at that time. I worked with 1/2nd GR, 2/2nd GR, 6 GR, 10 GR, HQ Staff; I got to know not only the Officers, but also very many of the men.
I'd heard many stories from my Father who'd worked with Gurkha soldiers in Burma during WWII. Previously I'd put a lot of what he told me down to 'the rosy glow of memory'.
How wrong I was.
When stood down from duty there are few in the world who can party as hard as the Nepalese. When on duty, there's no-one to match them for diligence and, when necessary, action.
I'd work with these men any time. They are the best troops in the world.
I must add that I was a very honoured and humbled guest at a 10 GR Mess Night where Captain Rambahadur Limbu, VC, MVO was the Guest of Honour.
It is not until you see that purple ribbon and that very plain cross hanging on a man's left breast that you realise that you are in the presence of a very special person.
It was a very special night which will live with me forever.
Thankfully the monumental hangover from the copious quantities of Gurkha rum consumed that night has not got the same life span!
Very true Tris and thanks for the link. I knew about the charity but perhaps others didn't.
Thank you Steve. A wonderful compliment to an extraordinary group of men.
To have been in the company of the young man's father must bring back good memories for you. No doubt both his parents will be grief-stricken now especially as he was their only child.
Sadly I doubt if there is currently one MP who could name him Single acts of tyranny.
It is Gedguy. The credit given to him in the Mail is exceptional and well deserved I'm sure.
Their dedication to the British army is legendary yet, like the SAS, they're happy to remain in the background.
Am I the only one that gets angry reading about the deaths of young men such as Sachin?
His time on Earth has passed, but for what? What? He seems to me like the kind of man that would have gone on to do only great things, good things.
It's a crying shame this war.
No Tom you're certainly not the only one. It is my anger that motivates me to post about the deaths of those who decide to serve in our military.
As well as a crying shame, the recent wars in which we have been involved are a stain upon these islands which will take decades to fade.
I served as Int liaison with the 6th Battalion Ghurka Rifles, The Princess Margaret's Own. I was stationed in Singapore, they were on Blakamati Island in the bay ---- what a time that was!! I adored working with them, was rescued from my own stupidity by one, and would lay down my life for them... I get sentimental just remembering .*sigh*
Strange that when we are abused by previous prosperous ex colonies, these soldiers should still hold the respect they do for the British.
What a lovely memory Michele.
What I remember most was their manners and then their addiction to gambling. They would bet on anything!
I've never understood their respect for the British either. Perhaps it's because they see Britain as some form of saviour?
I ought to add Michele, that the Gurkhas are very highly respected within all ranks of the serving military. It's a two-way relationship.
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