During my military service I managed to serve out in Hong Kong prior to it being handed back to the Chinese. For the whole of that 3 year tour I served with the Gurkhas.
Like British soldiers, Gurkhas have to sign a contract when they serve like most people do in employment. What I am trying to say is that they knew what they were signing up for.
I look at the press and listen to how people portray the Gurkha soldier and many times they have me shaking my head at their perception, because 9 times out of 10 thats all it is, perception. How many of you here, posting on this thread have actually lived, breathed, worked and served with a Gurkha Regiment?
To portray them as some kind of uber loyal soldier to our Queen and country is quite far from reality. Does anyone remember the mutiny of a Battalion of Gurkhas on Hawaii, that wasn't that long ago? The whole Bn threw down their arms in a tantrum and refused to soldier on. Whist on my 3 year tour of duty virtually every Bn had a murder with all Bn members closing ranks and not giving information to any investigation. I had to replace so much of my personal kit through theft than anywhere else I have ever served
Unlike the British soldiers Gurkhas didnt pay for accommodation neither did they pay for food or electricity, admittedly their wages were not on par with what we earned but a Cpl in a Gurkha Bn was probably on more money and better benefits than the Nepalese Prime Minister.
The money they earned through trading in gold and gambling was immense and many of the Gurkhas I knew had a good old wedge. Part of the deal in signing up to the British Army was that they would serve then take there bounty and spend it in Nepal, helping to boost the Nepalese economy. Letting every Gurkha enter the UK on retirement will cripple the already weak economy in Nepal.
Good soldiers the majority of them are but I cant accept that they serve for queen and country, they serve for the life they have which is better than what they would have had as a hill farmer.
I dont want to come across as someone who dislikes Gurkhas because I dont, I am still to this day in contact with both lads who served by me. I just think the Gurkha has what he is entitled to, just as I am.
If we let every Nepalese man who served as a Gurkha into our country then the small villages and towns up in the hills of Nepal would disappear for ever. Nepal is like the 11th poorest country on earth, why should we rid them of their prize assets? The pensions the ex Gurkha receives would be better spent in Nepal than in the UK.
