Good news. The group of retired Gurkhas fighting for the right to live in the UK and have the same pension rights as British soldiers have won their case, (October 2008). However, there is still a need for the Government to pass a new policy allowing all retired Gurkhas to settle in the UK regardless of their retirement dates from the army. Joanna Lumley, the actress is one of those lending her support in fighting for justice, on the Gurkhas behalf.

Apparently, the Labour Government could still bring in new rules that would discriminate against pre-1997 Gurkha retirees. If your interested in signing a petition (which will be delivered by Joanna Lumley to Gordon Brown), please visit her website Gurkha Justice for further information.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION AS AT JULY 2008, NOW SUPERCEDED BY THR UPDATE ABOVE.

The recent (July 2008) ruling means that some retired Gurkhas won’t receive the same pension rights as other members of the British Armed Forces. The solicitor representing the Gurkhas said, ‘A Gurkha who retired in 2007 on medical grounds with 17 years' service would receive £4,650 a year, but a British soldier in the same position would be given about £6,400.’ (BBC website). The retired soldiers are appealing against the decision.

Other retired Gurkhas are also having to fight to automatically remain in this country as their applications to stay in the UK have been rejected. I would have thought that anyone fighting for this country and thus proving their loyalty would automatically gain the right to stay here. Apparently not. They deserve much better treatment.

They've served this country, so its time for this country to serve them! So come on 'the powers that be', cut the red tape and let commonsense prevail!

Gurkha legal victory, October 2008.

Gurkha pension rights.

Gurkhas right to live in the UK.

Gurkhas in Kent today.

The Gurkha soldiers are from Nepal, a country in the Himalayas between China (Tibet) and India. The Gurkhas have served in the British Indian Army since 1815. They were at one time the enemies of the British East India Company (a trading company), but so impressed were the company by the soldier's courage that they recruited Gurkhas into their own service. The name Gurkha comes from the valley of Gurkha in West Nepal. Since 1947 the soldiers have served in the Brigade of Gurkhas. These tough, resourceful and cheerful troops have played their part in all of the major conflicts that Britain have been involved in. This includes both world wars, The Falklands, Iraq and Afghanistan. Thirteen Victoria Crosses (VC’s) have been won by the Gurkhas over the years. For further information please visit the official Gurkhas website. (Note an additional thirteen VC’s have been won by British officers serving with the Gurkhas.)

The crossed Kukri knives depicted on the flag is used as a tool and a weapon by the Gurkhas. These heavy, curved knives are a cross between a knife and an axe. There are two main types, one with a thinner blade used for warfare and another wider, thicker one, for woodwork purposes. The Victor and Hornet front and end covers below give several examples of the true fighting stories of Gurkhas told for an audience of boys. Hopefully these stories will act as a reminder to us today of what these fierce and loyal soldiers have done in fighting for, defending and dying for this country.

Please note that due to the condition of some of these comics the scans are not as clear as I would like.

For further information about the Royal Gurkhas, British Army please visit:-

Brigade of Gurkhas, British Army.

Sources

BBC News website

The British Army website

Flag courtesy of www.flags.net