A pair of 'presentation' khukuris...

T

Tom Holt

Joined
Dec 30, 1999
Messages
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During WW2, a relative of mine was a major in the Royal Artillery, fighting in Italy. To cut a long story short, he found himself taking command of a Gurkha contingent who'd gotten pinned down by German machine guns while trying to cross a river, and who'd lost all contact with their unit. He managed to get the Gurkhas across the river, took out the machine-gun nests and held things together until the cavalry arrived in the shape of a New Zealand unit with proper support. As a result of this action, he won the DSO; a Gurkha NCO was also decorated for conspicuous bravery in this action.

I'd been told that after the battle, the Gurkhas honored Major Gilbert (who'd just saved their lives and honor, as the regimental history freely admits) by presenting him with a pair of special khukuris, which he carefully preserved along with his medals and other war memorabilia. Understandably, these khukuris were some of his most treasured possessions till the day he died.

Today, for the first time, I actually got to see this collection (along with a copy of the entry in the Gurkha regimental history, confirming his account of the action in every respect)

To my surprise, the 'special khukuris' turned out to be Indian-made tourist-grade things, with nickeled blades. Can anyone suggest an explanation for this? Is there some sort of taboo among the Gurkhas against giving genuine khukuris to non-Gurkhas? Come to that, why would a Gurkha regiment on active service in heavy combat be carrying a pair of Indian-made tourist souvenirs with them, anyhow?
 
Wow. I never would've expected that either! Sorry but I'm afraid my post is worthless since I have no explanation--just wanted to express my surprise as well. Very interesting and entertaining reading, though. Thanks for sharing that.
 
Should've mentioned that the reason the Gurkha unit in question was in such a terrible position to begin with was that they'd lost their previous CO, and his replacement, a (British) colonel newly arrived from India, had no combat experience whatsoever. Basically, the guy lost his head and abdicated all responsibility, leaving the units already committed to fend for themselves until Major Gilbert (commanding an artillery unit that had gotten stuck in a bottleneck several miles back,caused by the holdup), realised what was happening and unilaterally took command.

The Gurkha NCO who was decorated for bravery won his medal by single-handedly attacking a German MG42 position and taking it out - using, of course, his trusty khukuri...

[This message has been edited by Tom Holt (edited 03-16-2001).]
 
I wouldn't want to bet that they didn't.

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Rusty
 
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It would've sure been nice to have had some Ghorkas here when Columbus landed. I bet they would've improved the ndn's immigration laws and then all of Europe would have thought that indeed Columbus and his ban of ruffians had slipped over the edge of the world.
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Tom maybe one of the Ghorkas had been presented with the presentation plaque by a well meaning person that didn't know any better. And then had carried it along with him since the Ghorkas are represented to be so very polite. I doubt any of them would've said anything about the quality of the khukuris since it really is the thought that counts.
It would be really interesting to know for sure though.

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[This message has been edited by Yvsa (edited 03-16-2001).]
 
I don't know the real answer but offer a few possible explainations.

I would be surprised that Gurkhas have anything against give real khukuri's to non Gurkhas. The khukuri is a British Army issued implement. Merril's mauraders seemed to have quite a few of them. In modern times, BAS khukuri can be seen on the belts of SAS troopers while on active duty.

It could be possible that the Gurkha's carried a few of the tourist khukuri for presentation purposes. The tourist khukuri is likely prettier than the service khukuri.

Will
 
Just a thought, its us Europeans that get so steamed/excited about where something comes from. Gurkhas are less pragmatic, and a good kukri is a good kukri, and a shiney one has prestige especially if it cost a bob or too. War pay: so we are not talking rich people here. That it was made in India is not very important, its the thought that counts.
All involved were just happy to survive.
 
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