a VC winner's kukri

John Powell

John Powell

Joined
Mar 9, 1999
Messages
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The kukri that belonged to Major Rambahadur Limbu who won the Victoria Cross while a Lance Corporal with the 10th PMO Gurkha Rifles in Indonesia (1963-66)

15.5" with a pronounced Chainpuri grip. The bullet is the one that wounded him during his action. The kukri sits on the letter of authentication.
Limbu.jpg
 
WOW! :eek: :eek: :D

Super-neat-o

Please tell us more.
 
If you read his citation for the VC you will become an instant convert to my theory regarding "death day."

That khukuri looks like something he had his village kami make for him.

Thanks, John, for usual great stuff.
 
Here's what I found on Google.

RAMBAHADUR LIMBU

Lance-Corporal, 2nd Bn., 10th Princess Mary's Own Gurkha Rifles, British Army Campaign Malaysia-Indonesia Confrontation

Age approx. 26
Nationality Nepalese

Deed:
On 21 November 1965 in Sarawak, Borneo, Lance-Corporal Rambahadur Limbu was in an advance party of 16 Gurkhas when they encountered about 30 Indonesians holding a position on the top of a jungle-covered hill. The lance-corporal went forward with two men, but when they were only 10 yards from the machine-gun, the sentry opened fire, whereupon the NCO rushed forward and killed him with a grenade. The enemy then opened fire on the small party wounding the two men with the lance-corporal who, under heavy fire, made two journeys into the open to drag his comrades to safety.

Other Decorations MVO

Remarks Later achieved rank of Hon. Captain.

Is a Living Recipient.
 
Thanks YVSA. I was waiting for the original citation to be sent from the GM, but your research worked great.

No, this isn't my kukri. The whereabouts are unknown and this picture is taken from an auction catalog from October of '92. It never reached reserve and was offered 2 more times with no takers. If they auctioned it now, it would be sold immediately. Anything to do with the VC is very desirable now.

The GM asked me to attempt to track it down and I got as far as the last owner who put it up for auction. The trail ended with his death in 2000 and no family to contact. If I had more time I would have checked the probate courts for a will. It would be a pity to have it lost somewhere and would have a real home at the GM.
 
Story sounds surprising smilar(at least in my mind) to that of Rodger Young(american soldier, got Medal of Honor, if memory serves).

But that being said, sure there are hunrdeds if not thousands of tales of brave men stroming a machine gun next to save troops under/with them, most of which no one ever heard, besdides maybe close family, or the other troops there.

Definitely a cool story, thanks for sharing you two.
 
Rambahadur Limbu was also the only VC winner to get the VC twice for the same incident as , He said his first one was stolen on a train on his way back to Nepal so they gave him another one!

I guess somewhere there are still 2 VCs in his name about, They would be worth finding too! Anyone seen the Kukri or VC go past on Ebay? :D

Spiral
 
That's where I heard of him,a nd read short little blurb afterstory,t hen dug up more info later.

That doesn't even have fully story, would have to look around again, but if memory serves, his highest rank was actually sergeant, but asked to be demoted, as he was hard of hearing(about deaf I believe), and was afriad that he wouoldn't hear an order to pass on to his men and risk their lives because of it.

Both he, and Rambahadur Limbu are the type of man that I hope my life comes even close to somewhat measuring up to.

High standard to shoot for.
 
John,

I don't know about the bullet pictured with the khukuri. It doesn't look like it has ever impacted with anything, and I am not even sure if it has rifling marks (been fired). It would have have to have hit him hard, or it would have simply gone through and lost itself in the surrounding jungle. (closeup attached)

n2s
 
Starship Troopers is a classic of science fiction. It has been at least ten years since I read it but it is great. A military story par excelence. The movie sucks. Except for Denise Richards, who I think is gorgeous, and some good action; but it strays very far from the book in content and intent. I can loan you my copy if you send your mailing address to me.
 
Starship Troopers is one of the classics of sci-fi. Not to mention, some of the most astute political observations and ideas I have ever read.

The movie sucked. From what I understand the director was an extreame left winger who didn't like some of the ideas Mr. Hienlen put forth in the book, so he changed the story to villinize those ideas. I hate self service bast****s like that.
 
N2S, I am just guessing about the bullet, but could it be jacketed in some way. It is my understanding that most military ammo was jacketed in some way.

bt
 
I wonder if it could be another bullet from the Oswald magic bullet production run.

I love the look of the kuk though, Starship troopers is what made me a Libertarian :)
 
No chape on the scabbard--definitely a field use khuk and not a looker or display piece. I like.

The bullet does look to be FMJ,
 
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