Extreme khukuri use!

D

David Innes

Joined
Sep 9, 2000
Messages
181
Hi all,
here is a cheery little quote for you all to enjoy, taken from a book I'm reading at the moment. The originator is a guy called Brian Horrocks, who served in the Indian Army from around 1912 onwards... I think we can assume he is not going to comment on this post, but it would be nice if he did. The Brigade he is talking about is the 1/2nd Goorkas (4th Indian Division). They are in North Africa in (?)1942, and are under bombardment by German artillery, after a battle at Wadi Akarit.
"I asked if a fighting patrol of Gurkhas could slip through the enemy lines during the night and eliminate this nuisance. Apparently prior to the patrol's departure, there had been an argument as to whether a British officer was capable of cutting off a German's head with one blow from a kurkhuri. The raid was a complete success, and from then on we had no more interference. A couple of days later I was invited to the Gurkha Officer's Mess and presented with a Kurkhuri, with which I was assured the British Officer in charge of the patrol had successfully dealt with the German sentry in charge of the gun - with one blow. This kurkhuri is now hanging up in my study, though it has never been regarded with much favour by the female members of my family."
Ah, don'cha just love old general's memories?
I thought this might cheer everyone up, just a little bit. It is posted in accordance with my current thread policy - 'flippant'.
Best wishes to all,
David

------------------
"Old too soon, smart too late"

Uncle Bill M, 2000
 
More memories from the General:
"Before the First World War they skimmed the cream from the officer potential at Sandhurst. When I arrived there and suggested that I might be considered for a commission in the Indian Army my request was received with hoots of laughter. It was pointed out to me that I would have to pass in the top quarter and had, in fact, passed in three from bottom. Moreover, British Goorka officers were selected from the best in this quarter".
Reading stuff like this has me reflecting on how much the world changed over the last hundred or so years. Probably for the better, but, what do I really know? I've only been a soldier, never a warrior. A job, not a life-style.
Damn. Born too late.
Bitterly,
David

------------------
"Old too soon, smart too late"

Uncle Bill M, 2000
 
Hey up, Uncle.
I think you'll like this. I've changed my signature. Not to save you from the dangers of being quoted, but because, damn, I like it! I'll alway remember and use the one I got from you in daily life. Thanks.
David

------------------
"Kaphar Hunno Bhanda Marnu Ramro"
 
Still good stuff, David.

I don't mind you quoting me but I feel uneasy having my name tagged to it because it actually isn't mine.

When I was a kid and knew everything an old man used the saying on me to demonstrate a point. I've never forgotten it and now is has been passed on. I can't even remember his name but the credit is his, not mine.

------------------
Blessings from the computer shack in Reno.

Uncle Bill
Himalayan Imports Website
Khukuri FAQ
Himalayan Imports Archives (18,000+ posts)
 
Oh, I see. Still, it's a keeper, that's for sure. If I use it again I won't credit you with it.

David

------------------
"Kaphar Hunno Bhanda Marnu Ramro"
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top