Story my (Irish) Grandfather told me

scdub

scdub

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So, when I was about 15 years old I got an assignment to do an interview with my grandfather. I decided to inteview him regarding his service in World War II. My grandfather was a cook who served primarily behind the front lines in several of the World War II engagements. I believe he was in Italy when he was apparently in a trench across from the German line when his platoon/group was told to check their shoelaces to make sure they were crossed X style (as opposed to straight across as the Germans tied their boots). He was told that Ghurka warriors were going to come through the line that night. Recall my grandfather was Irish, and I've heard similar stories, so I can't swear that this happened to him, but he said as he was sleeping he simultaneously felt I hand over his mouth and a blade at his throat. After a pause the hand at his mouth moved down his body, found his shoelaces, then disappeared along with the blade. The next morning the Germans across the way in the trench were all dead. The funny part of the story is that my grandfather described Ghurka warriors as very large black men - which I'm sure they were in his imagination! Imagine my suprise when, about a week ago, I discovered HI and read about the Real Ghurkas. LOL!
 
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Also, after lurking around here for awhile I'd just about decided to buy a Dui-Chirra. That blade, with that high polish, just calls to me. BUT, I've changed my mind. I actually think I'd like my first real Khuk to be the same model as the one my late Grandpa Don had up against his juggular. What do you guys recon is most likely? WWII? M-43? Thanks in advance, and count on me to spread the word about HI to all the knife people I know. Amazing story/company.
 
Excellent story and I've heard about it before. The M43 or I think there is a WW2 model. Read up on old articles to get a feel for HI khuks before deciding :)
 
Great story, thank you for sharing
 
You bet!

Also to clarify, I'm wondering what model or type of khukri was most commonly found on a Ghurka in combat during WW2? I imagine it's the WW2 model, but I've also read that many Ghurkas only used issued blades for inspection, and used blades from Nepal in actual battle... I'm still researching on my own as well, just thought some people here would know... :-)
 
Welcome scdub,

Your grandfather has told you a story most of us have already heard. It is posted on the website somewhere. It is one of the most told stories of conflict with the Gurkha. Some call it Myth, some call it Legend. I'm fairly certain the truth lies somewhere in between.
http://ww2talk.com/forums/topic/18303-gurkhas-how-true-is-this/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shoelaces
http://www.thestalkingdirectory.co.uk/archive/index.php/t-12170.html
http://www.funtrivia.com/en/subtopics/Shoelaces-273086.html


Now I must move this to the Cantina, where we can discuss such things.....
 
Karda, thank you for all the links! I had no idea it was such a well known story. I can tell you it was one that stuck with me for sure.

Also, my apologies for posting in the wrong area and for mangling some spelling (kukri, Gurkha) above. Have been mesmorized by the photos...
 
scdub said:
Karda, thank you for all the links! I had no idea it was such a well known story. I can tell you it was one that stuck with me for sure.

Also, my apologies for posting in the wrong area and for mangling some spelling (kukri, Gurkha) above. Have been mesmorized by the photos...
Click to expand...

No worries. We just like to keep the main area (showroom floor) pretty much sales oriented and HI specific.
That's why we have the Cantina here, so we can discuss other things.
We're a pretty laid back group here. Be and enjoy yourself.
 
Karda said:
Welcome scdub,

Your grandfather has told you a story most of us have already heard. It is posted on the website somewhere. It is one of the most told stories of conflict with the Gurkha. Some call it Myth, some call it Legend. I'm fairly certain the truth lies somewhere in between.
http://ww2talk.com/forums/topic/18303-gurkhas-how-true-is-this/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shoelaces
http://www.thestalkingdirectory.co.uk/archive/index.php/t-12170.html
http://www.funtrivia.com/en/subtopics/Shoelaces-273086.html


Now I must move this to the Cantina, where we can discuss such things.....
Click to expand...

My late father, a WW2 veteran, told a very similar story involving bootlaces, belt buckles and uniform bottons and ending with a dead german. He told me this story many years before the interent was even thought of and it stuck in my mind ever since.
 
Yeah, having heard it from my grandfather I'd never dis-believed it, but he was a joker for sure, so I can't be certain. Definitely reminds me that I'm glad and greatful I'm not personally fighting a war.

I realise after quite a bit more reading that my questions re:WWII kukuri paterns were kinda "loaded" - didn't know there was any controversy. What I feel now, bottom line, is that there were and are certainly many types (issued and otherwise) used in many conflicts. I've decided to get something that appeals and is light enough that I will take it backpacking. I only make small fires so would only need to chop much in a survival situation, and even then, most knife work would be done with my Mora - SO - I've decided on a Hanshe. Will probably also see about the possibility of a custom hollow forged (lighter) m43 at some point closer to Christmas as well. :-)
 
scdub said:
So, when I was about 15 years old I got an assignment to do an interview with my grandfather. I decided to inteview him regarding his service in World War II. My grandfather was a cook who served primarily behind the front lines in several of the World War II engagements. I believe he was in Italy when he was apparently in a trench across from the German line when his platoon/group was told to check their shoelaces to make sure they were crossed X style (as opposed to straight across as the Germans tied their boots). He was told that Ghurka warriors were going to come through the line that night. Recall my grandfather was Irish, and I've heard similar stories, so I can't swear that this happened to him, but he said as he was sleeping he simultaneously felt I hand over his mouth and a blade at his throat. After a pause the hand at his mouth moved down his body, found his shoelaces, then disappeared along with the blade. The next morning the Germans across the way in the trench were all dead. The funny part of the story is that my grandfather described Ghurka warriors as very large black men - which I'm sure they were in his imagination! Imagine my suprise when, about a week ago, I discovered HI and read about the Real Ghurkas. LOL!
Click to expand...
Awesome story! My Grandma's older brother was old enough to have to fight in the 2nd WW. He died at Monte Cassino, Italy. I read there were Gurkha units too. I hope he got lucky and had his throat cut. Way better than some shrapnel in the tummy, from the heavy shelling, and dying slowly.

When I was in the army '96 nobody cared about shoelace patterns. You were expected to lace them in a way you get less blisters but still have a secure fit. That depends on your footshape and your bootsize. Mine were tight were my foot was the widest so I left out a few loops there and on the top were there was more room I criss crossed them.

Had our sergeants sneak into our tents once while we were guarding our camp site. When we came back after some other guys took over we were in for a surprise. A good lesson :d
 
My Dad was in the Chindits in Burma in WW2, as with many he didnt talk about it till his last 17 days on earth. Then he spoke a lot, I guess he really needed to.


He said while on guard one night in the jungle while his mates were sleeping {& after he was given a little white pill to keep him awake & alert} in the middle of the night, he felt a hand over his mouth & pinching his nose a felt a sharp point in the side of his throat, he said although he jumped he couldn't move his rifle much, apparently 2 Gurkhas in his unit were playing there games. as he next head "your dead johny" followed by quite laughter, they had crawled or crept up upon him & One had grabbed him in sentry take out style the other had taken hold of his rifle at the same time.

He was a very old fashioned English man but had utmost respect for those boys from the hills of Nepal. He said when you saw the Japs brake cover charging screaming towards you It was the Gurkhas you wanted at your side.

Spiral
 
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