During the conflict between Malaysia and Indonesia in 1964, a group of Gurkha soldiers from Nepal were asked if they’d be willing to jump from transport planes into combat if the need arose. Having never been trained as paratroopers, the Gurkhas were given freedom to turn down the request. On this occasion, the legendary warriors said NO. The next day one of their officers sought out the British commander and said they’d thought further and would make the jump under certain conditions: “We will jump if the land is marshy or has no big rocks on it. We ask that the plane fly as slowly as possible and no more than 100 feet high.” “That’s impossible,” the British officer replied. “The planes have to fly higher than 100 feet or there won’t be enough time for the parachutes to open.” "Oh," said the Gurkha leader, “you didn't mention parachutes before! We'll jump with parachutes anywhere."
My father has a jeweled Gurkha knife given him by the commander of the troops guarding the airbase.
One day, he may tell me why he was given it.
I'd heard a variation of the story, too, and told it to my ladyfriend who was guarded by Gurkhas while she was in Iraq last month. She sure thought they were likable folks.
thanks for the post..best laugh I had all day....and it was a Bi%^& of a day.
Gurkhas are some bad MOfos.
thats foh sho.
I love that one....they are fierce. The British didn't realize how fierce until they used them.