Books
Valour by E.D.Smith
Product No. 110
£14.99
Since the short and bloody war between Nepal and Britain in 1814-15, Gurkha volunteers, ever mindful of their motto ‘it is better to die than be a coward’. Have fought and died for Britain, including in the Falklands, Afghanistan and Iraq. During the 1st World War Gurkhas fought on the Western Front, at Gallipoli and in other theatres. In the Second, nearly a quarter of a million Nepalese men fought against Germany in Europe and North Africa, and Japan and the Far East. Their renown in battle earned them the respect of friend and foe; their valour has won countless decorations for gallantry, including 13 VCs. In Valour E.D.Smith vividly portrays the many varied aspects of the Gurkhas in war and peace and pays tribute to their versatility. Detailed appendices include all regimental changes, their battle honours and the invaluable work undertaken by the Gurkha Welfare Trust.
E.D.(Birdie)Smith joined up in 1942 and served with the Brigade of Gurkhas in Italy and Greece. Post war he held various appointments in the 7th GR during the Malayan Emergency and the confrontation in Borneo losing his right arm in a helicopter crash in the campaign in Sarawak. He survived to command the ½ King Edward V11’s Own Gurkha Rifles in Borneo,Brunei and Hong Kong. He died in 1998.
