British Gurkhas: Recruiting Officer's View

While I was leafing through some old books in the small libary of the officer's Mess in Brunei I came across an Officer's Association Newsletter dated 1985. In this slim hard-backed volume I read the reminiscent musings of a one time Chief Recruiting Officer for British Gurkhas between 1949 and 1954. Towards the end of his essay he has this to say, and it is a worthy testimonial to all the men I met while undertaking this project:

"...yet I would say that whatever of new invention comes to complicate existence for the Rifleman now and in the future, you need have no misgivings as to the spirit in which he will set about his task. The old traditions will persist and his soldierly qualities will prove equal to every demand. His cheerfulness in good times and bad, simplicity and straightforwardness, vigour and activity, courage and endurance, quick response to sympathy and fair dealing and ready acceptance of an ideal for which to work, all see him through. None who has known him but has felt a very genuine affection for the sturdy little man from the Hills, and those to whom he has given his confidence, he has never failed."

(View the British Gurkha Soldiers Gallery)