PAST EVENTS
The "Gurkha story", as told by Major Denis Sheil-Small, MC, at our February meeting was a repeat-performance of his March 1983 lecture - but with a difference, and what a difference: all in pictures and most in colour! In his detailed introduction to the country of Nepal, home of the Gurkhas, scenes of delicate, indescribable beauty alternated with forbidding fastnesses, daredevil bridge-structures spanning giddy chasms, picturesque villages, and last, but not least the ordinary people dwelling in the rarefied atmosphere of this Himalayan wonderland. The main part of the programme then dealt with the fighting qualities, weapons, equipment and achievements of the Gurkhas, including pictures in action and of recipients of decorations, including VCs.
The military history of the Gurkhas in relation to the British began when the British Governor-General in Calcutta declared war on Nepal in 1814. There followed a bloody and prolonged campaign lasting until 1816. In that year the treaty of Segauli was signed. This led in due course to the forming of what today is known as the Brigade of Gurkhas. Throughout the 1800's the Gurkha reputation steadily grew from their loyalty during the Indian Mutiny, the battles on the North-West Frontier and the Afghan wars until in 1914, when they were able to prove their mettle even in the mud of Flanders, as also slightly nearer home in Mesopotamia and at Gallipoli. Then came WWII in which the Gurkhas enhanced their reputation further. In the two World wars they suffered 40 000 casualties and won 13 VCs.
During the Falklands war they formed part of the British field force; but for political reasons they were not actually committed to action.
WWI and Indian Army veteran, Colonel Freddie Hodgson, expressed a warm word of appreciation on behalf of the audience.
WELCOME
A hearty welcome is extended to new members Mr and Mrs Gordon Stockley of Durban North.
FUTURE MEETINGS
Monthly get-togethers:
MARCH 20TH Our National Chairman MAJOR DARRELL HALL is coming all the way from Johannesburg to give a talk on "THE SECRET WAR WITH JAPAN"
April 10th Fellow-member Commandant Justin Hulme JCD will give a talk entitled "50 Years Ago" (SADF 1929 - 1933)
The venue for all meetings will be the Lecture Room, lower ground floor, 'SB' Bourquin Building, head office of the Natalia Development Board, on the corner of Jan Smuts Highway and Buro Crescent, Mayville, commencing at 8 p. m. Glasses and ice will be supplied so please bring your own bottled or canned efreshments. Friends and interested persons are welcome to come along.
TAIL PIECE
Inscription on the monument commemorating the men who fell in the battle of Kohima:
(Mrs) Tania van der Watt,
Secretary, Durban Branch,
S.A. Military History Society,
Box 870, HILLCREST, 3650.
Tel. (031) vvvvvv