The Gurkha Museum Trust

26/09/2026

Rifleman Kulbir Thapa became the first Nepalese recipient of the Victoria Cross for his actions in 1915 when he found himself stranded on the German side of the line during an attack.

Born in Palpa, Nepal in 1889, Thapa was a Rifleman in the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Gurkha Ri**es of the Indian Army during the First World War.

On 25 September 1915 in Fauquissart, France, Thapa found a badly wounded soldier of the 2nd Battalion, the Leicestershire Regiment behind the first line German trench. Despite being wounded himself, he remained with him all day and night.

The following morning Thapa brought the injured British soldier out through the German wire to relative safety. He returned to bring in two wounded Gurkhas before returning for the British soldier in broad daylight and under enemy fire.

Thapa was personally awarded his Victoria Cross by King George V at Buckingham Palace.

You can pay tribute to Rifleman Thapa and 144 other overseas born First World War recipients of the Victoria Cross at the permanent memorial comprised of 145 commemorative paving stones.

27/08/2026

The Gurkha Museum Trust extends its deepest condolences to all those who have lost their lives, suffered injury, or been otherwise affected by the recent floods in Nepal.
We stand in solemn support of the families and communities enduring this hardship, and we hold them in our thoughts during this challenging time.

21/08/2026

Lieutenant Colonel Johnny Fenn returns to The Gurkha Museum on 8 October 2026 to share the story of his extraordinary 114‑day walk across Nepal — west to east, entirely on foot and without a map.

This event also marks the launch of his new book, The Nepali Way. A remarkable journey, told first‑hand. Places are limited so secure yours now: https://bit.ly/NepaliWayGM

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04/08/2026

We are sorry to hear the death of Nimsdai Purja - Gurkha veteran and highly acclaimed Mountaineer. The world has lost a man who redefined what is possible. Nirmal Purja, or Nims, was a bright light of inspiration to countless people.

The world has lost a man who redefined what is possible. Nirmal Purja, or Nims, was a bright light of inspiration to countless people. In the Brigade of Gurkhas we are proud to call him one of our own. But his achievements belong to none of us, because it was he himself who showed us that the easy path is not the one that leads to achievement. He died on Broad Peak in Pakistan in a tragic accident that also took the lives of others from around the world, all mountaineers united in the spirit of challenge and human endeavour. We mourn them all. But we also celebrate remarkable lives, and none more so than that of Nims. A soldier, a Gurkha, a mountaineer, a husband, a father, a son and a brother. You have shown us a path - we must rise to your example. Rest in peace Nims.

Major General Gez Strickland (Colonel Commandant the Brigade of Gurkhas)

18/07/2026

Join us at The Gurkha Museum this summer for two exciting Family Days on 6 & 26 August. A fun and engaging day for all the family while exploring the fascinating history and stories behind the exhibition.
https://thegurkhamuseum.co.uk/event/family-day-6-august/

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11/07/2026

On July 11 1944, at 2130 hrs, Jemadar Gagan Sing Rana led D Coy 1st Battalion, 2nd Gurkha Ri**es against a German spandau near Piantrano, Italy. He returned with two soldiers wounded and a German prisoner, having killed twelve and put the rest to flight.

05/07/2026

🎖️ Gurkha Victoria Cross (VC): Frank Blaker was born in Punjab, India, the son of Captain Blaker, a surgeon in the Royal Army Medical Corps during World War I. He was commissioned into the Highland Light Infantry at 21 in 1941 and later joined the 3rd Battalion of the 9th Gurkha Ri**es in Burma by May 1942.

Blaker commanded ‘C’ Company and, in July 1943, led them in a fierce engagement, killing sixteen enemy soldiers and capturing three prisoners. On July 5, 1944, while marching under Hill 2171, the battalion encountered Japanese soldiers. Blaker led the charge but suffered a gr***de wound and was shot while approaching a machine gun post. Despite his injuries, he urged his men to continue fighting. Captain Sweetman found him wounded but conscious. Blaker recommended two soldiers for gallantry before he died.

His last words were, "Thank 'C' Company for all they have done for me. Tell them that I have gone from them, but they must go on fighting to the end." He was recommended for a posthumous Victoria Cross and was buried at Taukkyan Military Cemetery in Rangoon, Burma.

To learn more about Gurkhas and their bravery on our website: https://thegurkhamuseum.co.uk/

23/06/2026

Our FREE exhibition Soldiering in Silver ends 30 June. Explore the Gurkhas’ stunning silver, a shining story of courage, loyalty, and 200+ years of Gurkha service

More info: https://thegurkhamuseum.co.uk/event/soldiering-in-silver/

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17/06/2026

Captain (GCO) Tikajit Pun, MBE OBI IDSM 2GR was a news headline name in 1953 when the MV ‘Sangola’ ran aground in the Hooghly River. The ship, which was carrying some 1,500 passengers, was soon in danger of breaking up and sinking. The Gurkhas under Captain Tikajit’s command quickly organised the disembarkation of the passengers without any panic or loss of life. For this admirable action of Captain Tikajit, the Chairman of the British India Steam Navigation Company presented the Brigade of Gurkhas with three silver bugles – The Sangola Bugles.

One of the three Sangola Bugles is proudly placed at the Kathmandu Mess, British Gurkhas Nepal Kathmandu.