Victoria Crosses of the Gurkha and Indian Regiments

Introduction

In this book you will find the stories of all the men awarded the VC while serving in the Gurkha and Indian regiments of the Indian Army; this also includes British soldiers serving in these regiments.

Historical Context

The Indian Army have been involved in wars all over Europe, Africa, the Middle and Far East, in many campaigns. However, it was not until 1912 that native Gurkhas and Indians were eligible for the award. It would be 1914 when the first native Indian was awarded it and 1915 for the first Gurkha. Prior to this only British soldiers serving in the Indian Army had been awarded the VC.

Book Structure

This book is divided into two parts, the first part deals with the men who were serving in the Gurkha regiments at the time of their VC actions. Of the 26 Gurkha regiment VC's, half were awarded to native born Gurkhas and half to British officers.

Part two of the book deals with the men who were serving in the Indian Army at the time of their VC actions. Of the 135 VCs awarded to Indian regiments, only 28 were awarded to native Indians, the remainder going to British soldiers serving in Indian regiments.