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In September 1915 elements of 3rd Queen Alexandra’s Own Gurkha Rifles (3 GR) took part in actions on the Western Front in France. Kulbir Thapa was the last survivor of a party of soldiers who had fought their way into a German trench.
Kulbir, though wounded himself, came across a badly wounded soldier of the 2nd Leicestershire Regiment and, despite the protestations of the British soldier who urged him to save himself, stayed with the man for the rest of the day and following night. On the following morning, under the cover of mist, Kulbir carried the wounded man back out through the German wire and brought him to comparative safety. He then returned and carried out two wounded Gurkhas, one after the other. Finally, he returned once more, by this time in broad daylight, to the initial wounded British soldier and brought him to the full safety of the British lines. For these actions Kulbir was immediately recommended for (and later received) the Victoria Cross, for which soldiers of the Indian Army had only been made eligible four years previously. Although Kulbir was not killed, his exposure to intense enemy fire make it clear that he willingly risked his life on multiple occasions and was prepared to lay down his own life in order to save others. 
The Gurkha Museum:
Gurkhas have loyally served this country for over 200 years. The Gurkha Museum ensures the future of Gurkha Heritage by celebrating, honouring and promoting the history and culture of the Gurkha Soldier and their continuing service to Britain.
Located in the former Peninsula Barracks in Winchester, the Museum takes you on a journey through Gurkha history, beginning with their origins in Nepal and the moment in 1815 when Gurkhas were first enlisted to fight for Britain. The extraordinary stories on display and housed in our archives cover not only the battles and campaigns but the culture and religion of the homeland of this unique fighting force.
Through its collections and archives The Gurkha Museum represents over 200 years of a unique and historic relationship, one that continues to this day, with the annual recruitment of Gurkhas from Nepal continuing to be vital for Britain’s Armed Forces.
Discover more about Gurkha Victoria Cross stories at The Gurkha Museum and online here.
