Hi In December 1944, the two Ghurkha Battalions from 4 Indian Infantry Division were fighting ELAS in Greece. They were ordered not to use their Kukris whilst house clearing and during CQB. Has anyone else any knowledge of any other Gurkha Battalion receiving such an order anywhere? Was this unprecedented? Regards Gus
Hi Gus, Not quite the same thing, but on the first Chindit expedition in 1943, Gurkhas were told not to use their Kukris on the Burmese who were obviously supporting the Japanese. Members of Burman militias for instance or local policemen in the pay of the enemy. These were still often killed during skirmishes etc. but only using the arms and guns available. I have always considered this to be part of Wingate's plan, not to alienate or antagonise the local population unnecessarily. Gurkhas were given free reign on the Japanese of course and many were dispatched by Kukri on Operation Longcloth. Steve
Hi Steve Thanks for this. It would appear that there was some thought from those at the top, that the local and communist press would be less than favourable if there was to be a bloodbath at the hands of the Ghurkas. However ,everyone was perfectly happy to use small arms, bayonets, grenades, mortars, artillery, PIATS, Sherman Tanks, Sea and Air Support to remove ELAS from their strong points. It was also believed that ELAS were less than happy about the Indians presence in Greece. I won't say what they called them on this forum. But I think you can guess. There were also isolated Indian units in remote areas like Krioneri which fear would get terrible reprisals. Gus
This was common. When C Coy 2/7 GR followed the Germans, who had just attacked them, into Tavoleto on the Gothic Line in Sep 44, the Gurkhas spent the night eeking out the Germans with their kukris. By all accounts, the place was littered with C Coy and German dead in the morning. Regards Frank
