A Gurkha's Story: The Explosive True Story of the First Gurkha in the SAS - Couverture rigide

Gurkha, Johnny

Couverture rigide

ISBN 10 : 0957552009 ISBN 13 : 9780957552005

Editeur : Lamjung Books, 2013

A propos du livre

Présentation de l'éditeur

This is the first ever autobiography of a Gurkha soldier. The author was also the first Gurkha to be accepted into the elite ranks of the SAS. Within these pages is a thrilling and inspiring story, which will be relished and enjoyed by military and non-military enthusiasts alike. Detailed and fascinating descriptions of early life and culture in Nepal, of the incredibly tough selection for both the Gurkhas and the SAS, and dramatic, nail-biting deployments in Kosovo, Bosnia and Afghanistan, experiencing danger, and death at close hand, and where the author served directly alongside Prince Harry, combine with 24 stunning original photographs to create this very handsome and collectible landmark hardback volume. In the depictions of Nepalese family life and customs, of the author's cherished dream of honoring his father's name and military prowess in World War Two, the rivalries and bonds of loyalty and camaraderie among fellow soldiers, - as well as some of the experiences of Gurkhas coming to Britain for the first time, the story is a personal and often moving one, told with honesty, sensitivity and good humour. As well as being a remarkable true life adventure and a unique military memoir, this is a multi-layered book, revealing among other things some of the conflicts and hidden tensions at work within the Brigade of Gurkhas, including the veiled influence of the caste system. 'A Gurkha's Story' makes for truly inspiring reading, showing how, with belief and determination, hard work, loyalty and courage, the most difficult of challenges can be overcome, the most impossible seeming dreams realised. The author pays tribute to the opportunities given him by the British Army, offers gratitude to the people of Britain for their support in past and recent times for all of the Gurkhas, and expresses the hope that the special relationship nurtured over some 200 years between the British and the Gurkhas will continue to flourish in peace as it has done in war. Most importantly of all 'A Gurkha's Story' is dedicated to the author's friends and comrades, Nepalese and British, who gave their lives while serving in Afghanistan.

Revue de presse

This one is a bit different. There aren't many soldiers who have served in the Brigade of Gurkhas, the Pathfinders and the SAS. The author is one of them and he tells a good story. The story is chronological and provides a superb description of growing up in Nepal, and the hardships involved, followed by how hard it is to be accepted into the Gurkhas; not just the selection process and the subsequent training, but the amount of travel and social pressure in just getting to the selection centre is immense - I found it much easier just walking into the recruiting office that was close to my local! He talks freely of his time in the Brigade of Gurkhas and how hard he found Pathfinders and SF selection. He describes his experiences on operations with the Gurkhas, his promotions and subsequent commissioning, finishing with his time in FOB Dwer and his last posting as Captain. He is very honest in his descriptions of his service for good or ill, and does not hold his punches when praising or criticising individuals. He is open about the caste system and the impact that it has on both the units and the individuals. The author has been on the wrong end of it and has done well in spite of the system rather than because of it. He does not dedicate a whole section to it but lets it recur as an occasional theme and picks the most suitable parts of his story to raise it. Having worked with the Gurkhas for two years and seen it at first hand, I have seen what he is talking about and agree with him. He also talks openly about the consternation among his seniors. I enjoyed this book immensely. It was fascinating to hear a story about the Gurkhas from a Gurkha's perspective rather than that of their British officers or those that have fought alongside them. His honesty about the Brigade's flaws as well as its strengths was refreshing and he tells a cracking story. I recommend this book to everyone, even if they only have a passing interest in the Brigade of Gurkhas. It is an utterly absorbing read. --Army Rumour Service

Détails de l'édition

• Éditeur: Lamjung Books
• Date d'édition: 2013
• Langue: anglais
• ISBN 10: 0957552009
• ISBN 13: 9780957552005
• Reliure: Relié
• Nombre de pages: 256
• Coordonnées du fabricant: non disponible
• Personne responsable: non disponible