Re: [SGII] Ghurka Pipers - military trivia for the day

>Date: Tue, 26 Jun 2001 14:26:21 -0000
>From: "Richard Kirke" <richardkirke@hotmail.com>
>Subject: [SGII] Ghurka Pipers
>
>Aren't Ghurka's supposed to like close combat? Why else do they carry
that 
>coukri (I think that's how they spell it).

Throughout their history, the Gurkhas have developed an impressive close
combat reputation.  There are all kinds of anecdotal stories, from
various
wars they've been involved in, of the Gurkhas seemingly enjoying being
"up
close and personal".

The Kukri is used for a variety of purposes, though.  It is also a
general
purpose edged tool, used for cutting wood, chopping meat, even carving.
Since it's used in "everyday life" by the Nepalese, most boys get one as
a
young boy, and they're expert in its use by the time they get to the age
when they can volunteer for military service.

The British Army only issues "ceremonial" use Kukris for wearing with
parade dress.  The field versions are supplied by the Gurkhas
themselves.
Many use weapons that are "family heirlooms" with a long history.

I own two Kukris, and they're fearsome weapons (well, at least to look
at -
I certainly haven't actually *used* one...)

Adrian

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Adrian Johnson