Gurkha memorial campaign launch

Kyt · Apr 12, 2009

BBC NEWS | England | Kent | Gurkha memorial campaign launch

A campaign to raise funds for a national memorial to fallen Gurkha soldiers has been launched.

Supporters want a statue to be erected on the cliffs above Folkestone, Kent, where the 2nd Battalion the Royal Gurkha Rifles are based.

Folkestone town councillor Dhan Gurung who is leading the campaign said "some 45,000 Gurkhas have laid down their lives for Britain" over the years.

The memorial is likely to be a statue of a Gurkha in full battle dress.

'Lost brave Gurkhas'

Mr Gurung, who is thought to be the first retired Gurkha elected to a public office, said: "Over the generations, some 45,000 Gurkhas have laid down their lives for Britain.

"They are still doing it today."

He added: "Within the last few months alone, we have lost two brave Gurkhas.

"I am calling on the whole country, and on everyone from across the world who holds the Gurkhas in high regard, to help support this memorial.

"We are asking individuals, groups and communities to support us by donating to our memorial fund."

Various designs for the memorial, which will probably be designed and made by a local artist, are being considered.

Scores of people attended the campaign launch at the Hawkinge Community Centre in Hawkinge on Saturday.

Gurkhas have been part of the British Army for almost 200 years and are hand picked from a fiercely-contested recruitment contest in Nepal to win the right to join.

They have seen combat all over the world, with 200,000 fighting in the two world wars.
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Antipodean Andy · Apr 14, 2009

An excellent idea. Would be good if a second statue was placed in Nepal too if that sort of thing is done there.

Chris · Jun 7, 2013

Don’t forget the 75 Ghurka dead of 8th February 1917.
http://www.coastalheritage.org.uk/Gurkha.htm‎

Diptangshu · Jun 7, 2013

Gurkha Memorial at Winchester Cathedral : Hampshire

aghart · Jun 8, 2013

There is already a Ghurka memorial in central London, right outside the Ministry of Defence, a stone's throw from Horse Guards Parade and the Cenotaph.

Diptangshu · Jul 22, 2019

An ultimate Loyality

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Gurkha memorial campaign launch

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