#Monument
The Gurkha Soldier Memorial
The Gurkha Soldier Memorial stands proud in Horse Guards Avenue. It commemorates the men from Nepal who served in the Gurkhas alongside the British Army during the First and Second World War. The memorial was designed by Phillip Jackson and was unveiled by Queen Elizabeth II on 3 December 1997. It became the first memorial to Gurkha soldiers in the United Kingdom.
The men from Nepal, known as Gurkhas have served in the British Army for 200 years, they saw action in the First World War and would play a significant role in the Second World War. They are renowned for their bravery, loyalty and combat skills.
During the Second World War the Gurkhas were involved in battles across Asia, Africa and Europe.
In the far east, they fought the Japanese Imperial Army during the Burma Campaign and on the Indian front. These were in the terrible conditions of the jungle where the environment made it a hostile location to fights from the terrain to tropical diseases.
From 1942 onwards Gurkhas fought in Northern Africa and in 1943 took part in the Italian Campaign. This was alongside British and Canadian troops as they pushed to liberate Italy. Notable battles in which they fought in included Monte Cassino.
Through the war, Gurkha soldiers displayed remarkable courage, loyalty and effectiveness in combat. Their contributions were widely recognised and respected by their allies and enemy alike. After the war, Gurkha units continued to serve in various conflicts and continue to be an integral part of the British Army.
During the Second World War over 120,000 Gurkhas served, suffering over 20,000 casualties and 9,000 deaths. 12 Victoria Crosses were awarded to Gurkha soldiers and British officer with Gurkha Regiments during the Second World War.