Doko challenge to honor Gurkhas who helped liberate Falklands

Monday, September 25th 2023 - 09:55 UTC

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Last Saturday, military personnel from across BFSAI took part in a Gurkha Doko challenge in memory of those who liberated the Falkland Islands. The sixteen participants ran a combined total of 40km, the distance from Mount Pleasant Complex to the Gurkha Memorial near Stanley, carrying a weighted doko basket. Read full article

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Veteran
There is a misconception that the 1/7th Gurkha Rifles played little part in the liberation of the Falkland Islands. Whilst they did engage on the last day of the fighting, their main impact was the psychological terror they imparted in the minds of the Argentine Army. That impact continues to this day, in the oft-repeated stories by Argentine soldiers and marines, of the Ghurkha's drug-crazed courage and savagery towards the enemy.

However, in light of a more balanced view of the truth, then I would like to recommend Merco readers a book by Mike Seear, titled Gurkhas, Falklands and Leadership. ISBN. 9781905510726. This book combines verified factual information from both sides with respect to the fighting on Tumbledown Ridge. The book, and the extensive research actually led to a re-appraisal of the activities of Argentine forces on Tumbledown and the belated award, by the Argentine Government, of medals for gallantry. It is currently being translated into Spanish by a senior Argentine veteran.

As a veteran of 1982, I will not take away or decry the individual and collective acts of gallantry undertaken by the two sets of combatants. However, I would challenge the fanciful and erroneous accounts from Argentine sources, of supposed Gurkha atrocities.

Please read the book and understand how disciplined and professional the Gurkha soldier was, and remains today. It was a privilege to serve alongside them. Jai Seventh.
Sep 25th, 2023 - 01:09 pm - Link - Report abuse +2
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FitzRoy
I'm very proud to still be able to work with the Nepalese and Gurkha community. Awesome, polite people. You're right @Veteran, Mike Seear's three books outline the contribution they made in '82, the book you mention is an awesome read, almost moment by moment.
Sep 26th, 2023 - 09:22 am - Link - Report abuse +1
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