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Johnny Gurkha: Better to Die than Live a Coward: My Life in the Gurkhas
For the first time in its 200 year history, a soldier of the Brigade of Gurkhas has been given permission to tell his story in his own words
Colour Sergeant Kailash Limbu was born in one of the most remote hill villages of Nepal. His family had no running water or electricity. The nearest town was several days' trek from his family home. Yet before he was 25 he was serving as a section commander in the Royal Gurkhas in one of the most dangerous regions on earth, using the most sophisticated weaponry in existence, fighting the most unpredictable enemy in the world—the Taliban. He and his comrades took part in one of the least known yet most heroic operations during the entire war in Afghanistan. Just a single platoon in strength, they held out for 30 days against a relentless series of attacks against their position right in the heart of Taliban country. In one of the most exciting and illuminating accounts of modern warfare, the author relives those days and recounts what it really means to be a Gurkha. We learn that facing hardship as a group is ingrained into the Nepalese hill people; how, as a boy, Kailash Limbu trained with the legendary kukri knife—a tool in life and a lethal weapon in warfare. We live through the rigorous, three-stage process of selection, the culture-shock of arriving in Britain and, above all, the exceptional comradeship that sustained the author and his comrades through one of the most appalling periods of war in Afghanistan. Reading this memoir makes the reader come to understand why the Gurkhas are indeed called "the bravest of the brave."
Colour Sergeant Kailash Limbu was born in one of the most remote hill villages of Nepal. His family had no running water or electricity. The nearest town was several days' trek from his family home. Yet before he was 25 he was serving as a section commander in the Royal Gurkhas in one of the most dangerous regions on earth, using the most sophisticated weaponry in existence, fighting the most unpredictable enemy in the world—the Taliban. He and his comrades took part in one of the least known yet most heroic operations during the entire war in Afghanistan. Just a single platoon in strength, they held out for 30 days against a relentless series of attacks against their position right in the heart of Taliban country. In one of the most exciting and illuminating accounts of modern warfare, the author relives those days and recounts what it really means to be a Gurkha. We learn that facing hardship as a group is ingrained into the Nepalese hill people; how, as a boy, Kailash Limbu trained with the legendary kukri knife—a tool in life and a lethal weapon in warfare. We live through the rigorous, three-stage process of selection, the culture-shock of arriving in Britain and, above all, the exceptional comradeship that sustained the author and his comrades through one of the most appalling periods of war in Afghanistan. Reading this memoir makes the reader come to understand why the Gurkhas are indeed called "the bravest of the brave."
288 pages, Paperback
First published May 21, 2015
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
June 8, 2021
A modern day look at what it is to be a Gurkha in the British Army serving on the frontlines in Afghanistan. The book centers around the part played by the author's unit during the battles around Now Zad in Afghanistan, it also gives the background and upbringing of the men serving in the regiment as well as some very basic background to the Gurkha's history. It is not the best written book and at times a laborious read.
January 22, 2016
I'm sorry but this book bored me to tears, as do all books regarding Afghanistan. This is because the book market is saturated with them. And they all read the same.
When you pick up a book in a shop entitled 'Gurkha', you expect it to be about Gurkhas. This skimmed over the life of a Gurkha; deciding to concentrate on the Afghanistan war instead. I wanted to read about the life of a Gurkha; their history, how and why they are one of the most feared regiments in the world, what makes them different, do they train differently, for example? I didn't want to read about Gurkhas fighting in Aghanistan. OK, Limbu mentions how he became a Gurkha but it was no different to how any other member of any regiment would get into the army: join young, get shouted at, get up early, run, get fitter, pass out, go to war. Same old, same old!
There was a sad ending but this lasted for the last three pages of the book and was predictable; I knew from early in the book what was going to happen to who. Overall, I don't see why this book has so many 5 star ratings. I was quite glad when I'd finished it.
When you pick up a book in a shop entitled 'Gurkha', you expect it to be about Gurkhas. This skimmed over the life of a Gurkha; deciding to concentrate on the Afghanistan war instead. I wanted to read about the life of a Gurkha; their history, how and why they are one of the most feared regiments in the world, what makes them different, do they train differently, for example? I didn't want to read about Gurkhas fighting in Aghanistan. OK, Limbu mentions how he became a Gurkha but it was no different to how any other member of any regiment would get into the army: join young, get shouted at, get up early, run, get fitter, pass out, go to war. Same old, same old!
There was a sad ending but this lasted for the last three pages of the book and was predictable; I knew from early in the book what was going to happen to who. Overall, I don't see why this book has so many 5 star ratings. I was quite glad when I'd finished it.
August 17, 2015
There’s an oft-repeated tale from World War II about a Gurkha who comes face to face with a big, burly Nazi on a battlefield. It’s just the two of them, and the Nazi challenges the Gurkha to a duel. ‘You first,’ he says. The Gurkha swipes with his kukri. ‘You missed!’ the Nazi chortles, and prepares to wield his blow. ‘Shake your head,’ the Gurkha says. The Nazi, surprised, does so. His head falls off.
The tale changes now and then. In his autobiography Gurkha, Colour Sergeant Kailash Limbu leaves the period and the enemy soldier unnamed. But the story plays out the same way.
Gurkhas are the stuff of military legend. Men regarded almost universally as among the world’s toughest warriors. Men who so impressed British troops trying to invade Nepal in the early 1800s that the British offered them the chance to serve in the British Army. A tradition that has continued till the present day, when a few thousand Gurkhas still serve in the British Army as signallers, engineers, and infantrymen.
It is one of these infantrymen—Kailash Limbu—who tells his story in Gurkha. The book uses as its base one of history’s most recent battlefields where the Gurkhas have shown both exemplary courage and humanity: Afghanistan. Fighting the Taliban in the South Afghanistan province of Helmand in July 2006, Kailash Limbu was part of the 2nd Battalion of the Royal Gurkha Rifles stationed at the town of Now Zad. For thirty days, this handful of men battled the Taliban while trying to maintain the trust of local civilians. A tightrope made even more precarious by treachery amongst the local police; by constant battering from a surprisingly wily enemy; by dust, heat, and the ever-present threat of a well-aimed missile landing in their midst.
Limbu takes us through it all. Not just the battle of Now Zad, but through what it means to be a Gurkha. Here is Limbu’s own story, of the long, eventful, and sometimes amusing journey from a remote village in eastern Nepal to Britain. Of leaving behind family, village and all things familiar, for a world very different—and yet not. Because to the Gurkha, his fellow-soldiers are not just colleagues, but brothers, bhai. Or guruji, if they’re senior. Brothers, with whom to joke and sing, to reminisce—and to fight alongside.
What makes this book such a pleasure is the sincerity that shines through it: the emotion and heart that make a soldier more than just a killing machine. There is the thrill and suspense of battle, true; but there is warmth and humour. There are the little details about what it’s like to be in training, or in battle, which can transport a reader straight to Now Zad. Or Pokhara. Or Church Crookhaven, where the Gurkhas undergo training.
Field Marshal Manekshaw (who had served with the 8 Gorkha Rifles) once remarked, “If a man says he is not afraid of dying, he is either lying or is a Gurkha.” Gurkha reinforces that, and yet shows another side to the Gurkha: a man who, even when he is afraid, fights on. An unforgettable book, a great glimpse into the life of a Gurkha.
(From my review for The New Indian Express: http://www.newindianexpress.com/lifes...)
The tale changes now and then. In his autobiography Gurkha, Colour Sergeant Kailash Limbu leaves the period and the enemy soldier unnamed. But the story plays out the same way.
Gurkhas are the stuff of military legend. Men regarded almost universally as among the world’s toughest warriors. Men who so impressed British troops trying to invade Nepal in the early 1800s that the British offered them the chance to serve in the British Army. A tradition that has continued till the present day, when a few thousand Gurkhas still serve in the British Army as signallers, engineers, and infantrymen.
It is one of these infantrymen—Kailash Limbu—who tells his story in Gurkha. The book uses as its base one of history’s most recent battlefields where the Gurkhas have shown both exemplary courage and humanity: Afghanistan. Fighting the Taliban in the South Afghanistan province of Helmand in July 2006, Kailash Limbu was part of the 2nd Battalion of the Royal Gurkha Rifles stationed at the town of Now Zad. For thirty days, this handful of men battled the Taliban while trying to maintain the trust of local civilians. A tightrope made even more precarious by treachery amongst the local police; by constant battering from a surprisingly wily enemy; by dust, heat, and the ever-present threat of a well-aimed missile landing in their midst.
Limbu takes us through it all. Not just the battle of Now Zad, but through what it means to be a Gurkha. Here is Limbu’s own story, of the long, eventful, and sometimes amusing journey from a remote village in eastern Nepal to Britain. Of leaving behind family, village and all things familiar, for a world very different—and yet not. Because to the Gurkha, his fellow-soldiers are not just colleagues, but brothers, bhai. Or guruji, if they’re senior. Brothers, with whom to joke and sing, to reminisce—and to fight alongside.
What makes this book such a pleasure is the sincerity that shines through it: the emotion and heart that make a soldier more than just a killing machine. There is the thrill and suspense of battle, true; but there is warmth and humour. There are the little details about what it’s like to be in training, or in battle, which can transport a reader straight to Now Zad. Or Pokhara. Or Church Crookhaven, where the Gurkhas undergo training.
Field Marshal Manekshaw (who had served with the 8 Gorkha Rifles) once remarked, “If a man says he is not afraid of dying, he is either lying or is a Gurkha.” Gurkha reinforces that, and yet shows another side to the Gurkha: a man who, even when he is afraid, fights on. An unforgettable book, a great glimpse into the life of a Gurkha.
(From my review for The New Indian Express: http://www.newindianexpress.com/lifes...)
November 15, 2020
According to the cover blurb, this is the first time in its 200 year history that a soldier of the Brigade of Gurkhas has been given permission to tell his story. And this is the story of NCO Kailash Limbu, centred on a conflict in Now Zad in Afghanistan. Now Zad seems to have been an irrelevant outpost in the middle of nowhere, just one of many Allied outposts. Under regular attack and hampered by strict Rules of Engagement this is the story of a few weeks of defence that give you some backstory on Kailash Limbu and the culture and attitude of his fellow Gurkhas.
This was no critical conflict with a significant outcome (which was the reality of maintaining that Allied presence in Afghanistan) but serves as a background into how the Gurkhas operate. These are mercenary soldiers but for 200 years have been a critical, loyal and fierce part of the British Army, although there are now far more of them serving in Indian regiments. Honour, bravery and brotherhood are key. Kailash is not a natural English speaker or writer but is a fine representation of his regiment. Wrapped around the tale of the defence of Now Zad we hear about Kailash’s background and entry into the Gurkhas and we get to know some of his team, especially “Gazz” and this proves to be a critical part of this story.
Not the greatest military memoir I have ever read, but a glimpse into the life of some very tough guys that you would definitely want on your side.
This was no critical conflict with a significant outcome (which was the reality of maintaining that Allied presence in Afghanistan) but serves as a background into how the Gurkhas operate. These are mercenary soldiers but for 200 years have been a critical, loyal and fierce part of the British Army, although there are now far more of them serving in Indian regiments. Honour, bravery and brotherhood are key. Kailash is not a natural English speaker or writer but is a fine representation of his regiment. Wrapped around the tale of the defence of Now Zad we hear about Kailash’s background and entry into the Gurkhas and we get to know some of his team, especially “Gazz” and this proves to be a critical part of this story.
Not the greatest military memoir I have ever read, but a glimpse into the life of some very tough guys that you would definitely want on your side.
May 28, 2018
Kailash Limbu's Gurkha: Better to Die than Live a Coward: My Life in the Gurkhas was okay. The brief sections on the selection and processing of young Nepalese for induction into the Royal Gurkhas were the most interesting. The account of fighting in Now Zad in Afghanistan was very "talky" for a soldier. I consider it a 200 page story told in 300 pages.
August 19, 2018
‘My story is just that of an ordinary hill boy from Nepal whose ambition was to be a Gurkha…’.
The Gurkhas have served with the British for 200 years since 1815 and Kailash has kept this tradition going. There is such a gulf between Kailash’s youth where it was a very traditional Nepalese upbringing to being thrown into the warzone of Now Zad in Afghanistan and being part of the British Army. One minute you are reading about superstitions and rituals in the hills of Nepal and then an RPG zings overhead and you are in Afghan in 2006.
The action takes place in a police compound being guarded by Kailash and his seven men ranging in experience. This is interspersed with stories from his childhood and some of the naughtier / riskier stunts he got up to. Also, in the mix are the tests taken to become a Gurkha. I recognised some of these as Michael Palin saw the tests in his travel programme ‘Himalaya’.
What should have been a short stay turns out rather differently for Kailash and his me: ‘The reality of it was that these were tough times. We’d been in major contacts now for four out of the past five days, and there was no indication that the enemy had run out of either manpower or energy for the task. It had become clear that we had landed up right in the heart of a Taliban stronghold and our presence here was unbearable to them. They were going to get rid of us if they possibly could. No price was too high to pay’.
This really does bring home the craziness of the situation out in Afghan at that time. My only quibble was that the writing was all a little flat which is odd considering the situation.
The Gurkhas have served with the British for 200 years since 1815 and Kailash has kept this tradition going. There is such a gulf between Kailash’s youth where it was a very traditional Nepalese upbringing to being thrown into the warzone of Now Zad in Afghanistan and being part of the British Army. One minute you are reading about superstitions and rituals in the hills of Nepal and then an RPG zings overhead and you are in Afghan in 2006.
The action takes place in a police compound being guarded by Kailash and his seven men ranging in experience. This is interspersed with stories from his childhood and some of the naughtier / riskier stunts he got up to. Also, in the mix are the tests taken to become a Gurkha. I recognised some of these as Michael Palin saw the tests in his travel programme ‘Himalaya’.
What should have been a short stay turns out rather differently for Kailash and his me: ‘The reality of it was that these were tough times. We’d been in major contacts now for four out of the past five days, and there was no indication that the enemy had run out of either manpower or energy for the task. It had become clear that we had landed up right in the heart of a Taliban stronghold and our presence here was unbearable to them. They were going to get rid of us if they possibly could. No price was too high to pay’.
This really does bring home the craziness of the situation out in Afghan at that time. My only quibble was that the writing was all a little flat which is odd considering the situation.
June 11, 2018
I saw this on "special" and took a punt as I have always admired the Gurkhas. The book basically covers 30 days with a Platoon of Gurkhas besieged in an Afghan Police compound on a "hearts & minds" mission in a town that is indifferent to their presence and that has been infiltrated and then taken over by the Taliban. Interwoven is Colour Sergeant Limbu's tale of his recruitment into the Royal Gurkha Rifles.
I was struck by the similarity with another book I recently read and reviewed "Sniper One", a tale of a section of Brit soldiers bogged down in a similar situation in Iraq.
Interesting enough a tale fro me to have read the 330 pages within 24 hours, but I do feel it could have been better.
I was struck by the similarity with another book I recently read and reviewed "Sniper One", a tale of a section of Brit soldiers bogged down in a similar situation in Iraq.
Interesting enough a tale fro me to have read the 330 pages within 24 hours, but I do feel it could have been better.
July 28, 2015
Riveting narrative of one of the many small Helmand battles, mixed with the author's description of his early life, selection process and other experiences. Gives insight into the minds of these amazing warriors.
June 5, 2016
Great book by a good man, pleasure to have met you sir
I'm not a great reader but I very much enjoyed reading this and I have even more appreciation of the dedication the Gurkha's have to the British people
I'm not a great reader but I very much enjoyed reading this and I have even more appreciation of the dedication the Gurkha's have to the British people
June 20, 2016
This started off so well and was well written. Fascinating insight into tje Gurkhas, but it ran out of steam about 2/3 of the way through and finally just petered out. Well worth a read though.
December 22, 2016
On the 14/15th of May 1945, at Taungdaw, Burma, Rifleman Lachiman Gurung was stationed, with two other of his comrades, in the most forward post/trench of his platoon. In the early hours of the morning, the Japanese launched a major counteroffensive on the 4th Battalion, 8th Gurkha Rifles; Rifleman Gurung’s position bought the brunt of the attack, with over 200 Japanese soldiers attacking his position. Upon opening fire, the Japenese wounded both of Gurung’s comrades and as they began to close in on his trench, the Japs threw multiple grenades into it. As each one of these grenades began to land in the trench, Rifleman Gurung tried to throw the back. Gurung was successful at throwing back two grenades, but as he was throwing the third one back it exploded in his right hand – blowing off his fingers, while severely wounding his face, body, and right arm and leg.
As the Japs began to storm the trench, Gurung used his left hand to wield his rifle, killing 31 enemies and preventing the Japanese from taking the position.
For Gurung’s brave effort, he was awarded the Victoria Cross. His citation in the London Gazette ends with:
“...Of the 87 enemy dead counted in the immediate vicinity of the Company locality, 31 lay in front of this Rifleman's section, the key to the whole position. Had the enemy succeeded in over-running and occupying Rifleman Lachhiman Gurung's trench, the whole of the reverse slope position would have been completely dominated and turned.
This Rifleman, by his magnificent example, so inspired his comrades to resist the enemy to the last, that, although surrounded and cut off for three days and two nights, they held and smashed every attack.
His outstanding gallantry and extreme devotion to duty, in the face of almost overwhelming odds, were the main factors in the defeat of the enemy.”
Gurung’s act of bravely, while looking death in the face, is something that is not uncommon among the Gurkhas. In Colour Sergeant’s Kailash Limbu’s memoir, he depicts his experience of when his platoon was sent to relieve and occupy a police compound in the town of Now Zad, Helmand province. His platoon was told to prepare for a forty-eight hour operation, which was designed to support 3 Para. Due to fierce resistance from the Taliban and 3 Para’s own logistical problems, Limbu’s platoon get their operation extended for another week – which eventually transpires into another week, and another week again! This means that his platoon have to occupy and defend a compound, that is surrounded by a lot of Taliban and an ANP force that cannot be whole-heartedly trusted. What transpires in this book is detailed description of Limbu’s experience of a thirty-one day siege of his compound – one of the longest sieges that NATO forces ever experienced at the hands of the Taliban, in the Afghanistan campaign. As was pointed out by Joanna Lumley, Limbu’s description of the siege makes you feel as though you are “at his side, hearing the shells and bullets, enjoying the jokes and listening in the scary dead of the night” – and I dare add to her description, the reader feels Limbu’s mixed up feelings of the Afghan forces he is fighting alongside with (pardon the oxymoron).
While Limbu’s book is primarily about his experience during this battle, he intersperses the book with the story of his own life as a villager living in Napal, his experience of recruitment into the Gurkhas, and the culture/history of the people of Napal.
All in all, Limbu provides the reader with an account of his thrilling and dangerous experiences with the Gurkhas at the siege of his compound in Now Zad, while enriching the reader with more knowledge of life in Nepal and the culture/traditions of the Gurkhas.
As the Japs began to storm the trench, Gurung used his left hand to wield his rifle, killing 31 enemies and preventing the Japanese from taking the position.
For Gurung’s brave effort, he was awarded the Victoria Cross. His citation in the London Gazette ends with:
“...Of the 87 enemy dead counted in the immediate vicinity of the Company locality, 31 lay in front of this Rifleman's section, the key to the whole position. Had the enemy succeeded in over-running and occupying Rifleman Lachhiman Gurung's trench, the whole of the reverse slope position would have been completely dominated and turned.
This Rifleman, by his magnificent example, so inspired his comrades to resist the enemy to the last, that, although surrounded and cut off for three days and two nights, they held and smashed every attack.
His outstanding gallantry and extreme devotion to duty, in the face of almost overwhelming odds, were the main factors in the defeat of the enemy.”
Gurung’s act of bravely, while looking death in the face, is something that is not uncommon among the Gurkhas. In Colour Sergeant’s Kailash Limbu’s memoir, he depicts his experience of when his platoon was sent to relieve and occupy a police compound in the town of Now Zad, Helmand province. His platoon was told to prepare for a forty-eight hour operation, which was designed to support 3 Para. Due to fierce resistance from the Taliban and 3 Para’s own logistical problems, Limbu’s platoon get their operation extended for another week – which eventually transpires into another week, and another week again! This means that his platoon have to occupy and defend a compound, that is surrounded by a lot of Taliban and an ANP force that cannot be whole-heartedly trusted. What transpires in this book is detailed description of Limbu’s experience of a thirty-one day siege of his compound – one of the longest sieges that NATO forces ever experienced at the hands of the Taliban, in the Afghanistan campaign. As was pointed out by Joanna Lumley, Limbu’s description of the siege makes you feel as though you are “at his side, hearing the shells and bullets, enjoying the jokes and listening in the scary dead of the night” – and I dare add to her description, the reader feels Limbu’s mixed up feelings of the Afghan forces he is fighting alongside with (pardon the oxymoron).
While Limbu’s book is primarily about his experience during this battle, he intersperses the book with the story of his own life as a villager living in Napal, his experience of recruitment into the Gurkhas, and the culture/history of the people of Napal.
All in all, Limbu provides the reader with an account of his thrilling and dangerous experiences with the Gurkhas at the siege of his compound in Now Zad, while enriching the reader with more knowledge of life in Nepal and the culture/traditions of the Gurkhas.
February 15, 2018
(+) I've known about the Gurkhas as being the best Army in the world for awhile now, so it was incredibly interesting to get an insider perspective on what it's actually like both during the selection process and in actual action.
(+) The "dual-timeline" way that the book was written is nice, alternating between the action in the heat of the war in Afghanistan and the selection process of a younger Limbu going through the ranks before eventually joining the British Army as a Gurkha. I'm not sure if he meant this deliberately, or was the outcome of his discussions with his junior rifleman while on watch on quieter nights, but I actually liked the way this was eventually set out.
(-) Limbu makes a great lot of effort to explain the different terms that they use for the Gurkhas, but I still managed to get lost in many of the Army terms and abbreviations used. There is a glossary at the end of the book, which I did not notice until midway through though.
(-) There isn't really any mention as to what makes Gurkhas different from any other military in the world – other than some mention of brotherhood (which I'd think does apply in other Armies as well) and their exposure to bare-hand fighting / use of kukris as the weapon of choice for hand-to-hand combat from a young age. For a regiment that is known worldwide to be the best I thought there should have been more to that than something that pretty much all Nepali boys seem to be exposed to.
Overall: Semi-autobiography, and I say so because as described early on in the book, Limbu was actually invited to write a book on the lifestyle of Gurkhas in general and I suspect that many of his peers actually have similar experiences (though I would need to read another to confirm this). Interspersing descriptions on the ground in Afghanistan with his lifestyle growing up in Nepal until he put himself forward for Gurkha selection was a nice way of lightening things up a bit as the Taliban fighting chapters actually got quite intense. I thought the introduction could have been a bit gentler, but a very good effort for someone who isn't a writer, and I think Limbu successfully put together his very exciting career in a relatively short book which is not overly difficult to read and doesn't lose the reader in excessive detail. 4 stars.
(+) The "dual-timeline" way that the book was written is nice, alternating between the action in the heat of the war in Afghanistan and the selection process of a younger Limbu going through the ranks before eventually joining the British Army as a Gurkha. I'm not sure if he meant this deliberately, or was the outcome of his discussions with his junior rifleman while on watch on quieter nights, but I actually liked the way this was eventually set out.
(-) Limbu makes a great lot of effort to explain the different terms that they use for the Gurkhas, but I still managed to get lost in many of the Army terms and abbreviations used. There is a glossary at the end of the book, which I did not notice until midway through though.
(-) There isn't really any mention as to what makes Gurkhas different from any other military in the world – other than some mention of brotherhood (which I'd think does apply in other Armies as well) and their exposure to bare-hand fighting / use of kukris as the weapon of choice for hand-to-hand combat from a young age. For a regiment that is known worldwide to be the best I thought there should have been more to that than something that pretty much all Nepali boys seem to be exposed to.
Overall: Semi-autobiography, and I say so because as described early on in the book, Limbu was actually invited to write a book on the lifestyle of Gurkhas in general and I suspect that many of his peers actually have similar experiences (though I would need to read another to confirm this). Interspersing descriptions on the ground in Afghanistan with his lifestyle growing up in Nepal until he put himself forward for Gurkha selection was a nice way of lightening things up a bit as the Taliban fighting chapters actually got quite intense. I thought the introduction could have been a bit gentler, but a very good effort for someone who isn't a writer, and I think Limbu successfully put together his very exciting career in a relatively short book which is not overly difficult to read and doesn't lose the reader in excessive detail. 4 stars.
October 1, 2016
I work alongside Gurkhas every day, so I'll admit my review may be a little bias this time...
Both inside and out of the British Army the Gurkhas are the stuff of legend. From about as humble origins as you could image, through a selection process thousands upon thousands apply for but only a few hundred ever achieve, they are widely regarded as some of the best infantrymen in the world. This book is one Gurkhas account of his time in Afghanistan, with parts of his childhood and training thrown into the mix as well.
Pros:
1) Considering English isn't the author’s first language, I never had a hard time imagining what he was describing, nor did I ever get confused or lost in the action.
2) Whilst I understood the military jargon, I liked how the author took the time to explain everything he was saying the first or second time, yet afterwards continued to simply use the acronyms like PID and SOP. I can't stand it when a writer doesn't 'allow' readers to know what s/he is saying, but I hate it more when they say it over and over again like the reader has the memory of a goldfish.
3) This book had boring scenes in it... And that's actually a good thing. One thing that people don't always seem to realize is that in the Army you will be bored more times than you will have adrenaline pumping through your veins. The quiet moments when Kailash was simply talking to his men about arbitrary things was usually some of the more character relieving ones.
Cons:
1) The best parts for me were when Kailash was describing his home life and training to be a Gurkha. These however were few and far between with the siege at Now Zad taking up most of the book.
In conclusion, the things these men have to go through to become part of the British army has always fascinated me. The book dropped a star because I would have liked to have seen more of the Gurkha training, but it doesn't matter. They are great men and even better warriors and I’m proud to be able to call them my colleagues... my friends.
Both inside and out of the British Army the Gurkhas are the stuff of legend. From about as humble origins as you could image, through a selection process thousands upon thousands apply for but only a few hundred ever achieve, they are widely regarded as some of the best infantrymen in the world. This book is one Gurkhas account of his time in Afghanistan, with parts of his childhood and training thrown into the mix as well.
Pros:
1) Considering English isn't the author’s first language, I never had a hard time imagining what he was describing, nor did I ever get confused or lost in the action.
2) Whilst I understood the military jargon, I liked how the author took the time to explain everything he was saying the first or second time, yet afterwards continued to simply use the acronyms like PID and SOP. I can't stand it when a writer doesn't 'allow' readers to know what s/he is saying, but I hate it more when they say it over and over again like the reader has the memory of a goldfish.
3) This book had boring scenes in it... And that's actually a good thing. One thing that people don't always seem to realize is that in the Army you will be bored more times than you will have adrenaline pumping through your veins. The quiet moments when Kailash was simply talking to his men about arbitrary things was usually some of the more character relieving ones.
Cons:
1) The best parts for me were when Kailash was describing his home life and training to be a Gurkha. These however were few and far between with the siege at Now Zad taking up most of the book.
In conclusion, the things these men have to go through to become part of the British army has always fascinated me. The book dropped a star because I would have liked to have seen more of the Gurkha training, but it doesn't matter. They are great men and even better warriors and I’m proud to be able to call them my colleagues... my friends.
January 5, 2021
Wow! What a fantastic read.
Colour Sergeant Kailash Limbu writes of his experiences on one tour of duty in Afghanistan. He and his fellow Gurkhas fly from Bastion to Now Zad for a seven day stint, which turns into a thirty day stay. They face boredom, the same old routine and also several contacts with the Taliban. They see people come past their sentry points, stop and use the street as a public toilet. Not long after, the muezzin starts the first of the five calls to prayer of the day.
Gaaz, one of the soldiers in the sangar with Limbu. asks him to tell them of his selection as a Gurkha and of his life before joining the army. This Limbu does. It's an extraordinary process to join the Gurkhas ---- local selection, regional and national selections, before coming to Britain for basic training here. Limbu also tells the men about his early years in northern Nepal, with his parents and grandparents and extended family.
The way Colour Sergeant Limbu writes this book, you feel as though you're serving with him and his men in Afghanistan. You feel the heat, the fatigue and the adrenaline rush of each contact with the Taliban. You also realise how respectful the Gurkhas are towards each other and their officers. These highly trained men can fight with virtually any weapon they're given, as well as with their hands and their ubiquitous kukris.
I've always been in awe of the Gurkhas and to see them on parade on occasions like the muster at the Albert Hall for Armistice makes me smile, as they're extremely proud soldiers. But, after reading this book, I realise quite how special they are.
Colour Sergeant Kailash Limbu writes of his experiences on one tour of duty in Afghanistan. He and his fellow Gurkhas fly from Bastion to Now Zad for a seven day stint, which turns into a thirty day stay. They face boredom, the same old routine and also several contacts with the Taliban. They see people come past their sentry points, stop and use the street as a public toilet. Not long after, the muezzin starts the first of the five calls to prayer of the day.
Gaaz, one of the soldiers in the sangar with Limbu. asks him to tell them of his selection as a Gurkha and of his life before joining the army. This Limbu does. It's an extraordinary process to join the Gurkhas ---- local selection, regional and national selections, before coming to Britain for basic training here. Limbu also tells the men about his early years in northern Nepal, with his parents and grandparents and extended family.
The way Colour Sergeant Limbu writes this book, you feel as though you're serving with him and his men in Afghanistan. You feel the heat, the fatigue and the adrenaline rush of each contact with the Taliban. You also realise how respectful the Gurkhas are towards each other and their officers. These highly trained men can fight with virtually any weapon they're given, as well as with their hands and their ubiquitous kukris.
I've always been in awe of the Gurkhas and to see them on parade on occasions like the muster at the Albert Hall for Armistice makes me smile, as they're extremely proud soldiers. But, after reading this book, I realise quite how special they are.
December 24, 2016
This memoir is a well-written account of the 2001-2014 war in Afghanistan which involved the allied forces of the U.S, U.K, Australia, Canada as well as other allied nations. The memoir itself details the experiences of a the author, a then Corporal who was in command of a section of U.K soldiers in partaking in the battle of Nawzad - or 'Now Zad'.
The book is interesting as it tells his personal experience leading a small group of soldiers who manned fortified positions called 'sangars', how they had multiple engagements with the taliban ( called contacts) that involved snipers, and multiple RPG's ( Rocket-propelled grenades) being shot at their positions. The book details the frantic hurry, and indeed difficulty that was involved in locating the enemy, and in-turn returning their aggression with tens of thousands of rounds of machine gun fire, as well as multiple airstrikes by Allied helicopters and fighter jets.
The book ends on a somber note detailing the death of one of the books' characters, yet tries to remain hopeful by suggesting that the warrior spirit of the Gurkha is what kept that soldier alive for that long, and indeed that this communal fighting spirit is what gives all Gurkha soldiers both hope, and inspiration. The book is a worthy read if you are interested in the war in Afghanistan, the British Gurkha's, or even a collector of significant memoirs. The book has its tedious moments, yet it never quite loses focus.
The book is interesting as it tells his personal experience leading a small group of soldiers who manned fortified positions called 'sangars', how they had multiple engagements with the taliban ( called contacts) that involved snipers, and multiple RPG's ( Rocket-propelled grenades) being shot at their positions. The book details the frantic hurry, and indeed difficulty that was involved in locating the enemy, and in-turn returning their aggression with tens of thousands of rounds of machine gun fire, as well as multiple airstrikes by Allied helicopters and fighter jets.
The book ends on a somber note detailing the death of one of the books' characters, yet tries to remain hopeful by suggesting that the warrior spirit of the Gurkha is what kept that soldier alive for that long, and indeed that this communal fighting spirit is what gives all Gurkha soldiers both hope, and inspiration. The book is a worthy read if you are interested in the war in Afghanistan, the British Gurkha's, or even a collector of significant memoirs. The book has its tedious moments, yet it never quite loses focus.
November 26, 2016
The book tells two interwoven stories. Primarily a (very) front-line personal recollection of the July 2006 Battle of Now Zad and in flashbacks the authors life from growing up in rural Nepal, competing for and getting recruited into the British Gurkhas.
The account the battle is very focused on the experiences of the author and his section and provides a good insight into the thoughts and tasks of leadership at the tip of spear.
And should you not already be an admirer of the Gurkhas and their martial prowess - then this book will help you.
All in all a solid account, that perhaps could have benefited from a bit more context; refer to Patrick Bishop. 3 Para for that if interested.
The account the battle is very focused on the experiences of the author and his section and provides a good insight into the thoughts and tasks of leadership at the tip of spear.
And should you not already be an admirer of the Gurkhas and their martial prowess - then this book will help you.
All in all a solid account, that perhaps could have benefited from a bit more context; refer to Patrick Bishop. 3 Para for that if interested.
October 4, 2016
It was boring book
July 23, 2016
It's a good read for understanding what it is like to be on the frontline under constant fire. I am very sorry for what happened to Gaaz in the end. Gurkhas are truly heros.
December 19, 2017
An interesting insight into the mind of a Gurkha warrior.
April 21, 2019
This was ok and quite easy to read but nothing particularly special.
June 1, 2022
Непалските войници гурки, като част от британската армия, се сражават във всеки значим военен конфликт от края на XIX век досега. И в съвременния свят те продължават да носят традиционния си нож кукри, показан на снимката. В Непал продължават да съществуват касти и раждането в определена каста до голяма степен предопределя бъдещия живот. Затова немалко момчета избират военната кариера и се състезават за място в британската армия.
Гурката Кайлаш Лимбу взема активно участие във войната в Афганистан, като ръководи бригада при обсадата на град Now Zad, където многократно е обстрелван от талибани и муджахидини. Книгата не блести с литературните си качества, но разкрива света на храбри войни, които достойно изпълняват задълженията си в крайно опасни условия.
Гурката Кайлаш Лимбу взема активно участие във войната в Афганистан, като ръководи бригада при обсадата на град Now Zad, където многократно е обстрелван от талибани и муджахидини. Книгата не блести с литературните си качества, но разкрива света на храбри войни, които достойно изпълняват задълженията си в крайно опасни условия.
November 2, 2023
Too slow paced for my liking. Story centres around the Battle of Nawzad. There were entire chapters dedicated to filling sandbags. I truly respect and admire the Gurkhas but this book was just a chore to me.
June 8, 2020
The feeling that stems from a reading of Colour Sergeant Kailash Limbu can at best be described as ambivalent. If you are looking for an extended and elaborate history of the stellar origins and stupendous achievement of the much admired and feared Gurkha Regiment, then this definitely is not a book. However if you are interested in the manner in which the indomitable Gurkhas act in the face of a deadly siege during the course of a particular operation, then this sans any doubt is a perfect primer.
Nawzad, is a small town, the centre of Nawzad District in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. It is located at an altitude of 1221 metres above sea level. Famously named Apocalypse "Now Zad", this town was the epicentre of a war of attrition between the murderous Taliban forces and the combined British, Gurkha and Estonian forces. As part of Operation Herrick (the codename under which all British operations in the War in Afghanistan were conducted from 2002 to the end of combat operations in 2014), soldiers from the Gurkha regiment were sent into Now Zad to man a compound housing an Afghan police station and a few members of the ANP Military. The Gurkhas were subjected to one of the longest sieges in the battle of Now Zad lasting for all of thirty one days.
Kailash Limbu who was commanding the Gurkha troops chronicles the thirty one day siege in spectacular detail. Abiding by the Gurkha motto of ''Kaphar hunnu bhanda marnu ramro' which when translated into English reads "Better to die than live a coward", Kailash and his team face a relentless barrage of Afghani RPGs, sniper fires, treacherous deceptions and night attacks with stoicism and courage. During the course of detailing the siege, Kailash also provides a sneak peek into the process of recruitment for entry into the Gurkha regiment, and the ways of the Limbu people going about their lives in Nepal.
This according to the author is the first ever time in the 200 year old glorious history of the Gurkhas that a soldier has been permitted to write their story. Although very honest and interesting in its intent, the book could have taken a much greater advantage of such a precious and unique privilege granted to its author.
Nawzad, is a small town, the centre of Nawzad District in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. It is located at an altitude of 1221 metres above sea level. Famously named Apocalypse "Now Zad", this town was the epicentre of a war of attrition between the murderous Taliban forces and the combined British, Gurkha and Estonian forces. As part of Operation Herrick (the codename under which all British operations in the War in Afghanistan were conducted from 2002 to the end of combat operations in 2014), soldiers from the Gurkha regiment were sent into Now Zad to man a compound housing an Afghan police station and a few members of the ANP Military. The Gurkhas were subjected to one of the longest sieges in the battle of Now Zad lasting for all of thirty one days.
Kailash Limbu who was commanding the Gurkha troops chronicles the thirty one day siege in spectacular detail. Abiding by the Gurkha motto of ''Kaphar hunnu bhanda marnu ramro' which when translated into English reads "Better to die than live a coward", Kailash and his team face a relentless barrage of Afghani RPGs, sniper fires, treacherous deceptions and night attacks with stoicism and courage. During the course of detailing the siege, Kailash also provides a sneak peek into the process of recruitment for entry into the Gurkha regiment, and the ways of the Limbu people going about their lives in Nepal.
This according to the author is the first ever time in the 200 year old glorious history of the Gurkhas that a soldier has been permitted to write their story. Although very honest and interesting in its intent, the book could have taken a much greater advantage of such a precious and unique privilege granted to its author.
April 10, 2024
I really wanted to like this book as I have the utmost respect for my Gurkha brothers. I wanted to learn a little more about the soldiers I have had the privilege of working with & alongside for over 40 years. Those polite, brave, disciplined, and fiercely loyal warriors who seem to have a smile permanently fixed in place whatever the situation. Sadly, this is not that book.
This book is essentially a story about an operational tour of Afghanistan centred (in this case) on an area/town in Helmand Province called Now Zad. It focuses too much on the mundane, day-to-day aspects of soldiering (irrespective of whether the soldier is a Gurkha or not), ie weapon cleaning, sand bag filling, basic routine and admin. Because of this, it tends to drone on, all too often becoming repetitive, tedious and boring.
The story is interspersed with flashbacks or memories of how the author was raised and his selection to be a Gurkha but this doesn’t add any real depth. You never really get to know the characters and personalities of the soldiers in his Pltn/Section. They remain one-dimensional.
Interestingly the author was ‘given’ permission to write the book and because of this, I feel it is ‘vanilla’, sterile and the language is very scripted and robotic. It has compromised being the book it could have been. The storytelling doesn’t have that gritty, raw, soldiers perspective that, I feel, these ‘recent campaign’ books need. It’s basically a piece of Gurkha literary PR.
This book is essentially a story about an operational tour of Afghanistan centred (in this case) on an area/town in Helmand Province called Now Zad. It focuses too much on the mundane, day-to-day aspects of soldiering (irrespective of whether the soldier is a Gurkha or not), ie weapon cleaning, sand bag filling, basic routine and admin. Because of this, it tends to drone on, all too often becoming repetitive, tedious and boring.
The story is interspersed with flashbacks or memories of how the author was raised and his selection to be a Gurkha but this doesn’t add any real depth. You never really get to know the characters and personalities of the soldiers in his Pltn/Section. They remain one-dimensional.
Interestingly the author was ‘given’ permission to write the book and because of this, I feel it is ‘vanilla’, sterile and the language is very scripted and robotic. It has compromised being the book it could have been. The storytelling doesn’t have that gritty, raw, soldiers perspective that, I feel, these ‘recent campaign’ books need. It’s basically a piece of Gurkha literary PR.
April 17, 2020
My goal in reading this book was to get more information about the Gurkha in anticipation of visiting a friend that works near/around some of the Gurkhas. There was quite a bit of useful information in the book and I was particularly interested in the information about the kukri, the characteristic knife carried by the Gurkha. For example, the kukri is sometimes worshiped - see page 20 ("I am not sure how common this practice of worshiping the kukri is among the other castes, but among the Limbus it is very strong.". This book came across as generally honest if more than a bit narcissistic. I say generally because on more than one occasion it seemed like the author was making it clear that the rules of engagement had been followed to the letter simply for the purpose of pointing out that they'd been followed to the letter (e.g., "We needed to be absolutely certain we were engaging legitimate targets." - page 211).
As an aside, this booked introduced me to something of which I was completely ignorant - the battle for Gurkha rights, a cause associated with Joanna Lumley of Absolutely Fabulous fame (her father served in the 6th Gurkha Rifles).
As an aside, this booked introduced me to something of which I was completely ignorant - the battle for Gurkha rights, a cause associated with Joanna Lumley of Absolutely Fabulous fame (her father served in the 6th Gurkha Rifles).
January 18, 2020
When I saw this book in a bookstore, I immediately picked it up. After hearing about the Gurkhas and living in Nepal for 2 years, I thought it would be interesting to learn more about them.
I recall meeting a retired Gurkha one day. He didn’t speak much English and had long since retired but he did talk a bit about working in Britain, Hong Kong and Singapore. I also met a more recently retired Gurkha. This was all 20 years ago.
I enjoyed the storytelling here. I wasn’t looking for a battle based book but that is one of the focuses here. However, it is only one focus. He spends a lot of time building up to the battle which helps set the stage to the type of training the Gurkhas receive and their camaraderie. What was particularly enjoyable was the way the author flowed back and forth between the “present” (leading up to and including the battle) and his childhood. That seamless weaving of work and personal was something that stood out to me while living in Nepal and the author captured it here quite well.
It’s a great book if to want to learn something about the Gurkhas.
I recall meeting a retired Gurkha one day. He didn’t speak much English and had long since retired but he did talk a bit about working in Britain, Hong Kong and Singapore. I also met a more recently retired Gurkha. This was all 20 years ago.
I enjoyed the storytelling here. I wasn’t looking for a battle based book but that is one of the focuses here. However, it is only one focus. He spends a lot of time building up to the battle which helps set the stage to the type of training the Gurkhas receive and their camaraderie. What was particularly enjoyable was the way the author flowed back and forth between the “present” (leading up to and including the battle) and his childhood. That seamless weaving of work and personal was something that stood out to me while living in Nepal and the author captured it here quite well.
It’s a great book if to want to learn something about the Gurkhas.
April 25, 2021
This isn't the sort of book I would usually go for (i.e. modern warfare) but the chance to hear the 'authentic' voice of a Gurkha was too good to miss. It's quite a good read, but I agree with other reviewers that it's the sections about C/Sgt Limbu's early life in Nepal and the Gurkha selection process that are the most interesting. The account of the 'siege' of Now Sad is okay and quite interesting but seems rather stilted and a lot of it almost reads like a training manual, although many of the descriptions and explanations are necessary for those, like me, whose knowledge of warfare ends in 1945! In spite of this, the book still gives you a first-hand view of a Gurkha, which is a very rare thing, especially given how much the Gurkhas have been written about.
May 5, 2019
Picked this book up at a National Trust book shop. It did not live up to the blurb on the cover never the less it was an interesting read. I liked the way the book was laid out going from the active engagement with the Taliban in Now Zad to how he was recruited and how so few people were selected out of a thousand applicants. This method was used to describe all the stages involved in becoming an active soldier also some of the history of the Gurkhas rather than being told chronologically.
The motto on the book "Better to die than live a coward" is something we would all like to be able to do but often that is why we are still alive and able to make a contribution to society.
The motto on the book "Better to die than live a coward" is something we would all like to be able to do but often that is why we are still alive and able to make a contribution to society.
February 11, 2023
Interesting subject matter and I couldn't help but like how personable and friendly the author came across on the page.
Two problems - the narrative jumped all over the place. The Afghanistan deployment, his life in Nepal and Gurkha training were all interwoven. A more linear plot would've been structurally stronger and built up to the climax in Now Zad. Would've preferred it going from his early life, then a quick history of the Gurkhas, to his training and then the deployment.
Other problem was the prose loose and the book longer than it needed to be. A better edit was required and would've cut anywhere from 50-100 pages.
Two problems - the narrative jumped all over the place. The Afghanistan deployment, his life in Nepal and Gurkha training were all interwoven. A more linear plot would've been structurally stronger and built up to the climax in Now Zad. Would've preferred it going from his early life, then a quick history of the Gurkhas, to his training and then the deployment.
Other problem was the prose loose and the book longer than it needed to be. A better edit was required and would've cut anywhere from 50-100 pages.
May 27, 2018
An odd book for me to read, as I have little to no interest in military-experience based books. Sadly this only reinforced to me the reasons why I have no time for them.
Despite this book title suggesting it would be about the Gurkhas themselves, this is mostly a retelling of a single operation in the Afghanistan war. Whilst I do not doubt the Gurkha regiments training and bravery, it makes for quite a dull read to just hear about a constant siege. I found myself much more interested in the tales of Limbu's home country of Nepal, and these were mostly the only strong parts of the book.
Despite this book title suggesting it would be about the Gurkhas themselves, this is mostly a retelling of a single operation in the Afghanistan war. Whilst I do not doubt the Gurkha regiments training and bravery, it makes for quite a dull read to just hear about a constant siege. I found myself much more interested in the tales of Limbu's home country of Nepal, and these were mostly the only strong parts of the book.
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