10/09/2026
“If a man says he is not afraid of dying, he is either lying, or he is a Gurkha.” – Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw
Behind these medals is the story of Nirmal Limbu, a Nepalese Gurkha soldier whose 15-year career took him from India to Malaya, Hong Kong and Borneo.
Born in 1938, Nirmal enlisted on 3 November 1955 and served until his retirement in 1969. His service papers describe him as a good soldier and a skilled mechanic and driver, with a long experience in the Mechanical Transport Platoon.
His commanding officer's testimonial makes for particularly interesting reading:
“Nirmal Limbu has been a great asset to this Battalion right up to the time of his retirement. He has had a very long experience in the mechanical transport platoon and consequently he is an excellent driver. He has a pleasant personality and his discipline and turnout are good. A very hardworking soldier. He is highly recommended.”
Nirmal served during the Malayan Emergency, earning the General Service Medal with Malaya clasp, before later serving during the Borneo Confrontation, earning the General Service Medal 1962 with Borneo clasp.
His three pages of surviving service papers confirm his medal entitlement and provide a fascinating glimpse into his military career and personal life. He married Manmaya Limbuni in 1958, and the couple had two sons, Hemchandra and Yobirat.
Interestingly, although Nirmal completed 15 years' service, he did not qualify for the Long Service & Good Conduct Medal because of a single disciplinary charge for fighting in the barrack room.
Gurkhas have served Britain and India for generations. Following the partition of India in 1947, Gurkha regiments were divided between the British and Indian armies, while recruitment continued in Nepal. Their reputation for courage, toughness and loyalty became legendary.
