KATHMANDU, JANUARY 14 A book titled Warriors from the Himalayas, written by Gordon Elsden, was unveiled at an event held at British Gurkhas Nepal in Lalitpur on Tuesday. The book, which chronicles the stories of British Gurkha veterans and their families, was jointly launched by British Ambassador to Nepal Rob Fenn, Defence Attaché Colonel Dan Rex MVO, author Gordon Elsden, and Major Balkrishna Rana. Speaking at the launch, Ambassador Fenn said the stories of the Gurkhas must be passed on from generation to generation. The publication consists of two volumes comprising more than 800 pages and documents the lives of over 30 Gurkha veterans and their families. Sharing his journey, Elsden said the idea for the book began six years ago, though the seed was planted more than four decades earlier. 'I made my first trek to Nepal's Annapurna Circuit some 43 years ago,' Elsden said. 'That experience stayed with me.'

During that trek, he listened to stories from veteran Gurkhas who had been deployed in Burma during World War II, as well as in Malaya and Borneo. 'On reflection, many of them were fathers and even grandfathers of today's generation of Gurkha veterans,' he recalled. Elsden also recounted that his then wife, Sue, joined the Brigade of Gurkhas as an English teacher under a pilot programme at Burma Lines, aimed at improving the English proficiency of soldiers from the 10th Gurkhas. Her assistant was Sergeant Hari Bahadur Limbu, who was later transferred to the education wing following an accident involving a one-ton vehicle he was driving and a tree on Lok Ma Chau Road. 'There was considerable damage to the vehicle, but the tree remained unmoved,' Elsden noted.

'In 1995, I had the privilege of spending time with Hari and five of the surviving Victoria Cross recipients from the Burma campaign,' he said, describing the experience as unforgettable as each veteran narrated how they had earned the VC. In 2019, following a trek to Annapurna Base Camp with his eldest son Tom, Elsden spent several days with Hari exploring Dharan and Danda Bazaar. 'That was when the idea truly took shape-pen was put to paper to record the story of Hari's family, beginning with his father, Buddhi Bahadur, who served with the 4th and 10th Gurkhas in India and fought in Burma,' he said. The book features numerous compelling accounts, including that of Khagendra Bahadur Limbu, who became the first Gurkha to be posted on sentry duty at Buckingham Palace in 1972. Major Bhuwansing Limbu, a distinguished officer of the 7th Gurkhas, recalls serving on the front lines in both the Borneo conflict and the Falklands War. He vividly described a 40-kilometre march over difficult terrain towards Goose Green, with soldiers carrying full packs weighing more than 140 pounds. Major Bhuwansing also recounted stories of his father, Bagbir Limbu, who led a platoon with extraordinary ferocity against Japanese forces in Burma. 'He was a tiger by name, tiger by nature,' Elsden remarked. The book also includes the personal account of Captain Ram Bahadur Limbu VC, who described his exceptional bravery during the now-famous battle in Borneo, for which he was awarded the Victoria Cross. 'You can see a pattern in how these books evolved-each story introduced through personal connections between Gurkha veterans,' Elsden said. He also shared lighter anecdotes, including how Major Ram Bahadur Gurung, after retirement, built an international golf course near Pokhara. Ram and his brothers, except for one, all support Arsenal. 'This leads me onto the lone Liverpool supporter, the indomitable Major Jud, he concluded his highly productive career as a Gurkha Major of the Queens Gurkha Engineers,' Elsden said.

The book also highlights the strength and resilience of Gurkha women, who held their families together through some of the most challenging periods. Reflecting on the journey, Elsden said the book may never have been written had Sergeant Hari not crashed his vehicle into that tree on Lok Ma Chau Road in 1985. 'For me, it has been a privilege that this band of warriors from a remarkable generation of Gurkhas placed their trust in me and shared their deeply personal life stories,' he said. Elsden believes the work stands as a legacy document that preserves authentic accounts for peers, descendants, and future generations of Gurkhas. 'In doing so, we have ensured these stories will not quietly fade away as the years roll by,' he said, adding that Britain is 'truly fortunate to have such wonderful people playing such an important role within the British Army.' According to Elsden, voluntary contributions from the sale of the book will be donated to the Gurkha Welfare Trust, Gurkha Memorial Park Dharan, Gurkha Museum Pokhara, and the Gurkha Museum UK.