British Heritage
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Rambahadur Limbu
Epitomising Gallantry in British Heritage.
Among the many figures who have shaped and enriched British heritage, Rambahadur Limbu, VC, MVO, a Gurkha recipient of the Victoria Cross, holds a special place. As a soldier in the British Army and one of the only five living recipients of the Victoria Cross, his story embodies bravery, commitment, and unwavering dedication to duty. Limbu's valiant feats have not only impacted the course of military history but have also significantly contributed to the rich tapestry of British heritage.
Born on 8 July 1939, in the Chyangthapu village, Tehrathum, East Nepal, Rambahadur Limbu belonged to the Begha Clan of the Limbu people of Nepal. His path to becoming a decorated soldier began in the ranks of the 2nd Battalion, 10th Princess Mary's Own Gurkha Rifles, British Army.
Limbu's remarkable display of courage that earned him the prestigious Victoria Cross took place during the Indonesian Confrontation on 21 November 1965 in Sarawak, Borneo. At the age of 26, as a lance corporal, Limbu demonstrated unflinching bravery during an encounter with about 30 Indonesian soldiers who were positioned at the top of a jungle-covered hill.
Leading an advance party of 16 Gurkhas, Limbu initiated an attack on the enemy. Despite coming under heavy fire, he undertook multiple life-threatening journeys into the open to rescue his wounded comrades and retrieve their Bren gun. His courage didn't falter as he charged down, using the retrieved weapon to inflict heavy casualties on the enemy.
The Queen, recognising his heroic act, approved the award of the Victoria Cross to Limbu. The official citation lauded his outstanding bravery, selfless conduct, complete disregard for enemy fire, and determination to save his men's lives as an example inspiring all who witnessed his actions.
Tragically, Limbu's original Victoria Cross, along with his other possessions, was stolen during a train journey in India to his native Nepal in 1967. Despite this loss, his decorated career continued, and he was issued a replacement for the stolen Cross. Limbu rose to the rank of captain as a Queen's Gurkha Officer (QGO) and was appointed Member of the Royal Victorian Order (MVO) in 1984 for his exceptional service as Queen's Gurkha Orderly Officer.
Rambahadur Limbu's inspiring story was showcased in the 2006 television docudrama "Victoria Cross Heroes," which featured interviews, archive footage, and dramatisations of his heroic actions.
In terms of medals, Captain Rambahadur Limbu has an extensive entitlement, reflecting his exceptional contributions and the high esteem in which he is held.
Rambahadur Limbu's story continues to be a part of the rich narrative of British heritage. His extraordinary courage, commitment to his comrades, and unyielding dedication to duty exemplify the values that the British Army and indeed, the British nation, hold dear. As a Gurkha soldier, he also represents the significant contributions that the Gurkhas, from Nepal, have made to British military history. Thus, his legacy not only speaks to individual gallantry but also underscores the shared history and mutual respect between Britain and the Gurkhas of Nepal.
Early Life and Path to Valour
Born on 8 July 1939, in the Chyangthapu village, Tehrathum, East Nepal, Rambahadur Limbu belonged to the Begha Clan of the Limbu people of Nepal. His path to becoming a decorated soldier began in the ranks of the 2nd Battalion, 10th Princess Mary's Own Gurkha Rifles, British Army.
The Victoria Cross: Gallantry in the Face of Danger
Limbu's remarkable display of courage that earned him the prestigious Victoria Cross took place during the Indonesian Confrontation on 21 November 1965 in Sarawak, Borneo. At the age of 26, as a lance corporal, Limbu demonstrated unflinching bravery during an encounter with about 30 Indonesian soldiers who were positioned at the top of a jungle-covered hill.
Leading an advance party of 16 Gurkhas, Limbu initiated an attack on the enemy. Despite coming under heavy fire, he undertook multiple life-threatening journeys into the open to rescue his wounded comrades and retrieve their Bren gun. His courage didn't falter as he charged down, using the retrieved weapon to inflict heavy casualties on the enemy.
The Queen, recognising his heroic act, approved the award of the Victoria Cross to Limbu. The official citation lauded his outstanding bravery, selfless conduct, complete disregard for enemy fire, and determination to save his men's lives as an example inspiring all who witnessed his actions.
Later Career and Influence
Tragically, Limbu's original Victoria Cross, along with his other possessions, was stolen during a train journey in India to his native Nepal in 1967. Despite this loss, his decorated career continued, and he was issued a replacement for the stolen Cross. Limbu rose to the rank of captain as a Queen's Gurkha Officer (QGO) and was appointed Member of the Royal Victorian Order (MVO) in 1984 for his exceptional service as Queen's Gurkha Orderly Officer.
Media Recognition and Legacy
Rambahadur Limbu's inspiring story was showcased in the 2006 television docudrama "Victoria Cross Heroes," which featured interviews, archive footage, and dramatisations of his heroic actions.
In terms of medals, Captain Rambahadur Limbu has an extensive entitlement, reflecting his exceptional contributions and the high esteem in which he is held.
Conclusion: The Impact on British Heritage
Rambahadur Limbu's story continues to be a part of the rich narrative of British heritage. His extraordinary courage, commitment to his comrades, and unyielding dedication to duty exemplify the values that the British Army and indeed, the British nation, hold dear. As a Gurkha soldier, he also represents the significant contributions that the Gurkhas, from Nepal, have made to British military history. Thus, his legacy not only speaks to individual gallantry but also underscores the shared history and mutual respect between Britain and the Gurkhas of Nepal.
- Rambahadur Limbuen.wikipedia.org
