"Johnny Gurkha" (revised)

On the 11^th September 2008,  an 87 year old winner of the Victoria Cross, Britain’s Highest Honour for Valour, RSM Tul Bahadur Pun VC, handed back his medals at the door of Number 10 Downing Street, the official residence of the Prime Minister, in protest at being denied medical treatment in a London hospital!





“Johnny Gurkha
”

In utter disgust I write these words

I shouldn’t have to write this letter

About a Comrade of mine, sold down the line

We should treat our old friends better.


In the rattle of the battle


In the fog of fusillade


There's a comrade I'd have beside me


And no better friend was made.



He's a Gurkha from the Mountains


I'd have watch my left and right


And stalwart stand, kukri in hand


And guard me day and night.



And when the battle’s over


You forget those bloody miles


And what sticks most is your courtly host


And those gentle Gurkha smiles.



And now I hear them marching


To the door of Number 10


They've come to say, we saved your day


And you throw us away again.



Refused the right to Doctors


Refused the right to stay


They've been our friends, right to the ends


How can we serve 'em this way?



You can thank your Gods, whichever Gods


You choose, why even Kali


They politely ask, don't take you to task


Or shout "Ayo Gurkhali!"*



In every little skirmish, 


In every war that's been


He's been our mate, since early date


In Eighteen Seventeen.



And now it's time to show the world


To lead by some example


To show these friends before it ends


Our gratitude is ample.

Copyright ©  Res JF Burman 12^th September 2008

This is dedicated with love and admiration to the men of 51 Gurkha Infantry Brigade

And 99 Gurkha Infantry Brigade with whom I had the honour of serving during the Borneo Campaign.

1963 to 1966



*The War cry of the Gurkhas: 
"Ayo Gurkhali" = "Here come the Gurkhas!"


"Jai Mahakali, Ayo Gurkhali" = "Hail Goddess Kali. The Gurkhas are upon you!”

The well known actress Joanna Lumley, among others, waged a successful campaign to redress at least some of the outrageous treatment our old allies were subjected to. 
Bless her!