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Bhanubhakta Gurung :the Gurkha hero who earned the Victoria cross

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kabindra bista

April 2, 2026

On April 2, 2026

Bhanubhakta Gurung: The Gurkha Hero Who Earned the Victoria Cross

When we speak of courage, sacrifice, and honor, the legacy of the Gurkhas stands among the greatest in the world. One name that continues to inspire generations is Bhanbhakta Gurung — a fearless soldier who earned the prestigious Victoria Cross for his extraordinary bravery.

At Gurkha Watch, we believe every second tells a story. This is the story of a true hero.

Early Life of Bhanubhakta Gurung

Bhanubhakta Gurung was born in Nepal, a land known for producing some of the world’s bravest soldiers. Growing up in a culture rooted in discipline and service, he was naturally drawn to the legacy of the Gurkhas.

He joined the British Army and became part of the respected 2nd King Edward VII’s Own Gurkha Rifles, where he quickly proved himself through dedication, strength, and unwavering commitment.

The Battle That Made Him a Legend

During the intense fighting of the Second World War, Gurung was deployed in Burma (modern-day Myanmar), one of the most challenging battlefields of the war.

On March 5, 1945, during a fierce engagement near Tamandu, his unit faced heavy enemy resistance. The situation was critical, and success depended on extraordinary courage.

Without hesitation, Bhanubhakta Gurung advanced alone toward enemy positions.

Even after being wounded, he continued to fight:

Charging enemy trenches under heavy fire
Engaging multiple enemy soldiers
Refusing to retreat despite serious injuries

His actions turned the tide of the battle and saved the lives of many of his fellow soldiers.

BHAIRAHAWA, NEPAL – 1969: Nepalese Gurkha soldier Bhanbhagta Gurung (1921 – 2008), recipient of the Victoria Cross, photographed with Kukri knives at the Paklihawa British Camp in Bhairahawa, Nepal, circa 1969. (Photo by Terry Fincher/The Fincher Files/Popperfoto via Getty Images)

Victoria Cross: The Highest Honor

For his unmatched bravery, Bhanubhakta Gurung was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross.

This award is the highest recognition of valor in the British military and is only given to those who display exceptional courage in the face of the enemy.

His name is now forever written among the greatest war heroes in history.

The rare Victoria Cross is worn on the chest of the celebrated Nepali war veteran Bhanu Bhagta Gurung (also written Bhanubhakta), an ex-soldier of the British Gurkha regiment who in the second world war, earned his medals from repeated bravery against Japanese positions in Burma. He sits here on the terrace of his home, above the misty valley of Gorkha, Central Nepal. He is one of the last survivors of the remarkably brave men who helped defeat the enemy in the jungles of south-east Asia. Gurung is the name of his Nepalese tribe (like the Sherpas who also come from the high Himalayan Kingdom). His company commander described him as “a smiling, hard-swearing and indomitable soldier who in a battalion of brave men was one of the bravest”. Born September 1921 – died March 1 2008. (Photo by Richard Baker/In Pictures Ltd./Corbis via Getty Images)

The Legacy of a True Gurkha

The story of Bhanubhakta Gurung is more than a war story — it is a symbol of what it truly means to be a Gurkha.

His legacy represents:

Courage beyond fear
Loyalty beyond duty
Sacrifice beyond self

Even today, his story continues to inspire soldiers, youth, and patriots across Nepal and beyond.

Nepalese Gurkha Bhanubhagta Gurung (1921 – 2008), recipient of the Victoria Cross, photographed behind the Pakalihawa British Camp in Bhairahawa, Nepal, circa 1969. (Photo by Terry Fincher/The Fincher Files/Popperfoto via Getty Images)

Gurkha Watch: Carrying the Legacy Forward

At Gurkha Watch, we are deeply inspired by heroes like Bhanbhakta Gurung.

Our watches are designed not just to tell time, but to carry meaning — reflecting strength, discipline, and timeless bravery.

When you wear a Gurkha Watch, you carry a legacy of courage on your wrist.

Conclusion

The story of Bhanubhakta Gurung reminds us that true heroes never fade. Their courage lives on through history, inspiration, and the values they leave behind.

As time moves forward, legends like him remain eternal.