Kulbir Thapa VC: The First Gurkha to Win The Victoria Cross

Kulbir Thapa VC: The First Gurkha to Win the Victoria Cross

A Legacy of Bravery Begins Here

When we talk about fearless Gurkhas, Rifleman Kulbir Thapa stands tall as a legend. Born in 1892 in Naya Gaun, Palpa district, Nepal, he became the first Gurkha and first Nepalese national to receive the Victoria Cross (VC)—the most prestigious award for gallantry in the British and Commonwealth forces.

The Heroic Moment: Battle of Loos, France (1915)

Kulbir Thapa was just 22 years old and serving in the 3rd Battalion, 2nd King Edward VII’s Own Gurkha Rifles (The Sirmoor Rifles) during World War I. On 25 September 1915, in the muddy trenches near Loos, France, his unit was part of a major assault.

Despite being wounded himself, Thapa discovered a wounded British soldier from the Leicestershire Regiment behind enemy lines. While others moved forward, he chose to stay back under heavy German fire, tending to the British soldier for an entire day without food or water.

And then he did the unthinkable.

He carried the injured man across open ground three times—each time going back to rescue another soldier, all while facing deadly machine gun fire.

Awarded the Victoria Cross

For this unmatched act of courage and selflessness, Kulbir Thapa was awarded the Victoria Cross by King George V at Buckingham Palace in 1916. His actions not only saved lives but also won the deep respect of both British and Indian troops, setting a proud precedent for Gurkha soldiers.

🕊️ Legacy

Kulbir Thapa returned to Nepal after the war and lived a humble life. His courage became legendary in both British and Nepalese military history. A statue in his honor now stands at the Imperial War Museum in London, and his legacy is remembered each year by Gurkha regiments around the world.

“It is not bravery if you are not afraid. Real courage is going on even when fear is holding your chest tight.“
– Inspired by Kulbir Thapa’s actions

Why Gurkha Watch Honors Him

At Gurkha Watch, we believe in more than just timekeeping—we believe in honoring time with purpose. Kulbir Thapa’s story is not just history. It’s a reminder that bravery, loyalty, and selflessness are timeless values.

That is the spirit behind every Gurkha Watch we design.