THE MYTH OF GURKHA RIFLEMAN CARRYING PRIVATE

spiral · 26th December 2012, 06:03 PM

As a further addendum, one of my 3 top favorite 19th century Newspaper block prints of Goorkhas with kukri, {Which I bought, to frame & display alongside my kukri collection.} Its nearly 2ft wide & exhibits great skill in wood block engraving! Its a great picture to have!

{Digital copies can be found elswere on line, many original copied from my example.

}

Is of the Lushai expedition...

The 44th make up {not the 43rd. {mentioned in another thread.}which at that time was a seperate unit to the 44th... The clues in the number

} are mentioned in the official Army "AG circular no. 117" dated 9th september 1864.

As quoted in "The Linages & Composition of Gurkha Regiments in British Service." {published by Gurkha museam.}

So clearly a mostly Goorkha & Assam Hillmen based unit, would be highly skilled at sheltor building, rather than the 22nd Punjabis, who while usefull solders wouldnt be so used to such craft & work.

spiral

kronckew · 27th December 2012, 08:18 AM

i note that the rifleman in the photo on the far left appears to be cheating by attempting to blow his bamboo stem in half with his rifle. sadly, by turning his head to avoid splinters, he appears to be about to shoot the bugler in the foot.

interesting photo.

spiral · 27th December 2012, 10:42 AM

spiral

26th December 2012, 06:03 PM	#1
spiral Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,712	As a further addendum, one of my 3 top favorite 19th century Newspaper block prints of Goorkhas with kukri, {Which I bought, to frame & display alongside my kukri collection.} Its nearly 2ft wide & exhibits great skill in wood block engraving! Its a great picture to have! {Digital copies can be found elswere on line, many original copied from my example. } Is of the Lushai expedition... The 44th make up {not the 43rd. {mentioned in another thread.}which at that time was a seperate unit to the 44th... The clues in the number } are mentioned in the official Army "AG circular no. 117" dated 9th september 1864. As quoted in "The Linages & Composition of Gurkha Regiments in British Service." {published by Gurkha museam.} So clearly a mostly Goorkha & Assam Hillmen based unit, would be highly skilled at sheltor building, rather than the 22nd Punjabis, who while usefull solders wouldnt be so used to such craft & work. spiral

27th December 2012, 08:18 AM	#2
kronckew Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Room 101, Glos. UK Posts: 4,249	i note that the rifleman in the photo on the far left appears to be cheating by attempting to blow his bamboo stem in half with his rifle. sadly, by turning his head to avoid splinters, he appears to be about to shoot the bugler in the foot. interesting photo.

27th December 2012, 10:42 AM	#3
spiral Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,712	spiral