Nuneaton memorial to fallen Gurkha soldiers is dedicated

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A memorial to Gurkha soldiers killed while serving in the British Army has been dedicated in Warwickshire.



The stone memorial, remembering the 43,000 Gurkhas killed in World War One and World War Two is in Riversley Park, Nuneaton.

The Queen's Gurkha Signals regiment is based in the town, and local people raised £40,000 for the memorial in only three months.

The dedication ceremony included a march by veteran soldiers.

Warwickshire County Councillor Bob Hicks said: "The Gurkhas have a long association with the borough - it is fitting for the monument to be in Nuneaton."

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Mixed emotions at historic event in Nuneaton



MIXED emotions swept across Riversley Park when a unique memorial was officially unveiled.

While it was an immensely proud moment that the Gurkha community had 'dreamed' of for almost a decade, it was also bittersweet as they were still coming to terms with the earthquake which has devastated their native land.

Many Gurkha veterans and their families have made Nuneaton and Bedworth their home, but their thoughts were back in Nepal, following the huge disaster on Saturday which has claimed more than 2,000 lives and left a trail of destruction in its wake.

Om Gurung, MBE, chair of the Nuneaton branch of the British Gurkha Veterans Association, who was instrumental in the creation of the monument, said: "It has been a proud day for us, but I, like so many others, have mixed emotions.

"As a result of what happened yesterday (Saturday) my village Phi-r-Phire in back home has been destroyed, it is unhabitable. All of our thoughts are with everyone back home."

A fundraising collection was quickly organised, and many stewards stood with buckets raising funds to help those who survived the earthquake.

Townsfolk were quick to dig deep in their pockets and Mr Gurung said further collections would be held this week.

But despite the devastating turn of events, Mr Gurung was keen to thank the many residents who filled Riversley Park to watch the dedication ceremony from a specially-set-up large screen.

"I am so proud that some many people have come, I would like to thank them all, we have always been proud of the relationship we have with the people of Nuneaton and Bedworth," he said.

In fact, he mentioned the special relationship the Gurkha community shares with residents during the ceremony.

He said that when the Queens Gurkha Signals first arrived at Bramcote Barracks almost 20 years ago, people opened their 'hearts and minds' to them.

So much so that many Gurkha veterans and their families have made the borough their home. As well as the monument paying homage to Gurkha soldiers, the former Major said it was their way of saying 'thank you' to the community for making them feel so welcome.

The borough's special relationship with the Gurkha and Nepalese community was a running theme during the ceremony.



Nuneaton and Bedworth's Mayor, councillor Brian Hawkes, said: "Following yesterday (Saturday) I know all of our hearts go out to the Nepalese people and all those who have been affected by it," the first citizen said.

"To be part of this momentous event alongside the men of the Himalayas of Nepal is an honour and a humbling experience. Thew loyalty add commitment displayed by the Gurkhas over 200 to our country is legendary and respected throughout the world.

"We are extremely proud that since 1997 the Gurkhas have been based at Gamecock Barracks, so much so that in 2010, the council granted the Queen's Gurkha Signals the prestigious freedom of entry.

"In addition, we are extremely proud that many Ex-Servicemen and their families who have chosen to make Nuneaton and Bedworth their homes. Nuneaton and Bedworth is a far better place for their presence. Today, as we mark 200 years of Gurkhas joining the British Army and the 43,000 warriors who gave their lives, we also wholeheartedly thank the Gurka and Nepalese for living alongside us in the community.

"I know the residents of Nuneaton and Bedworth share with me great pride as we dedicate this monument to the bravest of the brave, for their service to the British Army and to the Gurkha and Nepalese people who contribute to our borough."

Even The Queen herself passed on her best wishes for the historic day in a letter to the Nuneaton branch of the British Gurkha Veterans Association.

Mr Gurung read out the letter, saying: "The Queen was pleased to receive your kind message on behalf of the British Gurkha Veteran Association for the occasion of the inauguration of memorial to mark the 200 years of anniversary of Gurkha service to Great Britain.

"The Queen most appreciated your kind words and, in return, she sent her best wishes to all concerned for a most memorable and enjoyable event to commemorating this most significant milestone."

The ceremony will be forever etched in the annals of the borough's history and so will the Gurkha's contribution not only to the borough, but also the country, as a special book was handed over to the Mayor, Cllr Hawkes, to be displayed in the Town Hall.