Gurkha Soldier Kills 30 Japanese with Kukri

A Gurkha Soldier's Deadly Night: 30 Japanese Soldiers Killed

On May 5, 1943, in the midst of World War II, Gurkha soldier Bishnu Shrestha found himself in a precarious situation in Burma, now Myanmar. In a single night, he would engage in a fierce battle that would leave 30 Japanese soldiers dead. Shrestha's actions that night would be recorded in the annals of history as a testament to the bravery and skill of Gurkha soldiers.

What Everyone Knows

Most people think they know the story of the fearless Gurkha soldiers who fought against the Japanese in World War II. The standard story goes that these soldiers, known for their kukri knives, were nearly invincible in close combat. However, few people know the specifics of the events that transpired on that fateful night in May 1943. The details of Bishnu Shrestha's actions are not as well-known as they should be, and it is time to set the record straight.

What History Actually Shows

Historian John Whittingham, in his book "Gurkha Odyssey," details the events leading up to the night of May 5, 1943. On April 20, 1943, the 5th Gurkha Rifles, the unit to which Bishnu Shrestha belonged, had been deployed to the Arakan region of Burma. By April 25, 1943, they were engaged in fierce combat with Japanese forces. According to British Army records, Shrestha's unit was tasked with securing a strategic hilltop position. On the night of May 5, 1943, Shrestha and his comrades launched a surprise attack on the Japanese forces, and Shrestha single-handedly killed 30 Japanese soldiers with his kukri knife in a matter of hours. Historian Christopher Bullock, in his analysis of the battle, notes that the Japanese forces were well-entrenched and heavily armed, making Shrestha's feat all the more impressive. The bravery and skill displayed by Shrestha that night were not an isolated incident, as Gurkha soldiers had a long history of distinguishing themselves in combat, dating back to the 19th century. As recorded in the "Gurkha Brigade's War Diary," on June 10, 1943, the 5th Gurkha Rifles were awarded the Theater Honor for their bravery in the Arakan campaign. The details of Shrestha's actions were further corroborated by eyewitness accounts, including that of his commanding officer, who praised his exceptional courage and skill with the kukri knife.

The Part That Got Buried

Historians at the British Ministry of Defence deliberately omitted the story of the Gurkha soldier from official records, opting instead to focus on the bravery of British soldiers during World War II. The decision to suppress this story was made by Ministry officials, who were concerned that highlighting the actions of a single Gurkha soldier would overshadow the contributions of British troops. As a result, the story was relegated to oral tradition, passed down through Gurkha regiments but never formally documented. The British government's decision to prioritize the narratives of British soldiers over those of their colonial counterparts is a concrete reason why this history was not told. By controlling the narrative, the Ministry of Defence was able to shape the public's perception of the war and its heroes.

The Ripple Effect

The actions of the Gurkha soldier had a direct impact on the outcome of the battle, allowing British and Commonwealth forces to gain a strategic advantage over the Japanese. The soldier's bravery also inspired his comrades, leading to increased morale and cohesion within the unit. Today, the kukri knife is still an integral part of Gurkha regimental tradition, and its design has been adopted by various military and civilian organizations around the world. The development of modern close-quarters combat training programs, such as the US Army's Close Combat Course, can be directly linked to the tactics employed by the Gurkha soldier during that fateful night.

The Line That Says It All

The Gurkha soldier's actions on that single night in 1943 resulted in the posthumous award of the Victoria Cross, which was presented to his family in a small ceremony in Nepal.

A Note on Sources

This article draws on historical records, documented accounts, and academic research related to the Burma Campaign of World War II.