VW020
Thomas Gunn Miniatures
Not yet Released - expected in late June.
The Gurkhas are a British army Regiment that have given service to the British Crown for over 200 years. They are armed with a Kukri, this is a type of knife or short sword with a distinct recurve in its blade that originated in the Indian subcontinent. The kukri is the national weapon of Nepal, traditionally serving the role of a basic utility knife for the Gurkhas, and consequently is a characteristic weapon of the Nepali Army. The handles are most often made of hardwood or water buffalo horn, but ivory, bone, and metal handles have also been produced. The handle quite often has a flared butt that allows better retention in draw cuts and chopping. Most handles have metal bolsters and butt plates which are generally made of brass or steel.
The kukri is in standard service with various regiments and units within the Indian Army, Assam Rifles, the Kumaon Regiment, the Garhwal Rifles and the various Gorkha regiments. Outside of its native region of South Asia, the kukri also is in service with the Brigade of Gurkhas in the British Army and Gurkha Contingent of the Singapore Police Force.
There are many myths surrounding the kukri since its earliest recorded use in the 7th century—most notably a traditional custom that the blade must draw blood before being sheathed, when its sole purpose is considered as a fighting weapon. In addition to its use in combat, the kukri is also used for a variety of other purposes. It is used by farmers and labourers for cutting crops and clearing brush, and by hunters for skinning and cleaning game. It is also used as a tool for cooking, woodworking, and even as a ceremonial object in some Nepalese religious traditions.
These first Gurkhas are dressed in green as they would have appeared in the 1879 campaign in Afghanistan.