Description
India General Service Medal 1935, GVI, bar North West Frontier 1937-39, 9403 Rifleman Randhou Gurung, 2-8th Gurkha Rifles. This unit saved many lives in the 1935 Quetta Earthquake.
Officially impressed: “9403 Rfn Randhou Gurung 2-8 G.R.”
An interesting as during the 1930s this unit, the 8th Goorkha Rifles was stationed in the North West Frontier.
Just a short period before earning this medal the 2-8th Gurka Rifles were based at Quetta, being there during the Quetta Earthquake of 1935.
The North West of India was rocked by a series of powerful earthquakes resulting in thousands being killed.
The 2nd 8th Gurkhas did not stand idly by and worked tirelessly in their efforts to help free many of the civilians that were caught beneath the ruins leading to a number of gallantry awards.
Of note, Nandlal Thapa received the Empire Gallantry Medal for repeatedly risking his life entering buildings that were in danger of collapsing amidst the aftershocks in order to rescue survivors.
Also, Chitrbahadur Gurung received the Empire Gallantry Medal as well when he retrieved a British couple, the Newingtons, from under deep rubble. At the time this was the highest honour one could receive for gallantry not in the face of the enemy.
Additionally Rifleman Hrkbir Thapa of the 2nd 8th GR received the Albert Medal while on a rescue party risking his life to save 2 children.
In total the regiment claimed 4 of the 54 decorations awarded for the Earthquake.
