Bhanbhagta Gurung

Honorary Havildar Bhanbhagta Gurung displayed extraordinary courage during the Burma Campaign of the Second World War, single-handedly attacking a series of heavily defended Japanese positions in one of the most remarkable acts of battlefield bravery by a Gurkha soldier. His fearless actions earned him the Victoria Cross, while his unwavering determination and fighting spirit secured his place among Nepal's most celebrated military heroes.

Bhanbhagta Gurung was born on 16 September 1921 in Phalelung, Punja, Nepal. He enlisted in the 2nd King Edward VII's Own Gurkha Rifles in 1940, joining a regiment renowned for its courage, discipline, and distinguished service within the British Indian Army. During the Second World War, he served in Burma, including with the famous Chindits during the first long-range penetration campaign in 1943, before later fighting with the 3rd Battalion during the Allied advance into central Burma.

His defining moment came on 5 March 1945 during the assault on Snowdon East, near Tamandu, Burma. As his company advanced against strongly fortified Japanese positions, intense enemy fire halted the attack. Acting entirely on his own initiative, Rifleman Gurung charged forward and killed an enemy sniper before attacking a succession of Japanese bunkers armed with grenades, his rifle, bayonet, and kukri. Despite relentless enemy fire, he destroyed multiple defensive positions and killed several enemy soldiers, allowing his company to continue its advance. When the Japanese launched a counterattack, he continued fighting with exceptional courage until the objective was secured.

For his extraordinary gallantry and complete disregard for his own safety, Bhanbhagta Gurung was awarded the Victoria Cross, with the award announced in the London Gazette on 1 June 1945. His citation praised his outstanding bravery, determination, and aggressive leadership in overcoming heavily defended enemy positions during one of the final campaigns of the war in Burma.

In addition to the Victoria Cross, his wartime service earned him the 1939–45 Star, Burma Star, War Medal 1939–1945, and India Service Medal 1939–1945. In recognition of his distinguished service, the Kingdom of Nepal also appointed him to the Order of the Star of Nepal, Third Class, reflecting the high regard in which he was held by his homeland.

After the war, Gurung left military service in January 1946 and was granted the honorary rank of Havildar. He returned to Nepal, where he remained a respected figure for decades. In later life, he travelled to the United Kingdom on several occasions as an honoured guest at Victoria Cross commemorations and Gurkha regimental events, where his courage continued to inspire new generations of soldiers.

Honorary Havildar Bhanbhagta Gurung passed away on 1 March 2008 at the age of 86. His Victoria Cross is displayed at The Gurkha Museum in Winchester, preserving the story of one of the most outstanding acts of individual bravery performed by a Gurkha during the Second World War. His legacy endures as a symbol of exceptional courage, unwavering determination, and the proud fighting tradition of the Gurkhas.