Mr Pun should have automatic right of abode here because he is a VC, and at least as much right of abode here, having served in the Indian Army, as anyone else who thus served. Any ex British Army Gurkhas should have an automatic right of abode here and a full British Army Pension. After the wretch who turned him down is obliged to "reconsider" that decision, the British Government can reconsider our moral obligations to these faithful and courageous servants of the Crown and invite them to come and live with us if they so wish. I for one will be there to greet them when they arrive!
More recollections of Borneo from over forty years ago; a fellow pilot was detached from 48Sqn to the Whirlwinds in Borneo, as ALO. All went well until it came time to insert the Gurkhas into their patrol areas. Pilots complained that their aircraft were clearly overloaded as they were struggling to clear the forest canopy around the landing site. Our man retorted that all the W&B was done as with previous troops at standard operational troop weight. "Well then, go for actual weights", he was told. From somewhere he obtained a "butchers balance" with a hook above and below the dial. He hung the balance on a tree, and then hung an obliging Gurkha by his webbing to the balance. As may be expected the reading was well below standard. He removed the Gurkha and, with some help, replaced him with his equipment and pack. The bough groaned alarmingly, the needle quivering in uncharted areas of the dial! After prolonged negotiations the Gurkhas reluctantly dispensed with the some of the veritable arsenal they were prepared to shoulder for the next two weeks trek!
Let him in!
Last edited by Chugalug2; 27th May 2007 at 14:27.