Ghurka Rifleman PUN VC. Triumph! (Merged)

[PPRuNe Pop]

That is good to hear Tigs, but it is a disgrace that the museum have not responded positively - or even at all. It must be handed back so that, if he wishes, he can raise a good many pennies for it and live the rest of his life in comfort.

If those 500 Gurkha's turn up at Winchester I will be down the M3 so fast............................!!!

[Tigs2]

Psywar
Thanks for the info. I can just imagine the motorcade

[Tigs2]

Article by Vicki Woods in the telegraph today. Excellent

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/opinion/m.../30/do3002.xml

[herkman]

It is with sadness, that I read the sad story of WO1 Pun VC. Sad because this should never have occurred.

DUTY HONOUR COUNTRY

The WO1 needs no introduction to these words of commitment, these I am as sure are branded in his mind today, as they were so long ago.

However how can we expect any public servaint to understand these things, to them the call is

ME ME ME

This brave gentleman deserved better, I hope that when he steps off the airplane, that he is met with a guard of honour, lead by a suitable high officer, who will pin his VC where it belongs on his left breast.

I remember whilst based in Butterworth, many fine meals with these guys, and the joy of uplifting them down to Borneo for their rotations. A finer bunch of men you could wish to meet.

Welcome Sir, there are so many people who are glad to see you here.

Makes me sad to think that you were treated this way.

PARADE ATTENTION

TO THE OFFICER ON PARADE GENERAL SALUTE

Rest easely old soldier, you are where you belong.

Col Tigwell
Australia

[PPRuNe Pop]

I might manage a short vid or two. But I will take some pics and post them here.

[Forkandles]

From the Mirror, obviously...

THE hero Gurkha whose ban on entering Britain was overturned thanks to the Mirror finally arrived here yesterday.
Victoria Cross war veteran Tul Bahadur Pun, 84, received a fitting VIP welcome from military chiefs.

He said: "I am so happy to be in the UK. I thank the British people for helping me get here and I thank the Daily Mirror.

"I have never had so much respect as in these two days, leaving Kathmandu and arriving in Britain."
Col David Hayes, head of the Gurkha Rifles, saluted him and said: "I wish to emphasise the manner in which he's revered by serving Gurkhas. His reputation goes before us into battle."
An MoD limo then whisked Tul off to a reception, where Queen's Gurkha officers presented him with a garland.
The ailing Second World War soldier has returned to the UK after 12 years to live and to get treatment for his eyes, ears, heart and diabetes. He also hopes to meet old Gurkha pals.
Tul's only regret was that his failing health meant he could not properly thank the 4,000 wellwishers who saw him off in Kathmandu, Nepal, as well as the hundreds more who gathered in London yesterday.
He said: "I am saddened I did not have the strength to walk among the people who came to see me and to speak to them.
"They came to see me here in London and in Kathmandu but I can't see them. If I have treatment, maybe I will see their faces properly one day."
One of those who turned up to say farewell was old Gurkha pal and fellow VC hero Lachiman Gurung, 90, who lost a hand to a Japanese grenade in 1945.
Tul won his VC for attacking Japanese machine-gunners single-handedly in 1944. He also guarded the Queen at her 1953 Coronation.
His plight touched the hearts of the nation when the Mirror revealed how visa officials barred him from Britain, claiming he "did not have sufficient ties to the UK".
The affection in which he is held was clear as he flew firstclass courtesy of Virgin Atlantic from Delhi to Heathrow.
Pilot Nick Connor, an ex-RAF airman, left the cockpit to see him and said: "I was one of the 24,000 who signed the petition for him to come to Britain so it's a very special honour and privilege to meet him."
Stewardess Janna Sheppard, 26, asked for his autograph and said: "There's a Gurkha camp near where I live in Maidstone, Kent, and it's big news there."
But big-hearted Tul's thoughts were also for his old Army comrades still in Nepal.
He said: "I'm happy my lawyers in London and the Mirror haven't forgotten the many Gurkha comrades I left behind who need medical help.
"I want them to follow me here for a better life."

[Chugalug2]

Just a quick word to say what an honour it was to be in the presence of Mr Pun VC yesterday. A triumph of organisation thanks in a very great part to our own Tigs2. Well done Sir, and a great pleasure to have met yourself and your son. No doubt the media coverage will manifest itself over the next few days, eg Sky News and DT etc. Pprune Pop's presence to ensure, in part, good order and discipline amongst our own ranks was in that sense somewhat surplus to requirements, given our low turnout, but serves to remind us that the rules of a military aviation forum on a Professional Pilots site were allowed to be entirely subverted in such a good cause. Well done to you to Sir, and to all on Pprune who helped pile on the pressure onto the wretched jobsworths who did a total 180 on this issue. It was also a pleasure to talk to Kieran and his compatriots from Howe & Co. The campaign that they and GAESO have started out on has only just begun and has a long way to go. Next up of course is Mr Rai, and after him all his other comrades, whom once again Mr Pun reminded us of.

The really nice thing about yesterday was to see the mass turnout of Gurkhas. Serving ones, retired ones, wives of, children of, officers of, legal supporters of, and dancers! Mr Pun may have been unable to see them, but surely could hear the tremendous warmth and pride of their welcome. In talking to some of them I was reminded once again of their natural politeness and courtesy. A hopeless combination of course when placed against the hard faced cold blooded logic of the UK Government Departments with which they have had to contend. That is why they urgently need the continual and effective support of the British Public, and particularly their fellow serving and ex service comrades in the UK armed forces such as post here. Please do not relent. Keep piling on the pressure to MPs, HoLs, the PM, Buck House, etc etc. The possibility of a GAESO advisor posting here was raised yesterday evening. Let us hope that can happen (more coaches and horses to be waived through please Pop!) so we can have their feedback direct.

[PPRuNe Pop]

Thanks Chug. I am glad someone put up that article in the Mirror. I was incensed but I propose letting the editor know how many other people had the real input and now ask him if he prepared to fight for the right that all retired Gurkha's can come to live in the UK. It seems that the number who might like to do so is around 10,000, a very small number compared to the millions who are here illegally. We'll see what he says then. Bet he does a runner!

Anyway it was a wonderful evening and I will come back with some pics and a few words later today or tomorrow - had to go out today.

PPP

[Tigs2]

A geat evening and thanks to those of you that pitched up. It was great to meet you, especially Pop!

A unique man and a unique night. Whatever effort anybody made to get there i think you found it was worth it. From the moment we wheeled Mr Pun in, the reverence in which he is held was crystal clear. The Nepalese people and serving/ex Gurkhas were very excited. Those members of PPRuNe and ARRSE were all wearing big smiles, and for most of us the hotel must have been very smokey, as everyone seemed to have wet swollen eyes I like others had the honour to place a Khada around his neck and hold his hand, welcoming him. He looked in to my eyes and as he did i no longer saw an 84 year old man, there was a glint in his eye, one minute the gentle grandfather figure, the next the proud look of a true warrior, i felt immediately humbled, knowing what this true gentleman had experienced in his lifetime. I choked up and moved away so others could experience what i had just done, and most that i spoke to afterwards did.

Now just a note of reassurance. Yesterday evening Mr Pun VC was very weak and those that were there could surely see how exhausted he was. Yet his spirit, which is as strong as any 18 year old Gurkha, saw him through.
He is now settled in a nice three bedroomed house in Hounslow West which is a two minute walk from any facilities one could want. He has a room at the back of the house converted into a double bed room with a french window opening out to a small but private garden. I have had a good look around the house and he and his wife aare as pleased as punch.

The other great thing is that there is a large Nepalese community there with about 100 families, many of whom are from 'Tribe Pun' The Puns will not be short of help over the next few months, as local Nepalese wives volunteer to do the cooking etc. Already today the awesome smell of Nepalese Curry made the home a lovely place to be. Mr Pun will be seeing a Doctor tomorrow, to commence the treatment he needs.

The great news is, that after a good nights sleep, Mr Pun was up and walking around today, something that many who saw him last night would find hard to believe. It seems obvious that the last 4 days of travel had taken their toll. He is clearly made of stern stuff (and whatever it is i wish i had just an ounce of it in me!).

I have some photos and will post them soon.

[kokpit]

Thanks for the update Tig.

I was unable to attend, and can only imagine how the atmosphere must have been, so look forward to seeing your pics.

Cheers,

Kokpit.

[Brian Dixon]

Welcome to the UK, Mr Pun.

I couldn't make the arrival celebration and am really looking forward to seeing the photos.

Regards all.
Brian

[PPRuNe Pop]

These are a small selection of pics that I hope give you a sample of the atmosphere that past and current Gurkha's created for Tul Bahadur Pun VC. The respect everyone felt for him was almost tangible. It was most touching and an honour to be with a such a man. Although now frail it did not stop him making everyone aware of his gratitude for what has been done for him. Now we can hope that this fraility will diminish in the course of the next few weeks after the medical staffs have assessed him. He showed great strength of purpose in pleading the cause of Cpl Rai and all those who wish to come to the UK. A good few tears were shed.

















It is a pity that more PPRuNers and AARSERS were not with us but us few natives made it known how much we welcomed the opportunity to be there.

There is no doubt that the efforts of PPRuNe is recognised in the fondest of ways, and when I was able to get to Mr Pun to give him a PPRuNe badge as a gesture, his son whispered something and Mr Pun's hand moved swiftly to shake mine. That broke me up but I was duly chuffed I can tell you.

There was plenty of time before Mr Pun arrived for a chat with various people NONE of whom I knew but before long I had found new friends who were former Gurkha's. I eventually found Tigs2 who had been running hither and thither on his errands of organisation. Then more chats with even more Gurka's. This was getting to be fun.

By now a two more PPRuNers had arrived, Chugalug2 and Rocket. Very nice gentlemen and we more or less stayed together but still chatted to more Gurkha's! And also tried to find some of the others who had had a hand in the campaign.

Tigs2 has to be congratulated for the effort he put in to all of this. Make no mistake it was a huge effort.

It was not until nearly 8 o'clock that Mr Pun arrived and the press were there in abundance as well as Sky TV. The daily Mirror hung their little banners and then it was clear yesterday that they were taking the credit for getting Mr Pun here. Typical, but wait until I get them to continue the campaign to get those Nepali's who are entitled to be here. Wanna bet where there stance will be?

Anyway, Mr Pun's citation was read out, as a matter of fact it was not read but came from the heart when read by, I suspect, and ex officer of the Gurkha's.

All very satisfactory it was. Then people left with addresses and e-mail addys to keep in contact. That I shall do.

Thanks to everyone on PPRuNe or elsewhere who really put their minds to the task to make it come off. It did and what a winner!

However, there is still a fight to fight to see that this government allow around 10,000 Gurkha's to reside here. It is not much to ask having asked them to lay their lives on the line in the defence of this country. They won 26 VC's and numerous gallantry medals in the service of this country.

Apart from some brave Poles and Czechs from eastern Europe, how many other eastern europeans have done that? But.....they are now here illegally in HUGE numbers. That cannot be right.

PPP

[Chugalug2]

Thanks for those Pop, mercifully yours truly nowhere to be seen, but doesn't Mr Pun look good, not bad after a journey that would have most of us young'uns wilting! Hopefully Rocket will have some more pics to post, I'm afraid Mrs C did not entrust me with the apparatus, what with the tripod, bellows, glass plates and all. Haven't seen any thing on Sky News yet. Sad if it's all finished up on their cutting room floor, especially with all the hefting of her gear that their petite camera lady had to do. Her reporter was about twice her size, with only a stick mike to carry, equality rocks OK!
As you say Pop, next one up Mr Rai so all change please to his thread. This is what Mr Pun wants, he won't be content until all his fellow Gurkhas have the right to live here and neither should we. He's a VC, so what he says goes, so let's make it happen!

[PPRuNe Pop]

Sky News put a small piece on around 10 p.m. but no where near as much as they filmed. Perhaps about 1m 20sec.

[Brian Dixon]

Very many thanks for posting the photos PPRuNePop.

Very much appreciated from one who wished he could have been there.

Kind regards,
Brian

[Chugalug2]

Another picture of the reception of Mr Pun VC at LHR, this time courtesy of "Rocket Ron" MVO, not a Ppruner but nevertheless a stalwart supporter of the Gurhkas' campaign!



Mr Pun's wife is at the left, his son to her right. The gentlemen from Howe & Co on the right of the picture.

[Chugalug2]

Two more from Rocket Ron. Sorry about layout, still grappling with the black arts of image posting on PPPrune! In the top photo Mr Pun is speaking to us via a mic, with Mr. Gopal Siwakoti ("Chintan"), GAESO Legal Counsel, ready to translate what he says into English. In the lower picture we see Tigs2 making a rare appearance from behind the scenes!

[Tigs2]

From The Daily Mirror Today.
We could not release the story, but the meeting with the PM took place on Friday. Gordon Brown PROMISED to review all of the Gurkha's cases!! I think he knows the breadth of feeling amongst us, and he knows he is onto a potential warmer with the forces (note i did not say vote winner!). Maybe he sees that this could be a huge vote winner. Whatever as long as justice is done.
As a note Mr Pun in hospital tonight, he has chronic stomach pains (see - dheli belly whichever country you visit!). The sad thing is that he has been told he cannot see a Doctor till 19th Jul (so we got him in A+E).
from the Mirror

Second World War Gurkha hero meets with Brown
AFP - Monday, July 9 09:00 am LONDON (AFP) - An 84-year-old Nepali Gurkha who won Britain's highest military honour met with Prime Minister Gordon Brown soon after arriving in Britain following an immigration battle, the Daily Mirror reported on Monday.
Tul Bahadur Pun, who was awarded the Victoria Cross for single handedly storming a Japanese machine gun position in Burma in 1945, initially had his settlement visa for Britain rejected, though British officials reversed that decision.
"You have been a very brave and courageous man and we would like to help you in whatever way possible," the Mirror quoted Brown as saying.
"Your bravery is something which we would all wish to celebrate, thank you very much."
Brown also reportedly wished Pun well for a forthcoming cataract operation, and pledged to order a review of the rights given to Gurkhas.
Famed for their fierceness, loyalty and razor-sharp kukhuri fighting knives, Nepali Gurkas have been serving in the British army since 1815, but veterans have long complained of discrimination in pensions and other rights.
"To be here and greet the prime minister of Britain makes me absolutely pleased and is something I have never imagined before," said Pun, whose bravery had won him an invitation to Queen Elizabeth II's coronation in 1953 and he had tea with her mother, queen Elizabeth.
Pun wanted to come to Britain for medical treatment which was difficult to obtain from his remote hut in Nepal.
He has heart problems, asthma, diabetes and high blood pressure and requires daily medication which is not always available in Nepal.
The British Army currently has around 3,400 Gurkhas serving in countries including Iraq and Afghanistan, and takes around 250 new recruits from Nepal annually.
Nepali Gurkhas were awarded 13 Victoria Crosses in the Second World War, and Pun is one of only four winners still alive.

[Maple 01]

Great news about 'Golden Brown's' promise Tigs and please pass on our best wishes from the PPRuNers to Mr Pun, hope he gets well soon

[Tigs2]

Here is an update from Kieran at Howe and Co. Keiran has been quite ill for the last week, but this apperared on ARRSE last night.

Dear All
I'm sorry it's been such a long time since I've been on the forum. Quite literally for the last week, since getting back from Nepal, I've been totally incapacitated with a real nasty bug. I have been in bed most of the week and just did not have the energy to move from my bed. I am so sorry I could not get on earlier. I can really appreciate now just how hard it was for those men fighting in Burma, who faced illness and disease. My European stomach didn't stand up to a week in Nepal!
Anyway, I'm now coming round and hope I can give some updates. As you may know, Mr Pun VC visited Gordon Brown (PM) on Friday. It was a breath of fresh air. Brown was really impressed with Mr Pun VC's dignity and honour. He seem genuinely concerned at the plight of the Gurkhas and our veterans. Pun VC is a masterful advocate. He asked the PM to look into the treatment of our veterans. Brown promised he would look in to the matter, and he seemed genuine.
Martin had a very positive meeting with members of the Brigade of Gurkhas. They are happy to provide welfare and moral support to Pun VC. Sadly, there are not prepared to openly back the campaign for L/Cpl Rai. I honestly do not know why, but I suspect this is higher politics. I do know, however, that they are concerned at the way our veterans are just dumped in this country.
I do not want to breach medical confidentiality for Pun VC, but what I can say is that today he saw one of the countries top eye surgeons (Martin Howe called him up, told him of the story and he made a 24 appointment for Pun VC). To say that Mr Pun VC was treated like a Lord is an understatement. Even the porter at the hospital recognised him from the papers, and the doctors called him "sir". The surgeon who will do Pun VC's cataracts operation reports that Pun VC has no underlying eye problems, save that currently his is near blind, and that relatively straightforward operations in both eyes will result in a near 100% return to full sight. If nothing, this will massively change this man's life. He has now been blind for 4 years. He could not properly see us. He told me that he just sees shapes and shadows, a complete blur. He is due to have 1 eye done in September and then the other down early October (they don't do them at the same time). His life will be changed. Mr Pun VC is like a child, he's very excited these days.
The hearing issues and heart problems are both moving forward, later this week we hope to make appointments with specialists. The biggest difficulty has been getting him on a GP's books. That won't happen until 19 July (however all the consultants have kindly ignored all protocol in the circumstances of this case and have said no formal referral is needed, they will just get it all done). I cannot thank the kindness of the people of Britain. We are doing all we can to right the wrong done to this man.
I understand that Pun VC also had some stomach upset on arrival, but he is adjusting. He says his bed is too soft, and he's preferring to sleep like a baby on a matress on the hard floor. It's really funny, as he's cold here. He has the central heating on, and I saw some pictures of him walking (with his stick) around his new garden in a full winter jacket at 7 am! Gone is the heat of Pokhara, Mr Pun VC! I will try and get the pictures as they are so funny, he is some character.
I know the BBC did a bit, if you go to Gurkha on their website the first video on the right is the Six O’clock news report with him. It shows the ARRSE poster (though they cut out all references to ARRSE and VCHero). However, if you look closely, Pun VC is wearing a badge that a PPruner gave to him!
I can't thank you all enough for the fantastic welcome Pun VC got last week. It was so great to meet so many of you and put faces to the names on here. I'm so sorry I missed some of you, or didn't get a chance to say hello.
I have to try and update VCHero, health permitting over the weekend. I hope to get some pictures of Pun VC and the PM on there (Daily Mirror are being really good about copyright on that front).
One other matter, on Pun VC, when were with him in Pokhara, one of his sons told us he had video of Pun VC being carried in the wicker basket/chair back up the mountain from collecting his pension (the 1 day hill walk!). We couldn't believe it, after all this time someone had video of it. The BBC showed a clip, but I've now put this on the web and if you want to see the full (3 minute bit) you can amaze at how hard life was for this old solider.
SEE YOUTUBE LINK HERE: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DPPhkPhkkq4
Finally, as regards Gyanendra Rai and this Data Protection Act point, let me have a think of the best way around this point. It may be that we write to them and give them permission to respond to individual points, but that will require Rai's instructions and his signature from Kathmandu (that'll take a while).
Thank you all again for the tremendous support last week, and your continuing efforts for L/Cpl Rai. Oh, and before I forget, I would personally like thank Jill the RAF Aux Nurse who flew back with us and Pun VC and was a major star by looking after Mr Pun VC and his family (she also saved mine and Martin Howe's life as we were dying by the time we got to Delhi!).

Please can someone kindly copy this post over to our friends on PPrune.
Kind regards
Kieran O'Rourke
Howe & Co Solicitors
Ealing, London