New Book Release – Remarkable Times, Remarkable Men – 2 Gurkha Rifles

A new one-volume history of 2 Gurkha Rifles has been published, covering the Regiment’s 179-year history from it being raised in 1815 as The Sirmoor Battalion to its merger into The Royal Gurkha Rifles in 1994.

Based on research by the authors, the book provides a much greater depth and breadth than previous accounts, including details of the political and military contexts in which campaigns were fought and the way in which these contributed to the steady growth of Gurkhas’ reputation as loyal and capable soldiers serving the British Crown. The Regiment’s peacetime activities are described, as well as the development of weapons, organisation and tactics. Anecdotes from Regimental life, some of them very amusing, are incorporated in the text.  Much new biographical information about many of the distinguished Gurkha and British officers and men – the ‘Remarkable Men’ of the title – is included to bring alive the personalities who made the 2nd Goorkhas such a formidable and successful Regiment.

The Military Historical Society review said: ‘The book is a model of clarity, and the brief yet compelling pen pictures of the individual Sirmooris who have been selected to illustrate their story, are perfectly balanced with the concise battle narratives which skilfully weave essential strategic context with lively, descriptive, tactical detail.  [The authors] have done a brilliant job and one of which their former and last Colonel, the late Field Marshal Sir John Chapple, would have been immensely proud.’

The hardcover book is 453 pages long, and fully indexed.  It is copiously illustrated by full-colour pictures and maps as well as inserts providing supplementary information.  It can be bought on Amazon for £25 including P&P in the UK (search on the Amazon website for ‘Remarkable Times, Remarkable Men’).  Former members of the Regiment may purchase it for only £20 including P&P in the UK.

Please email editor@2ndgoorkhas.com if you wish to take advantage of the discounted price or if you wish to purchase the book from outside the UK.

Order online from: www.amazon.co.uk/Remarkable-Times-Men-Nick-Hinton/dp/183709036X