NEWS

Britain's Gurkhas

30th October 2009

Following on from the recent successful launch of Afghanistan: A Tour of Duty, highly regarded specialist international publisher, Third Millennium Publishing, is delighted to announce the forthcoming launch of their next military title, the official illustrated history of the Brigade of Gurkhas.

The author, Brigadier Christopher Bullock OBE MC, who has spent virtually all of his adult life with Gurkhas, captures the whole panorama of the Brigade’s unique story, from the early 19th century to the present day, including the tense moments when the continued existence of the Brigade hung by the slenderest of threads, to the very recent high profile UK residency campaign led by the actress, Joanna Lumley.

Britain’s Gurkhas tells the story of why a tiny mountain kingdom fought with the might of British India in 1814 and, although defeated, captivated its foes into such a high regard for its fighting men that the British sought them out to form an élite in their own army. How with unwavering loyalty and bravery Gurkhas upheld their oath throughout the Indian Mutiny, how they crossed the oceans to fight in the mud and blood of France in the 1914-1918 War. How they all but changed the course of history in the same war at Gallipoli and turned the scale in Mesopotamia and Palestine.

Nepal had supported Britain wholeheartedly in 1914, but with Britain on the verge of defeat in 1940 would it do the same again in another world war ? The answer: “If you win, we win with you, if you lose, we lose with you.” So said the Prime Minister of Nepal in our darkest days after Dunkirk.

Despite everything the Gurkhas kept faith with Britain in Malaya, Borneo, Hong Kong, The Falklands, The Balkans, East Timor, Iraq, and, once again, Afghanistan – where so much of their blood was shed in years gone by.

As well as being a deeply researched and accurate account, there are plenty of instances of Gurkha humour, alongside their undoubted bravery and tenacity in the midst of battle and adversity. Beautifully illustrated throughout, Britain’s Gurkhas includes photographs, maps and archive material, some of which has never been seen outside the Gurkha Museum.

Third Millennium Chairman, Julian Platt, commented:
“I am delighted that Third Millennium has been chosen to publish such an important and definitive book on the Brigade of Gurkhas. They are without doubt a remarkable fighting force and have a fascinating story to tell spanning nearly 200 years. Britain’s Gurkhas fits very neatly with our other recently published military titles for Sandhurst, the Guards, the Royal Green Jackets and the Royal Artillery.”

In his preface, the new Chief of the General Staff, General Sir David Richards KCB CBE DSO ADC Gen, Colonel Commandant, Brigade of Gurkhas adds: “Many fine writers and historians have turned their attention to the history of Britain’s Gurkhas, but surely none have been better qualified to address the subject than Brigadier Christopher Bullock… You will be left in no doubt that Britain is fortunate indeed to have the Gurkhas as our friends and comrades.”

Copies of Britain’s Gurkhas can be ordered at a special direct price of £35 + p&p - click HERE for details. (Normal RRP £45.00). Copies are also available from the likes of Waterstone's and other book trade outlets. A royalty from the sale of the book will be divided between the Gurkha Welfare Trust and The Gurkha Museum.

Third Millennium has published books for a number of leading heritage, educational and military institutions. These include titles for Westminster Abbey, York Minster, Durham Cathedral and Lincoln’s Inn; the universities of Cambridge, Oxford, Durham, Manchester, Newcastle and SOAS; Harrow, Rugby School and Wellington College; the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, the Royal Artillery, the Household Division, the Royal Green Jackets, the Army Museum Ogilvy Trust and the Royal Hospital Chelsea.

-ENDS-

NOTES TO EDITORS

Title: Britain’s Gurkhas

Imprint: Third Millennium Publishing, London

Author: Brigadier Christopher Bullock OBE MC

Publication: 13th November 2009

RRP: £45 / ISBN: 978-1-906507-27-5

Specification: Hardback, 320 pages, 256 x 195 mm, portrait, over 200 illustrations and 120,000 words

Images and Review Copies: Available on request.

Author's Biography: Christopher Bullock OBE MC has spent nearly all his adult life with Gurkhas – as platoon, company and battalion commander, as their professional head, the Brigadier Brigade of Gurkhas and successively as Curator, Trustee and Chairman of Trustees of the Gurkha Museum in Winchester.

For further information contact Michael D Jackson, Marketing Manager, Third Millennium Information Ltd, 2-5 Benjamin St, EC1M 5QL. Tel: +44 (0)207 336 0144. Email: mj@tmiltd.com. Website: www.tmiltd.com