Gurkhas
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I am sure that most of us are aware of the presence of a Gurkha contingent in our police force. There are some doubts which i wish to clear with your help.
The Gurkhas are recruited by the British and lead by British officiers. Gurkhas are traditionally employed as soldiers and not as policemen so it will only be natural to suspect that they have a role to play in our SAF. I understand that they are mercenaries so do they technically belong to be a part of our SAF orbat in the event of war? Thanks
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Seriously, I doubt the Gurkhas would have anything to do with the SAF Orbat in the event of war... They essentially policemen under SPF, perhaps their closest link with SAF would be those Gurkhas in charge of Pulau Tekong's security wearing the British woodland camo uniform... even that they're still policemen... those that did their BMT in Pulau Tekong would know...Originally posted by tankee1981:I am sure that most of us are aware of the presence of a Gurkha contingent in our police force. There are some doubts which i wish to clear with your help.
The Gurkhas are recruited by the British and lead by British officiers. Gurkhas are traditionally employed as soldiers and not as policemen so it will only be natural to suspect that they have a role to play in our SAF. I understand that they are mercenaries so do they technically belong to be a part of our SAF orbat in the event of war? Thanks
The Gurkhas are well-trained and displayed the courage, self restraint and professionalism for which they are famous and were intially recruited into the SPF due to a fact that a impartial force is required to deal with any racial conflict that may arise in our society... -
i live near the Gurkhas camp , i think over the years , the forces has expanded ...now it living quarter and camp compound has grown and growing ... come down mount vernon camp to Joo seng road area u will know what i mean .. i estimated 20 years back we only have 1 company of Gurkhas now I think we have 1 full battalions!!!.. watever reason they have been recruited for
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After WW2, what did the British use the Gurkhas here for?
Internal Security.
They were the ultimate enforcers of Internal Security for Singapore. They were used effectively to fight the communist CPM in Emergency. They were used to fight the Indonesian in Konfrontasi. And they were used to enforce law and order during the race riots.
They will be there functioning and fighting while all else breaks down.
The reason the Gurkhas are here today has not changed. They are still the ultimate Internal Security enforcers.
Yes, we have SAF, SPF... but we also have the Gurkhas just to "make sure" everyone stays in line.
Why do they wear the British DPM?
First of all, very clearly to set them apart. They are NOT part of SAF.. And they are an autonomous force within the SPF.
If there is a coup by SAF or SPF, the Gurkhas will be the only ones definitely still fighting for the authorities.
Secondly, I guess the British DPM is chosen cos they may still be led by British officers. I once saw a green Rover along AMK Ave 1 - but somehow different model from the SAF ones. It was stopped on the road one early morning around 6. Behind the Rovers were some men in British DPM with camo scarves and jungle hats. One chap was big and tall and from a distance I couldn't see exactly but he was too huge to be Asian. So must be Brit.
This would show that the Gurkhas may wear the SPF uniform for most duties but they remain British-trained and led mercenaries.
I wonder what their roles will be in times of war?
During Konfrontasi, the Brits sent them to Borneo. Even the fearsome and blood-thirsty Kopassus (Indo cdo) were no match for them.
One interesting thing that I still remember having read about them was that they do not use soap when fighting in the jungle during Emergency and Konfrontasi. This is because the smell of soap on their bodies can betray their presence and also spoil their own sense of smell in detecting enemy presence. I remember thinking these people must be like bloodhounds or something. -
Current commander was previously from the British forces, Assistant Commissioner Bruce M. Niven.
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Any Idea where I can get the British Camo in Singapore which the Gurkha wear? Is it possible that I buy from Mount Veron camp?
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If I'm not wrong, the Gurkha commander is usually a British ARMY officer seconded from the Brit Army although when he comes over here, he dons police blue & holds a police rank.
Also, I believe the main purpose of retaining Gurkhas is to have some form of neutrality in case there's any racial conflict. They are neither Malay nor Chinese nor Indian, so its gonna be tough to accuse them of racism or favourtism. Of course, their physical prowess is another plus point as demonstrated during the recent Indonesia robbers incident where the Gurkhas caught 2 out of 3 robbers while the 3rd was apprehended by the Coast Guard's elite STS.
A bit OT, but those Gurkhas standing outside the American Club, are they placed there by SPF or does American Club pay for them? The GC is part of the SPF & AFAIK the SPF ain't for hire unlike aux police forces like AETOS or CISCO. So if the SPF didn't place them there, how come the American Club is allowed to hire them? -
Those ppl are damn bloody good. You should've seen them standing outside Raffles City during that event last year. Some were standing under the hot sun yet they stood there ramrod stiff despite packing a MP5, a sidearm, this huge bulky thing attached to their thigh & of course their signature kukri knife. Only thing moving about was their eyes.Originally posted by moca:After WW2, what did the British use the Gurkhas here for?
One interesting thing that I still remember having read about them was that they do not use soap when fighting in the jungle during Emergency and Konfrontasi. This is because the smell of soap on their bodies can betray their presence and also spoil their own sense of smell in detecting enemy presence. I remember thinking these people must be like bloodhounds or something. -
I must agree with you, you will get to see them at the National Day parade. They are statoined there. You can also get a chance to see them at the MAS HQ at Pasir Panjang. Besides that, you can get to see them, where else, but their own Mount Vernon Camp!
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Those Gurkhas are sent by SPF to protect US interests from terrorist threats..
Well, aux.police are overburdened , like protecting banks and escorting $$$$ from banks to banks,etc..
Only Gurkhas are almost free..Originally posted by sgf:If I'm not wrong, the Gurkha commander is usually a British ARMY officer seconded from the Brit Army although when he comes over here, he dons police blue & holds a police rank.
Also, I believe the main purpose of retaining Gurkhas is to have some form of neutrality in case there's any racial conflict. They are neither Malay nor Chinese nor Indian, so its gonna be tough to accuse them of racism or favourtism. Of course, their physical prowess is another plus point as demonstrated during the recent Indonesia robbers incident where the Gurkhas caught 2 out of 3 robbers while the 3rd was apprehended by the Coast Guard's elite STS.
A bit OT, but those Gurkhas standing outside the American Club, are they placed there by SPF or does American Club pay for them? The GC is part of the SPF & AFAIK the SPF ain't for hire unlike aux police forces like AETOS or CISCO. So if the SPF didn't place them there, how come the American Club is allowed to hire them? -
I never seen a fat Gurkha before
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So any one here know where to get the Gurkha British Camo uniform?
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I've seen one kinda fat.But he could prob do the SOC in 8mins.Originally posted by Master -_-:I never seen a fat Gurkha before
Since someone mentioned that they are commanded by a british,that would explain why i actually saw a ang moh in their uniform once talking to them at SAF ferry terminal. -
seen them running obstacle course in tekong....rifle without sling
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A few years ago, I was hiking with a friend through the forests of Central Catchment Area.
There were 2 types of troops we met.
One were a troop of young Gurkhas looking no more than 18. They were dressed in T-shirts and camo slacks with M-16s no SBO. They were quiet and maintained formation. Their NCO was another young chap whom had a very arrogant and hostile look.
The other troop we met were SAF in full combat helmet rifle SBO. Actually we heard them before we saw them. They were yelling, laughing... generally making fools of themselves.
It was really shameful. -
I suppose if you were being paid NSF pay and are generally of the sort who wants to have nothing to do with anything in green but happened being consripted, one might see how they often don't bother to behave like soldiers when nobody's really looking.
I believe in proper soldiering, but human nature prevails at times... especially in a kind of force that often has a wayang culture. -
I did ask a PO abt that b4... He said it was a gas mask ...Originally posted by sgf:this huge bulky thing attached to their thigh
Anyway, the Gurkhas standing at the American Club, etc ...
9 to 5 only, i only know after 5 is SOC take over ... b4 9.. i dunnoe what happens ... -
Do the Gurkhas kill ruthlessly?
I was once told by a Polive officer in a open road that the Gurkhas' are a Para-military force used only in extreme situation. When they are ordered to shoot, they must shoot, even if its civilians. Or else, their officer would shoot them. Any one can justify this? -
Do the Gurkhas kill ruthlessly?
I was once told by a Police officer in a open road that the Gurkhas' are a Para-military force used only in extreme situation. When they are ordered to shoot, they must shoot, even if its civilians. Or else, their officer would shoot them. Any one can justify this? -
Officially, they are under Min of Home Affairs. Their T-shirts are extremely interesting.
Fat Gurkhas? Yes they have the same problem as SAF's SNCOs.
Growing size? after 1997 when the British closed their training facility in HongKong, a training school is setup in Mt Vernon. -
From what I read, selection is in Nepal. The best go to the British Army. 2nd Best go to SPF. The rest go to the Indian Army.
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Seems lot of confusion is prevaling here about Gurkhas. Gurkhas are a community found in Nepal and India. They are a majority in Nepal. They are also live in some of the states in India. Gurkas mostly speak the Nepali langauage.Originally posted by lwflee:From what I read, selection is in Nepal. The best go to the British Army. 2nd Best go to SPF. The rest go to the Indian Army.
As far as recruitment goes, I don't know much more about how selection is done in Singapore police force or the British forces. In India selection to its military is open to citizens of India, Nepal and Bhutan.
So Gurkhas from India as well as Nepal take part in the selection process. Only the best will get through. There is special Gurkha regiments in the Indian Army.
This website gives a detailed explanation about the Gurkhas and their service with various armies. Also note the Nepali army is full of Gurkhas.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gurkha#Singapore_Gurkhas_Contingent -
Out of topic a bit.
Where do this community normally hang out? You know, normally we see filipinos at lucky plaza la. cambodian at peninsula la.
How about the Nepalese in Singapore? -
classified. if i tell u, i will have to kill u.Originally posted by mhcampboy:Out of topic a bit.
Where do this community normally hang out? You know, normally we see filipinos at lucky plaza la. cambodian at peninsula la.
How about the Nepalese in Singapore?