y Studies 178). Eventually Britain’s Indian Army numbered 2 million (Farwell 176) making it the largest all volunteer army in the history of the world (Brief Historical Background of the Gurkhas 3).The first real disaster for the Gurkhas during World War II was Singapore’s surrender in February 1942 (Farwell 190). The entire 2/2nd and 9/2nd was taken prisoner by the Japanese and separated from their officers. The Indians and Gurkhas numbered approximately 45,000 (Nepal and Bhutan: Country Studies 208). They were put into separate camps and pressed to defect to the Indian National Army and fight against Britain by Indian deserters. Many Indian succumbed to this tempting offer but no Gurkhas joined. Let it be noted that throughout the entire war over 20,000 Indians changed sides and there was only one traitorous Gurkha (Farwell 207). The Gurkhas were sent to Skeleton camp for intensive coercion. The attempts to win over the Gurkhas began with talks that lasted late into the night. Still none defected. Twenty-six officers were selected for brutal treatment. Five were put in solitary confinement for 8 hours and badly beaten, the Gurkhas remained loyal. The 26 was made to work at heavy tasks, clubbed with rifle butts, beaten up with bamboo poles and sand was mixed with their food. They were given no shelter at night and no blankets (Keegan 309).Subadar Jit Bahadur Gurung and Dilbahadur Gurum were consistently knocked unconscious, brought round and knocked out again. Dilbahadur’s wrist was broken when he shielded his friend from a fatal blow (Keegan 313). Subadar Major Chetha Bahadur of the 2/9th was placed in a small cage and left for long periods in solitary confinement. He was starved and beaten put he declared that they “might as well kill him for he would never give in” (Farwell 193).Harisung Bohra of the 2/2nd was beaten to death with bamboo poles after refusing to defect, even after long t...
