“I always remember Far East POWs, as it is so personal to me and my family.” Khadak Bahadur Chhetri serves in the British Army. As we prepare to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, he shared his grandfather’s remarkable story of service and sacrifice in the Far East with us. Born in Nepal in 1897, Kalu Sing Chhetri enlisted in the 2nd King Edward VII's Own Gurkha Rifles in 1917, and was awarded the Military Cross in 1942 for his actions at the Battle of Slim River. Shortly after this, Kalu Sing was captured and endured three and a half years as a prisoner of war. He worked tirelessly to protect the interests and morale of 1,500 men from his, and other, units, becoming a symbol of defiance in the face of extraordinary hardship. His exceptional bravery and dedication to his men earned him an MBE in 1947. Sadly he passed without knowing of this recognition, but his legacy was honoured in 2016, when Khadak accepted his grandfather’s MBE posthumously at Buckingham Palace. “Being able to reunite his missing MBE with his other medals, after 70 years, was the proudest moment,” says Khadak. “A closing chapter to my grandfather’s inspiring legacy.” This South Asian Heritage Month we are shining a light on the extraordinary service of men and women from South Asia and of South Asian descent, and ahead of VJ Day 80 we particularly remember those who served in the Far East during WW2. #SouthAsianHeritageMonth2025 #SAHM2025 #VJDay80
Khadak Chhetri lovely to see Subedar Major Kalu Sing Chhetri's story being shared, thank you so much for sharing with us and shining light on the experience of these remarkable soldiers.
Chair of Trustees; The Roman Baths Foundation
1w27% of POWs in the Far East did not survive the war compared to 4% in the West. Those that did come home lived with their horrors without most people in their communities understanding what they endured. My Uncle was one of them; I only wish I had known and understood more. We owe so much to him and his generation.