A Soldier with Only One Arm and a Knife

During World War II, 27-year-old Nepalese-British Gurkha soldier Lachhiman Gurung single-handedly withstood a Japanese force of 200 men with only one arm and a rifle. The Gurkhas were part of the Commonwealth’s manpower. Renowned for their unique kukri knives and close-quarter combat skills during World War I, the Gurkhas were essential in driving the Japanese back from India and Asia during the Burma campaign of World War II. During the conflict, 13 Nepalese Gurkhas were awarded the British Army’s highest military decoration: the Victoria Cross.