Gurka Reunion

It is always difficult for our soldiers, sailors and airmen and women to be deployed so far from home, to be helping strangers who they, more often than not, had little chance of ever seeing again. Likewise for those aided by our soldiers to be unable to adequately express their thanks. With this in mind I always enjoy reading about those rare occasions when a reunion does occur – in Christchurch last week Colonel John Masters, now 75, was reunited with the Gurkha soldier he rescued on the fields of Borneo 45 years earlier.

It was September 2 1965, when Gurkha soldier Hariprasad Gurung was wounded on the battlefield, the only thing standing between him and death at the hands of the Indonesian forces an unassuming army officer from Christchurch. Col Masters could have turned and run for his own life but, refusing to let his comrade die, he helped Mr Gurung to his feet and supported his weight – struggling together get to safety under the cover of the jungle which surrounded the field. In the thick jungle they spent a harrowing night alone before Col Masters could go for help, returning with a rescue party. This feat of courage earned Col Masters the Military Cross

In the subsequent years Col Masters had given up hope of seeing Mr Gurung again until earlier this year when fellow war veterans teamed up with Maori Television to fly the former Gurkha from Nepal to Christchurch. Despite the reputation of staunch military men, when the two old soldiers met again after decades apart there was reportedly not a dry eye at Christchurch’s Papanui RSA. Despite the ravages of time the two men recognised each other immediately. Col Masters is quoted as saying that he was overcome with emotion, mainly because Mr Gurung looked so well even after so many years. Speaking through a translator, Mr Gurung said he had never imagined he would meet Col Masters again and that he would leave this short trip to New Zealand with very fond memories. I’m sure it is a reunion which will remain with both soldiers for the rest of their days.

Look out for the full story of John Masters and Hariprasad Gurung during Maori Television’ Anzac Day coverage.