Tul Bahadur Pun

Tul Bahadur Pun VC (born 23 March 1923) is a living recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces. He later achieved the rank of Honorary Lieutenant. In addition to the Victoria Cross, Mr Pun VC has been awarded 10 other medals, including the Burma Star.

He was refused entrance to the UK by British officials in Nepal as it was claimed he "doesn't have strong enough ties with the UK" for him to be allowed to settle there. On 1 June 2007 this decision was overturned by the British Asylum & Immigration Minister, Liam Byrne, due to the "exceptional" nature of the case. [cite news|author=BBC|date=1 June 2007|work=BBC News|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6713039.stm|title=Gurkha hero live in Britain|]

Victoria Cross

He was 21 years old, and a Rifleman in the 3rd Battalion, 6th Gurkha Rifles, Indian Army during the Second World War when the following deed took place for which he was awarded the VC.

On 23 June 1944 at Mogaung, Burma (now Myanmar), during an attack on the railway bridge, a section of one of the platoons was wiped out with the exception of Rifleman Tul Bahadur Pun, his section commander and one other. The section commander immediately led a charge on the enemy position but was at once badly wounded, as was the third man. Rifleman Tul Bahadur Pun, with a Bren gun continued the charge alone in the face of shattering fire and reaching the position, killed three of the occupants and put five more to flight, capturing two light machine-guns and much ammunition. He then gave accurate supporting fire, enabling the rest of his platoon to reach their objective.

Mr Pun's full citation, which was formally published in a supplement to the London Gazette of 7 November 1944 (dated 9 November 1944) reads as follows: [LondonGazette|issue=36785|supp=yes|startpage=5129|date=7 November 1944|accessdate=2008-01-14]

cquote|"War Office, 9th November, 1944"

The KING has been graciously pleased to approve the award of the VICTORIA CROSS to:- No. 10119 Rifleman Tulbahadur (sic) Pun, 6th Gurkha Rifles, Indian Army.

In Burma on June 23, 1944, a Battalion of the 6th Gurkha Rifles was ordered to attack the Railway Bridge at Mogaung. Immediately the attack developed the enemy opened concentrated and sustained cross fire at close range from a position known as the Red House and from a strong bunker position two hundred yards to the left of it.

So intense was this cross fire that both the leading platoons of 'B' Company, one of which was Rifleman Tulbahadur (sic) Pun's, were pinned to the ground and the whole of his Section was wiped out with the exception of himself, the Section commander and one other man. The Section commander immediately led the remaining two men in a charge on the Red House but was at once badly wounded. Rifleman Tulbahadur (sic) Pun and his remaining companion continued the charge, but the latter too was immediately wounded.

Rifleman Tulbahadur (sic) Pun then seized the Bren Gun, and firing from the hip as he went, continued the charge on this heavily bunkered position alone, in the face of the most shattering concentration of automatic fire, directed straight at him. With the dawn coming up behind him, he presented a perfect target to the Japanese. He had to move for thirty yards over open ground, ankle deep in mud, through shell holes and over fallen trees.

Despite these overwhelming odds, he reached the Red House and closed with the Japanese occupants. He killed three and put five more to flight and captured two light machine guns and much ammunition. He then gave accurate supporting fire from the bunker to the remainder of his platoon which enabled them to reach their objective.

His outstanding courage and superb gallantry in the face of odds which meant almost certain death were most inspiring to all ranks and beyond praise.

Tul Bahadur Pun VC was invited, along with other Victoria Cross receipients to the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II on 2 June 1953. Mr Pun VC, attended the ceremony at Westminster Abbey, and was invited to the party afterwards at Buckingham Palace.

He has made several visits to the United Kingdom, particularly to meet with other members of the Victoria Cross and George Cross Association. Mr Pun VC has even had tea with the late Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother.

Memorials in London

Along with other receipients of Victoria Cross and George Cross from the Indian subcontinent, Africa, and the Caribbean who volunteered to serve with the Armed Forces during the First and Second World Wars, Mr Pun VC's name is inscribed on the roof of an arched memorial stand at the [http://www.mgtrust.org/ "Memorial Gates"] , at Constitution Hill, London (at the junction with Duke of Wellington Place, London SW1). The memorial with Mr Pun VC's name inscribed is directly outside the walled gardens of Buckingham Palace.

In addition, as a winner of the Victoria Cross, Mr Pun VC's name is inscribed on memorials at Westminster Abbey and the Union Jack Club, in London.

Immigration controversy

In later life Tul Bahdur Pun VC has suffered from ill-health, including heart problems, asthma and diabetes. Mr Pun VC has had difficulties getting medical attention and medical supplies in Nepal, which are needed to keep him alive. At the foothills of the Himalayas, his home in Nepal is at 4,000 feet. It has no proper roof, no electricity, and no running water. In a statement given to his solicitors, Howe & Co, of Ealing, West London, Mr Pun VC stated that his home had no sanitation and that he was therefore obliged to dig a hole in the surrounding fields in order to pass as a toilet. He has told the British press that he is in constant fear of landslides during the Nepalese monsoon season.

Tul Bahdur Pun VC receives a British Army pension of £132 (GBP) per month. In order to receive his monthly pension he must be driven for three hours and then walk for one full day (being carried by two or three men in a wicker basket) to the Gurkha army camp at Pokhara. If Mr Pun VC were to fail to appear in person at the camp, he would not receive his pension.

Mr Pun VC applied in 2006 to the British Embassy in Kathmandu Nepal for a visa to settle in the United Kingdom, particularly because of his ill-health and his desire to be with his veteran comrades in the United Kingdom. A British Entry Clearance Officer refused Mr Pun VC's application for settlement on the ground that he had "failed to demonstrate strong ties with the UK".

Tul Bahdur Pun VC then lodged an appeal against the immigration decision through his solicitors, Howe & Co. The immigration appeal was listed to be heard in August 2007 in London.

In support of Mr Pun VC and other Gurkhas seeking rights to settle in the United Kingdom, members of the British public set up an online petition on the 10 Downing Street website ( [http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/gurkhas-rights/ click to view the online petition] ). In addition Howe & Co set up a website, [http://www.vchero.co.uk/pb/wp_a046d182/wp_a046d182.html?0.9819435146990085 VCHero.co.uk] , for contributors to email their support of Mr Pun VC's right to settle in the United Kingdom. Mr Pun VC's solicitors stated on the website that all emails received would be put in front of the Immigration Judge considering his appeal.

On 1 June 2007, following widespread media publicity of the British public's support of Mr Pun's case, the Asylum & Immigration Minister Liam Byrne announced:

cquote|The circumstances surrounding Tul Bahadur Pun's case are clearly exceptional, and in the light of this the Home Secretary, John Reid, and I have reviewed the case and made the decision to grant Mr Pun a settlement visa immediately.

This decision was not taken lightly and reflects the extraordinary nature of this case, in particular Mr Pun's heroic record in service of Britain which saw him awarded the Victoria Cross. It is entirely right that this record should not only be recognised but honoured.

There has always been scope to grant settlement in the UK to ex-Gurkhas who have retired before July 1997, and who do not meet the requirements in the immigration rules. As on this occasion, discretion may be exercised on a case by case basis. We have also taken into consideration his current medical condition.

Mr Pun VC began his journey to Britain on 1 July 2007. Around one thousand people turned up to see him off. There were traditional Nepali bands outside his home and a motorcade of around 30-50 cars and motorbikes took him to the airport so he could fly to Kathmandu. [cite news|author=ARRSE|date=1 July 2007|work=The Army Rumour Service|url=http://www.arrse.co.uk/cpgn2/Forums/viewtopic/t=66783/start=2310.html|title=Gurkha Hero banned from Britain|] One of those who turned up to say farewell was old Gurkha friend and fellow VC recipient Lachhiman Gurung, 90, who lost a hand to a Japanese grenade in 1945.

He finally arrived at London, Heathrow, on 4 July and was met with an official guard of honour. Col David Hayes, head of the Gurkha Rifles, saluted him and said: "I wish to emphasise the manner in which he's revered by serving Gurkhas. His reputation goes before us into battle." Mr Pun was then driven by limousine to a reception to meet hundreds of members of the public who had helped to bring him to Britain. The reception included many representatives from The Gurkha Ex-Servicemen's Organisation (GAESO) [ [http://www.gaeso.info GAESO] ] —and from the Army Rumour Service website. [ [http://www.arrse.co.uk the Army Rumour Service] ]

Mr Pun commented, "I have never had so much respect as in these two days, leaving Kathmandu and arriving in Britain." [cite news|author=Daily Mirror|date=5 July 2007|work=The Daily Mirror|url=http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/topstories/tm_method=full%26objectid=19407379%26siteid=89520-name_page.html|title=THE GURKHA HAS LANDED|]

Decorations and medals

* Victoria Cross
* 1939-1945 Star
* Burma Star
* War Medal 1939-1945
* India Service Medal
* General Service Medal (1918)
* Coronation Medal 1953
* Jubilee Medal 1977
* Golden Jubilee Medal 2002
* Army Long Service and Good Conduct Medal
* India Independence Medal

His Victoria Cross is displayed at the [http://www.thegurkhamuseum.co.uk/ Gurkha Museum] , Winchester, Hampshire England.

References

External links

* [http://www.chindits.info/Awards/VCPun.html Chindits - London Gazette Citation]
* [http://haynese.winthrop.edu/india/medals/VC/2TBPun.html Tul Bahadur Pun]
* [http://www.thekhukurihouse.com/Content/VCHolders.php Gurkha VC Winners]
* [http://www.gaeso.info/ Gurkha Army Ex-Servicemen's Organisation]
* [http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/topstories/tm_method=full%26objectid=19407379%26siteid=89520-name_page.html Daily Mirror "THE GURKHA HAS LANDED" by Graham Brough and Victoria Ward, 5 July 2007.]
* [http://www.telegraph.co.uk/opinion/main.jhtml;jsessionid=FRNVM05Z5H55BQFIQMGSFGGAVCBQWIV0?xml=/opinion/2007/06/30/do3002.xml The Telegraph "Land fit for heroes? Not if you're Gurkhas" by Vicki Woods, 30 June 2007]
* [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6715743.stm BBC News 24 "Gurkha tells of citizenship joy"]
* [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6713039.stm BBC News 24 "Gurkha hero can live in Britain", 1 June 2007]
* [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6709561.stm BBC News 24 "Gurkha hero appeals for UK entry "]
* [http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/topstories/tm_headline=vc-hero-banned-from-britain--&method=full&objectid=19181812&siteid=89520-name_page.html Daily Mirror "VC Hero Banned From Britain"]
* [http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/voiceofthemirror/tm_method=full%26objectid=19181996%26siteid=89520-name_page.html Daily Mirror Editorial "Stand By Him"]
* [http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/worldnews.html?in_article_id=457426&in_page_id=1811 Daily Mail "Ill and Impoverished Gurkha Hero Banned from Britain"]
* [http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/news/article-23397952-details/VC+hero+Gurkha+banned+from+living+in+Britain+'because+he+has+no+strong+ties+with+UK'/article.do This Is London "VC Hero Gurkha Banned from Living in Britain 'Because He Has No Strong Ties with UK']
* [http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/columnists/rod_liddle/article1845263.ece?openComment=true Sunday Times "A rape conviction is better than a VC if you want to stay in Britain"]
* [http://www.sundaylife.co.uk/features/article2586862.ece Belfast Telegraph "Risk your life for us ... then bugger off!"]
* [http://www.dcthomson.co.uk/mags/post/margo.htm Sunday Post, "Scotland Gurkhas have earned the right to be here"]
* [http://eursoc.com/news/fullstory.php/aid/1642/Shame.html EuroSoc "Shame"]
* [http://www.newkerala.com/news5.php?action=fullnews&id=33100 NewKerala.com "UK bans Victoria Cross Gurkha hero"]
* [http://www.dailyindia.com/show/144102.php/UK-bans-Victoria-Cross-Gurkha-hero Daily India "UK bans Victoria Cross Gurkha hero"]
* [http://story.malaysiasun.com/index.php/ct/9/cid/b8de8e630faf3631/id/251560/cs/1/ Malaysia Sun "UK bans Victoria Cross Gurkha hero"]
* [http://www.thehimalayantimes.com/fullstory.asp?filename=6a1Ra5vdo2am8&folder=aHaoamW&Name=Home&dtSiteDate=20070526 The Himalayan Times "VC Hero Ex-Gurkha Veteran Denied UK Visa"]
* [http://www.anorak.co.uk/twitterings/173627.html Anorak "Gurkha Tul Bahadur Pun: Payback Time"]
* [http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/topstories/tm_headline=army-took-my-vc-for--pound-500&method=full&objectid=19208864&siteid=89520-name_page.html Daily Mirror "ARMY TOOK MY VC FOR £500"]
* [http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/topstories/tm_method=full%26objectid=19212498%26siteid=89520-name_page.html Daily Mirror "VC HERO GURKHA SAVED MY DAD'S LIFE"]
* [http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/news.html?in_article_id=458301&in_page_id=1770&in_page_id=1770&expand=true#StartComments Daily Mail "Tory peer steps in to help war hero Gurkha banned from the UK"]
* [http://www.dailyindia.com/show/145009.php/Tory-Peer-takes-up-cudgels-for-Gurkha-hero Daily India.com "Tory Peer takes up cudgels for Gurkha hero"]
* [http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/topstories/2007/05/30/vc-hero-s-tears-over-campaign-89520-19217891/ "VC HERO'S TEARS OVER CAMPAIGN"]