Brunei Darussalam, Borneo: Gurkha Cemetery, Kuala Belait - images and video now available.

Discussion in 'War Grave Photographs' started by bucklt, May 6, 2017.

  1. bucklt

    bucklt Bucklt

    Adjoining both the Christian and Indian cemeteries in Kuala Belait (see attached map) I find this particular cemetery to be of great interest for the following reasons:

    1. Even though there are designated plots at Kranji and Cheras Road for Gurkha soldiers and their dependents, this is the only all-Gurkha cemetery I've seen to-date.
    2. British regiment-wise: This is the only British Commonwealth related-cemetery in Brunei Darussalam and the mainland of Borneo (Labuan is a separate island).
    3. This is the only cemetery I've come across which is used for a specific ethnic group (Nepalese National Soldiers/Gorkha ethnic Indian peoples).
    4. This is the only cemetery I've seen which is designated for a specific Regiment.
    and...for me anyway...the most interesting of all:
    5. This is the only cemetery I've ever seen that is fully maintained by NAAFI.
    note: 7 images attached and link to one video.

    During the time of my visit - April 2017 - the handrails and walkway (crossing the monsoon drain) had been freshly painted (see image).This renovation work had also been extended to the entrance shelter assembly. Am not sure if it's planned to re-paint the concrete grave-markers but, (as with CWGC Labuan) doing so would greatly enhance the overall appearance of this cemetery.

    I would estimate that there are about 200 souls interred here and I took images of 20+ graves.
    For those requesting images of specific grave-markers may I suggest you do so via various contacts in this link:
    The Royal Gurkha Rifles - British Army Website

    Video covering cemetery here:

    Relating to Brunei and Great Britain - the following may be of interest:
    Brunei Darussalam (The Abode Of Peace) lies along the northern coastline of Borneo. It is the only independent country on this island as the remainder of Borneo is governed by both Malaysia (west) and Indonesia.
    In addition (Via WIKI): According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Brunei is ranked fifth in the world by gross domestic product per capita at purchasing power parity. The IMF estimated in 2011 that Brunei was one of two countries (the other being Libya) with a public debt at 0% of the national GDP.
    Forbes also ranks Brunei as the fifth-richest nation out of 182, based on its petroleum and natural gas fields.
    It is a member of the British Commonwealth, ASEAN and the UN.
    The United Kingdom also maintains a base in Seria (it's only such base in the Far East).
    A Gurkha battalion - The Royal Gurkha Rifles - consisting of 1,400 personnel, is stationed there at present.
    A small number of UK military personnel are also stationed there, covering such areas as training and support.

    All above images (and originals) are now available - FREE - to family members, relatives, researchers and historians. When asked, I normally suggest that you make a donation to a Forces Charity of your own choice.

    Equally, all images - posted/distributed by me - are not to be used for commercial and/or financial gain. If in doubt, contact me - Thank You.

    This offer/all these offers is/are open-ended i.e. a cut-off date does not apply! As such, feel free to contact me anytime with all your requirements and queries - via: nt872b(at)hotmail.com

    Tony :poppy: www.asiawargraves.com

    Approaching main entrance - Gurkha Cemetery - Brunei Darussalam.JPG Maintained by NAAFI - Gurkha Cemetery - Brunei Darussalam.JPG 3-2 GR S.O. 21153073 RFN MANBAHADUR MALI 1971 (note-text difficult to decipher).JPG 6GR 21161626 LCPL AMARBAHADUR GURUNG 27-12-82.JPG RGR 21169606 RFN DURYODHAN TAMANG 8-11-97.JPG 10GR 21158572 RFN OMBAHADUR RAI  25-7-78.JPG Three cemeteries - Christian, Indian, Gurkha - adjoining each other in Kuala Belait.jpg
     
    Last edited: May 23, 2017
    Recce_Mitch, 4jonboy and CL1 like this.

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