Chitrabahadur Gurung

Lance Naik Chitrabahadur Gurung, EGM (born ? - died 1939) was a Nepalese soldier in the British Indian Army, who was awarded the Empire Gallantry Medal for the extraordinary bravery he displayed in the rescue operations following the Quetta Earthquake of May 31, 1935. However, since he died in 1939, he could not exchange his EGM with the George Cross, which was instituted in the next year, and which the holders of the EGM were entitled to receive in exchange of their EGMs. He is one of the only two Nepalese persons to be awarded the Empire Gallantry Medal, the other being Nandlal Thapa, GC.

Biography

Gurung served in the 1st Bn, 8th Gurkha Rifles.

EGM citation

Gurung's EGM citation, published in The London Gazette on November 19, 1935, reads as the following:

"This Non-commissioned Officer, along with other men, was instrumental in saving the life of Mrs. Newington (wife of Superintendent Newington of the Railway Police). The family of Mr. and Mrs.  Newington were buried in the ruins of their bungalow some five or six feet under the debris. The party started digging at about 07-00 hours on 31st May, 1935. Through unceasing work carried out  under very dangerous circumstances, as the work was carried out under the remaining wall of the bungalow, which would have fallen if another shock had taken place, the vicinity of the bodies  was reached about 09-30 hours. Great care and intelligence were required in order to avoid wounding the couple, whilst  speed was essential if there was to be any hope of rescue. Soon after   09-30 hours Mrs. Newington was extricated alive and shortly after Mr.Newington dead. Lance-Naik Chitra-bahadur Gurung showed initiative, resource, and courage, which were undoubtedly instrumental in saving life."