Review of ‘Gurkha Hills’ by Major John Burlison

Major John Burlison, known as ‘Boots’ to his friends, served with both the 1st and 2nd Battalions of the 2nd Goorkhas between 1961 and 1994. One of the postings he most enjoyed was commanding the Brigade of Gurkhas Centre at Pokhara, western Nepal, from 1984-7 as a local Lieutenant Colonel. Earlier in his career he had been on several short treks in the country, and he also visited it after retiring from the Army in connection with his work for British Executive Services Overseas.

Over the years, and particularly when he was based in Pokhara, he recorded many of his experiences in Nepal, which have been brought together in ‘Gurkha Hills’ by his sister, Celia Turner, his niece Carol Ballett and her husband Mark. It is a fine compendium of descriptions, stories and anecdotes grouped in chapters dealing with particular topics – ‘Villages and People’, ‘Recruiting’, ‘Life in Pokhara Centre’ and so on. They describe the country as it was 30-40 years ago, and as such open a window on a world and lifestyles that have now changed beyond recognition, mostly for the better but, thankfully, retaining the natural beauty of its surroundings and the generosity and good humour of its people.

John also had a well-developed sense of humour. He was a keen observer of his fellow man with a strong commitment to doing all he could to help Gurkhas and their families. He was also a very competent writer. The resulting style and content of the book makes it a very enjoyable and very easy read, painting an affectionate and at times amusing picture of the many activities, incidents and personalities that nurtured his love of Nepal. I am sure there are other accounts written by those who served there, but there can be few with such a kindly and gentle tone that simultaneously provide such a rich tapestry of insights into the country and its people at the time he experienced them.

‘Gurkha Hills’, by Major John Burlison, late 2nd Goorkhas, is published by MBP books and is available from Amazon.com, or in paperback from Mark Ballett Books (https://markballett.com/products/gurkha-hills).  Price is £10 for the paperpack or £4.50 for the Kindle edition (Amazon only).  All proceeds go to the Gurkha Welfare Trust.