Lead Adventure Forum

Miniatures Adventure => Colonial Adventures => Topic started by: Andrei1975 on July 26, 2017, 04:15:10 PM

Title: Questions on the uniform of the Gurkhas
Post by: Andrei1975 on July 26, 2017, 04:15:10 PM

Good evening friends! I decided to add a detachment of Gurkhas to my British colonial army. Can I get information about the Gurkhah uniform for the 2nd Afghan war? Were they wearing hacks during that period?

Title: Re: Questions on the uniform of the Gurkhas
Post by: Will Bailie on July 26, 2017, 06:16:00 PM

From my (unfortunately limited) research, Gurkha soldiers wore the pillbox hat.  Uniforms could have been either khaki or rifle green, with black equipment (i.e., belts), although khaki seems to have been more likely used in the field

From 'The British Empire' website: http://www.britishempire.co.uk/forces/armyuniforms/gurkhasmenu.htm

Wearing khaki in Afghanstan in 1880
(http://www.britishempire.co.uk/images/7thgurkhas1880.jpg)

Rifle Green was (and is) dress uniform:
(http://www.britishempire.co.uk/images/8thgurkhas1880.jpg)

(http://www.britishempire.co.uk/images/2ndgurkhasimkin.jpg)

And it looks like they could mix and match, as in this 1882 photo (green trousers, khaki tops)

(http://www.britishempire.co.uk/images/5thgurkhas1882.jpg)

Title: Re: Questions on the uniform of the Gurkhas
Post by: Will Bailie on July 26, 2017, 06:46:36 PM

For what it's worth, I painted my Gurkhas in rifle green, mostly as I was bored of painting khaki!

Title: Re: Questions on the uniform of the Gurkhas
Post by: Andrei1975 on July 26, 2017, 06:50:59 PM

Yes, I also have these images:

Title: Re: Questions on the uniform of the Gurkhas
Post by: DintheDin on July 26, 2017, 07:17:03 PM

Some useful information here
https://thegurkhamuseum.co.uk/the-gurkha-hat/
(Gurkha Museum)

Title: Re: Questions on the uniform of the Gurkhas
Post by: Rogerc on July 26, 2017, 11:09:29 PM

Personally I would go Khaki, although like other units wearing green trousers in winter would be likely and probably look pretty nice.

Title: Re: Questions on the uniform of the Gurkhas
Post by: HerbyF on July 27, 2017, 03:28:27 AM

I painted my Gurkhas in rifle green too.

Title: Re: Questions on the uniform of the Gurkhas
Post by: whill4 on July 27, 2017, 03:55:25 AM

I painted mine with khaki jackets and green pants.

Title: Re: Questions on the uniform of the Gurkhas
Post by: Mad Guru on July 27, 2017, 06:16:20 AM

Personally, I paint my Gurkhas in rifle green, since I think it makes them stand out, and to me it's the "iconic" Gurkha uniform, but as shown in the collection of illustrations, you can really take your choice amongst all khaki, all rifle green, or the less-common but still legit  khaki tunics & green trousers.  Same for khaki or green or black puttees OR black leather gaiters.  Whatever you think will look best.

Title: Re: Questions on the uniform of the Gurkhas
Post by: Andrei1975 on July 27, 2017, 06:42:53 AM

Thank you friends for your comments!