Welfare Widow from Bhujung

Gurkha settlement in the UK

A busy, yet very enjoyable three weeks capturing the settlement and “integration” of former Gurkhas and their families into the UK.  I won’t go into the politics, but photographically it has been fascinating.  I lit almost all images (about 300 of them) with one off-camera flash – my SB-800 and a small umbrella.  I did this because every space I was in was small – whether it be a private-rented bed-sit as a 93 year old awaits a council house,

93 year old ex CSgt
93 year old ex CSgt

or dashing around in the local school

 

Gurkha daughter in chemistry
Gurkha daughter in chemistry

where the children of serving Gurkhas make up a significant number of the pupils.

Gurkha Children in music class at School
Gurkha Children in music class at School

 

I also photographed when the Department of Welfare and Pensions deciphered the Nepalese paperwork and passports, including the serviceman’s (or widow’s) record of service.  Yesterday, I met an 80 year old soldier who had won a Military Medal and Bar (a double MM) who had suffered a stroke in Nepal, and was now in the UK looking for medical help, which he will now get.

Military Medal and Bar!
Military Medal and Bar!

At the same time, Imet the widow of an ex-Gurkha (main image) who had not qualified in time served for a normal pension, so had been getting by in Nepal on a welfare pension provided by charitable donations through the Gurkha Welfare Trust.  She has decided that the UK will provide a more stable future for her in her very old age.

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