Further to this story, an 84-year old Gurkha and Victoria Cross recipient has been granted the right to live out his last days in the country he fought for.

Tul Bahadur Pun, 84, who wanted to move from Nepal for medical reasons, promised to be a "credit" to Britain and expressed "deep gratitude".

He was initially told he did not have enough British ties to move but was eventually granted a visa because his case was "exceptional".

Former Rifleman Mr Pun was awarded his medal for World War II action in Burma.

After the rest of his section, the 3rd Battalion, 6th Gurkha Rifles, had been killed, he carried out a solo attack on a machinegun post.

Actress Joanna Lumley backed Mr Pun's campaign to live in the UK because she said he risked his life to rescue her father.

Mr Pun was informed of the Home Office decision at his current home in Pokhara, Nepal, on Friday.

He said: "I would like to express my deep gratitude to the British people for granting me the privilege to come and live amongst them in a country which I have fought for and love.

"I am overjoyed to learn that I have finally been allowed the right to settle and live in the UK.

"I could not sleep last night, as I was so happy with the news that Great Britain would be allowing me to come and get the medical treatment which is so lacking for many veteran Gurkhas in Nepal."

He added: "I will never forget the 45,000 Gurkhas killed in battle fighting alongside our British friends, nor will I ever forget my British brothers and sisters who have laid-down their lives fighting alongside the Brigade of Gurkhas in numerous theatres of war over the last 200 years.

"In life it is the greatest honour to be a Gurkha, because it is the greatest honour to serve the British people and our Brigade."

All emphasis mine.

Bravo. Sir, you have already proven yourself to be a great credit to Britain, and you needn't lift a finger now. Don't thank Britain - Britain should thank YOU.

Labels: Gurkha, United Kingdom, Victoria Cross

Thanks to Blazing Cat Fur, who brought the story of the WWII Gurkha to my attention.

Tul Bahadur Pun, of Nepal, fought for King and Country and was awarded the Victoria Cross for his services in the war. He took tea with the Queen Mother and attended the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. However, in his last days he is being advised that his ties to the UK are not strong enough to be granted a visa.

Pun, 84, who won our highest bravery medal in the Second World War, wants to spend his last days among old comrades and having treatment for several health problems.

At his ramshackle home in Nepal, he said last night: "I feel bitterly disappointed at the way successive British governments have treated me.

"I have served the UK with the utmost loyalty and to be treated this way is appalling." Tul was handed his VC by Lord Mountbatten in 1944 for single-handedly charging a Japanese position in Burma under heavy fire.

For shame.

Labels: England, Gurkha, Nepal, Victoria Cross