Chitrabahadur Gurung EGM

b. ?  d. ? 1939 Nepal.

DATE OF EM ACTION: 31/05/1935 Quetta, India (now Pakistan).

EGM

Little is known about the life of Chitrabahadur Gurung other than his actions during the Quetta Earthquake on 31st May 1935. What is also known is that he died in 1939 a year before the creation of the George Cross, which meant that he was ineligible for the exchange for the new medal.

EGM CITATION:

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.

 

BURIAL LOCATION: UNKNOWN.

LOCATION OF MEDAL: UNKNOWN.