Thursday, June 26, 2025

Lieutenant Colonel JP Cross OBE marks 100th birthday in Pokhara

Kathmandu, June 23

Lieutenant Colonel JP Cross OBE, a British officer in the Brigade of Gurkhas, celebrated his 100th birthday on Saturday, June 21, with an event at the British Gurkhas Nepal camp in Pokhara.

Cross served with the Gurkhas in the British Army for nearly 40 years, Communications Office of the Headquarters British Gurkhas Nepal informed in a statement on Sunday.

Following retirement, he has lived in Nepal for 49 years and is a Nepali citizen.

He arrived in Nepal with the British Army 80 years ago at the age of 21. He has authored 19 books on his military service.

"In his remarks, he has held the Gurkhas in high esteem. His writing has gained recognition in the military world," read the statement.

Colonel Dan Rex MVO, Commander British Gurkhas Nepal, spoke at the event while Julia Fenn, wife of the British Ambassador to Nepal, Gurkha veterans, and serving officers and staff attended it.

Colonel Rex said that the celebration resonated beyond the Pokhara camp to the Brigade of Gurkhas and British Army. He added that many Nepalis, proud of their association with 'JP Saheb', were observing the event.

Lt Col (Retd.) JP Cross OBE is recognised as an expert in jungle warfare and counter-insurgency. He has experience as a police officer, defence attaché, and Gurkha recruitment officer.

He is fluent in Nepali and its dialects. His military service includes Burma, Indo-China, Malaya, Borneo, Pakistan, India, Hong Kong, and Nepal. He lives in Pokhara, Nepal, with his godson and family.

Published in The Rising Nepal daily on 24 June 2025. 

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