The contribution of Gurkha regiments to the British effort during the Second World War cannot be overstated. Gurkhas won more than 2,000 medals for gallantry, including 12 Victoria Crosses. As fighting escalated to a peak in 1944, eight VCs were awarded to Gurkhas in that year alone.
Agansing Rai had joined the Indian Army in 1941 and had already been recognised for personal bravery during fighting in the Chin Hills, in early 1944, when he was awarded the Military Medal. By this time he was greatly respected in C company, 2nd battalion, Fifth Royal Gurkha Rifles. Although officially still a rifleman, he was an acting naik (equivalent to a corporal), commanding a section of ten men.
Gurkha numbers in the British armed forces had expanded dramatically over the previous years. Two or three extra battalions had been added to each of the Gurkha regiments and a total of 138,000 men served during the war.
