Second World War veteran and Gurkha officer celebrates his 100th birthday

Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) J P Cross, a Second World War veteran and renowned figure within the Brigade of Gurkhas, has celebrated his 100th birthday at British Gurkhas Nepal in Pokhara.

Described by colleagues as a "Gurkha legend", Lt Col Cross is one of the last remaining British officers to have served in the Burma Campaign.

The British-born veteran, now a Nepali citizen, lives in Pokhara – the traditional heart of Gurkha recruiting – and remains closely connected to the community he served alongside for decades.

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Lt Col Cross marked the occasion surrounded by veterans and friends from his 40 years of military service.

Lt Col Cross is recognised as one of the most decorated British officers in the history of the Brigade of Gurkhas and is also the author of 19 books, many of which draw on his extensive operational experience and deep understanding of Gurkha history and culture.

Messages of congratulations poured in from across the world for his centenary.

A formal gathering was held at British Gurkhas Nepal (BGN) headquarters, with tributes from serving soldiers, veterans, and international military figures.

Known affectionately as 'JPX Saheb', Lt Col Cross is widely respected within the Gurkha community for his long-standing service and deep connection to Nepal.

In a rare interview when he was 94, with BFBS Gurkha Radio, Lt Col Cross joked: "Call me old when I am 100."