Mark I kukri, issue pattern, 1914 (c)

The curved fighting knife, or kukri, is the Gurkha's trademark, and these distinctive weapons have been used for both peaceful and warlike purposes since the 13th century. This example belonged to a soldier of 2nd King Edward's Own Gurkha Rifles (The Sirmoor Rifles), and was probably issued in 1914. The 'FW' on the blade may refer to stores at Fort William depot, Calcutta. Gurkhas come from the middle hills of east and west Nepal. They have provided service to the Crown since 1815. During the First World War around 100,000 fought in France and Flanders, Mesopotamia, Persia, Egypt, Gallipoli, Palestine and Salonika.