The Gurkhas were Nepalese warriors, renowned for their courage and fortitude, recruited by the British.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/2786991.stm
I recall a story, possibly apocryphal, about them.
During the second world war, the British were recruiting volunteers to become paratroopers. Knowing the legendary courage of the Gurkhas, a British officer was sent to Nepal to recruit, certain of 100% success.
Addressing a company of Gurkha soldiers, he addressed their officer, who translated.
“Tell them, they will jump out of airplanes wearing parachutes, behind enemy lines, to kill enemy soldiers and disrupt supply lines. For this very dangerous duty, they will receive a small increase in pay. Any man who wishes to volunteer will take one step forward.”
To his annoyance, only about one man in ten stepped forward.
The British officer demanded of the Gurkha officer, “I was told your soldiers were renowned for their bravery. Why do so few volunteer?”
The Gurkha officer hung his head, turned and questioned his troops.
Some replied, and the rest nodded. The Gurkha officer turned back to the British officer and said, “The men wish to know, what is this “parachute” you spoke of?”
10% volunteered, not knowing what a parachute was. That’s true grit.