Digger Day has been marked by the local Returned Service League (RSL) since 2012.
Rick Meehan OAM, who helped to host the event since its inception says it’s a day to celebrate the Australian Defence Force and “the men and women who serve this great nation”.
Mr Meehan says the event has surpassed his expectations and grown exponentially over the last five years to the point that other states have adopted the concept.
Captain Limbu, the only person who received the VC during the Malaysian-Indonesian Confrontation of 1965, is also the sole living VC recipient from Nepal.
He was just 26 and a Lance Corporal in 1965 when the Queen awarded him the extraordinary medal.
His bravery was cited as, "he displayed heroism, self-sacrifice and a devotion to duty and to his men of the very highest order. His actions on this day reached a zenith of determined, premeditated valour which must count amongst the most notable on record and is deserving of the greatest admiration and the highest praise".
"I had met every other living VC recipient but not CAPT Limbu VC, so I personally made it a challenge of getting him here to Nowra".
Speaking to SBS Nepali, Mr Meehan, who retired from the Navy after 30 years of service, said, "Since a boy I’ve always heard of the Gurkhas, read stories about them and always wanted to meet them. This weekend my boyhood dream came true as I not only met my first Gurkha but a Gurkha VC recipient. So proud."
However, he admits it was only after long toil.
"I had met every other living VC recipient but not CAPT Limbu VC, so I personally made it a challenge of getting him here to Nowra".
"This years event was unique in that a living VC from every Commonwealth Country and Nepal were attending and this had never been done before in Australia. It took me about 1,000 days to organise this", he adds.
"This weekend my boyhood dream came true as I not only met my first Gurkha but a Gurkha VC recipient. So proud."
Captain Limbu VC from Nepal was joined by Keith Payne VC (Australia), Seargent Johnson Beharry (UK) and New Zealand's only living Victoria Cross recipient, Willie Apiata.
They were also joined by other dignitaries such as Australia’s last living George Cross Recipient Michael Pratt and 5 living Australian Cross of Valour recipients Darrell Tree, Victor Boscoe, Allan Sparkes, Tim Britten and Richard Joyes.
The George Cross and Cross of Valour recipients are the civilian equivalents to the VC.
Generally, Victoria Cross recipients from Australia, Nepal, New Zealand and the United Kingdom only meet every two years, together with the Queen in London.
Gurkha bravery
Gurkhas, whose name is derived from a rugged mountainous district in Nepal, are famous all over the world for their bravery.
Mr Meehan said the local community and other visitors in Nowra were extremely excited to meet the last living Gurkha VC recipient in the world.
“Johnson Beharry VC was with us and could not believe what he was hearing and had never heard Limbu VC talk as much. It was amazing and inspiring to hear him so animated."
"We have all heard about the Gurkhas and fighting ability, and not many Australians have ever met a Gurkha before. His presence was a major drawcard and exciting for all to meet the man in person", he told SBS Nepali.
Captain Limbu's son, Bhanu, who now lives and work in Melbourne, said, "I am proud of my father's achievements."
"He's frail now and does not hear well but still has a strong will and a great inspiration for the younger generation".
Mr Meehan explained, "I took him to a friends house for an Xmas in July gathering after the Digger Day. We were sitting around eating and having a few drinks. During most of his (Captain Limbu, VC) stay, he was reticent and shy. Our friend had an old artillery shell as an ornament. When he saw it, he raced over to it and got all excited. And just talked about it and then for the next 20 Minutes he opened up about the shell and the action he fought in when awarded the VC.
“Johnson Beharry VC was with us and could not believe what he was hearing and had never heard Limbu VC talk as much. It was amazing and inspiring to hear him so animated."
Citing his personal experience, Mr Meehan encourages young people to seriously consider a career in the Defence Force.
"I retired after 30 years of service,” he said. The camaraderie is what kept me there so long, mates for life. There are many things one can do, and they are all exciting."
Captain Limbu VC will be flying back to Nepal next week.
Who is who?
Keith Payne VC AM KSJ
Last living Australian recipient of the original Imperial Victoria Cross and previous living VC recipient from the Vietnam War.
Johnson Beharry VC CNG
The last living and the only Victoria Cross Recipient from the Iraq War.
Captain Rambahadur Limbu VC MVO
Last living Nepali Victoria Cross recipient and the only VC awarded during the Malaysian-Indonesian Confrontation.
Willie Apiata VC
Last living Victoria Cross recipient from New Zealand and first VC awarded in over 70 years to a New Zealander.
Michael Pratt GC
Last living Australian recipient of the George Cross. The George Cross is Civilian Equivalent to the Victoria Cross. Only 14 Australians ever awarded the George Cross.
Darrell Tree CV
The first recipient of the Cross of Valour Instituted in 1975 as the Civilian equivalent to the Victoria Cross,
replacing the George Cross
Victor Boscoe CV
One of only five recipients of the Cross of Valour. Second Recipient of the CV
Allan Sparkes CV OAM VA
The third recipient of the Cross of Valour. Allan is Australia’s most decorated Civilian being awarded further bravery awards.
Tim Britten CV
One of only five recipients of the Cross Of Valour. Tim Britten awarded alongside with Richard Joyes for the same action.
Richard Joyes CV
One of only five recipients of the Cross of Valour. Richard Joyes awarded alongside with Tim Britten for the same action.
Victoria Cross quick facts
• The highest award in the British Honours system, awarded for gallantry in the presence of the enemy
• Introduced by Queen Victoria in 1856 to honour acts of valour during the Crimean War
• Only 15 medals have been awarded since the Second World War
• 13 Nepalis have been awarded the VC medals
• Australia was the first Commonwealth realm to create its own VC
• Can be awarded posthumously
