Putting training into practice is something relished by Corporal Begindra Limbu, when the Shornecliffe-based Royal Gurkha Rifles (2RGR) head to Afghanistan this October

The 27-year-old, of the 5th Platoon, B Company, will form part of a quick reaction force in Musa Qaleh in northern Helmand province.

He said: “I am very excited about going because it is in my blood.

“My grandfather fought for the British army during the Second World War and my father was also in the army.

“My brother is a Gurkha soldier and went to Afghanistan in 2006 as part of the support element for the Prince of Wales Royal Regiment. I am inspired by my family.”

Cpl Limbu has lived in Folkestone for two and a half years with his wife Asha and his two-year-old son Nirvan.

He is among 550 Gurkhas heading to the war-torn country this autumn.

Video: Watch the Gurkhas training for Afghanistan in the video above

Leading by experience on the tour of duty will be Military Cross holder Warrant Officer Second Class Kajiman Limbu, 38, of Shornecliffe.

He was given the award in 2004 after saving the life of an American officer during a deployment to Afghanistan in 2003.

WO2 Limbu was part of six-man team that came to the aid of a United States convoy that had been ambushed by anti-coalition forces in Kabul.

As the fire fight continued WO2 Limbu dashed forward to rescue the US officer who had been wounded and helped him to safety.

Marrried to Sunita, 36, and father to Medhawi, eight, and Riwaj, five, WO2 Limbu said: “When we were out on our patrol we noticed an American platoon suddenly come under attack from Taliban insurgents.

“Our platoon came in from the side and engaged in a fire fight with the enemy.

“Then I noticed someone stand up in the middle of the battle looking dazed and stumbling around.

“So I ran to get him and dragged him back to our lines so our medics could help him and get him to a military hospital.”

The American officer had been shot seven times and WO2 Limbu’s actions saved his life.