In the 1920’s and 1930’s the Gurkha regiments formed a significant part of the Garrison of India, and played an active and special role securing its borders and holding its remote regions. In 1935 during that fatal earthquake in Quetta (later called Pakistan) two Gurkhas from 8th Gurkha rifles received the George Cross (previously called the Albert Medal) for extreme bravery not in the face of the enemy.