Creative Media Design ADR003512 The magazine for Vol 65 No 10: Mar 14 Soldiers and their Families www.gurkhabde.com/publication

2 RGR Support flood relief The First Gurkha Colour Sergeant Instructor at The RMAS Gurkha Pension Scheme - 2014 Award

Vol 65 No. 10 - March 2014 Editorial Staff Contents

Editor: Cpl Rakam Thamshuhang GSPS QGS 2 - 3 Telephone: 01980 618012 (94344 8012) 2 RGR 4 - 5,12,15 Fax: 01980 618938 (94344 8938) Email: [email protected] 1 RGR 6 - 7,12 MOD Users: [email protected] GCS 8 Please send your articles together with good quality BGN 9 photographs (300 dpi), through your unit’s Parbate Rep, to: GSPS 9 The Editor, Parbate Office, HQBG, FASC, Photo News 10 - 11 Camberley, Surrey, GU11 1QU. QGE 13 Parbate is published every month by kind permission of HQBG. It is not an official publication and the views expressed, unless specifically stated otherwise, do not reflect QGS 13,18 MOD or Army policy and are the personal views of the author. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the permission of the Editorial Staff. No responsibility for the QOGLR 14 quality of goods or services advertised in this magazine can be accepted by the Editorial Staff or Publishers and advertisements are accepted on the express condition that they in no Gurkha Museum 16 way contravene the provisions of the Trades Descriptions Act 1968 nor any other prevailing Consumer Legislation. The Editorial Staff and Publishers cannot accept responsibility for the GWT 16 result of errors or omissions in articles or advertisements. Misc 3,17,19 - 20 Parbate is designed by AMC Creative Media Design, and produced using recycled paper. Front Cover: ADR003512*Important Notice UK’s PM David Cameron visited 2 RGR during their deployment in Op PITCHPOLE last February. Picture Below: Lt Col Marcus Reedman, CO 2 RGR briefing PM David Cameron on their deployment on Op PITCHPOLE. Obituary

Obituary – 21171165 Cpl Jayaram Puri

Lieutenant Colonel Niall Stokoe OBE, Major Mark Barratt, Officer Commanding Commander Queen’s Gurkha Signals, said: 246 Gurkha Signal Squadron, said: This is very sad moment for QG SIGNALS Corporal Jayaram was the epitome of a PARIWAR. We have lost a much loved Bhai. Queen’s Gurkha Signaller; fit, intelligent, Corporal Jayaram was one of the best QG articulate and utterly dedicated. It was SIGNALS Non-Commissioned Officers of impossible not to be impressed by him. his generation. His selfless commitment, Of his many strengths, he had a particular dedication and professionalism was second to talent for instructing and this is where I first none. He was immensely popular who had so met him. Each year a new intake of recruits much to offer and will be sorely missed by us joins our family and Jayaram had been all. Our thoughts go out to his family, especially selected to begin their education about life his wife, Narbada, son, Joseph and parents. and work in the Queen’s Gurkha Signals. He rose to the task with his usual good humour Major Yambahadur Rana, Gurkha Major and professionalism and it is reassuring to Queen’s Gurkha Signals, said: know that a new generation of The sudden death of Corporal Jayaram casts has benefited from Corporal Jayaram’s a dark cloud over the PALTAN. He was the intelligence, enthusiasm and passion. n 9 March 2014, Corporal best of his generation who led by example. The loss that the Squadron is feeling is Jayaram Puri was involved in His untimely demise has left a huge hole in nothing compared to that of Corporal Oa Road Traffic Accident whilst the Regiment. I have known Jayaram since Jayaram’s loved ones. You have the thoughts on duty. He was taken to the Queen’s he joined the Regiment, who made profound and prayers of all of us. Corporal Jayaram Medical Centre, Nottingham where, impact from the outset. He stood out for his was a fine man and he will be greatly missed. sadly, he died from his injuries. professionalism, commitment, loyalty and humour – all qualities that I have come to Captain Lok Bahadur Gurung, Second-in- 21171165, Corporal Jayaram Puri was born expect from the very best QG SIGNALS soldiers; Command 246 Gurkha Signal Squadron, on 23 April 1985 in Chabahil, Kathmandu, a true modern Gurkha soldier with exceptional said: . After successfully graduating from all round talent. Our deepest sympathy and Corporal Jayaram Puri’s death has shocked Manakamana Boarding School and the thoughts go to his wife, Narbada, son, Joseph, and saddened all of us in 246 Gurkha Signal National College Maharajgunj, Corporal bereaved family and friends. Squadron and Queen’s Gurkha Signals. An Jayaram joined the on 18 outstanding, intellectual Communications December 2003. His basic recruit training Lieutenant Colonel Ian Hargreaves, Systems Engineer he was a loyal, trustworthy took place with the Gurkha Company, Commanding Officer 2 Signal Regiment and experienced soldier who had an Infantry Training Centre, Catterick, where said. irrepressible personality. I have known he was identified as a bright, motivated The tragic death of Corporal Jayaram is a Corporal Jayaram for as long as he has and intelligent individual and won the Unit sad loss of a top-class soldier to the Queen’s been in the Regiment. Most recently I got to Champion Recruit award. Gurkha Signals and 2 Signal Regiment. know him on Operation HERRICK 17 where he worked tirelessly as my Projects Non- On completion of his basic training, Corporal Having been Champion Recruit, Best Trainee Commissioned Officer. It was easy to see him Jayaram joined the Queen’s Gurkha Signals and later Top Student on the Class One as a future Foreman of Signals in the Royal as a Communication System Engineer and Communications Engineer Course, he was Corps of Signals. was awarded the best trainee of the Queen’s destined for senior ranks. Now he cannot Gurkha Signals in 2005. He also won the fulfil his potential, our thoughts and practical All members of 246 Gurkha Signal Squadron, Top Student award in his a year long Class help will focus on supporting his family our families and his many friends extend our One course. Corporal Jayaram deployed to through difficult times – both today and deepest sympathy to Corporal Jayaram’s wife Kuwait in 2009 with 30 Signal Regiment in in the future. We will remember Corporal Narbada, son Joseph, his parents, brothers support the Joint Force Headquarters and to Jayaram as a dedicated professional soldier, and wider family. We wish them all strength Operation HERRICK 17 in October 2012. a friend, a husband and a father. during this very difficult time.

2 Parbate Vol 65 No 10 March 2014 Misc

he Gurkha Pension Scheme (GPS) annual award for 2014 was Tpublished on 14 March 2014. The existing rates of Gurkha Retirement Pension, Gurkha Service Pension, Gurkha Disability and Gurkha Family Pension have been revised with effect from 1 April 2014. Gurkha personnel on the Gurkha Pension Scheme will therefore see the following Lieutenant Mike Kearney, Officer impacts of the award, where relevant, Commanding and Staff Sergeant Lalit from 1 April 2014, which include: Bahadur Thapa, Troop Staff Kowloon • An increase in pensions paid through the Troop, said: GPS of 10.3% with effect from 1 April 2014. Gurkha Corporal Jayaram Puri was an intelligent, • The new rates of pension will be applied hard working and energetic Non-Commissioned to the Far East and Nepal Administration Pension Scheme Officer. As an exceptionally talented engineer System for the pensions run for April 2014. and innovative thinker, he had a very bright • Pensioners paid in cash at the Pension 2014 Award future ahead of him. He embodied the best Paying Offices will have their new rates The increment of 10.3% in Gurkha Pension of what it means to be a Gurkha in the due available from 1 May 2014. takes into account the cost of living increases modern era. He was a role model and mentor • Banking pensioners will have their in Nepal based on the Nepal Rastra Bank to his juniors and a loyal friend to his peers. accounts credited by end of April 2014, figure for inflation. Most of all, he was a true gentleman to although this may be later depending on This increase ensures that Gurkha pensions everyone he met. Corporal Jayaram will be location and the bank used. sadly missed by all who had the pleasure to are kept at a fair and appropriate level and work with him. He was a corner stone of • Payments in cash from Area Welfare demonstrates the UK Government’s continuing the Troop. His enthusiasm, professionalism Centres will be made in May/June 2014 commitments to the GPS. For more information and positive spirit rubbed off onto those according to the programme published by log onto Gurkha Brigade Website around him and will live on in all who he Headquarters British Gurkhas Nepal. www.gurkhabde.com. influenced. We are deeply sorry for your loss and our thoughts are with you and your family fter High School, my at this difficult time. parents agreed to the Achievement subject I selected for Sergeant Suzyoki Tamang and all York A By Mrs Kabita Gurung, Sydney, Australia my future. My father then based numbaris (Corporal Jayaram’s was holding the post of Area intake mates), said: Welfare Officer (AWO) Palpa Jayaram, you were one of the best friends we when I commenced my Nursing ever had. You were like a brother to us; we education at Manipal Teaching trained and worked together for many years. Hospital as a Staff Nurse for Truly a selfless, kind and caring person you three years. I applied for a were always ready to help those around; student grant through AWC you were a real hero. With hands on our Kaski and the GWS kindly heart, we honestly have hardly seen anybody granted me NCRs 30,000 for as diligent, enthusiastic and devoted as you. which I am extremely grateful. Your great personality earned you huge After completing the Staff Nurse Padma Gurung, my uncle ASP respect that will always remain. We will never course I chose to study my BN Ganesh Gurung (Canada), forget your passion for football or the way abroad in Australia. I became a my daughter Ishneha Gurung and you led by example in arduous events like Bachelor on Nurse (BN) student at my father-in-law were all present the Lanyard Trophy, Cambrian Patrol and the McKillop Catholic University in for this auspicious occasion Trailwalker. Your passion for writing and your Sydney for another three. After I - to witness my graduation day. ability to express your views and feelings will had qualified as a BN, I postponed My daughter Ishneha Gurung now live on in your many published articles. my graduation for another three lives with us in Sydney, Australia. We will continue to follow your example. years till my parents could attend. Finally, I would like to thank the Words fall short to express how we feel My graduation day was to be on GWS for their kind contribution; about your death but our thoughts and 14 October 2013, the religious there are no words to describe deepest sympathy are always with your day of the Hindu festival – Vijaya how grateful I am to my parents bereaved family. May your soul rest in peace. Dashami Tika. My parents Hon who have made this all possible. You will be immensely missed. Capt Tej Bahadur Gurung and I will be eternally grateful to them.

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If you touch a pole, miss a gate, or deliberately 2 RGR Club push it around your body you are penalized By Maj Hellier, OIC with seconds added to your overall time. ince winning the Army Each gate is watched by a judge who awards Championships in 2012 and 2013, Sittang, the paddlers began.75 miles into the a clear or penalty score. tests the 2 RGR Canoe Club has continued to race disaster struck, Cpl Arjun’s boat broke a paddler’s ability to read white water and plan S the best possible route, then during the race grow in strength and numbers. rudder on ice and were forced to wait nearly 2 RGR paddlers went on to represent the two hours, wet, in well below zero conditions, it is the perfect test of memory, boat handling Army at the Inter-Services Canoe Polo for a replacement boat. and personal fitness. Championships for which Cpl Arjunsamyu Showing true grit and determination in After a few days training and two days of Limbu, Sgt Dinesh Rai and LCpl Manish adversity, once the new boat arrived they re- individual and team events, 2 RGR along with Gurung were awarded their Army Colours. entered the race. At 93 miles, due to injury 3 MERCIAN paddlers won the Army Canoe Only a month later, in April 2013, 2 RGR LCpl Subash and Rfn Ganga were forced to Slalom Championships 2013 for the Infantry entered two, two-man (K2) into the retire. Cpl Arjun and Rfn Hemanta pushed on beating the Royal Artillery and Adjutant 125 mile International Endurance Canoe to complete the race in twenty-three hours, Generals Corps, much to their surprise. Race from Devizes to Westminster. After a twenty-three minutes coming in second place The Unit Move did not prevent 2 RGR successful training camp sponsored by the in the Army against a very experienced team. competing in the Army and Royal Engineers, Cpl Arjun Samyu Limbu and Had they not suffered boat damage they Marathon on the near Henley, Rfn Hemanta Rai were selected to one would have competed very strongly for first in July 2013. 500m sprints were first, but of four K2 boats representing the British Army. place, unheard of in a first attempt! the delicate boats are hard to balance and LCpl Subash Moktan and Rfn Ganga Limbu 2 RGR Canoe Club then competed in the Army too much force can easily capsize the boat. also entered in a K2 representing 2 RGR. Canoe Slalom Championships held at Llandysul Without much practice the Gurkhas were out On the day of the race conditions were well in mid Wales, in May 2013. An unpleasant gunned. However, in the 200m K1 sprints, below freezing. Half of the competitors pulled change in temperature from , the Rfn Ganga came to the fore, able to apply his out or did not finish. Gurkha paddlers made quick progress in superior strength over a longer distance he With a daunting challenge ahead the two slalom. Canoe Slalom is based on white water placed third and fourth in respective heats. Gurkha teams were undeterred. They knew with the paddler racing against the clock from In K2 Rfn Ganga went on to secure Bronze in they would have to paddle for twenty-fours the start line to the finish line. The paddler the 500m sprint, and Gold in the improvers non-stop, throughout the night, in pitch black must pass through approximately twenty-five category of the 10 mile marathon.2RGR conditions, against fierce winds and with ice gates hung above the water, avoiding a touch paddlers were invited to represent the Army forming all over their bodies. An untimely with any part of the boat, paddle or body. at the Inter-Services in the beginners and capsize could be the end of the adventure Each gate is numbered and must be taken improvers category. Gurkha paddlers secured with hypothermia. Kindly supported at short sequentially, travelling downstream through vital points for the Army in the 8 and 12 mile notice by Gurkhas from Gurkha Company green gates and upstream through red gates. marathons. In K4, (four man kayaks), two

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2 RGR Support Op PITCHPOLE

RGR deployed from 16 to 22 February on Op PITCHPOLE in support of the the civil authorities to relieve those affected 2 by flooding in the Lower Thames area. The battalion executed the military BRONZE HQ command from Chertsey, one of the worst affected places in the UK, under command of 2 (SE) BRIGADE at SILVER HQ based in Guildford. 2 RGR was responsible for 421 personnel drawn from Support Company 2 RGR, R Welsh, 1 Royal Horse Artillery, 19 Regiment Royal Artillery, 2 PARA, 36 Engineer Regiment, 3 Princess of Wales’ Royal Regiment (Reserve), 103 Battalion REME (Reserve). During the deployment, 2 RGR supported 280 vulnerable people through the delivery of sandbags to thier homes. It utilised 15,000 Sweden and Germany. This latter task has received widespread positive sandbags to protect in the region of 500 properties. Concurrently, it national media attention. filled additional sandbags with 800 tons of sand, supported the Fire 2 RGR completed their Operation PITCHPOLE task on 17 February, in time Service with boat operations, and the Environment Agency in the for their deployment to Kenya to train as a battle group, augmented by a UK’s first ever employment of new mobile damming technology from company from 3SCOTS.

and avoiding eddies and returning water which will slow the boat. Again Rfn Sushil Mishra and Rfn Hemanta Rai did particularly well. With all the 2 RGR paddlers times counted; 2 RGR won the Army Wild Water Racing Championships 2013 for the Infantry for the first time, beating the Royal Artillery who have won this discipline ten times this millennium. 2 RGR paddlers, led by Rfn Prashant Lama, have represented the Army Canoe Team in the British Canoe Union, Polo Association Regional SW League. To date, along with other Army paddlers, Gurkhas have made up over half the army team alongside some very experienced polo players. Rfn Sushil Mishra and Rfn Hemanta Rai have been awarded their of three Army boats were filled with seven With the combined times of all the Army Army Canoe Colours for their performance Gurkha paddlers in the 1000m sprint. paddlers, the Army beat the RAF and RN representing the Army in two tournaments in The Army secured 1st, 3rd and 4th place of very convincingly indeed. With little rest, Cheltenham in Dec 13 and Jan 14. 8 boats. The Army won the Inter-Services the next day the Army Wild Water Racing Canoe Polo combines the growing paddling greatly assisted by the 2 RGR paddlers. Rfn Championships was held. Wild Water Racing is ability of 2 RGR Canoe Club with the Ganga went on to win Bronze in the Army generally held on white water with a minimum Gurkhas natural ball skills from football, River Wye Marathon in K1. distance of 3 km. The competitor alone basketball, and volleyball. Unfortunately Following success at the Army Canoe Slalom, and receives no support from other paddlers if the Army Canoe Polo Championships 2014 a number of 2 RGR paddlers were selected for he is in trouble. coincides with Ex ASKARI STORM, Kenya. the Army team to compete at the Inter-Services The paddler’s speed over the course is However, there are a number of civilian Canoe Slalom Competition. Despite a clash determined by fitness, boating handling but tournaments across the country that have with Dashain, the paddlers quickly volunteered most importantly the ability to read white extended invitations to 2 RGR Canoe Club. and found themselves in colder conditions and water. The paddler must understand the Equipment and funding dependant, on a much higher river than earlier in the year. movement of water through boulder fields, the 2 RGR Canoe Club will be breaking 30141949 Rfn Hemanta Rai and 30142338 around bends, and over drops. He must use into a number of civilian International Polo Rfn Sushil Mishra secured their place in the this knowledge to select the route that allows Tournaments and hopefully the remaining Army squad gaining valuable experience and for maximum speed throughout, taking Army canoe disciplines of Canoe Freestyle coaching prior to race day. advantage of jets of fast water, standing waves, and Canoe Surf. Jai 2 RGR Canoe Club!

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The First Gurkha Colour Sergeant Instructor at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS) By CSgt Jiwan Gurung My first dream was realised when I was able to This comprised of Pre-Cadre (Look on Life), he aim of this short article is to give win the Overall Champion Recruit Kukuri and Medic course, All Arms Drill course and CBRN readers some insights into, firstly have never looked back since. I am proud to course while other courses like SCBC and the Instructor selection process have won most coveted prizes such as Parish PSBC were already under my belt. The Pre- T Trophy, Top student in Junior Leadership Cadre Cadre is designed to give an insight into life in and secondly my experience to date as an Instructor at the world-renowned the (JLC), Top Student in Section Commander Sandhurst for potential instructors. There were Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS), Battle Course (SCBC), Distinction in Platoon sixty potential CSgts/SSgts from different cap also commonly known as Sandhurst. Sergeant’s Battle course (PSBC) and the badges on the cadre knowing only half will get recipient of Prince of Wales Kukuri from selected for the job. The cadre was designed I am proud and honoured to have been His Royal Highness Prince Charles. to test the physical and mental aptitude of nominated as the first ever Gurkha Colour individual instructors. My operational and Sergeant Instructor at the Academy to take up Even though the best part of my career so far has been with MOD A Block, Sandhurst military experience gave me an edge over this challenging opportunity. To be nominated others in self-discipline, perseverance, for this prestigious role was an achievement in was another opportunity for me. I wanted to push the envelope further and Sandhurst humility and always setting high standards. itself but to be selected out of some top sixty Instructors’ performances were closely Colour Sergeants (CSgt)/Staff Sergeants (SSgt) had something special about it because of its brand and uniqueness. I knew it was not going observed throughout the cadre taking into nominated from various cap badges of the consideration the core values such as Courage, British Army was a real challenge. to be an easy task but I wanted to seize this opportunity for my cap badge and me. Discipline, Respect for others, Integrity, Loyalty Instructors’ Selection Process As I could be the first ever Gurkha CSgt to get and Selfless commitment. Prior to deployment on Herrick 17 to this job, I was under immense self-generated Over the years, the Army has seen many Afghanistan in 2012, C Company was in pressure. Securing a place as a Sandhurst changes and one of the biggest is the way SennyBridge, Brecon for pre deployment instructor meant another milestone in my of instructional technique. The old rigid style training. I was to stage pallet demo on night career. The training team in Sandhurst consists approach exists no more, which has been vision capabilities where Brigadier IA Rigden of CSgts and Officers from all different cap superseded by modern agile approach. OBE, then Colonel Brigade of the Gurkhas (Col badges representing their units. We always had The Potential Instructors were assessed for the BG) was amongst the spectators. The Brigadier a Gurkha Platoon Commander, a Captain rank agile instructional techniques. The instructor’s must have been impressed and had given the from RGR as a cap badge representative but selection cadre was four weeks in duration seal of approval to my OC’s vision of me being never had a Gurkha CSgt. in which potential instructors were assessed the first Gurkha Instructor at Sandhurst in it’s The Sandhurst Instructor selection cadre date vigorously with the view to selecting the best 200 year history. was scheduled on May 2013 but I was to be thirty. Overall results were announced on the When I joined the in 1998, deployed in Afghanistan with my Battalion on final day of the cadre. my aspirations were high like anyone else’s. Sept 2012. I returned early in order for me to My Experience as a RMAS Instructor From the onset, I found myself well adapted complete the mandatory courses, which all The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst is the and tuned with the norms of Army life. candidates need to attend the cadre. epitome of all military academies around the

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world. Few also call it the military version of My mantra to OCdts is “Basic drills done ‘The Hogwarts’. The motto of Sandhurst is right”. It is great to be on the sharp end “Serve to Lead” and core values mentioned and have the better understanding of the above evolves around it. The Army Officer commissioning process. In the young OCdts, Selection Board (AOSB) in Westbury, Wiltshire, I see the making of our British Officer Sahebs. initially identifies potential officers. Then they Here in Sandhurst, OCdts are academically step into Sandhurst for the 44 weeks long gifted and hence there is a high calibre regular army commissioning course. 44 weeks audience. Their thirst to learn and assimilation are broken down into 3 terms; Junior, Inter and of information is incredible. Teaching OCdts is Senior Terms and each term is 3 months long. always a pleasure. Sometime in the classroom Nearly 80 percent male, 10 percent female we go off on a tangent when they start asking CSgt Jiwan Pun with OCdt Subash Gurung(L) and and 10 percent of overseas OCdts comprises questions about Gurkhas. The quota for joining OCdt Christy(R). Both cadets commissioned in April 2014 to join 2RGR and 1RGR respectively every intake and around 80 percent are the (RGR) is always very university graduates. The Reserve Officers and limited. Many show their interest to join the and in the second year, as Platoon CSgt in Potential Qualified Officers (PQOs) courses are RGR but they know that they have to come the college. It is still early days and I still have shorter, as they already come from professional at the very top in their intake to get a place in a lot to soak in and have a lot to offer to backgrounds i.e. Doctors, Lawyers, and Nurses. RGR. Now the 200th Anniversary of Gurkha Sandhurst. I will give the best of my abilities in At the end of the commissioning course, OCdts service to the Crown is imminent, OCdt Subash the training of OCdts and to uphold my cap who are going in the Regular Army Units Gurung from 1 RGR will make further history bagde and make way for the future potential march up the steps of the Old College to be after nearly 30 years. He will be the latest Gurkha instructors. commissioned at the Sovereign’s Parade. Gurkha to be commissioned from Sandhurst My huge appreciations go to Maj AP Todd, The etiquettes of Sandhurst seemed uncharted after being a serving soldier. His performance Retd Capt Junkaji Gurung, Capt Dol Gurung, waters for me as a Gurkha. Now I have has been outstanding and will be commissioned Capt Gyan Dhenga, Capt Jamie Gartside, completed instructing a term, and in hindsight, on March 2014 to join 2 RGR. Capt Sandy Nightingale, WO2 Kiran Pun, all I have done is simply teach basic military The Gurkha Company Sittang (GCS) plays CSgt Bikash Gurung, Sgt Dan Somare, skills but with character. It gives me immense an important role in the training of OCdts in Sgt Lil Gurung and Gurujis and Bhaiharu pride and pleasure to be involved in the Sandhurst, which is highly appreciated by all. of C Company 1 RGR who have played an development of the future leaders of the British My two years in Sandhurst as an instructor will instrumental part in me being selected for Army and to pass on my 15 years of experience be assigned in the first year as the instructor in RMAS and with whom I would like to share of basic soldiering skills to OCdts. the Dismounted Close Combat Wing (DCCW) this accomplishment with.

etween 26 - 28 Feb 2014, Visit to BFB by Director Combat, BBrunei Garrison and 1 RGR were honoured to host Director Combat, Brigadier R B Brigadier R B Bruce DSO (Late SCOTS) Bruce DSO (Late SCOTS) for a By Unit Correspondent high-profile, three-day visit to RGR. The Brigadier praised the all units of BFB. immaculate turnout and crisp drill Brigadier Bruce is a familiar and of the duty personnel, who were greatly respected figure to 1RGR, drawn from B (Sari Bair) Company. as he commanded 4 (Mech) Following the inspection, the Brigade, of which 1RGR was then Brigadier was flown out to the a part, throughout Operation primary jungle of the Labi region HERRICK 17. Well known for of Brunei in a Bell 212 helicopter his appreciation of the fighting piloted by crew from 7 Flight qualities, professional skill Army Air Corps. Here the and legendary generosity that Brigadier was re-acquainted with Once again, the Brigadier The visit was a fine opportunity Gurkhas are famous for, Brigadier 2IC C (Moguang) Company, expressed his fine impression of to welcome an old friend of Bruce was shown a warm Capt Gyanbahadur Dhenga RGR, the confident and skilful ability of 1 RGR and to showcase our welcome to the Garrison. who delivered the scenario brief. Gurkha soldiers, particularly in the skills set in the environment On arrival, the Brigadier was Following this, the Brigadier notoriously challenging close- the unit is perhaps most famed presented with a RGR Garland attended a jungle defence brief country tropical environment. for operating in. The visit was by the Gurkha Major, Maj delivered by Lt Harry Gardner- Finally, the Brigadier paid a visit a reminder of the importance Rambahadur Pun. The Brigadier Clarke, also of C Company. to Support Company, who were attached to 1 RGR / BFB’s unique then inspected a guard of honour, This was followed by a visit to the reaching the final stages of their role as the Far East acclimatised accompanied by Commander BFB jungle skills and survival lanes and selection cadre with a live-fire Battalion, and was all in all a a counter-attack display. / CO 1RGR, Lt Col J P Davies MBE program on Binturan Ranges. great success.Jai 1 RGR!

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We also visited a well preserved Naval Warship of Great Britain, built during the mid-18th Century and best known for her role in the Battle of Trafalgar. We were shown around this ship by an expert guide who proceeded to tell us about the ships history and how 800 men lived and worked in such cramped positions for long periods of time. Our tour concluded with a coach ride around the Naval Base, with spectacular views across the harbour, while listening to our guide’s commentary on some of Britain’s modern frigates, destroyers and helicopter carriers, as well as historic buildings, sights and ships. We were taken across one of the oldest dockyards and many historic buildings and HM Naval Base their modern counterparts in the harbour. The National Museum of the Royal Navy, & Gurkha Museum visit which is one of the country’s leading maritime By Spr Lekhraj Thapa point presentation from the briefing team on museums, had a rich history of the Royal Navy the roles, capabilities and the future of the through a fabulous collection of artefacts. espite the commitments of the Royal Navy and it was explained what the After the visit to Portsmouth, we set off to visit Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, Navy and Johnny Depp of the Pirates of the in Winchester, where a DGurkha Coy (Sittang) GC (S) Caribbean had in common and what was lot of historic images and moments were on conducted an educational visit to HM Naval more importantly what was different! display as carried out by our forefathers during Base in Portsmouth on 7 February 2014. After the brief there followed a visit to the a proud period of service with the British Army. Capt Dillikumar Rai organized the visit for Navy’s fleet where we had an opportunity to There was a short presentation and a tour 50 members of GC(S). see many Ships and the Aircraft Carrier HMS of the museum with lots of reflection on our Illustrious –a rare sight indeed. We were taken proud history. For us to have museums such The aim of the visit was to learn about abroad HMS LANCASTER and HMS VICTORY – as this, that show our present and our past to the Royal Navy, to see how a Naval Base a very unique and exciting moment for many of the world is fantastic; it helps to maintain the operates and how they provide security to its us. We all began to realize and understand just history of the Brigade of Gurkhas. Sovereignties around the world. It was also a how challenging it must be to be in a war ship chance to visit the home of some of the most We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to the Royal for seven or eight months at a time. It was also famous ships that have ever sailed and to Naval Depot and the Gurkha Museum. very interesting to learn about their day to day celebrate the glory of a historic landmark of Jai Gurkha Company (Sittang) routine inside the ship during operations and Great Britain. in peace time and how sailors adjust to such a On arrival at the base, we were received by confined space. the Visits Officer; she led us to a briefing hall where we received an excellent power lthough I haven’t been These skills will come with time in the Army for long, and experience gained by working AI was quietly confident in varied environments and that I would succeed in taking different teams. on the challenge of becoming With my head held high I began a fitness instructor. At first it my journey from Brunei, a seemed like a steep hill that slightly hotter place than the UK I had to climb but no matter to Aldershot Garrison where I how tough it looked I was would spending the duration of determined to reach the top. my course. The weather when I arrived at my destination was To be a Physical Training Instructor typically British – it was raining. (PTI), you must possess the necessary skills to pass the course I was representing my unit – 1st - you must be fit enough, have the Battalion The Royal Gurkha Rifles qualities of a non-commissioned and I was there as the very first officer, such as being able to lead, ambassador of the Gurkha Staff to be enthusiastic, have team and Personnel Support (GSPS), spirit and to respect one another. failure was not an option.

8 Parbate Vol 65 No 10 March 2014 BGN / GSPS

International Disaster Management Course in Nepal

By Unit Correspondent and the associated management techniques that can be applied from the ground tactical level all the way up to the government strategic level. he Defence Section British Embassy organised an Although Nepal sits in a major earthquake hot spot, the content ensured International Disaster Management (IDM) Course from that other disasters such as flooding and wildfire were also focussed on T3rd to 7th Feb 2014 at British Gurkhas Nepal. with strategies for managing such disasters taught. On the first day, Col Seán Harris OBE, DA/Comd BGN, formally opened The planning and briefing sessions were centred on an evolving scenario the training which was delivered by two academics from Bournemouth of a major earthquake in the Kathmandu Valley. Joint planning and University, Disaster Management Centre. coordination between different uniformed responders were carried out. The students were middle to senior management or major to By the fourth round of planning cycles the teams were very slick in their colonel in the Nepalese Army and of equivalent rank or status for procedures and at the end of the week had essentially completed a Nepal Police, Armed Police Force and other Nepalese Government contingency plan. departments. The week-long course was set to examine and share This was a superbly delivered and enjoyable course that has given national and international principles and practices amongst those with food for thought and tools for delivery in equal measure. A disaster responsibilities for Disaster Management activities in Nepal. could strike at any time and we must all be ready, but with the tools Although organised by the Defence Section of the British Embassy, given to the students during the week, coping with a disaster in Nepal only 4 from the “home team” attended the course, with the will be made significantly more achievable. remaining 33 students coming from a cross section of the Ministry Although the Defence Section provides a lot of support to Nepal, of Home Affairs, Tribhuwan University, Nepal Army, Nepal Police, the International Disaster Management course was a first of its kind. Armed Police Force, Nepal Red Cross, National Society of Earthquake Based on the feedback and responses from the students/participants Technology and other government departments. it is strongly felt that we have helped to enhance the knowledge and The course was split into seminar based lesson delivery and group expertise of managers who one day in the future may have vital role planning and briefing sessions. Seminars covered the spectrum of disaster to play in case of any natural disaster in Nepal.

I worked and trained very hard The second and third week but the fear of failure remained. were in a more classroom Physical Training Instructor The course officially began with based environment. The modules a Physical Fitness Assessment included - Health and Safety at (PTI) Course - I achieved my personal best Work, Risk Assessment, Accident were just for starters. What I By Pte Yojan Gurung GSPS time. The PFA was hard work for Management and Reporting, remember from this was the some and a stroll for others. Heart Monitoring, Sports and Instructor yelling ‘stop whinging, Team games, Training Domains, you are supposed to bleed’, that The first week was to assess Teaching Methods, Effective kept me going for the entire what abilities and qualities you Communication and Lesson course; although not nice it was possessed that were desirable in Planning; there was no time somewhat encouraging to hear. a Non Commissioned Officer and to be bored. Physical Training Instructor; a Our final week of the course wide range of assessments took The fourth week was when was all about rehearsals and place which included a PFA, an the excitement started, the the passing off parade. All in Advanced Fitness Assessment momentum increased and the all, what I have learnt from this (AFT), a Military Swimming Test fun began. The Stretcher Race, experience is second to none. (MST) and some written work. the Battle PT, Tug of War and I am proud to have been a part PTI and look forward to the Obstacle course and these of the process in becoming a challenges that lay ahead.

Parbate Vol 65 No 10 March 2014 9 Photo News

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1. QGS - WO2 Autar Shrestha handing over SSM 248 Sqn, 22 Sig Regt to WO2 Laxmanbabu Rana. 2. BGN - Field Marshall Sir John Lyon Chapple, GCB CBE inspecting the Guards of Honour during his visit to HQ BGN on Thursday 27 February 14. 3. BGN - QGE Regt Col Maj Gen T R Urch CBE signing visitors book during his visit to Nepal from 4 to 14 March 2014. 4. Misc - Col A M Mills Late RE (Second left) and Lt Col C Woodley QOGLR (Second Right) after being awarded OBE and MBE respectively. 5. QGE - Lifeworks Course attendees with RBLI instructros at Maidstone. 12 Gurkha ladies completes 2 day course where they learnt vital skill of CV writing, interview techniques and understanding job markets. 8

10 Parbate Vol 65 No 10 March 2014 Photo News

6. BGN - Field Marshall Sir John Lyon Chapple, GCB CBE and BGN personnel with Mrs Mangali Tamang ,widow of Late Rfn Dhupdarja Tamang Ex 6 GR, the Elizabeth Cross recipient. 7. Misc - Major P Eaton QOGLR after being awarded MBE. 8. Misc - Family of Late Major William Travers, 9 GR, receiving award of MBE on his behalf 9. BGN - GOC HQ Sp Comd, Maj Gen R M B Nitsch CBE welcomed by Col S P F Harris OBE (Comd BGN) during his visit to Nepal from 23 to 29 March 2014. 10. Misc - Afghan Task Force (ATF 444) J1 Staff with their mentor WO2(SQMS) Khadak Chhetri GSPS at FOB Juno, Helmand Province, Afghanistan in 2 3 March 2014.

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Parbate Vol 65 No 10 March 2014 11 1 RGR / 2 RGR

Ladies Glam Night A Night to Remember

By Hema Gurung, Gurkha Support Worker (Shorncliffe)

n Friday the 31 January 2014,a Mrs Amy Baker, physiotherapist at the Medical Reception Station, Ladies Glam Night was organised delivers a brief on lower back care to soldiers from 1 RGR Owith the aim of providing an evening of fun, music and entertainment British Forces Brunei Health Fair for the ladies from 2 RGR and other attached units. By Unit Correspondent health awareness, smoking cessation support, Braving the not so glamorous weather n 28 Feb 2014, Brunei Garrison oral health, exercise suggestions and much outside, the ladies gathered in the Shorncliffe enjoyed its first ‘Health Fair’ more. The effort was put in to ensure that Community Centre for the much awaited Oevent since 1RGR returned to the venue was comfortable and welcoming event; each of them looking beautiful and Brunei in mid 2013. in order to allow all visitors to spend as much glamorous. The Battalion is currently very busy with a time there as they wished and to get the best The evening started off with a complementary number of commitments as well as ongoing out of the event. BFBS, in both Gurkhali and bubbly at the entrance, then after a Level 1 Combined Training and preparation for English, played a vital role on disseminating short opening speech by the Community B Company’s overseas exercise to New Zealand information to the wider audience, and Development Worker, Bridget King, the music in April. However, Gurkha Major 1RGR, Maj leaflets were circulated across BFB. started rolling in, and so did the Ladies onto the dance floor. Rambahadur Pun and others in the chain of The event was a huge success with more than command had highlighted the importance of six hundred service personnel and families Halfway through the programme the hall was health care for our soldiers and dependants, attending. All sub units were given a time flooded with flashing cameras, encouraging and therefore sponsored the Health Fair to take window in order to avoid too much crowding cheers and clapping, whilst a few daring place before Easter. at any given time and it worked excellently. ladies mustered up a catwalk parade along With the aim of providing service personnel The event highlighted the commitment of the with their individual signature pose. It may and their dependants with health and well 1RGR and Garrison chain of command to the have had one wondering for a while whether being awareness, sixteen internal and external welfare, health and well-being of its soldiers we were in a London Fashion show. agencies displayed their stands in the Tuker and dependants, which are of course vital The Catwalk participants had as much fun Lines gymnasium hall. Stands included back parts of the moral, physical and intellectual ‘walking the walk’ along the red carpet as care, healthy eating and nutrition, general components of our fighting power. Jai 1 RGR! did the audience. Before everyone got back Spouses of 1RGR officers, including Mrs Davies and Mrs Pun, visit a stand at the BFB health fair onto their dancing feet, two amazing solo Bollywood performances were made by Tika and Rekha Gurung. Concluding the evening was the prize giving ceremony for the best Catwalk display, dancer, the most glamorous, etc., and one lucky lady went away as the raffle draw winner. All in all, everyone seemed to have enjoyed the night thoroughly and hopefully will remember the fun for some time to come. Finally, on behalf of the AWS team I would like to extend my appreciation to the Welfare team and Wives’ Committee 2 RGR for their support, and to all the lovely ladies who attended and made the ‘Ladies Glam Night’ a great success. QGS / QGE

Ex THREE PEAKS Challenge Gurkha ways By Unit Correspondent n Tuesday 21 January 2014, a cheque of O£3650 was finally presented to Maj Gen T R Urch CBE a Trustee of the Gurkha Welfare Trust and Col of the Regt The Queen’s Gurkha Engineers. – England (Scafell Pike), Scotland Coventry Half Marathon The Col of the Brigade of (Ben Nevis) and Wales (Snowdon) Gurkhas, CO 36 Engineer Regt respectively. It entails walking By Mrs Kajal Gurung, w/o Capt Ganesh Gurung & Comdt QGE and GM QGE approximately 42 km of very were present during the event. undulating trails ascending over ive of us, ladies from QG SIGNALS stationed at Bramcote The event coincided with the 3000 metres and driving 744 km are training to take part in this year’s Trailwalker and Attestation Parade for the 67th of roads between the peaks. have registered ourselves as QG SIGNALS Trailwalker F Training Party of the Queen’s This is usually completed within Ladies Team 2014. Gurkha Engineers. 24 hrs without carrying any loads. We have been training since the beginning of this year under the The funds were raised by a This ultimate challenge with guidance of Cpl Hombahadur Limbu (PTI). Together with our training, we team of four from the Queen’s DOKO on the back was finally are also conducting fundraising events to reach our committed target of Gurkha Engineers led by WO2 completed in a record time of raising £1500 if not more. The funds raised will help OXFAM and Gurkha Govinda who had set up a unique 26 hrs and 35 mins. Welfare Trust to provide life-changing support to poor people worldwide. challenge ‘Ex THREE PEAKS The main aim of the challenge As a build up to our training, we decided to take part in the half CHALLENGE GURKHA WAYS’. was to raise funds for the Gurkha marathon in Coventry on 23 Mar 14. Our aim was to complete in two This challenge was completed Welfare Trust and to promote and a half hours time, however we were sceptical whether we would on the weekend of 21 – 22 G200 celebration due to take reach our target time. Five of us, together with our family members September 2013. place in 2015. The G200 event assembled on the event square that morning, soaking up the atmosphere The team comprised of elements due to take place in 2015 is the which had a refreshing vibe to it. from BRIMSTONE 42, a High legacy of 200 years of service of The event started at 9 am and everyone was cheering with excitement Assurance Search Team who Gurkhas to the Crown and will be as we began our first half marathon running along the streets of concluded their six and half celebrated throughout the UK. Coventry City. The people of Coventry were cheering the runners at months deployment on Finally, with huge privilege the every juncture showing their support which gave us a warm feeling Op HERRICK 17 in March 2013. cheque for £3650 was presented along with morale support. All of us completed the event under two The challenge was made unique to Maj Gen T R Urch CBE, a and a half hour and we were absolutely thrilled with the outcome! in that the participants had to Trustee of the Gurkha Welfare We have further training lined up in the coming months and we cannot carry 25 kg of load in a bamboo Trust and the Col of the Regt thank our families enough whose support has been immense. basket (DOKO) while attempting The Queen’s Gurkha Engineers. to scale the UK national three Also not forgetting the whole of the regiment who has shown great The team would like to thank Peaks challenge in a targeted time support for our endeavour and we are very much grateful for that. everyone who supported by of 36 hrs! We would also like to reach out to our wider community and if you think various means towards this we deserve your support, you can log on to our just giving page on the The National three Peaks gruelling challenge for a link https://www.justgiving.com/QGS-ladies-team-Bramcote and help challenge is conducted on the worthwhile charity - the Gurkha us to achieve our target. three highest mountains in the UK Welfare Trust. Jai QGE!

Parbate Vol 65 No 10 March 2014 13 QOGLR

10 QOGLR Alpine Ski Season which the team members were By Lt Jung performing on training runs. The 3 month journey started able to competently descend red The instructors were becoming on the 14 Nov 13, with the routes by the end of week 1. increasingly impressed with the team as the camp entered its or the first time in recent team having very little skiing Weeks 2 and 3 consisted of race experience between the 6 techniques and developing carving final week as the majority of the years 10 QOGLR deployed team’s novices were closing the an Alpine Ski team for members and no previous racing skills, alongside which the team F experience at all. The 2 day became very proficient at crashing gap on race times with the more a winter season of training journey to Norway contained a and recovering from said crashes. experienced skiers from other and competition. The season regiments. Once the training camp began with a 4 week training few anxious passengers. Once The art of recovery would prove the camp began individuals were to be a very important skill in was completed the team returned camp known as Ex KNEES to the UK for Christmas leave. BEND in Hemsedal, Norway, split into ability groups, all bar competitions to come. where 10 QOGLR joined one person being in the novice As the camp progressed the On 4 Jan 14 the team travelled several other regiments from groups, nerves were quashed and team members were growing to France for the Divisional the RLC to be instructed by determination increased. in confidence and enjoying Skiing Championships, ex-members of Great Britain’s The training regime was fairly the stunning scenery which Ex SPARTAN HIKE, in Serre Alpine Ski team. intense with the team all being was reflected in the manner in Chevalier, where the main aim was to qualify for the Army Championships. Considering the lack of experience within the team, qualification to the Army Championships was a very tall order. The Championships consisted of 6 different events, Individual and Team Giant Slalom, Individual and Team Slalom, Super G and Downhill. This was the first alpine race competition that any of the team members had entered which made the speed events quite daunting when large jumps were introduced. It took the first few events for the team members to settle into the competition and start to ski to their full potential.

14 Parbate Vol 65 No 10 March 2014 2 RGR

The last two events of the Super G, starting with a seed championships were the speed position of 151st and finishing events; Super G and Downhill, 15th in the super combined. now that the team members This was such an achievement had built up their confidence that he was awarded the most and appetite for speed they improved alpine skier Award were producing some impressive for the Championships. Other performances with LCpl Arjun members of the team also Pun coming second in the Super performed exceptionally well, Combined (Slalom and Super Pte Kiran Thapa picking up the G combined) in the Novice Bronze medal for the overall category. Unfortunately the team Individual Novice category and did not qualify for the Army LCpl Arjun also in the Novice Championships but Lt Will Jung category gaining silver medals managed to qualify as in the Individual Giant Slalom, an individual. Individual Slalom and Super G Col Armel Dirou with 2 RGR Alpine Ski Team After recovering back in the as well as the runner’s up prize UK for a couple of weeks the in the novice category. The team Ex FROSTED KHUKURI team re-grouped and prepared was also awarded the Chief of themselves for the RLC Skiing Alpine’s Special Award for the By Rfn Bidur Limbu, A Coy, 2 RGR Championships in Rhupolding. team’s unique attitude during The team approached this event the championships. The team n 31 January, 2 RGR’s Alpine Ski Team returned to France with an enthusiastic and robust was highly praised for their for the second competition of their 2013/14 season. attitude knowing what to expect enthusiasm, determination, OWe were competing at the invitation of the Commanding having completed Ex SPARTAN support to each other and Officer of 4th Regiment de Chasseurs, Col Armel Dirou. The 4th HIKE earlier in the season. according to the prize giving Regiment is one of the French Army’s alpine cavalry regiments The first events were all Giant official “shear bloody mindedness and our presence renewed the relationship first formed between Slalom which unfortunately to get down the hill.” This was his own regiment and our antecedent regiments during a fantastic end to the season produced several DNFs (did not World War one. with some very well deserved finish) including Pte Kiran Thapa As a team we were feeling energised and looking forward to what commendations from exercise snapping a ski in a spectacular promised to be three days of exciting competition. The team were organisers and fellow competitors. crash, he himself sustaining no able to attend thanks to generous grants from HQBG and 4 Brigade, injury. This however, did effect The team progressed while the Bn ski store held all the equipment, such as skis, clothing and some of the team members’ dramatically throughout the helmets, necessary for the competition. After our long training camp in seeding points dramatically, season from having no racing Val d’Isere earlier in the season, the team were excited to be competing dropping them to the back of experience to building up a in a new location, with a new group of competitors. Weather reports the seeding list. This in turn strong team cohesion and promised several metres of fresh snowfall and near perfect conditions in created a further problem, with competitive spirit showing that Superdevoluy, a small ski resort an hour’s drive south of Grenoble in the some of the other competitors 10 QOGLR can be a force to Haute-Alpes region. who were down in the lower be reckoned with within the On the first day we had time to ourselves to explore the resort and order being considerably slower Alpine Skiing community. At warm up our ski legs in readiness for the competition. Later in the than 10 QOGLR’s skiers, this lead the RLC Skiing Championships, afternoon, we met all the competitors for a surprise head-to-head slalom to many of the team members 10 QOGLR finished 6th out of competition. The French hospitality was fantastic and everybody was having to produce over taking 28 Alpine teams which was a surprised to see Gurkhas on skis for the first time. Fortunately we did manoeuvres on the course and fantastic achievement. Hopefully well in the races, surprising them and making new friends in the process. still achieving very impressive this foundation will be built times. LCpl Min had the most upon next year with more The second day was the individual slalom competition. Conditions on impressive performance in the medals to be won. Jai QOGLR! the mountain were very bad, with almost 30cm of snow overnight and continued snowfall in the day. The chairlifts opened late because of the weather, but fortunately the competition carried on, despite poor visibility. After the races we gathered in a restaurant for an hour of traditional hot wine and chit-chat. It was a great chance to speak to French soldiers, share our experience and find out our differences and similarities. As dusk fell, all the competitors took part in a tradition called ‘flaming night’. In the darkness, we skied down the mountain in single file carrying a flaming torch on a long stick. Seeing the flames ski down the mountain in the darkness was an amazing sight and a great new experience.

Parbate Vol 65 No 10 March 2014 15 Gurkha Museum - From the Archives

Battle of Koonja ‘Rams Head’

n the cross-belt of officers of Not deterred, the Gurkhas instantly began The Royal Gurkha Rifles there is using their to cut down a nearby tree to Oa boss for the whistle and chain make a battering ram. Under intense enemy containing a ram’s head. This part of the fire, a party of Gurkhas managed to reach the regimental insignia owes its origin to the wooden door with the battering ram and after Battle of Koonja which took place on 3rd several blows burst open the entrance. October 1824. Thereafter a storming party rushed inside the At that time marauding, armed gangs were fort and following desperate hand to hand terrorising the area near Saharanpur and combat with kukris, the enemy were killed or Dehradun in northern . The Sirmoor wounded in large numbers for the loss of very Battalion of Gurkhas (now part of The Royal few Gurkhas. Following this battle, the Sirmoor Gurkha Rifles) were sent to deal with an 800 Battalion were given the honour of wearing a strong gang which had occupied the grounds ram’s head on their crest and cross-belt badge. and fort at Koonja. Arriving after a thirty- six hour march, the Gurkhas immediately A more decorative battering ram with brass assaulted the enemy positions and drove presentation plaque was made and presented them back into the fort. The enemy were now to the Sirmoor Rifles by the Saharanpur A replica of this piece with the original protected behind excellent high, mud walls and District residents who were saved from the plaque, can be seen on display at a massive iron bound, wooden door. marauding gangs. The Gurkha Museum.

GWT News

Update from The Gurkha Welfare Trust

he Trust’s mission is “to ensure Recently, the staff at AWC Dharan were whole family survives on what he can grow Gurkhas live in dignity and asked to help 51 year old Mangalsher Rai. and the Disability Support Grant paid by the security”. As well as funding Mangalsher is the son of the late Corporal Trust to Mangalsher. T the monthly Welfare Pension, another Dalsher Rai of 1/10 GR who served in way the Trust fulfils its mission is by both WW2 and the Malayan Emergency. The family’s home was initially damaged in a supporting our Welfare Pensioners Mangalsher was born deaf and mute and large earthquake that shook eastern Nepal in financially in times of crises. with learning difficulties. When both his 2010. It then became uninhabitable after the excessive monsoon rains of 2013. Alerted to With the Trust caring for over 7,200 Welfare parents died, the monthly Welfare Pension paid by the Trust passed to him in the form the family’s plight, staff from Dharan visited Pensioners, it’s inevitable that some of them them and authorised a Hardship Grant of will experience unforeseen emergencies. of a monthly Disability Support Grant as he had no other means of supporting himself. 80,000 Nepalese Rupees to rebuild the house Nepal is geologically unpredictable, using salvaged items. with landslips, earthquakes and floods He lives with his elder brother and his family commonplace. Typically 250 – 400 of our in Golkhari village in east Nepal. His brother, The whole family, including Mangalsher, are pensioners will suffer such a disaster each year also deaf, is a subsistence farmer and the now living comfortably in their new home. and the Trust estimates it will spend around £260,000 helping at these times. We have an enviable record of responding rapidly to emergencies. Our local staff are on hand to provide both immediate financial support and longer-term help. Hardship grants are paid to cover the sudden unexpected costs of a disaster and are designed to restore the pensioner to normal life as quickly as possible. Before After

16 Parbate Vol 65 No 10 March 2014 Misc

Burma and the Gurkhas Revisited

Maj (Retd) John Patchett wrote this article originally for the magazine and archives of Morrison’s Academy in Crieff, Perthshire.

am about to finish my army career as a member of Morrison’s Academy I CCF, where my activities have been enjoyably limited to mountaineering and Nordic ski-ing. After Sandhurst I spent the early part of my Regular Army career in the 10th Princess Mary’s Own Gurkha Rifles and in 1979 paid a very brief visit to Burma, whilst serving in Brunei. The country made a lasting impact on me, particularly the friendly people, suffering, as Taukkyan Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery, Burma now, a high degree of material poverty. How Jim was flown back to UK to recover and individual graves. On the top of the Memorial Burma and the Gurkhas link into my military served later with the Black Watch. After the Wall is inscribed “They died for all free men.” swansong is a tale of several co-incidences. war he trained in Dundee as an architect and We had had a superb holiday but this was the My Burma interest increased on marriage as my settled in Warwickshire, but never forgot his most memorable event. wife’s family had migrated there from Nepal time with the 10th Gurkhas. When I met him On return we sent some photographs to Jim about a hundred years ago, drawn by the in Crieff he directed me to the War Memorial Tainsh, now over 90 but still soldiering on. fertile land and also the chance to serve in the in Muthill where his school friend Albert It was a most humbling experience. He asks to 10th Gurkhas whose base was then at the hill is remembered. be remembered to all at his old school. station of Maymyo. Durga’s great grandfather Back in Burma Albert Wilson was appointed was killed at Gallipoli in 1915, along with to command C Company of 1/10GR as the many other Gurkhas. Her father served in the tide turned against the Japanese. He was Burma Regiment against the Japanese and killed by enemy shell fire a year after Jim after independence in 1948 moved to live near Tainsh was wounded. He died at the head in India. We first met whilst Durga of his company, attacking a Japanese strong was working as a nurse in Nepal. When we point near Meiktila. A total of 14 of 1/10GR moved to Kingussie in 1991 we named our died in this operation. house ‘Mandalay’ to remind us that we had to visit Burma someday. Durga and I visited Burma in November 2013. It is a beautiful, friendly country, despite years A few years ago I met Jim Tainsh at a Gurkha of an unpleasant military regime which is Reunion at Crieff Hydro, though at this time slowly giving way to democracy. Our last day I had nothing to do with Morrison’s CCF. there we spent at Taukkyan Commonwealth He told me how he and a fellow Morrisonian, War Graves Cemetery near the Yangon airport. Albert Wilson, had both joined the 10th The war dead that could be found were Gurkhas on the outbreak of war and been concentrated here and the setting is truly posted to Burma. Jim had joined the 3rd staggering. Battalion as 2IC B Company and in March 1944 had been severely wounded by a shell which There are 27,000 who have no known graves, killed five Gurkha soldiers with him; sadly it remembered by name on the huge stone was from a British 25 pounder dropping short. pillars. These include all 23 of 3/10GR who died In that battle 3/10GR lost a total of 23 dead when Jim Tainsh was wounded and 6 of those as they attacked the Japanese 33rd Division to killed when Albert Wilson died. The other 8 are prevent them blocking the withdrawal of the amongst the 6,000 graves in the gardens there. 17th Indian Division towards Kohima. Albert Words cannot describe the sense of loss when Wilson was serving in that division in 1/10GR. you read some of the family inscriptions on

Parbate Vol 65 No 10 March 2014 17 QGS

training wing classroom at 246 Gurkha Signal Squadron visited St. Omer Barracks. They explained us about how the GWT and GWC Gurkha Museum Winchester are operating to help ex-Gurkhas in Nepal and UK. After finishing By Prabin Gurung the presentation we headed over to the British Army museum Gurkha Signal in Aldershot. 246 Squadron (GSS) As we went through the visit, visit to Gurkha museum in we came across some household Winchester and Aldershot things on display used in Great military museum was a two Britain during the First and Second day educational visit between World Wars. We could not help 30 to 31 Jan 14. but notice that those things are The aim of this visit was to still used in Nepal, especially in provide squadron members with remote villages. At the end of the a broad understanding of the visit we took a few group photos history of the Brigade of Gurkhas As I was scanning through the Second World Wars. The topics and then headed our lingering and the British Army. The visit museum I caught a glance of an were issued to them prior to the journey back to York. was organised by Sig Prabin older gentleman sitting in the visit by Capt Lok, 2IC 246 GSS. Finally I would like to thank Capt under the guidance of SSgt corner of the room. Later we After we finished the visit Lok for subsidising this visit and to Santosh, 246 SQMS. discovered that he was Lt Col we headed over to St. Omer all the seniors who helped me to On 30 Jan 14, we departed early (Retd) Michael Charles Barrett Barracks, Aldershot where lead on this visit, without which in the morning on our tedious OBE, who shared his experiences we had our accommodation I could not have carried out this six hours journey to Winchester. with Gurkhas in the 1950s as a allocated to us by SSgt Santosh. task. I truly believe the visit has On our arrival at the Gurkha Troop Commander in Malaya. On the next day Maj (Retd) been very educational and was Museum, the Curator Mr Gavin During the visit, SNCOs Bishnu Pun MVO gave us a undoubtedly a success. But most Edgerley – Harris gave us an and JNCOs delivered brief presentation on Gurkha Welfare importantly it has reminded us initial brief about the museum presentations on the topics of Trust (GWT) and Capt (Retd) with the slogan “Never forget and showed a short video of 246 various battles that the Gurkhas Nirmal Gurung on the Gurkha who you are and where you came GSS on Op HERRICK 13. had fought during First and Welfare Centre (GWC) UK in the from”. Jai 246 GSS!

been taught. As the door been pulled up you Basic Parachute Jumps Course will be positioning in your stick for good exit and take the drive. By Cpl Ridesh Mukhiya,QGS Above all most important part was landing As the parachute doesn’t have reverse gear drills where most of the people will get injured. once you are out the door you are in your So, landing drill was given more attention. own .All the drills that have been taught For Static line low level parachute where need to be performed. parachute will be automatically deployed as When you get out of the aircraft initially often you leave aircraft, it’s non-steerable and cannot people get turned off at this point that’s why be flared on landing so you will hit the ground jump from 1000 ft. will be the first one . with a bid of thud. So then you can get little bit of time to switch On completion of ground training you will be back into what you are doing. This will be the ready for your first jump. Before jumps you highest jump on the course. will be lined up in your groups of four or six The group of people will be leaping to people which are called sticks and check your unknown travelling at 200 mph with aving completed P Coy on 2009 kit that includes your low level parachute, equipment, a jump which will put recently finally it was about time to get low level reserve parachute, Bergen and rifle learned drills into the test. It travels 19.5 ft. Hon Basic Parachuting Jumps Course which will be around 120 lbs. per second so there will be massive impact which was between 24 February Once done you will then line up next to on the ground when you are landing. - 14 March 2014. C130 to step up the ramp for your first jump. Night jump is the lowest jump you will do. On arrival at No.1 Parachute Training School, At first it will be jolly banter and when PJI will You won’t be able to spot the landing only RAF Brize Norton, first three days was intense do the final checks and give instruction to each things you will see are the lights of M40 and ground training to train on exit drills, air action stick for jump then you will start switching on you will feel the kit hitting ground just before on, kit packing and landing drills. and thinking about the drills what you have you do.

18 Parbate Vol 65 No 10 March 2014 Misc

1 RGR Running Team Conquer the Annapurna 100km Ultra-Marathon By Unit Correspondent

RGR’s Running Team 1 RGR entered the international competed in the 8th category and performed beyond Annapurna 100km Ultra- expectations taking top honours 1 in both the 100km and 50km Marathon on the 1 March 2014. Starting in races. Despite the obvious Farewell Lunch the route took in a climb hill-training constraints in up to Dhampus and on to Brunei, the team conducted an the infamous stone-steps of imaginative three month build-up to Dr Suresh Ghandruck before returning which mitigated some of the via Melbot to Naya Pul and a disadvantage. The results were as Chandra Chalise, welcome finish in Yamdi. shown below. In completing the 100km event Nepalese Ambassador The team comprised of nine team, members have accrued people of various ranks from three qualifying points for entry across the Battalion, including into either the 165km Ultra- to the WO2 Raju Dura (CSM C Trail Du Mont Blanc (UTMB) Company), Admin IC. Athletes Brigade of Gurkhas Curry lunch was held at 101 Logistic or 165km Indian High. These from around the world were in Brigade Mess at St Omer Barracks, Aldershot on 21 Feb 14 events represent the pinnacle in attendance and included the to bid farewell to His Excellency Dr Suresh Chandra Chalise, Ultra-Running. Trailwalker in the A top-place finishers of the recent the outgoing Nepalese Ambassador to the United Kingdom. summer will award an additional Hong Kong Trailwalker, the North point and the team aim to Dr Chalise was accompanied by the Nepalese Military Attache, Colonel Face Hong Kong 100km race and amass further points through Bishwanath Ghimire and the Deputy Chief of Mission, Mr Tej Bahadur recent winners of the Everest participation in regional races. Chhetri and senior representatives of the Gurkha Units including the Marathon and Kathmandu Hindu and Buddhist Religious Teachers were also present. 100km Ultra. Nepal has seen an The aim is to enter a team into either the UTMB or High as part Colonel Brigade of Gurkhas, Colonel James Robinson, highlighted the explosion in both traditional and of G200. significance of the historical relationship between Great Britain and ultra-distance racing. Nepal in the context of the Brigade of Gurkhas and acknowledged the 100km International (Men) – Results: important contribution the Nepalese Embassy has made to support the 552326 Maj S Chandler (OIC) First Position settlement and integration of ex-Gurkha communities in the United 30142333 Rfn Homendra Budha Magar Second Position Kingdom. Dr Chalise, in return, thanked the Brigade of Gurkhas and 21170996 LCpl Santosh Gurung Fifth Position highlighted its importance in underpinning the unique relationship, 50km International (Men) – Results: built on trust and friendship, between the two countries. 30142355 Rfn Dilip Gurung First Position Dr Chalise has been the Nepalese Ambassador to the Court of St James 30166830 Rfn Dinesh Kumar Begha Second Position since January 2010 and is due to depart for Nepal with his family in 30166284 Rfn Nabin Rana Third Position early March 2014. 30166289 Rfn Nitin Rana Fourth Position 30141951 Rfn Prabin Gurung Fifth Position

Altogether you have to do 6 jumps carrying equipment to earn coveted parachute wings .The first three jumps are single sticks on 1000 and 800 and two sim sticks. And one night jump from 600ft. Also, you will get brief on operational jumps. Next morning there will be wings parade and you will be presented wings from OC Parachute Training School. On return you will be eligible to wear hard earned wings and claim para pay which is your welcome boost to salary if you are with Airborne Unit.

Parbate Vol 65 No 10 March 2014 19 1 RGR

The Inaugural Cup By Lt M Addison-Black n the 15 February 2014 a unique The first concession was made when honour was bestowed upon the Lt Anthony Rose forced his way through their the forwards to control the game. Further Omembers of the British Forces in pack to score the Army’s first points. From the pressure mounted before Capt Henry Morgan South East Asia and 1 RGR; the opportunity ensuing kick-off Brunei increased their intensity saw the gap in the Brunei defence and sped to represent the British Army in an and physicality but despite their stoical and down the left wing to score, 24-7. The Army international match against the Brunei ferocious defence, after several phases the team was not finished and towards the final National Team in a game of Rugby XV’s. Army No 8 and Captain, Lt Harry Gardner-Clarke part of the second half their fitness really forced his way over. 10-0 to the Army. For the first time, 22 men from the British Army began to show, opening up holes in what had South East Asia stepped out onto the field for Brunei finally with the ball in hand began to for 70 minutes been a resilient and robust eighty minutes of physical and mental combat run some effective offensive patterns of play Bruneian wall of defence. The Army Captain against international opposition. The good and stretching the Army’s defence but despite once again forced himself over before Sgt ‘JR’ great of Brunei were in attendance in addition ten minutes in, the Army’s 22 were unable to McCulloch accelerated through to the corner to the guest of honour, England’s top try scorer, convert the pressure into points. Brunei finally to bring the final score to 34-7. three times world cup player and retired RAF got onto the scoreboard when Dinnie He Abu The match was a huge success and the pilot, Rory Underwood MBE. Bakar seized the initiative and leapt onto a score belies the efforts and quality of the stray Army pass and sped down the wing to As the two teams took to the field and lined up Brunei National Team. It is hoped to make score; conversion added by Lim Shen Quan, for the National Anthems, there was palpable this an annual fixture to mark the close links 10-7 at halftime and a delicately poised game. tension in the air, that was intensified by between the British Army and Brunei. the 1 RGR Pipers who remained a source of The Army started the second half with clear In order to ensure all true Rugby traditions inspiration throughout the match with battle intent. From the off they recovered their own were met and to follow up the successful songs of old for the crowd’s enjoyment and the kick and two quick phases, then allowed day on the field a Black Tie dinner was player’s encouragement. WO2 Steve Valentine to smash his way over held in the Garrison Officers Mess in the from close range. A simple conversion was From the kick off the Army took the game evening which brought together elements added to make the score 17-7. After this the to Brunei, dominating the initial physical of the Brunei community, the Shell Expat Army continued to deny Brunei any access to exchanges against a worthy adversary. Communities and Brunei Garrison. the ball, their superior size up front enabled Rory Underwood provided the after dinner speech, sharing his experiences of 85 England Caps, 6 Lions Caps and a few tails from his RAF days. Finally a charity auction in support of the Gurkha Welfare Trust and the ABF, ably MC’d by SSAFA’s Niall Thurlow brought the formalities of a thoroughly successful day to a conclusion. In keeping with traditions the informal side followed, forwards were allowed to exaggerate their role with the backs adding fact and detail to the process. The inaugural Kukri Cup and annual Flying Kukri’s Rugby Dinner ultimately brought about what is best in both the rugby and the Army worlds - camaraderie, optimism, blind enthusiasm and friendship. Jai British Army South East Asia!

20 Parbate Vol 65 No 10 March 2014 Arc of the Gurkha: From Nepal to the British Army by Alex Schlacher is a stunning and powerful book of photographs that reveal the human face of the legendary Brigade of Gurkhas. There have been other books about the Gurkhas, but none has focused on the individual soldiers, their backgrounds, lives and experiences. Arc of the Gurkha explores the span of a Gurkha career from recruitment through to training and deployment up to post-military employment and retirement. Alex Schlacher has accompanied the Gurkhas on operations in Afghanistan, on exercises in the Brunei jungle and Australia; she has visited all the units in the Brigade as well as retired and medically discharged Gurkhas; she has taken intimate portraits of hundreds of soldiers and heard their stories. Beautifully presented and exquisitely crafted, this extraordinary publication is the first to explore what it really means for a Gurkha to be a Gurkha. Published by Elliott & Thompson on 4 December 2014 Order now for special pre-order price £20 only from - http://arcofthegurkha.com/ RRP £30 Hardback Full colour 285 x 220 mm (8 11/16 x 11 1/4 in.) ISBN: 978-1-90965-399-3