The Gurkha Brigade Association @Gurkha_Brigade Creative Media Design ADR003298 www.gurkhabde.com/publication Vol 65 No 9: Feb 2014 The magazine for Gurkha Soldiers and their Families Bde Band - MOD(UK) Defence Engagement to Nepal and India 2013-14 G200E - Update 1 RGR - JLC 2013 Vol 65 No. 9 - February 2014 Editorial Staff Contents Editor: Mrs Janette Patterson Bde Band 2 - 3 Assistant Editor: Cpl Rakam Thamshuhang GSPS G200E 4 - 5 Telephone: 01980 618012 (94344 8012) Fax: 01980 618938 (94344 8938) 1 RGR 6 - 7 Email: [email protected] GWT. 8 MOD Users: [email protected] Gurkha Museum 8 Please send your articles together with good quality Nepali Page 9 photographs (300 dpi), through your unit’s Parbate Rep, to: Photo News 10 - 11 The Editor, Parbate Office, HQBG, Trenchard Lines, Upavon, Pewsey, Wiltshire SN9 6BE* 2 RGR 12 - 15 QGE 16 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 16 - 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 19 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 GSPS 20 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 result of errors or omissions in articles or advertisements. Front Cover: The Band of the Brigade of Gurkhas combined concert with the 11GR Band Parbate is designed by AMC Creative Media Design, and produced using recycled paper. at the Officers’ Auditorium in Lucknow, India on 9 December 2013 as a ADR003298 part of MOD(UK) Defence engagement in Nepal & India 2013 - 14. Picture Below: Major General Dato Paduka Seri Haji Aminuddin Ihsan bin Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Haji Abidin DPKT SMB PJK BSc (Hons) Fellow *Important Notice of ACDSS MA psc, commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces inspecting the 1 RGR honour guard during his visit to British Forces Brunei in Tuker Lines This is to inform everyone that on 27 January 2014. Headquarters Brigade of Gurkhas are relocating from their current base at Trenchard Lines, Upavon to Former Army Staff College (FASC), Camberley, with effect from 4 April 2014. The full Postal address for the new location is shown below: Headquarters Brigade of Gurkhas Former Army Staff College RMAS Camberley Surrey GU15 4PQ Bde Band During our two performances, and detailed rehearsal. We were Op SANGITIK YATRA we performed some popular also able to issue instrumental tunes from Nepal and India; repair equipment, accessories these were much appreciated and other useful musical items. Defence Engagement by the local audience, who were These had been kindly donated amazed by our performance. by Bands across the British Army, 2013 - 14 to After the marching display, many Royal Marines and Royal Air of the spectators were queuing Force. Following this, instructional Nepal & India to have their photograph taken sessions were held on instrument with us. repair and maintenance. By LCpl Sunil Gurung On the 7 December, we boarded The overall training and a flight to the home of 11 Gurkha combined rehearsals continued his was the third The Band travelled to Nepal on Rifles (11 GR) at Lucknow. with the NP Band. This was led time in recent years 2 December 2013. We were Their Band performed a short by the ex-Gurkha soldier SSP that the Band of the warmly welcomed by the T concert for us, starting with the Rajendra Gurung as the Senior Brigade of Gurkhas was Permanent Staff of British Gurkha welcoming song Swaagat Cha. Director of Music. Both bands given the opportunity to visit Kathmandu (BGK). The only day The following day we began worked together for two days Nepal. However, this time, we had to rehearse and prepare rehearsals for the combined and on 20 December performed we were visiting for a full our equipment for our tour to concert that was to be held a combined concert at the Nepal scale Defence Engagement India was 5 December 2013; on 9 December in the Officers’ Police Academy in Maharajgung. that was to take place from thankfully all our instruments and Auditorium with the 11GR Band. 2 December 2013 to 14 uniforms had arrived safely. The last band to be visited was The concert programme was the APF Band at Sita Paila. Two January 2014. The tour gave Our first engagement in India dedicated to the late Nelson days of instruction and rehearsal us the opportunity to share took place in New Delhi at the Mandela, which included a stirring were followed by a combined our skills, knowledge and Sunken Garden of the British rendition of World in Union. concert in the APF Stadium Hall experience with the Nepalese High Commissioner. After returning from India, DOM, on Christmas Day. Rehearsals were Army Band, Nepal Police Band We performed a concert ADOM, all Gurkha Band SNCOs held outside in the sun and dust, and Armed Police Force Band. followed by a marching display. and a piper from BGK undertook a short Recce to all three military bands in Nepal - Nepalese Army (NA), Nepal Police (NP) and Nepal Armed Police Force (NAPF). The following three weeks training programme was discussed at length and a common approach decided upon. Our first combined rehearsals were with the NA Band on 13, 14 & 16 December at the Officers Club in Bhadrakali. Initially, the Nepalese Army Band was divided into instrumental sections for individual tuition 2 Parbate Vol 65 No 9 February 2014 Bde Band fter a busy month of providing training to the bands of the Nepal AArmy, Police and Armed Police plus performing concerts, marching displays and Sounding Retreat, it became a time for the adventure training. One of the most famous treks in the world - The Annapurna Base Camp (ABC). On 5 January 2014, we began our journey from the beautiful city Pokhara (823m) and reached Ghandruk (1940m) where the villagers warmly welcomed us. That night we discovered how rich the culture and tradition of Ghandruk is. The following morning we headed towards our next destination, Chhomrong (2170m). Whilst passing through some small villages and crossing many suspension bridges, the Trek to Annapurna Base Camp spectacular views of the mountains, fresh By Musn Ramesh Rai streams and green terraced fields took our breath away. On day three, the temperature of 9 degrees (MBC) but the unfolding view of the majestic made the trekking more comfortable. Machhapuchhre was certainly a rewarding Entering the Village of Bamboo was exciting experience. Finally after four days of walking, as we discovered a forest full of variety of we had finally arrived at the Annapurna Base bamboo. After admiring the fascinating Camp (ABC) (4130m). We felt a sense of scenery and the waterfall we rested at the peace from the tranquillity and isolation that Himalayan Hotel for the night. surrounded us. It had been worth every step The next day we headed towards the to get here. Annapurna Base Camp (ABC, 4130m). Passing We set off for our return journey via a through a rocky trail we climbed past the different route through Sinuwa, Jhinu and overhanging rock- Hinko Cave. We had to Pokhara. We shall never forget how beautiful remain alert as there are many avalanche it was, the amazing scenery, the snowy prone areas on the trail. It was a strenuous mountains, the fresh air, everything from this trek to the Machhapuchhre Base Camp trek will forever remain in our memories. but despite this the training and held at the Army Sports Stadium Colonel Commandant The Brigade final concert was very successful. in Lalitpur on the 28 December. of Gurkhas, General Sir Peter Wall During the tour, somehow we This was a grand event that GCB CBE ADC Gen. Also present managed to fit in performances included all four bands, many were Lady Wall, the Brigadier at the British School in Jawalakhel dancers, the Pipes & Drums, drill General of the Nepal Army and and the Lincoln School at Ravi display teams and actors. In total the DIG of the Nepal Police Force. Bhavan, both in Kathmandu. there were over 600 personnel Many of the spectators were on parade for the grand finale. ex-Gurkha soldiers and their On the evening of 13 December, The event was attended by the families and families of Recruit we delivered a Sounding of Nepalese Chief of the Army Staff, Intake 2014. Retreat at the British Embassy in Gaurav Shumsher JB Rana, as Lazimpat, Kathmandu. This was well as many other high ranking All in all it was a busy, tiring, followed by a Christmas Carol officers and government officials. memorable and highly successful tour. The Band of the Brigade concert. The Band of the Brigade Finally, the Band of the Brigade of Gurkhas also entertained at of Gurkhas proved to be perfect of Gurkhas moved on to Pokhara ambassadors for the Brigade numerous Dinner Nights and where the Attestation Parade for other festive occasions. of Gurkhas and the wider Recruit Intake 2014 was taking British Army. The final part of the training place and provided musical programme was the preparation support in the presence of Jai the Band of the for a Joint Tattoo that was to be the Chief of the General Staff, Brigade of Gurkhas! 3 Parbate Vol 65 No 9 February 2014 G200E Brigade of Gurkhas 2015 Bicentenary Everest Expedition Training Update as at February 2014 - 13 months remaining By Captain Charles Russell, Secretary, GESC lanning for the Brigade of Gurkhas It was with this in mind, that the most recent 2015 Bicentenary Everest Expedition Winter Training Camp, as a key part of the “We got maximum navigation practise continues in earnest.