www.gurkhabde.com/publication The magazine for Gurkha Soldiers and their Families

PARBATVol 68 No 1: JanuaryE 2016 The Gurkha Museum has teamed up with Royal Mail to produce a special commemorative Gurkha 200 Stamp Collection.

This Commemorative Sheet traces the history of this famed fighting force who have served the British Crown for 200 years. Gurkhas have played a vital part in British military operations since the raising of the first Gurkha regiments in 1815. Originally part of the British Indian Army, they fought Pathans on the frontiers, dacoits in Burma and mutineers in India. With six battalions on the Western Front, four in Gallipoli and others in Mesopotamia, Egypt, Palestine, Persia and Salonika, Gurkhas were prominent in the First World War, and similarly so in the Second World War, where they served in North Africa, Italy, Malaya and Burma. After 1947, Gurkha regiments were divided between the armies of independent India and Britain, with British Gurkhas in the forefront of operations in Malaya and Borneo, and subsequently taking part in the Falklands campaign, and more recently in Bosnia, Kosovo, East Timor, Sierra Leone, Iraq and Afghanistan. Ten stamps illustrate the history of Gurkhas from 1815 in the foothills of the Himalayas to recent operations in Afghanistan and the work of the Gurkha Welfare Trust. It is in limited edition of 7500 and can be purchased online via: www.royalmail.com

Front Cover - Lt Gen James Bashall CBE taking the General Salute at the Gurkha Recruit Intake 16 Attestation Parade in British Gurkhas Pokhara (BGP)

ii PARBATE Vol 68 No 1 January 2016 PARBATE HQ Bde of Gurkhas, FASC, Sandhurst, The Brigade of Gurkhas celebrates Camberley, Surrey, GU15 4PQ. the beginning of a new year with All enquiries Tel: 01276412614 94261 2614 another 240 Nepalese men joining Fax: 0127641 2694 the British Army. (Page 4 - 7) 94261 2694 These men have now arrived in Gurkha Company, Infantry Training Centre Catterick where they will Email: [email protected] undergo a nine-month Combat Infantrymen’s Course. Editor More news on this will be published in the next edition. Cpl Sagar Sherchan 0127641 2614 We also take a look at a 1 RGR and 3rd Battalion [email protected] Royal Brunei Armed Forces typhoon disaster scenario exercise (page 8). Cpl Sagar Sherchan. Comms Officer 1 RGR “Intake 15” Riflemen take their oath of Mr Ken Pike 0127641 2776 allegiance (page 9). [email protected] QG Signals bid farewell to their Colonel of the Please send your articles together with high Regiment, Lt Gen Pope while the Brigade welcomes the quality photographs (min 300dpi), through new Colonel QG Signals, Brigadier Cole (page 17). your unit’s Parbate Rep, to: QGE soldiers carry on their humanitarian and disaster relief efforts for the Nepal Earthquake with Gurkha The Editor, Parbate Office, Welfare Trust (page 24). HQBG, FASC, Camberley, Surrey, GU15 4PQ

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 Parbate competition! not reflect MOD or Army policy and are the personal views of the author. No part of this publication may be Send your fondest memories of Gurkha 200, reproduced without the permission of the Editorial Staff. No along with a photo, and the best entries will responsibility for the quality of goods or services advertised in this magazine can be accepted by the Editorial Staff or be posted in Parbate. Colonel BG will select Publishers and advertisements are accepted on the express his favourite to win a copy of “Arc of the condition that they in no way contravene the provisions of the Trades Descriptions Act 1968 nor any other prevailing Gurkha” by Alex Schlacher. Consumer Legislation. The Editorial Staff and Publishers cannot accept responsibility for the result of errors or Entries should be e-mailed to omissions in articles or advertisements. [email protected] by end of Feb 16. Parbate is designed by the AMC Design Studio, The winner will be announced in the March ADR005611 edition of Parbate. and produced using recycled paper. You can find out more about the Gurkhas and see some of the things they do on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn

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Gurkhas from Close Support Troop, ARRC Support Battalion providing Force Protection at EX ARRCADE FUSION 2015. Full story about EX ARRCADE FUSION will be published in the next edition.

PARBATE Vol 68 No 1 January 2016 1 PARBATE Vol 68 No. 1: January 2016

FEATURES 04 Intake 16 Regional and Central Selection. Potential recruits go through a gruelling selection process to be the best of the best.

06 Attestation Parade in British Gurkhas Pokhara. 240 newly recruited Gurkhas swear their Oath of Allegiance to the Queen and the British Army.

08 EX TYPHOON KUKRI 2. 1 RGR and 3rd Battalion Royal Brunei Armed Forces work together on a typhoon disaster scenario exercise. 11 Hong Kong Trailwalker 2015. 1 RGR sent a team to the Hong Kong Trailwalker 2015.

14 Photo News. Photo news from across the Brigade of Gurkhas. 16 New Appointments in the Brigade. QG Signals bid farewell to Lt Gen Pope and welcome Brig Cole as their new Col of the Regt. 20 Brunei Signal Troop - A year review. OC BST, Capt Nim Pun provides an annual report of the troop. 22 G200 reception. Gurkha 200 reception held at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in presence of the Deputy Prime Minister of Nepal, Mr Kamal Thapa. 23 Opening of BFBS Gurkha Transmitter. Col BG officially opened the new BFBS Gurkha Transmitter in Aldershot.

25 GSPS Dinner Night 2015. GSPS Coy celebrated its 3rd annual Dinner Night with Col GSPS and Col BG. 26 OP MARMAT 2. QGE soldiers provide Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief to the people of Nepal through the Gurkha Welfare Trust. Doko Race - Potential Recruits competing the gruelling Doko race during Central Selection in Pokhara

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Newly recruited Gurkha with his parents at the Attestation Parade in British Gurkhas Pokhara

Gurkha Coy Instructor teaches a newly recruited Potential Recruits in British Gurkhas Pokhara Trainee Rifleman to wear his beret. taking their educational tests during Regional Selection 16. DOKO To DRILL SQUARE

Recruit Intake 2016 - Regional Selection

fter the two devastating earthquakes struck Nepal, a decision was made to cancel the 6-week Registration phase and the 6 week long ARegional Selection (RS) phase. As a result, the Recruit Intake 16 contingency plan (CONPLAN) was enacted - a 9 month process had to be compressed from mid-November until the end of December to allow the young men and families of Nepal the appropriate time to recover from the deadly Earthquake. Numbers of 1st attempt Potential Recruits (PRs) attending RS were phenomenally large. The number of 1st attempt PRs entering British Gurkhas Pokhara (BGP) was greater in the first 3 days than numbers for both RS West and East combined last year. The queue of PRs at 0200hrs ranked 4-wide, extending from the BGP gate to past the taxi rank near the Gurkha Museum - a remarkable sight. It looked extremely positive that the quality of PRs was not affected by the CONPLAN. In total we had 4,785 arrive for the British Army and 2,988 for the Gurkha Contingent Singapore Police Force (GCSPF). Central Selection began with 130 “GCSPF” PRs arriving on 04 Dec amongst which the best 80 were selected. The best 500 British Army PRs (250 from West and East respectively) arrived in BGP in the first week of December and the best 240 were to be enlisted.

4 PARBATE Vol 68 No 1 January 2016 Recruit Intake 2016 - Central Selection

he first phase of the Central Selection was completed on 18 Dec in British Gurkhas Pokhara. 120 Potential Recruits Tfrom Western Nepal successfully passed the rigorous selection on the day while a further 120 PRs from Eastern Nepal were selected a week later. 500 recruits were called forward from Regional Selection (250 from both East and West respectively) in the first week of December and spent two weeks being tested to the limit with everything from language tests, medical examinations, swimming challenges, fitness tests and the legendary doko race. Colonel Commandant School of Infantry, Brigadier Andrew Williams OBE paid a visit during the Central Selection process. He spoke to some of the PRs and also tried for himself the toughest challenge, the doko race. The very best 240 were selected to join the ranks of the British Gurkhas while 80 were selected for the Gurkha Contingent Singapore Police Force (GCSPF).

PARBATE Vol 68 No 1 January 2016 5 6 PARBATE Vol 68 No 1 January 2016 n attestation parade was held on 3 January 2016 in British Gurkhas Pokhara with the Afamilies of the successful 240 recruits invited Attestation to attend the celebration from different corners of Nepal. The sun shined down beautifully onto Parade - Pokhara for a memorable parade where Trainee Rifleman swore their Oath of Allegiance to The Queen and the British Army in front of their families Intake 2016 and loved ones. Lt Gen James Bashall CBE, presided over the ceremony and inspected the newly recruited Trainee Riflemen while the recently appointed British Ambassador to Nepal, His Excellency Richard Morris also attended. This year has been especially challenging for Nepal and for selection as a result of the Earthquake and Fuel Crisis so it was a wonderful day to celebrate. The Nepal Army Band were appointed to play music throughout the Parade. After the Parade, the 240 young men, already somewhat soldier like in appearance, shared tales of their experiences at selection with their families. Fathers looked on proud; girlfriends impressed; whilst mothers often wept with a mixture of joy and sadness as their sons embarked on their wonderful new journey. The families know their sons are in the excellent hands of Gurkha Company Catterick and the 240 are all too aware that they owe a large amount of their success to their families, who they will always look after and keep in their hearts. These newly recruited Trainee Rifleman will now undergo nine months of Combat Infantrymen Training in Catterick to become the real Gurkhas.

PARBATE Vol 68 No 1 January 2016 7 8 PARBATE Vol 68 No 1 January 2016 1 RGR in EXERCISE TYPHOON KUKRI 2 by Lt Leyshon INT CORPS n 21 Sep 15, 1 RGR deployed on EX TYPHOON abroad. They practised setting up Evacuation Points and KUKRI 2 (EX TK2). The scenario for the dealing with British citizens that needed to return home. Oexercise was that the country had been hit The distressed British nationals were excellently played by by a typhoon, and1 RGR had been directed to assist C Coy, who tested the RRT with problems ranging from in securing the area and facilitating the government. lost passports to illness. On the second day, the families of The aim was to ensure that 1 RGR is ready to respond British Forces Brunei came together to play different roles to a natural disaster in South East Asia, ahead of the and were put through an Evacuation Handling Centre. ‘typhoon season’ which was approaching. This stage was observed by a 3 man team from the FCO This was a multi-national exercise, and attached to B Crisis Management Department (CMD) and the British High Coy were 1 Platoon from the 3rd Battalion Royal Brunei Commissioner and his staff, who were impressed at how the Land Forces. This gave 1 RGR an excellent opportunity to exercise was conducted. They then had a BBQ at the end to practice working with the Bruneians, whose tactics are thank them for volunteering. sometimes very different from our own. This also allowed For the final stage of the exercise, the Battalion the Bruneian soldiers to get a better understanding about deployed into the jungle for a pursuit/cordon and search how we conduct our operations, and the exercise was operation for 3 days, with resupply from helicopters, praised by the 3rd Bn Commander when he came to ending in a Recce options brief to the CO and a final attack observe the final attack. onto the Enemy defensive position. After a challenging The first stage of the exercise saw 1 RGR preparing but successful attack, the Battalion was very happy and to deploy with full document checks, as if deploying to surprised to see that the Chef and his team had brought another country. The Coy Groups deployed via helicopter, cooked breakfast all the way up to New Hover Jump! vehicles and boats in order to conduct a range of tactical Overall Ex TYPHOON KUKRI 2 was a difficult but actions, including a base camp attack in open terrain and successful exercise that tested the whole Battalion, whilst a jungle camp attack, in order to secure the area from the also including the Royal Brunei Land Forces and the insurgents. Foreign and Commonwealth Office. After the exercise was For the second phase of the exercise, the Foreign and completed, the Battalion enjoyed a well deserved long Commonwealth Office deployed to test their Rapid Reaction weekend with their families. Team (RRT), who are the first people to respond to any crisis

PARBATE Vol 68 No 1 January 2016 9 1 RGR conducts Induction and Attestation Parade for Intake 2015 in Brunei

by Sgt Sunilkumar Gurung, a member of the outdoor physical activities such as the Personal presented to 2nd King Edward VII’s Own Queen’s Truncheon Honour Guard Fitness Assessment (PFA), Advanced Combat Gurkha Rifles (The Sirmoor Rifles) in 1857 by newly trained riflemen from Fitness Test (ACFT), the Military Swimming Queen Victoria for their excellent service in Intake 2015 formally joined Test (MST) and Combat Marksmanship Test Delhi during the Indian Mutiny. Since then it 57 1 RGR in Brunei, at the Kasam - the latter held in the infamously searing has been used in the Attestation Parades and Khane parade (Attestation parade) on temperatures of Tutong ranges. various other ceremonial parades. Friday 6th November 2015. Attestation These newly trained Riflemen were also Before the ceremony, these new Riflemen marks a solemn welcome (for the young given various lessons on 1 RGR rules and had to endure long drill sessions under the soldiers) to the Battalion, after the regulations, security, culture, equality and blistering sun of Brunei to be perfect for the successful completion of their recruit diversity and introduction to Brunei as a Parade. The most certain way to succeed is training in ITC Catterick. part of the two-week long cadre. always to try just one more time, thus the boys Following their rigorous nine months The Attestation Parade took place at the gave their best to become perfect in the drill training under the expert supervision of our end of the Induction Cadre. for Attestation Parade. Finally the day arrived esteemed colleagues in Gurkha Company, The Attestation Parade is conducted when new trainee Riflemen took their oath of the Induction Cadre and Attestation parade by taking the oath of allegiance to Her allegiance to 1RGR and the Brigade of Gurkhas mark a mile stone towards finally becoming a Majesty The Queen, 1 RGR and the Brigade in the presence of The Queen’s Truncheon and 1 RGR Rifleman. of Gurkhas by touching The Queen’s huge numbers of spectators. The whole parade The scorching sun and extreme humidity of Truncheon in front of the Gurkha Major, the went flawlessly with newly arrived riflemen Brunei made the Induction Cadre particularly Commanding Officer and all the ranks of finally becoming proud members of 1RGR. demanding, especially since it includes lots of the Battalion. The Queen’s Truncheon was Jai 1RGR!

10 PARBATE Vol 68 No 1 January 2016 Hong Kong Trailwalker 2015 by Maj Shaun Chandler

ollowing 1 RGR’s successful defence event, however, remains the most significant of the Oxfam UK Trailwalker (UKTW) and demanding of them all. For example, Ftitle in July, the team were selected HKTW is graded, owing to cumulative altitude by Col James Robinson (Col BG) to gain, by the Ultra Trail de Mont Blanc (UTMB) fulfil his vision of a team representing as a 3 point qualifying race in comparison to the Brigade of Gurkhas at the Oxfam the UK event which is graded 1 point. This Hong Kong Trailwalker (HKTW) on 20 being the year of Gurkha 200, runners and November 2015. supporters alike were excited to make a long- HKTW is the original Trailwalker event awaited return to this unique event. and is inextricably linked to our history having The route follows the MacLehose Trail started as a Gurkha event. Over time, with our covering 100km with a cumulative altitude departure from Hong Kong and the event’s gain of over 14,600 feet. It is unique adoption by Oxfam, the event itself and amongst ultra-running events in that it is Trailwalker as a brand have grown dramatically run as a team of four and attracts the best to become a worldwide phenomenon of 16 ultra-runners in the world sponsored by well- races spanning 11 countries. The Hong Kong known sporting brands. (cont ...)

PARBATE Vol 68 No 1 January 2016 11 and, of course, flights. Mark Dowie (Standard Chartered Bank) deserves special mention as his support and co-operation with Col BG was decisive in enabling our participation. The support was, however, much wider than even this with individuals rallying to the call to support; including Dan Bould (Crisis Management Aon Risk Solutions) who kindly met the team upon arrival in Hong Kong, Robbie McRobbie (Hong Kong Football Club) who arranged accommodation in a superbly located hostel called the Mahjong in Kowloon, Chris Lambe (Marsh (Hong Kong) Limited) who provided the support vehicles for the race itself, and James Pearson and Claire Price who, experienced runners in their own right having both run and won events including HKTW, provided vital advice in the crafting of our race plan. Race The Planet, owned by Mary and Alasdair Gadams provided vital race nutrition and equipment and even came out to provide spot-support on the course. In short, a team Team Nepal, the current record holders, were However, amongst a busy training has seldom, if ever, been better supported than also in attendance and looking to better their programme and competing Battalion we were. course record of 10:58. Added to this mix priorities, training this year was far from The race itself was a challenge. We started were, of course, Team Gurkha consisting of easy and demanded real perseverance and conservatively in the initial rolling sections Maj Shaun Chandler, Rfn Bhimbahadur Thapa flexibility from the team. October saw the and this payed-off as, upon reaching the Magar, Rfn Ritesh Rai, Rfn Pritam Gurung, team travel to the US to run in the Marine more technical uphill sections, quickly closed and Rfn Neshum Tamang. Corps Marathon and, following this, the upon the top three. However, one member of The team used summer leave to recover team tapered their training as the departure the team was struggling with a serious knee from the UKTW before embarking on the to Hong Kong neared. problem and the team were held at a steady build-up to Hong Kong. Early morning starts The route being unfamiliar and the pace for the first thirty kilometres. By the time in order to drive to the Labi Road and put support arrangements being far more we were approaching forty kilometres we were in a swift 40km+ run before work became complex than that of the UK race, a week moving no faster than a walk as the injury the norm and the team built its stamina was spent pre-race getting to know the route became worse. Upon reaching a point where gradually through to the end of October. The and leveraging the significant local support it was clear that the injury would prevent team did their best to follow a similar mode which Col BG had, through much personal completion of the 100km and could result of training as was used in the run-up to the effort, secured for the team . Standard in long-lasting injury, the team withdrew its team’s March 2014 victory at the Annapurna Chartered Bank and Cathay Pacific were the injured member and proceeded as a three. The 100km (a cumulative 14,100 feet and another main supporters and together provided the team then rapidly picked-up its pace and made demanding UTMB 3 point event). funding for race entrance, food, transport up a great deal of the lost time and places but, now being amongst the most demanding sections of the race, was ultimately unable to make it back into the top few teams. The team were spurred-on through the check-points by the piping of Rfn Nimeshkumar Gurung (Pipes and Drums, 1 RGR) and a support crew that was headed-up by Sgt Dhiraj Gurung (C Company, 1 RGR) and included Col BG, Mark Dowie, and Maj Chandrabahdur Pun (Gurkha Major, 1 RGR). As the team closed towards the finish, James Pearson and Claire Price took the lead and pushed-us over the final 20km into the finish. Along the way we passed Team Nepal who had also had the misfortune of losing a team member. Exchanging words of encouragement we had the honour of running alongside one of the best teams in the world. In the end, we finished in a solid time of 15:02 in a race that saw all the top seeded teams have a tough day. In the end a local Chinese

12 PARBATE Vol 68 No 1 January 2016 team, 2XU UFO, were the deserved winners (Russia v Hong Kong) and the Gurkha Major represented an opportunity to connect with in 11:58. The race involved over 1,250 then took the team out for a spectacular our recent past and show our quality when teams and over 4,000 of the original 5,000 evening in Kowloon. faced with adversity. For these reasons it athletes completed the event. In summary, this was an experience of was the most satisfying race the team have Following the race, the team were a life-time for the team and a significant completed to date. The team will now look reunited with our support crew who had step in the team’s running education. Most forward to a successful campaign in 2016 endured an equally long and challenging importantly, it was an opportunity, well- which will include the defence of the UKTW day. The final day in Hong Kong saw the taken, to form some lasting friendships title and, hopefully, a chance to return to team hosted as VIPs by Hong Kong Football forged in the excitement of competition. For finish the job in Hong Kong. Club for the final of the RFU Cup of Nations the Brigade, in our Gurkha 200 year, the race

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14 PARBATE Vol 68 No 1 January 2016 1. First group of Gurkha Recruits Intake 16 arrive at Manchester Airport. 2. 1 RGR Intake 15 education visit to Malaysia conducted under the supervision of LCpl Anil Gurung 3. Outgoing Comd QG SIGNALS, Lt Col NM Stokoe OBE receiving a memento from Gurkha Major on behalf of Officers and all ranks of QG SIGNALS. 4. 1 RGR JNCOs, LCpl Chitraraj Limbu and LCpl Sunil Gurung achieved distinctions while LCpl Prem Budha Magar became the Top Student of the Section Commanders Battle Course 1502 held in Oct - Dec 15. 5. Colonel Commandant School of 2 3 Infantry, Brigadier Andrew Williams OBE, paid his visit to British Gurkhas Pokhara. 6. Colonel Commandant of the Brigade of Gurkhas receiving a cheque for the Gurkha Welfare Trust for £2,000 from the members of the East India Club. 7. 1RGR C(Mogaung) Company outgoing CSM, WO2 Bikash Gurung and incoming CSM, WO2 Bishnu Thapa in their final handover. 8. LCpl Bachan from Brunei Signal Troop carrying out de-static drill during an exercise in Brunei. 9. Relay runners from Brunei Signal Troop, Sgt Judbir and LCpl Bijay, in action during Panaga Highland Games. 10. Col RGR, Maj Gen Lawrence, talking with 1 RGR soldiers during his visit to 6 Ex KANCHA KETA in Brunei.

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PARBATE Vol 68 No 1 January 2016 15 Lt Col Fayers appointed as the new Commander for QG Signals replacing Lt Col Stokoe OBE Lt Col MJ Fayers MSc R SIGNALS Commander Queen’s Gurkha Signals

t Col Mike Fayers commissioned from the Royal Military LAcademy Sandhurst into the Royal Corps of Signals in 1999. Prior to enlistment, he read a degree in Economics at Portsmouth University. Regimental duty appointments included 3 Infantry Brigade and Signal Squadron, 18 (UKSF) Signal Regiment and 16 Air Assault Brigade where he was Officer Commanding 216 (Para) Signal Squadron. He has held a mixture of operational and capability focused staff appointments in CIO J6 in MoD Main Building, and in CD Info Army HQ. Operational deployments include Kosovo, Northern Ireland and his interests include hill walking, scuba diving, football, skiing, and Iraq. In 2015, he attended overseas ACSC in Canberra, Australia. squash and playing golf (badly). Mike is married to Cheri and they have two children Henry and Lt Col Fayers assumed command of 30th Signal Regiment and Thomas, aged 5 and 3 respectively. He enjoys playing most sports Queen’s Gurkha Signals in January 2016.

Exercise GOTHA JAANE 2015 An annual gathering for QG Signals Officers and their families By LCpl Karna Gurung current issues and ways to take the Regt forward into the future were discussed. After the conference, everyone joined for a round of golf competition organised by Capt Kedar Rai in the Ashley Wood Golf course. Capt Kedar Rai was the overall net winner Meanwhile the ladies and children enjoyed a variety of activities in the 4 (Military Training) Squadron, sports and a Bollywood movie in the cinema. In the evening, a fantastic dinner followed by a live band performance, was led by Sgt Bhupal Gurung. As per the Regimental tradition, the start of ceremony was commenced by Capt Khagendra Pun and Capt Deepak Rai as the newly commissioned member. The evening concluded with x GOTHA JAANE (Ex GJ) is an annual Officers and families were involved, promotion congratulations over the year and event in the QG SIGNALS calendar which included eight Warrant Officers prize distribution to winners on various sports where all serving Officers gather and their families. E and entertainment. with their families in a location normally The first day started with a development On the final day, all Officers and families away from local camp area. This event is training for Warrant Officers towards their went for a coastal walk in the Durdle Door area a historical tradition that started long ago commissioning selection under the supervision and upon return to the camp, the Ex concluded in Hong Kong, to allow Officers to discuss of Lt Col Yam Bahadur Rana. After the arrival with a final meeting before everyone departing on the matters of Regimental interests as of all Officers and families, everyone gathered to their respective locations. well as fostering cohesion between the in the Pavilion for a meet and greet followed Officers and the families. In the UK, this by a BBQ. Ex Coord Capt Shankar Gurung event is organised annually in turn by each welcomed and briefed everyone on the timings field squadron and Blandford under the for the next two days. direction of the Gurkha Major. The second day started with a conference Ex GJ 2015 was organised by Blandford in the Semaphore Arms attended by all Garrison based QG SIGNALS personnel led Officers, whilst WOs continued with their by Capt Shankar Gurung and supported by development training and joined the Sgt Saindra Chemjong. The event took place conference afterwards. Gurkha Major, Maj Tol in Blandford Garrison, Dorset. Altogether, 91 Bahadur Khamcha led the conference, where

16 PARBATE Vol 68 No 1 January 2016 QG Signals bid farewell to its Colonel of the Regt, Maj Gen N A W Pope CBE embers of QG Signals from all The farewell programme started with the at the guard room and finally the programme MSquadrons including their families, ‘Towing Out’, which sees the Col of the Regt in ended after he signed the visitors’ book. QG Signals Association members and past an extravagantly decorated Land Rover with all He is now taking over the post of Deputy Gurkha Majors gathered in 250 Gurkha of the Officers and SNCOs towing his vehicle Chief of General Staff (DCGS) on his recent Signal Squadron, Bramcote on 5 Dec to up to the guard room whilst the rest of the promotion to Lieutenant General. We wish formally bid farewell to their Colonel, Maj Regiment lined either side of the route cheering him the best of luck in this prestigious role Gen Nick Pope CBE. Maj Gen Pope took in appreciation. A Guard of Honour greeted him and thank him for his time at the QG Signals. over the prestigious role of the QG Signals Colonel of the Regiment in April 2005. Brigadier JJ Cole has been appointed as the new Colonel of the Regiment for QG Signals replacing Lt Gen Pope CBE

s the current Head of Information Services at Army AHeadquarters, Brig Jon Cole is responsible for delivery of the Army’s sub-portfolio of information systems and services. As the Army’s Chief Technology Officer, he leads the Army’s innovation and experimentation strategy for information services, and seeks to introduce new technologies into all areas of Army business. He was commissioned into the Royal Signals in 1987, and has served on operations in Sierra Leone, Iraq and Afghanistan - plus two short evacuation operations of Cote D’Ivoire and Lebanon. He is a Chartered Engineer, has a BEng(Hons) in Electronics, an MSc in Defence Technology, and an MA in International Security and Strategy. He has attended the full set of Staff Courses at the Defence Academy - including Higher Command Staff Course and also the Royal College of Defence Studies. He is a trustee of the Gurkha Welfare Trust - as Colonel Queen’s Gurkha Signals - and also the Royal Signals Benevolence Fund. He loves sport and is Vice President of Royal Signals rugby, and President of cycling and triathlon.

PARBATE Vol 68 No 1 January 2016 17 Cpl Janga Rai tells his experiences of an Combat Arms Ladventurous and realistic Ex MAROON Sailing Regatta WARRIOR held in Stanford Training Area. Novice Gurkha sailors Shortly after the great festival of Dashain win the Infantry Unit trophy had ended, members of B (Gallipoli) Company and proved Gurkhas can sail were ready to deploy to Stanford Training Area by LCpl Ranjib Limbu 2 RGR. for a CT level 2 Exercise called Ex MAROON WARRIOR. The advance party left Sir John Most of the competitors were novice Moore Barracks at 0730 hrs on 01 Nov 15 sailors. The first day was an introductory phase, under the command of CSgt Arunhang allowing more experienced skippers to show Nembang. The advance party largely consisted their crew how the boats worked. This first day of the G4 elements and the Op Force group. As was the windiest and made many of the new the coach wheeled off and left SJM Barracks, sailors nervous about the next day’s racing. my thoughts strayed to our Dashain party and Most of these nerves were settled during the how it brought such happiness and joy to all, social evening which followed later. serving to strengthen the bonds between us. The second and the third days were After 3 hours of driving the coach finally the actual competition days. It was quite stopped and we were hit with the realisation challenging because of the weather conditions, that we had arrived on the Training Area; the which saw many of the crew and skippers exercise had truly started! The coach dropped pushed to their limit, and teamwork became us along with our kits, leaving us to prepare for essential. We completed the race consistently the Company 2IC initial safety brief. well-placed and enjoyed learning new sailing The main aim of the Exercise was to techniques as well. RGR sent three teams to the Combat develop each individual’s initiative, leadership Overall we secured 3rd place in the Army, 2Arms Sailing Regatta last year on the skills, team-work, physical fitness, and more out of 28 teams competing. RGR Boat 3, sailed Isle of Wight. The Sea View Yacht Club, importantly to build up and progress our by Lt Boote, Sgt Dinesh and LCpl Ranjib were organised the competition, which takes operating capabilities from Section level 1st in the Inter-Infantry competition, winning a place once a year. All Combat Arms unite through to Company level. The Exercise was trophy for ‘The Best Formed Infantry Unit’. together and compete for several trophies. thus divided into 3 Phases; Section, Platoon This is a great news for the Battalion and A total of 28 teams participated in the and Company Phase. to all participants. It was a good experience to sailing race, with 3 members in each team. The Section phase started from the day be there and it’s showed us that we are able As a part of this competition, 2RGR took part one where we received a number of lessons, to learn and adapt quickly on any situation. with 3 teams. which included harbour occupation drills, section attack, recce patrol and a night device familiarisation. On the final day of CO 2 RGR, Lt Col Murray the Section phase, we carried out a fighting receives Honorary membership of patrol in the night. the Folkestone Channel Rotary Club

team from 2 RGR visited movements and moments which Athe House of Lords on made the difference in the long 18 November. Whilst A journey of modern democracy. Company, 2 RGR were in After having these exhibitions, Mali on Op NEWCOMBE in the oldest building on the in 2014, there was a visit parliamentary estate, we left by Baroness Hodgson. She to explore more of the palace was so impressed with the led by a guide. I love how the performance of the team that architecture of the past is so she was delighted to invite complex with many ornaments them to Westminster. It was a and little details that are so eye- powerful educational tour for catching. Imagine how much all of us and I want to share the work had to be done to build such knowledge we have gained. magnificent art. This year, the UK Parliament The Central Lobby is the core t Col Jamie Murray, CO 2 RGR, received a Honorary Membership is celebrating the 800 anniversary of the Palace of Westminster Lof the Folkestone Channel Rotary Club from Club President of the Magna Carta by displaying where MPs can meet their John Krawczyk at a dinner in the Burlington Hotel, Folkestone. large banners inside Westminster constituents. The very distinctive For many years the Shorncliffe Battalion has worked closely with its Hall which will last until 12th Central Tower is built over the local Rotary Club helping to raise money for local charities and the GWT, December 2015 the same year Central Lobby, which forms the as well as providing an excellent link for local community engagement. as G200.The exhibition banners crossroads of the Palace, or in The highlight of the year. cover 18 themes related to the general the spot where corridors

18 PARBATE Vol 68 No 1 January 2016 The Platoon phase began on 04 November. On the first day, we had a lesson on Operation in Built Up Areas (OBUA) and were given the opportunity to practice and perfect our OBUA drills both at day and at night. Clearing a compound and building at night using Night Vision Goggles (NVG) was a new experience for many and it proved to be very difficult. On the second day of the platoon phase, all platoons 2 RGR B Coy on centralized in Company Rendezvous (RV) early in the morning for fresh breakfast and then we EX MAROON WARRIOR received a round robin of lessons before taking by LCpl Janga Bahadur Rai 2 RGR the time to set some Pl SOPs. In the evening, the Coy Quarter Master group provided us with new Coy harbour location at night. Occupying realistic scenario based exercise. We learnt a hot, fresh evening meal, which helped boost a Coy harbour in the dark was extremely so many things, improved our skills & drills in our moral greatly! difficult and required a lot of coordination. the field and definitely achieved the aims of Having set our Pl ambush SOPs earlier Thanks to our training earlier in the week, we the exercise. Our Officer Commanding Saheb in the day, we carried out an ambush that were able to maintain excellent momentum debriefed us at the end of the Exercise and was night. On the third day of Pl phase early in throughout. Finally after 2 hours of fighting, very impressed with our performance. After the the morning, we moved to Bridge CARR the mission was complete and Exercise final clearance of East Mere village, we began village. Our first serial there was a Defence and MAROON WARRIOR had come to an end. the return journey to SJM Barracks full of joy Withdrawal by platoon (Force to Force), which Despite challenging weather conditions and excitement with everyone looking forward was extremely challenging. C2 and situational contributing to a demanding 10 days, we to another big festival, Tihar. awareness during a withdrawal is difficult to had all enjoyed an adventurous and more achieve, often resulting in fierce close quarters combat. On the last day of Pl phase we did a Pl advance to contact for the entire day. This allowed us to practice our more conventional tactics through a series of hasty attacks. Finally on 08 November, The Company phase started after we moved to East Mere Village. We received a couple of Coy level lessons including a Company ambush (Theory and Practical) lesson, conducted by 2IC B Coy, Capt Bikulman Rai. After completing the lesson, we moved from East Mere village to our from Lords, Commons and 2 RGR personnel visit Houses of Parliament Westminster Hall meet. From here, we headed towards the By LCpl Omprakash Loksam 2 RGR House of Commons, the ‘green zone’. I say the green zone questioning from the recent because as we pass through the terrorist attack in the capital doors for the Commons all seats of France, discussed the SDSR were green in colour. and its effect on the Brigade The House of Commons is of Gurkhas and also discussed the place where laws and bills are Syria. This debate was extremely passed and debates take place. the Tables of the House, Jamaica Following a remarkable interesting and all our questions There had been a significant - the Bar of the House, India and tour of the chambers, libraries, were answered from the latest attack on the House of Commons Pakistan - the entrance doors to basements, galleries and all information in government. They and Westminster Hall during the Chamber and New Zealand - those excellencies’ icons we were very positive and with their World War II. The bombardment the dispatch boxes. These boxes had an absolute privilege to full heart praised our bravery damaged the interior but the are where soldiers that were question some MPs in one and our loyal service under the chamber was rebuilt exactly ‘Mentioned in Dispatches’ used of the conference rooms in Crown for such a long period. the same as it was before. to have their name and citation a private meeting. All 3 MPs After the completion of Some of the countries from the posted. After taking in all those were on the Armed Forces meeting with the MPs we took Commonwealth also contributed priceless ideas we went to see Parliamentary Committee, and some pictures, shared our best to the cost of materials. Australia the House of Lords, which was offered a unique perspective wishes and we finally made our - the Speaker’s Chair, Canada - extremely impressive. on our debate. We started the way back to the coach.

PARBATE Vol 68 No 1 January 2016 19 To mark the G200 year, members of BST Brunei Signal Troop 2015 were involved in Ex ANZAC REFLECT held in New Zealand, the G200 Pageant, BFB G200 parade and G200 Trailwalker. The troop also A Year In Review successfully hosted a number of VIP visits OC BST - Capt Nimbahadur Pun (MPTE), secure Fax or Enhanced Video Tele including the Col of the Regt, Comd 11 Bde, Tp SSgt - SSgt Rajkumar Gurung Conference (eVTC). The COMMCEN operators Col BG, Comd & GM QG SIGNALS and SO1 runei Signal Troop (BST) continues to have been professionally handling countless Soldiers R SIGNALS. deliver reliable, robust and resilient sensitive messages. During the period of Despite our limited size, BST continues to Communication Information System Nov - Jan, COMMCEN is the Focal Point for punch above our weight thrive to be strong B the early warning system for possible floods and decisive force across the Garrison, whilst (CIS) support to British Forces Brunei (BFB) as well as maintaining the Garrison in and around the Garrison areas as a part of all the time flying the QG SIGNALS flag high Military Telecommunication Network and “OP NEPTUNE”. Likewise, the Crypto Cell has up front. Despite many challenges, a high Exchange. Additionally, the Troop have been playing a crucial part in providing precise standard of professionalism from our soldiers been busy competing in both military and and accurate cryptographic material in support and strong support from their happy families sporting events, attending an array of to numerous exercises, both in theatre and have gained the troop a great deal of success courses and not forgetting being highly abroad for the resident Infantry Battalion and this year. On the other hand, we are also visible in all Garrison activities. UK exercising units. Troop Electricians regularly maintaining the strong ethos and kaida of The last 12 months have been very busy support the maintenance and inspection of Regt/Bde by celebrating Regt Birthday, Dashain due to prolonged outages and frequent Battalions’ Light Field Generators. and Tihar in a grand style and keeping healthy intermittent problems with our primary link, As always, BST played a vital role in the PR with all departments within BFB. The BST the International Private Leased Circuit (IPLC). operation of BFB. The troop has also been the ladies have been integral part throughout Our technicians have worked relentlessly main source of PTIs and qualified instructors adding more values to the BFB Ladies maintaining and troubleshooting the problems in running mandatory Garrison PT and MATTs Community participating in various charity until resolution has been found. With swift for the Garrison Support Troops and as well events, sporting competitions and community responses and a proactive approach with as providing PTI support to TTB. Additionally, engagement programmes and these were international contractors and agencies, the lag the troop provided AT instructors within the greatly appreciated in wider community. BST times between outages of service have been Garrison, supported and took part in many Bn families have also made both educational and significantly reduced. They have also been activities such as the Bullock Trophy, Wallace cultural visits such as Ex BORNEO YATRA in fundamental in facilitating both military and Memorial Trophy and Panaga Highland Games. Sarawak and Ex BRUNEI OVERVIEW in various residential phone and internet services to more Troop members have participated in various locations around Brunei. than four hundred SFAs within Brunei Garrison. marathons including the Brunei marathon, In overall, 2015 has been a significantly From connecting phones to fixing problems BFB half marathon, CEBU marathon in the successful year for the members of BST and with internet services, they have been in a high Philippines, Phuket marathon in Thailand, their families and we look forward to the demand and have not been found wanting, KK marathon in Malaysia, and Melbourne challenges ahead next year. Jai QG SIGNALS! providing great service and support to the wider marathon in Australia and raised considerable community. It is to their credit that they have amounts for various charities. never failed to maintain business continuity. Communication Centre (COMCEN) Brunei has been working hard to deliver a high standard of service across the Garrison. Whether that is secure and secret messaging services via Multi Platform Terminal Executive

20 PARBATE Vol 68 No 1 January 2016 WO2 (SSM) Indra Thapa explains Dashain and how QG Signals celebrated it

ashain falls during the bright lunar on procession to the countryside to collect fortnight, ending on the day of the Phulpati (flowers and plants) - a ritual to Dfull moon in the month of Ashoj or worship the Mother Nature. Kartik of Nepali Calendar. It is celebrated On 21 Oct 15, the 8th day of Dashain widely by Hindus in Nepal and amongst festival saw the celebrations of Kalratri. Invited the Gurkhas, with the common thread of guests including families and children, ex ‘the triumph of good over evil’. members of the regiment, both retired and In Nepal Dashain is celebrated for 15 days, transferred to the wider Army, congregated but in the Brigade of Gurkhas it is celebrated at the regimental gymanasium and celebrated predominantly for 5 days- Ghatasthapana, the function in a typical Nepalese and the Pulpati, Kalratri, Maar and Tika. However, QG Brigade of Gurkhas’ kaida. It was an absolute in front of god means our sins and negative SIGNALS this year carried out all the rituals privilege to have the Col of the Regt, Gen thoughts will be released from our soul. The for the entire 15 days, led by Gurkha Major, NAW Pope CBE and Commander QG Tika ceremony commenced in the Himali in the Maj Tol Bahadur Khamcha, supported by SIGNALS, Lt Col NM Stoke OBE along with afternoon by receiving a tika and a blessing dedicated pujaries from different Squadrons other dignitaries attending the evening. No from the Gurkha Major, the most senior person and supervised by pundit Mr Jagadish Paudel. other days would be more auspicious than the in the regiment, for all male attendees and QG SIGNALS personnel at the Gamecock Kalaratri to bid farewell to the Commander from GM didi for all ladies and children. On Barracks gathered at the temple on 13 of the Regiment, so the Commander Queen’s completion of the programme in the Himali Oct to observe the Ghatasthapana. The Gurkha Signals, Lt Col NM Stokoe OBE, was Club, those soldiers and families who have Ghatasthapana is the beginning of the festival formally given farewell at the occasion. The their parents and close relatives in the UK set to and it invokes the Goddess Shakti. 7 different night was concluded with an outstanding meet them as per the tradition and custom in grains (Jau, Tel, Dhan, Moong, Kangani, Chana, cultural performance from the Gurkha the Nepalese and Gurkha culture. Gahun ) were spread on soil in a specially ladies and soldiers which was meticulously The Queen’s Gurkha Signals celebrated designed box and left in the darkest place choreographed by SSgt Robin Rai. Dashain 2015 with joy, brotherhood and as available to be turned yellow. This year both Maar and Tika fell on the a pariwar in a typical Nepalese tradition and The 7th day of Dashain is known as same day on 22 Oct 15. The Maar ceremony the Brigade of Gurkhas’ kaida. Not only did Phulpati. In Nepal, traditionally a worshipped was observed at the temple, witnessed by all the young members of the regiment learn and tika, phul mala and Prasad is brought from available members of the regiment including acquire more knowledge on our centuries old Gorkha to Kathmandu, and in a special some invited members of 30th Signal heritage, but our children born in the UK also ceremony it is auspiciously entered in Hanuman Regiment. Three water-melons representing assimilated some of their traditional roots. Dhoka. At Gamecock Barracks, all available QG buffalos were sacrificed at the temple marking Dashain is one of a few occasions that allows SIGNALS members and their families gathered the Maar. It is widely believed that all our sins us to educate the new generation about our at the temple to mark the ceremony. After a and negative thinking are placed on those tradition, culture and kaida so that they will short Puja programme, everyone present went represented water-melons and sacrificing them follow suit and it will live on for eternity. The only Gurkha Rifleman on the Island

pl Dilkumar Tamang, the only member from 2 RGR deployed recreational places, animal habitats and nature itself. Bleaker Island, Cto Falkland Island as an Instructor of Theatre Reserves Volunteer Point, Saunders Island, Goose Green and others are quite reflects on his first two months in theatre. popular here. People go hiking to admire every aspect of natural beauty. British Forces are deployed to Falkland Island for the continuation Not only the high altitude mountains, but people enjoy the beaches of infrastructural development and security. I was deployed to Force here as well. Bertha’s Beach and surfing beach are frequently visited. Protection Training Flight as an Instructor of Theatre Reserves as the People go surfing whenever the weather is in their favour. They also only representative of 2 RGR. Our responsibility is to conduct MATT go out fishing to test some of their luck out at sea. This place is a good training (MOD-1 for RAF), all ranges and military skills. My role is to habitat of penguins, and we can see many different species. The RAF assist with the preparation and maintenance of Ground Defence Force has provided helicopter tours around the island for personnel as a Defensive positions. Theatre Reserve is a security force formed of recreational activity. personnel currently deployed in theatre. It consists of 264 personnel To conclude, I am enjoying every aspect over here and working very split up into 6 platoons. Their role is activated for Theatre Recall/ hard to make a good impression when I leave. It’s a good opportunity for Exercise and TR Training Days. me to represent 2 RGR as I am the only one out here in theatre. Everyone is We conduct this training package over a period of 3 days every other busy in their own schedule. It’s quite different working with Tri-Service than week. It consists of low level tactics, field craft lessons and SAA (Skill my parent unit. However, my effort to uplift 2 RGR name is always there. at Arms) training. We also conduct commander and platoon training every Saturday. We focus more on battle procedure and defensive operations, especially on their command procedures, in order to improve effectiveness of theatre defence. Other departments are also playing their role for the security of this island and infrastructural development. Apart from this busy schedule, British Forces enjoy the beautiful nature of this area in their spare time. The island is filled with a lot of Gurkha 200 reception at the Foreign and Commonwealth office in London The event was attended by a huge number of dignitaries and people from all walks of life. Col Comdt, Gen Sir Peter Wall reception was held in the presented a G200 commemorative plate evening of Wed 16 Dec 15 at to the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign A the Foreign and Commonwealth Minister of Nepal, HE Mr Kamal Thapa. Office in London in order to celebrate Also present at the reception were Col BG, the bicentenary of diplomatic relations Col James Robinson and members of the between the United Kingdom and Nepal. BG, both serving and retired.

East India Club hosts Gurkha 200 Gala Dinner

Apprentice of the Year Awards - GSPS his year saw the second SPS Apprentice of the TYear awards take place, acknowledging and celebrating the achievement and success of four very worthy winners in four categories. Brigadier Paul Burns awarded each winner with an Apple iPad Mini, an engraved AGC coin and a certificate of Achievement. LCpl Sujan Gurung GSPS from 2 RGR was one of the four to receive this award. A huge congratulation from OC GSPS to LCpl Sujan Gurung for an outstanding achievement. n Monday 16 November the East India Club held a Gala OGurkha 200 dinner attended by members of the RGR Officers’ Mess, the Colonel Commandant of the Brigade of Gurkhas and Colonel RGR. Perhaps surprisingly this was the first occasion upon which the close historical link between the Brigade of Gurkhas and the East India Club in its contemporary form has been recognised. The event was a great success, raising funds for the Gurkha Welfare Trust and opening a new relationship with an important establishment body. Director of the Gurkha Museum, Gavin Edgerly-Harris, showing the Makwanpur wine cooler, an item which connects the forebears, and by proxy the serving Brigade of Gurkhas, with the East India Company.

22 PARBATE Vol 68 No 1 January 2016 Col BG Opens new BFBS Gurkha Transmitter olonel BG, Colonel James Robinson officially openend the Cnew BFBS Gurkha transmitter in Aldershot on 16 December in front of a group of local QOGLR soldiers and a small crowd of journalists. The opening is the culmination of a three year battle to get BFBS Gurkha radio to the Gurkha communities around Aldershot, including the 500 or so QOGLR troops, their families and the ex-servicemen who are very much remain a part of the Gurkha community. HQBG part-funded the project along with help from Defence Infrastructure Organisation through a process that was started by Colonel BG, Col James Robinson, who along with SSVC championed the transmitter and pushed through its approval with Ofcom. BFBS Gurkha’s full range of programmes is now broadcasting all of With QOGLR being a major regiment, the Aldershot transmitter has its usual programming on 1287 Khz on the AM band in the Aldershot been a critical expansion to BFBS Gurkha Radio’s reach into the local area. Frequencies for the other areas remain the same as previously. community and they now cover the major Gurkha populations including The opening was followed by tea and pastries in the Aldershot Folkestone, Blandford, Bramcote and Catterick. QOGLR Messing Area next to the transmitter.

Distinguished Broadcaster Suman Kharel Joins BFBS Gurkha Radio

work, serving its target audience very well,” communities that are served worldwide by said Suman. “I felt that the knowledge and BFBS Gurkha Radio.“The decade of Maoist experience I have gained in life could be well insurgency was the most difficult time in utilized by the station and I wanted to be Nepal’s modern history,” he said. “Travelling part of this historic institute, the British to affected areas in the process of making a Army’s Gurkhas.” BBC radio series Decade of Conflict will always Suman will now be based in Nepal and remain in my memory.” already has many plans for BFBS Gurkha Station Controller, Nicky Ness, said “I am Radio: “I look forward to training and delighted to welcome Suman to the BFBS uman Kharel wants to make developing the news and programming Gurkha Radio team. He brings a wealth of BFBS Gurkha Radio a “part of teams with new ideas and thoughts and thus knowledge, experience and crucially, a shared Seach Gurkha household” in his increase the popularity of the service,” he value concerning the importance of balanced, role as the station’s News Editor. said - “I will try to make BFBS Gurkha Radio quality news content as an essential part of The Nepalese broadcaster recently left an inseparable part of each Gurkha household the output.”BFBS Gurkha Radio is broadcast the BBC’s Nepali Service in London and brings and I also look forward to increasing the social in Nepal, Brunei, the UK, the Falkland Islands, more than twenty years of experience to his media referrals to the service.” and as part of BFBS Radio’s Ops service. new appointment. Suman’s own roots and extensive It also has a loyal Nepali following “I have found BFBS Gurkha Radio to be broadcasting career have given him a deep worldwide via its online platforms. a well-established station doing wonderful understanding of Nepalese culture and the

PARBATE Vol 68 No 1 January 2016 23 Warrant Officers’ and Sergeants’ Mess 2 RGR Dines In Commanding Officer, Lt Col Murray by Sgt Dik Limbu 2 RGR

key achievements of our Chief Guest’s journey over his 17 years of service with 2RGR. After the PMC’s speech, The President of the Mess paid tribute to the Commanding Officer by presenting a traditional garland and a bouquet for his spouse. Lt Col J C Murray expressed words of appreciation to all the members and furthermore, strongly encouraged us to uphold the Values and Standards that we have in the Mess. In addition, he also stated the reputation of the Gurkhas in the British Army and stressed the challenges that lie ahead for the Battalion. Following his speech, a spectacular show was exhibited by the Pipes and Drums, n official dining-in for was lined up along the entrance corridor making the event much more glorious. Commanding Officer 2 RGR, Lt Col eagerly to greet him and his family. The Piper Afterwards, the Queen’s Truncheon was AJ C Murray was held on 27 Nov 15 then led and ushered the Chief Guest into the marched out, steering the night towards at 2 RGR Warrant Officers’ and Sergeants’ main bar area whilst others followed the suit. the end of the event. Last but not least, a (WOs’ & Sgts’) Mess, Shorncliffe. The As soon as the Bugler commenced the performance by Mr Vice filled the evening event was held to welcome the new last call, everyone proceeded to the dining with laughter. Commanding Officer; the Chief Guest of hall and the President of the Mess WO1(RSM) In the end, the night was summed up by the night. One of the special highlights Nawal Kiran Yakha and PMC chaperoned a joyous cocktail dance. Before leaving the was also the exceptional presentation of the Chief Guest to the top table. Shortly, Mess, the Chief Guest signed the Visitors’ the Queen’s Truncheon for the first time the Queen’s Truncheon was marched in by book while in the meantime others retreated in the Mess thus, marking it as a historical Truncheon Jemadar. After the grace (Ashani to see him off. dinner night for the mess. Matra) was recited by the versed Mr Vice, Mess members (including mess members dinner was served. Subsequently, on the currently on Extra Regimental Employment) completion of dinner, The PMC rapped and their families were gathered to witness and the gavel for silence and three toasts were participate in the honourable occasion. Prior proposed in the honour of Her Majesty The to the arrival of the Chief Guest, all attendees Queen, Her Excellency The President and the were thoroughly briefed and rehearsed on the People of the Federal Democratic Republic arrangement of the night under the President of Nepal and The Commanding Officer 2 of the Mess Committee (PMC) WO2 Sangam RGR and his wife. In a little while, the PMC Rai. Once the Chief Guest arrived, everyone requested for attention to briefly mention the

2 RGR Teakwondo team practicing hard for upcoming competitions

A team from 2 RGR took part in the Army Martial Arts Competition where they successfully achieved six medals (two gold, a silver and three bronze). The team has been practicing regularly for future competitions.

24 PARBATE Vol 68 No 1 January 2016 Gurkha Staff and Personnel Support celebrates its 3rd Annual Dinner Night from the Editor he annual Gurkha Staff and Personnel Support meeting Col BG, Colonel James Robinson gave the opening address to the and Dinner Night 2015 took place on Fri, 27 Nov at RMA audience at the meeting and highlighted the importance of Staff and TSandhurst. GSPS Officers, Warrant Officers and Senior Personnel Support in the Brigade. He expressed his gratitude towards the NCOs including those stationed overseas attended the annual company’s involvement in Gurkha 200 events this year and emphasized brief and Dinner Night later that evening. on what had been a great year for the Gurkhas. OC GSPS, Maj Surya Rai then briefed the company about MS and Career Management before giving a short GSPS update. The meeting ended with Sgt Bijay Limbu, the Editor of the GSPS Journal, distributing the latest and the finest edition of the Journal to the attendees. This was followed by GSPS Dinner Night which was held at the WOs’ and Sgts’ Mess in RMA Sandhurst. The Chief Guests for the night, Col GSPS, Brigadier Paul Burns and Col BG, Colonel James Robinson were both welcomed by OC GSPS with a garland at the entrance. Cpl Nirmal, the piper from Gurkha Coy Sittang added a fine tune at the background which made the occasion more pleasing. Finally, Col GSPS and Col BG presented a farewell memento to those, who were leaving the company and being transferred across the AGC. All in all, a great day and night for the GSPS members to celebrate.

Army submits all-2 RGR team to Ex Joint Caterer Competition 2015

s in the past, this year’s Ex Joint To our surprise, we did extremely well and ACaterer Competition was held at the managed to outperform five strong teams and Defence Academy College in Swindon secured the only available spot to represent during 12 - 16 Oct 15. This is the biggest Army in DIC (Diplomacy Influence Challenge) tri-service catering competition where Category. This boosted the morale of the team the Army, Navy and the Air Force considerably encouraging them to win the compete against each service. inter-service competition. In the DIC challenge, For the first time in the history of 2RGR, a the selected team had to produce 40 portions team of three chefs were selected to represent of VIP canapés with the pre-supplied rations. the Army this year. The team consisted of This had to be completed within two and half three men; Cpl Dol Gurung, Cpl Amrit Limbu hours under the constant scrutiny of three of competition. A lot of hard work has gone to and Pte Sagar Gurung. Responsibility of team judges and hundreds of spectators. achieve this success and we are extremely glad management was vested onto the Regimental With a bit of time for the team to think that our hard work paid off. Our special thanks Catering Warrant Officer WO2 Pawan Sherchan. thoroughly and minor tweaking, we entered to all those who supported and guided us Due to the hectic commitment of the the actual competition with a great optimism throughout, special thanks to CO CSS coy, Maj battalion, the team had very limited time of performing well. The team did not Chin Thapa (MVO) and GCMO Capt Basanta to prepare themselves for this challenging disappoint, they won the Overall BEST in CLASS Shahi sahebs for their encouragement and journey. Quite reluctant in their confidence, and GOLD medal eventually. visit to us. We hope that we have inspired the the team headed to Food Services Wing, This has been an incredible journey as younger generations to take on the additional Worthy Down for a selection phase. none of us had previous experience of this level challenges such as Ex JC.

PARBATE Vol 68 No 1 January 2016 25 OC Overview Op MARMAT 2 70 Gurkha Field Squadron, Queen’s Gurkha Engineers

p MARMAT is the operational Whilst 70 Gurkha Field Squadron forms Appeal, delivered through the Gurkha Welfare series for the UK military response the mainstay of the deployed manpower, the Scheme and constructed by the serving Oto the earthquake in Nepal Squadron Group is ably supported by QGS Brigade. All of which is giving the Trust and providing Humanitarian Assistance and soldiers from York, who are providing the ops the Brigade a huge amount of credit from the Disaster Relief (HADR) to the people of room functionality based out of BGK, and our benefiting communities. Nepal through the Gurkha Welfare Trust. own Regimental QOGLR chefs. There are two And the work is rewarding too. For the This deployment has sought to deliver construction troops deployed forward on Phase Squadron Group it is fantastic to be home as much construction effort as possible from 1, which sees construction activity commencing in Nepal and adding something meaningful a QGE Squadron Group in the four months in the east - JIRI and NETRAKALI. A troop at back to the country in its hour of need. There available. The aim is to initially support the each location. Troops are living in harbour remains much need - that much is clear. Many communities in the east and west in some of areas in tents, showering from solar bags and villages have still received very little support the worst hit areas by rebuilding schools, GWS fed on a mixture of ORP and fresh food, from and are currently living through the hardship Area Welfare Centres (AWC) and construction the field kitchen. It is cold and austere, but in of winter. For our Gurkha Pensioners there is of community centres that can become the the context of the disaster, nothing that the much work to be done too; over 1100 houses focus of the village or VDC. This then sets the troops can’t handle. Each troop is constructing need to be rebuilt and we are only just starting conditions for the later half of the deployment, pre-fabricated buildings manufactured in now. But the QGE are up for the task, we have where construction moves to the rebuilding of Kathmandu. The troops will talk you through not wasted a minute of our time here as we a few Gurkha Welfare and Service Pensioner’s the process below. All the construction is paid continue to do all we can. We represent the houses. This sets the conditions perfectly for for by the Gurkha Welfare Trust Earthquake Brigade effort - we won’t let you down! the follow-on Squadron on Op MARMAT 3 who will supervise and consult on the construction of these houses on a larger scale.

Dungeshwori School after completion Construction of Community Centre

26 PARBATE Vol 68 No 1 January 2016 PHASE 1 J Tp, JIRI The main effort became the construction position, the building flew up. This provided of the new school, led by Cpl Ashish. On the construction force with some white space n 3 November 2015 30 pax from paper, the plan looked simple: dig the strip which they used to great effect under Cpl OJ Troop, 70 Gurkha Field Squadron’s foundation, construct a stone ‘base’ for Bishnu, carrying out a refurbishment and ‘Engineer Squadron Group’ (ESG) deployed the foundation to sit on, pour the concrete retaining wall reconstruction at Cheridung to Jiri in Eastern Nepal to complete Phase foundation and finally construct the IKEA- Primary School. This work transformed the 1 of Op MARMAT 2. The Operation is the esque pre-fabricated structure on top. school from a series of derelict classrooms to joint Gurkha Welfare Scheme - Queen’s However, operating in Nepal provided the a safe, secure learning environment for the Gurkha Engineers disaster relief effort in Troop with a number of ‘unique-to-country’ young students, with possibly the strongest response to the devastating earthquakes challenges. With freight from the UK limited retaining wall in Nepal to boot! of April and May 2015. by the RAF’s stringent load classifications Op MARMAT 2 has been an emotional Phase 1 saw the Troop tasked with the and Nepali import licences the construction return to Nepal for many of the ESG. Working construction of 4-classrooms at Dungeswori force had to rely on locally procured tools and in partnership with the GWS has allowed the School and a 6-bedroom accommodation equipment to get the job started. The troop boys’ efforts to be targeted right at the heart block at the Area Welfare Centre (AWC), all even had to resort to mixing a significant of the families and communities that need it of which sustained serious damage during amount of concrete by hand. The lack of most. The resilience and pride of the Nepalese the earthquakes. For the duration of the diesel and gas in-country influenced nearly people has been profound and constant in construction the Troop were based out of the every action carried out: from frequency of every village the troops have passed through. AWC, which normally provided financial and resupply runs and running of generators to With the ESG set to complete two more phases medical assistance to the retired pensioner the cooking of the Troop’s daily messing - the of construction before returning to the UK, community but was soon at capacity with a consensus is that chicken (khukura) cooked by sights are firmly set on the construction of much younger generation of the Brigade. fire tastes far superior! two more schools in the districts of Gorkha After a ten hour winding journey through the On completion of the task at Dungeswori and Lamjung before carrying out multiple hills of Dolakha District the Troop arrived in Jiri, School, the same construction process was permanent house-builds for the Brigade which was fast starting to feel like a second followed at the AWC Accommodation Block, Pensioner community. The work is physically home for the boys that had worked there Logan House, under Cpl Bhesh. and mentally challenging and in remote, during Op MARMAT 1. With the Troop now fully conversant with austere environments but this is absolutely a With the delivery of resources delayed the intricacies of the concrete mixer and the challenge 70 Gurkha Field Squadron’s ESG is the tasks took on a sequential rather than sometimes-violent methods required to get ready to meet head on. concurrent build as previously planned. the pre-fabricated panels into the correct Jai QGE! Jai Brigade of Gurkhas!

Cheridung Primary School after Earthquake Cheridung Primary School after re-construction

PARBATE Vol 68 No 1 January 2016 27 Locals begin digging at Gyan Jyoti Higher Secondary School.

anuary heralded another busy year for the Trust. In the UK, our Vice Patron Gurkha Welfare Trust JJoanna Lumley supported us once again with a heartfelt Radio 4 appeal on January 2016 update behalf of Gurkha earthquake victims. So far, the appeal has already raised over of emotion he’s rarely experienced before work on a further twelve in 2016-17. Many £14,000, enough to rebuild homes for at among our beneficiaries, particularly the old more are receiving grants for repairs, while least four elderly veterans and widows. and vulnerable. He recounts the moving story 46 of our damaged water projects will be Our reconstruction work has taken off of an elderly widow, Chandrakali Thapa, who fixed before the rainy season. Four community rapidly in Nepal. We’ve already begun work broke into tears when he handed her the centres will also be built post-monsoon. on replacement homes for over 130 veterans funds to rebuild her shattered home. Queen’s Gurkha Engineers working and widows, while nearly 280 are in the Her husband, a WWII veteran, had sadly alongside GWS have completed four school process of receiving grants to repair their passed away not long before the earthquake. projects and two community centres. They damaged properties. These numbers are For many like her, our support is a beacon of intend to move on to building houses in the growing each day. hope among an otherwise hard existence. As coming months. The troops are also training With over 1,100 homes destroyed and a John told us: “She knows that we’re going to local carpenters (mistri haru) in effective further 1,000 damaged, we have a long way to rebuild; we’re going to move her out of the construction techniques to provide sustainable go but it’s likely that we’ll achieve a significant tin shack she’s living in. We started digging skill sets in the communities we help. amount before this year’s monsoon. that day.” As ever, we’re very grateful for the John White, Director of our Earthquake On the community front, we’ve begun Brigade’s support and look forward to Response Team, reports that there’s a level building nine new schools and hope to start reporting further progress in 2016.

Widow Chandrakali Thapa receiving a grant for home rebuilding Rfn Dharamsing Tamang’s home being rebuilt by GWT. from John White.

28 PARBATE Vol 68 No 1 January 2016

Bhela 2016 Gurkha Brigade Free Entry Saturday 9 July2016 • • • • • We arealsofeaturing: and thefantasticBandofBrigadeGurkhas! Come andcelebrateBrigadeBhela2016withtheofGurkhas and aParbatemagazineuponentry! 1st 2000veteranswillgetafreeBrigadeBhela2016Badge Parachute display Gurkha Curry, Britishfoodsandall-day snacks Family FunFair(BigWheel,SwingBoats,Slides&Stalls) Live NepaliCulturalShowsbyNepaleseartistes Nepal &KathmanduCupFootballFinals Captain Buddhibahadur Bhandari on 01622767206 or [email protected] Captain Muktiprasad Gurungon 01276412619 [email protected] For more information,pleasecontact: Queen’s Avenue Aldershot GU11 2LE

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