The National Memorial Arboretum

Signallers from the Queen’s Gurkha Signals and Gurkha Association members preparing to march to the Chautara

ACT OF REMEMBRANCE THE NATIONAL MEMORIAL ARBORETUM 9 November 2019

Under the auspices of the GWT North Midlands Branch Chairman, Major Rob Cross, and his team, including the National Gurkha Standard Bearer Dharma Rai (ex 7 GR), we gathered in the Founders Room of the Arboretum Visitors’ Centre. In all around 80 members of the Gurkha Associations, supporters of the GWT, as well as Captain Jagatram Rai with his contingent of Queen’s Gurkha Signals, including a piper, were in attendance. This year we were joined by a number of Didi bahiniharu adding a splash of colour to the rather overcast and inclement weather.

After a coffee or two and a good gaph, we were marshalled onto Heroes’ Square by our acting Parade WO, John Lavrick, a Malaya/Borneo veteran, and Association in the West Midlands. At 1135 hrs, processing behind the piper, we made our way to the Chautara where we formed a half-circle. The Chairman of GBA, Colonel David Hayes, commenced the Act of Remembrance with a short briefing on the Brigade followed by Sir Ralph Turner’s tribute to the Gurkha Soldier. Our own Brigadier, John Anderson, followed with the traditional invocation before the two-minutes silence. Wreaths were then laid by Association representatives as well as GSPSRA, GWT and the Malayan Veterans. The formal ceremony was concluded by John Anderson leading us in the Prayer for the Gurkha.

This event is repeated annually. Do come along to this the Gurkha Legion officer for the Gurkha Veterans

very moving act of remembrance: we hope to have a better turnout from 6 GRRA this year on Saturday 7 November 2020.