6th Gurkhas Journal 102 2022

FAMILY AND EVENTS

JOURNAL

The

No.102 2022

PROLOGUE

CONTENTS REGIMENTAL

FAMILY AND EVENTS

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60 Diary of Events 61 Obituaries

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Officers of the Regimental Association Message from the President Letter from the Chairman Letter from Nepal A quick note from the Editor Royal Gurkha Rifles Newsletter The Gurkha Welfare Trust The Gurkha Museum 6 GR Regimental Association Nepal Gurkha Museum visit The “Slim Sahib” Presentations Act of Remembrance Rememberance Day Gurkha Brigade Dinner Remembrance Sunday Annual Book of Remembrance Service 6 GR RAN visit to Shree Kalika Secondary School Cuttack shoot and dinner night

Front Cover: The Great Western Railway Tulbahadur Pun VC Train.

Inside Cover: Portrait of Her Majesty The Queen

and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, 1953.

Photograph by Baron, Camera Press London.

ARTICLES 72 74 76 83 87 96 99 103 107 114 116 122

The Bamiyan Buddhas The Tulbahadur Pun VC train ‘Between the Storms’ The unveiling of the Rifleman Kulbir Thapa VC memorial statue In search of tolerance The CO we never had?

Winter in Sar-i-Pul The Sari Bair painting Operation Spin Ghar – OP Herrick 7 The GWT – our Gurkha Charity “Bad Men with Beards and Guns…”

The origins of the Cuttack Luncheon Club

END PIECE 124 Book Reviews 131 Minutes of the Annual General Meeting 137 6 GRRA Income and Expenditure Account 1

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OFFICERS OF THE REGIMENTAL ASSOCIATION President:

Brigadier John Anderson OBE

Chairman:

Lieutenant Colonel Duncan Briggs

Secretary and Major David Bredin Finance Officer:

duncanhbriggs6 GR@gmail.com 133 Station Road, Dullingham, Newmarket, Suffolk, CB8 9UT. 6 GRspeedy@gmail.com

Editors Editor: Major Rick Beven

27 Blenheim Road, Deal, Kent, CT14 7DB rickbeven@hotmail.com

Family News Editor:

griffharu@hotmail.com

Captain Anne Griffith

Communications Officer: Captain James Herbert Committee:

jamesherbet1@btinternet.com

Major Khusiman Gurung, Captain Nick Gordon-Creed, Captain Gary Ghale

1st Battalion Officers, Abbottabad, 1924 Standing: 2Lt RR Proud, Capt IN Macleod, Jem Gul Hussain, NK, Sub Kharbahadur Rana, NK IOM, NK, Jem Mirahmed, Capt WK Phillips, Capt WGH Wells, 2Lt HGH Long Sitting: Capt JB Scott MC, Maj HMM Hackett MC, Lt Col GM Glynton DSO, Sub Maj Balsing Rana IOM, Capt OT Cowan MC On Ground: Sub Dhanbahadur Gurung, Sub Debsing Thapa, NK, Jem Maniraj Gurung, Jem Janaksing Pun, NK

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MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

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hile I would not wish to tempt Fate too much, I suspect that the impact of the Covid pandemic on our lives over the last year has been less traumatic than in the first year, possibly because of the vaccination programme which has given us all hope at a dark time. But the pandemic will remain one of the enduring memories of 2021, and the repercussions will be felt for years: families have lost loved ones and collateral damage has yet to be fully realised. To those affected, we all extend our sincere condolences.

and he has sadly resigned as our Association Vice President. This was an honorary post bestowed on him in recognition of his many years of service as our Chairman, and to Paul, Michelle and family we extend our gratitude. The future of this post is under consideration.

Gez Strickland, our most senior serving ex-6 GR officer, has now returned from his long Iraq and American tour as Deputy Commander of an American Corps, and is now in command of 6 Division in the UK. The Brigade’s Colonel BG, Jody Davies, has reluctantly moved on to another posting and we thank him for his efforts on our behalf. His successor And it would be wrong of me not to mention our is David Robinson, brother of James who filled the disappointment at the UK Government’s failure to post for seven years, and who will now have to deal respond appropriately to appeals for help with the with the one blot on our reputation, the resumption pandemic from Nepal and on behalf of Nepal: for example, pleas from the President GBA to the highest of demonstrations by a small and misguided level were not even acknowledged, while substantial group who continue to protest about the Gurkha pension scheme. bilateral help to others even included one-time adversaries. What UK aid did eventually reach Nepal Members will recall my previous reports of was pretty paltry and poor support for a most expansions to our Brigade. While we have seen loyal ally. increases to squadrons in the QG Signals, QGE and QOGLR, as well as a manning increase in the Articles elsewhere in the Journal cover activities Brigade Band, the planned creation of 3 RGR has during the year and I would single out several for been cancelled as part of the Integrated Review, mention here: the resumption of annual Brigade where cuts have fallen heavily on the Infantry. As and Regimental memorial and social events; the presentation of reproductions of the original 1/6 GR a consequence, only two companies of 3 RGR have been formed and these will be part of the new portrait of Field Marshal ‘Bill’ Slim to the Gurkha and highly specialised ‘Ranger’ Battalions within Museum and to the nascent 3rd Battalion Royal the new Army Special Operations Brigade. (The Gurkha Rifles, and the hugely successful series optimists amongst us might mischievously hope of Museum presentations on ‘Bill’ Slim by John that 3 RGR will be resurrected if recruiting problems Mackinlay, Ray Pett and Bob Couldrey (7 GR). We continue to bedevil British units). Once the Review were also particularly delighted to welcome all the is fully implemented our Brigade will be some 5% of Slim family as Honorary Members and our links the Army. were reinforced when Viscount Mark Slim (the Third Viscount) joined our contingent at the Field of It would be impossible to mention here all those Remembrance and Gurkha Statue ceremonies. wonderful characters from our Regiment that we have lost in the last year, several renowned Gurkha There have been several developments within our Regiment and Brigade worthy of note. Paul Pettigrew Majors among them, and too many dear comrades, friends and mentors. Our Brigade and nation have has decided he must devote more time to his also lost unsung supporters: HRH Prince Phillip died family and to cut back on his external activities,

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Members of the Slim family at the unveiling of the Slim portrait in the Macdonald Room at the Gurkha Museum.

The Honourable Una Rowcliffe, (nee Slim), the Field Marshall’s daughter is front centre.

on 9 April 2021 and this much admired, plain-spoken and often undiplomatic man was a loss to us all, and my formal letter to Her Majesty expressing condolences on behalf of our members was gratefully received. We also said farewell to the quiet, unassuming but intensely devoted Brigade Chaplain, The Reverend Peter Clemett; it is a measure of the man that Lord Chartres has agreed to be appointed his successor.

I sign off on an optimistic note. In the coming year we can anticipate the resumption of normal life and, significantly, the unveiling of our permanent memorial in Pokhara to all who served in our Regiment during the 177 years of its service, and to their families. I urge all of you to support this project, so carefully husbanded by Mike Channing and his Nepal and UK committees. This will be a perfect and appropriate event to celebrate HM The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, and the sacrifices our Gurkha soldiers have made in her name.

John Anderson

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LETTER FROM THE CHAIRMAN

ell, I hope that you all feel that we fared better in 2021 than in 2020; but sadly, we still had a number of deaths among our veterans and our thoughts and prayers go out to their families and friends who will still be feeling their great loss. On a brighter note, we also had quite a few new Members who joined the Association and I would like to offer them a particularly warm welcome.

Our own year started with a new life in the family with our youngest daughter giving birth to our granddaughter, a really special moment and a reminder how wonderful life can be. Similarly, life has returned to the Association with a number of very successful events during the year. The first presentation on “Slim, the Gurkha Officer” by John Mackinlay, Ray Pett and Bob Couldrey finally took place at the Gurkha Museum in June and was a resounding success. It was made even more special by the attendance of 10 members of the Slim Family, including the current Viscount, Mark Slim. Two further presentations took place to great acclaim and this now forms part of the Museum’s digital archive as well as being the subject of an article in this Journal. Christopher Bullock also gave a superb digital presentation describing some of his experiences as a company commander in Borneo on Claret Operations, told with his usual delightful understatement.

of everyone connected to the Association and the Welfare Trust. So, if you are travelling on GWR, do look out for the train and check out the small crossed kukris around the name.

Another event where I was privileged to represent our Association was the unveiling of the statue of Kulbir Thapa VC in Princess Gardens in Aldershot.

This was a wonderful occasion, the culmination of an extraordinary effort by the Nepali Communities in the Aldershot and Farnborough area to raise the finance and with our own Gary Ghale playing the key role of Project Manager and Biru Thapa as a committee member. Kulbir was the first Gurkha to be awarded a Victoria Cross and it was for an extraordinary rescue of a British soldier during a battle in World War I. The statue is a most beautiful sculpture and demonstrates the strong links between the Gurkha and the British soldier and by extension between the people of Britain and the people of Nepal.

Thankfully, in 2021 the GBA events in November, including the Remembrance events were able to take place. Viscount Slim kindly joined us for the Field of Remembrance and the laying of wreaths at the Slim and Gurkha statues in Whitehall. The Cenotaph March and the service at the Chautara in the National Arboretum were also held but were not well attended and I would like to urge all Members, who are able to join us, to attend one or the other. We were also able to hold our own Service of Remembrance in Winchester Cathedral, our Association Annual General It was also Christopher who alerted us to the Meeting and our Reunion on 20 November. These intention of the Great Western Railway (GWR) to were really well attended, and the Reunion was the name one of their new high-speed trains after most relaxed and happy event, where we were able Tulbahadur Pun VC as one of a number of World to welcome a number of guests: Charles and Becky War 2 heroes to be honoured. A group from the Russell from C (Mogaung) Company RGR, Peter Association, the Gurkha Brigade Association (GBA) Williams, who has weaved his magic as Designer of our and the Gurkha Welfare Trust, plus Tulbahadur’s daughter and son gathered at a very noisy working Journal for the last nine years and Robert LlewellynPaddington Station for the short but lovely ceremony Smith, whose great uncle, Duncan Lloyd briefly to name the train. This included a stirring speech commanded 1/6 GR after Sari Bair. Robert has recently

by Joanna Lumley, who we were extremely pleased produced a fascinating book of letters covering the to congratulate more recently on being made a era which we are hoping to see in print. The Reunion Dame in the New Year’s Honours List to the delight also contained a couple of lovely surprises.

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The Chairman and friends at the unveiling of the Kulbir Thapa VC statue, Aldershot.

The AGM included a final report from Mike Channing on the development of our Memorial Project.

Wonderful progress had been made, despite the immense difficulties caused by Covid, leading to a firm and final plan which we all felt sure would deliver an outstanding memorial to the Regiment, sited in Pokhara. We are all extremely grateful to Mike and his teams in both UK and Nepal for their unstinting efforts over a long period. The request for donations is circulating as I write and I urge all Members to give as generously as they possibly can to facilitate this wonderful project being completed in the year of Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee.

A further initiative discussed at the AGM was the proposed Information Legacy or Archive Project.

Given that none of us are getting any younger and that it is 27 years since the last officer and soldier

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joined 6 GR, it was felt that we should consider what legacy of information we wished to leave to posterity. It was unanimously agreed that this was an important issue and that we should strive to create the best and most comprehensive legacy of information. Consequent on this decision, Brian O’Bree has kindly agreed to chair a small committee to implement the Project, but it is vital to spread the workload and he will be looking for volunteers from the Association to take on specific tasks. Please look at the separate notice below and get involved.

Looking forward; we are hoping for a full programme of events in 2022. I am hoping to join our Nepal Branch in March for their Annual Reunion as well as visiting other centres in Nepal. I had also hoped to visit our veterans in Darjeeling and Dehradun, but Covid restrictions currently prevent

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YOUR HELP IS NEEDED In his letter, our Chairman has mentioned the Association’s Information Legacy Project which was strongly endorsed at the last AGM. In preparation for this, we ask all members to consider what papers, diaries, photographs, and cine or video footage of historical significance that they or their relatives may have. It may be in an old suitcase gathering dust in the attic, or in long-forgotten albums in the bottom of some cupboard, but could be added to the 6 GR archive in The Gurkha Museum.

Copies of originals can be made.

Do you have unwanted copies of any old Association Journals and the Gurkha Brigade annual Kukri journals? We want these too please for digitising purposes.

this. We also have a small group visiting Medicina in April to celebrate the liberation of the town by 2/6 GR and the 14/20 King’s Hussars. This is the visit that we arranged two years ago which sadly had to be postponed because of the Covid outbreak.

The Gurkha Brigade Bhela is scheduled for 9 July in Aldershot and the Association will have a tent, so please come and join us for the main Gurkha event of the year to meet former and serving soldiers and officers; it really is a great day out. In September we will have our own All Ranks Reunion in Farnborough which is arguably the best and most important event in our Regiment’s annual calendar. Do make an effort to join us; it is so good to catch up with so many old friends over a beer and a delicious bhat. Lastly, our AGM and Reunion is set for 19 November in Winchester and everyone is welcome.

If you think you have something which would enable future generations and historians to better understand the life in, and exploits of, the 6th Gurkha Rifles and those who served with it please contact Brian O’Bree either by email at brianobree@gmail.com or by phone on 07733 296 588.

In conclusion, I would like to thank our committee, particularly Rick Beven, our Journal Editor; Anne Griffith for managing the family news; James Herbert for supporting and improving our web site and lastly David Bredin, our Honorary Secretary, who I believe has done an outstanding job keeping us informed and up to date as well as representing our interests.

Finally, my sincere thanks to you our Members for your support and good fellowship, making the Association the wonderful organisation that it is and continues to be. Jai Sixth!

Duncan Briggs

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Chairman 6 GRRA (Nepal) presenting a donation from the Association to the Headmaster of Shree Kalika Secondary School, Tiplyang

LETTER FROM NEPAL

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BY CHAIRMAN 6 GRRA (NEPAL)

he coronavirus pandemic has badly affected the economy and lives of many people across the world and Nepal has not been spared. With various travel restrictions in country and globally, many Gurkha ILR holders found it impossible to get to the UK in time to comply with the immigration regulations. Thus, many families have been unable to meet other family members for almost two years. Nepal, with very limited resources, has been struggling to contain the pandemic and vaccinate its population against this dreadful disease. At the onset of the outbreak, the country was severely overwhelmed due to a lack of vaccines, oxygen ventilators, hospital spaces and lifesaving equipment. Gradually, with support

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from our neighbours, and other friendly countries, a disaster was averted. Large stocks of vaccines and other related paraphernalia have now been received.

Today, vaccination drives are ongoing, a large number of Nepalis have received their first and second doses, and some are in the process of getting their booster as well. Unfortunately, there are still many in the remote areas of the country waiting for their first jab. The Omicron variant is also making its presence felt and the government is reintroducing various restrictions on travel and gatherings to stem the spread of this deadly virus.

On Saturday 20 March 2021, the 25th Annual General Meeting (AGM) was held at Gurkha Haven in Pokhara

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with a total of 24 members in attendance in person and online. The AGM had to be convened even at this dire time: firstly, to comply with the legal requirements for associations in Nepal and secondly, to elect new committee members. However, with the problems brought about by the pandemic, and a lack of sufficient members present for election, the tenure of the current committee members had to be extended for another year. In anticipation of this likely conundrum, advice and guidance from our ‘advisors’ and our Nepali legal advisor had been sought, discussed and resulted in the extension of the tenure of the current Central Committee members until the next AGM in March 2022.

During the past year, a total of 83 members of 6 GR passed away; most due to old age and ill health and many due to the pandemic. Most notable among the departed were Honorary Major Birkharaj Gurung, Honorary Major Piarelal Thapa, Honorary Major Jaibahadur Gurung, Captain (QGO) Thule Gurung, Captain (QGO) Damberbahadur Shrestha, Captain (QGO) Shibu Gurung and Captain (QGO) Jitbahadur Thapa. All were stalwarts of our regiment. They may have gone but they will never be forgotten.

Finally, having initially served as Secretary in 6 GRRA (Nepal) and later as Chairman, I have been very fortunate to have been part of the team organizing and running two very successful 6 GR regimental events: the 2013 and 2017 Durbars. On both occasions We also devoted much time and effort this year on we managed to get many members from all over the 6 GR Memorial project. Under the leadership Nepal and the world together in Pokhara to celebrate of Major Gopalbahadur Gurung MBE numerous and relive the camaraderie of our younger days. meetings and online discussions took place and I will be stepping down from the Chairmanship at various points were discussed and finalized. Fund raising for the construction of the memorial will soon the end of the AGM in March 2022 and would like to thank all 6 GR members for their contributions and take place here in Nepal. This memorial, dedicated to all members of 6th Gurkha Rifles, will be sculpted wish my successor and future committee members continued success in all their endeavors. in Kathmandu by a Nepali sculptor before being transported to and installed at the entrance to the My salaams to you all. Jai Sixth!

Gurkha Memorial Museum in Pokhara in November 2022. It is a very fitting and worthy place for a Bhuwansing Gurung memorial to a historic and famous regiment.

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A QUICK NOTE FROM THE EDITOR

write this piece two weeks into Putin’s brutal invasion of Ukraine when much that seemed solid about our world dissolved overnight. It is clearly a seminal moment in world history – a zeitenwende or turning point – and much will depend on how it turns out.

Closer to home, and despite Covid, clearly a lot happened Regimentally last year.

On the inside back cover is a portrait of Tim Underhill who passed away in January this year. Tim was my first Company Commander in 6 GR in 1991 when I arrived on attachment. He was OC Headquarter Company (for the 4th time) and I could have had no better Officer Commanding; a kind, generous man who always put his soldiers first.

The plethora of Regimental articles show that normal life resumed again last year; including the allimportant Cuttack lunches, a feature of the year for Our cover celebrates the naming of a Great Western many and not just in 6 GR but the wider Brigade as Railway train after Tulbahadur Pun VC in June. If you well. Of note is Gary Ghale’s article on the unveiling look closely there are 126 kukris painted on the side of the Kulbir Thapa VC statue in Aldershot, a beautiful of the train in memory of the officers and soldiers in 3/6th GR who died at the Battle of Mogaung. One of the and important memorial he was instrumental in kukris also has a VC on it in memory of Captain Michael making happen.

Allmand VC who fought and died in the same battle.

This year’s Afghan theme was chosen before the Inside the front cover, I have chosen a portrait of Her end of the Western project in Afghanistan. Nearly 20 years ago I served in Sar-e-Pul as a Military Majesty the Queen with His Royal Highness Prince Phillip, her consort for 73 years, recognising the huge Observation Team Commander with 2 RGR, shortly after Osama bin Laden and the Taliban had been loss this is to her and to the country he served.

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his best friend at boarding school in Singapore – who ousted by the US invasion. The country was just emerging from drought and famine. Sadly, the return later died in an Indonesian ambush in Borneo in 1964. of the Taliban in August last year has seen the return I would like to finish on a positive note. I have spent of both to this beautiful, cruel, hospitable land. the last five years at Cinque Ports Training Area organising the planting of trees and hedgerows on Surprisingly there are quite a few old Afghan the East Kent Training Area. This year, amongst other hands in 6 GRRA. We start with Jack Furtado’s dairy arboreal projects, we planted 70 trees – English entries visiting the Bamiyan Buddhas in 1965, long oaks and chestnuts – along a track on the training before the Taliban blew them up in 2001. Alex Shaw area outside Folkestone, to celebrate Her Majesty worked in Afghanistan clearing landmines with the the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. As you can see in the HALO Trust in the 1990’s. Jono Walter has written photograph below it will one day – hopefully – look a ‘Chatwinesque’ piece about his travels through Afghanistan in 1997. Jonny Bourne was Commanding magnificent and be a worthy memorial to her. It also has to have a name, which is hers and ours: Officer 1 RGR in Helmand in 2007 and fought in a 6th Queen Elizabeth’s Own Gurkha Rifles Avenue. pitched battle against the Taliban. Ian Thomas was Commander Kabul Security Force / British Forces Afghanistan in 2016/17. The articles represent over 50 My last act in post will be to get the name placed on the 1:50,000 Training Area map, from where it will, years association with Afghanistan. with luck, transfer to the Ordnance Survey. May oaks and paltan live for 900 years.

There are other important articles as well. Brigadier Christopher Bullock has described how Terence Jai 6 GR! Cuneo’s magnificent Sari Bair painting was commissioned and Brigadier John Anderson has Rick Beven written a moving tribute to Lacchin Bahadur Gurung –

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ROYAL GURKHA RIFLES NEWSLETTER FIRST BATTALION 1 RGR began 2021 with the Battalion deployed across Kent as part of Op RESCRIPT (part of HMG’s response to Covid-19). Op ROSE was the name given to the Cross-Channel Haulier Covid testing regime established initially in Kent and subsequently right across the nation in support of the civil authorities, following surprise changes to French Border entry requirements in December 2020. The Battalion was initially warned-off for a deployment to Manchester to conduct asymptomatic mass testing from 4 January, but on Christmas Day the Battalion (held at five days NTM)) were tasked to conduct Relief in Place (RiP) with UK Standby Battalions South 1 and 2 to become the Haulier Testing Resilience Unit (HTRU) no later than 28 December 20.

This saw all 1 RGR force elements recalled from leave on Boxing Day to be back in barracks by 27 December for immediate battle preparation.

Commanders’ recces followed on 28 December, and

the RiP began in earnest the same day, with the Transfer of Authority completed on 29 December.

Lateral Flow Device Testing was conducted by Company groups at multiple sites; A (Delhi) Company with perhaps the most gruelling task on the M20 between Ashford and Maidstone during Operation STACK, B (Sari Bair) Company at Manston Airfield, C (Mogaung) Coy at the Port of Dover and Lydden Hill Racetrack, all supported by Support (Medicina) Coy and HQ (Burma) Coy. The Battalion was then ordered to establish ‘Upstream testing,’ and 1 RGR was reinforced by C Squadron of the King’s Royal Hussars to deploy alongside a temporarily reinstated D (Kandahar) Coy to establish 46 ‘upstream testing facilities.’ These were testing booths located at motorway service stations, stretching from Carlisle to Southampton. With testing successfully established and the backlogs in Kent significantly reduced, the Battalion handed Op ROSE over to the KRH in mid-January.

1 RGR soldiers conducting Covid testing on Op ROSE

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JLC students on Battle PT

Over the period of 19 days (29 December 20 – 15 January 21), 1 RGR tested 44,611 individuals across 39,552 vehicles and in so doing ensured that the requirement for a negative Covid test did not interrupt the flow of traffic across the English Channel. The Battalion enjoyed interacting with UK and Foreign Hauliers from Dover to Carlisle, operating in dispersed locations under pressure (both tactically and strategically), whilst managing relations with other agencies and dealing with the winter weather.

preparing to take on the task of Strategic Reserve Force (SRF) for Op ELGIN, the UK contribution to NATO peace support operations in the Western Balkans.

This included a detailed programme of Public Order training and subsequent MRTC validation for all Companies, largely at Rype Village in Lydd, the rapid achievement of a long list of Joint Training Requirements and then full TLFTT and LFTT up to Company Attack delivered by the B Company and the Battalion training teams at Sennybridge in July.

The early months of 2021 also saw the Battalion’s Junior Leadership Cadre delivered for 64 Riflemen initially in Kent and subsequently on Salisbury Plain.

Support Weapons Cadres rapidly followed and prior to Easter Leave the Battalion conducted a short, sharp Collective Training exercise across the Cinque Ports Training Areas: Ex KUKRI WARRIOR.

Every two years NATO tests the ability of Troop Contributing Nations (TCNs) to push forward ‘Over The Horizon Reserves’ (OTHR) at short notice. In 2021 NATO directed the UK to conduct a deployment to Kosovo.

The Battalion then spent much of the summer

The UK contribution to NATO’s OTHR is an Infantry Battalion known as the Strategic Reserve Force (SRF), currently based around 1 RGR. In 2021, 1 RGR

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Public Order training in Kent prior to assuming readiness as the Strategic Reserve Force

deployed 461 personnel to Kosovo for approximately five weeks, training alongside KFOR as well as independently as a Battalion, patrolling the boundary between Serbia and Kosovo, as well exercising on the Babaj Bokes training area.

The start of 1 RGR’s deployment coincided with the collapse of the Afghan government to the Taliban.

The UK and NATO focus was understandably on the NEO playing out in Kabul, resulting in the loss of RAF flights and having to move the Battalion’s weapon systems across Europe by road. Once in theatre, the Battalion was tasked to support Op ALLIED SOLACE to resettle over 800 NATO Affiliated Afghans who had been extracted as part of the NEO. Due to overcrowding, they had to be moved from the Middle East to Kosovo and an as yet unprepared site with minimal notice. Battalion HQ was required to plan and execute two operations concurrently; launching A Coy and the RAP(-) to conduct Op ALLIED SOLACE the morning after they arrived in country, whilst the rest of the Battalion conducted training with KFOR. A (Delhi) Company deployed into Kosovo as the lead element of the main body. Within hours of arrival in country, the company was re-tasked from Op ELGIN to Op ALLIED SOLACE; part of the NATO contribution to assisting NATO-Affiliated Afghans who had evacuated from Kabul. A Company quickly established itself within a vacant site formerly

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utilised to accommodate construction workers and worked to clear the site for the imminent arrival of several hundred ‘guests.’ The guests themselves were men, women and children, some of whom had suffered terrible personal loss during the violence of the evacuation, and others with long-term special needs. The sense of exhaustion, anxiety and trauma amongst these people was palpable, and occasionally spilled out into displays of frustration on arrival. However, uniquely placed within UK defence to reach across the cultural and language divide, A Coy established a strong dialogue with the Afghans, often in Urdu, treating them with a compassion and respect that helped to build a strong rapport.

Working alongside NATO partners, the Company provided camp safety and security, antigen testing

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1 RGR JNCOs during an Interoperability Demonstration with NATO forces in Kosovo

1 RGR prior to Distinguished Visitors’ Day in Kosovo

Company deployed to France on OTX GAULISH 1/21.

This saw C Company train as a Company Group and as part of a French Battlegroup at the Centre d’Entrainment aux action en Zone Urbaine (CENZUB) throughout September 2021. CENZUB trains and validates French combined arms company groups (Sub-Group Tactique Inter-Arme (SGTIA)) in urban operations. The C Company Group exercised under command of 1er Régiment de Chasseurs Parachutistes (1er RCP) and were assessed by CENZUB instructors. The exercise proved to be an exceptionally challenging and rewarding experience and an excellent opportunity to work with and learn from a close ally.

and vaccinations, facilitation of arrivals and onward movement, and the means of data collection that became NATO’s template across wider evacuation sites. As weeks past and immediate needs for sustainment began to make way for wider welfare and entertainment provision, volleyball and football trophies became hotly contested prizes between Gurkhas and Afghans, watched on by cheering Afghan families. It was a rewarding sight for A Coy personnel to bid farewell to departing guests as they boarded the flights to the UK or other destinations, and to have helped launch an effort that continues to be delivered by UK and NATO partners in Kosovo today.

The final few weeks of Autumn saw a period of in camp training and recuperation. This included the recovery of equipment and vehicles from Kosovo, the Champion Company competitions, TLFTT and LFTT concentrations, company level Adventure Training and social activity designed to re-charge the collective batteries following another busy year.

For the first time since the pandemic started, 1 RGR celebrated Dashain in October and the usual spread of Christmas lunches and associated Mess Parties followed in December. It has been marvellous to be able to relax in each other’s company and socialise as a Battalion once again.

Concurrent to the Exercise in Kosovo, C (Mogaung)

Jai 1 RGR!

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JLC 21 at New Hover Jump after final attack

SECOND BATTALION A (Amboor) Company A (Amboor) Company started 2021 by delivering JLC 21, coming together once more after being separated during the deployment on Op CORDED. JLC 21 went exceptionally well, with the CO describing it as ‘the fairest’ he’d seen and a memorable final attack ending at New Hover Jump LP. There were strong performances all-round with JLC Number One going to Rfn Bishal Rai, A Coy and the Rfn choosing Cpl Ajay Tamrakar as best instructor.

In April the company switched fire to support the British Forces Brunei (BFB) community with a jungle

safari and a talent competition. ‘Brunei’s Got Talent’ was an amazing showcase of our exceptionally talented people and a great day for our families, ably organised by CSM WO2 Jitendra Tamang. The winner was Master Sayok Rai (7) with his exceptional performance on the drums. The Jungle Safari was well attended and well received, giving our families a chance to experience the true nature of the Borneo jungle. Special thanks must go to CSgt Praveen Kishor Rai, then CQMS A Coy, for his hard work in delivering this fun and interesting event. In May A (Amboor) Company continued to support our community by putting on the BFB Families Shooting

Commander RBLF meets the firers at the BFB SAAM

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assumed command of the Company from Maj James Marden, who took over as the BFB Chief of Staff, just in time for the Delta variant of Covid-19 to breach Brunei’s successful ‘zero-Covid’ strategy and plunge the country into crisis. Amboor company soldiers were the first to deploy to support the government of Brunei, and within hours of the initial request, In May the company hosted another shooting event: assisting with swab testing and administration the BFB Skill-at-Arms Meet (SAAM). Comprising of six in Kuala Belait hospital and helping establish the National Testing Facility at the BRIDEX International shoots over five days, nine teams from across BFB and the Brunei Defence Force took part. The winning Conference Centre. In what became known as Op team was Sp Coy and the overall best shot was LCpl ICARUS, Amboor Company provided the majority of the BFB response to the crisis, whilst otherwise Amit Gurung, Sp Coy. locked-down in camp and quarters. The company responded outstandingly to the challenge, impressing Outside of our support to Bn training, Defence our hosts with our attitude, discipline, adaptability, Engagement and the BFB community, Amboor and maturity whilst on task and maintaining morale Company continued to support the operational and training via virtual means while in camp. Due to outputs of the battalion and brigade, supporting the Irish Guards with PRT for Ex RATTLESNAKE in the the nature of the taskings, on-the-ground leadership USA and the Royal Irish during their pre-deployment was given to our most junior LCpls and Senior training for Op CORDED, utilising the experience from Rfn, who took the challenges of a dispersed and dislocated C2 environment utterly in their stride. our deployment in 2020.

Day. The event was thoroughly enjoyed by all, with special mention going to Pema Gurung, wife of CSgt Suman Sherpa, CQMS B Coy, who won a hardfought wives’ shoot. Sgt Prakash did a sterling job during what can only have been a nerve-wracking experience as RCO.

With summer leave approaching Maj John Black A Coy soldiers supporting medical staff in Kuala Belait Hospital in the early days of Op ICARUS

Our Dashain and Tihar was conducted virtually, but the company made the most of it, with CSgt Jivan and his team delivering festive food and cheer to muglis and married alike. CSM WO2 Jitendra Tamang led the Bn virtual Tihar, in his capacity as PMC of the WOs’ and Sergeants’ Mess; it was clear, snappy and technologically flawless in execution.

As restrictions finally began to ease in the run up to Christmas leave, A (Amboor) Company turned its attention to returning to field training to prepare our JLC candidates and planning the Battalion Recruit Induction Cadre. Recruit intake 21 arrived in Brunei during winter leave and began their induction under the watchful eye and steady hand of A Coy 2IC Capt Lakh Bahadur Gurung. After completing their introduction to the Complex Tropical Terrain Environment on a very wet and stormy Ex KALI PERTAMA the new arrivals began to practice for their Khassam Khane parade, which saw the garrison finally come together to celebrate their arrival and the return of some form of semblance and normality to BFB.

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Recruit Intake 21 are welcomed at Tuker Lines B (Gallipoli) Company

B (Gallipoli) Company 2021 has been a busy year for B (Gallipoli) Company, which has delivered a huge array of training, operational team building and charitable activities, all within the context of constantly changing Covid restrictions in Brunei. The start of 2021 saw B Company receive and integrate Recruit Intake 20 into 2 RGR with the RI20 Induction Cadre. The package was designed to help the new Rfn adapt to their new lives in 2 RGR and develop all the skills necessary to operate within the jungle environment.

For many of the new intake Ex GALLIPOLI HUTAN was the first time they had been on exercise outside of UK training areas such as Catterick and Otterburn, therefore learning how to live, navigate and fight in the jungle took some getting used to. The induction cadre concluded with the Kasam Khane Parade, and the new intake swore their ‘Oath of Allegiance’ to Her Majesty the Queen before being officially welcomed into 2 RGR. During the year B Company focussed on transitioning from the CCTE to urban environments and conducted multiple exercises across the Brunei training estate

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B Coy conducted pre-JLC for Recruit Intake 19 (RI19)

and Penanjong Urban Village. The Company deployed at full strength on Ex GALLIPOLI TORPEDO to hone their skills at riverine tactics, mounting and dismounting watercraft and conducting camp clearances along the riverbank. B Company subsequently deployed on Ex ANTIM PARIKSHA, a joint FTX with Sp Company, operating as a Company Group with the full array of Sp Company attachments. The exercise included an impromptu, and possibly crocodile infested, swamp march, testing the winch capabilities of 667 Sqn and a complex camp attack against a dynamic and determined enemy. Midway through the year B Company took a break from exercising in the CCTE, and instead conducted joint urban training with the Royal Brunei Land Forces. On Ex HIKMAT BERSATU 6, B Company put this training into practice alongside Bruneian SF, 3rd Bn RBLF, Armoured Personnel Carriers and RBAF Blackhawks during an urban demonstration for His Majesty the Sultan of Brunei.

Strict Covid restrictions in Brunei limited the social time B Company could spend together, particularly in the latter half of the year. The Gallipoli Battle Honour day was celebrated in full and included

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Ex Hikmat Barsatu 6 (HB6) – Urban Ops demonstration for Sultan of Brunei

sending a team to Bandar Seri Begawan to parade as part of the ‘ANZAC Day Dawn Service.’ Dashain 2021 was celebrated virtually by B Company and their families, a different way of celebrating to normal but nonetheless a joyous occasion with much fun and laughter had by all. B Company continued to demonstrate their selfless commitment, conducting multiple charity events over the course of the year.

Events were organised to comply with the Covid restrictions, and B Company found new ways of delivering activities virtually.

Notably the ‘Road to Gallipoli’ consisted of members from across B Company and BFB running, swimming, and cycling the distance from Tuker Lines to Gallipoli – a total of 9,525km. All activities were tracked electronically, enabling all Company members to take part, despite the Covid restrictions. Such charity events were a huge success, and a significant sum was raised for the RGR Trust and GWT.

2021 also saw 2 RGR personnel, including members of B Company, deploy to hospitals and testing centres across Brunei on Op ICARUS in support of the Bruneian Ministry of Health. The ongoing operation involved many members of B Company, who have done an exceptional job whilst Covid testing the local population and supporting our Bruneian partners.

Undoubtedly their cheerful professionalism and selfless commitment has done much to further develop the strategic relationship between the UK and Brunei. As 2021 draws to a close, all hands are set on the preparation for Ex PACIFIC KUKRI, with B Company due to deploy to Australia in February 2022. A great year for B (Champion) Company with the promise of an exciting start to 2022 ahead.

C (Tamandu) Company 2021 was another tumultuous year

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C (Tamandu) Company conduct live firing on Ex TAMANDU WARRIOR

Brunei Land Forces. The Company deployed with supporting elements from Support Company allowing junior commanders a rare chance to plan and consider the use of support weapons. Preceded by a tough insertion through secondary jungle, it proved a fast paced and intense exercise in which the company could demonstrate its excellent urban fighting skills and its comfort in the jungle-to-urban interface. Further exercises followed, the company found itself back in its favourite habitat for Ex TAMANDU FIRST STEP honing its knowledge and C Company’s global reach involved deployments to skills for the more junior members of the Company the US, Kenya and Australia. On Ex RATTLESNAKE ‘Observer Mentors’ gained praise from their American in the jungle. It then returned to the jungle/ urban interface in Ex TAMANDU STREETFIGHTER 2, counterparts. In Kenya, young riflemen delivered impressive outputs performing well above their rank. pushing further to prove itself comfortable in any environment it finds itself in.

C Company members also deployed to Australia to help prepare and support B Company for their Time was also set aside for the C Company family imminent deployment on Ex PACIFIC KUKRI. to spend time together socially. The Tamandu Battle honour was celebrated on 5 March, with a wide C Company began the year with a focus on the assortment of demonstrations, talks and activities Urban Environment, Ex TAMANDU STREETFIGHTER laid on. It was a fantastic time to explore the history utilised the Urban Training Facilities of the Royal across the globe and Brunei did not escape the clutches of the pandemic. Nevertheless C (Tamandu) Company met the challenges head on and found much opportunity amid the limitations. The year saw C Company members conduct and support a huge array of successful activities and exercises across the globe and provide much valued support to the Brunei Ministry of Health in the effort to contain and combat the country’s Covid-19 outbreak.

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Rfn Dinesh Kumar Shahi poses with his counterpart from the Brunei MoH and conducts swab testing on Op ICARUS

of the Company and bring families together to celebrate and reinforce friendships and cohesion.

Further training followed: EX TAMANDU WARRIOR provided the Company the opportunity to conduct live fire progression, and jungle skills were again honed on Ex TAMANDU SAINEEK under the watchful eye of Colonel BG. The latter half of the year saw a change in focus for C Company with the arrival of tough Covid-19 restrictions in Brunei. With Brunei suffering severely from the pressures of the pandemic, C Company helped support the Brunei Ministry of Health.

Working alongside the Brunei government’s health workers staffing a local swab test centre on Op ICARUS, C Company members contributed greatly to Brunei’s fight against the virus and provided a valuable service to the local population. This has proven the Company’s flexibility and our soldiers’ ability to take on different and challenging roles and delivering them successfully.

Undeterred by the strict restrictions, the Company adapted and innovated, using technology to stay connected and maintain a rich training programme.

A highlight was the Bn E-Sports competition which all C Company members took part in and showed a wonderful competitive spirit regardless of the backdrop.

C Company turned its focus to the JLC candidates.

Ex TAMANDU STEP 2 gave the JLC 22 candidates an excellent opportunity to test and adjust their skills which are essential for proving themselves in a very competitive environment. Each candidate took up the challenge and the chance to learn from our vast wealth of knowledge and experience in the Company.

Undoubtedly the highlight of the year was the opportunity for a large portion of the Company to return to Nepal over the winter leave period.

For some C Company members this was the first opportunity they had to return home in three to five years due to the global impact of the pandemic.

This opportunity was truly appreciated and means the soldiers were refreshed and ready to meet the challenges that 2022 might bring.

Support (Imphal) Company From the grasslands and swamps of Louisiana, to the tropics of Papua New Guinea, Support (Imphal) Company has had another busy year of overseas commitments, whilst maintaining its jungle-based expertise in Brunei.

It started with the Support Weapons Cadre, which saw Rfn volunteers from across the battalion train and qualify into their respective platoons. Over this six-week cadre, Mortar Pl and Machine Gun Pl focussed on their capability to provide fire support

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The Mortar platoon and Sniper platoon in action during the exercise

from the deep, including live ranges on all weapon systems. Notably, Mortar Pl conducted live firing using a Heli OP, the first time in nearly 20 years this had been achieved in Brunei. Recce, Sniper and Anti-Tank Pl focussed on their surveillance and intelligence gathering capability, which was tested and assessed during a joint final exercise in the deep jungle. All five platoons showed off their newly taught skill sets, to support one another in an arduous, yet successful, final exercise where trackers led the way for a Recce call sign, whilst Mortars and Machine guns enabled kinetic activity. It started with an arduous swamp march to insert into

parts of the jungle rarely trained in, and for some fortunate members of the Company, gave them a close encounter to the critically endangered Siamese crocodile, proving that no jungle experience is ever the same.

Elsewhere on the cadre, the Pioneer Pl’s dual role of construction and demolitions, whilst also forming the Battalion’s Pipes and Drums, meant their focus was on these assault pioneer tasks and getting to grips with learning a new instrument. For the instructors the cadre gave them a great opportunity to refine and prove their prowess to mentor and instruct,

Support (Imphal Company) Instructors and students in Papua New Guinea

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The British High Commissioner in Papua New Guinea being presented with a kukri

resulting in them being handpicked to deploy on Ex OLGETTA WARRIOR 21. This was a short-term training team deployment to Papua New Guinea to instruct and mentor members of the Pipes and Drums Platoon and Ceremonial Guard Company of The First Battalion, The Royal Pacific Island Regiment. Playing a key role in developing relationships between UK Defence and the PNGDF. At time of writing this article Capt Sangam Rai, 2IC Sp (Imphal) Coy is preparing to deploy as the lead for the Ex OLGETTA WARRIOR 22 team where the focus will be on teaching jungle tactics, leadership, and combat shooting.

During the summer 2021, members of Sp (Imphal) Coy deployed to Fort Polk, Louisiana, USA on Ex RATTLESNAKE to act as range staff and observer mentors for the Irish Guards Battlegroup. Led by Capt Seb Bird, OC Mortars, this task involved working alongside our US allies, sharing best practice and providing feedback to the Irish Guards BG during their exercise. The challenging terrain of “The Box” of the Joint Readiness Training Centre tested exercising troops, and whilst 2 RGR were there to help facilitate training, lessons were learned by all. To reward the hard work over this period, the team embarked on some R&R, visiting some of the local sights which

Sp (Imphal) Company, 2 RGR E-Sports champions

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were even better viewed whilst skydiving in Dallas.

Despite the enforced lockdown caused by the Covid-19 pandemic in Brunei from August until early December, Imphal soldiers continued to find innovative ways to train and maintain their morale.

Virtual quizzes, games nights, and celebrations were welcome distractions from the monotony of life in lockdown. Notably, Sp (Imphal) Company were crowned 2 RGR E-Sports champions in October 21, emerging victorious across a number of the disciplines.

Whilst this year has seen many seniors away on commitments, our junior ranks have also shown the same selfless commitment in Brunei. Whether it is supporting rifle company training, excelling on career courses, or swabbing during Op ICARUS, they should all be proud of living up to and exceeding the standard expected of an Imphal soldier. As the year comes to an end, 2022 looks to bring with it many opportunities which the Company look forward to grasping and exploiting.

CSS (Cassino) Company

course the Cassino Battle Honour celebration on the 16th March with educational presentations to the families about Monte Cassino and Hangman’s Hill.

Opportunities for charity work and raising money were still found this year. Foremost of these were both the charity car wash, organised by Sgt Subodh Thapa Magar, raising over $1,200 for the RGR Regimental Trust in April. In May the Big Lunch Charity event took place under the attentive eye of SSgt Deepak Pun, raising an outstanding B$3,000 for the RGR Regimental Trust. The month of May also saw the successful conduction of the IPRO cadre, organised by the Signals Platoon. Twenty-three members of 2 RGR completed this giving them a far greater understanding and breadth of skills in this area.

Rising cases of Covid-19 caused a national lockdown during the summer which went through varying phases of severity and restrictions. This naturally caused a slowing in the pace of the professional life in the Company. Throughout this period members of the Company deployed on Op ICARUS to support the Brunei Ministry of Health, carrying out all roles from testing to driving support all over the country. After a short period of build-up training and familiarisation, they were ready and conducted themselves to a high standard furthering the name of the Company and gaining high praise from the local authorities.

2021 was a challenging year for all in Brunei. The ever-present Covid-19, although obviously very much under control in 2 RGR, has limited some of the opportunities for the Company. However, against all the odds, a highly productive, exciting and rewarding year has been had by all with every opportunity being Defence engagement with Brunei was not limited to Op ICARUS this year and with the country coming fully grasped whenever they arose! tentatively out of lockdown in November, life began to return to normal. In November, members of the We start in January and after the arrival and Company conducted the Quad Bike Operator Course, induction of RI 20. Signals Platoon very effectively ran and completed the IBRU Cadre qualifying all new for the Royal Brunei Armed Forces. This qualified 8 members of the RBAF in the applied use of Quads Riflemen in the use of platoon radio systems. This as well as furthering our ability to work together in kick started the Company back into daily routine the future. after a much-needed period of leave. February saw 20 members of the Company away on AT on Ex UKALI ORALI, a two-day package organised by CSgt Keshar In December the Company took some well-deserved leave. Many members of the Company took the Thapa Magar in the Temburong Area, capitalising opportunity to return to Nepal or the UK. 2022 is on the natural surroundings we find ourselves already set to be a busy year with the Company with in Brunei. March saw plenty of opportunity preparing to deploy to Papua New Guinea on an STTT, for celebration involving the families with the UWO Australia on Ex PACIFIC KUKRI, support taskings to organising a ladies’ recreational visit to BSB and of

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Infantry Platoon Radio Operator (IPRO) Cadre, Final Exercise British Forces Brunei Ladies Hike

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Cassino Day

Kenya, as well as JLC and Support Weapons Cadres.

Then the main event of 2022 will be the preparations for the unit move to Shorncliffe and the high tempo of life in 16 Air Assault Brigade. After a varied and unconventional year in Brunei, the Company is greatly looking forward to the opportunities the next year will bring.

Battalion to produce soldiers for the Nigerian Brigade Strike Force (BSF). The team delivered a Basic Operators’ Course and an Advanced Operators’ Course which saw a progressive development of fieldcraft, first aid, navigation and offensive actions.

In addition to the tactical delivery, Rfn Parag organised a charity run to raise funds for local school children which saw a fantastic opportunity to G (Coriano) Company – 4 RANGER Battalion 2021 was an expansive year for G (Coriano) Company, hand out the proceeds and demonstrate the broader value of British support in Eastern Nigeria. the newest addition to 4 RANGER Battalion, with 40 days in the Belizean jungle, honing their CCTE Across the continent in Baidoa, Somalia, Team 2 tactics in readiness for the rather less vegetated worked to enhance the Somali National Army’s challenges of Somalia, Nigeria and Mozambique.

Upon return in early March, the Company dispersed capability to takeover security from AMISOM forces.

The team created the 60 Sector Training Wing and on their operational commitments, with Team 2 honed SNA Instructors’ skills, enabling them to lead first out to Somalia closely followed by Team 3 on training delivery. Despite many frustrations their Project STINGER in Nigeria with others deploying as enthusiasm never wavered, and they implemented widely as Northern Ireland, Poole, the USA, Zambia various positive initiatives, including individual and Mozambique. student reporting, instructor evaluation metrics and preparations for concurrent training courses.

The STINGER Team deployed in support of 1 RANGER

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Above: Cpl Bilam Limbu talks tactics with the Nigerian Commanders Below: Cpl Prashanta Chaulagain on the march with the Nigerian Partner Force

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Capt Jimee Narawaj receives praise for a job well done from the SNA Commander

Team 4 replaced Team 2 in August and continued the positive trajectory. Despite various unplanned pauses in training, Team 4 have continued to embrace the challenges, currently delivering concurrent courses, essentially doubling the output of UK STAT, providing enhanced value for money for HMG and greater support to the SNA in South West State.

OC G Company followed by Team Comd 2, scoped new opportunities across East Africa as the 6 (UK) Div LO. The centre of gravity remains in Kenya, although planning is underway for future support to Mozambique and possible developments in Uganda and Tanzania. At the same time, CSgt Tej Limbu led a small group augmenting a 2 RANGER team establishing a new task in Mozambique, training the Army Practical School in Manhica, concluding with a train the trainer package and meeting the Mozambiquan Minister of Defence to discuss further UK military support to the armed forces which will be delivered from early 2022.

After a manic operational cycle, G Company relished the opportunity to recharge over Christmas and return refreshed in adapting to the requirements of special operations capable forces. G (Coriano) Company, hands over its tasks to F (Falklands) Company, 2 RANGER Battalion and is confident that our Gurkha Ranger brethren will continue the good work.

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F (Falklands) Company – 2 RANGER Battalion LCpl Pramesh Gurung reports: Nominated candidates from different RGR cap badges from Brunei and UK gathered at Aldershot to form up as a new Specialised Infantry Company on 15 March 21 as a part of the new 3 RGR battalion.

From 28 March – 09 April 21, all personnel attended the Specialised Infantry Cadre (SIC) and went through different stages that tested our physical and mental resilience, military knowledge, and our understanding of current affairs. This included geopolitical world affairs, conventional and unconventional warfare.

After the Army’s Integrated Review was published, 3 RGR was not formed, so we were integrated into 2 PWRR after successfully completing the SIC. The Company completed Ex FALKLANDS HUNTER to develop team and company level SOPs prior to our deployment to Kenya for Ex ASKARI SPEAR from JuneJuly 21. During Ex ASKARI SPEAR, Falklands Company was tested in various conceptual and tactical areas and performed outstandingly throughout. We had an opportunity to learn many Spec Inf procedures and skills and returned with a strong validation prior to the upcoming ops cycle.

After all the hard work we had a fantastic threeweek summer leave period. In September 21, a Families Day was organised in Keogh Barracks

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Falklands Company celebrating Falklands Battle Honour Day, 14 June 2021

to create a stronger working platform and team bonding within the new Falklands Company and 2 PWRR. Falklands Company explained the British Army Gurkhas selection process and ran a survival lane to demonstrate to families how separated personnel survive in the jungle, an area of Gurkha expertise. We are honoured to be part of 2 PWRR and proud to be part of the new Army Special Operations Brigade (ASOB) alongside our British counterparts.

hours running through a planning process with the goal of briefing the ASOB Comd, Brigadier Gus Fair, on completion. The Brigadier and his staff were very impressed with Falklands Company, congratulating the Company for such a strong performance.

After forming up as a new company, our formation parade was conducted on 18 November 2021 at Robertson House, Sandhurst. Maj General Strickland took the salute. The Company performed Gurkha light Later in September, as part of the training cycle, we drill for the parade and were officially established as Falklands Company with HQ Brigade of Gurkhas conducted Ex GREY SHARD, a mandatory planning exercise to validate us for the Ops cycle. We spent 48 in support.

Officer Commanding Falklands Company, 2 RANGER conducting a fighting withdrawal with his Coy TAC on Ex ASKARI SPEAR, Kenya

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THE GURKHA WELFARE TRUST

hroughout the year Covid-19 continued to impact much of our work, both delivering aid in Nepal and fundraising in the UK. Nevertheless, by adapting and persevering the team were able to achieve tremendous success – culminating in vital support for thousands of Gurkha veterans and their families across Nepal.

Covid-19 IN NEPAL By the end of the Nepali financial year (June 21), Nepal had reported 640,000 Covid cases and over 9,100 fatalities.

vaccinated, most only once, though at time of writing, this figure is growing.

How we helped: OUR MOBILE SUPPORT TEAMS

As the crisis intensified, our team doubled their efforts to get out to the homes of vulnerable Gurkha veterans and widows to deliver essential medication, finances and check-ups. Thanks to special dispensation from the Government of Nepal, we were able to continue our vital work even through regional and national lockdowns. The team undertook 8,150 home visits over the course of the year. Without our intervention these are people who would be totally isolated.

Sadly, there were 72 reported deaths attributable to Covid among our Gurkha veterans and widows. On top of that, over 300 of them reported to us that they had contracted the virus, although we suspect this £500K WORTH OF MEDICAL KIT figure is under-reported. Of our 22,000 registered Incredibly, during the year an anonymous donor beneficiaries, we believe only around 5,000 have been sourced and donated over £500,000 worth of vital

Rfn Sherbahadur Gurung 1/2 GR being treated at home by a GWT mobile health practitioner

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medical equipment. As a result of this generosity, our team were able to distribute 227 oxygen concentrators, 1,810 oximeters and 13,555 sets of PPE to 73 hospitals and health facilities in urgent need across Nepal.

THE COVID INTERVENTION PROGRAMME

With funding support from the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, and in close collaboration with authorities in Nepal, our Rural Water and Sanitation Programme team conducted a Covid Intervention Programme. In all, 369 sites were provided with Covid relief support with either handwash stations, sanitation equipment and advocacy or with PPE. The programme reached across six provinces and helped 208,675 beneficiaries in health facilities, quarantine and isolation centres and at other Government and frontline institutions and agencies, together with some social organisations which cater for the vulnerable.

OUR NEW CHAIRMAN: LIEUTENANT GENERAL RICHARD WARDLAW OBE

On 2 November 2020, Lieutenant General Richard Wardlaw OBE (ex QGE) became the Chairman of The Gurkha Welfare Trust, taking over from Lieutenant General Sir Nick Pope, KCB, CBE. Commenting on his new role, General Wardlaw said:

“A defining feature of Gurkha service is the extraordinary commitment our soldiers provide in the service of our Nation. For many, this is a life-long relationship which continues as veterans, long after they have retired from the Army. It is for this reason that I am clear we should all place the greatest importance on through life support for our Gurkha community. As Colonel Commandant and Chairman of The Gurkha Welfare Trust I am uniquely well placed to lead this ambition and look forward to serving you all in this vital endeavour.“ DOKO CHALLENGE 2021

In the UK, we were delighted to be able to hold our first public fundraising event since the Covid-19

GWT Mobile Pensioner Support Team on task

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Widow Deukumari Chhetri receiving one of the GWT 4,000 thermos flasks

pandemic and resulting lockdowns. On 6 June over 120 participants attended Wimbledon Common to take on the mighty Doko Challenge 2021.

in recognition of both his and his wife’s efforts.

Margaret sadly passed away in August. Together the couple have raised way in excess of £100k for the Trust.

Based on the traditional Gurkha Recruitment Doko Chief Executive of The Gurkha Welfare Trust, Al race in Nepal, the challenge saw participants run Howard, commented on the news: 5km of difficult terrain, carrying a traditional Doko basket weighing either 5kg, 10kg or 15kg with a time to beat of 46 minutes. The event was a huge success “This is thoroughly deserved. Rob and Margaret’s with 100% of participants finishing the course, the tireless efforts have left a lasting legacy in Nepal leader in an incredible 21:18. and changed the lives of many.”

TRUST SUPPORTER ROB CROSSS AWARDED AN MBE

PARTNERSHIP WITH BREMONT WATCHES

In January we were delighted to report that longstanding Trust supporter, Major Rob Cross, was appointed MBE in the New Year’s Honours for his services to Gurkha veterans. As the former Chairman of the North Midlands branch of The Gurkha Welfare Trust, Rob, alongside his late wife Margaret, has been a huge supporter of our work for almost 25 years.

In February we partnered with luxury British watch brand Bremont to create an exclusive and limited-edition Gurkha Welfare Trust timepiece for supporters. Based on the Broadsword Bronze timepieces, part of their Armed Forces Collection, the elegant piece features subtle crossed kukris on the face and The Gurkha Welfare Trust logo etched on the back. The partnership continues to raise vital funds for our work.

Rob very much sees the MBE as a joint award

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OUR YEAR IN STATS SUPPORTING IMPOVERISHED GURKHAS

We deliver a package of care to Gurkha veterans and widows to ensure they can live with dignity. Our Pensioner Support Teams journey into the hills of Nepal on motorbikes, in 4x4 vehicles and on-foot to pay them a pension, check their health and deliver medication in their own homes.

FINANCIAL AID

We pay a pension to thousands of impoverished Gurkha veterans or widows in Nepal who aren’t eligible to receive a British Army pension. The rate is calculated each year using a ‘shopping basket’ of basic goods such as rice, vegetables and firewood.

For the majority, this is their only source of income.

This year there were 4,119 Welfare Pensioners in receipt of a pension from us of NPR 12,600 per month as well as 232 recipients of our Disability Support Grant.

WINTER FUEL ALLOWANCE

Winters in Nepal can be bitterly cold, with the temperatures often plummeting to a chilly sub-zero.

We help Gurkha veterans and widows prepare with a Winter Allowance.

In the past we have distributed blankets, warm jackets and hats. This year, thermal flasks were requested by many. A hot drink (that stays hot) during the winter months is a luxury that many of them haven’t had since their Army days.

The flasks hold 1.8 litres of liquid and are made of double wall stainless steel. They’re insulated, durable and will keep their drinks warm for hours.

Almost 4,000 Gurkha veterans and widows received our Winter Allowance this year as an annual gift on top of the monthly financial aid delivered by us to them thanks to donations from the British public.

Grateful pupils on completion of the Malawardevi School project

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MEDICAL AID

CLEAN WATER AND SANITATION

We provide an international standard of healthcare and medication to all Gurkha veterans and their families living in Nepal. We do this through our regional medical clinics, via home visits by specialist staff and by arranging subsidised treatment at carefully selected national hospitals.

Our water projects bring clean water and sanitation to remote communities in Nepal. We install individual tap stands and toilets to households and schools.

By ensuring a safe water source and providing a comprehensive education programme on the importance of sanitation we see sharp drops in water-borne diseases such as dysentery.

During the year, we made 5,635 home visits for medicine delivery, 2,515 visits for medical treatment, dealt with 2,359 emergency calls and made 56,000 telephone consultations and issued 59,000 prescriptions.

The team were able to complete 30 water projects last year which benefitted 6,285 beneficiaries across 1,184 households. In addition, we finally received confirmation of FCDO funding for a new five-year contract until 2026.

MEDICAL CAMPS

We were also able to conduct two Medical Camps in Tehrathum and Dolpa, which treated over 800 patients. We continued to offer cataract surgeries, hearing-aid and eye treatments and the provision of prosthetics and mobility aids. Sadly, dental treatments had to be suspended due to the higher risk of infection. Two other planned Medical Camps had to be cancelled at the request of the local health authorities due to the state of the pandemic in their local areas.

RESIDENTIAL HOMES

Our two Residential Homes provide round-the-clock care to Gurkha veterans and widows who would otherwise struggle to live alone. With no comparable facility in Nepal, they set the standard of care for the elderly. In addition, they also host our new and flourishing rehab facilities with spare bed spaces being allocated for respite care or the rehabilitation of beneficiaries that require further intervention from our specialist Rehab Nurses.

SCHOOL PROJECTS

Our schools’ programme builds, repairs and improves schools in remote regions of Nepal and in turn provides access to education and a better future for Nepali children. This year we completed three Major schools, 11 Minor School Extensions and 54 school refurbishments.

EARTHQUAKE-RESILIENT HOMES

It’s not if another earthquake hits Nepal, it’s when.

We are taking pre-emptive action by building earthquake-resilient homes for Gurkha veterans and widows.

During the year, we rebuilt over 100 new homes for pensioners and pro-actively provided hardship grants to repair or improve homes, build toilets or provide essential household items or services.

Adam Bentham

This year there were 33 permanent residents across the two homes.

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THE GURKHA MUSEUM

hen I last wrote for the Journal, we were still in the middle of a lockdown that was not, in fact, lifted for the cultural sector until the middle of May. I am delighted to say, though, that the Plan B measures reimposed in the light of Covid’s omicron variant had very little impact on us and now, in March 22, we can reasonably hope that the challenges of the Covid pandemic are behind us (we have the threat of all-out war in Europe to worry about, instead!) We emerged from the pandemic in good shape. With cautious financial management, helpful grant support and donation income having held up well, the Museum has survived the challenge, leveraged opportunities and now faces the future energized and confident.

The lifting of lockdown on 27 May 2021 saw a rapid return to ‘in person’ events, with attendance figures very quickly restored to pre-pandemic levels. Gordon Corrigan has given us a series of wide-ranging ‘Armchair Battlefield Tours’. John McKinley, Ray Pett and Bob Couldrey gave us two excellent performances of their ‘Slim Sahib’ lecture

at the museum, followed by a London edition in the beautiful surrounds of Clothworkers Hall and an online version is now available on our website.

General Barny White-Spunner gave a lecture based on Partition, his very thorough examination of the issues surrounding India’s Independence (an online version is ‘in the can’ for release later this year). And a team of mountaineering legends, Mike Kefford, Adrian Hayes and Andrew Todd (who presented via Zoom from Brunei) provided a fabulous trio of evening lectures with a bhat supper. The success of that evening lecture format emboldened us to try again at the beginning of 2022, when we offered ‘Burns Night with a Nepalese Twist’ celebrating the historic links between Gurkhas and Highlanders.

It was a roaring success and a great occasion on which to launch our Harkbir 1899 Single Malt Whisky (available from the museum shop and online).

Key to continued engagement with our current audiences and the growth of new ones has been the development of our online presence. A refreshed website gave us the right platform firstly for a more effective online shop, which preserved our trading

The ‘Slim Sahib’ Lectures

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The Opening of the Khelkud and Chaddi Exhibition

income through lockdowns, but just as importantly allowed the development of greater online activity.

Our ‘Gharma Sunnu‘ digital programme has launched and offers online lectures, exhibitions and podcasts.

More are currently in production and I am delighted to report that our work in this area, which is quite new to us, resulted in our receiving the Winchester Business Excellence Award for Digital Innovation in 2021 and (hot off the press) the 2022 award for Digital Income from the Association of Cultural Enterprises.

2021’s Summer Exhibition, Khelkud and Chaddi, a celebration of Gurkha Sporting Achievement, was also presented online after the physical exhibition closed, attracting a very pleasing level of engagement from Nepal. Just to be a little different and show our support for the business community we participated in Winchester Fashion Week with an exhibition of new menswear designs based on a fusion of traditional Nepalese dress and military uniforms.

While developing our digital offer, we have not ignored the physical. The McDonald Gallery has undergone a much-needed upgrade, including a repaint (courtesy of QGE), new conservationstandard blinds, the re-hanging of pictures so that a potted 200-year history is told around the room,

and new blue-tooth controlled LED lighting. QGE also helped us bring the Museum’s story of Gurkha service up to date with the installation of a mock-up sangar to bring to life new panels explaining the part each cap badge of the Brigade has played in the most recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. This was further enhanced by some very impressive setdressing by a team from HQBG.

Acquisitions Donations and purchase of new artefacts and papers for the Museum continue at a steady rate.

Notably, we were gifted interesting papers relating to Lieutenant (later Brigadier General) John Adam Tytler, the first officer serving with a Gurkha unit to be awarded the Victoria Cross. These included the congratulatory telegram from the Governor General.

An online exhibition about this is on our website, including an interview with the descendant who made the donation. Our stand-out purchase in the last year was the Military Medal set of Captain (QGO) Ramprasad Pun MM. We also purchased a significant part of the collection of the late Mike Barrett at a generous discount provided for in his will.

Visitors and Engagement Since reopening, visitor numbers are largely on par, indeed slightly above, what we were seeing

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The QGE Afghan sangar

in 2019 (the last ‘normal’ year). When we add to this the very significant numbers who are viewing online exhibitions or attending virtual lectures, we are now experiencing a substantial (to the tune of 450%) increase in overall engagement and recent exhibitions have seen a noticeable broadening in both our geographic and demographic reach. At the younger end of the Museum audience, over school holidays we have run very well-received children’s activity days, including medal making and curry tasting.

daughter of a Gurkha (who himself worked at the Museum), she is an ideal fit.

Retail

Last year’s new line, Paltane, Gin of the Gurkhas, has proved especially popular. Our first order sold out in a week. Our Whisky – Harkbir 1899, is also selling (and slipping down!) rather well.

Looking Ahead

Much of what has been done over the last year has been laying the groundwork for future development.

The Museum is now more than 30 years old and Staff The team has been augmented by two new positions: many things, not least the Brigade, the Army, Nepal and what visitors expect of a modern Museum, have Brad Hall joined us in July as Digital Officer and changed. In September 2021 we took the milestone has already stamped his mark on our social media step of commissioning an Interpretive Plan – a high output; and in September we employed Anga Tamang as Retail, Events and Admin Assistant. As the level concept study for how the future museum might look – from top museum design consultancy Ralph Appelbaum Associates. Their work has included the Holocaust Museum in Washington DC and the new Second World War galleries for the IWM. This was presented to us in January 2022 and we are beginning a series of briefings and consultations on it. Concurrently, we are about to submit our formal bid for National Heritage Lottery Fund support. While we might hope for fewer external challenges in 2022, it will be anything but a quiet year.

The Museum Gin Daren Bowyer

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6 GR REGIMENTAL ASSOCIATION NEPAL

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ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING SATURDAY 20 MARCH 2021

he Annual General Meeting (AGM) of 6 Gurkha Rifles Regimental Association Nepal was held at Gurkha Haven, Pokhara, on Saturday 20 March 2021.

There were 20 members physically present, including most of the Central Committee members and the legal advisor, well within the legal limit of 25. Four more members were in attendance online via ‘Zoom’.

The online participants were Major Lalitchandra Dewan MBE (Editor), Captain Padambahadur Gurung (Chairman sub-branch Kathmandu), Major Gangabahadur Gurung (member) in Kathmandu and from the UK, Major Chandra Bahadur Gurung MVO (Vice Chairman). He had been up since 3:30 am UK time eagerly waiting for the meeting to commence.

The Chairmen of the Chitwan and Butwal subbranches had also been invited to join online but were unable to do so.

After the initial teething problems with ‘Zoom’ the

AGM officially commenced at 10:20 am with the Chief Guest, Major Gyanbahadur Gurung, lighting the traditional ‘Paanas Batti’ followed by observance of a minute’s silence in memory of all members who had passed away over the year. We had lost 71 members in the previous year; most due to old age and ill health but, sadly, some had succumbed to coronavirus in Nepal, Hong Kong and in the UK. Most notable amongst the recently departed were Major Birkharaj Gurung MBE, Captain Kamalbahadur Gurung and Captain Jitbahadur Thapa. All stalwarts of the Regiment.

The AGM, the 25th since the formation of 6 GR RAN and in accordance with 6 GR ‘Kaida’, was held on the third Saturday in the month of March. With the coronavirus pandemic still gripping the country, it was a very much a constrained affair as had been our activities the previous year. Various ‘get – together events’ that had been planned to get our

Members attending the AGM

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The Secretary, Chairman and Advisor

members together, in other parts of the country, namely Kathmandu, Butwal and Chitwan, sadly had to be cancelled. However, to fully comply with legal requirements pertaining to ‘associations’ in Nepal, the AGM went ahead even with these restrictions and limited attendance. With the exception of Chairman Butwal sub-branch, all in attendance were Pokhara residents.

of articles from Nepal in the future. It was also suggested that a number of copies be sent to Nepal for local distribution. If our proposal was approved, an initial supply of 60 copies was to be requested.

Postscript Chairman 6 GR Regimental Association UK kindly approved our request and articles submitted from Nepal were published in Journal No. 101 of 2021. In Of the many items discussed at the AGM, it was order to reduce the cost of postage from the UK, mentioned that although the UK 6 GR Regimental the Journal was sent online in electronic format Association produces a Regimental Journal annually, and 60 copies were locally printed in Kathmandu. there had been no official 6 GR publication/magazine More may be printed in the future to cater for greater numbers. produced locally since the 6 GR Durbar in 2017.

This is mainly due to a lack of official Regimental Association organized activities taking place and, The Secretary, in the absence of Major Gopalbahadur most importantly, due to a lack of articles being Gurung MBE, Nepal Project Coordinator, briefed submitted by members (It must be noted that the the meeting on the progress of the 6 GR Memorial UK Journal is packed with articles from the members Project. The design of the memorial and inscriptions thereon had been discussed over a long period themselves). In order to mitigate this, it was suggested that the Editor approach 6 GR Regimental and finally agreed upon by both the UK and Nepal teams. A prominent site, on the right side of the main Association UK and request for the allocation entrance to the Gurkha Memorial Museum (GMM), of some space in the Journal for the publication

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with the ongoing pandemic and large number of members unable to attend, the Chairman had earlier written to all ‘Advisors’ soliciting their views and suggestions. Major Gyanbahadur Gurung had also discussed the matter with the Advisors and its legal implications with the Senior Advocate, Mr. Krishnabahadur Gurung, our legal advisor. Thus, with unanimous agreement and advice from all Advisors, he announced the extension of tenure of the current committee members for another year, until the next AGM in March 2022. The legal advisor stated this was the best option under the present circumstances.

He added this was also the case with many Nepali organizations facing similar situations.

The members attending ‘online’

Pokhara, has already been allocated by the GMM committee. A Nepali sculptor has been identified who, if commissioned for the task, will produce the memorial in his factory in Kathmandu and transport it to Pokhara for installation. Production of the sculpture in country should reduce the cost of the memorial.

The AGM concluded around 12:10 pm with the announcement that the next AGM and election of new committee members would be held on Saturday 19 March 2022 in Pokhara. After which all members headed for some refreshments, gaph saph and a delicious ‘curry lunch’ on self-paying basis before heading back home praying the next AGM would be convened under ‘normal’ conditions and with more members attending from other parts of the country as well.

Jai 6th Gurkhas!

Lalit Dewan

Postscript It is envisaged that the proposed 6 GR Memorial will be completed in Kathmandu by October 2022, and then transported and installed at the Gurkha Museum, in Pokhara. The provisional date for the completion and installation of the Memorial at GMM is 1 November 2022. The date for unveiling ceremony will be confirmed in due course.

Another important matter discussed at the AGM was the tenure of the Central Committee members.

The current members had been elected at the Committee Meeting in March 2018. According to the law of the land, committee members can serve for only three years at the most. However,

Curry lunch before heading home

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6 GRRA Nepal Central Committee members standing on the exact location where the 6 GR Memorial is to be sited, Gurkha Museum, Pokhara

GURKHA MUSEUM VISIT

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23 March 2021

he Chairman, Gurkha Memorial Museum Pokhara, Major Yambahadur Gurung BEM, invited central committee members of 6 GRRA Nepal to the museum to view some video tape footage that had been donated by Lieutenant Colonel Collett, the last 6 GR officer to command the Regiment prior to amalgamation. On arrival, the Chairman welcomed the group and after a short brief and a quick guided tour, we all sat down to watch the video. It was an interesting video that had been skillfully edited and assembled under the guidance of Mr. Guy Wilson, former Chairman of Gurkha Museum, an expert on these matters. The first half was a condensed history of the Regiment from its time in Malaya to Hong Kong, followed by the regiment’s daily activities in Brunei prior to amalgamation and the formation

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of the 1st Battalion Royal Gurkha Rifles in July 1994.

Following this, Lieutenant Purnabahadur Gurung, the Secretary, briefed the group and took them to where the 6 GR Memorial would be installed sometime in late 2022. Major Yambahadur Gurung suggested that it would be advisable to have the memorial made of malleable material for ease of repair in case of damage. He added, repairing items made of hard material would be difficult and expensive. Before leaving the GMM, we thanked the Chairman for his kind invitation and hosting us that day.

Jai 6th Gurkhas!

Lalitbahadur Gurung

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THE “SLIM SAHIB” PRESENTATIONS

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3 June – 8 November 2021

t finally happened! After so many postponements due to Covid restrictions, the much-awaited presentation on ‘Slim Sahib’ finally took place at the Gurkha Museum on Friday 3 June.

It had of course been planned for 2020 to link with the Journal and to recognise that it was 100 years since Captain William Slim had joined 1/6 GR, but

it was more than worth the wait. Much had been written about Slim, but little about his very formative years as an officer in the Gurkhas of the British Indian Army and it was intended to try to fill this gap. What made it even more special was that we had nine members of Field Marshal Slim’s family attending, including his daughter, five grandchildren and a great grandson, also called Bill.

The Presenters: Bob Couldrey, John Mackinlay and Ray Pett in Clothworkers Hall

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The presentation aimed to show that Slim was a Gurkha, above all a 6th Gurkha, and that being a Gurkha and an Indian Army officer gave him a crucially important understanding and ability to communicate that he used to restore the morale of the all but defeated army in Burma in 1943.

John Mackinlay described how Slim met 1/6 GR during the August 1915 attack on Sari Bair and described his early life as a 1/6 GR Battalion officer on the North West Frontier. Bob Couldrey, from 7 GR, covered Slim’s service as a staff officer, his command of 2/7 GR and his early experience as an Indian Army field commander. Ray Pett summarised Slim’s achievements as the Army Commander during the Burma campaign, highlighting the relevance of his service in India, so often ignored by academics, and demonstrating how he used it to inspire the British Indian Army units under his command. It was an outstanding presentation; so much in-depth research and so professionally presented in the lovely Macdonald Room at the Museum.

Given the demand, there was a second presentation at the Gurkha Museum later in June which also received rave reviews and then the team spent a day at Windsor turning the lecture into a zoom presentation for the ‘Gharma Sunnu’ series of the Gurkha Museum.

On 2 November ‘Slim Sahib’ was presented live at the Queens Own Gurkha Logistic Regiment Officers Mess at Aldershot to a very hospitable audience which included many Gurkha Officers. Giles Sugdon, the CO of 10 QOGLR, concluded the event by highlighting Slim’s emphasis throughout his campaign in Burma on the crucial importance of logistics.

The Slim presentation team made their final pitch on 8 November at the Clothworkers Hall, a magnificent venue in central London in a superbly gilded room with a painted ceiling. There was a big audience and a strong representation from all the Gurkha Regiments as well as the Slim family who valiantly came to support the event once again.

What a wonderful way to restart our Association life after Covid! Our most sincere thanks to John, Bob and Ray for putting so much time and effort into their research and preparation and producing an outstanding and important presentation, to the Slim Family for their wonderful support, and to the Gurkha Museum for managing the ever changing administration.

Jai Sixth!

Duncan Briggs

FIELD MARSHAL ‘BILL’ SLIM PORTRAIT PRESENTATIONS

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4 June and 18 November 2021

Rifles (RGR) to have a copy made of the full-length portrait that used to hang in the 6 GR British Officers Mess and is now the property of RGR. At the same time, we received a plea from the RGR Regimental Secretary for something to grace the Officers Mess of the nascent 3rd Battalion of RGR, officially reformed on 6 January 2020. We considered making a second copy until John Mackinlay pointed out that a smaller portrait, encompassing only the Head and Shoulders, In the event, and with technical advice from John Mackinlay, I got permission from Colonel Royal Gurkha would make a far better picture. We managed to get arly last year, while several of us were tracking down a ‘rogue’ portrait of Field Marshal Bill Slim, the Gurkha Museum Director expressed an interest in having a proper portrait of the greatest warrior and leader that our Brigade had ever produced. We should have thought of it earlier!

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President and Chairman 6 GRRA unveil the Slim Portrait in front of Major General Gez Strickland DSO MBE

both pictures produced and framed, with Duncan and Brigade’s Headquarters, Robertson House, (the old I funding the one for the Museum and the Regimental Staff College) in Sandhurst. The Slim portrait was carried onto the square covered by a 6 GR flag and Trust funding that for 3 RGR. then unveiled by the President and Chairman and presented to Colonel RGR, Maj Gen Gez Strickland On 4 June 2021, after a magnificent presentation DSO MBE, and the Falkland Company Commander, at the Gurkha Museum about the Field Marshal by Major A Genillard. It was very well received and a John Mackinlay, Bob Couldrey (7 GR) and Ray Pett, moment of huge pride – and some nostalgia – for all and in the presence of the ten members of the Slim Family, the large portrait was presented to the of us from 6 GR. Museum, where it was unveiled by the Field Marshal’s Our Regimental Association was represented by daughter, The Hon Una Rowcliffe. It now hangs in a prominent position in the Macdonald gallery, as befits Duncan Briggs, John Mackinlay, Brian O’Bree and the man. The day concluded with a delicious bhat and myself. A group from the 7 GR Regimental Association was a wonderful occasion, made extra special by the were also present at the parade, led by their new Chairman, Mike Kefford, to formalise the link to the presence of so many of the Slim family.

7 GR Falklands battle honour.

After several false starts brought upon by Covid It was a very happy occasion, extremely well restrictions, we were eventually able to present organised, with some lovely group photographs the smaller portrait to 3 RGR on 18 November 2021. taken on the steps in the Robertson House garden Sadly, as a result of further Army manpower cuts, and we were assured that the portrait would provide only two companies have been formed and they inspiration to this generation and many generations will be part of one of the new Ranger Battalions, to come. rather than a re-formed battalion for RGR. The formation parade for this second Company, Falklands John Anderson Company, was appropriately held outside our

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ACT OF REMEMBRANCE THE NATIONAL MEMORIAL ARBORETUM

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11 November 2021

nder the auspices of the GWT North Midlands Branch Chairman, Lt Colonel Don Pease-Macaulay, and his team, including the Gurkha Veterans Standard Bearer, Captain Bhimbahadur Saru, we gathered in the atrium of the Arboretum Visitor Centre. In all, around 50 members of the Gurkha Associations, supporters of the GWT, as well as a contingent of QG Signals including a piper, attended. A number of didi bahiniharu added a splash of colour to the rather overcast, inclement weather.

After a coffee or two and a good gaph, we were marshalled onto Heroes’ Square. At 11:35, processing behind the piper and the standards of the Brigade of Gurkhas Veterans Association (BGVA) and the North West Branch of BGVA, 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 citation before the two-minute silence. Wreaths were then laid by Association representatives as well as GSPSRA, GWT

The Gurkha standard bearers in front of the chautara

and the Malaya Veterans. The formal ceremony was concluded by John Anderson leading us in the Prayer for the Gurkha.

This event occurs annually. Do come along to this very moving event: we hope to have a better turnout from 6 GRRA this year on Saturday 12 November 2022.

Attendees outside the National Arboretum Visitor Centre

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David Bredin

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REMEMBERANCE DAY POKHARA

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11 November 2021

n the last few years, it has become a tradition for us to assemble at our de facto 6 GR Regimental Association headquarters, the Gurkha Haven Hotel in Pardi, Pokhara, for almost all Regimental events and functions. This year as in the previous years, members of 6 GR RAN gathered there on Thursday 11 November 2021 to observe and pay their respects to those who perished in the last two World Wars and subsequent conflicts. Normally, this event is held on the Sunday nearest to the 11th, but with BGN in Kathmandu and BGP in Pokhara conducting the function on this date, we too decided to hold it on the very same day.

culminated with the observance of a two-minute silence before the members headed to the bar for a drink and some gaph saph, followed by a delicious curry lunch before heading home.

With the prevalence of coronavirus and the absence of members from outside areas, there were only 16 members from Pokhara present. Just before 11 am, this group, maintaining strict Covid protocols and wearing face masks, formed up in a U-shaped formation, facing the dais that had been set up with the portrait photos of Captain Michael Allmand VC and Honorary Lieutenant Tulbahadur Pun VC. At the appointed time, the ceremony commenced with the Secretary, Lieutenant Purnabahadur Gurung, reading out the significance of ‘Remembrance Day’ followed by the Chairman, Captain Bhuwansing Gurung, laying a wreath on behalf of all members. The other members followed stepping forward and laying flowers on the dais and their salutation. The function

Needless to say, 6 GR RAN would like to thank Major Gyanbahadur Gurung Sahib, the proprietor, for his continued support in allowing us the use of the Gurkha Haven Hotel premises and facilities for our Regimental activities. The bar area, resembling an Officers’ Mess in 6 GR ‘back in those good old days’ brings back very fond and poignant memories of our proud past. Thank you also to the Chairman 6 GR RAN and the committee members for organizing the event and bringing us together to commemorate our fallen brothers.

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Although the day was observed in a solemn and formal manner, the gathering of old friends, albeit in much reduced number due to the ongoing Covid pandemic, was very much enjoyed by all. It is only on such occasions that many are able to meet with old friends and catch up on their experiences and renew the camaraderie that was and is the hallmark of 6th Gurkha Rifles.

Jai 6th Gurkhas!

Lalitbahadur Gurung

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GURKHA BRIGADE DINNER

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11 November 2021

here has been much talk in recent years of memories and memorials, and in the hope that this is not too much of an addition to that theme, it is worth remembering that the GBA Dinner in November at the Army and Navy Club has, over the years, provided a different, and very convivial, type of “remembrance.” The event offers an opportunity for former colleagues from all Gurkha Regiments and Corps to meet over drinks and dinner; an opportunity to catch up on the past, and to reflect on the future, possibly even to vent some spleen on the conduct of our political ‘masters’! In November 2021, 6 GRRA managed to put together a table of 10, photographed above, many of whom are regular attendees; regrettably the number of ex-6th Gurkhas who come to the dinner has not increased for several years, and as time marches on, there will inevitably come a time when those numbers start to decrease as age begins to catch up with the more mature of the regulars.

The evening starts with a briefing before dinner by HQBG, the Gurkha Museum and the Gurkha Welfare Trust, which provides a unique insight into how the Brigade is faring, its activities, plans and recruitment, as well as the preservation of our heritage and the care of our former Nepalese brothers in arms and their families. The briefing is perhaps the only time that many of us are able to learn so much of the health of the Brigade in general, enabling one to put into context some of “news” one reads, or hears from the Media.

I hope that our attendance at the dinner will not decline, and that those who have not yet been to one will consider spending an evening with friends and colleagues old and new at this very enjoyable evening – it’s a great night out just once a year!

Mike Channing

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REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY CENOTAPH PARADE 14 November 2021

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here was a good turnout from the Brigade, and from 6 GR with some 10 of us formed up. It fell to David Hayes, Chairman of the GBA, to get us into formation and to lead us off the square at around 10.45 am. We marched

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quite passably onto Whitehall and halted next to a large screen on which we could see the ceremony at the Cenotaph itself. After the 11.00 am silence and the service, the columns started to march off one by one and finally we were off again. The march went well,

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The 6 GRRA contingent on Horse Guards

with a lot of applause from the crowds for our group.

His Royal Highness Prince William took the salute as we turned the corner back onto Horse Guards Parade.

Having fallen out and taken team photos, we made our way to a youth centre near Queen Anne’s Gate

where the GBA had laid on bhat and beer. It was wellorganised and a great way to end the march. A big shabash to GBA for the organisation and to those from 6 GRRA who turned up.

Jeremy Toyne

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ANNUAL BOOK OF REMEMBRANCE SERVICE Winchester Cathedral

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20 November 2021

total of 40 Association members attended the annual Book of Remembrance Service at Winchester Cathedral this year, taken as usual by Canon Brian Rees. This was a great relief following the Association’s inability to meet at all in 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic. This year the group photograph of attendees was taken in front of the cathedral instead of in front of the statue of remembrance.

The cathedral was closed to visitors during the short service. Colonel Bob Richardson-Aitken read the lesson. This was followed by Jack Furtado turning the page in the Book of Remembrance and reading the names of the fallen: this year Officers from the campaign in Mesopotamia in 1916/17. There was then a minute’s silence before the piper – Corporal Bhiraj Rai, QOGLR – played the traditional lament. Lieutenant Colonel Rodney Corbett laid the 6 GR wreath. After the Blessing Canon Brian Rees sent us on our way with the exhortation to enjoy lunch. We filed back up the steps to the Gurkha Museum in the dank November mizzle.

There was an earnest hour of AGM to get through first before we joined the ladies in the Room for a curry lunch.

This year there were a number of guests, including Major Charlie Russel, 1 RGR, and his wife, as well as Peter Williams, the designer of The Journal. As always, the Gurkha Museum laid on an impressive bhat accompanied by Gurkha beer served in 6 GR silver goblets. Corporal Bhiraj paraded

around the tables whilst playing a stirring rendition of ‘Black Bear’ that had everyone tapping on the table in accompaniment.

We drank the traditional toasts to Her Majesty The Queen, the people of Nepal, and to the Regiment. Our Chairman gave a short speech, welcoming our guests and thanking everyone for attending. Then it was time to travel home along darkening motorways, our Regiment remembered.

Rick Beven Corporal Bhiraj Rai QOGLR plays the lament in Winchester Cathedral

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Children greeting the Committee members

6 GR RAN VISIT TO SHREE KALIKA SECONDARY SCHOOL TIPLYANG

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20 December 2021

hree Kalika Secondary School, a government run school, located in Tiplyang village in Myagdi District has been partially supported by 6 GR Regimental Association since 2013.

Annually a cash grant is given to the Headmaster when he comes to Pokhara. The fund is for him to help in the running of the school. The main reason for 6 GR RA targeting this particular school for assistance is because, the late Hon Lieutenant Tulbahadur Pun VC was from Tiplyang and it is also his final resting place. There is also a memorial building there honouring the local hero.

The school was established in 1981 and has classes

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up to Class 10 with 96 students and a staff of 13 teachers. Of these, five teachers are sponsored by Hands Together UK – a non-government organization (NGO). The school has excellent infrastructure constructed with funds donated by Ms. Joanna Lumley and Hands Together organization UK and Australia. Each sponsor shared half of the construction costs. The Trustees include the two nieces of the late Captain Michael Allmand VC, Anne Rose and Elizabeth Allmand.

In order to see how the funds were being utilized and meet the school staff, primarily the Headmaster and teachers, three 6 GR RAN committee members,

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Committee Members with school staff and children

Captain Bhuwansing Gurung (Chairman), Lieutenant Purnabahadur Gurung (Secretary) and Major Lalitbahadur Gurung (Advisor) visited the school on 20 December 2021. The aim of the visit was also to identify areas where we could be of assistance in future. As expected, the funds had been used wisely benefiting all the students in their educational curriculum. For the future, we suggested to the Headmaster to consider instituting a system by which the top three students in each class are rewarded for their individual achievements either by a small cash award or with educational materials.

We also asked the Headmaster to consider awarding financial assistance to bright students from very poor backgrounds and also to students with consistent regular attendance and students with good overall discipline. The Headmaster assured us that he would discuss our suggestions with other staff members and come up with a plan once cleared with the School Management Board.

6 GR RAN Members pay their respects to Honorary Lieutenant Tulbahadur Pun VC

To conclude our visit, the Chairman presented the Headmaster, Mr. Deoraj Garbuja Pun, a sum of Rs 80,000 (equivalent to GB £500) as our annual contribution. Before leaving, we visited the final resting place of Honorary Lieutenant Tulbahadur Pun VC Sahib to pay our respects by laying a flower garland and observing a minute’s silence. We then made our way back to Pokhara.

POSTCRIPT:

Since the visit, the 6 GR Regimental Trustees have agreed to pay the annual grant direct to the Hands Together Tiplyang Project with the proviso that the funds be restricted to grants to the Tiplyang School and for the benefit of the students therein only.

Jai 6th Gurkhas!

Lalit Dewan

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CUTTACK SHOOT AND DINNER NIGHT Stanford Hall

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13-15 January 2022

t had been two years since the last Cuttack gathering at Stanford Hall and once again, we were enormously privileged to be there – thank you Nick Fothergill. It was a brilliant occasion, starting on Thursday night with a curry supper and ending replete on Saturday morning after a good day in the field and a glittering dinner night on Friday.

The numbers were high, reflecting the mood for a party. There were devotees, new faces, young and old, shooters and lounge lizards. Many had travelled

a long way to be there. The shoot was high quality.

It started in thick mist that eventually burned off to reveal the beauty of the Stanford Estate. The dinner night ebbed and flowed between the library and the stunningly beautiful ball room. We were entertained by a Piper from 250 Signal Squadron, Queen’s Gurkha Signals and of course by Dai on the piano. It was a vintage year.

Jeremy Brade

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Dai on the piano

The Cuttack Dinner Night

Jonny, Jules, Alex, Kate and Jeremy Denning

Duncan with Jake Austin, 10 GR

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Jeremy, Jonny and Jules

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The Shoot assembles

Jules and Caroline

Tommo shares a joke

Coffee in the Library at Stanford Hall

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FAMILY AND EVENTS

DIARY OF EVENTS 6 GRRA DIARY OF EVENTS – 2022

Commonwealth Memorial Gate Service, London RGR Reunion and Army v Navy Rugby, Twickenham

14 March 30 April

6 GRRA Committee Meeting, Oriental Club

6 May

Cuttack Lunch, Oriental Club

6 May

GBA Memorial Service and Lunch, RMAS

4 June

Falklands Islands 40th Anniversary, NMA.

14 June

GBA Bhela, Nepal Cup Final, All Ranks Reunion & Sounding Retreat, Aldershot

9 July

6 GR All Ranks Reunion, Samuel Cody College, Farnborough

10 September

GBA Golf, Weybrook Park Golf Club, Basingstoke

15 September

6 GRRA Trustees Meeting, Gurkha Museum.

27 October

Field of Remembrance Service, Westminster Abbey

10 November

Gurkha Statue Service, Horse Guards

10 November

GBA AGM and Dinner, Army & Navy Club

10 November

NMA Gurkha Chautara Memorial Service

12 November

Remembrance Day Parade, Cenotaph

13 November TBC

Unveiling of the 6 GR Memorial, Pokhara 6 GRRA Annual Reunion and AGM, Gurkha Museum, following Book of Remembrance Service, Winchester Cathedral

19 November

Cuttack Lunch, Oriental Club.

(TBC) December

6 GR Shoot

(TBC) January 23

* Some event dates have yet to be confirmed and others may change because of the uncertainty caused by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

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OBITUARIES 6 GRRA DEATHS AND OBITUARIES With great sadness the Association notes the deaths of the following members since the last issue of The Journal.

GURUNG

Birkharaj, Major (QGO) MBE, who died on 10 March 2021.

GURUNG

Jaibahadur, Major (QGO) MVO MBE who died on 26 April 2021.

HODGETTS

Ted, Lt Colonel MBE, who died in April 2021.

MOODIE

Mrs Margaret MBE, widow of Captain A W D Moodie 4/6 GR, who died on 22 October 2020.

PHILLIPS

John, who died on 8 March 2021.

SIMONS

David, who died on 23 October 2020.

THAPA

Piarelal, Major MBE, who died on 4 April 2021.

UNDERHILL

Tim, Lt Colonel, who died on 29 January 2022.

BIRKHARAJ GURUNG MBE According to his records, Birkharaj was born in 1931 in his native village in Lamjung and enlisted in the Brigade of Gurkhas in October 1948. He served in 2/6 GR through most of the Malayan Emergency, when he was selected as batman to the Major General Brigade of Gurkhas, and then served throughout the Borneo Campaign. In Borneo, as a Lieutenant (QGO), he was a platoon commander in B Company commanded by Vyvyan Robinson and involved in a number of cross border raids; the so called Claret Operations. That Robinson was prepared to leave Birkharaj in command of his firebase and support team on an early operation as he led a small group for a cross border ambush is testament to his confidence in Birkharaj. A number of cross border raids followed in true Vyvyan Robinson style with Birkharaj in the thick of things. I understand that Birkharaj was awarded a Mention in Despatches which he refused to accept. After Borneo, Birkharaj had a number of other appointments in 2/6 GR including OC Recce and 2IC Support Company and then became 2IC A Company in the amalgamated battalion where I first met him. A powerful father figure, respected by all, but quietly spoken, efficient,

effective, always helpful and always with that wonderful smile. As a young officer, he was for me the epitome of everything that a senior Gurkha Officer should be; someone to look up to; to respect and to learn from.

From 6 GR he moved to the Training Depot before being selected as Gurkha Major of our camp in Paklihawa in 1977. He found a very difficult situation with many irregularities. Together with John Cross, the Officer Commanding and Deputy Recruiting Officer (DRO), they managed with considerable difficulty and risk to themselves to put things right.

His very well-deserved MBE was presented to him by the Queen in London. He was very involved in the relocation of the Paklihawa facilities to the new camp in Pokhara in 1979 and finally retired on 27 November 1979; 31 years of outstanding, courageous and exemplary service.

After retirement Birkharaj joined the recruiting team at British Gurkha Camp Pokhara in 1982 as an Area Recruiting Officer (ARO) and then Senior Area Recruiting Officer (SARO) until 1985. He was an absolute stalwart, trekking long distances with the DRO, managing the very busy four recruiting

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Bhirkharaj Gurung receiving the 6 GR Inter Company Swimming Cup for A Company, 1971

periods each year and making sure that things were properly done to his high standards. His strength of character showed once again when he sorted out the supporters of a visiting Chinese Foreign Minister who invaded the camp in Pokhara. Similarly, he was the man to deal with Nepalese bureaucracy and recalcitrant local bank managers.

JAIBAHADUR GURUNG MVO MBE

According to his records Jaibahadur was born on 19 October 1939 in his village of Ghandruk, and joined the Brigade Of Gurkhas in October 1956. He was posted to 1/6 GR and initially saw service in Malaya and then served through the whole of Confrontation in Borneo. As a young man he was a fine athlete, After 1985 he remained very active, supporting representing the battalion in a number of brigade various social organisations and took on the competitions. He rose quickly through the ranks in chairmanship of RARA Noodles that had been started 1/6 GR and later in the amalgamated battalion.

by Major Purnabahadur Gurung some years before.

Sadly, he was devastated by the premature death By 1977, he was 2IC B Company to Gordon Corrigan of his wife in 2017 but kept going until 10 March on the border in Hong Kong in the initial wave of 2021 when he died peacefully at the age of 90 at his Illegal immigrants before the battalion moved to home at Milan Tole Pokhara. We send our sincere UK. Once in UK with all its challenges, his strong, condolences to his two sons and five daughters. quiet unflappable personality shone through and Jaibahadur really had an opportunity to show his Duncan Briggs extraordinary abilities. First as Demo Company

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was an outstanding Gurkha Major in every way and went on to be Gurkha Major of the Training Depot until his retirement in 1988; 32 years of outstanding and distinguished service. He really was a most wonderful man, robust, straightforward, not afraid to say what he thought and what he thought was almost always correct. He was also very modest by nature, trying very hard to make sure that the four Silver Jubilee medals that B Company received went to the soldiers rather than himself.

After retirement, Jaibahadur joined the Gurkha Reserve Unit in Brunei where again he was appointed as Gurkha Major and after which he served in the Sultan’s Private Security Group. He finally returned to his home in Pokhara where he actively supported various charities and social works. He died at home on 26 April 2021 at the age of 82. He is survived by his widow Rupkumari and two children plus his two brothers Gopichandra, ex-6 GR, and Jagan, ex-2 GR. We offer our deep condolences to all of them.

Duncan Briggs

Major (QGO) Jaibahadur Gurung MVO MBE

at Sandhurst, then street lining at Temple Bar for the Queen’s Silver Jubilee, the Queen’s visit of 1978, then onto the running of Bisley. Finally, a warning order to deploy to Belize allowed only 24 hours to handover the whole organisation before organising the company to fly into Belize for an operational tour to counter the threats from Guatemala. Gordon describes Jaibahadur as “extremely intelligent, quick on the uptake, straight as a die and an unfailing source of good advice.” All of us privileged to have known him would agree wholeheartedly and probably add that the package came with that wonderful disarming smile.

Jaibahadur was selected to be a Queen’s Gurkha Orderly Officer in 1981 and then, like his father Dhanbar in 2/6 GR before him, became the Gurkha Major of 6 GR in 1982. This was initially in Hong Kong and then in Brunei, a post that he held until 1984. He

TED HODGETTS MBE It was with great sadness, that we learnt of Ted Hodgetts’ death in early April 2021. Our sincere condolences go to wife, Enid, son, Tony and to daughter Julie.

What a character was Ted Hodgetts! A wonderful asset to the Battalion, he was a Green Howard thoroughbred and as a newly arrived Quartermaster, he was much admired and loved by all those who were privileged to serve under and with him. It’s not an easy thing to arrive in a Gurkha Regiment, not only unable to converse in the language of the soldiers but also, in a totally different environment from what he would have been used to in his service to date. He took it, however, with ease, winning the real respect of the soldiers in very short order; this was predominantly attributable to his good Yorkshire sense of humour, a robust but fair and thoroughly professional attitude, and a willingness to roll his sleeves up and get stuck in with the soldiers in all aspects of their lives.

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He took to the evening sports activities with great gusto and many will recall playing against him in games of basketball, with Ted charging up the court with Gurkhas skittled over in his wake, the spectators laughing uproariously at “Hodgett Saheb”… followed by the sharing of many beers, tipan tapan and aludam afterwards…

Enid, his wife, and Julie were also great additions to the social life of the battalion and, guest nights in the officers’ Mess were traditionally marked by the loudest of laughter to be heard from the Hodgett end of the dining table. It is a matter of regret that contact with Ted faded following his departure from the Battalion but, rest assured, he remains in many of our memories as one of the regimental favourites of Gurkhas and British officers alike.

JOHN PHILLIPS Having made his ‘100 not out’ in September the previous year, very sadly John died on 8 March 2021.

It was just a few short weeks after the huge shock to the family of the sudden and unexpected death on 24 January 2021 of Sally, his devoted wife of 54 years.

On page 5 of last year’s Journal there is a wonderful picture of John taken on his 100th birthday proudly showing his card from Her Majesty. On behalf of the Association, our President Brigadier John, also sent a card.

John Poynder Phillips, the son of an Australian father and English mother, was born on 16 September 1920 in Sydney. His father, a rubber planter in Malaya, arranged for his wife Ruth to have her baby in Australia where medical facilities were better.

Mark Harman and George Lys When John was seven he was sent to a preparatory school in Sussex and then on to Stowe School in Buckinghamshire.

After finishing school John chose a career in law and had started studying the subject at Cambridge University for a year when the war intervened in 1939 and John and several of his friends decided to enlist.

After basic training, aged 21, John joined 1/6th GR at Kakul near Abbottabad in September 1941 and served with it until June 1946. From February 1942 the Battalion became part of 64 Indian Infantry Brigade in 19th Indian Division. The Division trained for two and a half years and John said that they must have been the best trained division in India though were very frustrated not to see any action. Their chance came in October 1944. They joined Slim’s 14th Army and were involved in some of the heaviest fighting in the re-taking of Burma. After crossing the Chindwin River in November, in John’s own words “Then started three weeks of hard marching, covering some 350 miles in pursuit of the enemy, while on air supply” and “On 5 January 1945 the Battalion at last caught up with the Japanese some miles north of Shwebo and suffered our first casualties.”

Enid, Ted and Julie Hodgetts

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In the nine months to August 1945 the Battalion

FAMILY AND EVENTS

studies in law, John settled in North Devon where he was articled to a firm of solicitors until he qualified.

He practised law in Barnstaple for more than 50 years with the same firm. At work John met his wife, Sally, and they married in 1966. They had two children, Ruth and Andrew.

Cricket was one of John’s early passions. He was a regular member of the 1st XI during his final three years at Stowe, often opening both the batting and the bowling. Nearly 50 years later, his son Andrew followed his father into the Stowe 1st XI. John first appears in North Devon CC scorebooks in 1949 and was soon a regular member of their 1st XI. He was also a playing member of the Devon Dumplings and the MCC. As a member of the MCC, John is one of a select few in the cricketing world to have watched England Test match victories over Australia at Lords in 1934 and in 2009. He became president of North Devon CC in 1986 and was very active within the club until the last few years.

Cricket wasn’t John’s only sporting enthusiasm. He enjoyed skiing and was an excellent golfer; he won the Devon amateur title in 1948 and played golf lost four BOs, three GOs and 125 GORs killed with a further 318 officers and other ranks wounded – half for Devon for 15 years, captaining the county golf team in 1955 and 1960. Devon won the South West their strength and half the British Officers. Initially Championship under his captaincy. He was president John was Adjutant to Lt Col ‘Sailor’ Dykes. During of the South West Counties Golf Association in 1974. the battle for Mandalay in March 1945, the Battalion Second-in-Command Christopher Budgen was killed. John had strong ties to the Royal North Devon Golf Club for more than 70 years as a committee member, OC D Company, Pat Patterson, took his place and John was promoted Major to take over as D Company later chairman and president and the organiser of Commander. On May 26th, in the fighting in the Kalaw the club’s centenary celebrations in 1964. John was made an honorary member of the club more than 30 area, John was wounded by enemy shellfire which years ago in recognition of his work there. killed two soldiers close to him and wounded four more. By the time he was fit enough to rejoin the Battalion in August, Japan had surrendered. Until he John’s admiration for the Gurkhas stayed with him returned to England to be demobbed, John remained throughout his life. In 2006, at the age of 86, John took his wife Sally and their two grown-up children with 1/6th, firstly when they re-occupied Mandalay Ruth and Andrew to Burma to revisit key places from after hostilities and then on return to Abbottabad. his wartime experiences.

John’s father died in Japanese captivity during One of John’s great sadness’s was the loss of his father the war, but his mother survived and returned Maurice during the war. When the Japanese invaded to England.

Singapore his father, a 56 year old civilian, managed to board one of the last ships to leave. The ship was Instead of returning to Cambridge to resume his John Phillips in Abbottabad at end of the war in 1945

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bombed and sunk. Having survived several hours in the sea and then several days in a lifeboat they were picked up by the Japanese and taken to a prisoner of war camp in Indonesia. After the war ended, John and his mother, who had returned to England before the arrival of the Japanese, did not know whether Maurice was still alive or not. John travelled to Singapore to make enquiries. His worst fears were confirmed when he discovered that his father had died of beri beri due to malnutrition in the camp.

On 20 March 2015, we were greatly honoured to have John, Sally, Ruth and Andrew join us at our Association’s reception at the Mercer’s Hall in London to commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the Battle of Mandalay. It was a remarkable achievement for John who had commanded a company at Mandalay to be with us, fit and well, 75 years on. Two years later we visited John and Sally at their home in Instow, Bideford, to present John with the Association’s 200th Anniversary badge and commemorative brochure. Aged 97, John still cut a perfect figure in his Regimental blazer and tie.

John’s funeral was held at St Mary’s Church, Bideford, on 31 March 2021. Covid restricted attendance to just family and one or two close friends. Our Chairman, Duncan Briggs, represented the Association. With the help of Mani Rai, a piper was found as well as a kukri, Gurkha hat and 6 GRRA wreath for John’s coffin.

Piper Nirmal carried a 6 GR pipe banner including the names of two battles, Mandalay and Fort Dufferin, John had been involved in. Being the joint managing director of a television production company, Ruth cleverly arranged for the funeral service to be live streamed, allowing many friends, unable to be present, to participate at home. Duncan spoke about John’s time with 1/6th in Burma during the war and Ruth and Andrew gave a very moving joint eulogy.

John achieved and gave so much in his long and active life. He will be sorely missed by all who loved and knew him. The loss of both such loving parents within weeks must have been particularly difficult for Ruth and Andrew and their families, to whom we offer our deepest sympathy.

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The last 6th Gurkha British Officer from WW2 and our only centenarian in living memory – we salute you!

Brian O’Bree

DAVID SIMONS David was born in February 1939. On completing his education at Felsted School, where he excelled as a tennis player, playing Junior Wimbledon for three years and winning the Boys Singles Title at the Public Schools Boys Tournament played at the Queen’s Club in 1957, he was called up to do National Service, during which he decided to make the Army his professional career and took a regular commission. He was posted to the Second Battalion in 1959, joining the Battalion in Ipoh, Malaya, in the last months of the Malayan Emergency. Regimental life in those few peaceful years between the end of the Emergency and Confrontation in Borneo was a unique and memorable period during which David, in common with all British Officers, enjoyed the close bonds that developed between Officers and the Gurkhas – be it in training and on exercises or, more particularly, in the afternoon playing sports with the soldiers. “Apres Sport” over a bottle or so of Tiger beer with them invariably followed.

In 1961, David was posted as MTO to the Training Depot Brigade of Gurkhas in Sungei Patani, Northern Malaya, for a year at the end of which, in 1962, he took long leave in the UK. On return from leave, David rejoined the Battalion, then in Hong Kong. In June 1963 the Battalion was flown to Brunei where it was deployed during the Brunei Revolt. Shortly afterwards, in the following August, it was on one of the earliest actions against an incursion from Indonesia, that his close friend Hugh Wallace – who had joined at much the same time as David in 1959 – was killed in the Sarawak jungle. This was a loss which David continued to feel for a long time, recalling it many years later in a tribute to Hugh at the time of the presentation of the Elizabeth Cross to Hugh’s sister, Diana.

By 1964 David had taken over as Adjutant – no surprise to those who knew him as he possessed

FAMILY AND EVENTS

concern among a number of Officers as to their career prospects, which they felt had become diminished by the proposed cuts. In common with several of those Officers, David decided to retire from the Army on the completion of his tour in 1969.

He remained in command of A Company throughout the Battalion’s move from Seria to Kluang in Malaysia at the end of 1966, and for the subsequent two years, at the end of which he left on long leave and to undergo a resettlement course before leaving the Army. I believe he felt that his period as OC A Company was the pinnacle of his Army service – he was in turn a popular Officer much loved by his men, and those of them who remain, here or in Nepal, will be saddened to hear of his death.

Back in England David lived, initially, near the family business which he managed for some time before selling it, becoming actively interested in the financial markets.

David Simons

David joined the Regimental Association and was for a time a member of its Committee; he was also a Trustee of the Regimental Trusts, where his financial acumen was put to good use as Chairman of the Investment sub-committee, responsible for overseeing the brokers then handling the Trusts’ funds.

However, by 1992 he was beginning to suffer from a long-term blood disease which increasingly sapped his energy, and he decided to retire as a Trustee.

In later years David lived with his partner, Wizzie Whorlow, in a beautiful old mill house in Somerset, and later on in Bath, where he shared many more happy years with Wizzie and the wider family. There was also a much-loved home in Bargemon, in the Alpes-Maritimes, France, to which he, and his wider family, would escape for summer sun and all else that French provincial village life has to offer.

a meticulous eye for detail! In September 1964 the entire Battalion completed its move to Seria, in Brunei, where it was to stay until the end of 1966 on operations during Confrontation, defending the newly created State of Malaysia against aggression

by Indonesia. With all the bachelor Officers involved on operational activities at the several jungle bases, David recalled living a somewhat lonely life in splendid isolation in the BO’s Mess, then the Summer Palace of the Sultan of Brunei, looked after by a small army of 14 Mess staff, with little else to do in his ‘down time’ but to study the stock market as reported in the flimsy airmail copies of the newspapers. Life eventually looked up when new blood joined the Battalion with the arrival of a couple In August 2020, David’s health took a significant of young officers from Sandhurst. In 1965 David handed over the Adjutancy to Evan Powell-Jones and turn for the worse, and he spent a short time in hospital; a month or so after his return home, he was was given command of A Company. diagnosed with a terminal lymphoma on the brain and he rapidly declined in strength and in the ability During the closing years of the 1960s the UK to communicate with or relate to those around him.

Government decided to reduce the size of the David died at home on 23 October 2020.

Brigade of Gurkhas, and this gave rise to some

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His many friends and former colleagues will sorely miss him. He leaves a large hole in his wider family to whom I offer our deepest sympathy in their loss.

Mike Channing

PIARELAL THAPA MBE Major Piarelal Thapa MBE passed away peacefully on 4 April 2021 at Mediciti Hospital in Lalitpur, Kathmandu, surrounded by family. He was born on 6 October 1932 and enlisted in the Brigade of Gurkhas on 6 February 1951 at the British Camp, Lehra, as a clerk. He held various clerical appointments and was commissioned to the rank of Lieutenant (QGO) in 1970. In 1978 he was promoted to Major (QGO) and appointed Head Clerk Record Office Brigade of Gurkhas from where he retired on 10 January 1985 after 34 years of loyal service to the Crown. In 1984, he was honoured for his long and dedicated service with the award of an MBE that was presented to him

by Her Majesty the Queen at Buckingham Palace, a very proud and momentous moment for his family and him.

During his service he served in Malaya, Singapore, Hong Kong and the United Kingdom.

After his retirement he took up the appointment of Executive Officer in British Gurkha Transit Camp, Kathmandu from 1985 to 1989. From 1990 to 1995 he worked with HMG/USAID Irrigation Management Project as the Administrative Officer.

Major Piarelal Thapa was a keen hockey player and often officiated in high level games. Unknown to many he was also a qualified Unit Physical Training Instructor (PTI). In retirement, he continued to play golf, winning many awards including the ‘Super Senior Golf Championship.’

Major Piarelal Thapa MBE

TIM UNDERHILL Tim Underhill Tim Underhill died peacefully in his home on Alderney with his family around him on 29 January 2022. He had been suffering from heart problems for some years and in the last few months his health had been deteriorating leading to frequent hospital visits. He was buried in Alderney on 7 February during a lovely, simple family graveside ceremony attended by all the family, with beautiful winter sunshine and to the sound of the pipe music that Tim had wanted.

Tim was born in Secunderabad on 21 April 1946 when his father was part of HQ 43rd Gurkha Lorried Brigade.

After Indian Independence the family moved to He is survived by his loving wife, one son and Germany and then to Malaya, where Tim started his two daughters. first school, the Uplands School on Penang Hill. Fairly soon though he was packed off to UK to prep school, Lalit Dewan with the inevitable holidays with Aunts and Uncles who he remained very close to. Tim moved on to Wellington

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College where he decided on a military career and was a cadet at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst from 1964 to 1966. After choosing the Gurkhas, he formed a strong friendship with the other three cadets destined for the Gurkhas, including Graham Hornel, and they enjoyed many budget dinners in Camberley town centre. Graham remembers an amusing, very friendly and gracious young man, definitely to be called Tim despite his initials of PAT. He was posted to 10th Gurkhas in Penang and enjoyed life there before being sent to Dharan in East Nepal as the Recruiting Officer, finally bringing the recruits to Calcutta and then on the LSL Sir Galahad to Penang and the Depot at Sungai Petani. Here, he supervised recruit training and met Denis Lewis who had brought the recruits from west Nepal. Denis remembers a young Tim as good company, great fun, proud of his Sunbeam Alpine sports car and most generous in organising weekends away with 10 GR in Penang.

Tim transferred to 6 GR in 1972, when we were in Brunei and with his high octane Mini 1275GT commanded D Company. He was that old school, regimental officer, dedicated to his soldiers, always doing his best for them and being highly respected by them. I particularly remember his frequent deep chuckle, almost a growl, and his kind, measured approach to problems plus his fascination with gadgets. He was able to steer his Company Officer, a recently arrived Jon Titley, in his gentle but firm way, leading to a lifetime’s friendship. Please read Jon’s wonderful eulogy on the 6 GR Association Website at https://www.6thgurkhas.org.

Tim Underhill

extremely busy and demanding. It was a period of some stability however, with Tim and Liz being welcoming and generous hosts in their quarter and sons Philip and Alexander being born in 1976 and 1978 respectively.

In 1980, Tim was posted to a staff job in Northern Ireland; a difficult and violent time, including the hunger strike in the Maze Prison and frequent mortar bombings. Liz had many anxious times as Tim had to travel around the province, essentially unprotected. There were also happy times however, Tim took long leave back to UK in 1974 and met Liz, as Melissa was born in May 1981. At the end of the who it turned out had lived in Malaya in the 1950s tour, their move back to the Far East was delayed by at the same time as Tim. The Sandhurst June Ball was enough to convince her of his calibre and three an unaccompanied tour in the Falklands for Tim, but finally it was back to the Depot as Recruit Company weeks later they were engaged, despite a condition Commander which lasted until 1986. As always, Tim of marriage being that he shave off his moustache. and Liz were most gracious in their welcome to those They were married in the lovely Garrison Chapel in Woolwich on 4 January 1975 with an exotic honeymoon from the Battalion visiting Hong Kong from Brunei. A tour as Station Commander Hannover ensued which in Tenerife before returning to 6 GR in Hong Kong. though far from Northern Ireland was still under A posting to the Training Depot, by now in Sek Kong, frequent threat from the IRA. Tim and Liz even had as Adjutant/Rebuild Officer followed, which was

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was time to retire and, while they were considering various options, Jon Titley suggested a trip to South Africa where he was based. Tim and Liz loved it and within three weeks, with Jon’s help, had bought a lovely Cape Cod house in Knysna, a beautiful town in the middle of the Garden Route on the Southern Finally, Tim and Liz made a welcome return to 6 GR Coast. They brought their seven rescued animals in Hong Kong in 1989 and Tim did a most wonderful job as OC Headquarters Company during the post UK from Bahrain and spent a very happy 12 years in tour for the Battalion; never an easy time. He was his Knysna, where Denis Lewis found them relaxed and very retired and Tim and Jon enjoyed many a beer old self, incredibly conscientious, responsible for a huge company, but always prepared to make time for and braai. anyone and provide help and advice, drawing on his deep knowledge of Gurkhas and regimental life. Neil For health reasons Tim and Liz decided to move Stevens as Adjutant really valued his innate ability to Tim’s family home on Alderney, but much to his to offer wise council and maintain perspective when frustration his heart condition deteriorated rapidly dealing with the latest problem that Neil did not want and he was unable to maintain the active life that he to bother the CO with. The advice came usually over a aspired to. cup of tea and a wadge of khaini. Their final posting was to Kathmandu where Tim was OC Transit British I am sure that we will all remember Tim as a loyal, Gurkhas. Despite the civil unrest they enjoyed the generous, conscientious man, the epitome of the tour, with Tim taking the children on adventures into solid, caring regimental officer who always puts the mountains and the game parks of Chitwan. Tim his soldiers first and is the backbone of all good and Liz however, were at the forefront of looking after infantry regiments. He was slow to anger, never bereaved foreign families after two major air crashes had a bad word to say of anyone, always put others in Kathmandu. Visitors at this time included Princess before himself and provided wise council when Diana, with Tim showing her around the Transit Camp. asked. Tim’s love of gadgets; his Omega watch, the various interesting cars etc. belied a serious Tim retired from the Army in 1994 as a Major, and interest in science and technology. In 1980, Tim and after a short and financially stressful period working Liz were living in the bungalows in Sek Kong and we as a Retired Officer, took up a post with the Ministry were neighbours. I distinctly remember Tim buying of the Interior in Bahrain as an Intelligence Officer in a personal computer; a small Acorn, I think, and he the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. It was an interesting explained to me “computers really were the future”, but very demanding job, but well suited to Tim’s how many things you could do with them and how precise and methodical approach. A colleague important they would become in our lives. I felt described it as solving two or three jigsaws that distinctly embarrassed in later years at my blasé had been thrown in the air, when one considered reaction and response that it was just another, but the different factions and groups involved. Slowly rather useless, gadget. however, he was able to organise all the pieces and played a major role in resolving a significant problem Tim was always devoted to Liz and his family and we for the Bahraini authorities. Tim and Liz were really send our deepest condolences to them. They will enjoying their time in Bahrain, Tim regularly sailing surely miss Tim as we all will, but we will all have their modest yacht and Liz busy with sport and those happy memories of a wonderful colleague, quilting. However, a timely medical highlighted a friend, husband and father, who lived a full and significant heart problem for Tim which resulted in interesting life and was true to the end. a very serious quadruple heart bypass operation.

Although this was successful, Tim decided that it Duncan Briggs an attempt on their house, which was thankfully sorted by the ferocious barking of Anna their trusty Black Labrador. The posting did however provide an opportunity for welcome travel in Europe.

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Painting of a Mughal Garden, like the Bagh-e Barbur in Kabul

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THE BAMIYAN BUDDHAS Afghanistan, 1965

I

n 1965 a 26-year-old Jack Furtado travelled overland from London to Afghanistan in a Land Rover with three Honourable Artillery Company friends. These are his diary entries of his visit to the Bamiyan Buddhas and the Band-e-Amir lakes.

Monday 13 Sep: Bamiyan is overlooked by the two largest Buddhas in the world, carved out in the mountainside, which is also riddled with caves. The view from the hotel in the morning was awesome with the sun on the mountainside. We drove up to the smaller of the two Buddhas, 115’ from head to toe. I managed to haul myself up into a little passage which climbed up & up inside the face of the mountain. I eventually got right to the top & a little hole led me right on top of the Buddha’s head, much to the interest of others below! All the way up there were little rooms carved out, all fascinating. A complete network of caves in this mountain & we could have spent hours investigating them all. Above the Buddha’s head were remains of paintings, but these together with both Buddhas were badly desecrated by Genghis Khan, so that neither Buddha had a face & their arms were also mauled badly. Both date back to between the 1st & 6th century AD. From the caves high up above the Buddhas’ heads we had a terrific view of the surrounding countryside – with snow peaked mountains in the distance.

After a snack lunch we went on to the lakes of Band-e-Amir. These are five lakes famous for the fact that the water in incredibly blue & also that it does not come from a spring or other source, but it is just there. We drove through marvellous barren rocky scenery, unforgettable, taking several short cuts across country when we could see the road taking a wide bend. That was ill-advised as we got bogged down badly, several times.

Tuesday 14 Sep: Almost certainly my most wonderful memory of Afghanistan. When I awoke I couldn’t believe this awesome scenery. There are five lakes, all fantastically blue & really all one huge lake but in a shape that you can easily split into five. The mountains again are all canyon-like things from TV Westerns. The water is freezing cold but the wash was very welcome. After that I climbed to where I am now, on one of the highest peaks overlooking the lakes. Feel as though I’m on the roof of the world & I can fit six Land Rovers into my thumb nail at arms stretch, when I look at ours far below. Took me an hour to get up here, about 500/600’ above camp. Very quiet & warm.

Plenty of cactus-like small bushes. Brought up my little folding stool & it’s marvellous right up here looking miles over the mountains & the undulating barren brown plains intersected by tracks. People really DO look like ants & I might well be in an aeroplane. Have now been up here 3-1/4 hours & will go down now as am feeling peckish. I shall never forget this morning up here above everything with snowy mountains miles away & this incredible blueness of the lakes which is all the more fantastic because of the contrast with the surrounding colours. In the afternoon I went for a swim & I’ve never been in such cold water – could only stay in it for about half a minute – 12 strokes out & only about four strokes back! Had only three half-minute dips. Gathered up piles of cactus-like plants, made good fire, got warm and bed early.

Jack Furtado

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Duncan Briggs, Arjun Pun, Megh Kumari Pun, Laxmi Tamang, Joanna Lumley, Ruth Busby GWR and Mani Rai

THE TULBAHADUR PUN VC TRAIN

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n the morning of 23rd June 2021 at Platform 1 of Paddington Station there was an unusually large gathering, none of whom were passengers. They included invited guests, a number of Gurkhas and other well-wishers, staff of Great Western Railway (GWR) and quite a gang of press and media, including BBC and ITV. All were present to witness the naming of the latest GWR train.

To commemorate the 75th anniversary of the end of World War 2 GWR planned a series of train namings to represent the armed forces, intelligence services and Secret Service as well as politics. This was to coincide with events around VE75 and VJ75 days.

Among the small number selected were: Harry Billinge, a sapper and D-Day survivor who landed in the first wave on the beaches in Normandy; George Sheard, a Royal Marine commando ‘Cockleshell Hero’ who was one of only two to survive the famous raid in Bordeaux Harbour in 1942; Odette Hallowes, the most well-known member of the SOE in France and most highly decorated spy of the war; Wing Commander Ken Rees, a bomber command pilot

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shot down over Norway who took part in the ‘Great Escape’ from Stalag Luft III, made famous by the film in which Steve McQueen’s character is said to be based on Ken; and yet to be formally named are Alan Turing and Sir Winston Churchill.

To represent those who fought in Burma, GWR looked for a recently identifiable Burma ‘hero’. Tulbahadur’s name came up both as a VC winner and for having been in the public eye in 2007 during his support for Joanna Lumley’s campaign for the right of Gurkhas to settle in the UK. The arrival of Covid and resulting restrictions in 2020 delayed the naming programme.

The day of 23 June 2021, 77 years to the day since Tulbahadur’s VC action at Mogaung, could not have been a more fitting alternative.

Both the Gurkha Welfare Trust and Gurkha Brigade Association were involved with GWR in setting up the event. As guests of honour, GWT invited Tulbahadur’s daughter Megh Kumari and son Arjun. Present from GWT were Joanna Lumley as Vice-Patron, and CEO Al Howard. GWT invited the following from GBA as official guests: the President Lt General Sir David Bill, Chairman Colonel David Hayes, Secretary Major Mani

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On behalf of 6 GRRA, Duncan Briggs presented Megh Kumari and Arjun with copies of our 200th Anniversary brochure and in addition to Megh Kumari, a copy of the 1991 photo taken with her and her father with guests and Gurkha Officers during their visit to the Regiment in Hong Kong on the occasion of the presentation of the Michael Allmand’s VC to the Regiment. A hardbacked copy of the 200th Anniversary brochure was presented by our Chairman to Ruth Busby, HE Director of GWR and coordinator of the event. The inscription, kindly prepared by Mani, reads:

Mani thanking GWR on behalf of the family

Rai, Colonel Brigade of Gurkhas Colonel Jody Davies, Director Gurkha Museum Dr Daren Bowyer, and from 6 GRRA: Chairman Lt Colonel Duncan Briggs and past Chairman Lt Colonel Brian O’Bree.

After speeches and a reading of the VC citation, Arjun and Megh Kumari were invited to unveil the train’s name, assisted by Joanna. The name and surrounding motif included 126 small kukris in memory of those of the 3/6th who lost their lives during the Burma campaign — one with a small VC recognised Captain Michael Allmand’s gallantry at Mogaung and posthumous award of the VC.

To Great Western Railway.

On behalf of the Regimental Association of 6th Queen Elizabeth’s Own Gurkha Rifles as a mark of our appreciation and pride in the selection of Tulbahadur Pun VC 6 GR as the name of your latest Intercity Express Train.

It was a proud day for Gurkhas as a whole; all the more so for those of us who served as 6th Gurkhas.

The tradition of naming trains in the UK is as old as the railways going back to the 1820s and George Stephenson’s Rocket. This followed the convention of naming ships and gave an extra sense of character to the technology. Catching the ‘Flying Scotsman’ sounds more of an event than the ‘11.37’ from King’s Cross. I wonder who might be the first Association member to travel on the ‘Tulbahadur Pun VC’ train?

Courtesy of Stanley Kaye

Brian O’Bree

6 GR members with Megh Kumari and Arjun – Gary Ghale, Mani Rai, Duncan Briggs, Brian O’Bree, Natusing Thapa, Shyamkumar Thakuri, Al Howard

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‘BETWEEN THE STORMS’

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Afghanistan

Colin opened the door dressed in a checked shirt, regimental tie, cardigan, cavalry twills, swept back hair and a firm expression. I said that I was looking for the offices of the HALO Trust. “You’ve found them, do come in”, he said. It was mid-morning on a Wednesday. I sat down, explained that I had seen his request in the Officers’ Association for volunteers, and was then offered a drink. Colin was a teetotaller, so his G&T was of industrial strength, a ploy or not, I never did find out. He told me about himself and the Colin was ‘Mad Mitch’ of Aden fame. He had commanded the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders and objectives of HALO for a while, before asking how led them into the Crater in Aden, pipers leading, in 1967, many times I had been in combat. I thought about in what was to become known as the ‘last battle of the telling him about the time when Griff had forgotten to take his spurs off in a game of Mess rugby in British Empire.’ I remember being told that this was Crookham but felt that probably wasn’t what he against a general order. I’m not sure if this is correct, meant – the interview wasn’t going as planned. He but, either way, he left the Army the following year asked me what regiment I was in, “6th Gurkhas” I despite being lauded as a hero in the British press. hortly after I left the 6th, I found myself knocking on Colonel Colin Mitchell’s front door in Dolphin Square in London. Colin was the founder of the HALO Trust. I first met him in mid-1991, a time well before Princess Diana’s much photographed walk through an Angolan minefield in 1997 brought HALO global recognition. In 1991, HALO only operated in one country: Afghanistan.

Alex (front, in turban) with his HALO team, Pul-e-Khumri, 1991

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The old British Embassy, Kabul

replied. Despite his obvious look of approval, I still felt I hadn’t hit the mark, so I told him that I had completed a combat demolition course. “Really”, he said. “Yes”, I said. “Excellent”, he replied. “You can fly out next Tuesday and when you arrive in Kabul, you’ll be our most highly-qualified person on the ground.” Gulp!

Sure enough, the following week, I found myself circling above the Hindu Kush, anti-missile flares streaming from both wings. We banked over Kabul airport that had a line of Mi-24 Hind D helicopter gunships waiting to deploy. “Welcome to Kabul” came the announcement over the intercom, “I would appreciate it if, on landing, you could all disembark as quickly as possible, as the airport is now being rocketed.” Needless to say, I have never cleared Customs quite so quickly.

only ones to operate outside of Kabul. Remember, this was the time when the Berlin Wall had just come down (November 1989) and the Soviet Union was redeploying 2nd Shock Army’s kit from Germany to bolster faltering satellite states along their border.

The last Soviet soldier, Colonel General Boris Gromov, had crossed the Hairatan Bridge out of Afghanistan in February of that same year, leaving President Najibullah to his eventual fate. I’m sure that a small group of ex-British Army officers operating alongside the MSR was, of course, entirely coincidental to British Foreign Office interests.

The Soviet Union, at the height of their power, spent nine years battering Afghanistan at a cost of over 15,000 soldiers dead, 35,000 wounded, and approximately 10% of the Afghan population killed, and yet, the Mujahadeen still won. The Soviets were unfettered in their approach, carpet bombing, HALO’s operations were primarily north of the Salang indiscriminate mining of the countryside and with zero oversight of the largely conscript soldiers Pass, near Pul-e-Khumri, on the strategically vital MSR between Kabul and Mazar-i-Sharif. Afghanistan fighting the day-to-day war. had a communist government backed by the USSR, hence the importance of the Mazar-i-Sharif to Kabul The first British Afghan war wasn’t a success for the British, but what some don’t seem to remember, was road. At the time there were only 50–60 expats that the second war was won – it can be done. If the in the whole country working under a broad UN USSR had remembered this, and then studied the mandate, and the mine clearance teams were the

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Evening in Jalalabad

exploits of those like Field Marshall Earl Roberts of Kandahar, VC, as he later became, and his march in 1800 of 300 miles in 23 days from Kabul to Kandahar at the head of his picked column of British, Indian and Gurkha soldiers to defeat the army of Ayub Khan, then perhaps, history would have been different for the Soviet army.

The first Afghan expression I learnt, roughly translated as ‘I’m English, not Russian.’ If I had done my own research better, then perhaps I wouldn’t have started with this; in a country where mothers still told naughty children that if they didn’t go to bed when asked then ‘the English would come and get you…’ The English were still the bogeyman in Afghanistan despite all the effort that the Soviet army had spent trying to take that title.

Adventures were legion in Afghanistan. One time we negotiated a two hour cease fire between

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Government and Mujahadeen (Muj) troops so that we could get a re-supply column over the Salang Pass. We guessed correctly that the Government troop commander had a ‘non-disclosed’ radio link to his probable relative in the Muj with whom he could communicate and make sure that the appropriate bribes were taken to avoid unnecessary loss of life and to facilitate appropriate business transactions.

It was a strange scene to watch a battle stop, drive through the middle, and then re-start – Moses had nothing on this!

Another time, I decided to go to Jalalabad from Kabul (I recalled that the 6th had been based there during one of the earlier British Afghan wars). “But you can’t”, I was told. “Why?” “Because nobody has been in or out of that city for over three months”. However, all that was really needed was a bit of lateral thinking.

We had a half-blind Kabul taxi-driver in HALO’s employ called Haji. Now, this wasn’t as mad as it

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sounded. Both of his sons were relatively senior Muj commanders whose names carried weight. So, with Haji’s young nephew sitting in the front passenger seat of the bright yellow taxi, helping Haji keep the car on the road, more or less, we set off. We, being me, Ed H-S, HALO’s Ops Officer, and Kate S. HALO’s Nurse. We successfully ‘broke the siege of Jalalabad’, much to the amusement of John Simpson, the BBC journalist and Afghan veteran, who I discovered, many years later, was with the Muj rocketing the city at exactly the same time that I was there being rocketed.

near HALO’s base of operations in Pul-e-Khumri.

One day, we received an invite to dinner from Sayed Jaffar, a large, imposing Afghan war lord and Nadiri’s son. The Ismailis tend towards a somewhat liberal interpretation of Islam, and consequently, dinner was not a dull affair. The following morning, Tim Goggs (who later received a posthumous George Cross for his attempt to rescue Julian Gregson and Muhammed, my old driver, from an exploding T34 tank) and I explored the valley on buzkashi ponies.

Buzkashi is the forerunner of polo; the primary difference being that buzkashi is played with a leather-bound goat’s carcass and not mallet and ball. Before we left on our mini-trek, Sayed Jaffar organised a short, introductory, game of buzkashi for us, but as we were guests, it was a low-key affair as “no Kalashnikovs were allowed on the pitch.”

The Aga Khan, Shah Karim al-Husayni, is the head of the world’s 20 million Ismailis who are a denomination within Shia Islam and are mostly geographically located in Iran and the other ‘stans.

Very sensibly, however, the Aga Khan lives in Europe. But, in 1991, his some-time representative Of course, it wasn’t all grand adventure. Walking in Afghanistan was Sayed Mansoor Nadiri of the Sayyid family who lived in Kayan in the Baghlan valley in minefields, teaching a combination of Muj and Riding up the Baghlan Valley

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local villagers how to defeat UXBs and mines, whilst being surrounded by the villagers who live with the consequences of this proximity, was a fairly brutal experience. Most of what I had learnt in the army could be applied at an early stage of a minefield reconnaissance. Where would I put the mines? In the dead ground of a FUP that can’t be covered by direct fire. Obvious enough so far. But, when the enemy learn your SOPs, all they need to do is send in the goat herd to clear the mines, lift the mines left over, and put them on the observation post re-supply route. I know, I trod on a PMN1. This is a relatively early model of Soviet anti-personal mine that typically results in traumatic amputation above the knee. In my case, I was very, very lucky, the mine was prevented from detonating by a layer of hard packed mud that didn’t depress. I only found out about this sometime later when my distinctive jungle boot A PMN1 anti-personnel mine footprint was found directly over a mine by the team The prolonged war with the Soviets created some, who eventually went in to clear the path. for me, unexpected consequences. Being shot at wasn’t quite a daily experience, but it certainly wasn’t Most of the mines we cleared were anti-personal unusual. What was, was the reason given by the local PMN1s or 2, but we also saw a lot of PFM ‘butterfly’ militia soldier who was the first person to try and mines that were a particular hazard for children shoot me. We had left him guarding our Land Rover as they tended to pick up this airborne-delivered whilst I and my team, shepherded by Col H of the mine thinking they were a toy. We came across a fair number of TMM 57 anti-tank mines, but the real KHAD, our minder, (the KHAD were KGB-trained secret worries were booby trapped pressure-release mines, police) explored a minefield in a saddle between two or the ‘jumping’ OZM 3 that exploded at waist height. villages. On the return walk to the Land Rover, came the ‘crack thump’ of a very close round; dash, down, Clearing a minefield wasn’t essentially difficult, as crawl, observe and I saw our Land Rover militia guard long as it wasn’t booby-trapped. HALO had some lowering his rifle. Col H turned up and said something excellent mine detectors that ‘beeped’ every time they detected metal. The challenge was more to do to the effect of, “oh, don’t worry, walk close behind me and you’ll be fine.” And so it turned out, even to with discipline and concentration. Mine fields could be densely packed with all sorts of detritus and each the extent that the militia soldier opened the Land ‘beep’ needed to be treated as a mine. The de-miners Rover door for me when we arrived. Apparently, his elder brothers had both shot Russians, and this was on point needed to be rotated frequently so that his first opportunity to have a go at a non-local…! Two concentration was maintained. weeks later, something similar happened on another The consequences of mistakes, or bad luck were all recce, but this time Col H was a potential recipient of the rifle-fire. He stormed into the local fort and around. Anyone who has sat in a hospital, providing argued with the base commander about where to blood intra-venously to the point of blackout, to what’s left of women, children and old men who have hang the miscreant. The soldier involved, still armed, been blown up, watching them fade away, is left with listened to the various choices on offer, didn’t like the sound of things to come and so legged it to join memories that aren’t always kind. the Muj. Well, who could blame him?

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The impact of combat stress is now well documented, but the first time I came across someone who had irretrievably crossed that line was a meeting that I won’t forget. We were negotiating with a local Muj commander to clear a minefield that was blowing-up truck drivers relieving themselves beside the road. The minefield didn’t appear to be of any particular military significance for either side and so fitted with our humanitarian objectives. The Muj commander had the desert-dried face of his people, but also hollow eyes; eyes that looked into you in a way that I cannot adequately describe, other than to say, I wasn’t sure if I, and my colleagues would get to leave that room alive. The negotiation was, however, successful and we did get to safely clear that mine field. Whilst we were there, we were told that the Muj commander had killed his first

Russian when he was 12 with a bayonet and hadn’t stopped killing since. Any humanity left after that first death appeared to have been eroded away completely in the intervening years.

I left Afghanistan when HALO won their second mandate, in Cambodia. I thought I would return, but I never have. The Afghans, in my experience, are a tough, resourceful and proud mountain people who are also kind, hospitable, quick to smile, but could be fearsome adversaries. I hope that the people and different tribes of Afghanistan get what they deserve, the opportunity to live in peace; surely they, more so than most, deserve that.

Alex Shaw

On the road from Pul-e-Khumri to Mazar-i-Sharif, Alex on his Soviet Ural motorcycle

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I

THE UNVEILING OF THE RIFLEMAN KULBIR THAPA VC MEMORIAL STATUE

t was in February 2019 that the Gurkha Memorial Project Team (GMP) from the Greater Rushmoor Nepali Community officially launched the memorial project after getting the green light from Rushmoor Borough Council. To lead by example, many of the GMP team also donated £1000 or more for this historical project and we managed to raise over £22,000 on the very first day.

This gave us the much-needed oxygen to climb the steep mountain to fulfill our dream of establishing the first memorial statue of a Gurkha VC in Princes Gardens, Aldershot.

Of the 13 Gurkha Victoria Cross recipients, the GMP team specifically chose to establish the statue of Kulbir Thapa VC, the first Gurkha VC recipient, saving a wounded British soldier of the 2nd Battalion, The Leicestershire Regiment. This symbolises the loyal service of the Gurkhas to the British Crown for over 200 years, the enduring strong bond and warm affinity that has existed not only with the British Army but also with the British public and local communities.

We also hope that the memorial statue will serve as a poignant reminder to Gurkha and British youth (who have very little knowledge of the Gurkhas and their long history) of how the Gurkhas have stood shoulder to shoulder with their British counterparts in every theatre of war from 1815 to the present day.

Two years of hard work and meticulous planning finally bore fruit on Saturday 25th September (the date that Kulbir Thapa won his VC) when we held the unveiling ceremony of the memorial statue. As the curtain of darkness slowly lifted away with the coming of dawn, the presence of ominous black clouds in the sky and the thin pitter-patter of rainfall caused me some consternation that the weather might not be propitious on this very special day. But as the GMP team, along with our youth volunteers, gathered at the Princes Garden at 07:30 to organize and arrange the seating plan, tents, speaker system and the covering of the memorial statue, we were glad to see that the morning was clearing and brightening up and that the rain had stopped. After doing a final check to ensure everything was in order we went home to change.

At 10:30 the invited VIPs and guests started to arrive, with the QOGLR Pipes and Drums kindly providing the music. As the guests entered the reception tent they were presented with a specially made memorial khata and a journal book. By this time, a large crowd had also gathered outside the perimeter of our event

Gary Ghale reading Kulbir’s VC Citation

To attract more donors, we advertised that those who donated £1000 or more would have their names inscribed on the brass plates on the sides of the plinth. This would be on a ‘first come, first served’ basis. Such was the rapid response from our generous donors that we managed to raise more than £170,000 in the span of few months rather than the year of our timeline. In fact, we had to reject those who wanted to donate after our donor’s deadline had elapsed. Altogether, 156 donor names are inscribed on the brass plates in alphabetical order.

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Gary with Mani and Sudha Rai (Mani in his role as Deputy Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire) The unveiling of the statue

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which had been marked off by a rope and bunting flags of Nepal and Britain.

guests and onlookers who wished to lay wreaths and flowers followed.

Our programme commenced at exactly 11 with a welcome speech by our Chief Coordinator, Major Khimprasad Gauchan. The Buddhist priest and the Hindu Panditji then performed their respective religious ceremonies to bless this very special occasion. Ms. Miaya Dangol KC read the citation of Kulbir Thapa VC in English which was followed by the Project Manager, Captain (Retd.) Gary Ghale, reading the citation in Nepali. We then came to the moment everyone was waiting for – the unveiling ceremony.

On the count of three from the Project Manager, the four invited guests gingerly pulled the covering off the memorial to reveal the magnificent statue of Kulbir Thapa VC rescuing a wounded British soldier.

There was considerable applause, and it was a very proud moment for all of us. We then observed two minutes silence to remember the fallen, after which a lone piper played the lament. The eight invited guests then came forward to lay wreaths at the base of the plinth. Other

At the conclusion of the unveiling ceremony, the Greater Rushmoor Nepali Community Naumati baja played traditional Nepali music to guide the guests and donors to the Empire Banqueting Hall where food, drinks and entertainment awaited them. All in all, the event at Princes Gardens and in the EBH went very smoothly and both guests and donors praised the planning, organisation, and execution of the event. Following a delicious Nepali curry lunch the guests left with the event concluding at 2 pm.

It was a proud and exciting day to unveil such a magnificent statue of Rifleman Kulbir Thapa VC, the first Gurkha to win a VC saving a wounded British soldier in the First World War. Long may our comradeship continue!

Jai Gurkha! Ayo Gurkhali!

Gary Ghale

The Gurkha Memorial Project Team

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“Here at last is Asia without an inferiority complex” Robert Byron, on arrival in Herat in 1933

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IN SEARCH OF TOLERANCE

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Hitch-hiking under the Taliban

was sprinting as fast as I could across the graveyard, waving frantically at my taxi driver to head round the corner and meet me. About 200 metres away, a Toyota Hilux full of Talibs toting AK-47s lurched to a halt like an angry porcupine. As the black-turbaned fundamentalists tumbled out of the back and started shouting, it was clear they were after me.

Photo: J. Walter

It was July 1997. I was in Herat, western Afghanistan, near the border with Iran, writing a guidebook to the war-torn country for aid workers and journalists.

The Taliban had seized control of the city 18 months earlier. That morning I decided to photograph the Masjid-e Jami, or Friday Mosque – one of the finest examples of Islamic architecture in Central Asia. It seemed deserted as I approached its magnificent façade, glittering in its Timurid tilework coloured deep blue with lapis lazuli from Badakhshan.

intervention by the Soviet Union into Afghanistan, before their full-scale invasion that December.

But Herat had reached its cultural and artistic peak many centuries earlier. Following an attack on the city in 1381 by an Uzbek adventurer called Timur – known to history as Tamerlane or “Timur the Lame” on account of a war wound – the city became a jewel in the Timurid empire, which stretched from Mesopotamia to the borders of China. Timur’s son – and his remarkable wife Queen Gawhar Shad – presided over a cultural renaissance that saw the flourishing of Bihzad, the miniaturist painter, and Jami the poet, not to mention countless other court artists, architects and philosophers.

Queen Gawhar was renowned for her religious tolerance. Despite being a Sunni Muslim she was responsible for building the Shi’a mosque in Mashad, now in Iran but then controlled by the Timurids. In the early 1400s, she built her famous Musalla or place While I was clicking away, the great east doors of worship in Herat, which once featured 30 minarets opened and worshippers poured out into the crosshairs of my camera. I’d forgotten it was Friday as well as her own tomb. It survived the collapse of the Timurid empire and successive assaults by prayers. At the same moment, a passing Taliban Uzbeks and Persians but was largely destroyed by patrol spotted me breaking one of their strictest the British Army in 1885 to improve their lines of fire precepts not to photograph any living thing. As I dashed away, I reflected that the pen is only mightier from the citadel they were defending. than the sword when no-one is actually waving I climbed one of the Musalla’s minarets, its intricate a sword – or a semi-automatic rifle – at you. The Talibs didn’t chase me for long and I slipped away to tilework shattered in shards on the dry earth explore more offbeat, eccentric corners of the city. around its base. The Russians had put a tank round through the middle of it and, although it was still Capital of western Afghanistan, Herat lies at the just standing, it leaned at an angle that made Pisa’s eastern fringe of the great Persian plateau. Its tower seem sober by comparison. parched earth is baked and blasted by hot winds that blow non-stop for 120 days. Closer to Iran than Kabul, Five kilometres out of town is Gazargah, situated on it has long held a reputation for independence, both a low hill shaded from the searing sun by umbrella strategic and cultural. A mutinous uprising against pines. As I drove higher, the long crocodile tail of the the communists by Captain Ishmael Khan and fellow Paropamisus mountains curved away into the blue Islamists in March 1979 led to the first direct military distance. Gazargah houses the Shrine of Khwaja Left: Masjid-e Jami, Herat

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Queen Gawhad’s Musalla complex, Herat

Photo: J. Walter

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Abdullah Ansari, a famous 11th century Sufi poet and mystic. Beside the tomb is a holy ilex tree. Like Roman Catholic saints in rural Europe, Ansari is believed to possess magical powers – in particular the power to cure barrenness. Women who cannot conceive choose a stone from near the saint’s tomb to represent the child for which they long. They wrap the stone in a cradle of linen, dangle it from a branch of the sacred ilex tree and say a prayer for their unconceived baby to Ansari.

The traveller Robert Bryon, who visited Herat in 1933, was not so impressed by the Sufi. He wrote:

“Abdullah Ansari died in the year 1088 at the age of eighty-four, because some boys threw stones at him while he was at penance. One sympathises with those boys: even among saints he was a prodigious bore. He spoke in the cradle; he began

to preach at fourteen; during his life he learnt 100,000 verses by heart and composed as many more. He doted on cats.”

From Herat, I hitched a ride with Médecins Sans Frontières south-east past Shindand airbase and Lashkar Gah to Kandahar. In the 1980s, three divisions of Russian military and airborne troops were stationed along this road. It skirts the Dasht-e Margo (Desert of Death) and the Dasht-e Jehanum (Desert of Hell) – their shifting sands stretch beyond the horizon to the Iranian and Baluch borders.

When we arrived at MSF’s office in Kandahar, I explained to Stefan the field director that I was photographing and researching for a new guidebook.

“Photography is impossible in this city”, he assured me. Surely it wouldn’t matter if I took a few snaps of some mosques and mausoleums, I thought? But

Photo: J. Walter

Shrine of the Cloak of the Prophet, Kandahar

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Photo: J. Walter

after my brush with the Taliban in Herat, I decided to take the advice of my local Afghan guide, who recommended we visit the Department of Foreign Affairs to get a permit. I needed to renew my Afghan visa anyway, so we headed off there together.

We were ushered into a small office where a delicate young Talib sat behind a desk, beside an older, burlier official. The Talib wore a shimmering white shalwar kameez with gold trimming and an embroidered waistcoat. Beneath his neat Islamic cap peeped a coiffured bob haircut and eyes carefully outlined in black kohl. He looked more like an haute couture fashion model than a fundamentalist fighter. But his indoctrination surfaced as he signed and stamped the permit: “Do not snap any living creatures”, he said vacantly. Meanwhile, the burly Afghan – an official whose career had clearly begun long before the Taliban had been heard of – looked on in disdain.

“For your visa renewal”, he barked, “we require two passport-sized photographs”. Somewhat astonished, I couldn’t resist a quick smirk in the direction of the Talib. “You may have your photo taken near the Char Suq”, added the burly one – “there are plenty of studios in the bazaar.”

Kids playing near a minefield, Kandahar

For many centuries, Kandahar has been of great historical and strategic significance, situated astride the principal land routes to Herat, Kabul and Quetta.

Alexander the Great rebuilt the city in 329 BC and the name Kandahar may derive from his eastern name “Iskandar”. The city we see today was laid out in the 1760s on a rectangular plan by Ahmed Shah Durrani, who inaugurated the first great Pashtun dynasty and became known as the “Father of Afghanistan.”

While its 30-foot-thick city walls have been largely demolished, many shrines remain, notably the Shrine of the Cloak of the Prophet Mohammed. One of the most holy shrines in Afghanistan, its exterior decoration is magnificent: foundations of green Lashkar Gah marble support intricate, sparkling tilework and gilded archways. The cloak was gifted to Durrani by the Amir of Bokhara in 1768 to consolidate a treaty over territories to the north. Traditionally the cloak is brought out only at times of national crisis. It

had not been seen in public since the 1930s, when in spring 1996 – a few months before my visit – Mullah Omar, leader of the Taliban, removed it from the shrine. He stood before a crowd of several thousand clerics and held the cloak high as a visible symbol of his claim to be Amir ul-Momineen, Commander of the Faithful and leader of all pious Muslims.

As the capital of the Pashtun heartland, Kandahar has always felt very conservative. Since November 1994, the Taliban leadership had based themselves there rather than Kabul. My guide pointed out a villa recently built by a wealthy Saudi little-known outside intelligence circles at that time – Osama bin Laden. I snapped a photo of some children playing beside a minefield nearby, but the city felt like an unwelcoming place for visitors.

I made friends with some retired mujahideen working

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for a local mine clearance organisation. They offered me a seat in their pickup for the two-day drive to Kabul, which I gratefully accepted. The road that runs northeast from Kandahar towards Ghazni and the capital was once a smooth, vital component of the “ring of steel” that enabled the Soviets to control urban Afghanistan during the 1980s. But by 1997, it was more like a dried-up riverbed. Progress was painfully slow, made slower by numerous stops for my fellow travellers to roll out their prayer mats towards Mecca.

We stopped for the night at a roadside chaikhana somewhere in Uruzgan. Slipping off our shoes, we went inside the only room. A long double line of fifty or more Afghan men, some with Kalashnikovs lying beside them, faced each other across mounds of Qabuli, the favoured dish of those parts – a sort of rice and raisin biryani piled high with boiled goat meat.

As we grabbed mouthfuls of Qabuli with our fingers, I fell into what became an ill-advised conversation with my hosts. “Who is your favourite Afghan leader?”, asked one of the men. After a couple of weeks in the country, I knew Afghan politics was a fiendishly complicated minefield of shifting allegiances. But the man who’d roped me into helping compile this Afghan handbook – an experienced war reporter called Edward Girardet – had often spoken about his high regard for Ahmed Shah Massoud. Lion of the Panjshir, the only mujahideen leader to resist the Russians, Eddie had been the first Englishlanguage journalist to interview him in the early ‘80s.

“Massoud”, I said, to the assembled throng. Silence.

Nicola Jennings

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Gulbuddin Hekmatyar

The cameraman was Andy Skrzypkowiak, a Polish Brit who’d served in the SAS. He’d been a friend of Eddie’s.

As I looked around the room, all eyes were on me.

It didn’t feel good. “And who did you support during the war against the Russians?” I asked, anxiously.

“Gulbuddin Hekmatyar”, came the unanimous reply.

But before I could scan the room for large rocks, they roared with laughter. “Don’t worry, that’s all in the past”, boomed my neighbour, “have another pomegranate juice.”

The next day we stopped off at Ghazni, famous for being razed to the ground in 1151 by the Ghorid King Alauddin the “World Burner”. That evening, we arrived “And who is your least favourite Afghan leader?”, asked another. Remembering one of Eddie’s stories, tired and dusty in Kabul. I was keen to get up to Mazar, but fighting had broken out between General I confidently announced – “Gulbuddin Hekmatyar”.

“And why is that?” “Well”, I said, warming to my theme: Dostum, the Taliban and various local warlords. My “as leader of Hezb-e Islami during the Soviet war, he contact in the UN strongly advised me to avoid it for received a lot of weapons from Pakistan and a huge now. “But we could fly you to Bamiyan”, she said. It was too good an offer to refuse. amount of money from the CIA, but he was far less effective against the Russians than Massoud.” More Bamiyan nestles in a long, deep valley at the heart silence. “And he hated any journalists he couldn’t of Hazarajat, a mountainous region dominated by control. In fact, he ordered the murder of a BBC cameraman, who was killed when Hekmatyar’s men the 5,000-metre snow-capped ridges of the Koh-e Baba range. As the plane wheeled round to land, crushed his head with a rock while he was asleep.”

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Photo: J. Walter

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Hazara children, Bamiyan

I saw emerald-green valleys threading thin as ribbons through the barren rocky gorges. This is the land of the Hazara people, Shi’a Muslims with faces more Mongolian than Afghan. They are thought to descend from the 1,000-strong detachments of troops that Genghis Khan left behind to guard his conquests (“hazaar” means “thousand” in Persian as well as Nepali). Both religiously and ethnically distinct from the Pashtun majority, the Hazaras have long been oppressed and even persecuted.

of compassionate bodhisatvas who guide lesser mortals along the path to nirvana. Carving the big Buddhas was also a canny business move – it put Bamiyan on the map as a major staging post for the Silk Route, whose luxurious caravans linked the fabulous jewel and spice markets of China and India with the wealth and avarice of Imperial Rome.

Visiting Bamiyan in the 7th century, Chinese traveller Hsuan-tsang wrote of the larger Buddha: “The golden hues sparkle on every side, and its precious In mid-1997, Bamiyan had not yet fallen to the ornaments dazzle the eye by their brightness.” Not all Taliban and the valley was still dominated by two travellers have been so complimentary. Robert Byron, giant Buddhas, carved out of niches in the sheer who I seemed to be following around, visited them sandstone cliffs overlooking the Bamiyan river. in 1934 and observed: “Neither has any artistic value.

Once the largest standing Buddha figures in the But one could bear that; it is their negation of sense, world, the larger one towered 180 feet tall while his the lack of any pride in their monstrous flaccid bulk, neighbour wasn’t much shorter at 125 feet. Dating that sickens.” I, for one, was quite relieved to find the from the 3rd-4th century AD, the statues represented Big Buddha flaccid on my visit. the culmination of a new kind of Buddhism known as Mahayana or the “Great Vehicle”, which saw I called in on a government office and found a welleducated man who said he was the Hazara minister the Buddha as the first among an equal crowd

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for culture. He told me how the statues had once been covered in a fine plaster to model their clothes and features. The Big Buddha had been draped in a red cloak, the smaller one in blue. Both their faces had once been gilded, until Muslim iconoclasts sawed them off. “Haji Culture”, as he liked to call himself, took a photo of me standing on the Big Buddha’s big toe, then pointed to a hole in the rockface. I climbed up a narrow staircase, carved out of the stone, which quickly became dark except for the occasional window. I emerged at the top, saw Haji Culture waving at me from 60 metres below, and stepped gingerly onto the Buddha’s head.

From the airy vantage point of the cool, dark niche, the brilliant light of the valley blinded me. Across the river, I saw the Shahr-e-Gholghola (City of Screams) – a hilltop citadel sacked in 1221 by Genghis Khan, enraged at the death of his grandson in battle.

It still lies in ruins today. As I looked up, I noticed some bare-breasted dancing girls painted on the ceiling of the niche above the Big Buddha’s head.

A surprising place to find Afghan soft porn! When I mentioned them to Haji Culture, he explained how the taste for such ladies had travelled down the Silk Route from northern India, ruled at that time by the Gupta Empire. A wall painting of Apollo riding his sun-chariot across the sky above the Small Buddha’s head was a clear example of cultural influences coming the other way from classical Rome, he said.

And the great statues themselves were cousins of the Gandhara sculptures of the same period, the first art to depict the Buddha in human form, often garbed in a Roman-style toga.

During the seventeen-hundred-year lifetime of the Bamiyan Buddhas, the sands of Afghanistan have soaked up waves of invaders from 25 different dynasties, by some counts. Alexander the Great and Genghis Khan, Tamerlane and Babur, the Safavids from Iran, the British, the Russians. Throughout, the Buddhas of Bamiyan stood as a silent embodiment of

a brief time in human history when rulers and ruled alike sought to spread compassion and seek out ways to end suffering.

But, as we know too well, the fateful events of 2001 changed all that. In March, the Taliban blew up the Buddhas and in the early days of September, Al Qaeda murdered Ahmed Shah Massoud. Eddie was staying at Massoud’s guesthouse near the Tajik border and met the assassins, two North Africans posing as journalists, the day before they detonated their TV camera. The next day we were on the phone trying to figure out what it all meant. Then 9/11 happened and we slowly began to understand.

For me – and probably for many of us fortunate enough to see Afghanistan as travellers not soldiers – the words of Bruce Chatwin, writing under the shadow of the Soviet invasion, seem particularly apt and poignant:

“We shall not lie on our backs at the Red Castle and watch the vultures wheeling over the valley where they killed the grandson of Genghiz. We will not read Babur’s memoirs in his garden at Istalif and see the blind man smelling his way around the rose bushes. Or sit in the Peace of Islam with the beggars of Gazar Gah. We will not stand on the Buddha’s head at Bamiyan, upright in his niche like a whale in a dry-dock. We will not sleep in the nomad tent, or scale the Minaret of Jam. And we shall lose the tastes – the hot, coarse, bitter bread; the green tea flavoured with cardamoms; the grapes we cooled in the snow-melt; and the nuts and dried mulberries we munched for altitude sickness. Nor shall we get back the smell of the beanfields, the sweet, resinous smell of deodar wood burning, or the whiff of a snow leopard at 14,000 feet.”

Bruce Chatwin, What Am I Doing Here?

Jono Walter

Left: The author on the Big Buddha’s big toe, Bamiyan

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THE CO WE NEVER HAD? 21150613 Rifleman Lachhin Bahadur Gurung 6 GR

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John Anderson’s Diary with Lacchin’s photograph

olume Three of our Regimental History states rather baldly that “Sgt Karnabahadur1 Gurung (21144208) and two riflemen were killed” in an ambush on 11 December 1964 at Long Banga, Borneo. The “two others” were 21148328 Rifleman Jaganraj Gurung and 21150613 Rifleman Lachhin Bahadur Gurung.

Lachhin was my best friend while we were at boarding school together in Singapore in 1957. We stayed in contact for several years after I returned to Rhodesia in 1958 and his photograph is stuck inside the front page of my ‘Letts Boy Scout Diary’ of that year and records our regular exchanges of letters. I believe my friend deserves more than a passing reference in a history book, and whenever I plant a cross at a Remembrance service it has his name on it, for I will not let him be forgotten, a mere statistic in a history book.

Few readers will be aware of the system in the

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1950s to recruit and train potential ‘Sandhurst Gurkhas’ – people like Akalsing Thapa 6 GR, Nima Lama 10 GR, Lalbir Limbu 7 GR and Rambahadur Gurung 2 GR. Selected sons of serving soldiers and QGOs were sent to the British Army Children’s Schools in Malaya, and then to senior school (and enlisted as ‘boy soldiers’ from their 14th birthday) initially in the Cameron Highlands and then Singapore. Most were boarders, and after school they went to the Training Depot Brigade of Gurkhas (TDBG) for Recruit Training: those judged suitable were sent to Mons Officer Cadet School and then Sandhurst. Those not successful stayed on as GD soldiers (many became QGOs) or took the option to leave (e.g. Maital and Phattebahadur2, both who joined the Nepalese Army, and Shyam Kumar, who subsequently returned and re-enlisted as a Clerk, retiring as a WO2). Not all ‘Sandhurst Gurkhas’ followed this school route – for example our own Gopalbahadur Gurung 6 GR and Lalbahadur Pun 2 GR.

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Lachhin (seated, centre) as Head Boy, 1963

I went to Alexandra Grammar School in Singapore in 1957/58 and we boarded at Beach House (from 1964 St John’s School, with boarders at Kinloss House).

There were only about 30-40 boys and girls at Beach House, and they included Balaram, Nabinchandra, Jogendra, Akal, Kulraj (later GM GTR) and later at Kinloss House Nima Lama, Rambahadur Gurung, Bejoy Moktan, Shyam and others. These were wonderful carefree days and I, a Rhodesian, never thought that I would ever see any of them again.

Lachhin came from the fountainhead of Gurkha Majors – Ghandruk3. His father was Major (QGO) Dhanbar4 Gurung 2/6 GR, his elder brother, Jaibahadur, became GM 6 GR and his younger brothers were WO2 Gopichandra (21161306) 6 GR and Sergeant Jagan (21165085) 1/2 GR. Their close neighbours, and Dhanbar Saheb’s successor, was Major (QGO) Jumprasad Gurung 2/6 GR (sons Capt (QGO) Kharkaman, Lachhin the footballer, and Prithiviman), who in turn was succeeded by Major

(QGO) Khusiman Gurung 2/6 GR, who I stayed with on my first trek in 1967. Khusiman Saheb was father to Majors Rambahadur 2 GR, Judbahadur QGE, Lalit 6 GR and WO2 Ishor 2 GR, and Lachhin stayed with Khusiman’s family during school holidays once his father had retired, spending little time in Nepal. He had joined his family in Kluang in 1952, attending schools in Kluang and then Seremban prior to moving to Alexandra Grammar school in 1957.

Lachhin became Head Boy of Alexandra Grammar School and, although very slight (like his brothers) was a top sportsman, representing the school in Rugby and Hockey, as well as captaining the Football team and also representing the Singapore Youth Team. He, Rambahadur, Nima and several others appear regularly in school team photographs of the period. Lachhin had a double-thumb on his right hand – his thumb was split to the first joint, which we claimed made him bad at maths!

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The story of what happened to Lachhin after school depends on the source, and there a few extant records from that period. What is inescapable is that after Recruit training (1963/1964) he joined 2/6 GR during the Borneo Confrontation and was killed on operations. Apparently, he was selected for Sandhurst and, as per the rules, would take a short Nepal Leave before departing for UK, but his father Dhanbar and elder brother Jaibahadur persuaded him not to go as it would mean travelling in the monsoon to a country he hardly knew: better to go Borneo and ‘get a takma.’

Lachhin joined D Company, commanded by Major Robin Wilson, and in December 1964 they were based at Long Banga. That month 11 Platoon, commanded by Lieutenant (QGO) Ranbahadur Pun, was in an ambush position near the border, and the Indonesians quickly learnt that there was a regular resupply from the ambush base via the Landing Zone at Long Banga: their Marine Commandoes attacked all three groups on 10 December, killing three and mutilating their bodies. The Platoon fought back, killing five of the enemy, with Lieutenant (QGO) Ranbahadur Pun winning an MC and Corporal (later Sergeant) Bombahadur Gurung winning an MM, but this is not the place to retrace their actions.

Lachhin and his comrades were buried in Ulu Pandan Cemetery, and many of his school friends, Shyam among then, attended the funerals. Later on, their remains were moved to Commonwealth War Graves Kranji Military Cemetery in Singapore. All their names are also recorded on the Armed Forces Memorial Wall at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire.

Lachhin’s elder brother Major (QGO) Jaibahadur was always reluctant to talk of Lachhin and kept me at arm’s length, and I only discovered why many years after he had retired: he thought that I blamed him for Lachhin’s death. This had never crossed my mind, and when we met up at the 2017 6 GR Durbar we embraced each-other (and shed a few overdue tears); sadly, it was the last time I saw Jai, for he died on 25 April 2021 in Nepal.

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Brigadier John and Jaibahadur at the 6 GR Durbar in 2017

There are some loose ends. Gopichandra proudly wears The Elizabeth Cross awarded in his brother’s name and presented to him in March 2011. Sergeant Karnabahadur, killed in the same action, was the father of Lt (QGO) Gangabahadur Gurung (21161304), and it was I who told them both of this inextricable link while they were on their Umedwar cadre. And it was strange that I, as a one-time member of the Rhodesian Army, should find myself, against all odds, reunited with the main players in this tragic story: even stranger, look at Lachhin and Gopi’s last four numbers5 and try and deny kismet.

An annual trophy in Lachhin’s name was presented to the best student at the Gurkha Army Children’s School but disappeared and has not been seen since 1983/4. Perhaps those of us involved in this story should resurrect it?

What must not be allowed to disappear are the memories of men like Lachhin – who might have been our Commanding Officer – and countless others who gave their lives for the Regiment and our Nation. We all owe it to them.

John Anderson 1 2 3 4 5

Not ‘Kamabahadur’ as written.

Phatte failed selection as he was colour-blind, but went on to become a Major General in the Nepalese Army.

Or Ghandrung – some disagree about the spelling!

Not ‘Dhanbahadur’ as written in our Regimental History.

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ccording to the Afghan calendar I arrived in the Northern Provinces just before fasl-e zemestan or winter, which starts in mid-December. The leaves on the great Asiatic planes outside the mosques were a dull copper and gone within a week of my arrival.

In Dari, Sar-i-Pul means “on the bridge” and the river runs through the centre of the town, acting as both water supply and refuse tip. The old bridge next to the pistachio-coloured hammam is reputed to be hundreds of years old.

The town is at the end of a broad valley; I like to think of it as between the steppes and the mountains.

On either side are the low, rounded hills with their mud-coloured villages that rise imperceptibly to the backdrop of the mountains of the Tibandi Turkestan that have been covered in snow all winter. To the North is the road to Sheberghan, General Dostum’s hometown and the start of the endless steppes of Central Asia.

than a few words is followed by an invitation for chai that is difficult to refuse. Although the people are poor they maintain the tradition of Afghan hospitality and chai inevitably leads on to lunch: kebabs of fatty mutton, plates of pillau and flat, round naan bread.

On Fridays the town is full of the clatter of horses, caparisoned with brightly coloured rugs, and thousands turn out to watch the national sport of buzkashi, where a headless calf is mauled over by up to a hundred horsemen trying to carry it from one end of the pitch to the other.

Sar-i-Pul has no electricity. At night from my room I can hear the hum of Chinese Tiger generators and the softer sound of the Darya-ye-Siah River as it slides past our compound.

One of my pair of Fighting Partridges (later released in a valley of wild iris outside Sar-i-Pul) Photo: Rick Beven

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WINTER IN SAR-I-PUL

Sar-i-Pul is both provincial capital and bazaar town.

On Mondays and Thursdays its bazaar is thronged with farmers and their heavily laden donkeys.

Shopkeepers recline on open stalls keeping warm next to their sandelis, a small brazier placed under a thick blanket, their cages of fighting partridges at their side. The winter rain turns the road to glutinous mud, forcing the women to gingerly lift their white burkas as they do their shopping.

In the bazaar, large Russian six-wheeled trucks called shash pies or ‘six feet’, wait to collect wild-looking passengers and their cargo, to transport back up into the mountains of Kohistanat. Ancient yellow and white taxis queue for passengers heading north, here and there a couple of men sitting patiently in a car boot wrapped up in shawls, a uniquely Afghan contribution to public transportation.

The town has a slower heartbeat than the market economy of the outside world. Any exchange of more

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Our neighbour, Hidayatullah, keeps pigeons and our breakfasts are enlivened by their aerial displays. They are beautiful birds, marbled black and white like prize koi carp. They are called kafter-e-malaqi, specially bred to perform aerial acrobatics and very valuable. Like most things in Afghanistan, displaying pigeons has a competitive edge and enthusiasts try and entice other peoples’ birds by putting out grain for them.

Hidayatullah is forever on our flat, shared roof trying to call his birds back to their coop.

Whilst the river valleys are comparatively rich, with their rows of grape vines and orchards of walnut, apricot and mulberry trees, the poor farmers in the hills rely almost exclusively on rain-fed irrigation to grow their wheat, barley and sesame. They live on a knifeedge of subsistence and this year’s rain has been very welcome.

Nearly everybody in Sar-i-Pul has been a refugee at some stage during the last twenty-five years of

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Photo: Rick Beven

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Returning from Buzkashi, Sar-i-Pul Town

war and for many the present shaky peace is the first they have ever experienced. It is a sign of hope that many NGOs have moved from the emergency to the development stage of operations. Out in the hills the farmers listen to their radios as they talk about the forthcoming elections. If they happen, they will be the first free elections ever held in Afghanistan, but for now rain is much more important.

This last week the almond trees have just blossomed into a frail pink bloom. In a month, inshalla, it will be time for me to go home. I hope that I will have a chance before then to see the wild tulips and irises flower in the hills.

And perhaps, just once, the shopkeepers fighting their partridges on the football pitch behind our compound.

Rick Beven (Editor: This article was written during a tour of Afghanistan in 2003/4 as a TA reinforcement to 2 RGR on Op TARROCK. Our six-man Military Observation Team Delta established the Provincial Reconstruction Team base in Sar-iPul Province).

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THE SARI BAIR PAINTING

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efore memory completely fades it seemed a good idea to record how this splendid painting of 1/6th’s assault on Sari Bair in the 1915 Gallipoli campaign came about.

In this I have been greatly helped by John Mackinlay who was a major player in the whole project.

On my arrival with 6 GR at Church Crookham in early July 1978, Mike Whitehead, who was Second in Command, kindly appointed himself my guru on all matters Regimental and as part of this process encouraged me to read Colonel Allanson’s diary about the assault on Sari Bair.

Unfortunately, such was the press of events following our short notice deployment to Belize (three weeks rather than the usual six months!) that I didn’t manage to read it until I was in Belize. Since we were in Belize for eight months there was plenty of time to read not only Allanson’s diary but also the then two volumes of 6 GR Regimental history.

Having read it all I was convinced we should have a fitting picture of such an historic action. My thoughts revolved around the 2 GR picture by Lionel Edwards of ‘The crossing of the Tigris’, now in the Gurkha Museum. One would want to match the dramatic intensity of that picture but would want to portray Gurkhas better than Edwards had done, his Gurkhas looking distinctly Caucasian.

When we got back to UK in early February 1979, I had a chance to discuss my idea with Mike Whitehead, who had remained at Crookham to manage things at the UK end. He was very keen on the idea. I then talked to John Mackinlay, himself a talented artist and most knowledgeable on Regimental lore. As he too was supportive, I floated the idea to Brigadier ’Brunny’ Short, our Colonel, who also looked kindly on the idea and agreed to approach the Regimental Committee to seek their agreement and a measure of financial support for John to go out to Gallipoli and

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walk the ground of Sari Bair. He would take photos so of developments and he in turn the Regimental that whichever artist we commissioned would have a Committee. Determined to give Cuneo the best possible idea of the action John had enlisted the help clear idea of the topographical conditions. our Major Gopalbahadur Gurung commanding The John has a recollection of giving a lecture on Gallipoli Gurkha Demonstration Company at RMA Sandhurst. in the mess at Church Crookham which was attended John played the role of Alllanson and the Gurkhas the attacking 6 GR!

by General Reggie Savory, who commanded 14th Sikhs at Gallipoli and who witnessed the 6th Gurkhas attack on Sari Bair at first hand and was at Brigade This demonstration helped Cuneo to really understand the action and fortunately he was well HQ when the wounded Allanson was brought in. I versed in visualizing Gurkha facial characteristics, have to confess that I have no recollection of the although Rai and Limbu rather than Gurung and lecture, so it is just possible that it was in Mike Magar, as he had already painted a number of works Wardroper’s time. Either way it would have helped towards the acceptance of the idea of a painting and for 7 GR and 10 GR; something that probably Lionel Edwards in painting ‘The crossing of the Tigris’ had its financing amongst the wider 6 GR fraternity been unable to do.

Once 6 GR departed for Hong Kong in spring 1979 It was not until September 1981 that the painting it was very much left up to John to carry out his neared completion, by which time I was in a staff job expedition to Gallipoli and progress matters. I have at HQ UKLF in Wilton, just outside Salisbury. I have an entry in my diary that John came out to Hong Kong in March 1980 and gave us a lecture using the a diary entry that says I went to see it at Terence information and the photos he had taken during his Cuneo’s studio at Shepperton on the Thames on recce of Gallipoli. John and I had a chance to further the 17th which is probably when the photo included discuss our project before he returned to UK to set in this article was taken. John had already seen it through its various stages of development. I was about finding the best artist to portray the battle. hugely impressed but also concerned that it would not find universal favour with older members of the After trying a number of painters I was delighted Regimental Association. when John selected Terence Cuneo.

A friend of mine, also an artist, had been Adjutant of the Gurkha Transit Camp of Barrackpore on the outskirts of Calcutta when Terence Cuneo had come out to India to pursue his first love of painting vintage locomotives.

Since there was no shortage of these in the marshalling yards of Howrah and Sealdah stations my friend was able to lead Cuneo to all the likely subjects he had come to paint. Talking with him about the visit he had remarked upon Cuneo’s skill and meticulous attention to detail. Thus, we went for Terence Cuneo. Interestingly, of his oeuvre of six Gurkha action paintings, the first ‘Medicina’ (1964), and the last Sari Bair (1981) were both of 6 GR. Throughout we had kept Brigadier ‘Brunny’ abreast

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Points of contention included Gurkha dress and hair.

Our difficulty was that there were very few pictures of Gurkhas at Gallipoli. Those that there were showed Gurkhas mostly in cap comforters but they were taken in the winter. There is a photo of 10 GR in very floppy Gurkha hats more akin to Australian bush hats.

Photos from the Western Front in 1914 show Gurkhas with their Gurkha hats pinned up on one side and these photos are the most numerous. As a result we went for Gurkha hats pinned up on one side.

Hair was the other hurdle. Usually until much later Gurkhas had shaven heads with a tupe on top for Bhagwan to haul the dead soldier up to heaven.

However anecdotal evidence suggested that at Gallipoli the opposing trenches were so close as to make it impossible for the hajam to get up to

Photo: Christopher Bullock

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Terence Cuneo in his studio at Shepperton

and he in turn consulted the Committee. Given that a similar opportunity was unlikely to present itself for some time, if ever, it was decided to send it out with Ian Binnie. Terence Cuneo generously offered a visit to his studio to anyone in the Association The next hurdle was getting the finished painting to who wished to view the painting in the short time the Regiment in Burma Lines in the New Territories of before it was due to be dispatched. There were Hong Kong. On investigation the cost of commercially some takers I believe but it fell far short of a proper viewing occasion. shipping and insuring the valuable painting was prohibitive. Fortunately, Lady Luck came to our aid.

One of my staff officers in UKLF Operations Overseas I have a diary entry that on 27th October 1981 Ian Binnie set off for Hong Kong with a carefully wrapped branch was Major Ian Binnie; a Royal Marine, who painting with him, arriving safely in Hong Kong the was due a scheduled trip to HQ Joint Forces Hong Kong shortly. I prevailed upon his good nature to take next evening where 6 GR were expecting him. the Cuneo picture with him and to deliver it to 6 GR. It was not until 1998 that I was to see the painting again. By that time I had long left the Army and The downside to this arrangement was that there would be little time for 6 GR members in UK to view was Curator of The Gurkha Museum. One day I got the painting. I discussed this with Brigadier ‘Brunny’ a phone call from Gerald Davies who had been my shave the men’s heads. Certainly the rather sparse photographic evidence tended to show hair cut short but not shaven and so we went for that. Not everybody agreed!

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long-suffering Adjutant in 6 GR. He was now Project Officer for the rebuild of Sir John Moore Barracks at Shorncliffe, working hand in glove with the builders Mowlems with whom he had forged an extremely good relationship. With great prescience he had managed to save the Roman Catholic Garrison Church and indeed got Mowlems to repair and upgrade it. He now wanted me to come down and discuss whether or not we would be prepared to set up a mini-museum, visitor centre and shop in the deconsecrated church.

It seemed a brilliant idea to me. After my initial visit along with Gavin Edgerley-Harris, the museum archivist and the late Lieutenant Colonel Mike Barrett, our Gurkha Museum medals expert and also a Trustee, we made repeated visits to set up a representative display from our reserve collection.

We aimed to be finished in time for the official opening of the refurbished barracks by the then Major General Brigade of Gurkhas, Sir Sam Cowan.

During the course of these visits I noticed that RGR Officers Mess had all Terence Cuneo’s Gurkha oeuvre including the Sari Bair painting but less the 10 GR Labis landing painting on loan to the Gurkha Museum. I then got the idea of asking for their loan so we could have a Terence Cuneo exhibition in the Winchester museum (now called The Gurkha Memorial Museum) Although sadly deceased (in 1996, aged 88) Terence Cuneo’s name was now synonymous with high quality painting, not least of military actions, so I felt sure such an exhibition would attract many visitors, as indeed it did. Additionally, we concurrently staged an exhibition by Gurkha Brigade artists whose pictures were for sale. This attracted a lot of attention and resultant sales.

I myself bought one painting which we call the ‘trekkers nightmare.’ It shows a faint path disappearing into the wooded slopes of a precipitous valley now wreathed in mist and approaching darkness. At the end of the valley the Himalya still show their snow-clad peaks touched by the evening sun. Down in the valley there is an unseen river.

With a modicum of imagination one can imagine the scenario.

As afternoon turned to evening one came across a 4/6th Rifleman who had been involved in the crossing of the Irrawaddy in January 1945, much talk over tea resulted, the Head Porter sensibly interrupted to suggest that the porters press on to the intended camp site on the river and set up camp and start cooking bhat.

“Easy to find Sahib; just follow the path down to the river!”

What he didn’t mention was the cross tracks half an hour on, offering three alternative routes!

It’s really getting cold now and dark and I’m sure I am on the wrong track; my sweater last seen was stretched out on the youngest porter’s doko drying out after a morning shower!

A familiar scene?!

I seriously digress; that, Gentleman, concludes my account of how Terence Cuneo’s ‘Sari Bair’ came about.

I am still as struck by the picture as I was when I first saw it in his studio; a marvellously evocative recreation of an amazing feat of gallantry and courage.

Christopher Bullock

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The spectacular setting of the Baluchi Valley with the Kuran Ghar mountain ridge behind

OPERATION SPIN GHAR – OP HERRICK 7

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wo minutes, Jonny – good luck mate…” with that I tapped the riflemen nearest to me on the shoulder to share the news and a ripple of hand signals followed “ down the helicopter. With my headset now removed, I could soak up the setting to the full – we were packed in, standing in the back of the Chinook helicopter, struggling to balance, weighed down with weapons and equipment as the pilots manoeuvred the aircraft, the rear ramp was down and the snake of other Chinooks behind us was just about visible on a particularly dark night. The noise of the aircraft drowned out all of the sound but the silence amongst the 40 of us was palpable – as was the tension. The helicopter banked hard. We knew this meant we were seconds from our landing 300 meters from our initial targets. Adrenaline levels were high.

It was October 2007, and this was the 1 RGR Battlegroup’s second, three-week operation, since

arriving in Afghanistan for Operation HERRICK 7. It promised to be a good one, demanding soldiering alongside coalition Special Forces and troops from other nations, including the Afghan National Army, and a real test of our versatility – individual and collective.

There were a few things to put in place first…

The planning demand was considerable – multilayered from division downwards, across the coalition, multi-agency (including GCHQ in the UK) and in close collaboration with the British Special Forces Chinook squadron. Unlike the first operation, which had seen us working in Helmand alongside the other UK elements in Afghanistan, for this operation we were to be deployed to the province commanded by the Dutch task force – Uruzgan.

The terrain was quite different to Helmand

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Province. It was further north and far more mountainous. We were tasked to clear the 29 Km long ‘Baluchi Valley’. The terrain was exceptionally beautiful – well-irrigated, cool and leafy. It was also relatively isolated and inaccessible, and the vegetation around the large river was very ‘close’ – with short-range visibility akin to jungle conditions.

This meant that it was excellent ground to defend and the Taliban had prepared defensive positions to which they deployed when threatened. Coalition Special Forces had last tried to enter the valley 18 months previously with the accompanying Afghan ground forces repelled by the Taliban. Since then, it had become an established Taliban ‘sanctuary’ where they had had almost complete freedom of movement, where they trained forces, where highprofile Taliban leaders had been operating, weapons and ammunition had been cached, and from where the Taliban had been launching trained forces to attack the surrounding areas.

We were told to expect stiff resistance and it was clear from our analysis that two things would be key to early success: surprise and a rapid build-up of ‘combat power’ inside the perimeter of Taliban prepared defensive positions. We knew that the

In disguise as Afghan National Army and Australian personnel ahead of the initial Battlegroup helicopter assault

Taliban would be monitoring any movement by vehicle of our forces into the Baluchi Valley, so we were going to have to insert a significant number of well-armed troops by helicopter. To put this into perspective, none of the British contingent from the coalition team could remember when the British Army had last done a helicopter assault on this scale.

To support the planning, coalition Special Forces were infiltrated to the area of our initial target at the northern end of the valley, near the village of Chora, to confirm the security of our landing site options, large enough to land 5 Chinooks, and to provide intelligence on Taliban activity. In particular, we were monitoring the locations of known Taliban anti-aircraft specialists who we knew were in the area and would be a threat to the aircraft when we came into land.

Map of Operational Area

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Tarin Kowt, the Dutch base at the southern end of the valley, was to be our logistical hub and the scale of the logistical in-load (principally ammunition of all natures) – in itself an operation that was going to last days – required that this be initiated promptly.

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The 29 kms distance from Tarin Kowt to our initial target and the Kuran Ghar mountainous terrain in between meant that it wouldn’t be suitable for our ‘Main’ Headquarters, however, and we determined that we needed to have a command node positioned sufficiently close to the initial target capable of commanding the full panoply of coalition assets ahead of and when the initial wave of helicopters, based on C Company Group, landed.

So, we planned to move the ‘Step Up’ Headquarters to Chora, where the Taliban were used to seeing troops from the Afghan Army and Australian Task Force, 24 hours ahead of the helicopter assault. To ensure security we disguised Nepalese Gurkha personnel in uniforms of the Afghan Army and British personnel in those of the Australians. We were able to include in this covert deployment elements of the Battlegroup’s mortar platoon to provide initial and local indirect fire support.

To optimise surprise, we planned to fly the initial five-aircraft wave of the Battlegroup, based on C Company, direct from Kandahar (a flight of 190 Kms), but the flight time from there meant that subsequent waves would have to be lifted from nearer by – the Dutch base of Tarin Kowt – so as not to leave C Company exposed. The joint planning with the British Special Forces Chinook squadron was highly collaborative and we established an excellent rapport with them. There is little doubt that the personal relationships we formed during the planning period before we inserted were almost as valuable as the formulation of the joint plan itself.

When it came to the helicopter assault, the pilots really pulled their fingers out for us in some very dangerous flying conditions.

Helicopter insertion at the observation post on the Kuran Ghar – a manoeuvre conducted at night for the initial Battlegroup assault

capital, we were required to postpone the date of the Battlegroup helicopter assault until this was achieved, with the consequence that we came close to missing the monthly window of optimal night vision (‘millilux’ levels) required by the Chinook pilots – hence the particularly dark conditions. Close though we came to missing the ‘millilux’ window, the political clearance arrived with just enough time.

We were all set…

With our coalition Special Forces team focused on ensuring the security of our landing sites against A feature of coalition operations is that each national any Taliban threats just ahead of our landing time, in the small hours of 25th October, we inserted in contingent operates within their own national political parameters. On this occasion, this affected two waves of five helicopters each, right onto where the intelligence indicated the Taliban were grouped what each of those participating in this operation at the head of the valley just south of Chora – C could contribute, dictating the roles each of us Company Group leading, with A Company Group played – our rules of engagement being the most plus my tactical headquarters following. Hugging permissive, it made sense for us to take on the the Kuran Ghar mountainside opposite to the valley central role. It also happened to have a substantial side so as to mask the sound of the helicopters, we bearing on the timing of our helicopter assault. completed the banking turn into the valley, flying With political clearance for one of our coalition partners suffering a series of delays in their national low over the ground, and swooped onto our target

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Battlegroup Tactical HQ, morning of Day 1

amongst swirling clouds of dust that consumed the aircraft. The boys poured off the back of the Chinooks within the 25 seconds we’d rehearsed and melted into the night. The pilots did brilliantly – the condition of the landing site ground, pitted with ditches, reduced their options for where to land their aircraft and it got congested – the helicopter I was on, for example, coming perilously close to colliding with the one following us. And the flying needed to insert the team onto the Kuran Ghar mountain ridge overlooking the valley was amongst the best I’ve ever seen.

Within half an hour we had over on 300 troops into the centre of an area where the Taliban had considered themselves to be untouchable.

Our prompt arrival achieved the surprise we’d aimed for, but once the Taliban realised what was happening the fighting started. We had to cross a wide river to get to their forward positions, but we’d done our homework and knew where to cross efficiently, and we were into their defences pretty quickly. The first positions that we came across capitulated without significant resistance, but as the sun began to rise, the Taliban started to take us on aggressively. As usual, they fought hard, and engagements were all close quarter – in some case 10 to 20 metres between us and them. Managing the

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battlespace from the ground was complex – there were a number of assets to coordinate, often from a position huddled up with key staff against the protection of a mud wall. Supporting the assault, we had Harrier fighter jets, Apache attack helicopters, artillery, mortars, armed airborne surveillance devices (drones), heavy machine guns, ground-based

Lieutenant John Jeffcoat, C Company, leading his platoon during the initial fighting

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fighting continued for about two days, but the effect was good. Our progress during these early stages was gradual, but we always held the initiative, the key to which was to keep the enemy guessing. Many Even with all that technology and firepower, where combat is characterised by to toe-to-toe fighting the of them had considerable combat experience. We most precious commodity is raw human courage. We were able to concentrate the Taliban resistance suffered 2 casualties early on, one from the coalition into a specific area, which gave us relative freedom of manoeuvre in the immediate surrounding Special Forces team that had secured the landing site, who sadly was killed. He and his team had been area. So, at the same time as grinding the Taliban down – we saw them wheeling off their dead and a brilliant support to us leading up to our insertion wounded in wheelbarrows – we were able to clear and we had established a very close bond. His our initial objective for handover to an Australian team came across a concealed Taliban bunker reconstruction team, the task of which was to as they were moving round our flank. They came rebuild various local check points around Chora that under immediate heavy fire. C Company responded had been previously lost to the Taliban. instantly, fighting across the ground to link up, with our doctor dashing across under fire. The man hit Throughout, we had been watching the Taliban further was mortally wounded, but C Company were able down the valley from the Kuran Ghar ‘observation to secure the position and organise the evacuation post’ that the helicopters had inserted so brilliantly by helicopter. The action that day from C Company resulted in the award of two Military Crosses – Major 7,000 feet up on the ridgeline. We had identified Dougie Reid RAMC and Lance Corporal Agnish Thapa. what was clearly a Taliban command centre and ammunition cache. The Taliban obviously felt safe in this area. They were walking around openly carrying Following the helicopter assault, we were able to weapons and moving ammunition from there to the deploy the remainder of the 1,500-strong 1 RGR point where the fighting with us was taking place battlegroup, including the Royal Welch company – almost a daily commute for the fighters. As the brought in from Cyprus for this operation. The missile systems…all from different nations and all needing their bit of airspace.

Lance Corporal Agnish Thapa MC, C Company

Major Dougie Reid MC, RMO

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intelligence had suggested would happen, the fighting our final pass through the valley. The Dutch had quite a fight trying to link up with us at the base of with us at the head of the valley drew other Taliban the valley and had had to stop short of their final into the area. We now had a concentration of them. objective. We were briefed that Taliban were all Overnight on Day 3, in combination with the US Navy over the area. Having been operating necessarily SEALs, we conducted an operation to lift a significant overtly in the region for some days by this stage, our positions were obvious, and the Taliban would have ‘High Value Target,’ who had revealed himself been expecting us to assault from the direction we amongst this concentration of Taliban fighters. We had also planned a contingency operation to hit this had been progressing. Our best option was to get in behind them covertly. Overnight, we negotiated concentration of enemy if it occurred and we now our way down a riverbed, through 8 kms of Taliban launched this – a second helicopter assault from positions, and announced our arrival at dawn with the 130-strong A Company Group into Taliban depth explosive entry to a number of compounds previously positions, synchronised with a missile strike on the ammunition cache from the Kuran Ghar ‘observation identified as Taliban. With the surprise we achieved, post.’ This proved to be decisive. The Taliban left the there was absolutely no resistance. area quickly thereafter and we then had the main We shifted our posture as soon as we sensed that part of the valley to ourselves. we were unlikely to have to fight, but the atmosphere The emphasis then switched to searching for Taliban reminded me of Sangin, in Helmand, when I had been weapons and ammunition and destroying the various there the previous year with forces on Operation Herrick 6. Then, UK troops entered what appeared to bunkers they had constructed from which to fight be a calm village with berets on and 24 hours later throughout the valley. We coupled this activity with ‘reassurance’ initiatives aimed at the local population, were fighting hard. Local people were either over welcoming, reassuring us that we didn’t need to stay, including medical clinics and basic humanitarian or we were being watched by groups of what we assistance. Local families had left the valley in droves when the fighting started, but as the fighting called ‘fighting-age males.’ Sure enough, we soon had a sniper engage one of our patrols, but thereafter subsided, they returned quickly. We counted in the attempts to catch us out with improvised explosive region of 600 locals returning to their homes the day after the A Company enveloping attack. Over the devices were thwarted. After a couple of days of days that followed we found a number of significant ‘reassurance’ patrolling to check the area was stable, we withdrew and handed the area over to the Dutch. weapons dumps, of ammunition and components for improvised explosive devices. We detained a number of individuals identified by the Afghan Army All in all, we’d covered some 29 Kms of Talibanas potential Taliban activists and destroyed a series dominated territory on foot. Our living conditions in the field had been basic – we’d slept rough and of what were very well-prepared Taliban defensive carried our lives on our backs, most of which was positions and their trauma medical facilities. We ammunition, radios and their batteries and water. were under pressure of time, but we combed the Being able to capitalise on the Gurkha capacity valley in some detail, all by foot, and had complete freedom of manoeuvre. By the time that we reached to move by foot with heavy weight on his back the fringes of the valley, we found locals destroying was proving to be decisive. We’d negotiated some forbidding terrain, at night, and through Taliban the bunkers for us. This was a good sign. positions, carrying weights of between 80 and 110 Then came the final push. We had been warned that pounds, in light conditions that are next to pitch black, in some cases over scree-covered slopes that we might be required to reinforce the Dutch in the frequently required three points of contact to climb area at the south end of the Baluchi Valley and the and back-packs to be passed from man to man, and orders duly came through soon after we had made

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in an environment that had favoured ambush. The Gurkhas had manoeuvred quietly, without complaint and had ALL always been ready to get into the fight.

praise of the Gurkhas’ performance under fire and the RAF Chinook crews remarked that they had been amongst the best they’d worked with.

The Battalion had come of age. It had been reassuring to see quite how well equipped the boys were for this task – they were proving highly effective at dealing with the enemy and were interacting well with locals and allies alike. They changed gear on this operation. Understandably perhaps, there had been real apprehension amongst the Battalion during our first operation soon after we arrived in Afghanistan and on top of that, the Battalion had also suffered the chest blow tragedy of losing Major Lex Roberts to an improvised explosive device attack on the road move back to Kandahar afterwards. On this operation though, they demonstrated a voracious appetite for combat. And when it came to switching posture, they were naturals. The coalition Special Forces could not have been more effusive in their

On a personal note, I can’t pretend that the soldier in me wasn’t excited as we boarded the Chinook for the helicopter assault on the first night – and in truth, it was even more exhilarating than I had thought it would be. And as I stood on that Chinook, packed in amongst the diminutive statures of the men I was commanding, looking over their heads into the darkness of the night through the open-backed helicopter as we flew to the landing site for that battlegroup helicopter assault, I fully appreciated how privileged I was to be leading such a special bunch of people in such exceptional circumstances. If ever I’m asked for a single moment in my career that meant the most to me, that was it.

Jai Gurkha!

Jonny Bourne

The Gurkhas were naturals at interacting with local Afghans

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THE GWT – OUR GURKHA CHARITY

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Whether or wither?

efore I go any further, let me make it clear that I have huge admiration for the Gurkha Welfare Trust (GWT) and all that it does. Like every really good humanitarian charity, it makes a real difference to peoples’ lives and that, ultimately, is all that matters.

GWT was formed as a result of the massive cuts to our Brigade in the late 60s/early 70s, when thousands of our soldiers were made redundant without a pension. The Brigade recognised that we had an obligation to support them, as well as those who served earlier but were not given pensions. Our aims were clear: “… the relief of hardship and distress among Gurkha ex-servicemen of the British Crown and their dependents…” This aim is fundamental to all that we do, and support for the charity relies very much on the “Gurkha Brand”, the reputation earned by our soldiers in the service of this nation.

Charities are run by a Board of Trustees, and since 1969 GWT is particularly fortunate to have been, and continues to be, served by dedicated, diligent and informed individuals.

be an inevitable evolution, but it can take a charity away from its roots and to some extent dehumanise it. GWT activities have widened to include, for example, the building of schools and community centres, and this is germane, for the more roles we acquire, the harder it will be for the charity to eventually close and the further we will move from the “Gurkha Brand.” I contend that the long-term aim of charities, (less ‘heritage’ ones) should be to close: when cancer is solved, the Cancer Research charities will fold; when we solve world hunger (faint hope!) charities that support the starving will shut. It follows that we too should close once we have achieved our aim, rather than becoming just another development charity. The most recent GWT Annual Report and Accounts (AR&A) anticipates “…a continuing requirement for welfare services for veterans in Nepal for the next 20-30 years…” Then what? While I know that the GWT Trustees keep this under constant review, perhaps they might share their thoughts more widely?

Because GWT has taken on so many other roles, eventual closure may be difficult, the more so since And yet I, and others, fear for the future. Where is it approximately 40% of annual expenditure – some £22 million - is now funded by the UK Government! (Some going? How long will it keep going? I contend that I have the right to be critical of a charity that I love: I £3.8 million from FCDO for water projects, £2.5 million am one of the four people alive who attended many from MODUK towards healthcare and a £3.3 million of the discussions in the late 1960s on the formation MODUK grant-in-aid). As the latest AR&A makes clear, of what was then the Gurkha Welfare Appeal; I served the FCDO funding for water projects “…will directly contribute to the attainment of the UN’s Sustainable for nine years as a Trustee while Chairman GBA, I Development Goals…” and “…support UK’s strategic was one of the first fundraisers in 1970 and I was a priorities of climate change…”. Highly commendable, member of the GWT Trailwalker team until I turned 70. I also ran charities for eight years when I retired, but is this really GWT’s role, and why do we part-fund it? And while the ‘catch-all’ healthcare scheme now so I do understand them. brings huge and essential benefits to those in real need, paradoxically it also supports some of those My first concern is that of mission creep, common least in need of free healthcare – the Gurkha with a to both the military and to charities. This may well

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pension. One suspects it is now too late to reinstate even symbolic contributions from this group.

We are already drifting away from our raison d’etre – the Gurkha soldier – and it shows: there is less spontaneous fundraising by the Brigade for GWT and more for local charities, and many no longer regard it as “our” charity. Although the founders would mourn this, it is understandable: our soldiers are now UK-based, while GWT is, rightly, focused on Nepal. But few of our serving soldiers appreciate that GWT also makes significant grants to the Army Benevolent Fund in recognition for their work with UK-based retirees, as well as funding the Gurkha Welfare Advice Centres in UK: this needs to be better communicated to our soldiers and reignite their pride in “their” charity.

Linked into this is the vital question of Governance, the system and processes which cover the direction, supervision and accountability of any charity, and under which Trustees work. A revision of the GWT’s Articles of Association last year saw the Charity Commission “recommendations” on governance adopted as “mandatory” requirements, with a consequential fall-out. Long-serving and experienced Trustees were dismissed and the Regimental Colonels defenestrated, losing their vote. The numbers on the GWT Board were reduced to ten voting Trustees: six civilians and four serving or retired Brigade officers; the military can now be overruled by civilians who, irrespective of their undoubted dedication, lack the experience and understanding of Nepal, our Gurkha Soldiers, their real needs and their expectations. This cannot be right. Furthermore, it is entirely possible that HMG, in view of its contributions, could demand a greater say in the running of GWT: this is not as absurd as it sounds, for when GWT received the “LIBOR Grants” from HMG in about 2013, MOD tried to tell GWT how these funds were to be spent.

I believe that Trustees need to review the current Articles of Association: charity law does not require the number of trustees to be limited to ten, it only recommends this: I would submit that this should be increased to twelve by the recruitment of at least two of the Colonels of Regiments – possibly those with the best knowledge of Nepal – to allow more informed decisions to be taken and to reassure our clients – the Gurkha soldier.

Perhaps the Board should now start considering how to disperse the huge reserves GWT has? At present much of these are earmarked by law for what is called the “Constructive Obligation”, whereby funds are set aside to guarantee that we can continue paying welfare pensions and disability grants, but this amount is dropping annually as the number of recipients decreases. While Nepal must remain the epicentre of our efforts, in addition to informing Gurkhas – both serving and retired - who settle permanently in UK of what we already do here, we need to seek their views on what else they would like to see GWT doing. For example, perhaps a system of university or apprenticeship scholarships for their children in ‘useful’ disciplines (medicine, agriculture, engineering) in exchange for a period of service in Nepal; it would re-engage them with their homeland and heritage, help Nepal and would be popular among retirees.

In summary, we need to recognise and constrain mission creep, critically review the relationship with, and reliance on, HMG funders, and better inform and consult serving and retired members of the Brigade in UK of current and long-term plans and possible dispersion of reserves. Above all, Trustees are urged to consider reviewing the recent changes to Governance to ensure that those who know Nepal best are in the majority on the GWT Board. Please make GWT once again “our charity.”

John Anderson

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“BAD MEN WITH BEARDS AND GUNS…”

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A personal perspective

y association with Afghanistan began vicariously in October 2001 when I arrived in Bosnia as CO 2 RGR to start a 6-month operational tour.

Immediately, I was directed to prepare to conduct offensive operations against “bad men with beards and guns” somewhere in the Canadian Area of Operations. All a bit sketchy, but we needed to roll with it…with 9/11 so fresh, the atmosphere was febrile. At that stage, only my battlegroup reserve company was with me, so I was to take under command two armoured infantry companies from 2 RGJ who we were replacing. We did the initial planning but, fortunately, good sense – or a lack of targetable intelligence - prevailed. We didn’t go after the men with beards. However, it set the tone for the tour. It seemed likely that, sooner or later, the UK would get directly involved in Afghanistan; and, if it did, 2 RGR wanted to be part of it. We used every opportunity in Bosnia to train and prepare for warfighting. In December 2002, 2 PARA deployed to Kabul as part of Op FINGAL, the UK contribution to the enforcement of the Bonn Peace Accords. C (Gurkha) Company 2 PARA was provided by 2 RGR and information about the country and its people started to trickle back to us.

inevitably mattered; 2 RGR trumped everyone here.

But it was still ‘Line Infantry preferred’. On one sunny day in May as Jody Davies, my Adjutant, and I headed off to Bisley to see the Battalion Shooting Team, I knew that it was between us and the Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters as to who would deploy on Op JACANA. I also knew that the force would be commanded by David Santa-Olalla, our Brigade Commander, and that General Mike “Jacko” Jackson, C-in-C Land Forces, would be visiting the Brigade HQ that day and that he would have a clear view into Sir John Moore Barracks. So, I left clear instructions with my 2i/c, Tim O’Leary, that there was to be maximum visible activity to demonstrate unequivocally that we were ‘ready.’

That evening I attended a dinner in the Constable’s Tower in Dover Castle, hosted by the Brigade Commander. I sat next to ‘Jacko’. He said he’d been amused to see that not only were the Mortar, Machine Gun and Anti-tank Platoons engaged in comprehensive training drills throughout the day; but, somewhat unfeasibly, there seemed to have been an endless circuit of fully combat-laiden platoons traversing the sports field in some sort of perpetual motion march and shoot competition. (It was Gurkha initiative working to intent at its most magnificent!)

Jacko then leant over his prawn cocktail and said On return from Bosnia, 2 RGR was to be the Op to me “Dear Boy, you’ve got the job!” And then the Spearhead Lead Element Battalion at very high qualification: “But don’t tell your effing battalion that readiness. At the back end of our tour, the US had launched Op ANACONDA against Al Qaeda (AQ) in effing Jacko has said you are definitely effing well the Tora Bora Mountains; it hadn’t gone as well as going because it needs the PM’s sign off but… be expected (In fact, CDS (Admiral Boyce) was with me in prepared to be prepared!” It was a glorious moment.

Banja Luka watching C Coy search houses for illegal Sadly, as it turned out, AQ fighters were more elusive weapons when he took an urgent call from London than expected and escaped the tightening noose. telling him things were bad). The UK deployed HQ 3 Tony Blair pulled the mission a few days later.

Commando Brigade and 45 Commando (45 Cdo) on Op JACANA to support the US in sweeping up any AQ But Afghanistan wasn’t done with us quite yet. On remnants. There was soon a need to replace 45 Cdo. returning from a battlegroup exercise in Canada in For Army presentational reasons, it was thought best Autumn 2002, we once again became the Spearhead this should be a Line Infantry Battalion, not Gurkhas Battalion. Iraq started to loom large, and we were or Paras. However, manning levels and training states in the frame to deploy. However, instead, we found

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ourselves deployed at no notice to Sierra Leone in early 2003 to pre-empt an imminent coup and stabilise the country in the event of unrest when the agents of the International Court carried out their plan to arrest several senior figures (including Government Ministers) indicted for war crimes. We put ourselves about a bit and the local press started reporting there were 5,000 Gurkhas deployed across the country; in reality, we were only 350. It had the desired effect. The anticipated coup was averted, and the arrests went without incident. Job done.

movers to ‘have a whip round’ of 2 RGR to see if we could raise the necessary US$ 2,000. We managed $350 ($300 of which was mine), so we had to go south to Ascension Island and suffer a 24-hour delay.

Disgraceful and should have led to an outraged letter to the Daily Telegraph; but comedy gold, too…

Back in the UK, we quietly prepared for our summer Arms Plot Move to Brunei with hopes of a more relaxed tempo and a bit of jungle time. With the Advance Party already in Brunei, I was suddenly called to HQ Land Command to be told that I was The success of the operation was unavoidably lost in to move the battalion to Brunei, settle the families the noise of the Iraq War which absorbed all attention and then return up to 3 companies back to the UK and staff effort. So much so, that the RAF Tristar sent for pre-deployment training. 2 RGR was finally going to return us to the UK found insufficient fuel in Sierra to Afghanistan.

Leone to reach Brize Norton. The contingency plan was to call in at Dakar to fill up. But we needed to pay The deployment involved C Company as the Kabul for landing fees and Dakar didn’t take ‘plastic’ – we Patrol Company (KPC) (the ‘Strike’ capability) under needed cash. So, I was asked – seriously - by the RAF NATO command (a Canadian Brigade HQ). A training A T55, the Hindu Kush mountains in the background

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team based on A Company was under US Command in the east of Kabul (the Brigade Commander was Mark Milley, now the Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff). And the Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) based on Support Company was under British Command, located up north in Mazar-e-Sharif.

All 3 elements had a productive tour. The KPC provided force protection and carried out a series of high-profile strike/arrest ops against identified threats, mainly from Hezb-e Islami Gulbaddin (HiG).

Straight out of Hollywood, some of the PRT Officers and SNCOs averted a major clash between the rival warlords of the Northern Alliance (Generals Atta and Dostum) which could have been fatal to the stability of the embryonic regime in Kabul. When the two generals deployed their tanks and their fighters in a serious stand-off, the Support Company team interposed themselves between the rival forces and defused a highly volatile situation. I was told by the SIS Head of Station that they had done a magnificent job and the measure of just how well they had done was that in the aftermath many senior people (who weren’t there) were trying to take credit for it.

Perhaps most unlikely is a story from the training team. One night a Gurkha sergeant went out on his own on the training area to recce a range for the following day. He heard firing and moved to the sound of the guns. He found a two-vehicle US patrol which had been ambushed. Its commander, a Colonel, had been wounded and his team was pinned down. Under fire, the SNCO first extracted the Colonel to cover and treated him; he then galvanised the US patrol and led them in a counterattack to drive off their assailants. Kajiman Limbu became the first Gurkha SNCO to win a MC under the new rules opening the award to non-officers. He’d only gone out on a routine range recce…

I was hugely proud of all their achievements. My only sadness was that, with such a fragmented and unorthodox command and control arrangement for my 3 companies, there was no in-theatre role for me as CO. My British Regiment predecessor had created an artificial role, but I couldn’t honestly justify doing

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Ian Thomas as Commander Kabul Security Force and Commander British Forces Afghanistan

the same. I became the force provider, planner, trainer and rear ops/firm base as Commander Brunei Garrison. I conducted the recces and was able to visit our soldiers, alongside my outstanding Gurkha Major, Laxmi Bantawa; but I had to forgo command.

It was the right thing to do professionally but, as the many other COs who have been in a similar position would say, it cuts to the soul.

Against this backdrop, I was later in 2016-17 privileged to deploy to Afghanistan as Commander of the multinational Kabul Security Force (COM KSF) and Commander British Forces Afghanistan. By then, the mission had transitioned from combat operations to one of training and advising to develop Afghan capability sufficient to enable them to operate

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independently. The KSF protected NATO advisors and provided a quick reaction force to extract entitled personnel in the event of an attack. The risk appetite in NATO capitals had diminished markedly; any casualty in a supposedly non-combat mission represented strategic and political risk. Although relatively well protected in Afghan terms, Kabul remained a very dangerous place. As the capital, and centre of gravity, it was an attractive target: any attack would resonate most loudly there. So, the enemy devoted a significant effort to conduct high profile attacks. In April 2016, we watched impotently as the Haqqani Network conducted an attack on Afghan Security Forces and civilians which resulted in the highest number of casualties (300+) yet inflicted in Kabul. We didn’t see it coming; only the previous day I had briefed incoming NATO staff officers that although we were tracking some threat streams, none of them were in the attack phase.

Mongolian soldiers for base force protection. The US companies came under the command of the UK CO, the US CO became my Deputy, his Command Sergeant Major my CSM, and the US staff integrated with a small core of UK staff to be the one-star Force HQ. It was an amazing construct. I was blessed to have had excellent British Battalions (2 SCOTS and I R IRISH) at the core, as well as the US 3-61st Cavalry (Audie Murphy’s Regiment which had already won two Congressional Medals of Honor in Afghanistan – see “The Outpost” on Amazon Prime); and the 2-506 Air Assault (the famed “Band of Brothers”).

But what made it so special for me was that, for nine months of my command, 2 RGR was the UK battalion. Superbly led by Jamie Murray, 2 RGR was in magnificent shape. It was just such a joy to be re-united with old and trusted friends who were completely on top of their game (many with three or As COM KSF, I owned the force protection risk for all four tours of Helmand under their belts). Such was NATO personnel in Kabul. If we detected an imminent the level of trust and mutual confidence, we were able to push the mission to its elastic limits: the threat, I had the authority to ‘turn the city black’ US command wanted us to take a more aggressive and cease all advising activity. In a mission where stance than UK policy allowed. This needed to we were likely to depart before we had met all the be carefully finessed if we were not to have a ‘end state conditions’, any ‘time wasted’ (i.e., when catastrophic fall. I knew I could ask more of Jamie we weren’t advising and thus improving Afghan than others would be comfortable with and we could capability) necessarily meant we would leave a take more risk given the quality of our soldiers. diminished Afghan capacity when we reached the Under Jamie’s wise leadership 2 RGR maximised the end date. So, the pressure was always on me to lift KSF’s operational effectiveness and utility, enhancing restrictions ASAP and resume advising activity. Yet just because a threat hadn’t gone ‘bang’ didn’t mean our credibility with the US. Particularly satisfying was it had attenuated. They might simply be waiting until the close relationship and incredible mutual respect we returned to the streets before initiating. Threats, that developed between the airborne soldiers of 2-506 and 2 RGR. This really matters: The Band of even when we did track them, often went ‘silent’ in Brothers reputation still commands attention. I the final stages. So, as my American Commander would say, I would have to “put my big boy’s pants on overheard my Deputy/CO of 2-506, a very impressive man called Kurt Smith, who had been a Delta and make some difficult calls.”

Force operator during the Black Hawk Down raid in Fortunately, while there were many attacks, resulting Mogadishu, tell an American General: “these Gurkhas are amazing soldiers - they are awesome!” It did no in casualties, no NATO soldier under the protection harm that in every physical challenge we did (except of the KSF was killed. Part good luck, part good the powerlifting competition) 2 RGR absolutely wiped judgment… perhaps. But a cardinal reason for the the floor with their US comrades.

KSF’s success was the quality of the soldiers who served in it. Uniquely, the KSF was based on a US I missed the combat mission that some others battalion and a UK battalion with an Australian experienced in Helmand Province, which Gez and company, a Danish contingent and a company of

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2 RGR Support Company, Kabul Security Force

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Jonny can recount authentically. I had my taste of high intensity operations and the sorrow of the casualties this brings, elsewhere, as Divisional Chief of Staff in Basra in 2006/07. But it was such a privilege and source of immense pride and satisfaction, to complete my military service commanding Gurkhas, trusted friends who I knew so well, on operations in Kabul. Throughout my 33 years’ service, we were always under threat – sometimes existential – and were at times underrated and lacked confidence. The Gurkhas of 2 RGR in 2016 in Kabul emphatically dispelled all that doubt and uncertainty.

As I left Kabul in January 2017, there was cause for optimism. The Warsaw Conference had extended the NATO mission by four more years, underwriting a new strategic plan, to give the Afghans the best chance to achieve self-reliance. Afghan Special Forces were fighting hard and effectively. The UK sponsored Afghan Officer Academy was producing much admired and capable combat leaders. And the Afghan Airforce was conducting independent close air support missions. Moreover, albeit still a high threat environment, Kabul was bustling and had all the characteristics of a vibrant commercial hub. It had changed out of all recognition from the city I’d seen in summer 2003. Wedding palaces were brightly lit, neon signs were everywhere and there was music and colour. I genuinely thought that the Kabulis had gained so much, that they would fight tooth and nail to preserve it. The Taliban might seize provincial cities like Kunduz, as they had done in 2015, but there was no way they’d gain a foothold in Kabul. How wrong I was. It was devastating to see how things unravelled so catastrophically. In the end it seems that, riven by corruption and insufficiently attentive to the true needs of its citizens, the government in Kabul lacked the necessary legitimacy to secure the loyalty of its people to the point where they were willing to fight hard to preserve it.

Ian Thomas

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THE ORIGINS OF THE CUTTACK LUNCHEON CLUB any members of the Cuttack Luncheon Club will not be familiar with the formation of the club and how it developed to what it is today.

The first letter (yes, hard copy, typed) calling notice is attached for the initial gathering at ‘Gordon’s Wine Bar’, Villiers Street on 25 April 1986. The cost £7.00 a head and you had a good meal!

In 1986, I was working at Main Office, MOD and there were a reasonable number of 6th Gurkha Officers serving in London (and UK) at that time. There was a feeling that there was a bit of a generation gap between the serving and the retired members of the Regimental Association that could be improved by providing a new gathering opportunity either side of the annual Regimental Association Reunion. The condition was it should not diminish the attendance of the Annual Regimental Association Reunion.

The administrative arrangements were simple, no more than one side of A4 for calling notices, Officers would arrange luncheons on a rotational basis, so new dining venues were provided each time. Officers were encouraged to bring guests.

Remember, there was no Winchester-based Gurkha Museum facilities, no mobile phones, Facebook or other modern means to get together and chat, so an informal gathering once a quarter was deemed a good start.

By the time of the third luncheon on 14 November 1986 (Run by Duncan Briggs at NDC Greenwich), the retired officers of the Regimental Association attendance were steadily increasing. Major General Jim Robertson was a stalwart from the start and attended nearly every Cuttack Luncheon Club event.

Wind on to today. The spirit of the Regiment lives on and is enhanced by the club luncheon get-togethers.

No one would have thought in 1986 that this club would still be flourishing so well in 2021! Jai 6th!

Gerald Davies

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SOLDIER SAHIBS THE MEN WHO MADE THE NORTH-WEST FRONTIER Charles Allen, John Murray

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his is not a recent publication, but those who have not yet read it nor served in Afghanistan will find it a useful background to put into context the difficulties that continue in that turbulent area of the world today. Importantly of course, our Editor considered it an appropriate review for inclusion in this ‘Afghanistan’ edition.

The book largely concentrates on events in north-west India between 1839 and the mutiny of 1857. During this time the East India Company extended its conquests to the northern boundaries of the Indian subcontinent. It follows the exploits of a small group of military officers-cum-civil administrators who shaped the North-West Frontier Province which lies in today’s Pakistan. Names such as Herbert Edwardes who pacified Bannu, Harry Lumsden who founded the Corps of Guides, John Nicholson who became the terror of the Sikhs as Nikkal Seyn, ‘Uncle’ James Abbott of Hazara after whom Abbottabad was named, and others.

They secured the allegiance of the fiercely independent-minded tribespeople who had settled to the east and south of the Afghanistan border. This border, the Durand Line, cuts through the homelands of a dozen major Pakhtun (Pathan) tribes from the Afridi to the Waziri in the south. They ensured the tribes’ divided loyalties remained, for the most part,

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Pro-Raj rather than pro-Afghanistan. Much of their success was based on an understanding of the fiercely proud tribesmen and their uncompromising code of honour, or Pakhtunwalia as it was known.

The narrative follows each of the four officers in the pacification and administration of their areas. The disastrous first Afghan War and the First and Second Sikh Wars are covered too. As part of inside of the book’s dust jacket explains:

Drawing extensively on their diaries, journals and letters, as well as his own recent travels in their footsteps, Charles Allen, acknowledged master story-teller of imperial history, weaves the individual stories of these soldier sahibs into an extraordinary tale that ends climatically on Delhi Ridge in 1857, when they come together to ‘save’ British India.

Probably best known for his BBC broadcasts subsequently published as Plain Tales from the Raj, Charles Allen writes in an engaging style – informative, humorous and dramatic.

Strongly recommended.

The eye-catching dust jacket front illustration is of Captain Dighton Probyn, 2nd Punjab Cavalry (later known as Probyn’s Horse), winning the VC at Agra.

Brian O’Bree

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PARTITION – THE STORY OF INDIAN INDEPENDENCE AND THE CREATION OF PAKISTAN IN 1947 Barney White-Spunner Simon & Schuster

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eneral Sir Barney’s account of the Indian partition is a vast, wide-screen drama with many independently moving parts.

The negotiations continuously change course and the British exit plans are wrecked by factionalism at every level – in Westminster – in Mountbatten’s staff – in the Congress party – in the Muslim League and in almost every province and district of India.

After the Calcutta riots in 1946, General Sir Barney’s account moves from London to Delhi and across India following the twists and turns (and there are many) of this massive drama.

His relentless descriptions of inter-communal killing are hard to read. The massacres start in Calcutta when “street after street had been stripped to the walls …. contents strewn over pavements….and everywhere bodies grotesquely bloated in the tropical heat.”

The narrative follows the prime movers of the partition – Nehru, Patel, Chandra Bose, Jinna, Liaquat Ali Khan. And of course – Mahatma Gandhi, who drifts on and off stage throughout and, despite his unabashed acts of bad faith towards achieving a safer settlement process, remains a saintly figure, exuding good nature and a gift for memorably witty lines; for instance – shortly before an audience with King George VI, wearing nothing but a flimsy dhoti, he was asked by the clamouring press “Mr Gandhi,

do you think you are properly dressed to meet the King?” To which he famously replied – “do not worry about my clothes . The king has enough for both of us.” As plan after plan fell into disarray, Gandhi’s demeanour grew more beatific. Meanwhile Nehru’s cool was gradually disintegrating, his meetings with Mountbatten punctuated with outbursts of rage at the erratic twists and turns of the transfer process and the increasing disaffection of Muhammad Ali Jinnah.

By July 1947 the partition process was steaming towards a crucial moment where when huge swathes of the population had to decide whether to cross a newly drawn border or stay as a minority within a hostile population. The obvious thing to do was to delay the separation date to allow a more careful separation, but instead politicians were furiously urging to go faster and faster. Serious inter-communal violence had already begun and the colony was disintegrating.

At the outset there was one instrument which could have safeguarded a humane process- the Indian Army. After the campaign in Burma it was larger than it had ever been and had with great success brought about the worst military defeat ever inflicted on the Japanese nation. By the end of the campaign it was quite a different force from the narrowly experienced colonial gendarme of

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the 1900s and in the gathering chaos of 1946 it was the only reliable instrument of law and order left.

However, sometimes the most obvious expedients are swept aside by the lunacy of human passion.

Alas, one of the few things that the disputatious Hindu and Muslim leaders had in common was a hearty contempt for the Indian Army and its officer cadre. Even Mountbatten, the Army’s former theatre commander in Burma, now took an extraordinarily short-term view of their utility.

at last the drivers of the partition process realised that after all, the Indian Army was now crucial to achieving a humane separation, it was too late – the Army was no longer fit to deliver. A Punjab Border Force of several infantry divisions was thrown together to quell the massacres in the Punjab – but by that time the violence was out of control, the force was too small and crucially the national reorientation of individual units had not been successfully carried out.

After the disengagement from Burma, instead of preparing the Army for the approaching task of separation, political leaders urged for it to be reduced and used everywhere as a fire extinguisher for short term tasks. Battalions were sent away to restore peace and security in far flung colonies of the European powers, the Gurkhas were decimated by a chaotic division of its manpower between India and UK, and entire regiments were being uprooted from their long-standing depots and moved to far away barracks. So that as the moment of separation drew nearer the Indian Army became less and less able to deliver an effective presence. When

In his book General Sir Barney has made a good fist of addressing the scale and the drama of partition. No doubt his frequent caricatures of the Raj, the Indian Army, the tiger shoots, the viceregal gatherings, the stuffy sahibs and memsahibs will press the right buttons for a millennial readership. In the prevailing social climate it would be a fruitless to attempt to write a more nuanced account. Perhaps in the long-term future, when the pendulum of social conformity swings back to a less binary era, a kinder and more nuanced account can be written.

John Mackinlay

THE GURKHA DIARIES OF ROBERT ATKINS MC Pen & Sword Military

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ver ten years ago Robert Atkins MC (8 GR 1944-1948 and 1/6 GR 19501958) decided to record memories of his time with the Gurkhas for his grandchildren. Fortunately, he completed this just before suffering a stroke which left him with speech and writing difficulties.

A local friend had the opportunity to read the manuscript of Robert’s diaries and showed it to Lieutenant General Sir Peter Duffell knowing he was an ex-Gurkha. Realising it’s historical value, General Peter contacted our President, John Anderson. The Association had an input and the Gurkha Museum

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contributed additional photos. General Peter agreed to write the Foreword and, to put the diaries into context; Brigadier Christopher Bullock kindly agreed to write historical commentaries on both India at the time of Partition and on the Malayan Emergency.

Robert’s ‘The Gurkha Diaries’ was published by Pen & Sword. Henry Wilson, a former soldier and friend of General Peter and commissioning editor of his book, ‘Gurkha Odyssey’, was most enthusiastic to do the same for Robert’s memoirs. The book was launched in London in October 2021.

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Part 2 covers his time as a 6th Gurkha in Malaya before finishing his service for a year in Hong Kong. Operations in Malaya is the meat of the book and its importance is best explained in General Peter’s Foreword:

“In all the many regimental records and other published material that cover the ten-year military campaign that was the Malayan Emergency, I have seldom read such a gripping personal account or one that recalls with such refreshing clarity, modesty and sensitive observation the stressful jungle environment in which Robert Atkins and his formidable Gurkha soldiers operated.”

Joanna Lumley with her Gurkha Diaries copy

ends when Robert resigns from the Army in 1958. Split into two parts, Part 1 starts with his early life in India. His father was in the Indian Army and commanded the 1st/15th Punjab Regiment. Robert was sent back to boarding school in England with his twin brother and subsequently returned to India and joined the 8th Gurkhas. It includes harrowing descriptions of his experiences during Indian Independence and Partition.

The 8th Gurkhas having remained in the Army of the newly independent India, the part concludes with Robert’s return to UK in early 1948, his own transfer to the Royal Fusiliers and application for a regular commission. In 1952, he was sent with the Fusiliers to Korea but on arrival in Singapore he was ordered to leave the ship and join the Brigade of Gurkhas.

There are many names mentioned which some of you might remember or just know of from our historical records of the period. Forty plus photographs, from Regimental and personal sources, complement the narrative, as do Robert’s sketch maps illustrating some of his operations.

The book is short, but a real gem; a must read for those to have an understanding of or interest in life in Malaya during the Emergency and of ‘jungle bashing’. Few, if any, who fought against the CTs in the Malayan conflict will have had as many contacts and successes as Robert, one resulting in the welldeserved award of an MC. During the evening of 20th October, some 80 or so gathered in a small art gallery in Belgravia, London for the launch of the book. The majority were friends and extended family who had come to support Robert and Anabel, his wife of 65 years. 6 GRRA was represented by Brigadier John Anderson, Mani and Sudha Rai and Brian O’Bree.

Also present were four ex-Brigade soldiers now serving in the Military Provost Guard Service, one of

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who was passed the manuscript, recognised its value and engineered its publication. We owe him our thanks.

whom was ex-6 GR and RGR. The occasion was beautifully organised by Vicky Greenley, Robert and Anabel’s younger daughter.

Robert, now 94, had a long operation to remove a tumour in his neck before Christmas 2020. And less than two months before the Launch Anabel had a very serious fall; despite the discomfort she was determined to be there. An inspirational couple!

Within the Association, the book was first promoted at our Reunion in Winchester on 20 November 2021.

(In line with the current vogue of ‘full transparency’ I will admit to a small walk on part in the provision of a number of photographs.)

Brian O’Bree

It was most fortunate that it was General Peter Duffell

DHOFAR VOICES FRONTIER FORCE, OMAN ITS LIFE AND TIMES 1970-1980

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Stewart Wilson

In 1970, Oman was virtually a medieval country, possessing only three schools and two hospitals. Life expectancy was below 50. Today it is 76 and there are 1,283 schools and 58 hospitals. The striking change began in 1970, when Sultan Qaboos bin Said ascended the throne. Among many challenges, he faced a Stewart was commissioned into the Royal Corps serious security threat in the southern province of of Transport but, with some encouragement from Dhofar, from what started as a tribal rebellion and me, he transferred to the Argyll and Sutherland became a communist-backed insurgency supported Highlanders in 1972. Having come out as gay in 1976 after completing a degree at Cambridge, he resigned by the People’s Democratic Republic of Yemen (FDRY, his commission and joined the Sultan’s Armed Forces formerly Aden) to the west. By 1970, most of Dhofar (SAF) in Oman as a contract officer in 1977, serving as was controlled the People’s Front for the Liberation Operations Officer of the Frontier Force and then on of the Arab Gulf (PFLAG). The province of Dhofar, the war zone, is roughly the size of Scotland. the staff of HQ Northern Oman Brigade until 1982. taught Stewart Wilson at Sandhurst, where he won the War Studies prize. He starred in several revues which I wrote and produced, and we subsequently became good friends.

For those like me who know very little of the continuous war waged against communist forces from 1970 to 1980 in Dhofar, southern Oman, this is a fascinating insight. It is told through the ‘voices’ of over 50 participants in the events of those crucial years.

The book is lavishly illustrated and furnished with many excellent maps, together with copious footnotes.

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The SAF at that stage was led mostly by British officers – on loan service from their regiments or employed as contract officers, like Stewart – supported by elements of 22 SAS in the 44-strong British Army Training Team (BATT), which organised and led groups of irregular Firqat and, later, by an Iranian brigade.

The situation was, in many ways, like that on India’s North-West Fronier between the two world wars, with much running up and down steep escarpments

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under sniper fire, but with the added threat of numerous anti-personnel mines.

The story includes many officers who will be familiar to readers of this Journal, including Gerald Davies, Nigel Collett, Charlie Newton-Dunne, Ian Gordon, Charles Ward and Brigadiers Chris Pike and Ian Christie. What exciting times they all had.

The book focuses on one element of SAF, the expatriate Baluch volunteers from Mekran, in the Pakistani province of Baluchistan, who served in the Frontier Force (FF), and their original commanding officer, Major (later Lieutenant Colonel) Vyvyan Robinson MC, late 6 GR. Starting in 1969, Vyvyan transformed what had previously been a 72-strong static guard force into a fierce and effective fighting unit,1,000 strong, by his tenacity and focus. He personally recruited many of his men in their native country, some as young as 16 or 17, and relied heavily on his experienced Baluch officers, who were the equivalent of QGOs. There were no other British officers in the FF to begin with (there were only three

by March 1973) and Vyvyan preferred to work through his Baluch officers, to whom he was fiercely loyal, as they were to him.

Vyvyan spoke neither Baluchi nor Arabic and his Urdu was rudimentary, forcing him to rely heavily on his Baluch officers.

definitive operations that ensured the success of SAF between 1975 and 1979. These (and other operations) are exhaustively described and analysed in the book and make fascinating reading.

Attempts to get FF relieved from static guard duties failed, as did attempts to organise leave, individual and sub-unit training, as well as fire support training for Baluch officers and NCOs. FF (including the commanding officer) had been on operations, without rest, since 1970.

Despite his outstanding personal bravery and dedication to his regiment, however, Vyvyan Robinson was relieved of his command and sacked from the SAF in November 1974. He had failed to obey the Brigade commander’s orders about liaising with BATT and the Firqat (whom Vyvyan felt that, when operating in his TAOR, should have been under his operational command), he had ignored specific RE advice regarding mines, leading to the injury of an SAS trooper, and there were also allegations of covering up a murder within the FF and of ignoring some financial irregularities.

Brigadier (later General Sir) John Akehurst, who instigated his sacking, wrote later “Many supremely brave men lack what is required of a commanding officer.”

Wilson is critical of some aspects of Vyvyan’s style of command, but he comments that: “He was an individualistic, forceful and brave officer who Originally, FF was used piece-meal, with no formed served two crowns in a varied career spanning 27 or trained companies and 10 platoons deployed in years. Unusually for a Lieutenant Colonel, he was static guarding duties. After Vyvyan’s transformation, recognised by an obituary in the Daily Telegraph.” however, the regiment was the primary force deployed by HQ Dhofar Brigade in four of the He also writes that “What is undoubtedly the case is

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that the regiment was formed out of next to nothing

by Vyvyan’s tenacity and focus. He was fiercely loyal to his Baluch officers, especially when he believed that his regiment was being given no respite from operations. By the end of his time commanding FF it is likely that he was exhausted … He had been in unrelenting operational command for four years.”

The book chronicles an expanding list of successes

by SAF but also covers some disasters. The near retreat in 1973 from ‘SIMBA’, an isolated redoubt close to the border with PDRY, has been compared to the French retreat from Dien Bien Phu 20 years before, but on a much smaller scale. The planned retreat was adverted, but it was a close-run affair.

From the hubris of 1973, the book describes the development of the ‘Hornbeam Line’; a continuous 52-kilometer wire barrier, reinforced with mines, on the eastern edge of the crucial western area of operations. By late 1973, the FF was responsible for static guards at four locations and took over responsibility, together with an Iranian company, for defence of the Hornbeam Line.

A big problem was map coverage; until 1974, only 1:100,000 maps were available, hampering air, artillery and mortar support. In any case, by late 1974, there were only seven English speakers in FF and only three in the sub-units able to send fire control orders.

Wilson recounts how, in August 1974, Julian Amery MP (Harold Macmillan’s son-in-law) wrote to the Defence Secretary, Roy Mason, who had just visited Oman, suggesting the deployment of a Gurkha battalion to Oman, to replace a temporary Jordanian contingent.

The FCO replied: “All our Gurkha battalions are fully occupied and there is no likelihood of a battalion being available before 1978.”

By early 1975, FF had 10 British officers and, during Operation HIMAAR that year, seven awards for valour were given to FF officers and NCOs. “The regiment had earned its spurs”. In 2000, FF ceased to be a Baluch regiment and eventually took on an armoured infantry role.

The book describes, in minute detail, six years of constant Omani operations from 1973-1979, with FF in a leading role throughout. The Iranian contingent, too, had its setbacks, including a rifle company overrun in January 1975, with 21 KIA. In all, the Iranians lost over 250 KIA and hundreds WIA in Oman, something rarely mentioned in British accounts.

Operations were often conducted at brigade level, with supporting fire from Hunter and Strikemaster jets, using cannon and 1,000 lb bombs, as well as 25-pounder artillery and 81 mm mortars. The enemy had 82 mm and 106 mm recoilless rocket launchers and 122 mm Katyushya mortars, plus SAM7 antiaircraft missiles and numerous mines. This was no ‘brushfire war.’

By mid-1975, however, the enemy in western Dhofar were defeated. Hemmed in on all sides, they began to realise that it was time to retreat into Yemen.

Organised resistance in Dhofar ended in December 1975, clearing the way for civil development, with only occasional, small-scale incursions from Yemen.

By 1980, it was “all over bar the shouting” and loan service numbers reduced from 300 to 166.

This is a cracking good book and well worth reading, covering a war that has been all but forgotten.

It is well-written and easy to read. I strongly recommend it.

Readers wishing to obtain a copy of the book can do so via the book’s website: Dhofarvoices.com

Ray Pett

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MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 6TH QUEEN ELIZABETH’S OWN GURKHA RIFLES Saturday 20 November 2021 Present: The President, The Chairman, Members of the Committee and 19 Members and their guests.

1. Welcome and opening address a. The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting and thanked them for joining us and their valued support. He explained we had much to cover, but before moving on he invited the President to say a few words: b. The President (Brig JA Anderson) explained that there were two books of interest to the Association: (1). The Gurkha Diaries of Robert Atkins MC, which covered a fascinating period from 1944 to 1958.

Copies of this were for sale.

(2) Naming of a GWR Train “Tulbahadur Pun VC” on 23 June 21 at Paddington Station, London.

(3) The Field of Remembrance Service adjacent to Westminster Abbey on 11 November 21.

(4) Wreath laying at both the Slim and Gurkha Statues in London on 11 November 21.

(5) Remembrance Service at the “Chautara” in the National Memorial Arboretum on 13 November 21

2. In memorium – Jaus and Aus a. Jaus – a slide showed all those who, as far as we were aware, had died in the past two years. The Chairman asked all to be upstanding and pause for a minute’s silence to remember those listed and others not known to us.

(2). Two Brothers – Gallipoli, a family memoir by b. Aus – on a happier note, the Chairman announced Robert Llewellyn-Smith, about a relative who commanded 1/6 GR after the battle of Sari Bair but the new members brought into the Association which were shown on a slide – in addition to who died in action. which Dr Daniel Cesaretti had accepted Honorary Membership following his considerable help c. The President also announced that our Vice during the Association tours to Medicina and other President (Col Paul Pettigrew) had recently Italian battlefields. undergone a serious operation and felt unable to carry out his duties at this time and had tendered his resignation which was, with sadness duly accepted. 3. Apologies for absence The Meeting wished him a speedy and full recovery.

The Hon Sec stated that he had received apologies from: d. The Chairman then gave a brief outline of activities from the previous months which had involved Wakeham, N Anderson, Prakash Gurung, members of the Association. Each was accompanied MacGreggor, Cotton, Corrigan, Rowbottom, Bullock, by a slide depicting the event: Harman, Shoesmith, Neville-Davies, Aitken- Quack.

(1) Unveiling of Kulbir Thapa VC statue in Aldershot on 25 September 21 – Gary Ghale had been central in organising this important event commemorating the first VC awarded to a Gurkha.

4. Matters arising (not covered in this Agenda) The Chairman updated the meeting on a number of matters arising from the previous Minutes of then AGM held on 16 November 19:

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a. Subscriptions (para 4.c.) – ‘Defaulters’ had been contacted and if no payment was forthcoming they were to be placed on a ‘lapsed member roll’. A notice to this effect was placed in the last Journal and the those lapsed members would not be sent a Journal.

See also b. below and Item 8.

both UK and elsewhere, with the exception of the UK RA Reunion. It also funds donations to other charities and other events, and in the next year is budgeted to spend some £16,000, which includes a £5,000 grant towards the 6 GR Memorial Project.

6. Journal report

a. The Journal Editor had received many positive comments from members regarding the quality of articles and the overall presentation of the Journal. c. Battle Honour link to 3 RGR (para 10.a.) – the The task of creating such quality would not have proposal to use ‘Monte Chicco’ was changed to been possible without the assistance from members ‘Krithia’ (which includes ‘Gurkha Bluff’) at the request and others. He wished to record his thanks to: of RGR. • Anne Griffith for putting together the Families Section for the 10th year running.

5. Financial report • Excellent contributions from many members.

A copy of the Financial Statement as at 30 • Peter Williams, the designer who had for the September 21 (year end) is shown at Annex C. The past nine years assisted beyond the terms of Hon Sec pointed out a number of important items his contract. from this year’s accounts: b. Lapsed Members Roll (para 7.f.) – this has been established and comprises 34 ex members.

a. Income: (1) Subscriptions also generated £487.50 in Gift Aid paid direct to 6 GR Trust.

(2) Donations included one of £900 from Dr. John Simons.

(3) Subscriptions had been increasing over the past years as a result of the ‘Membership drive initiative’: in 2018 subscriptions generated £2,780, in 2019 – £3,935, in 2020 – £4,260, and this year £4,596. b. Expenditure: (1) Many activities did not take place due to Covid restrictions.

(2) 6 GR Trust contributed £1,103.45 to the production and mailing of the Journal.

The Hon Sec also explained that The Association Accounts make up a part of the 6 GRRT (Trust) Accounts. The Trust makes grants for all reunions, in

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b. A total of 400 copies of the last edition were printed, 344 copies distributed. Hard copies were not sent to Nepal this year. Instead, a soft copy of the Journal was emailed to Major (Retd.) Lalit Dewan in Kathmandu, who was going to have it printed in Nepal. If this is successful we will be able to reduce our print run from 400 to 350 and a reduction in the cost. c. The next edition theme is to be “Afghanistan” and it is hoped to include articles by a number of members who had served there recently. Anne Griffith was also planning to make contact with former Assistant Adjutants of the battalion, the subject of which could serve as an interesting article. The next edition would also include a feature “Letter from Nepal” which would provide news from ex-6 GR members in Nepal. d. The Chairman thanked Rick Beven (Editor) and Anne Griffith (Family Editor) for their hard work which resulted in a Journal of high quality and the envy of others. He also announced that Peter Williams, mentioned by Rick was a lunch guest of the Association today.

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7. Website report

Honorary Membership to a number of our Associate Members. These were Elizabeth Allmand and Ann Rose, also from the Allmand family, to bring them in line with the remainder of the Allmand family; to Sally Izod, nee Bruce to recognise her place in the Bruce family, to Eileen Carron CMG, whose background in the Bahamas we discovered through John Conlin and felt should be an honorary member, plus Sitiveni b. The Comms Officer explained that there were now Rabuka, former Prime Minister of Fiji. There was also a lot of articles and photos on the website illustrating a little practicality creeping in here as neither Eileen nor Steve can realistically pay small amounts to UK events in which members of the Association had each year. Another new Honorary Member was Dr been involved.

Daniel Cesaretti. c. He had received many requests to ‘re-register’ c. Finally, After the death of John Slim, the Field members for access to the private/members Marshal’s son, who had been a longstanding member only area of the website, but explained that it was of the Association, John Anderson and John Mackinlay important for members who changed their e-mail completed a most worthwhile initiative in suggesting address to alert both the Hon Sec and himself to the next generation that they might engage with (james.herbert@gemcommunications.co.uk) the Association. The Hon Mrs Una Rowcliffe, the without delay as failure to do so would prevent Field Marshal’s daughter had been a member for access to this area. many years, but as a result of the initiative, we now d. The most recent Journals (less private information) have many more from the Slim Family, including the 3rd Viscount, Mark Slim, his brother The Hon Dr have also been published on the website using “page turning” software. It is intended that all future Hugo Slim and sister The Hon Mary Ann Slim. They all came to the Museum for the first of the Slim Journals would be published in this way.

Sahib Presentations, thoroughly enjoyed the day and were great company. Mark Slim also joined us at the e. The Hon Sec wished members to be aware that Garden of Remembrance on 11 November and then the Webmaster (James Herbert) made a huge laid our 6 GR wreath at the Slim statue in Whitehall. contribution both in terms of time and finance to The Chairman stated his view that our President ensure the website was live and up to date. and John Mackinlay have done our Association a great service by arranging these new links to the 8. Membership Slim Family. a. The Chairman stated that the main action from our last meeting was to continue with chasing up subscriptions leading to creating a Lapsed Members d. Current Membership stands at: Roll for those who failed to pay. This was completed • Full Members: 181 during the year and he offered his sincere thanks to • Associate Members: 63 David Bredin and to Khusiman Gurung for following • Honorary Members: 79 up many of the more difficult contacts. Sadly, a • TOTAL: 323 number of former members chose to resign and the remainder were put on the lapsed roll. In total, 14 e. The Chairman stated that the Members Directory resigned with 22 going onto the Lapsed Roll. on the Website is accurate and up to date and that membership issues have been handed over to our b. A second action arising from our review of membership was your committee deciding to extend Hon Sec. a. The Chairman thanked both the Comms Officer/ Webmaster (James Herbert) and Nicky Prentis for their success in making the website both relevant and current. He had also together with Nicky updated the Membership Directory which was now aligned with the ‘Master list’ held by the Hon Sec.

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b. The Chairman said he would like to congratulate f. The President proposed a vote of thanks to the Chairman for the achievement of this important task Mike and his team, including Gopal and Yam (at the Museum) for making huge progress on this difficult, which was unanimously approved. but most important project. There was an enormous amount of work that had gone into getting us to g. The Hon Sec indicated that of the total of 323 where we are and that such significant progress was there were 26 members who didn’t have e-mail made in a world of Covid is quite remarkable. It will addresses and therefore, as it stands, will only get soon be up to the members to show their support for full information either from attending the AGM or the project in a tangible way to raise the finance. from the Journal. He also stated that there were some technical ‘hiccups’ regarding the Associations c. There were a number of questions from Information e-mails sent via “MailChimp” which the meeting: suggested that some members had accidentally ‘unsubscribed’ and unless he is alerted to this they • James Herbert: were the figures in ‘relief’ – will be excluded from receiving the regular updates.

Answer Yes. • Anthony Vosper: was the marble to be used local 9. Memorial Project – Answer Yes. a. The Chairman asked Mike Channing, Chairman • Ray Pett: the uniforms and weapons depicted in of the Memorial Project to update the meeting. the carvings were not those of 1817 or 1994. John Mike referred the meeting to the Leaflet that was Mackinlay explained that there were a generic handed out. He explained that this was a memorial representation of service between those dates. to be erected at the Gurkha Museum in Pokhara • Brian O’Bree: felt the head of the modern soldier commemorating all those who had served in the was tilted – the head would be upright, but the Regiment during the 177 years of the Regiment’s hat would be at the correct ‘tilt’. service in the Indian and British Armies. There was • Anthony Vosper: how was the maintenance to be considerable support for the project in Nepal and paid for – funds left over from the fundraising across all ranks in and outside the Regimental would be provided to the Gurkha Museum in Association. Cost savings had been made by using Pokhara for future maintenance. local craftsmen and material in India and Nepal.

The total cost was estimated to be £30 – 35,000.

A contingency of 15% had been included to cover 10. Information Legacy Project unexpected expenses such as exchange rate a. The Chairman explained that he was no ‘historian’, fluctuations and tax/duties. A grant of some £5,000 but felt that the preservation of our information had been made by the 6 GRRA Trust to provide initial legacy was very important, particularly as we are finance. In early 2022 every member will have the the last soldiers and officers of 6th Gurkha Rifles opportunity to make individual donations. It was and none of us is getting any younger. He suggested planned to unveil the memorial in 2022 to coincide that if we want to leave a comprehensive legacy of with HM The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. A schedule information then we needed to be addressing the was planned as follows: issue and referred to his short paper which was sent out to all Full Members earlier.

• Jan 2022 – Fundraising commences.

• Mar/Apr 22 – Fundraising complete. b. He had received a number of really helpful • May 22 – contracts for works completed. responses and didn’t intend to go through these • May – Sep 22 – carving of the memorial. or the paper itself, but at this stage to only ask • Oct 22 – memorial positioned at the Gurkha the views of the Meeting on the question. Do we Museum in Pokhara. want to leave an information legacy covering 6th • Nov 22 – unveiling ceremony.

Gurkha Rifles and if yes, how comprehensive, and if

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comprehensive, are we prepared to pay for it? The Chairman emphasized that the Information Legacy Initiative would come after the funding of the 6 GR Memorial Project.

unanimous; ‘comprehensive within the means of Association funds.’ (c) Are we prepared to pay for it? The response was unanimous in accordance with (b) above.

c. There was a general positive discussion with a number of questions and comments:

The Chairman said that with this support and authority given by the membership he would (1) The Chairman added that Brigadier Christopher commence proceedings on this important matter.

Bullock had loaned a book that depicted the ‘legacy’ of Royal Green Jackets created at the 11. Forthcoming events – 2021/22 time of amalgamation into the Rifles. It has (a) The 6 GRRA Diary of Events is included in an alternative amusing and colourful ‘flavour’ this Journal. to commemoration and contained many photographs. This style will be considered along (b) Brigade Bela – 9th July 2022 – The Chairman with others in the process. encouraged everyone to attend this event, particularly British Officers. The 6 GR Association (2) Maj Davies was concerned with the would have a tent where members could congregate. additional pressure/workload placed upon the Gurkha Museum if this became the home (c) 6 GR Dinner night and Shoot – the dates have now of such a project. The GBA should also be been issued as 13 – 15th January 2022. considered. There were also potential ‘pitfalls’ along the path of our history which needed (d) All Ranks Reunion – September 2022 – a date careful consideration. has yet to be fixed but this will be promulgated when known. The Chairman encouraged attendance, (3) Lt Col Mackinlay said he had been in touch particularly by British Officers. with the National Army Museum (NAM) which was already working on the legacy of many 12. Any other business units of the Army that were disappearing. The a. Visit to Medicina – The Chairman reminded the NAM already had a ‘software’ programme that meeting that we had a visit to Medicina planned might be suitable for use, mindful that the for April 2020 to celebrate the 75thAnniversary of target audience of interest will be varied from the liberation of the town by 14/20th Hussars and family interest to academic research; the NAM 2/6th Gurkha Rifles. There were 25 of us from the programme seemed to provide access to all Association, plus groups from RGR, the King’s Royal such interested parties.

Hussars Association and the serving KRH Regiment.

Sadly, this was cancelled at the last minute in the early days of Covid. A 75+1 option was considered VOTE but this was not workable due to Covid but it is now A vote was taken from all Full Members answering hoped for a 75+2 option in April 2022. the questions posed: (a) Do we want to leave an information legacy covering 6th Gurkha Rifles?

The response was an unanimous ‘yes.’ (b) How comprehensive? The response was

b. Chairman’s Visit to Nepal – The Chairman intends to visit Nepal in 2022, beginning with the Nepal Branch AGM on 19 March in Pokhara. Any other UK Members would be extremely welcome. He also intends to visit Bhairahawa, Butwal, Chitwan, Darjeeling and hopefully Dharamshala.

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c. The Chairman asked Mani Rai in his capacity of Brigade Secretary to update the meeting on some contentious issues: GURKHA VETERAN GRIEVANCES:

(a) Gurkha Pension Scheme – this matter had been dealt with via judicial review up to and including the European Court of Human Rights. It was found to be fair and therefore no longer up for negotiation. (b) Uplift of Pensions resulting from 7CPC (India) – the Indian Government reviews public sector pay every 10 years; this includes servicepay. The latest details have yet to be announced.

more than just the Library – there were already 400 students but it lacked teachers and training for staff. e. Dates for Future AGMs – Lt Col O’Bree questioned the dates for future AGMs and suggested it should happen earlier – in early November. There was a discussion around the positioning of the AGM in relation to the 6 GRRA Trust meeting and the various Brigade meetings and events. It was decided to keep the date set for next year but the Chairman agreed to investigate it further.

13. Date and venue of next AGM and Reunion

a. The next AGM will be held at the Gurkha Museum on Saturday 19 November 22 starting at 11:45am. (c) Hunger Strike outside Downing Street – The Sec of This will follow the Book of Remembrance Service State met with protesters and a committee has been at Winchester Cathedral and precede the Annual formed to monitor the Welfare of Gurkha Veterans in Reunion Lunch held at the Museum.

UK with the purpose of helping them integrate into UK society. b. There being no further business the meeting was closed at 1pm. (d) Debate in Parliament 22November 22 – this was to take place as a result of a petition in which over 100,000 people responded triggering the requirement for a debate in Parliament to take place. HQBG and GBA have briefed the relevant government officials on this matter. A YouTube link will be sent to Members should they wish to hear the debate.

COVID VACCINES FOR NEPAL

Members will be aware of the government failure to provide Covid Vaccine to Nepal on a bilateral basis as requested by a number of high-profile supporters including the President of GBA as well as many of our members. A small batch of vaccine has now been sent in addition to those provided through COVAX and it is hoped a second tranche will follow. d. Kulbir Thapa VC School – The President wished it to be know that Jack Keen was raising funds for a Library at Kulbir School (named after Kulbir Thapa VC). Members are encouraged to contribute to this worthy cause but this should not detract from the priority of fundraising for the Nepal Memorial Project (see para 9 above). Anne Griffith explained that this project was going ahead and encompassed

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6 GRRA INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT Regimental Association Income and expenditure account for the 12 months ended 30 September 2021 12 months to 12 months to 30 September 2021 30 September 2020 £ £

Income Investment Income 214.84 212.11 Subscriptions 5,201.00 4,260.18 Sales 30.00 Cuttack Lunch 1,825.00 2,805.00 55.00 Donations 1,065.00 Other 703.47 320.00 Total income

9,039.31

7,652.29

Expenditure Reunion Piper ED pay AGM Room Hire Reunion Lunch Payment Cuttack Lunch (normally 2 x lunches) 1,528.76 Winchester Cathedral GBA annual subscription 120.00 3,000.00 6 GR Journal – production 1,400.00 6 GR Journal – mailing ISA fee (ex VAT) 1,200.00 Wreaths 40.00 Subs refund Domain Name

1,400.00 985. 78 1,200.00 120.00 60.00 50.63

Total expenditure

7,288.76

7,919.38

Balance (Income/Expenditure) Starting Balance (RBS)

1,750.55 1,683.76

-267.09 1,850.85

Totals

3,434.31

1,638.76

718.00 661.50 2,723.47

Balance as at year end – 30 sep 21

The accounts of the Association were produced by Mr MFH Adler, ISA (6 GRRT Secretary and 6 GRRA Treasurer)

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Tim Underhill (OC D Coy) and Jon Titley (D Coy Officer) march past Brigadier Peter Sibbald (Director of Army Training) at Tuker Lines, Brunei, 1972.

The Commanding Officer is Lt Colonel Jim Kelly MC.

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