Pass off parade for Gurkha soldiers at Catterick Garrison

Graduating as Riflemen from the Infantry Training Centre, the recruits of Gurkha Company took part in a ceremony on the parade square at Helles Barracks.

The minister for defence people, veterans and service families, Dr Andrew Murrison MP, watched the 204 soldiers on parade to mark the end of their nine-month training programme. It began in February in Nepal with a selection process to earn their place on the course.

The trainee Riflemen have learnt soldiering skills, a new language and culture, as well as adjusting to life thousands of miles away from their families. They will now join their chosen regiment in the Brigade of Gurkhas.

Addressing the Gurkhas, Dr Murrison said: “You are in the foothills of a career in an increasingly uncertain world.

“But remember you are joining a force for good in the world. You are joining a cadre that makes up nearly five per cent of that force for good. And what a cadre it is. In recent times Gurkhas have served in Cyprus, Macedonia, Romania, Germany, Japan, Papa New Guinea, Australia and New Zealand. You are a global force – part of the best Army in the world.”

Trainee Rifleman Anand Limbu is joining the Queen’s Gurkha Engineers and will now head to 3 Royal School of Military Engineering Regiment in Minley to complete his trade training.

He said “Every part of the training had its challenges, but it was interesting, and a lot of things were included. We gave our best and it was a very good course.”

Platoon Commander 6 Platoon, Sergeant Manoj Gurung added: “I was involved at the start of the selection process in Nepal. Arriving in the UK the culture shock for the recruits is huge, and the training to mould the young men into Gurkha soldiers is rigorous.

“They will take part in a lot of parades in their Army careers, but their pass off parade is probably the most important parade in their Army career. When I spoke to them, I told them to be very proud of who they are and most importantly what they have become.

“As an instructor I am enormously proud. There are no other words really to express it. We are all immensely proud of what they have become, and we wish them all the very best of luck as they leave here.”

The Gurkhas have been part of the British Army for more than 200 years. More than 200,000 Gurkhas fought in the two world wars, and their bravery is legendary.