Page 89 - KRH Regimental Journal 2022

The Regimental Journal of The King’s Royal Hussars 87
Affiliations, Bonds of Friendship and Associations
Royal Gurkha Rifles
The pandemic was particularly tough on the Brunei bat- talion, often locked down thousands of miles from home with limited access to families and boarding school children, and with the unit move delayed for two years as a result. So it was with much relief that they emerged into relative nor- mality to prepare for their return to UK in summer 2022 and were replaced in Brunei by the First Battalion who had completed 5 years in 16 Air Assault Brigade. Both battalions wasted no time in adapting to their new roles and re-sharp- ening their air assault or jungle skills. Elsewhere, F and G Companies, in 2 and 4 Ranger respectively, are continuing to shape the new role and gain valuable operational experience in the Army Special Operations Brigade. This broad pres- ence across various roles provides opportunities to all within the Regiment, an exciting prospect for our 76 new Riflemen who proudly passed out from Catterick in December.
Prior to 1 RGR’s move out to Brunei the battalion focussed its efforts on training an experienced cadre of Jungle Warfare Instructors. As the main body arrived this team then ran a two-week induction cadre, called Ex JUNGLE GURUJI, to each company as it arrived in country. The package allowed the battalion to refresh and deepen its skills for operating in the deep jungle, all of which have been rapidly put to use, with teams from Brunei deploying in quick succession to deliver training in both Malawi and Fiji alongside international part- ners. Ongoing low-level training with the Royal Brunei Land Forces has continued the relationship built over the past five years by 2 RGR and the battalion has also contributed to defence engagement and operational tasks in the Philippines, Malaysia, Estonia and Singapore since its arrival in August. The Brunei battalion remains highly employed by Defence in the region and already has a host of activity planned across the Indo-Pacific for the first half of 2023.
Before moving back to the UK, 2 RGR built on their past relationships and deployed again to deliver training to the Royal Pacific Island Regiment in Papua New Guinea. RGR as a whole is proud of its achievements in SE Asia, work- ing closely with our hosts, the Bruneians, and expanding our influence across the region through deployments to Thailand, Singapore, Australia and New Zealand. Having handed over
the baton in Brunei, 2 RGR returned to Shorncliffe and the air assault role, and are now busy preparing to take over as the highest readiness Air Manoeuvre Battlegroup. With a series of Air Assault exercises completed during the Autumn, the Battalion looks forward to the challenges of Ex WESSEX STORM, their validation test in 2023.
2022 has been a whirlwind of activity for F and G Company with deployments across Africa and intensive operation- ally focussed training as they, and the Ranger concept, con- tinue to develop. Our training support divisions in Brecon, Warminster and Sandhurst have again provided the back- bone of training delivery to their respective establishments and Gurkha Company Catterick (Initial Training deliver- ers) returns to steady state following the surge over previous intakes.
Continued excellence at Bisley was achieved with the Regiment taking the first and second team spots and 24 out of the top 40 in the individual competition. The Cambrian Patrol competition was also a highlight with RGR teams receiving four gold and two silver medals. Top students and instructor’s recommendations continue to be awarded in Brecon, Warminster and the jungle and our sports teams have won the Army Volleyball and Infantry Squash cham- pionships. All outstanding achievements which reflect the hard work and natural talent of our soldiers.
Our Queen’s Gurkha Orderly Officer, Capt Jiwan Prasad Gurung marched with the Royal Household during the funeral procession for Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. He is now the Regiment’s first King’s Gurkha Orderly Officer in 70 years and continues to support the Royal Household as required.
2022 also saw the return of unhindered Dashain and Tihar celebrations thanks to the departure of Covid-19 restrictions. Held around the world wherever the Regiment found itself in October, the soldiers and officers warmly welcomed the opportunity to draw breath, gather, and enjoy the festivals together. Recharged, the Regiment is now eager to take on 2023 and the challenges it brings.
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