Gurkhas were first enlisted into the Royal Engineers in September 1948 when a Gurkha Training Squadron was formed in Kluang, Malaya.
Since then, the Regiment has celebrated its birthday on 28th September. This year the QGE 73rd Birthday was celebrated on Saturday 25th September 2021 at Invicta Park Barracks. The celebrations revive the proud history of the Regiment as well as presenting a great opportunity for the service personnel and ex-members to get together. This year, the event delivery was tasked to 69 Gurkha Field Squadron which was led by Second Lieutenant Will Rutter with his second in command, Sergeant Raju Tulachan, and their team in support.
A day before the Regimental Birthday, the Kaliparsad Football Cup and CHELO competition took place. Team Sapper won the Kaliparsad Football Cup and Sapper Lal Khati secured first position in the CHELO competition.
The Birthday celebrations commenced with the welcome brief by Second Lieutenant Will Rutter after the members of the Regiment, their families and ex-members had arrived at the Able Hanger. A QGE Piper played wonderful music as the Colonel of the Regiment, Brigadier John Clark CBE Saheb arrived. This was followed by a brilliant musical display by the Band of the Brigade of Gurkhas. The QGE Birthday Special Routine Order was then read by the Adjutant, Captain Lauren Hardern.
The event also provides an opportunity to recognise individuals who have performed well throughout the previous year.
Hendry Trophy
Bowring Trophy
After the completion of the presentations, the Commissioning Parade was conducted. Captain Hemraj Gurung, Captain Chandrabahadur Pun and Captain Ramkumar Rai were officially commissioned by Brigadier John Clark CBE.
The birthday cake was then cut as the Band played the birthday tune. The Commandant QGE gave the QGE update before the Regiment was addressed by the Colonel of the Regiment. After the addresses, the Band played the National Anthems of both Nepal and Great Britain before the centrepiece of the event began with the spectacular CQC Khukuri Fighting Skills demonstration. The Colonel of the Regiment, Commandant and Gurkha Major then met with the Khukuri demonstration group and band prior to the Brigade Band playing their final song on their march off display. The attendees then enjoyed a delicious Gurkha curry buffet which was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone.
By Sapper Rajan Sunam, Queen’s Gurkha Engineers
