323 new Trainee Gurkhas join the Brigade of Gurkhas at a Parade in Pokhara
On 6 February 2025, the Brigade of Gurkhas formally welcomed at an Attestation Parade in Pokhara, 323 recruits from Nepal who had been selected to join the British Army as part of Gurkha Recruit Intake 26.
More than 14,000 applicants competed for the 323 places available, reflecting the extraordinary prestige and life‑changing opportunity that service in the British Army represents for those who are successful.
Many more than the 323 selected made the grade, but places are limited based on the requirements of the British Army for each given year.
The parade formed up under the command of Major James Hornby, Officer Commanding British Gurkhas Pokhara. The Inspecting Officer was Lieutenant General M R Elviss CB MBE (Commander Field Army, British Army).
Following the initial inspection, Lieutenant General Elviss presented Long Service and Good Conduct Medal, two Operational Medals and two Colonel Commandant Brigade of Gurkhas Medals. Lieutenant General Elviss was then introduced to The Band of the Brigade of Gurkhas and Pipers from the Brigade, meeting the Director of Music, and speaking with some of the Gurkha Musicians, all of which started this same path to becoming a Gurkha.
Returning to the dais, Lieutenant General Elviss oversaw the recruits as they recited their pledge to the Brigade of Gurkhas, the British Army, and His Majesty King Charles III. In small groups, the trainees marched to one of five tables draped with the Union Jack Flag and bearing a photograph of The King. Each recruit saluted the senior officers behind the tables, touched the table as part of the attestation ritual, saluted again, and returned to their position on parade.
Lieutenant General Elviss then delivered an address praising the recruits for their achievement in being selected, commending the excellence of the parade, and thanking them for volunteering to serve the British Army, moving far from their homes and families to do so.
The parade concluded with a march‑past in front of the Inspecting Officer and the families gathered under Army canvas for shade from the strengthening late‑morning sun. The hills surrounding Pokhara and the distant Himalayan ranges provided a striking backdrop, reminding all present of Nepal’s iconic landscape.
After the parade, VIPs spent time among the families and new recruits, offering blessings and sharing food, some brought from home, some provided by the camp staff. After a final round of farewells, families slowly departed, leaving behind their sons as they prepared to embark on their journey to the United Kingdom and begin their new lives in the British Army.
Families had travelled from across Nepal, some taking several days from the far east and west, to witness this milestone event for their sons. Their pride was clear, though tempered by the sadness of saying goodbye, knowing they would not see their sons for many months. The impact of this moment extends beyond the recruits themselves; many Gurkha soldiers support their families in Nepal, improving their standard of living and providing long‑term stability.
Music for the parade was supplied by The Band of the Brigade of Gurkhas and Pipers from across the Brigade.
Photography by Mr Mick Latter
The recruits will travel to the United Kingdom in the coming week to begin their nine‑month training programme with Gurkha Company Catterick at the Infantry Training Centre in Catterick. Here they will commence their 39-week training programme before joining units across the Brigade of Gurkhas. The success rate during this training is pretty much 100%, with the occasional injury holding back one or two, who go on to complete training at a later date before joining a Gurkha unit.
Parade highlights
