02nd February 2024

Attestation of the British Army’s Gurkha Recruit Intake 24

Chief of the General Staff, British Army, welcomes 337 new Gurkhas

The Attestation parade of 337 Trainee Riflemen, who are joining the Brigade of Gurkhas, British Army, took place on the 2nd of February 2024, at British Gurkhas Pokhara, Nepal. During the parade, the new recruits swore their oath of allegiance to His Majesty King Charles III. General Sir Patrick Sanders KCB CBE DSO ADC Gen, Chief of the General Staff (CGS) attended the attestation as the Reviewing Officer.

There are approximately 20,000 applications to become a Gurkha in the British Army, every year, so competition is tough. For those lucky enough to be deemed the best, this is a life-changing opportunity for both individuals and their family members.

His Majesty’s Ambassador to Nepal His Excellency Mr Rob Fenn; Lieutenant General Richard Wardlaw OBE, Colonel Commandant Brigade of Gurkhas; Major General The Lord Lancaster TD PC, Deputy Colonel Commandant Brigade of Gurkhas; Colonel Paul Smith, Commander BGN; and Colonel David Robinson, Colonel Brigade of Gurkhas were present to witness the attestation of the new recruits.

Major David Carter led the attestation as the Parade Commander. Major Gyanbahadur Dhenga, Gurkha Major BGN administered the oath to the new recruits.

Gurkhas will on average serve 24 years in the British Army, some commission and will go on to serve many more. The Brigade of Gurkhas is approximately 5% of the British Army’s manpower, and currently, there are Gurkhas in, The Royal Gurkhas Rifles, Queen’s Gurkha Engineers, Queen’s Gurkha Signals. Queen’s Own Gurkha Logistic Regiment, Gurkha Staff and Personnel Support, and the Band of the Brigade of Gurkhas.

The Band of the Brigade of Gurkhas was present in Pokhara to support the parade and are undertaking several other musical activities during their time in Nepal.

Attestation of the British Army’s Gurkha Recruit Intake 24 Band of the Brigade of Gurkhas

After the parade, there was time for the Trainee Riflemen and their families to meet with the senior officers, and for time to say goodbye to their family, until they can take leave to return to Nepal in the future.