Captain Jagatram Rai – King’s Gurkha Orderly Officer and Gurkha Adjutant  Queens Gurkha Signals

Born in Khotang East Nepal, Captin Jagatram Rai enlisted into the Brigade of Gurkhas in January 2001. On completion of the Class 3 Combat Infantryman’s Course at Gurkha Company, Infantry Training Centre Catterick, he joined the Queens Gurkha Signals (QG SIGNALS) and trained as a System Engineer.

Captain Jagatram has served the majority of his employment in 30th Signal Regiment, 22nd Signal Regiment and 1st (UK) Signal Regiment. As a Sergeant, he deployed on Operation HERRICK 11, based at the Forward Operating Base JUNO, where he was responsible for Information and Communication Services (ICS) to the Special Forces Support Group. In 2011, he deployed on Operation ELLAMY, providing ICS services to RAF personnel. He also led a team on Operation SHADER in 2013 in support of the Joint Task Force Headquarters (JTFHQ) Forward element in Cyprus. As a Staff Sergeant, he led the ‘Gurkha 200’ cultural pageant and acted as Parade Regimental Sergeant Major at the event at Chelsea Hospital, London where the Late Queen was the chief guest. Upon promotion to Warrant Officer Class Two, he took up position as Sergeant Major 250 Gurkha Signal Squadron.

After commissioning into the QG SIGNALS in April 2019, he commanded Oscar Troop for nearly a year. Next, he was employed as the Operations Officer in 248 Gurkha Signal Squadron. Before subsequently taking over his current position of Gurkha Adjutant QG SIGNALS. He was the Second-in-Command of 250 Gurkha Signal Squadron for nearly 2 years. He has been selected and approved by his Majesty as a King’s Gurkha Orderly Officer.

During his 23-year career, he has managed to achieve several accolades. He was the first recipient of the prestigious Verdon and Carter Trophy in its inaugural year (2013), and he was also awarded the top student award on the Royal Signals Junior Command, Leadership and Management Course. His name appeared on The Queen’s New Year Honours list, with the Standing Joint Commander’s Commendation for outstanding contribution during Operation RESCRIPT. He was also awarded with a Allied Rapid Reaction Corps (ARRC) Deputy Commander Coin and Brigade Commander’s Commendation for his excellent leadership while supporting the ARRC Headquarters on various overseas exercises.

He has supported various charity events, including running the London Marathon to raise funds for the Army Benevolent Fund and coordinated efforts to raise significant amount in support of Nepal earthquake victims. A stalwart supporter of the QG SIGNALS, he also worked as a BFBS Gurkha Radio representative for over seven years for the Paltan.

A keen personal developer, he has gained Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Staffordshire University. He also enjoys writing poetry in his spare time, and has received national awards in Nepal for his writing and has published three poetry books under the name Jagat Nabodit.