Captain Prithi Bahadur Chhantyal (The Queen’s Gurkha Engineers)- one of The King’s Gurkha Orderly Officer 2025-26
Captain Prithi Bahadur Chhantyal grew up in Gurjakhani, a small village in the West of Nepal. Inspired to join the Army by his father who served in the Gurkha Transport Regiment for 16 years, Captain Prithi is one of three brothers to serve in the Brigade of Gurkhas. He was enlisted in January 1999 in Pokhara, Nepal. After his initial training in Church Crookham, he joined The Queen’s Gurkha Engineers (QGE) at the turn of the Millenium.
Captain Prithi’s early career was marked by a string of successes, achieving consistently high results across the board. These include four academic and language distinctions, top student on his trade course, and an A grade during his Junior Non-Commissioned Officer Cadre. This record was further reinforced during the All-Arms Commando Course where he received the Commandant’s Certificate for a notably strong all-round performance.
He spent the formative years of his career in 70 Gurkha Field Support Squadron. In January 2006, he was posted to 59 Independent Commando Squadron. In April 2008, he became the first Gurkha to be selected to serve within the Commando Recce Force. He subsequently attended the Royal Marine Reconnaissance Operator Course and was placed second out of 44 Royal Marines and Army personnel ahead of stiff competition. Whilst there, he passed the three-month Pashtu language course and Basic Parachute Course. After eight years’ service in 24 Commando Engineer Regiment hei returned to the QGE as a Troop Staff Sergeant. Upon selection to Warrant Officer Class Two, he was posted to the Infantry Training Centre Catterick, as the Training Coord Warrant Officer. As a Squadron Sergeant Major with 70 Gurkha Field Support Squadron and he deployed the squadron on Public Duties to London. Upon commissioning in 2019, he has fulfilled roles as a Troop Commander in 69 Gurkha Field Squadron, and the Training Officer in 1 Royal School of Military Engineering (RSME). Since July 2023 he has been the Quartermaster (Technical) for British Gurkhas Nepal (QM(T) BGN).
During his 25 years military service, he has extensive experience on Operations. In 2001, he deployed to Sierra Leone on Operation SILKMAN followed by a tour in Iraq on Operation TELIC 1 and TELIC 6. Whilst serving in 24 Commando Engineer Regiment, he deployed on Operation HERRICK 5, HERRICK 9 and HERRICK 14. In 2015, He deployed on Operation MARMAT 1 and 2 as part of UK’s response to earthquakes in Nepal, and was further deployed in 2019 on Operation TRENTON 8 to South Sudan.
He has achieved several accolades during his Army career. He is the winner of the prestigious Bowring Trophy, awarded to the best Lance Corporal in QGE. He is also the recipient of the Durand Medal, given to an Officer, Non-Commissioned Officer, or Sapper who, in the opinion of the Commandant, has “distinguished himself as a Soldier and Sapper by good and efficient service”. While deployed as the Squadron Operations Officer, he was presented a Commander 8 Engineer Brigade’s commendation for his all-round contribution to the UN Mission in South Sudan. He received his Accumulated Campaign Service Medal in 2011. Most recently, he was awarded a Commander SJC Commendation for his all-round contribution as QM(T) BGN.
