Gurkha Training Company (GTC), based at Catterick since 1999, marked a major milestone in 2026, the 75th anniversary of its formation.
The Company began on 15 August 1951 as the Brigade of Gurkhas Recruit Training Centre in Sungai Patani, Malaya.
In 1953, it became Depot, the Brigade of Gurkhas, and was quickly recognised as both a training centre and the home of the Brigade. By 1956, its role had expanded to include Non‑Commissioned Officer courses and language training for junior British Officers.
The organisation was retitled Training Depot Brigade of Gurkhas in 1961, a name it carried until 1995. Following the transfer of sovereignty over Hong Kong, the Depot closed in December 1994. It was re‑established shortly afterwards at Queen Elizabeth Barracks, Church Crookham, as the Gurkha Training Wing, before moving to the Infantry Training Centre at Catterick in 1999. Today, GTC continues to train Gurkha recruits to the highest standards of infanteering.
To commemorate its diamond jubilee, GTC delivered a programme of charity and endurance events. Central to the celebrations was a 75‑day fundraising challenge, during which personnel collectively covered 15,460 km, symbolically retracing the distances between GTC’s historic training locations:
- Kathmandu to Sungai Petani – 3,000 km
- Sungai Petani to Sek Kong – 2,400 km
- Sek Kong to Church Crookham – 9,700 km
- Church Crookham to Catterick – 380 km
Funds raised supported:
- The Gurkha Welfare Trust
- Gurkha Memorial Museum, Pokhara
- Gaje Ghale Memorial Statue
- Gurkha Brigade Association
Additional activities included a golf competition, the North Yorkshire Three Peaks Hike and the Cleveland Hike.
The anniversary concluded with a celebratory gathering at Catterick for Recruit Intake 26, permanent staff and guests from across the Brigade and the Infantry Training Centre. The event featured music, displays showcasing GTC’s evolution, Khukuri patter, a Taekwondo demonstration, charity cheque presentations, speeches, sports, excellent food and a strong sense of community.
GTC now looks forward to the years ahead, continuing its proud tradition of preparing Gurkha soldiers for service around the world.
Highlights from the celebration event
