On 6 June 2025, the Gurkha Brigade Association held its annual Reunion Service and lunch at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. More than 150 serving Gurkhas, veterans and family members, gathered for the event.
This year marks the 60th anniversary of the end of the Borneo Campaign, in which the Brigade of Gurkhas played a decisive and distinguished role. The Brigade’s involvement comprised two linked operations: the suppression of the Brunei Revolt in 1962, followed by sustained operations along the border with Indonesia in what is now East Malaysia (Sabah and Sarawak) and Brunei Darussalam. This period, known as the Borneo Confrontation or Konfrontasi, officially lasted from 20 January 1963 to 11 August 1966. The GBA was honoured to welcome a number of veterans of the campaign to this year’s event.
The service was led by The Rt Revd & Rt Hon Lord Chartres GCVO PC FSA, Honorary Chaplain to the Gurkha Brigade Association.
The Gurkha Collect was read by Brigadier (Retd) Ian Rigden OBE, Chairman of the GBA, and the Lesson was delivered by Lieutenant General Sir David Bill KCB, President of the Association.
Following the service, the Act of Remembrance took place outside the chapel, where a wreath was laid by a veteran of the Borneo Campaign. Attendees then moved to the India Memorial Room in Old College for a presentation of replica medals to the family of Rambahadur Limbu VC, the sole recipient of the Victoria Cross during the Borneo Confrontation.
Lunch was held in the Old College dining room, bringing the day to a warm and reflective close. We look forward to welcoming even more serving Gurkhas, veterans and family members to the Reunion in 2027.
