On the 23rd of November 2023, Gurkha Recruit Intake 23 completed their 39-week training programme in Catterick and will now be joining their units across the Brigade of Gurkhas.
204 trainees and staff paraded at Helles Barracks, Catterick Garrison in front of senior guests, family and friends. The inspecting officer was The Rt Hon Dr Andrew Murrison MP (Parliamentary Under Secretary of State – Minister for Defence People and Families) who was also present in Nepal in February this year for this intakes Attestation parade. Major General Lord Lancaster (Head of Reserves) escorted Dr Murrison.
The parade was a grand spectacle with the platoons stretched across the parade square at Helles Barracks, Catterick. The initial inspection by Dr Murrison, and other senior Officers from across the Brigade of Gurkhas, followed by a march past, advance and review order. This was followed by a prize giving.
Dr Murrison praised Recruit Intake 23 for their success on completing training and told them to follow the values and standards of the British and keep up the Gurkha ethos that makes the Brigade of Gurkhas unique and highly effective part of the British Army. He took the parade that Gurkhas now make up 5% of the British Army and Gurkhas are involved on Exercises and Operations around the world.
Then the Gurkhas marched off the square once again passing the inspecting officer and the crowd cheering and clapping.
The parade was supported by the Band of the Brigade of Gurkhas and bagpipers from across the Brigade of Gurkhas.
Photography by Mr Mick Latter – Head of Communications, HQ Brigade of Gurkhas
