Members of Garrison Support Troops (GST) and The Second Battalion, The Royal Gurkha Rifles (2 RGR) successfully completed Exercise WYVERN KHUKURI MARCH 25 (Ex WKM 25), an expedition in Borneo, Malaysia, from 27 October to 13 November 2025. 21 Service personnel from British Forces Brunei (BFB) took part in the journey, retracing the historic Sandakan–Ranau Death March, a 265km route once taken by British and Australian prisoners of war during the Second World War.
The expedition was led by Staff Sergeant (SSgt) Bal Kumar Budha Magar, qualified Summer Mountain Leader, with Corporal Finju Sherpa. Instructional support was provided by SSgt Alex Ward and Sergeant Samarpan Lawati as Military Leadership Training.
The aim of the exercise was to build leadership, teamwork, and resilience while gaining a deeper appreciation for the rich history and courage behind the route. It was also an opportunity to honour the memory of those who lost their lives during the march and to reflect on the importance of perseverance and unity.
The expedition was organised in collaboration with Mr. Tham Yau Kong MBE OAM, owner and founder of the Sandakan–Ranau Death March Walking Tour. With his vast knowledge and long-standing support, Mr. Tham and his team guided the participants through the route, sharing events and insights that brought the history of the march to life.
The trekking phase started in Sandakan District and concluded in Ranau District, taking the team through a wide variety of terrain from dense jungle and steep hill tracks to open plantations and river crossings. Each day, participants covered around 25 km to 30 km, facing long hours in tropical heat and humidity.
The team visited important sites including Sandakan Memorial Park, several former prisoners of war camp sites, and memorials. These visits gave everyone a better understanding of the area’s wartime history and a genuine appreciation for the kindness of local people who helped to keep the memories of the fallen alive.
One of the most memorable moments of the expedition was the Remembrance Parade held at the Kundasang War Memorial Garden on 11 November 2025, marking the 80th anniversary of Victory over Japan. The ceremony offered a quiet and meaningful moment to pay respect to the British and Australian prisoners of war who died during the series of 1945 Death Marches.
Reflecting on the experience, SSgt Bal Kumar Budha Magar, expedition leader and Summer Mountain Leader, stated: “Ex WKM 25 was both physically and mentally challenging but deeply humbling. It offered our personnel a unique opportunity to push their limits while honouring those who endured unimaginable hardship.”
As the team reached Ranau, there was a strong sense of pride and achievement. Ex WKM 25 was not just a physical challenge, it was a journey of exploration, remembrance, and shared experience that will remain forever with everyone who took part.
