On the 1st of July 1994, The Royal Gurkha Rifles (RGR) was formed from a lineage lasting over 200 years. To mark the 30th year of the Regiment’s formation, RGR held a first of its kind two-day birthday festival at Sir John Moore Barracks (SJMB), Folkestone. The current home of 2 RGR, held the celebration of community, history, and heritage for the entire RGR family. All RGR service personnel, veterans, and their friends and families were invited to the weekend so the Regiment may come together and recognise the Regiment’s 30-year history, and the unique and spectacular community it has created.
The weekend began with the Unit Coronation Medal Parade, marking the service of all RGR personnel during the Coronation of our King and Colonel-in-Chief, King Charles III. Personnel from 2 RGR marched onto SJMB parade square to an audience of serving personnel, veterans, families, and friends. Colonel RGR, Major General Strickland DSO MBE, was the Inspecting Officer for the day, accompanied by the Commanding Officer of 2 RGR, Lieutenant Colonel Nick Moran and Lieutenant General Peter Pearson CB CBE. This parade was not just for those receiving the Coronation Medal, but many were also awarded the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal.
With the Parade complete, many gathered on the Square to rejoin their families and friends to witness the cutting of the RGR’s birthday cake. A symbolic milestone of three decades of continued service and dedication, and the beginning of many more to come and the weekend’s festivities.
The mornings events were to be proceeded by an afternoon of football. The Krishna Dura Cup is a yearly football tournament between the four Messes in memory of Colour Sergeant Krishna Bahadur Dura and all fallen heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice for their regiment and humanity. The first round saw the clash between the Officers Mess vs Senior Non-Commissioned Officers (SNCO) Mess, and Junior Non-Commissioned Officers (JNCO) between the SNCO and JNCO Messes. After 60 minutes, the SNCO Mess took victory and raised the trophy in the tournament prize giving.
The day was concluded with family and friends enjoying the fruits of the fair itself. With many stores to explore, food and drink to consume, and entertainment to enjoy. Perhaps most notably the Mess tug of war competition, in which the Officers’ Mess regained some respect and took the victory after the disappointing footballing performance hours before.
Day two of the RGR Fest was one filled with activities and entertainment for all the family to enjoy. Along with local food stalls, art exhibitions and fairground rides, the main stage was busy with music and dance performances, a Taekwondo and Khukuri display, and of course the hotly anticipated silent auction, raffle draw and treasure hunt. Surrounded by the smells of Nepali cuisine, guests could also visit the Support Company weapon stand and demonstration, exhibiting their capabilities and activities. The day was drawn to a close with many dancing in the warm summer rain to the sound of both Nepali and British pop music.
The RGR Fest was a weekend to remember for all those who attended, bringing the RGR family together to celebrate our history, community, and future. All funds from the weekend will be donated to the Khukuri Fund, a charitable cause to help all serving a retired RGR personnel in need living in the United Kingdom.
