As The Second Battalion, The Royal Gurkha Rifles (2 RGR) Battle Group (BG) worked hard to earn validation on Exercise WESSEX STORM, they made friends with the Company from the 6th Bihar Rifles, an Indian Army Battalion who came to support their British counterparts in this most testing of exercise.
Each unit began learning from each other straightaway, as the two units shared best practice in the urban and semi-urban environments, and it quickly became clear that the additional Company would become a battle winning asset. 6th Bihar Rifles proved tenacious fighters, particularly in the defence of Copehill Down, as 2 RGR battled against a multi-pronged attack, while they successfully stormed the final building in Imber village. Their passion was evident, and collaboration was crucially aided through the excellent Hindi of many Gurkha soldiers.
Enthusiastic and physically robust, it was clear that the opposing force would have a challenge containing 2 RGR whenever Bihar Rifles were thrown into the fray, and the extra Company was a tactical asset at all times. As 2 RGR stretched the enemy with creative tactics and aggression, most notably during a Battalion feint onto Copehill Down, Bihar Rifles would often provide the culminating thrust, helping to clear the village with remarkable speed.
Beyond professional excellence and knowledge-sharing, 2 RGR had the honour of hosting Bihar Rifles during the King’s Coronation. A fantastic evening of cultural moments ensued, full of Bollywood Classics, a DJ Set from Colour Sergeant Jivan BK and Tigers (not the animal). It proved a moment for the ages and spoke to the mutual respect and cultural appreciation between the British and Indian Army. It was a moment to live long in the memory. During a challenging exercise as the opposing force through everything at them, the 2 RGR BG persevered and thrived through excellent teamwork, mental and physical resilience and flexibility, with Bihar Rifles exemplifying this attitude and buying into what it means to be the best. Our Indian counterparts came as friends but left as brothers. We look forward to welcoming them again in the future.
By Rifleman Gagan Limbu Thebe, The Second Battalion, The Royal Gurkha Rifles
