A number of personnel from the Brigade of Gurkhas and key staff assigned to important
roles close to the Brigade have been recognised in The King’s Birthday Honours 2026 and
commendations.
Orders and Decorations
Colonel David John Robinson (Colonel Brigade of Gurkhas) – OBE
Major James David Burbidge (Officer Commanding 69 Gurkha Field Squadron) – MBE
Delivered sustained operational leadership beyond sub-unit level. Led Gurkha field squadron
through multiple deployments, contributing to Theatre Enabling Group doctrine and national
outputs including Operation LAZURITE.
Warrant Officer Class Ywo Kushalraj Rai (The Royal Gurkha Rifles) – Meritorious
Service Medal (MSM)
Chief of the General Staff Commendations
Warrant Officer Class Two Bhujel (The Royal Gurkha Rifles)
Provided exceptional leadership while fulfilling both Company Sergeant Major and acting
Company Second-in-Command roles. Enabled high readiness, safeguarded welfare and
operational output under extreme pressure. Contribution assessed as transformative and
force-multiplying.
Staff Sergeant Rai (Queen’s Own Gurkha Logistic Regiment)
Delivered Defence engagement and operational assurance, including food safety oversight
during Royal visits to Nepal and international culinary recognition.
Warrant Officer Class Two Gurung (Queen’s Own Gurkha Logistic Regiment)
Regimental Quartermaster Sergeant, London Guards.
Corporal Thapa Magar (The Royal Gurkha Rifles)
Staff Sergeant D Rai (Queen’s Own Gurkha Logistic Regiment)
Provided operational support to Allied Rapid Reaction Corps.
Major Couchman (Royal Artillery)
Central staff officer responsible for the creation of The King’s Gurkha Artillery, managing
personnel policy, selection, and UK–Nepal engagement.
Commander Field Army Commendations
Colour Sergeant Limbu (The Royal Gurkha Rifles)
Redesigned Infantry Battle School Quick Battle Orders, introducing a concise and effective doctrinal tool now adopted Army-wide. Improved decision-making speed and lethality.
Captain Counsell (The Royal Gurkha Rifles)
Transformed UK–US Special Operations Forces integration. Secured key operational access, resources, and influence within US headquarters, delivering multinational
operational impact.
