On the 3rd of September 2021, Gurkha Company (Tavoleto) (GC(T)) celebrated the Battle Honour Day of Tavoleto in Warminster. The parade was held in front of GC(T) Headquarters, to remember the fallen heroes in Battle of Tavoleto in Italy.
The day started with the temple service with all the member of GC(T), where the religious teachers (Lama Guru and Pandit Ji) from Aldershot attended to preach their ritual knowledge and blessing that is vital to all service personnel and their families. After the temple service there was a short presentation about the Tavoleto Battle Honour Day by Sergeant Bhim Parangden.
This was followed by the Honour guard commanded by Sergeant Tara Bahadur Rana and the wreath laying ceremony by the Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Arran Wade MBE (Commanding Officer Specialist Weapons School) and Officer Commanding Major Bikulman Rai (Officer Commanding GC(T)). The overall event was coordinated by Company Sergeant Major Warrant Officer Class Two Dinesh Rai. After the parade there was a finger buffet lunch for all the guests, service personnel and families. Later in the day we ran a football competition organised by Corporal Sagun Dewan and in the evening, we had a delicious Gurkha curry messing.
The Battle of Tavoleto took place between 30th August – 4th of September 1944. Following the invasion of Italy in 1943 Allied forces, including 2nd/7th Gurkha Rifles of the 4th Indian Division, advanced north. The small Italian village of Tavoleto formed an important part of this defence, as its position, high on a mountain-top, with good observation points for all the surrounding area. The task of capturing Tavoleto fell to 7th Gurkha Rifles. 2nd/7th Gurkha Rifles arrived in the area of Tavoleto on August 30th, but initial attacks were pinned down by accurate enemy fire and so little headway was made. On the night of 2nd September 1944 2/7GR (supported by the Cameron Highlanders) again launched their attack. A and C Companies of the Battalion faced fierce resistance from German troops. Both suffered heavy casualties, however C Company managed to storm the town whilst A Company cut off a German retreat. Both Companies managed to hold the town until reinforced with tank support later that day, securing Tavoleto for the Allies.
