Gurkha Parade more from this section

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1 This document is a snapshot of content from a discontinued BBC website, originally published between It has been made available for archival & research purposes only. Please see the foot of this document for Archive Terms of Use. The Gurkha Company (Mandalay) of Brecon has been stationed at Dering Lines since 1974 and in 1985 were made Honorary Citizens of Brecon. This honour bestows the right to march through the streets of the town bearing arms and with bands playing. Mike Gittins of Brecon Town Council describes this year's parade held in September Photos of the 2008 parade... "Once again the centre of Brecon was brought to life with this year's Gurkha Freedom Parade. This year the parade marked the 23rd anniversary of the granting of the Honorary Citizenship to the Gurkha Company (Mandalay). This year the Parade was attended by the Band of the Brigade of Gurkhas. The Band of the Brigade of Gurkha's is based at Shorncliffe near Folkstone. They are a popular band and thus are always very busy and have toured to most parts of the world.the display of precision military marching and musical entertainment was enhanced by a demonstration of traditional Nepalese and Kukri dancing by children and Gurkha soldiers. This finale to the parade was a special treat and was well received by the spectators. The Mayor, Councillor Martin Weale's speech praised the role of the Gurkha Company Mandalay played in the development of the British Infantry in their capacity of support staff at the Infantry Training School, Brecon. Also, the part that the Gurkha soldiers play in the wider community of Brecon, was commended and would always be appreciated by the people and especially the Town The new Commanding Officer, Major Guptaman Gurung had only joined the Company some 48 hours before the parade but nevertheless conducted the event with great proficiency. This year 14 soldiers were awarded the Long Service and Good Conduct medal which was in recognition of 15 years of exemplary military service. Also during the parade 8 soldiers were awarded the General Service Medal to mark their service in Afghanistan. During their tour of duty in Afghanistan the Royal Gurkha Regiment won the following honours 5 Military Crosses 3 Mentioned in Dispatches 1 Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service

2 9 Joint Commanders Commendations 10 Commander British Forces Commendations. This is the highest number of honours and awards that a Gurkha Battalion has received since Malaya in Taking all this into consideration and the continuing involvement within the community of Brecon, and indeed elsewhere in Britain, the Town Council are committed to achieving proper recognition and reward for the Gurkha soldiers and their families. Recent press and media coverage of the ongoing campaign for settlement rights will always be an issue the Town Council will bring to the attention of the relevant MP's and AM's. The Gurkha soldier's dedication to the service of the Crown and Country should be something everybody must recognise and reward." Article written by Michael Gittins More about the 2007 parade... your comments Susan Macpherson New Zealand I'm thrilled to read about this. As a child in the 50s and 60s, growing up in Brecon, military parades in the town centre were one of the highlights.i'm proud to see the Ghurkhas get the recognition they deserve. Fri Oct 10 09:59: This site is now closed and cannot accept new comments.

3 - Slideshow Gurkha Company Mandalay

4 - Slideshow The Mayor's party arrives

5 - Slideshow Band of Brigade of Gurkhas March Past

6 - Slideshow Band of Brigade of Gurkhas

7 - Slideshow Gurkha Company Mandalay

8 - Slideshow The Mayor inspects the parade

9 - Slideshow The CO asks to march through the town

10 - Slideshow The Mayor awards the medals

11 - Slideshow Major Guptaman Gurung and the company

12 - Slideshow The Mayor delivers his speech

13 - Slideshow The Kukri Dance

14 - Slideshow Traditional Nepalese dancing