Sirmooree Summer 2015

28March dawned clear and bright. Some attributed this miraculous change

in the weather to the presence of The Queen’s Truncheon, the Nishani Mai.

It was the first time it had been in Nepal and therefore perhaps had the

advantage of surprise over the local weather gods. Over the roofs of the

British Gurkha camp was clearly visible the magnificent sight of

Macchapucchare, the fishtail mountain. From early morning onwards

Sirmooris and their families made their way to the parade ground, the re-

rôled football pitch behind the recruit accommodation and offices. Most of

the men were dressed in smart Regimental mufti with 2GR Durbar hats, and

many wore impressive collections of British, Bruneian and other medals. The

Gurkha ladies, as always, added gaiety to the occasion with their brightly

coloured saris.

At 0830 Major Yambahadur Gurung explained the sequence of events over

the Tannoy and then we carried out a well-executed and impressive parade –

and in the best of 2

Goorkhas traditions, without a rehearsal. The Parade

Commander, Major Dilbahadur Gurung, summoned the RGR Band and the 12

company markers. Nearly 1,000 other ranks and then officers fell in as just

sharply as they would have done in years past, grouped in companies

organized by year of enlistment. As the parade saluted, the Queen’s

Truncheon was marched on by the Truncheon Jemadar, Captain Dolbahadur

Gurung, formerly 2GR and now 2IC of the British Camp in Pokhara,

accompanied by an escort of retired NCOs. Field Marshal Sir John Chapple

led a group of other senior officers on to the saluting dais: Lieutenant-

General Sir Peter Duffell, President of the Sirmoor Rifles Association; General

Sir Peter Wall, Colonel Commandant of the Brigade of Gurkhas; and

Brigadier-General Jaswant representing the Nepalese Army. Brigadier Bruce

Jackman, the Chairman of the Sirmoor Rifles Association, and Captain

Bharatsing Thapa Chhetri, the Chairman of the Sirmoor Club Nepal, both

stood to attention beside the dais.

General Duffell made a speech in which he welcomed those attending and

read out Her Majesty The Queen’s appreciative reply to the message of loyal

greeting he had sent her on behalf of the 2

Goorkhas. He reminded us of

the honour and distinction of belonging to such a proud Regiment, and of

the enduring and memorable nature of the Durbar to those taking part and

future generations.

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