Gurkhas train at Waiouru

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 6, Issue 234, 8 March 1988, Page 11 (Supplement)

Gurkhas train at Waiouru

A Company of Hong Kong based Gurkha soldiers has arrived in Waiouru to train and exercise for the next seven weeks.

The unit - D Company, 2nd Battalion 2nd King Edward VIII's Own Gurkha Rifles (2/2 GR) flew to Wellington in two VC10 aircraft of the Royal Air Force. During their stay the Company will b e hosted by 4 Army Training Group Workshop at Helwan Camp Waiouru. Gurkhas are generally acknowledged to be the most formidable infantry soldiers in the world. An integral part of the British Army, soldiers of the Brigade of Gurkhas have given devoted and distinguished service since the formation of the first Gurkha battalion in 1815. Their courage and tenacity as soldiers is reflected in the fact that the Victoria Cross has been awarded to a Gurkha soldier "for conspicuous gallantry" on no fewer than 26 occasions. Seven former soldiers of 2/2 GR have been

awarded Britain's highest award for gallantry. Object of the exercise - codenamed Exercise Kauri Pine North 88 - is to enable the soldiers to train over unfamiliar terrain - difficult to find in the confines of heavily developed and densely populated Hong Kong. Training during their time in New Zealand will consist of the full range of battlefield skills to company level and will include live firing by day and night. As part of the Hong Kong Garrison, the Gurkhas role includes support of the Royal Hong Kong Police and | tours of duty on the j Hong Kong Chinese border aimed at pre- ■ venting illegal immi1 grants from crossing into British Territory. | Before returning to ' Hong Kong on 15 April the soldiers will take advantage of the excellent facilities in New Zealand for adventure training with organised parties undertaking rock climbing, mountain walking, canoeing and white water rafting.