Army

Training put into practice as new Gurkha artillery unit fires Light Gun for first time

Get into action with the new Gurkha gunners

Over the past few weeks, the first members of the King's Gurkha Artillery have been learning to be gunners – and they've finally got to fire the L118 Light Gun.

The KGA, which is the Army's newest regiment and is part of the Royal Artillery, drew its initial batch of soldiers from existing Gurkha units.

Many were infanteers, while others were engineers, signallers or logisticians. Some have decades of experience, but joining the KGA meant starting again from scratch.

Having been trained on L118, the KGA went on Exercise Combined Warrior in Brecon. This takes place three times a year and involves infanteers, engineers and artillery coming together – each focusing on their own training goals.

But this was the first time the Gurkhas had taken part as gunners.

For this exercise, just two Gurkhas were working on each gun detachment, operating with other more experienced gunners.

When the first King's Gurkha Artillery soldiers get further along with their training they will be able to fire with a full "Gurkha gun".

During the exercise, they had to dig gun pits, defend positions, deal with indirect fire and counter battery fire – expertly provided by a special effects team – as well as drones, casualties and platoon attacks.

The battery trainers were impressed by the Gurkhas' desire to perfect their new role as gunners

The new artillerymen rose to the challenge – and particularly enjoyed opening fire with the Light Gun.

Sergeant Bishawaraj Rai said: "When you fire it, you want to fire more and more. I used to move around with small rifles. Now I move with big guns."

Bombardier Rajkar Budhathoki said: "I was a bit nervous – but firing it, I felt the power – like this is what I'm here for."

The L118 Light Gun offered the men a very different experience from the SA80 L85 assault rifle most were used to.

Bombardier Alan Thapa explained: "I really didn't expect that much recoil – and also the sound. We needed double ear protection to protect our ears."

But he added: "What a moment to be alive!"

The men's enthusiasm to take on their new role was recognised by battery trainer WO2 Lee Barnes, who told BFBS Forces News: "They’re doing absolutely fantastic.

"Some of them have been in 20 years, but they've got stuck in, gone on stag, learned from the more experienced guys.

"They just want to perfect [their drills] and be the best."