Gurkha recruits get welcome like no other as they arrive in UK and head to Catterick
This year's intake of recruits to the Brigade of Gurkhas has arrived in the UK, stepping off a plane and into a new life in the British Army.
For the 337 recruits who are beginning their basic training, reporting for duty is a unique experience, one that is not shared by any others joining the Armed Forces.
For a start, they have travelled 4,500 miles to be here, which for most of them was their first time on a plane.
Then there is the honour that comes with becoming a member of the Brigade of Gurkhas, one of the most respected regiments in the British Army.
Before leaving Nepal, the Gurkha recruits attend an attestation parade in which allegiance is sworn to the King, which this year was presided over by the head of the British Army, General Sir Patrick Sanders.
Once in the UK, their soldering careers begin with 39 weeks at Infantry Training Centre (ITC) Catterick, where all British Army infanteers are trained.
It is an emotional arrival, designed to strike a chord with the new recruits, demonstrating to the men they are now part of something much bigger than themselves.
Speaking to Forces News, Corporal Suresh Limbu, a Section Commander at ITC Catterick, said: "We have seen a very nice welcome by Gurkha Company.
"This will be a very memorable day for the new guys here as they are going to embark on a new journey and will spend the next nine months here in Catterick."
For the recruits, it is a moment to reflect on what they have achieved so far and the significance of what is to come.
Trainee Rifleman Mikhayal Rai said: "I am very proud to say that I have been selected in the 2024 intake and I can be part of the great history of the Brigade of Gurkhas.
"It is a huge achievement for me ... I am very happy to be standing right here."
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