The parade marked the official re-establishment of the squadron within The Queen’s Gurkha Engineers after it was disbanded in 1993 (Picture: BFBS)

Commander 8 Engineer Brigade, Brigadier Jamie Stuart said the reformation is "testament to the essential need of Gurkha sappers and represents a real vote of confidence from the British Army — Reviewing Officer for the parade, Brigadier Jamie Stuart, said the reformation is "testament to the essential need of Gurkha sappers and represents a real vote of confidence from the British Army." (Picture: BFBS)

Formed in April 1950 in Kluang, Malaya (now Malaysia), the 68 Gurkha Field Support Squadron’s mission was to provide engineering support to Gurkha infantry — Formed in April 1950 in Kluang, Malaya (now Malaysia), the 68 Gurkha Field Support Squadron's mission was to provide engineering support to Gurkha infantry (Picture: BFBS)

The squadron served in Malaya and Hong Kong under 50 Field Engineer Regiment before joining the Brigade of Gurkhas in 1955 (Picture: BFBS)

In 1977, Queen Elizabeth II, during her Silver Jubilee, named them The Queen’s Gurkha Engineers in recognition of their service and excellence — In 1977, Queen Elizabeth II, during her Silver Jubilee, named them The Queen's Gurkha Engineers in recognition of their service and excellence (Picture: BFBS)

Cut from 8,000 to 3,500 by the 1990 Defence Review, the Brigade of Gurkhas still deployed worldwide (Picture: BFBS)

In 1993, 68 Gurkha Field Support Squadron was disbanded, ending over four decades of continuous service (Picture: BFBS)

On September 27, it was reformed within The Queen’s Gurkha Engineers, coinciding with its 77th anniversary — On September 27, it was reformed within The Queen's Gurkha Engineers, coinciding with its 77th anniversary (Picture: BFBS)

Brigadier Jamie Stuart said he could not be prouder of what the parade represents for the British Army and the nation — Brigadier Jamie Stuart (pictured centre), said he could not be "prouder" of what the parade represents for the British Army and for the Nation (Picture: BFBS)

Gurkhas

In pictures: Legacy honoured as 8 Gurkha Field Support Squadron reforms on 77th anniversary

The 68 Gurkha Field Support Squadron has been officially reformed within The Queen's Gurkha Engineers, marking its 77th anniversary and its return after more than three decades since disbandment.

During the parade at Invicta Park Barracks, Commander of 8 Engineer Brigade, Brigadier Jamie Stuart, commended the Queen's Gurkha Engineers, highlighting their exceptional versatility, readiness, and professionalism, which he said would "continue to be indispensable".

"This moment honours the legacy of those who've served before us and sets a bold course for the future. I could not be prouder of what this represents for our Army and for our nation," he said.

Rich history of 68 Gurkha Field Support Squadron

Established in April 1950 in Kluang, Malaya (now Malaysia), the 68 Gurkha Field Support Squadron's primary mission was to provide engineering support to Gurkha infantry formations.

Initially operating under the 50 Fields Engineer Regiment, the squadron served in both Malaya and Hong Kong before the regiment was formally integrated into the Brigade of Gurkhas in 1955.

In 1960, it became part of the newly formed Gurkha Engineers serving in the Far East and, two years later, was redesignated as 68 Gurkha Field Squadron, relocating to Moortown Barracks, Tidworth, under the command of 22 Field Engineer Regiment.

The following year, it deployed to Borneo as an independent field squadron supporting operations during the Indonesia-Malaysia confrontation, which ran from 1963 to 1966.

By 1964, it had reverted to its original name – 68 Gurkha Field Squadron – and returned to Kluang, once again serving under the Gurkha Engineers.

Commander 8 Engineer Brigade, Brigadier Jamie Stuart said the reformation represents a "real vote of confidence" from the British Army — Brigadier Jamie Stuart, Commander 8 Engineer Brigade, said the reformation represents a "real vote of confidence" from the British Army

A major milestone came in 1977, when the Queen, during her silver jubilee, bestowed the title The Queen's Gurkha Engineers – a recognition of their evolving role, continued excellence and services to the crown.

Despite the challenges of the 1990 Defence Review, which saw the Brigade of Gurkhas reduced from 8,000 to 3,500 personnel, they remained active, deploying on operations worldwide while undertaking various construction projects in Hong Kong.

68 Gurkha Field Support Squadron's proud history was paused in 1993, when it was formally disbanded, marking the end of more than four continuous decades of dedicated service.

It was officially reformed within The Queen's Gurkha Engineers, coinciding with its 77th anniversary, on 27 September.