Ready for ceremonial duty: Queen's Gurkha Signals passes Fit For Role inspection
The Queen's Gurkha Signals will take up the ceremonial duty of guarding the royal palaces after successfully passing the Fit For Role inspection.
On the Wellington Barracks parade ground, the soldiers put everything they had learnt and rehearsed into practice in front of a formidable inspecting party, which would accept nothing short of excellence.
From now, the Gurkhas will begin guarding the Tower of London, St James's Palace and Windsor Castle following their triumphant display – but they will not be at Buckingham Palace until after the London Marathon on Sunday.
Under guidance from the Household Division, the soldiers of the Queen's Gurkha Signals underwent rigorous inspections and drill practice sessions to raise them to the highest standard ahead of the inspection.
The inspecting party consisted of the Brigade Major, Adjutant London Central Garrison, Garrison Sergeant Major and the Master Tailor of the Household Division.
During the inspection, the unit was scrutinised from head to toe to ensure excellence of bearing, discipline and uniform, ensuring they were ready to step onto the parade in front of the King's residences.
They demonstrated their drill steps and orders for their guard mounts as well as the Ceremony of the Keys at the Tower of London, all while being watched by the inspecting party to ensure the accuracy and timings of each movement were up to the high standards set by the Foot Guards.
Lieutenant Colonel Johnny Carey, commander of the Queen's Gurka Signals, told Forces News: "It's very, very critical - and rightly so.
"This isn't our day job. The Queen's Gurkha Signals are not known for their drills.
"Over the last couple of weeks, they've been going through an intense special to-role drill package provided by Horse Guards and the team."
There was also a kukri inspection - the national weapon of Nepal - along with their sheaths, both of which have to be highly maintained for cleanliness and shine.
This role comes as the units celebrates its 75th year, and it will be the first time the soldiers have taken on the public duty of guarding the royal palaces as a unit.
Lance Corporal Amrit Pun told Forces News: "I've been in the British Army for five years now. We don't get this kind of golden opportunity often.
"I'm in the Tower of London detachment. Not in my lifetime did I imagine I would be in London serving under the King."
Musical support was provided for the Fit For Role inspection and during the changing of the guard ceremonies by the Band of the Brigade of Gurkhas.
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