On the 21st of September 2024, the Paltan of the Queen’s Gurkha Signals (QG Signals) gathered at Gamecock Barracks, Bramcote, the current home of 30 Signal Regiment and Headquarters the Queen’s Gurkha Signals, to mark the 75th Anniversary of the formation of the QG Signals. This event also marked the reformation of 242 Gurkha Signals Squadron.
To mark the occasion, a parade took place with Gurkhas of each of the six Queen’s Gurkha Signals Squadrons, including the recently formed 242 Gurkha Signal Squadron. The Inspecting Officers was General Dame Sharon Nesmith DCB ADC (Vice Chief of the Defence Staff and the Master of Signals).
The Squadrons marched on to the parade square in formation, and were an impressive sight stretched out across the parade square. Other members of QG Signals, Royal Corps of Signals, guests, and family members gathered to watch the parade. On the arrival of the General, the parade was bought to attention and gave a Royal Salute, supported with music from The Band of the Brigade of Gurkhas.
The General was invited to inspect the troops on Parade and congratulate the Nepal Cup 2024 winning team and the ladies volleyball team. This was followed by speeches including a reading of the Parade speech from the 23rd of September 1954 at Kaula Lumpa, originally delivered by Major General LECM Perowne CBE, read for this occasion by Major Sureshkumar Limbu (Gurkha Major). A ceremonial cake cutting took place to mark the anniversary. The QG Signals Pipers performed and a Khukuri Dance Display of the highest standard was performed, which those in attendance thoroughly enjoyed.
The parade then marched past the inspecting officer and off the parade square.
After the parade a formal group photograph was taken of all those on parade with the senior guests. Regimental awards and the Cole Trophy were presented by the General. This was followed by a lunch and various sports events, including volleyball and tug of war.
Later in the day a cultural show and Dajubhai Band Display took place, followed by dinner and more music from the Dajubhai Band.
Concise History of the Queen’s Gurkha Signals
Late 1948 a small group of Royal Signals Officers and tradesmen formed up to train Gurkha soldiers so that Gurkha Signals units could be created to support each of the Gurkha infantry brigades.
In 1949 signals training started in earnest at the Gurkha Signals Training and Support Wing in 64 Transit Camp, Ipoh Road, Kuala Lumpar. Initially these soldiers were referred to as Royal Signals Gurkhas, although this was changed to Gurkha Royal Signals after a short time.
On the 18th of December 1950, the first Gurkha Royal Signals Squadron was passed fit for deployment. In September 1954 the Regiment was presented with its own badge. In September 1955, Gurkha Signals was formally incorporated into the Brigade of Gurkhas, and a name change took place to Gurkha Signals.
In April 1977, Her Majesty The Queen granted use of a Royal title and authoirsed the change of name to the Queen’s Gurkha Signals.
Watch this highlights video of the parade
