Bailiff Sir Geoffrey Rowland yesterday welcomed the Chelsea Pensioners who are here for the Liberation celebrations and also the first Gurkha Rifles to visit the island. Sir Geoffrey is pictured with Captain Trilochan Gurung. (Picture by Peter Frankland, 0965285)
GUERNSEY is having its first-ever visit by a group of Gurkha Rifles.
Nine Gurkhas based at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst are taking part in the 65th anniversary of Liberation celebrations.
They are accompanying a group of Chelsea Pensioners that includes Marjorie Cole, only the third woman to become an In-Pensioner.
Pensioners visit the island every year for 9 May celebrations. This year, it was thought that a group of Gurkhas should also be invited.
Captain Trilochan Gurung said it was an honour to be the first Gurkhas to visit the island.
‘For nearly 200 years we have been serving under the British Army and it’s hard to believe that we are the first to come to the island.
‘We’re so proud to be here, especially for Liberation Day.’
He said they were impressed with islanders’ hospitality.
‘The people are so welcoming and the island is so beautiful,’ he said.
‘We are looking forward to the parade for the 65 years of Liberation.
‘We have been so impressed with the way everything has been organised and we will be more than happy to come if the island wants us to in the future.’
Bailiff Sir Geoffrey Rowland welcomed both groups at his chambers yesterday.
Article posted on 7th May, 2010 - 2.29pm
Most Commented: