Canada honours Gurkhas

Guns Magazine, July, 2008

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The Canadian Chief Defence Staff, General Rick Hillier, presented Canadian Forces Unit Commendation to the Commanding Officer of the 1st Lieutenant Colonel Jonny Bourne, The citation for the award stressed the 'outstanding elan and extemporary combat skills of the Gurkhas, who have been bash in Kandahar Air Station as the Regional Battle Group for southern Afghanistan.

The presentation was a fitting send off for the Gurkhas who are coming to the end of a 6-month deployment in Afghanistan. During their tour they have operated across the whole of the south of the country alongside a variety of coalition partners, heading deep into Taliban strongholds to push them out and further the influence of the Afghan government.

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However, it is alongside the Canadians that the Gurkhas have had some of their hardest fighting. They have operated together in the volatile districts of Zhari and Panjwayi, pushing the insurgents out in order to allow the Afghan security forces to follow and set up permanent bases. They have also worked across much of Kandahar province, forcing the Taliban further and further afield whilst bringing security to communities affected by years of war. This has enabled development projects and the extension of provincial governance.

"It's an extreme tribute and privilege to accept this award from the Canadians, on behalf of the Gurkha Battle Group," said Lieutenant Colonel Bourne.

The Unit Commendation has three elements: a framed, gold-embossed scroll, a golden medallion, and a commemorative flag. Under Canadian regulations the Gurkhas may, as a public distinction, fly the flag for one year. Thereafter it can be kept as an historical artifact and memento of the award.--Courtesy MoD