Noticeboard
26 February 2026
MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR LT COL LALBAHADUR PUN
Please click here to read a report on a memorial service held for Lieutenant Colonel Lalbahadur Pun OBE MC held at the Gurkha Memorial Museum Pokhara on 23rd February 2026.
12 February 2026
COLONEL DAVID ROBINSON APPOINTED DIRECTOR (DESIGNATE) GURKHA MUSEUM
The following statement was released by the Gurkha Museum on 12th February 2026:
The Gurkha Museum is very pleased to announce the appointment of Colonel David Robinson as the new Director of the Gurkha Museum. He is currently Colonel Brigade of Gurkhas and will take up his appointment on 1 October 2026 on his retirement from the Army. He succeeds Dr Daren Bowyer the current Director who leaves in February to take up a new role. Robust interim arrangements have been put in place at the Gurkha Museum pending David’s arrival.
Welcoming the appointment, Martin Brooks, Chair of the Gurkha Museum Trustees said:
“I am thrilled that we have appointed David Robinson, following an open recruitment process. David brings thirty-five years’ deep personal experience of serving with Gurkhas, in many leadership, operational and charitable roles including strong support for the Gurkha Museum during this time, with all the cultural empathy that a lifetime of being part of the Gurkha family brings. David is the ideally suited to lead the operations of the Gurkha Museum forward securely to further success beyond our current ambitious redevelopment.
I would also like to pay tribute to Daren as he leaves us to take up the appointment as 34th Master of the Lord Leycester Hospital in Warwick. Daren has made a formidable and enduring contribution leading our successful redevelopment and operations in the last five years, and we wish him well in his new role.”
Colonel David Robinson commented:
“I am deeply honoured to be appointed as the next Director of the Gurkha Museum. Having served alongside Gurkhas for many years, the values, history and extraordinary spirit of the Gurkha soldier have shaped my entire life. To now have the privilege of leading the Museum that tells their remarkable story is both humbling and inspiring.
This is an exciting moment in the Museum’s journey. The redevelopment is creating new opportunities to protect, preserve and share the heritage of the Brigade of Gurkhas for future generations. I look forward to working with our exceptional team; Trustees, supporters, veterans and serving soldiers to build on the strong foundations already in place. Together, we will ensure the Gurkha story continues to be told with authenticity, respect and pride.
I would also like to pay tribute to Daren for his outstanding leadership. His contribution to the Museum’s transformation has been immense, and I wish him every success as he takes up his new appointment.”
21 January 2026
OBITUARY – LIEUTENANT COLONEL LALBAHADUR PUN
The Times obituary for Lieutenant Colonel Lalbahadur Pun OBE MC, who died on 9 January 2026, can be read here. His Daily Telegraph obituary is here.
27 August 2025
VJ DAY COMMEMORATION IN NEPAL
Having celebrated the 80th anniversary of Victory In Europe (VE 80) at British Gurkhas Nepal (BGN), Kathmandu, on Thursday, 8th May, Victory in Japan (VJ 80) was celebrated at the British Embassy Kathmandu on Saturday, 15th August 2025, with a large gathering of British and Gurkha veterans living in and around Kathmandu. A number of dignitaries from the Nepal Army, Nepal Police and Nepal Armed Police Force and various other government sectors were also invited. After a short speech by His Excellency Mr Rob Fenn, the British Ambassador to Nepal, a two minute silence was observed, accompanied by ‘The Last Post’ in memory of those heroes who had sacrificed their lives in the Second World War. This was followed by a Reveille call after which wreaths were laid by the Ambassador, Lieutenant General Nirmal Kumar Thapa, Vice Chief of the Army Staff Nepal Army, Colonel Dan Rex MVO, the Defence Attaché, and Major Balkrishna Rana MBE, Chairman Regimental Associations Nepal (RAN). 2GR was represented by Captain Bharat Thapa, the Chairman of the Sirmoor Club Nepal, WO1 Passang Lama and Corporal Nauraj Gurung. The programme ended at 1600 hours after refreshment.
VIPs at the ceremony: Nepal Government representatives; His Excellency the British Ambassador and his wife; Lieutenant General Nirmal Kumar Thapa; Colonel Dan Rex and his wife.
The British Ambassador laying a wreath.
RAN veterans with Chairman RAN Major Balkrishna Rana MBE QOGLR (side hat) and 2 GR reps, Chairman SCN, Cpl Nauraj Gurung and WO 1 Passang Lama
RAN Chairman with QOGLR, 2 GR and 7 GR Reps
Major Balkrishna Rana with Chairman SCN and WO1 Passang Lama
15 August 2025
VJ DAY MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT SIRMOOR RIFLES ASSOCIATION
On this day, 15th August in 1945, the Allies finally secured victory against Japan after over four years of hard and bitter combat in South East Asia and the Pacific. This year is the 80th anniversary of that historic moment and we should all pause to reflect on the sacrifices that were made in order for us to have a better future.
In particular, we remember our fellow Gurkha officers and soldiers who did not return and selflessly made the ultimate sacrifice. Many of those who did return bore the physical and psychological scars of war for the remainder of their lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with their friends and families who still remember and have had to live with that loss or support those returnees in need.
On VJ Day 2025 we must honour each of those few remaining brave Gurkha veterans who are the rearguard of the greatest generation. Their courage, loyalty, and exemplary spirit is a guiding beacon for all of us and a demonstration of how to embrace life with dignity and honour. Through them we remember their comrades who have now departed on their last patrol, but whose memories and example live on in each of us.
Jai Gurkhali, Jai Sirmoor Rifles