Canada honours the Gurkhas

The Gurkhas' efforts in support of operations in Afghanistan have been marked by the award of a special commendation by Canada at Kandahar Air Station.

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

General Hillier said:

"The Gurkhas' contribution to operations in Afghanistan has been marked by their sheer professionalism and determination, and I am honoured to be able to present this award to recognise their efforts in support of the Canadian Forces in Afghanistan."

The presentation was a fitting send off for the Gurkhas who are coming to the end of a six-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 Government.

"The Gurkhas' contribution to operations in Afghanistan has been marked by their sheer professionalism and determination, and I am honoured to be able to present this award to recognise their efforts in support of the Canadian Forces in Afghanistan."

General Rick Hillier, Canadian Chief of the Defence Staff
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.

The commendation was created in 1980 to recognise distinguished service by 'any formation, unit or sub-unit of the Canadian Forces, or any similar organisation of a foreign armed force working with or in conjunction with the Canadian Forces, that has performed a deed or activity considered beyond the demand of normal duty'. It is only the fourth time this particular award has been presented to an organisation outside of Canada:

"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 artefact and memento of the award.