RECENTLY returned to Brunei from operations in Afghanistan, the 1st Battalion The Royal Gurkha Rifles enjoyed a British Forces Foundation Show in July. The extravaganza centered around six performers who performed in front of almost 3,000 soldiers, family and friends from Brunei Garrison.

All six acts were selected from Nepal with many of the performers household names to the Gurkha community. These included Nima Rumba, a Nepalese pop idol and film star who drew the loudest cheers from the crowds, and the comedian Jeetu Nepal who drew the loudest laughter.

"Jeetu had me in tears of laughter. I really enjoyed the Show and thought that it was a great way to celebrate my coming home with the whole family," said Cpl Dilendra.

Rifleman Gurung was more than pleased with the beautiful Satyakala Rai. "I have all of her albums at home and I listened to them when I was away in Afghanistan. We are so lucky to hear her sing in Brunei," he declared.

Captain Nick Lloyd also enjoyed the Show: "The boys had such a great time and it is clear that the British Forces Foundation has succeeded in its aim to support the esprit de corps of the Gurkhas with this form of entertainment."

Commanding Officer Brunei Garrison and 1st Battalion The Royal Gurkha Rifles, Lt Col Bourne MBE, described the ''Return from Afghanistan and Regimental Birthday' show as a very special evening, the likes of which he had never seen before. The amount of pleasure it gave the Battalion was "a joy to witness".

"What the Foundation has given us by supporting this event is priceless; a knowledge that what we did in Afghanistan is appreciated and acknowledged by those outside the military," said Lt Col Bourne. "What you do is a vital part of the moral component and it makes my job easier to have your support.

"Leading men who know that they are wanted is considerably easier than leading those who are not quite so sure whether they are or not. What you offer enables us to properly thank our soldiers for the work they do – and thus ensure they are willing to do it again because they realise that what they are doing is important."

Lt Col Bourne added: "What The British Forces Foundation does is very special and without doubt makes a significant difference to the 'moral health' of the British Army – it certainly has in my Battalion."

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