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Gurkha Brigade Association - Borneo 60 Events

The Gurkha Brigade Association’s (GBA) activities in 2026 have been firmly focused on the commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the cessation of hostilities of the Borneo confrontation in which the Brigade of Gurkhas played a decisive and distinguished role.

The Brigade’s involvement comprised two linked operations: the suppression of the Brunei Revolt in 1962, followed by sustained operations along the border with Indonesia in what is now East Malaysia (Sabah and Sarawak) and Brunei Darussalam.

This period, known as the Borneo Confrontation or Konfrontasi, officially lasted from 20 January 1963 to 11 August 1966. The end of hostilities resulted from the signing of a peace treaty in Bangkok by Malaysia and Indonesia.

The confrontation was a significant conflict for the Brigade that saw all the Brigade’s Infantry Regiments supported by Gurkha Engineers, Gurkha Signals and Gurkha logistic units serving in Borneo.

As part of the commemorations, a number of functions and activities have been organised to acknowledge and celebrate our Borneo veterans and their families.

Royal Garden Party May 2026

These activities commenced in May 2026 when a group of Malaya and Borneo veterans, joined by the family of Captain (Retd) Rambahadur Limbu VC, attended a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace.

Eight veterans from across the Brigade, together with Captain Rambahadur’s daughter in law and granddaughter, charmed and entertained HRH The Princess Royal and Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence. Mrs Sudha Rai, trustee of The Gurkha Museum Trust, also attended this event organised by the Not Forgotten Organisation.

GBA Memorial Service and Lunch June 2026

On 6 June 2025, the Gurkha Brigade Association held its annual Reunion Service and lunch at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. More than 150 serving Gurkhas, veterans and family members, gathered for the event.

The service was led by The Rt Revd & Rt Hon Lord Chartres GCVO PC FSA, Honorary Chaplain to the Gurkha Brigade Association; Lama Chewang Gurung and Pandit Prem Gaire.

Following the service, the Act of Remembrance took place outside the chapel, where a wreath was laid by 21153165 Cpl Danbahadur Malla, 1st Battalion 2GR, a veteran of the Borneo Campaign.

Attendees then moved to the India Memorial Room in Old College for a presentation of replica medals to the family of Captain Rambahadur Limbu VC, the sole recipient of the Victoria Cross during the Borneo Confrontation.

Lunch was then held in the Old College dining room, bringing the day to a warm and reflective close.

GBA Bhela July 2026

Early July saw the annual GBA Bhela held in Aldershot attended by a number of our Borneo veterans. Amongst the many other activities at the Bhela veteran teams competed at football for the Kathmandu Cup.

Whilst none of our Borneo veterans made any of the teams! The Royal Gurkha Rifles veterans team delivered a disciplined and impressive campaign to lift the Kathmandu Cup, demonstrating teamwork and exemplary sportsmanship throughout.

We were honoured to have the Kathmandu Cup and winners’ medals presented by Borneo Veteran Captain (QGO) Birbahadur Thapa (6 Gurkha Rifles).

Capt Birbahadur is the Brigade’s very own ‘Pele’ having competed in 5 Nepal Cup competitions between 1960 and 1969, on the winning team 3 times. He was also an accomplished boxer in the Gurkha Boys Company in Malaya as well as being a talented singer.

No less important was the ladies’ volleyball competition and after a fiercely contested final the President of the Gurkha Brigade Association, Lieutenant General Sir David Bill, KCB, presented the trophy and medals to the victorious (again) Gurkha Allied Rapid Reaction Corps Support Battalion ladies volleyball team.

Remembrance Week November 2026

As we move into the Autumn and Remembrance week in November the GBA will be commemorating Borneo and our veterans at the Royal British Legion Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey on Thursday 5 November.

The Annual GBA National Memorial Arboretum Service at the Gurkha Chautari on Saturday 7 November and finally at the Cenotaph Parade on Sunday 8 November.

© The Gurkha Museum Trust Winchester - Registered Charity Number 1169920 (formerly 272426)