SOLDIERS and officers from the Brigade of Gurkhas formed up on parade at Waterloo Lines in Warminster, to mark the formation of a new Gurkha Company.

The occasion marked the formation of ‘Tavoleto’ Company which follows a series of successful transitions of the Training Support Company, and officially welcomed the Gurkhas to Warminster.

In previous years infantry battalion stationed at Warminster had been designated the ‘Demonstration Battalion’, but in recent years this role has rotated around the Armoured Infantry battalions stationed around the plain. With the impending move of 1 YORKS who are to be replaced by two Armoured Reconnaissance Regiments the formation of this company will fill the gap.

The company have been honoured after the Battle of Tavoleto which was fought over the night of September 3 to 4, 1943. Tavoleto a small Italian mountain top village formed part of the Gothic Line and it fell to the 7th Gurkha Rifles (the Duke of Edinburgh’s Own) to capture it from the Germans. Due to heroism, fighting prowess and sacrifice the village was secured and the Allied advance continued.

General Officer Commanding, Army Recruiting and Initial Training Command, Major General Paul Nanson who took the salute said: “You have started on a new, challenging and exciting journey but like all journey’s you will undoubtedly suffer setbacks and issues along the way and I can offer you no real advice other than to follow the example of your forebears who served with such distinction at Tavoleto. Gurkhas have never been short of courage, tenacity and determination and I’m sure you will continue to uphold that hugely proud tradition.”

The Company are looking forward to living in Wiltshire and building friendships with the Warminster community.

The event was attended by serving personnel, Gurkha Brigade Association members and families and friends and music was provided by 1st Battalion the Royal Gurkha Rifles Pipes and Drums.