News

Army cuts to affect Aldershot Gurkhas

By Jack Sommers
September 15, 2011

GURKHAS serving in Aldershot will have ‘almost certainly’ been hit by the decsion to sack 950 soldiers from their brigade.

The soldiers of 10 Queen’s Own Gurkha Logistic Regiment, based in the town’s garrison, have seen their brigade take the brunt of the first round of redundancies announced by the army.

The army does not give a break-down of numbers on how many will go at individual units but a spokesman said some Aldershot Gurkhas losing their jobs was ‘almost certain’.

The transport regiment has served in Iraq and Afghanistan in recent years.

A total of 950 will be made redundant from the Brigade of Gurkhas, which has around 3,500 soldiers.

The army has said the the brigade is ‘over-strength’ because Gurkhas are serving for longer.

These redundancies are the first round of cuts from the armed forces. Those who apply for redundancy will be on six months’ notice, while those who do not will get 12 months’ notice.

General Sir David Richards, the chief of defence staff said: “The changes to the structure of the armed forces require adjustments throughout the services and each service will be adapting accordingly, including in the balance between regular and reserve forces.

“The reduction in our regular forces, in addition to the usual manning control measures, is being managed through the armed forces redundancy programme. I would like to take this opportunity to thank those who will be leaving the services for their substantial contribution to our armed forces and the nation’s security.

“While for some redundancy may be seen as an opportunity, for others it will understandably represent a significant challenge for both the individual and their families.

“I am aware that this continues to be an unsettling time and that this only represents the first tranche of redundancy. Throughout this period we need to remain focused on operations and maintaining the quality that makes our Armed Forces, person for person, the finest in the world.”

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You see elderly nepalese people but you do not see that these were the men that fought for this country as young soldiers! They spent their entire life serving this country and when it comes to giving something back people complain!! The country that hailed Gurkhas as heroes have forgotten that these old men in their final days were the ones who risked their lives during World War II to protect their shelters and now when the time has come for this country to give them shelter in return people create debate pages like this!!

shineS
23/10/2011 at 00:06

The Nepalese are ruining our community's! Taking our benefits and our houses and do nothing to contribute to our communities! Most don't work and also don't feel the need to learn the language. They have no comprehension of our basic manors and lifestyles, which causes friction in the Aldershot. If your in our army good on you but why should you get extra's. My brothers in the army and he gets nothing apart from a basic wage so why should they get special treatment! They should all go settle in there countries and fight to better there countries! The government should concentrate on looking after us English British people. Or they could take up residence with Joanna Lumley im sure she's got the money and the room for them! :-D

Stacie Mailey, Aldershot Hampshire
03/10/2011 at 19:34

Just what we need another population explosion of people that do nothing but suck the local resources dry, I cant see my doctor, I cant get an appointment with my dentist, all because of the extended families of nepalese soldiers. The soldiers may have a right to stay given there individual records, but why all the extended families ?

Afraid For family
01/10/2011 at 02:39

It is time the Gurkhas were disbanded completley. They are a hangover from the Empire/Commonwealth days which is obviously well and truly over. There is no justification in this day and age for continuing to employ foreign countries into our Army. This is an out of date legacy which is now causing major problems for the people of Farnborough and Aldershot. Gurkhas, thank you and goodby.

werfnala, Farnborough
20/09/2011 at 07:48

What no comment yet from The Gukha Welfare Society ? Where is dearest Joanna ? Say no to the Aldershot Urban Extension ! Outermongolian.

Outermongolian, I believe that you are referring to the British Gurkha Welfare Society (BGWS) I make the point only because without the 'British' prefix there is a possibility of confusion with The Gurkha Welfare Trust, a charity with impeccable credentials. The Gurkha Welfare Trust does not comment on political matters.

Taff Rail
19/09/2011 at 18:27

I understand the emotions behind some of the comments made but with the Defense cuts as they are do we actually need a Gurkha regiment ?

twoup, Aldershot
17/09/2011 at 08:12

Breaking News...

GOVERMENT CUTS WILL EFFECT US ALL !!!!!!!!!!!

doormon, Aldershot
16/09/2011 at 14:28

Not necessarily so.... only those loyal troops who have served for over 4 years would be permitted to settle. So can you confirm how many of the 950 have served for over 4 years? No, I thought not

MarkofHants, Fleet
16/09/2011 at 11:28

What no comment yet from The Gukha Welfare Society ? Where is dearest Joanna ? Say no to the Aldershot Urban Extension !

Outermongolian
15/09/2011 at 21:11

Where did the figure of 950 Gurkhas come from? I very much doubt it was from the Ministry of Defence who this month announced that 140 Gurkhas would be going. Is there some sort of spin going on here?

Taff Rail
15/09/2011 at 15:49

Another 950 nepalese to accommadate that's without their depedants,more pressure will be put on the local services yet again, come on RBC stand up to the goverment and ask for help, quick enough in putting up taxes in the borough.