Coldstream Guards transfer authority to Gurkha Rifles
26 Apr 10
The 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards have marked the Transfer of Authority for the Nahr-e Saraj (South) area to 1st Battalion The Royal Gurkha Rifles (1 RGR).
Ceremony to mark the Transfer of Authority to 1st Battalion The Royal Gurkha Rifles for the Nahr-e Saraj (South) area
[Picture: Crown Copyright/MOD 2010]
For the past six months, the Coldstream Guards have played a leading role in Operation MOSHTARAK and have been operating in partnership with the Afghan National Security Forces to build positive relationships with the local people, enabling a move towards reconstruction and development in the area.
At the ceremony at the main patrol base, attended by soldiers from both battalions, Commander Task Force Helmand, Brigadier Richard Felton, handed command to Lieutenant Colonel Gerald Strickland, Commanding Officer of 1 RGR.
The regimental flag of the outgoing 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards was lowered and the flag of the Gurkhas raised in its place. During the flag change, Corporal Lilbahadur Gurung of 1 RGR played the bagpipes; a time-honoured tradition shared between the Gurkhas and Scottish Highland Regiments.
Lt Col Strickland said:
The flag of 1st Battalion The Royal Gurkha Rifles is raised
[Picture: Crown Copyright/MOD 2010]
"Today 1 RGR takes over Nahr-e Saraj (South) from the Coldstream Guards who have achieved enormous amounts and made great progress, albeit with great sacrifice. 1 RGR will continue to take forward the good work they have done, particularly in bringing Afghan governance into the southern part of the Nahr-e Saraj district.
"Progress will not be easy as there are still many in the area who would resist what the Afghan Government would offer - but we will work together with the Government, the Police and Afghan National Army to deliver the security the people need."
1 RGR last deployed to Afghanistan on Operation HERRICK 7 in 2008 and since then they have conducted extensive training in the UK and a multinational exercise in Brunei in preparation for this latest operational tour.
The Nepalese soldiers of the Royal Gurkha Rifles have a long-standing history as a unique part of the British Army and are no strangers to Afghanistan.
The Gurkhas enjoy a cultural affinity with the Afghans and will use that to build strong relations with their partners in the Afghan National Army and Afghan National Police, and with the local communities.