XN000022-1986-10-23 — Page 19

Address by HRH Duke of Edinburgh 7th DOE Gurkha Rifles Lyemin Barracks

23 October, 1986

I am always delighted to have a chance to make contact with the 7th Gurkhas. And I think the reason must be fairly obvious to everyone.

2. But This is both a special and also rather a sad occasion.

Special because it is the first time since 1958 in Singapore that

I have managed to catch both Battalions together; and sad because

this will be the last time that I shall see the second Battalion

before it is disbanded. You have all given splendid servise and I

hope you will continue to do so wherever you are posted.

3.

This is a sad occasion also because these famous old

barracks are soon to be handed over for redevelopment.

time, they will have served the army for exactly 140 years.

By that

I

am glad that part of them will be preserved as an area of historical

importance and to the memory of it's gallant defenders in December 1941.

4.

In spite of all this, the regiment will go on, and I have

absolutely no doubt that it will fulfill its duties with all the

enthusiasm and loyalty for which it has become famous since it was

raised 84 years ago.

5.

Earlier this year, the Queen and I were invited by

King Mahendra to revisit Nepal exactly 20 years after our first

visit. One of the highlights was a chance to meet some very

distinguished ex-Gurkhas who had walked long distances to

pay their

respects to the Queen. They all take great pride and interest

ľ

in their old regiments and I am sure you will not let them down.

6.

for you.

The future is always uncertain but whatever it holds

I wish you all many happy and contented years of life.