Gurkhas given Freedom of Folkestone

June 18 2009

Joanna Lumley was amongst thousands who lined the streets of Folkestone today, as a parade of Gurkhas received the freedom of entry to the town.

630 members of the 2nd Battalion the Royal Gurkha Rifles marched through the seaside town to be given the honour by the mayor, Janet Andrews.

She announced to the crowds: “It is with respect and friendship that we are pleased to offer this right upon the 2nd Battalion of the Royal Gurkha Rifles regiment.”

The soldiers, who are based at Shorncliffe Barracks, had returned from a tour of duty in Afghanistan six weeks ago.

Ms Lumley, who campaigned for the Gurkhas‘ rights to settle in the UK, said: “This is a wonderful day for Britain. You are the spearhead today for how this country can welcome people, it can recognise and honour.”

“I’m proud of Britain today for showing, at last, how much we honour these fine men.”

She added: “The debt of honour has been repaid to them.”

MP for Folkestone and Hythe Michael Howard also attended the event, and commented that it was “Folkestone at its best”.

Following the ceremony, the soldiers went to the Sir John Moore Barracks, where they were rewarded with medals for their service in Afghanistan fighting the Taliban.

The 1st Battalion the Royal Gurkha Rifles received the same honour previously.

Folkestone Gurkha veterans, the Cheriton and Morehall branch of the Royal British Legion and the 500 Old Fellow Members cheered as the sun shone down on the parade.

Ms Lumley had her picture taken with all the veterans, and embraced many of them.

Hundreds of local school children were also present, welcoming the celebration as they waved Great Britain flags at the Gurkhas who marched past.

Two Gurkhas however, were unable to partake in the march, as they were bound to wheelchairs after being seriously injured in Afghanistan.

They both received special rewards for their bravery, and were wheeled to the front of the presentation ceremony to collect them from the mayor, as thousands applauded.

Cllr Peter Carroll, who organised the Gurkha Justice Campaign with Joanna Lumley, said: “Seeing the injured soldiers really is quite choking.”

“They’ve paid the price, and we ought to look after these people.”

Whilst in Afghanistan, the Gurkhas’ roles included mentoring the Afghan National Police, working with the Danish forces at Forward Operating Bases and working alongside the Queen’s Dragoon Guards at Lashkar Gah.

Two members of the regiment were killed during the deployment across Helmand Province. Rifleman Yubrai Raj and Colour Sergeant Krishna Dura both lost their lives in November last year.

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