Sgt M Hembya Team Leader GURKHA ARRC Support Battalion

On 18 July 2025, history was made- not just for the Gurkha Staff and Personnel Support( GSPS) but for the entire Brigade of Gurkhas. I had the privilege of participating in a significant milestone as a team of ten soldiers, including five from the Gurkha ARRC Support Battalion, completed the Nijmegen Marches in the Netherlands. This was the first time a full Gurkha team had entered and successfully completed the event, marking a proud moment in our cap badge and Brigade’ s history.

The atmosphere in Nijmegen was unlike anything I’ ve experienced. The city came alive with celebration. Families lined the streets, children handed out sweets, and local bands played music that lifted our spirits. Many spectators already knew of the Gurkhas’ reputation and greeted us with admiration. It was humbling and energising.

Still, the march itself was relentless. Each day brought new challenges: blisters, heat, fatigue. The long stretches of countryside offered little distraction, and the weight of our kit made every kilometre feel longer. But we pressed on, drawing strength from each other. Humour, encouragement, and discipline kept us going. One soldier summed it up perfectly:“ Blisters and sore legs are part of the experience. What keeps you going is the camaraderie, the encouragement from the crowd, and the pride of representing the Brigade of Gurkhas and the British Army.”

By the fourth day, exhaustion had set in. Our bodies were tired, but giving up was never an option. The pride of representing GSPS and the Gurkhas pushed us forward. As we entered Nijmegen for the final stretch, the streets were lined with thousands of cheering spectators. That moment, and those final steps, felt like a triumph not just for us, but for everyone who had supported us along the way.

Completing the Nijmegen Marches was more than a physical achievement. It was a lesson in teamwork, endurance, and purpose. We learned that resilience is built through preparation, that success is never achieved alone, and that when your effort is tied to something greater than yourself, you find the strength to endure. Mental toughness- focus, discipline, and perseverance – matters just as much as physical strength.

For GSPS, this event was a defining moment. It captured the essence of the Gurkha spirit of bonds forged through shared struggle, and of the timeless truth that challenges are overcome not by strength alone, but by unity, preparation, and determination. The medals we earned are more than decorations- they are reminders of history made, pride earned, and the example we hope to set for others.

For those unfamiliar, the Nijmegen Marches- officially known as the International Four Days Marches Nijmegen- is one of the world’ s most demanding endurance events. Each year, over 47,000 participants take part, including around 6,000 military personnel. The military category requires participants to march 40 kilometres a day for four consecutive days, all while carrying 10 kilograms of kit. Those who complete the challenge earn the Vierdaagsekruis, a Dutch royal medal that stands as a symbol of determination, endurance, and resilience

This was the first time a full Gurkha team completed the Nijmegen Marches. But I am confident it won’ t be the last.