Gurkha dies during non-operational training incident in Brunei

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has confirmed the death of a Gurkha soldier during a non-operational training incident in Brunei on 11 August this year.

Corporal Navin Thapa Magar served in the First Battalion, The Royal Gurkha Rifles.

He was a member of A (Delhi) Company and served in Brunei, the UK, on operations in the Balkans and on numerous overseas training exercises, the MOD said.

He also deployed to Kosovo with the Battalion on Operation Allied Solace in September 2021, working to provide a safe environment for Afghan refugees.

Having grown up in western Nepal, he attended selection for the British Army in 2013 and received an award as top recruit for the Western Region.

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He then completed his basic training at the Infantry Training Centre in Catterick before joining his regiment.

The Ministry of Defence said he was moved towards ever greater challenges by his "constant pursuit of excellence" and that his loss is felt deeply among "all who knew him".

The MOD added: "Corporal Navin was an outstanding example of a leader who served his soldiers to the utmost. He was one of the most respected soldiers and leaders in the unit and he cared deeply about the welfare and development of those more junior than him.

"He leaves behind his mother and father and his elder brother and sister. The thoughts, prayers and condolences of his Battalion are with them at this most difficult of times."

Lieutenant Colonel Hugo Stanford-Tuck, Commanding Officer, First Battalion, The Royal Gurkha Rifles said:"Corporal Navin was a phenomenal soldier and leader. Unrelenting in his pursuit of professional excellence he embodied the finest qualities of the Gurkha soldier.

"His loss leaves a hole in the Battalion which it will be impossible to fill. More than this, he was a friend to all, and the very best of us."

Corporal Bikram Pata, A (Delhi) Company said: "He was like my younger brother. We were from the same hometown … He was one of the most versatile athletes during sports.

"Besides that, he was good at painting, playing guitar and leading a sing song with fellow members during his spare time. I will always feel very lucky to have had him in my life as a brother and close friend.

"The last memory I had with him was eating momo dumplings together in barracks where we both shared the same plate of food together … I extend my deepest sympathy to his family and friends at this difficult time."