Gurkhas swear oath on Queen's Truncheon 12.12.11
197The 2nd Battalion the Royal Gurkha Rifles, 2 RGR, have been parading the "Queen's truncheon" at Brunei Garrison. It is a ceremonial staff that was awarded to the Sirmoor Gorkha Battalion during the Indian Mutiny in 1857 when their forefathers defended a key forward position in Delhi. They stood firm for three whole months, losing 327 out of 490 men, including eight British officers. The top represents the minaret of Delhi Palace with three Gurkhas supporting the Queen's crown above their heads. The minaret contains a pair of crossed kukris and carries the inscription "Main Picqet Hindoo Rao's House, Delhi 1857". The Truncheon is a unique emblem upon which recruits swear allegiance to the Regiment and the Crown. It was one of the rare occasions that the truncheon has been allowed out of the UK.