Royal Navy and Royal Marines’ Collinwood Field Gun Champs!
The competition is reminiscent of the guns run during the siege of Ladysmith during the Boer War.
On a cloudy spring day the public poured in to HMS Collingwood, Fareham in their thousands to enjoy the annual Open Day featuring the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity Field Gun Competition, which this year saw 22 crews from across the UK and Gibraltar pushing out all the stops to compete for and win the prestigious Brickwoods Trophy. Royal Navy
HMS COLLINGWOOD HOSTS FANTASTIC DAY OF FUN
In a tense and thrilling finale to this fast and furious competition, friends, families and visitors looked on eagerly as the final began.
All eyes were on the HMS Heron crew, the reigning champions, however the skill and determination of the 7 Air Assault Battalion, REME crew, saw them cross the line first, taking the trophy to Suffolk, having last won it in 2005!
Addressing the crews on completion of the final Second Sea Lord Vice Admiral David Steel CBE said “To all staff, sponsors and everyone involved in bringing this together my profound thanks.
“This is probably the biggest open day we have done here, and the fact we have had great weather has helped and brought a lot of the community here.” Captain Steve Dainton RN, Commanding Officer, HMS Collingwood
In addition to the Field Gun competition the Navy’s Weapon Engineering and Warfare Training establishment opened many of the training areas used by ratings and officers to train them and prepare them for their roles in the Fleet.
Two very popular areas were the virtual reality Warship simulator, which may visitors were convinced actually moved – rendered them feeling slightly seasick and the Close range Weapons Systems.
Other popular family attractions included the free fun fair, Armed Forces Recruitment zones and many other attractions to entertain the thousands who visited from far and wide.
The results of the final were:
1st – 7 Air Assault Battalion, REME
2nd – HMS Collingwood A Crew
3rd – HMS Seahawk, Royal Naval Air Station Culdrose, Cornwall
HMS Collingwood is the home of the Maritime Warfare School which contributes to the operational capability of the Fleet by providing first class training to all officers and ratings of the Royal Navy in their professional specialisations which include, Weapon Engineering, Communications, and Warfare.
The training they receive is relevant, agile and flexible in order to keep pace with the challenging operational needs.