| Royal Navy Field Gun |
Article Index for Royal Navy |
Website Links For Royal Navy |
Information AboutRoyal Navy Field Gun |
|
The origins of the Royal Navy Field Gun Competition lie in the late 1800’s during the Boer War in South Africa. The legendary story tells of the siege of the British Garrison in the township of Ladysmith. In support of the Army, the Royal Navy landed guns from HMS Terrible and HMS Powerful to help in the relief of the siege. The Naval Brigade transported guns over difficult terrain and brought them into action against the Boers. The Royal Navy landed two 4.7 inch guns and four 12 pounder Field Guns. The guns were transported inland by rail and then drawn on makeshift carriages by oxen. For the final part of the journey sailors from the Naval Landing Brigade manhandled the guns over very difficult terrain. One story tells of sailors carrying one of the 12 pounder guns for 2 miles after one of the wheels collapsed. The siege of Ladysmith lasted for 120 days until February 1900. On their return home, the sailors from the Naval Brigade paraded their guns through London and appeared at the Royal Naval and Military Tournament at the Agricultural Hall, Islington. Displays of Field Gun drill continued in subsequent years. The Interport Field Gun competition was established in 1907 and was a highlight of the Royal Tournament until the Last Run in 1999. See also Field Gun Competition |
|
|