Brief History - The Field Gun Competition has its origins with Naval Brigades placed Ashore in South Africa. The Ships Guns of HMS Terrible and HMS Powerful where placed on wheeled carriges and taken by train and land to assist the seige on the township of Ladysmith. Two contingents took part. One in the Defence and another in the Relief of the township. The victory created by the endeavours of those men wre applauded throughout Britain
In 1900 at the Military Tournament a contingent of men from HMS Powerful paraded their 4.7" gun to such an acclaim that the parade and an elementary run with it was successively re-encted in following years.
In 1912 now at Olympia the first proper competition took place, between Portsmouth, Chatham and Devonport Port Divisions.
In 1950 the Competition transferred to Earls Court and therafter becam the major speticle of the whole Tournament circuit. It is widly recognised as the Toughest Team Sport in the World.
In 1999 as a result of Goverment cost cutbacks the Royal Tournamen was no More and the Competition disbanded.

Dedication - This page is dedicated to every gunny that ever ran in practice or Competition and to those who suffered injury - No more so than to AB Allen the No7 - Flying Angel of the Portsmouth Team in 1982, who through an oversite was mortally injured by the collapsing sheer legs that support the jackstay over the chasm.

The Competition might be gone but it is not Forgotten in the memory of every 'Jolly Jack'

Team Shouts - Are used by the competing to Focus attention before the rn and to give a VICTORY call afterwards.

Througout the years 8 different teams competed including some representing HMS Pembroke, HMS Vivid and HMS Excellent in lieu of the Port Divisions.

Chatam Team

Based at HMS Pembroke, the barracks for Chatham Dockyard - The team competed until closure of the Dockyard.

It has won the Intercommand Trophy 6 times

The Crowd Chant - "Up an' at 'em Chatham!" 

Said to have its origins in the motto - Serge Et Vince (Arise & Conquer)

Portsmouth Team

Based at HMS Excellent at Whale Island Portsmouth - This was the first team to provide a Field Gun Dispay at the Royal Tournament. - It has competed whenever a Field Gun Run has taken place either as itself or in the guise of a Port Establishment.

Won the Inter Command Trophy 19 times.

Team Shout - "Ring a ding a dong
.             Ring a ding a ding,
.             Ring a ding a ding dong.
.             POMPEY!"

Devonport Team

Based at HMS Dryad - The RN Barracks at Devonport It has competed at all Field Gun Competitions.

It won the Inter-Command Trophy 25 times and still holds the Fastest Time.

Team Shout - "Oggy, Oggy, Oggy. etc.
      

FAA Team

Based at HMS Ariel/Daedalus at RNAS Lee-on-Solent - Following World War 2, The Fleet Air Arm requested permission toi participate in the Field Gun Competition, and their first run was in 1947. Thereafter they acquitted themselves extremly well.

It won the Inter Command Trophy 24 times and was arguably the most successful of all the competing teams.

Team Shout - "Mini, Mini, Lou - AIR!
.             Mini, Mini, Lou - AIR!
.             Mini, Mini, Lou - AIR! AIR! AIR!

.             Tiddly I, Tiddly I, Whoops; We All Does It!
.             Cheep, Cheep, WEEeeeeeeeeeeeeee!".

Team Hymn -   Bread of Heaven

The team Hymn is known by all competitors and continues to be sung at all re-unions following the Official Photyograph - Often sung at the funerals of ex Gunnies.

 

Royal Marine Team

Based at (RM Barracks Easteny?), the barracks for the Portsmouth Division of the Royal Marines - The team competed during the 1920's With the Royal Marine Artillery winningthe Inter - Command cup in 1921 and the fastast time in 1922 & 1925.

Team Shout - Unknown?

Notes: