American Couple Reacts: Royal Naval Field Gun Competition! FIRST TIME REACTION! THIS IS SUPER HUMAN!

[@TheNatashaDebbieShow]

This BLEW our minds 🤯 absolutely incredible!! Massive respect to these men! Please hold your comments until the end and hit the Like 👍🏻 button if you enjoyed this. How could you not?! Thanks so much for watching 🇺🇸❤️🇬🇧

[@daveofyorkshire301]

There's an old one called "Climbing the Ganges Mast" there's a few you might want to watch...

[@gilbertmoyes2918]

Here is the link to "Climbing the Ganges Mast" Another Royal Navy Tradition kzbin.info/www/bejne/oKGvlGeAhZtpZq8 Sorry it is an old clip

[@neilgayleard3842]

The royal tournament was stopped because of budget cuts and some complaints from pc groups. It took place at earls court London. This event was great live. Lots of people who had military background used to go.

[@RushfanUK]

@@neilgayleard3842 It was deliberately cut by Labour, they did a defence review and took away the funding that supported the Royal Tournament leaving it with only the ticket sales which just couldn't fund the show, same with the Royal Yacht which were both more political than financial decisions.

[@neilgayleard3842]

Yes I know.

[@iceds123]

Ladies, i was a memeber of the Fleet Air Arm crew in 1999. Unfortunately the 900lbs barrel hit me and i lost a leg below the knee. I managed to stay in the Navy & then went on to serve in Iraq & Afghanistan, leaving the RN after near 30 years service in 2019. In 2016 i competed in the Invictus games & then represented Wales in the 2018 commonwealth games & latterly Great britiain in 2023. Being a Field gunner is a point of extreme pride for me. These men are cut from a different cloth. Hearts of oak.

[@ranbirgill4718]

You are a hero big guy. Big respect.🙏

[@robstafford8306]

From England. That is a really moving and impressive narrative. Best wishes to you and being a non military person….thank you for keeping us safe!

[@511robyno]

I was on duty at The Royal Tournament in 1971 and 1972. I watched every run and every training session Seeing it live is breathtaking. Those were the days before the defence cuts started.

[@Linda-io2ns]

Thank you for your service, your a hero, you really are, thank you

[@HarryFlashmanVC]

Bloody hell... I know there were a few broken fingers but a leg!! Well done for your recovery that must have taken some guts. And ypu then stayed in the Mob and served for years.. hats off, chap! Thanks for your service

[@kevindickin7298]

I am an 86 year old ex matelot, who was running in the Chatham Field Gun team in 1958 at the Royal Tournament. During training at HMS Pembroke (Chatham Barracks) I recall that we had two fingers lost and a number of broken bones in the team. The local newspapers called use "the fittest men in Kent". Our mascot was a collie called "limber". What a pity the RN have done away with this fine tradition. It was real character building for young men, something sadly missing in todays society.

[@suetatlock8328]

Tony Blair did away with it 😡

[@JohnM...]

Why? Political snowflakes?

[@Noddy656]

It's all down to the "Woke" society" that has spread like a cancer in the society you strived to defend - thank you for your service.

[@damienjones7198]

Hi Kevin. I'm actually from Chatham and signed up in Dock Road!

[@benjaminthomas6783]

Hi Kevin I am 81 and was draughted in from HMS Ganges as ushers in the 1958 tournament. We were billeted in the UJC. Happy days.

[@shadow-Sun]

I watched this every year growing up when I was a kid and was mesmerized , it inspired me to Join the Royal Marines Commandos and I served over 15 years . It was an absolute tragedy when they cancelled this after so many years and I for one would love to see it's return .

[@canzukcommonwealth7309]

Thank you for your service to our Queen, people and country ❤️👍🌹🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@TheNatashaDebbieShow]

Shadow, thank you so very much for your service ❤️ ♥️

[@CH-qw8gb]

the event centre made the organisers cut from 3 days to 2 days and so they couldn't make enough money from two days to afford the hold the event.

[@jayleigh4642]

Thank you for your service

[@TheCornishCockney]

Respect fella.

[@davidbrooks187]

The Royal Tournament was like nothing else in the world. It demonstrates the strength, coordination, precision & skill that is the British Armed Forces that is 2nd to none in the world. 🇬🇧

[@wilwilliamson8831]

🇬🇧 Rule Britannia

[@davidmiller3709]

It was the best recruitment advertisement for All Arms.

[@rogermellie1514]

I ran for Portsmouth in the late 70’s and was at the final tournament in 99. Many tears were shed at the loss of Command field gun however budget cuts and lack of manpower caused the Royal Tournament to finish. A version of the race exists today and is a race held at HMS Collingwood every year between twenty or so crews from all services. Don’t listen to some comments on here it still takes loads of spare time training and the servicemen and women are supremely fit.

[@ezeddiev]

Well done bud must have taken dedication to do that, This is from this year at colingwood. play up Pompey and all that mush. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hKndcqOaqJ56lac

[@justbrowsing8482]

Awesome comment. I can imagine you have great memories of the event. And as the Americans say “Thank you for your service”. With respect to you Sir.

[@robertshaftoe2566]

So proud 👏. Thank you for your service 🙏 ❤❤

[@mikeybabes7527]

Britain’s Biggest Warship touched on this competition. I remember a team from HMS Queen Elizabeth competing at HMS Collingwood in the finals and it looked mad then. They should SO bring this back! The skill and the bravery needed for this, sadly lacking today. P.S:- Natasha’s reaction to all of this is PRICELESS!! She has had me in stitches the whole way through!! Much love From Nottingham, England 🇬🇧 🇺🇸 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@JulietVorster]

I was posted at HMS Collingwood back in the 80s, and I still live in the neighbourhood. The annual Field Gun day is still a big local event. There are lots of ships/bases that have a team in the competition. It’s so dangerous and there are almost always some injuries.

[@sheilawhite7044]

I cannot believe you dug this up! About 1975, I was taken to see the Royal Navy's "Gun Crew" in Portsmouth do this dangerous exercise. I was a young American woman who married a citizen of the UK. It turned out my brother-in-law was on the Gun Crew team. I had forgotten all about this unique RN tradition. I was surprised my brother-in-law could still walk unaided when it was over. Thank you for reminding me. I am the daughter of a WW2 infantryman who was at Omaha and the Bulge. I'm not military but I enjoy seeing your spirit for the colorful cultures so many have experienced, including the loud clanking of those big guns and the group effort it took to execute that task.

[@mariahoulihan9483]

it of course commenorated a feat of strength, guts and fortitude by the RN getting the guns over bad terrain and distances in Africa. Amazing.

[@davidcrombie2812]

Throughout our history around the world our enemies used to dread the news that "The British are coming" as they knew that we were the best trained and equipped military and never give up and can solve problems on the run. Great reactions from you both.

[@Berkcam]

After going to the tournament as a kid in the 60s I ran for Devonport in the mid 70s.

[@andywilliams7323]

The cool thing about this competition is that it was born from a real-life event. In 1899 during the Second Boer War in South Africa. A British Army garrison in Ladysmith South Africa found itself under siege by the Boers. To help the British Army garrison break the siege. The Royal Navy landed guns at the beach from HMS Terrible and HMS Powerful. The Royal Navy's gun crews then transported the guns by hand at speed across difficult terrain to the siege site. Very similar to how you've just seen it done in the competition. And then brought them into action against the Boers, relieving the British Army garrison and breaking the siege. One of the gun crews carried their 12-pounder gun for 2 miles after one of its wheels collapsed, due to the rough terrain.

[@monkee1969]

yup! (saves me typing it) Also the results are flashed around the world in morse code so all the ships, where ever they're stationed, can get the result. There are (were) 3 teams, Porstsmouth (blue) Devenport (red) & Fleet Air Arm (green).

[@nigeldewallens1115]

Thanks for that info! My grandfather on my mum's side, was in the relief of Ladysmith! So that made your info poignant for me! My grandfather died when my mum was four. My mum died in 2019 aged 95 and was in the W.R.A.F in WWII

[@lilacfloyd]

@@nigeldewallens1115 You must be proud. Great history.

[@nigeldewallens1115]

@@lilacfloyd I am thank you! I am also around of my grandparents as my grandpa on my dad's, side was Belgium and I know of his experiences in WWI and my grandpa on my mum's side too! I feel very honoured to have them as my family! My parents have passed on, my dad 22 years ago now and my mum got to be 95! in 2019! I know we all go through this experience but it is difficult to cope with! I trust you can have a nice weekend ;) Thank you once again :)

[@ralphm6901]

Also to note - that "difficult terrain" included a ravine, which is the reason for the aerial section. No bridge, so they had to swing the first team across using spars from the ships to install the wire.

[@andrewcottrell7179]

You need to watch the musical drive of the King's Troop, Royal Horse Artillery.

[@matelot95]

If you want to spot a Royal Navy field gunner...count the fingers.

[@nelsonhibbert5267]

Terry Nutkins was a field gunner?

[@briero]

Brilliant 😂

[@melbeasley9762]

I'm proud to say my grandfather took part in this in 1923, having used his brothers birth certificate to join the Royal Navy at the age of 14 in 1916.

[@bristolsonic]

The results of this competition would be flashed to every ship in the fleet no matter where in the world they were.

[@dogsnads5634]

And lots of money staked on the outcome...

[@musicloverlondon6070]

Interesting. Thanks for the info. Incredible race.

[@alastairmatheson3245]

This was the last year of the "Royal Tournament" although I believe that it still run in local tattoos.

[@lewissmith3896]

I'm sure it isn't as good as that though.

[@CymruEmergencyResponder]

I was there, cheering on the Fleet Air Arm! Military men, and the public, were in tears knowing that it was the last run of the competition. The loss of the Royal Tournament and the Field Gun Competition was because of yet more cuts by our then government. The Government were not happy about the banners displayed by the gun crews but the public went wild for them. They fully deserved the reception they got: a full arena standing ovation.

[@derwindhund116]

It's funny how Rowan Atkinson dressed as Captain Black Adder was left out of the official video, because of his rant at the government.

[@davidknowles3459]

It was more to do with the BBC not carrying on showing it because of changing tastes of its viewers

[@MayYourGodGoWithYou]

That was Bliar for you, anything that made/makes the UK look good (past, present, future, no matter what) needs to be cancelled.

[@carljones7380]

I was a civilian chef at HMS Daedalus and had the pleasure of being one of the chefs who cook the food for the fleet airarm team for two years . These boys and men could be heard then seen running down Lee-on-the-solent sea front on the daily run. Such an honour to be involved in a small way.

[@peterdnreynolds777]

the highlight of my childhood and teenage years was going to the royal tournament at Earls Court and watching this marvelous spectacular

[@JohnPaul-my6ct]

The real reason for stopping the Royal Tournament, which included the field gun race, was that it truly was too expensive in terms of man hours. All the participants needed time off for training and the events. I had 12 weeks of training and 3 weeks of eventing, meaning my ship was unable to sail because of the loss of so many members of the ship's company, there were twelve from my ship and many more from other ships! All the other events cost man hours when our forces were being cut back the Royal Tournament had to be scrapped. The field gun race was the greatest test of skill, grit, precision and sheer brute strength long may it remain in our memories.

[@peterwhitehead9934]

Portsmouth crew 1981 ...i was20 yrs old

[@Moggy471]

Great stuff mate.

[@blindarchershaunhenderson3769]

Respect 😎🏹🙏

[@garyhague5882]

I spent 22 years in the RN and I did security one year about 1996. It's amazing to watch live. They lose ends of fingers when putting the gear back together. The reason it stopped was because we couldn't afford to let people off front line ships to go train. It's such a shame, we lost quite a few iconic things like this due to Manning issues.

[@piersellenbencard1666]

I did security at The Tournament for two years in the late 90s. As Gary said, the number of men needed to have three teams running the race took away the equivalent to the entire crew of a Frigate and it took a year to train the gun crews to this level. As the bean counters decreed that the Royal Navy couldn't suport the loss of so many men, the race died, and with the death of the race, the entire Royal Tournament ended. It was begun again some time later, but the field gun race wasn't the same and niether, really, was The Tournament.

[@nemo6686]

Vote Blair, get ...

[@jonathanocallaghan9202]

I loved your reaction to this, I knew you would love this when I suggested it, this is an example of why we had an Empire, because we had men who could move mountains.!!

[@charlieb3204]

I was part of the 1998 Devonport crew it is one of the highlights from my naval career 3 months of extremely hard training but very enjoyable. If you want to see some of the injuries sustained look up the 1998 field gun interviews.

[@thornbird6768]

From Plymouth , have watched the Devonport crew , very entertaining ❤

[@nelsonhibbert5267]

@@thornbird6768 Union street is a fantastic place if you want a pool cue pushed through your head.

[@steamfandan9682]

I was at one of the 1999 tournaments cheering on Devonport and remember some of you guys there even my mother and my aunt who found themselves chat so some of the chaps

[@Deceased858]

I thank your family for their service. I’m ex navy, father ex army ww2 New Guinea , heavy anti aircraft.

[@TheNatashaDebbieShow]

Thanks for watching, Sharon.

[@lewissmith3896]

@@TheNatashaDebbieShow God bless them all.

[@karenward267]

As a former nurse from a Royal Navy on both sides going back generations, I watched the sailor chests inspire and expire to get the maximum amount of oxygen into their bodies. I watched this as a kid but never really appreciated the incredible effort these men put out until I was older. Thank you, ladies for this content.

[@mariahoulihan9483]

that comment is so interesting to me. My brother was selected twice and twice hurt himself in training so didn;t make the run in competition. He was very very fit. Our Father who was Irish Army infantry and later in the RAF had a heart attack. which went on to kill him two weeks later when he had a second and a stroke. Many years ago. In hospital after images were taken of his heart and lungs I think his doctor asked him if he had been an opera singer. No Doctor. Never, but I was part of a church choir for a few years. he would often launch into song for us at home.. a good tenor voice. she said. Well, I am surprised, because the only other lungs I have seen so well developed were on an opera singer. He then said. could it be from shouting? Shouting? how do you mean. well, I was a RAF Drill instructor for many years.. that was it.. him barking parade ground orders and not least to us up the stairs to come down for meals pronto when we were young..lol lol lol. She said that shouting had helped his lungs develop. Now. i have no idea if this is true or not. He said it was.

[@monkee1969]

My dad ran this in 1973/74/75 (fleet air arm). Those old boys still all meet up once a year for a good piss up.

[@hairychris444]

I used to see the Portsmouth team do their practise runs at public evenings on Whale Island back in the 80s. Also caught a couple of Royal Tournaments which was where this was filmed. The guys who do this are hard, hard bastards!

[@scottlewisparsons9551]

I am a kiwi who went to the Royal Tournament in 1979 with my then wife and parents while we were working in London and my parents were visiting. It was amazing! Thank you for another great video. All the best from Sydney Australia 🇦🇺

[@brianwithers162]

This was one of the most important naval exhibition and competitive tests of strength and teamwork in its time. I was in the RN at the time and no matter where you were in the world on whatever ship, everybody waited to hear the result of the efforts of their division at the Earls Court runs as part of the annual combined services competitions. There were four separate sections (called home ports) that manned the large fleets that the UK ran in those days, Each RN sailor served on ships from one of the naval ports in either Portsmouth, Devonport, Chatham or the naval air service from their naval base in the South near Gosport, the Fleet Air Arm. I manned ships from Portsmouth until I joined the Submarine Service which was a combined manning separate from the home ports.. I did meet over the years some of the participants and listened with open mouths to their stories of how it all worked and the stories of the broken bones. The men were looked upon as heroes by the serving men and officers. They were specially selected and new participants were selected each year. and then spent half the year training for the runs in front of the public. They were the strongest and toughest guys you could imagine. When the number of home ports reduced, things changed and the runs were reduced because the manpower was not available to lose that many ratings to a non military purpose. The way the navy was organised lost us Devonport and Chatham yards and the increase in the submarine service and the move to Faslane plus the navy changing from blood and sweat to a highly technical service, changed everything.. Probably for the better but those were the good old days. No longer the biggest navy but we still believe we're the best.

[@jillosler9353]

Imagine back when this first happened - out of necessity. Cannons on ship, soldiers besieged miles from the ship, NO TRAINING TO DO WHAT THEY WERE ABOUT TO DO, through all terrains including crossing a river, having to carry/pull/disassemble and then reassemble the canon before firing them - all the while surrounded by the enemy! Thank you for your wonderful reactions . . . welcome back Debbie x

[@davidjones332]

It's not quite accurate to say "no training". All large RN warships carried a detachment of Royal Marines whose duties included forming landing parties, and they carried field guns specifically to support shore actions. Transporting guns ashore in ships' boats and rapidly assembling them once ashore was an established drill. I actually have a prewar Senior Service cigarette card which shows a landing party complete with pith helmets hauling a howitzer on St Kitts, probably sometime in the 1920s.

[@stoneagepig3768]

Of course they were trained, you honestly think we created an empire with untrained soldiers and sailors?

[@marcuswardle3180]

@@davidjones332 Taking a gun onto land from a ship was logistically thought out as far back as the Napoleonic Wars. The barrel would be slung underneath a boat and then rowed to land. Trying to carry it in a boat would be too dangerous as the boat could easily capsize. The wheels could be strapped to the side of another boat. All of it would then be assembled once ashore.

[@jeffwiltshire]

@@davidjones332 It was a Naval detachment from Terrible and Powerful and not the RMLI or Royal Marine Gunners. Also in WWI there was the Naval Brigade which was used as fighting soldiers.

[@teecee1567]

It's just like a run ashore in Campbeltown, really. Only not as dangerous.

[@johnwickham6843]

I was with Harrow Gun Crew in the 70s Ts Dunduss was a Cadet unit we run against Portsmouth PORTSMOUTH PORTSMOUTH A

[@abihawkins8279]

My dad ran this race for two years in the 90s, he tells me so many stories of what it was really like!

[@elainegavin9193]

My brother did this for two years at the Royal Tournament for Devonport. He was the flying angel. Good memories watching him.

[@nigelgregory4777]

Hello from England, love you for the respect you give, these guys are hard as nails, people have broken bones over this course and not realised until it is over, the adrenaline takes over, there is no second place, no silver, no bronze, just win or lose. These guys are absolute beasts, probably have half a cow for breakfast, the three teams were, Devonport and Portsmouth (navy sailers) and the fleet Air Arm (navy aviation), If you can find other footage of the Royal Tournament I think you would be amazed and love it. ❤🇬🇧🇺🇸🇺🇦💕

[@jonathanocallaghan9202]

I've just watched this again just to watch your reaction, I can see that you really loved this. The best description of a Navy field gunner is... Strength of a Carthorse, speed of a Racehorse and brains of a Rocking horse...

[@PhilipWright-pw3192]

You are absolutely correct, it "WAS" an absolute "BEAST" of a competition, it's dangers being ever present, and over the years many had teeth knocked out, broken fingers, wrists, legs, and even fingers chopped off. But, the mentality of the competitors was, "First, achieve the objective, then we'll go back and pick up the body parts left behind". Glad you enjoyed it...!

[@johnroberts5797]

Used to watch this every year when I was young, this is team work at it's best, there is no team Sport that comes close, well maybe Rugby but thats it, served in the RAF, so many thanks to comrades of all our Military Services around the World, and all the Veterans who gave us the freedom we have today, THANKS TO YOU ALL. 👍❤

[@Linda-io2ns]

Thank you for your service

[@dorothyscreations6490]

Love your videos! I'm an American who has lived in the UK for 20 yrs. I've seen demos of this competiton at drum corps shows and it's amazing live. Plus they tell you the history of why they do this. Britain is quite proud of their Naval history...even my hubby is, who is NOT a very patriotic Brit LOL.

[@susansnell9125]

Glad you enjoyed watching the Royal Naval Gun comp. Pretty brilliant isn't it?

[@nigelwheeler4141]

You comment-"that was insane" is correct an incredible amount of training goes into these events, people lost their thumbs is what I have heard.. Your enthusiasm and loyalty to the military is great.

[@jameslynch7826]

This was cut by the navy due to defence cuts. It was probably the best recruiting ad ever for the services, yet some focus group in the Admiralty cut it. Which is ironic because they have even sold off the Admiralty Arch now. What a crying shame the way our forces have been cut .

[@RogerPegler]

Hi, I'm 74 years old,and my mother and father took me every year from the late 1950s to the late 1960s to Earls Court in London from our home in Birmingham,and remember the Queen attending,great memories,thank you.

[@jeantisdall6933]

They once did a documentary on the race, but mainly the months of training. You would not believe the amount of injuries, big and small, mainly in the training. As you see, timing and concentration is everything throwing those massive awkward heavy weights about. So of course, when they are training, lots of things go wrong or are mistimed. Then it all comes together like a well oiled machine on the night. And yes, those guys are massive and extremely strong. You wouldn't get in the team if you wasn't. Absolutely brilliant. Thanks Natasha and Debbie for show casing this again.

[@jannerkev]

Devonport were the best champions. Oggie oggie oggie.. I was lucky to watch this at the Royal tournament whilst serving in the Royal Navy. And later on in my time I cooked for the Devonport gun crew. Always wanted to do it myself. There were plenty of crushed hands, fingers, toes, broken bones and bashed bodies. Tough guys.

[@judithrichardson3684]

My husband was in the RN in the 90's and 2000s and was the officer leading the team at one of the bases in Gosport.. They didn't get to the final (obviously) but the time and effort that was put in was amazing and he was so proud of their team.

[@sibbo-v6n]

The field gun crews trained at Whale island Portsmouth, was playing a football match (soccer to you lot) and they were training in the background, as medics from Haslar we were trying to work out how they Didn't injure themselves.they were built like brick S**t houses, huge respect for them.

[@Brightred11]

I was lucky enough to be in the crowd that night! One of the most incredible spectacles ever. They say guys used to lose fingers and carry on!

[@austinwiththehat]

We used to go to the Royal Tournament with the school every year when I was at school. This is epic, and only a fragment of the full show. It is greatly missed

[@nickgrazier3373]

You ask whether anyone gets injured, well this isn’t just for the Royal Military Tattoo (RMT) it’s held at all the main naval bases as a competition including the RMT. The RMT was also broadcast every year until it was dropped because of lowering forces numbers because of the draw back due the fall of the Soviet Union. Back to the main point, in the 70’s I think I was watching the RMT on the telly live when one the team members got hit by a piece of heavy kit, there was blood from his head. He was dragged out of the competition to the side of floor after they had fire the three rounds and stopped. This was at the time they bought into use the flesh staplers, the medic checked him quickly grabbed a stapler out of his kit and because the hall was quiet waiting for the timings you could hear the click of the stapler the TV announcer stopped talking and the guy got clapped on his back and ran back into his team position. My gast was flabberd I kid you not. Then they blew retreat and away they went again. It’s a tragedy that the Gun Run has been cancelled. Esprit de Corp torn away.

[@stevieduggan1763]

I had to laugh when you was amazed at them going over the wall. I thought, wait for the zip line lol.🇺🇸🇬🇧😀💜

[@AD-jw6zb]

I love you two! I'm from a military family too and I love the respect you show our military and all things British.

[@danhodson7187]

Always get a tear of pride watching this video. Absolutely fantastic! Bring it back!

[@RobertDaniels-s8c]

Rob Uk. I worked HMS Nelson ( Portsmouth ) watched the guys training. As a Brit, these guys solid but heart of gold.I know you girls respect the forces. I'm proud of my ancestors WW1 and WW2. Hats off no matter what nation. Bless....

[@peterf.7112]

Sailors volunteered to take part in the Field gun race, if selected they were taken off their ships and did 3 months of training , all teams kept a record of stitches put into the sailors through injuries. Unfortunately this type of race doesn't take place anymore, mainly down to shortage of men and replacing them on duties so they could train, also the sailors have changed now most ships need computer experts and not stokers or gun loaders. They still hold a version of this race but with a smaller size field gun and all skinny sailors taking part and even women.

[@steveburns4543]

This is absolutely right, the ever shrinking Royal Navy just couldn't justify so many people being taken from service for the months of training involved. It was I sad day though, I was lucky enough to be at this final event. It was at Earl's Court in London.

[@timhannah4]

The Brickwoods Trophy is Run with exactly the same Equipment.......Just No Obstacles! The Command Field Gun Competition was Unique and talks are going on to bring it back for the Queens Jubilee but i wouldn't hold your breath.

[@dogsnads5634]

They were also fed huge quantities of steak and high calorie food in the cookhouse...plenty of missing fingers from guys who had done it a few times...

[@fa0676]

@@timhannah4 The Brickwoods Gun is slightly different, lighter and designed for a flat course. The Command Gun was heavier and sturdier and built for the rigours of the wall and chasm traverses

[@hamilton9479]

Check out The Musical Drive of the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery. Another Royal Tournament favourite

[@lilydawnpippard625]

After I went to see this one year, I screamed myself hoarse and couldn’t speak for a week lol.. absolutely brilliant, I thought you would enjoy this 😊

[@sammim7657]

My dad used to be in the Portsmouth field gun team, when he was in the navy, and lost his little finger during a run,, and carried on to the finish before getting medical attention. I think the field gun race still goes on, they only stopped it at the Royal Tournament but navy teams still compete against each other I think. It's high intensity training and yes injuries are frequent, my dad loved every minute of it. I used to go watch it with my dad even though he'd left the navy by then, but they had competitions in Portsmouth and it used to make my dad teary eyed watching them as he was desperate to get in there with them, it's spectacular to watch.

[@TheNatashaDebbieShow]

You're Dad is a LEGEND!!

[@jameswroe2403]

They do Brickwoods which is "diet" field gun

[@danieljames2015]

I used to go with family to the Royal Tournament as a kid. This event was genuinely brutal, broken hands and fingers common , with very heavy parts being moved at lightning speed. No health and safety involved. Keep up your entertaining reviews. 🇺🇸🇬🇧👍

[@danieljames2015]

PS, If you don't like heights, perhaps react to the climbing of the HMS Ganges Mask, done by Cadets at training establishment, no health and safety, terrifying to watch. That really is young bravery.

[@scottlewisparsons9551]

Yes, excellent! I saw this in 1979 when I lived in London. All the best from Sydney Australia

[@ronrichardson2869]

Ladies - Thanks so much for reacting to this. I'm 71 now and my Dad took me to see this at The Royal Tournament back in the Sixties. Brought back great memories and, even after all these years, still gives me chills to watch it! The atmosphere in the arena was absolutely electric.

[@nevillecapper6529]

A good friend of mine, was in this footage somewhere. He was very proud of his involvement, not least he was on the winning side, which also holds the fastest time ever.

[@paulineolist1124]

We went every year in the 1960's,I always shouted for Portsmouth.The whole show was a true spectacle with marching bands and horses. It's a great shame they stopped it, it was a fantastic show piece for our wonderful armed forces.True respect.Thank you Natasha and Debbie for reminding me of those great days

[@adamhowes5103]

Thanks Natasha and Debbie, you guys recognise the best in people, which is what all decent folk do.

[@paulking7765]

Hi Girls, I unfortunately never did the gun run when I was in the Navy, though I did it when I was a cadet (12-16 years old) our gear was about 25% of the size of what you see there but when I arrived in the Navy I found I was 6 inches and 100 pounds short of even being big enough to try out for it. Yes there were a lot of injuries, missing fingers, crushed hands and feet because it is a race so your at full bore the entire time but the feeling of taking part (even the kids version I did) is completely unbelievable especially if you win. I was on the limber (the box on wheels that transported the ammunition) I was one of the guys on the crosspiece (the guys you saw flying over the wall dragging it behind them) and if I remember correctly (trust me I do) we managed to take the wheels off, put the chassis down and all be kneeling beside it in a touch under 1.5 seconds (and we were children at the time). It was stopped for several reasons yes there were the injuries naturally but also with the reducing manning levels within the Navy there were not as many "spare" ratings to go around and they would not weaken the ships just for a race traditional or not. keep it up girls your doing fine work.

[@bedpansniper]

This actually a competion run every night with different teams and the results were signalled to the whole Navy fleet.

[@titch1574]

Still practiced behind closed doors to this day.

[@andrewdoubtfire4700]

Use to love going to the Royal Tournament at Earls Court in London as a kid. This was the highlight.

[@5imp1]

I went a few times too. It was bloody amazing

[@lynette.]

It was always a favourite of mine but sadly never seen other than the tv every year.

[@TimStamper89]

This event was always amazing The skills required never mind the strength and let's be frank bravery as accidents could and did cause injuries

[@Happyheretic2308]

So do I - wonderful event!

[@susanpilling8849]

Hi ladies. Thanks for this, it brought back many happy memories. In 1975 I was in the Military Police stationed in London and it was part of our job to make sure all the Military personnel behaved themselves during the tournament. The Royal Tournament was one of my happiest times. The days were long and it was a very hot summer, the temperature inside the arena building could be unbearable at times (no such thing as air conditioning in 1970's London). I always stuck around to watch the field gun competition though. My Dad was an ex Navy man and also my Great Grandfather died at the seige of Ladysmith so it always meant a lot to me and my family. I'm glad you enjoyed this small piece of our history.

[@wolfie5]

The cup was about to be presented by Princess Anne - the Queen's daughter. Awesome display and yes 100's of pounds weight of cannon parts is no easy feat to move over obstacles

[@davidpowell6098]

The wheels alone are not just heavy, but awkward to manoeuvre, I've repaired a few. Heavy buggers too.

[@212MPH]

I'm glad you appreciated my countries military traditions, many of them.older than the USA. I was at that last show in 1999.

[@staticcentrehalf7166]

God Bless the Senior Service. They did Her Majesty proud on the day we said farewell.

[@mariahoulihan9483]

yes.. and they all did.. all the services present. Wonderful parade discipline and timing , I agree.

[@nita952]

I was on the edge of my seat. I loved watching this when I was younger. Epic video ladies 😍

[@titch1574]

Watched these guys behind closed doors and I can say that these guys are absolute beasts of men.

[@christimothy3385]

I really loved the royal tournament. It was once a year at Earle’s Court. Full of military and was amazing

[@karlpeart1752]

was lucky enough to go in the early 90s it was incredible seeing this run live

[@ernieeade]

This came about to carry the guns to Ladysmith to fight the Boers . A similar action happened during the 1982 Falklands conflict with operation " Black Duck " carried out by the RAF to destroy Port Stanley airport runway and deprive it's use for Argentinian jets . I used to go to see the Royal Tournament every as a young child .Loved it .

[@dev1346]

You can find a documentary on KZbin about their training, just type in Royal Navy Field Gun. By the way they disobeyed orders and wore black bands on their left arm as it was the last competition.

[@jameswroe2403]

Dancing with three quarters of a soddin ton

[@dev1346]

@@jameswroe2403 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@jameswroe2403]

@@dev1346 that was the name of the documentary

[@medler2110]

@@jameswroe2403 I found this one, kzbin.info/www/bejne/qWmyfIamna6toLs

[@PtangPtangBiscuitBarrelSmith]

My Son is Fleet Air Arm. Stupid proud dad here. I also wish we still had the RN field Gun competition. For a crowd of ultra reserved Brits to be on their feet jumping up and down cheering them on shows how exciting a spectacle this was. It was truly Awsome !

[@matthewhortop7828]

Luckily I live in Plymouth which is steeped in Naval history and the Dockyard/Devonport team would hold a show each year and seeing this live was breath taking. These were serving men and unfortunately too many were getting serious injuries. I guess they deemed it a liability.

[@mifor4338]

You girls are super , I love your videos.Dad was in the Royal Navy said it was the best job he'd ever had .Career sailor in the Fleet Air Arm.I think he only left because Mum and Dad had me! Thankyou for your parents military service you two .God Bless America ,i love you all

[@Chris_GY1]

The limber (holds the ammunition, watch The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery the limber is in front of the gun) went over the wall first. I use to watch this on tv every year until they stopped doing it, there is a video of them training for this on KZbin.

[@Hexcaliblur83]

My grandfather was an English Royal Navy man.. he served and met my grandmother while making port in New Zealand. He travelled back and married my grandmother and they had 10 children and they all worked the land. I remember as a child, thinking how strong he was and growing into a teenager I realised just how strong he was. He farmed the land his entire life, doing everything he could, by hand, chop wood, built his own house, plow his land with horse and manual plow, just an absolute machine and strong as an ox well into his 80s, he was convinced by his second wife, not my maternal grandmother, at the ripe age of 97 (and still doing a full day's work) that it was time to relax and sell the farm and move into a smaller place.. they did so and he was in a wheel chair 6mnths later and passed away less than 2yrs later.. it's almost like he had given up having lost what he had worked so hard for or having nothing to do anymore.. Grampy I called him ❤❤

[@martinmouncher9825]

You had to see this for real, I'm from Portsmouth and still here after returning from my Army service. Its a shame this isn't done by the RN anymore. By the way you mentioned Rugby.... should go and see the AvN at Twickenham if you're ever in the UK. 🍺🍺🤣

[@victoriawilliamson8863]

We do pomp and circumstance brilliantly, so proud of all military, it’s such a shame that we no longer do this and I would love to have this back. Great show as always, looking forward to Sundays episode xxx

[@glastonbury4304]

Probably will now we have 2 massive aircraft carriers...🤞🤞

[@mikestrohm3271]

Just for info, it was calculated that each run was equivalent in energy expended to a four minute mile and we used to do ten runs a day in training.

[@silicononsapphire5102]

When men were men. Pleased to say theres a shit load of us still kicking around in the UK. Brings back great memories. All the best girls and thank you.

[@keithorbell8946]

You mentioned Pomp & Circumstance, and how good we British are about it. It’s because there’s an historic reason or event that justifies celebrating and commemoration: Trooping the Colour, the Lord Mayor’s Parade, the annual weighing of the mayor in High Wycombe. Watch “In the Highest Tradition” for some of the weirder customs and traditions followed by British army regiments.

[@gillianlawrence2684]

Tune they marched out to is Hearts of Oak.

[@toby19635]

I love that you guys love this, i was in the army but have seen these matlows practice this, i can tell you with all honesty fingers have been lost, bones broken, and grown men still carry on.....yes and tears from the men who failed to make the team

[@Steve-lg3bk]

Double rations and they needed it,often losing fingers with little sympathy,I spent my life in Plymouth Devon supporting the Devonport crew,they are unbelievable in the ring,so much discipline.

[@markherring7523]

Compartments to those whom took part, i loved watching as a child in the 70,s ,timing,position,place and strength was everything.

[@jamesgreen3417]

As an Petty Officer RN Retired This is part of our history and culture. There were three teams one from Pompey one from Devenport and Fleet Air Arm. They still do this but just not in this tournament.. it is now open to Female sailors as well. They do this in their own time. The rivalry between Pompey and Devenport has been going on for hundreds of years. Respect to all those that took part, many broken bones as you can imagine. Respect to the USN

[@peterhamilton356]

Makes it more real , put this up against reality tv ... the programmers wouldn't know how to present a real program , with real people and a result they couldn't pre determine. Bring it back...

[@kevindickin7298]

James, you obviously were not around when Chatham was the fourth team in the quartet. "At em Chatham, if you can catch em... and when you catch em...pass em ". Which we sometimes did.

[@jamesgreen3417]

@@kevindickin7298 I wasn’t Kevin. My Dad was around when Chatham was an still active base

[@jamesmcleesh2688]

This is one reason why the Royal Navy is called the Senior Service. I used to watch this during the 90;s after I left the Army ( Infantry ) after sering 30 PROUD YEARS. From an elderly PONGO. to All former and present serving Royal Navy Personel. I Salute You.

[@malcolmross8427]

I watched this live in the mid-80s and it is spectacular. Several men were bandaged due to training injuries but you could not tell as they were just as skilled and quick!

[@squigmcguigan8965]

Surely the greatest display of fitness, strength & determination show in ANY competitions or sport.

[@johnnybeer3770]

Growing up in the fifties this was compulsive viewing every year , never missed it . Great shame it was stopped due to military cutbacks .

[@danieljames2015]

Cut because of anti Military sentiment as well! The seeds of Woke.

[@vincentcornelius8072]

I ran in 1975 and was part of the Royal Navy display team. We toured the UK with the field going, window ladder and historical diorama. It’s goods to see it again.

[@theolder_man5768]

At the beginning they march on with " swagger" - a confident, arrogant and important manner. In one of Spike Milligan's war diaries he details that after liberating a town from the German army under Rommel they were asked to march through the town to be thanked. The soldiers had to wear their best battledress and were told to march with Swagger.

[@commonsense9176]

I'd highly recommend if you've not seen it. The greatest raid and the Victoria Cross documentarys with Jeremy Clarkson

[@OnASeasideMission]

Brilliant response, friends. Makes you wonder how we manage to maintain a corps of professionals ready to meet any crisis. And why the people who usually create the crises habitually respond by hobbling the professionals.

[@jonathanocallaghan9202]

I couldn't have said it better myself, you are absolutely right.

[@AWMMars]

I did a junior version of this as a Cadet, torn muscles, broken fingers and everyone had blood blisters of trapped fingers...... It was exhilarating and teaches pure teamwork.

[@ericbatemanrodgers]

Next you should watch Royal Navy manning the mast

[@marksadventures3889]

RN and RM is the other side of my family - this side is Army and air force. These guys will do this over and over until the chief petty officer says it's ok - the Navy version of a regimental sgt mjr. It should have never stopped it.

[@sarahealey1780]

Another great reaction ladies, it really surprises me that u guys don't have anything like this in the US knowing how much Americans love their troops xx

[@sas2300]

Its basically how fast you can break apart a Canon whilst travelling over rough terrain/walls and then reassemble it and have it ready to fire. The precision and speed with which they do this is amazing.

[@eddiehenrik4869]

I had the privilege of working and being in the Royal Tournament in the mid 90's, (not doing this). I've watched this live dozens of times. The video just cannot do what you just witnessed any sort of justice whatsoever. Absolutely amazing to watch. If you ever meet the guys. You will find that they are absolute gentlemen and a credit to the Royal Navy. The 'Gun Run' will be sadly missed.