Royal Naval field Gun Competition 1999 ( NOT the "last")

NOT THE LAST...Not by any means the last but nevertheless regarded by many as the last because it was the last with full-sized guns over the full Earl's Court course, therefore many regard it as being the last whereas it is not strictly speaking the last, "last" Royal Naval Field gun race, FAA versus Portsmouth. Note the black armbands.
Please note that when the commentator refers to this as the "Last" field gun race he means that TO HIS KNOWLEDGE at that time this would be the last field gun race, i.e., the last with full-sized guns over the full Earl's Court course, whereas in the broader sense it is not in actual fact the last, "Last" as the race continues to be run in various guises to this very day.
108 years have passed, and Ladysmith belongs to the Zulu Kingdom of KwaZulu-Natal. But the feat of the gunners from "Powerful" and "Terrible" has never been forgotten.
ladysmith.kzn.org.za/ls/index....

[@59mikeadams]

I saw this years ago as a young boy, went on to serve with some of these guys, and cant believe that we have lost something that was part of our heritage. I am now 54 and still amazed at the teamwork, discipline, commitment, dedication and pride in a job well done. Unfortunately a lot of these words dont seem to be appropriate in the society the politicians have created today!

[@cawboybutterball10]

As an American and a Civil war reenactor (artillery) here in the states I can't imagine doing this! Our full scale guns are about the same weight. You have a great country and I hope there is someway to save this tradition. Thanks for all your country has given mine. Tom Boyte El Mirage,Arizona USA

[@wtwtqtqt]

To all politicians: wanna be popular? Want people to love you? want a real votewinner? BRING THIS MAGNIFICENT SPECTACLE BACK!!!

[@jemms90]

How the fuck does that do anything for the economy? I mean great spectacle but I don't base my vote on flag shagging spectacles.

[@bane1970]

i lived in plymouth for 16 years and remember the navy days...the field gun crew at devonport were awesome. so sad that the government dont see how it inspires true team work to overcome all obstacles.thank you for the video.

[@gaz772u]

An amazing and sad night to have been part of the winning crew of the last ever full Command Field Gun run was an honour....to have won by .9 of a second sums the competition up!...there are other copies out there but non can match the original....

[@rickysflower09]

Fantastic! Lost my voice many times when I was younger screaming "Go Air Arm" !! God bless you dad ;) x

[@DougPowhida]

This is my favorite Monty Python skit.

[@KenworthW900HG]

I was there with my Gran and my brothers in 1999 at the last Royal Tournament. That was 13 years ago now when I was just 7 years old and I still vividly remember the Field Gun Competition. Truly one of the most epic perfomances I have ever witnessed. I feel privileged to have experienced the last decent run of this awesome spectacle. I can't believe how finding this video has brought it all flooding back to me.

[@BigPinkJohn]

This WAS the last. Not the namby pamby small guns they use now.

[@user-pv4hx8hs3f]

BigPinkJohn Portsmouth Action field gun still do the exact same thing! the only full size crew left.

[@mrdarren1045]

Absolutely fantastic stuff. This is the spirit that put the Great into Britain.

[@Thomasw540]

I first saw the Royal Marines team in training at Portsmouth during Club Sud Americano de Rugby's Ring Around Britain Tour in 1979 with the persistent buzz from the obligatory pint of bitter on the bus for breakfast. I was totally impressed. On the day we visited, one of the crew had his pelvis broken from the breech of the gun when he pulled it over the wall and into his lap. He was not required to run a penalty lap with a sandbag but, for the rest of the crew it was "Play on!"

[@TrevorSimko]

I'm from the US and I've never seen this before. Very cool I think. It looks like a serious team effort.

[@Maxandshe]

Great memories from my 23 years in the RN. Living in the USA now. I just wish I could get the people here to watch this so that they could understand what the words tough, teamwork and guts really mean.

[@yorktown99]

I keep coming back to this particular video over and over. Better, higher quality footage exists elsewhere on KZbin, to be sure. But the conciseness of this particular event, the all out emotion of both athlete and crowd, the matter of fact dryness of the commentators. All of it is underlined by what he said at the end, "No penalty points," pointing to a flawless almost photo-finish ending. A friend posted it, and at first it looks like a simple race. Then they go over the wall...

[@garychandler4296]

An OSHA man in the audience would literally implode!

[@RMJ1984]

Teamwork what a concept.

[@2bsure]

This used to be the highlight of the year watching this at Earls Court, fantastic to watch. I wish they would still do it. Big respect to the Royal Navy Field Gun Teams, great post thank you

[@nickalcock3838]

Went with my late father many years ago. I used to love watching it on the television but the atmosphere live with all the smells and noise was fantastic. It was a sorry day when the whole thing stopped.

[@boardmanpam]

My Dad was Canadian and he trained to do this in England. Then in 1967 did a Centennial Tattoo for Canada that travelled across Canada many times. I saw it many times as a child.

[@nsggood]

Did the cadet field gun run as a kid with HMS Dolphin 1983-84 and we saw Portsmouth train once or twice. Hard as nails them blokes. Top sport...and as matey said before, the epitome of teamwork and training, which is what the Royal Navy was about.

[@Berkcam]

I saw this great tradition on a days outing with my primary school in 1964... and was '1st wheels' in 1974.

[@akrebsie]

A legacy from a time when we achieved things rather posting pictures of our meals on twitter.

[@tqhex2861]

Jingles sent me

[@G4574]

I watched this as a kid and loved it now I'm in the team training on hayling island.Its the best thing I have ever done! Were keeping it alive we need your support.

[@gaz772u]

@yorktown99 It was an honour to run that night, one of the proudest and saddest nights of my career...c'mon the Air Arm!!

[@ondasher]

I saw this 10 years ago on a team-building course in Sydney and it left an impression. I forgot the name of it, however. I just re-connected with the course leader, got the name, and now am able to enjoy it again. What can I say? It's like nothing else.

[@dipperhopper]

bring back the field gun run... so say all of us...

[@davidhumphreys7035]

This was the one sport I'd have loved to have had a go at. Had a great time at Earls Court in 98 and getting to know the Devonport crew.

[@danpinchemain13]

the epitome of team work, by the best forces in the world... our heroes

[@gaz772u]

Cheers for the post Incongra, we ran the 'black armband run' 10 years ago this month...I remember every step of the run for the Fleet Air Arm...proudest thing I ever did...shame the spineless Labour government ruined it all!!

[@petermostyneccleston2884]

I used to like the Royal Tournament, but this was the last year of it. The decision to stop this race was made before the decision to end the Royal Tournament. There was a lot more of it, than they put on the television every year. The parts of the Royal Tournament were all funded by sponsorship, which meant advertising from the sponsors, but this was on it every year. There were other things, some every year, and others were theme specific. The years that I went to watch the themes were Battle of Trafalgar. Sir Francis Drake and the Spanish Armada. If they had kept it going, I would have tried to go again.

[@y0utubeu5ername]

In about 1972, when I was a CCF cadet, I had the honour and privilege of being taken to watch the Devonport team practising for this event. Before we were taken to the practice ground our officer told us that we might hear the odd "cuss" word. He'd have been more accurate if he'd said we might hear the odd NON cuss word. It was a fantastic experience and one I'll never forget, it was brilliant. Watching real men with an array of bandaged limbs throwing heavy stuff about as if it was nothing!

[@Akaoushi]

Compatitions like this are so much fun to watch, the skill and timing is impressive.

[@elephantbarbiegirl]

Can't believe this no longer takes place! Another part of our tradition gone. When he was in the Navy my Dad told me the men training for the gun run were on double rations and had to run everywhere! I remember watching this as a child. I loved it along with the "climbin the rigging"

[@gaz772u]

@incongra... I'll gladly answer...I ran for the Fleet Air Arm 4 times including this Final Run. (and I still have all my fingers)! ...Basically the Field Gun wasn't directly stopped. It was the Royal Tournament which ceased in 99 and the gun crew was a casualty. The real problems with field gun is / was the lack of manpower, it was getting more difficult to release guys from units which were already short plus our overseas commitments increased the problem.....hope this helps

[@MrKYTER]

I had the good fortune of taking part in a few a training sessions with Pompey down in their shed at Whale Island back in 1988/89,i was only 16,did the mud run with the sand bag round me neck...fantastic experience...Toughest sport in the world.

[@romeo9017]

Ran the Mess and Galley for these gentlemen for over five years and this last one - my utmost respect....

[@leftboot83]

It was the last of the runs at the Royal Tournament which was what they always said, they never said the last of any type of field gun run, but it was the last with full-sized guns over the full Earl's Court course

[@letsprocras]

This was one of the most amazing sporting race I have ever seen! It was great.

[@doh1976]

Amazing teamwork on both teams

[@mysmtpservices4818]

you can still watch a water down version of this.

[@rexblake8966]

Royal Navy guys are tough, trained and talented.

[@magzhill2844]

My friend is running for the Fleet Air Arm, 1999. They won.

[@nsggood]

Sure it looks mental on KZbin, but if you were down there next to them and saw it and heard it up close, let alone picked up (or tried to) one of those wheels or gun barrels or any other bit of kit there...you would sh!t yourself!!!

[@incongra]

Fair play to you, glad you enjoyed it.

[@NSKlad]

@12matmoir I watched this very tournament when I was younger... bloody fantastic

[@IRememberTheOldDays]

Fking hoorrahhh for the Royals! Doing a smashing job serving us and providing some of the best entertainment available all round!

[@D15GSY]

Brilliant good to see The Men Of Air take glory, Was in the crew as a spare in 08 fond memorys of some of the best bunch of guys i've ever come to have known. The theme nites were some craic :-) D Gibson

[@gunnerclark]

Why did they go to a different size?

[@adlerhobby1]

Amazingly cool

[@DrTeeth02]

I watched the Portsmouth team duiring a public training/practice session. It was one of the most terrifying things I've seen, though I'm not sure what was more terrifying:- What the men were doinging or the men themselves. Glad they are on our side ....

[@emptyangel]

Holy cow! Amazing...

[@AuroraPrincessZelda]

i'm so proud of my brother doing the field gun at Wellington collage :) They are the only school to do it, and they have completed it in 3:32 last week. which is very impressive for a bunch of school boys. A boy of only 13 is in the A team. And anyone going to this coming royal tournament, WELLINGTON WILL BE RUNNING THE FIELD GUN. I am extreemily proud of my brother for what he does. I really do recomend people to come and see this spectaular performance by them :)

[@corgiplumber]

You've got my respect !!!!!!!!!

[@gaz772u]

@hybridtechowns I ran as part of this last ever run...it was the saddest night of my 22 year career....and running the Field Gun were some of the proudest moment. The British Military Tournament is coming back to Earls Court this December, unfortunately the full Command Field Gunning you have seen will not be there but the young men of Wellington College will be running the same course but with a lighter gun and limber...they do so well, considering the youngest is 13 years old..only in Britian!

[@incongra]

Nice one, thank you, you are not the first one to point out this discrepancy and I'm sure you won't be the last, in fact I have altered the heading several times after messages from ex- servicemen, you will notice that is says "Not the Last", Hope this will suffice , regards

[@jamesdawsonking]

A most fantastic spectacle for the armed forces to show off their fitness, teamwork and detemination. An absolute disgrace that any Governenment were allowed to get rid of it on a 'cost cutting' agenda. Bring it back.

[@corgiplumber]

It was the highlight of my childhood I've always respected these lads. If we had it today perhaps the military would have a greater releationship with the general public but alas our Great labour leadership decided to scrap it !!!! Disgrace!!!!! GOD BLESS ALL YOU BRAVE MEN!!!!!!

[@gaz772u]

Still love to watch this video and read the comments about the experiences at the Court....I took part in this video as part of the Fleet Air Arm crew, this experience was one of the proudest moments of my career....and one of the saddest because it had just come to an end....

[@Hvygunner]

@cawboybutterball10 I concur, this must be preserved.

[@yorktown99]

@yorktown99 Forget cricket, soccer, and rugby. THIS is a national sport for England.

[@mattdavies7398]

Royal Navy, not the English Navy.

[@ChrisSlack]

Too bad it's died out. Glad you posted this video! Sure looks easy to get hurt doing this!

[@incongra]

@TheDrummerboi94 what , Both teams are FAA...? - both teams are wearing the bands.

[@gaz772u]

PS: It was the last of the true Command Field Gun Runs at Earls Court. It can only now be seen as an exhibition run at Pompey but doesn't involve running against Devonport and Fleet Air Arm. The only other competition involving a gun is Brickwoods Field Gun which doesn't have walls, ramps etc and is held on a car park...nuff said!

[@geek147]

doing the brickwoods at collingwood again this year, can't wait, always watch this video before i do at, i know its not the same, but it is the drive i need to take it ok , its still tough, even if it isn't quite the same

[@garyrowley7134]

fuzzdmedic, I have to agree. On the other hand, I never saw a sailor do his best work on the parade ground.

[@foyez5]

that was amazing!

[@1daveyp]

Many thanks for posting this. Still magnificent. I'm sorry, but I have to say it's a bit of a "QI" quibble to say this isn't the last. It's the last time THIS race was run. If they stopped running the Grand National the fact that other handicap steeple chase races of 4 miles 2 1/2 furlongs were run in other places wouldn't make the last Grand National any less the last one.

[@darrenstumpf4479]

That was Awesome ! But I want to know who won the sandwich.

[@santallum]

at 2:15 .. watch that again .. they seemingly tap a 900 pound canon barrel and it just slides in place

[@TheWenaus]

"Just! How dare I!"

[@Shayde268]

Also are there any vids of the climbing of the mast (I know they stopped doing that too but I love it)

[@paternostus1]

Mr Jay. He did very well. No 1 trainer.

[@aaran864]

@rodentum44 Wellington run with smaller gun Barrels, Carriages and Limbers, the rest of their kit is full sized. In fact they use some of the exact same equipment that was used by Portsmouth, such as the 28 foot and sheer legs.

[@incongra]

@TheDrummerboi94 no probs to be honest I think every single tiny detail has deep meaning,

[@rodentum44]

Whatever happened to the "Gun rigs"? Saw the Wellington School run this weekend but everything seemed miniature!

[@bigchiefmingingbolok]

amen to that, couldn't agree more,

[@geek147]

hms collingwood will be holding a field gun tournement on the 12 june. with guest teams from network rail and local collages. i'll be running in it

[@DatanBasen]

SOMEbody is going to put an eye out...

[@ironduke12345]

this brings some memories, WIG's, BOST, polishing 2 deck at 3 in the f*** morning, the carnage in a 52 man mess deck after suicide leave in Gib. The older I get the better it was :)

[@williamjay9692]

i agree, exactly why did H.M. government see fit to abolish this fantastic spectacle? i loved watching it as a boy and now my son is in the Navy i think both he and i would have loved for him to have the chance to compete in this amazing form of the field gun race. sadly he can now only take part in the Brickwood version.

[@elmarcorulz]

You mean June 6th?

[@coxwain255]

Dam right there mate!!

[@petechapman1108]

Back in the day, when men were men and before the Tattoo was turned into a song and dance competition.

[@gamma500]

pafg co uk are still doing it ! ! !

[@MessiahComing]

Makes me proud to have taken up gunnery.

[@Shayde268]

Bit of a random question but I went to The Last Run and remember a very appropriate and not very politically correct (thankfully) funny rant by Rowan Atkinson based on this subject! Bought the video and surprise it wasn't on it-does anyone know if there any way of ever seeing it again-tried you-tubing it but no luck so far?? Love seeing the comments from the guys that actually ran it!!

[@D15GSY]

lol my mistake :( i meant to type 98.. no pal not gay brickwoods give me some credit.. Mac macshane was the 2nd trainer in 98 which is why he was 1st trainer in 99. but thanks for pointing out my small but very relevant error in typing.. if u check google maps the fleet air arm track is now the caravan park on culdrose "very sad"

[@5by5wisher]

We are doing this at our cadets but on a much much much smaller scale :L x

[@PerfectJayDread]

Jingle's sends his regards.

[@johnsmith-bv2wc]

shame governments cut backs, they dont give a shit, a sad lost for the RN

[@cornishbluebird]

No they are holding a brickwoods tournament big difference.. Windsor Tattoo though is bringing back the Field Gun Run.. woo hoo

[@rzid]

@urizon41 I had to give you an up in that I agree with what you said, but I want to give it a down in that it's crying shame.

[@EvelynBabyyx3]

holy..how the hell do people do this?lol..thats crazyy

[@gamma500]

google pafg (Portsmouth Action Field Gun) it's new home is on Hayling Island!

[@tronable]

I call the wheels!

[@edwardjleavy85]

Those are for guys with fingers left

[@gamma500]

goolge pafg - porstmouth action field gun.....

[@gamma500]

Posrtmouth Action Field Gun are on Hayling Island... google pafg

[@merrickx]

OSHA's nightmare sport.

[@JeffBilkins]

@incongra At first i didnt really understand what i was watching, but after they took that first wall and erected that zipline my jaw dropped.. (im 28.. age is not a factor for awesomeness). Great tradition, a shame they're killing it. Stuff like this builds Men.