Run Gunner Run 78

This is Devonport training in '78 in preparation for the Royal Navy's annual Command Field Gun competition. An outstanding BTS view of the team as it forms and progresses to compete in the toughest team sport in the world at the Earls Court Royal Tournament. The matter of fact tone genuinely reflects the hard training, humour and pride that this crew share with no false jeopardy. Why wouldn't you want to see this sport being run by a new generation of Field Gunners?

[@rhodesboyson1700]

Speedy wheel in this documentary, Kenneth Douglas, died last weekend after a hard battle with cancer. These were some hard men. RIP my auld mon! Oggy oggy oggy!

[@fieldgunsport841]

Sorry to hear about another field gunner crossing the bar. Hopefully this year will seethe sport relaunched as a civilian professional sport and a new batch of field gunners to carry on this great sport

[@gazguinness3516]

i had the pleasure of being part of Devonport 98 crew, best time of my naval career

[@Drummer2020]

As a former Royal Marines musician, I played at many of the public runs in Devonport and the Royal Tournament . What is not known is that Devonport gun crew recorded a record called 'Run Gunner Run, on which i played the drum part. Luckily for all concerned no one seems to have a copy of the record!

[@rogerl7364]

I had the honour of being part of the A crew of this ‘78 crew ( No. 4) . My brain can still remember every single part of my drill…….unfortunately my body says different !! A wonderful experience , a fantastic crew, special thanks to No 1 Tom Luther and Clubs Henry Cotton & my running Oppo Doc Foster Oggie…Oggie…..Oggie…… Guz forever . Roger Lawrence

[@Lionboy2930]

Good old Henry Cotton... i think his son became a PTI?

[@rogerl7364]

Really?? Last I heard (remour) ref Henry, was that he became an active mercenary in the middle east??

[@rossdouglas3780]

My dad was in this crew with you Roger.

[@robbarker3136]

@@Lionboy2930 He was our Clubswinger on Cleo 80-81 when we won the Midi Ships Cup. Where's my jacket Henry???

[@Lionboy2930]

@@robbarker3136 Thanks for that... seems an eternity ago!!

[@billb7876]

Very entertaining, I watched an event at Earls Court in the mid 70s the gun running was well impressive. I was in the raf by the time this lot were filming, I must admit to enjoying seeing the cars in the car park too lol thanks #

[@annetteboyle7518]

Thanks for sharing ,loved watching these on TV every year .I hope they continue with the Gun crews Respect

[@keithsorfleet6288]

Brilliant footage, this from a Pompey man through and through. Remember watching the training at Whale Island.

[@fieldgunsport841]

Thanks Keith. The sport is being revitalised. Check out fieldgunsport.com

[@kevinhoughton9134]

Really miss this and The Royal Tournament, they should bring it all back. My old man ran for Devonport in 1957, A/B "Yorkie" Houghton.

[@ianbower827]

Brilliant footage. Amazed it's had so few views !

[@fieldgunsport841]

Thanks Ian. Some of the key characters featured are still going strong. The sport is being relaunched as a global touring league so please share widely and 'STANDBY!'

[@jeanettecouncil8299]

I watched the programme when first broadcast. As I watched the Royal Tournament when on Saturday and Sunday evening with Speedy Wheels 13 from the 1955 and 1958 A crew, Also saw Yorkies photos.And the scars on his shoulders etc.How, you ask? Roger YORKIE Council was my beloved Pata ie Dad.Sorry for rambling on, just miss our chats over Devonport related things.To annoy him I called last budgie I had, YORKIE DEVONPORT,

[@rhodesboyson1700]

My old man was the speedy wheel in the 78 devenport crew in this video. He died on the weekend. I have the full documentary, it is much better than this video and includes the final, record breaking run. Men of Devon, feed me til I'm six foot four. Oggy Oggy Oggy!!!

[@KrAV9100]

Love watching this thanks for the upload 👍👍👍

[@davidhoward5392]

Spent 2 happy seasons 86 & 87 as the "Devonport Doc", embroidery a second career after my time there

[@fieldgunsport841]

Hi David, we are reviving the sport. More to follow but please check out fieldgunsport.com

[@steveclancy6474]

Tough SoBs - respect.

[@davidhumphreys7035]

I was RAF and always wanted a go at this, closest i came was at the penultimate Royal Tournament and getting to know a few of that year's Devonport crew.

[@fieldgunsport841]

Why not come down to Stansted Park and see how we are reviving the sport?

[@user-yw9el5rp7m]

This is wonderfull! The drill. Lovely👍

[@rossdouglas3780]

My dad is on the preview photo for this video, he's on the left 💔

[@Freebird67]

Devon port was my home base second submarine squadron used to watch the lads training and having the crack like you do in the navy good times back then

[@rhodesboyson1700]

Did you know a submariner called Kenneth Douglas who was in this video? I think he was on Splendid at the time.