American Reacts to The Royal Naval Field Gun Competition

[@danhodson7187]

I hope I'm not the only grown man close to tears with pride here. Bring it back!

[@chrisangus7078]

Remember whatching my dad do years ago was fantastic.

[@mattyp80]

I was working the RN stand the last year and watching everything from up in the gods! I know/knew most of the FAA crew and I still bristle with pride when I hear that tune!

[@mg6844]

100% agree with you Dan 👍

[@MKR5210]

This grown women is too....

[@dagenhamdave2611]

No your not the only one mate

[@ddmp1703]

Navy field gunners, strength of a carthorse, speed of a racehorse, brains of a rocking horse. I ran '78

[@pommunist]

I went to the Royal Tournament in '78, I was 11, it was fekkin brilliant.

[@tednash7210]

Salute to you mate, I was in the RAF and have nothing but admiration for the field gun crews.

[@johnterrytortorella2560]

Well bloody done sir . .

[@davidjames2145]

@@pommunist Me too! Totally agree. 👍

[@fumanchu7563]

My dad was in the Portsmouth crew mid 70's

[@mrh678]

There is history behind this, The Relief of Ladysmith. The army were pinned down and the navy took off their guns from their ships moored offshore and pulled them cross-country and over obstacles and reassembled them again to start firing rounds at the enemy to help their fellow countrymen out in need, this is where this competition originates from.

[@sharonkay8638]

I have photos of my uncle who was in the Fleet Air Arm team in 1949. My dad who was a Para, saw his brother win that night and they subsequently hit the town in a big way. Dad and uncle Ken woke up in a shop doorway and had to race to get back to their respective barracks. Happy days and a great family story!🥰

[@ikarus_incarnate]

With regards the race itself, it part of an annual " Royal Tournament " and was originally presented to Queen Victoria as a demonstration of her Royal Navy's prowess... ( Ably done I feel ) . All competitors are conscripted men from throughout the naval services, be that at sea ( representing a ship ) Fleet air arm the airborne section of the navy ) or The Royal Marines ( the " gunners " of the navy { sorry any RM readers } ). Teams from these branches of the navy train year round, with no additional service pay. Maybe a higher than regular calorie diet . Just for the honor of representing your branch, but best of all to win. Kinda makes ME feel proud to be British, it's another of our quirky things that makes us who we are. You should search out more about THE ROYAL TOURNAMENT, and also the song / tune Hearts of ok too. And by the way it was great to hear an American's comment! Thanks 👍🏻 for the upload. Very entertaining.

[@ikarus_incarnate]

👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻♥️☮️

[@norrinradd3549]

@@ikarus_incarnate. And did you know that it’s being phased out.?.?.?.?.

[@youthere7327]

@@norrinradd3549 doesnt surprise me

[@blackpoolrox6475]

A staggering display of brute strength, determination and co-ordination that symbolises the best of our armed services!

[@davidbrooks187]

It’s a travesty that this fantastic spectacle of world envied British precision was brought to an end. His reaction said it all ! 🇬🇧 is Best. It should be brought back and reinstated as an integral part of the British calendar.

[@stephenle-surf9893]

Yet again everyone saves money but ultimately the money saved isn't worth the benefits lost. When will we learn.

[@chrisangus7078]

It still done but not as higth show money and manpower iusses .

[@kevinduffy80]

Hear hear

[@chewyfoks1840]

All toppled by Nigel in a hard hat and clipboard. H&S states that "Hearts of Oak" can be played on venue, as long as the drummers wear wrist guards...UK 2021

[@jameswg13]

Financially it was heavy losses , the quite significant injuries and our forces being stretched as it is were the reason it was cut as a big spectacle It's better to remember something for what it was than bring it back

[@fossy4321]

My friends brother was in this team for a year or two,. Absolutely hard as nails. Broken fingers toes wrists, and dislocated shoulders meant nothing, just keep going as hard as you can!!! Love that you understood it's just for pride. No monetary reward but if you were on the team, you were a hero and no one can take that away!

[@andrewthornton5783]

It displays the pride of the Royal Navy. Many a finger was lost or broken in the rehearsals for that show. My hat comes off to those who dedicated years to that show each year.

[@Rattyratbag]

Was training to be B Crew Angel in Spring Summer pre season 90. Took out my left Proximal Phalanx, never got to run, gutted! Oggie Oggie!

[@VK2DMH]

@@Rattyratbag Oi, Oi, Oi !!!

[@thewanderin_rider]

So good to see this again! Earl’s Court and the royal tournament. I’m 55 now but my dad would take us to see this regularly as kids. He was ex navy and would always cheer on Portsmouth. Believe me, there was nothing like seeing this up close in person. The smells, the atmosphere.... fantastic. Even now the hairs on the back of my neck stand up during that final run. Pure adrenaline and these guys were the best of the bunch. The selection process alone was utterly gruelling. The tournament had so many great displays, also from army and airforce. My favourites as a kid were the royal signals white helmets display team and I managed to see one of their last performances only a few years ago before they disbanded. Such a shame these things disappear. Well done the Royal Navy 😊 R.I.P dad.

[@JohnSnow-uk1ut]

So happy to see an American loves this and more than sports.

[@andrewdoubtfire4700]

Use to watch this as a kid live at the Royal Tournament at Earls Court in London during the 70’s & 80’s.

[@jedislap8726]

Limbs and lives have been lost training for this. It was INCREDIBLY dangerous to do but by God it earned you a shit ton of respect in the British Navy.

[@agnostic47]

One year at the actual tournament a guy finished having lost a finger during the race.

[@francisrossi3520]

A few fingers have been lost in this competition. My step father was ship's doctor and has had to recover one or two, one of which had been fired across the field.

[@colinblick4903]

It earned shit tons of respect from the army as well...... I was there in 67-70 We always cheered em on😎👍🏼

[@grahamo22]

Royal Navy - we have that and a British Army and Royal Air Force. But no British Navy.

[@jedislap8726]

@@grahamo22 It's the navy of Great Britain..... do you see how this works?

[@stephensmith4480]

A friend of mine took part in this, when he was in The Royal Navy. He was a big bloke and he said the training alone was a killer. He had one of his Thumbs nearly twice as wide as his other one, when he got it smashed by one of the wheels. Lads lose fingers and all sorts of injuries, just training for this. His pride and joy was one of the cotter pins off the Gun Limber, stamped with a letter P for Portsmouth. Proud Men, proud of their country and proud of Her Majesty`s Royal Navy.

[@chrisg1234fly]

Did a course years ago and stayed in the accom above these guys at Plymouth. These are the definition of tough. Forget your MMA and such like, this is the real deal. Not one of them has a full hand of fingers, running on injuries (like broken limbs....literally!!) was the norm and when that kit hits a normal person it will squash them, but those gun barrels just bounce off these guys. Coming from the forces and Plymouth, this was in my blood and when it was stopped it was incredibly emotional. Not a dry eye in the house.

[@charlieb3204]

I was part of the 98 Devonport crew 4 months of training

[@demportboy1584]

As I worked in the dockyard at Devonport, I use to see the boys training at HMS Drake, very impressive, really tough lads, not for me thanks.

[@GodlessScummer]

That's awesome. When I was young I used to go to HMS Daedalus and watch the Fleet Air Arm team. Went to Whale Island to watch Portsmouth once I think. Major respect to you for being a part of the Field Gun team.

[@Fedaykin24]

Which is why it was ended, with options for change in 1992 the Royal Navy could not afford to spare personnel dedicating 4 months of their life towards the Field Gun Race. Shame really, I got to see it in 96 in the flesh as a Cadet with the ATC.

[@pedromiguel562]

What you won with that Charlie. A medal give for the Reuters or Sky. Congrats Charlie. Yes. That suckers think what Charlie. Can cheat me. They got to back to their moms and Dadies again. School Charlie. Got it? Better Charlie. You got a award give for NETFLIX or for the Facebook. Try to guess please my friend. Wish one u got. Thoughts?

[@michaelperkins5746]

RESPECT

[@We_are_therians-67893]

My Grandad was a member of The Royal Horse Artillery and my Father got him to come with us to The Royal Tournament one year. Unbeknownst to Grandad my Father had arranged for Grandad to be taken behind the scenes and to meet with the members of The Royal Horse Artillery, ( now known as The KIngs Troop) and they presented my Grandad with the official regimental tie... It was a special moment that I will never forget,

[@ikarus_incarnate]

♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️

[@davidmcquillan6399]

I was in the kings troop for 9 years from 2006.

[@elainewhite4995]

What a wonderful memory ❤️

[@Stanly-Stud]

​@@davidmcquillan6399 So you never served in a real Gun Battery 😂

[@andrewwilkins7823]

Used to like watching this on the TV once a year. Bring it back. Represents a real moving of guns during the Boer war. Part of a bigger program showing the skills of the various military arms, including drills etc.

[@nigeldart1963]

My father in law was in the Plymouth field gun crew early sixties, he missed going to Earl's court, as he lost top of one of his fingers in training. RIP Mike

[@lenaanne9778]

They should bring it back, rather watch this than any football (soccer).

[@itwoznotme]

health and safety nightmare!!! but YES, it should be back!

[@rogmorts1]

It is still done but nothing like this sadly 😔

[@Gambit771]

Who exactly is going to be confused as to what you meant when you said football?

[@justicar5]

it is still done, just not at this scale, the event that it was part of at the time (The Royal Tournament) was ending, not the Field Gun run itself, that is still run annually at HMS Collingwood www.royalnavy.mod.uk/our-organisation/bases-and-stations/training-establishments/hms-temeraire/rn-field-gun

[@Thecoincollector.]

@@Gambit771 Americans

[@jno5]

I know someone who used to compete in these races; he was 6’ 3” and weighed 240lbs and his team mates called him ‘Baby’ since he was the smallest member of the team by some margin.....

[@Berkcam]

I saw this on a school trip at 10 years old and took part as a 19 year old.

[@jameswroe2403]

All digits in place still?

[@Berkcam]

@@jameswroe2403 yes, but I took a nasty jab in the nether regions that thankfully missed the important bits haha. Going through the whole in the wall on the run home, Harry Harrison let the beach pin (wooden stake) hit the wall and I was rammed onto it with the force of the limber box and 3 men pushing 😣

[@siegeupon5894]

Excellent 👌

[@jameswroe2403]

@@Berkcam 🥴😵😭

[@stun9771]

@@Berkcam bet that stung...splice the main brace me thinks...sippers...

[@bazra19]

You have no idea how many times they practice,,,, their diet is huge,,,, Many times they have fingers trapped and broken, the race before that, one a lad had his skull smashed, the medic run out stapled it together and the said lad run on. these are extremely tough men.

[@mariahoulihan9483]

Yep. My brother was a tough nut in his day.

[@TheSortedRogers]

Shared a few beers in the Sgt's Mess at BRNC Dartmouth with a chap who had lost 2 fingers doing this. It wasn't until the end that he realised. Absolutely nails, all of them.

[@alanwhitfield1907]

Wouldn’t have been Sergeants mess at BRNC. Chief petty officers and Petty officers mess, known as a combined senior rates mess. I served there 68-70.

[@TheSortedRogers]

@@alanwhitfield1907 ah, I stand corrected. It was down the bottom by Sandquay.

[@alanwhitfield1907]

@@TheSortedRogers Spot on. In my time there it was a fabulous mess for social activities. The bar was open till 3 or 4 in the morning at weekends, there were no licensing hours on crown property and bar prices were very low. Had some fabulous parties there.

[@TheSortedRogers]

@@alanwhitfield1907 my dad was one of a handful of Royal Marines that were based there around 85 to 91. He was DL back then and I went with him to dinner there about 15 years ago. He'd retired at this point. It was a great night which went on to around 4am. All very drunk!

[@alanwhitfield1907]

@@TheSortedRogers The college had a Royal Marines band for ceremonial events and they played in the town every summer for the Dartmouth regatta. Dartmouth was my best ever RN posting.

[@warrenpeace2056]

FYI: these are REAL field guns, not some kind of replicas! The barrel alone weighs in at 900lb!! #pride

[@imperialdebauchery5988]

About 1,500lb total

[@petersaunders747]

Such a shame that the Royal Tournament was stopped.

[@karlpeart1752]

It is I went wen I was around 9.it was incredible to see this live the strength of these guys was insane

[@stevenwilkins1625]

Tony Bliarsthe war criminal stopped it 😤😤🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿👍

[@petersaunders747]

@@stevenwilkins1625 Do you mean Tony BLIAR!!

[@alexdavis-mann8513]

@@petersaunders747 Tony Blerrrrrrrh

[@leejones1041]

The Sovereigns tournament is to be organised.

[@helenpeck1954]

Portsmouth my hometown, tons of fantastic memories of dad taking us to see gun run practice when I was little. Watching this still gives me goosebumps and massively proud of our Royal Navy ❤️

[@lewilewis3944]

A general once said 'If a goat can climb it, so can the artillery', I'm not sure, but I bet it was a Brit.

[@jauntyangle5667]

Yes, it was closer to "Where a goat can go, a man can go..and he can carry a gun". He was a Brit Artillery officer.

[@stephenle-surf9893]

Can't quite remember, but I think it was a artillery commander attacking an American fort at the start of the American war of independence.

[@brandonwright1791]

'Where a goat can go a man can go and where a man can go a gun can go'.

[@johnbeck1978]

@@brandonwright1791 major general William Phillips. 1776

[@mgytitanic1912]

General Moore. Where a goat can go, a man go. Where a man can go he can drag a gun.

[@poppaleggansquat3640]

Why Britannia ruled the waves, dedication, strength, spirit and PRIDE.

[@bigduke2140]

Really I thought it was through guns, slavery, bribery and taxation!!! Oh yeah forgot about drugs too - opium

[@carlryderiselvis]

@@bigduke2140 and what country do you live in?

[@poppaleggansquat3640]

@@bigduke2140 I take it my great great grandad slapped your great great grandad and planted our flag, don't let the shame of it linger, dry your eyes man anf grow a pair.

[@bigduke2140]

@@poppaleggansquat3640 No shame on my part and I have a working pair as I have fathered two children. Also your great great grandfather may have done something but how does that relate to your achievements? Inherited wealth takes no effort or all those attributes you spoke of in your first misinformed comment. Additionally I have served in HM forces too. Have you? So don't be too proud of the UK past as if you learn about it correctly you will realise it is nothing to be proud of. Unless you are proud of slavery and bullying - maybe you are!

[@bigduke2140]

@@carlryderiselvis One of the best countries in the world - UK 🇬🇧 Where we are free to criticise. Well until the rich take away the free NHS and our freedom of life one rule at a time. Where are you from? Somewhere that does not like free speech or freedom? Also I served in HM armed forces not that this is a prerequisite for having an opinion.

[@MrGremlin69]

You see...... THIS IS WHY WE HAD AN EMPIRE!!

[@stevew585]

Agree!!

[@janflaherty3819]

Absolutely. So proud of our Armed Forces ❤️

[@malcomflibbleghast8140]

britain had an empire to server the needs of our womble overlords...nothing more. eg the worldwide movement of current buns and tea.

[@CoL_Drake]

... yeah but u HAD xD now u have nothn xD

[@foundationofBritain]

@@CoL_Drake Yes... But we won the game of EMPIRE and supplanted most of are morals & world view in which their isn't a sufficiently good argument for empire that stands up to scrutiny and is therefor deemed unfair... hence why theirs no Empires to day. And no The Americans did not end the game of EMPIRE. The British Empire singlehandedly ended the game of EMPIRE because we won. And also The United Stats Of America it self is a product of The British Empire you cannot have The US without The British Empire that's like having fish without the sea, if theirs no sea, theirs no Fish, you get the picture. And we do have sum left in the form of The commonwealth, Crown Dependencies and British Overseas Territories, it's not an Empire but it is The Last Remnants Of The British Empire.

[@DaisyDebs]

..and we are so PROUD of each and every one of them ! Both sides ...... PROUD !!!

[@iamsh1han797]

This is why Britannia ruled the waves. Used to watch them practice when I was in the Royal Navy. Some guys get such serious injuries they could no longer serve!

[@simu31]

This, this right here, is why the British once controled a QUARTER of the planet. Get the gun in the right place, whatever the obstacle, as quickly as possible

[@farrier2708]

BUMP TO THEIR SALARY??? These men are Royal Navy, Sir. They do this for fun and prestige only. Grown men cry, if they don't make the final team. Thanks for the vid'. It brought tears to my eyes seeing this again.

[@chriswillison1]

I used to love going to the Royal tournament every year at Earl’s Court, The field gun competition was definitely one of the highlights

[@worldofameiso5491]

Hearts of Oak, enough to stir the blood and gird the lions of any red blooded Brit.

[@mg6844]

Well said sir ... Makes me proud to be British 🇬🇧👍

[@molotovcocktail4081]

This was played at my Dad's funeral ❤ the navy was his life x

[@mg6844]

@@molotovcocktail4081 played at my grandads funeral to malotov cocktail ❤️... Respect to them both 👍... My grandad served in the artic convoys ww2

[@molotovcocktail4081]

@@mg6844 absolutely! as my Dad would say when raising a tot of pussers rum - "splice the main brace". Total respect to them all xx

[@mg6844]

@@molotovcocktail4081 👍xx

[@michaelglynn2638]

Your expression shows your appreciation. Great to see 👍

[@markywellsboy2182]

Princess Anne doing the honours, there. A top bird who likes a bit of uniform. Used to love watching this as a kid. Gives me goosebumps even now.

[@spooky4985]

Princess Anne, with the possible exception of her old man, Prince Philip, is the best man in the royal family. It is a very real pity that she was not the first born.

[@myview5840]

I met her once, she shook my hand, 14th Feb 1997 ish. She opened a factory, I was a temp worker at.

[@ladydunraven]

The annual Royal Tournament. This was amazing with the Royal Marines battles and all the Military band. Remember seeing the US Marine Cor Display team there. Their drill was amazing

[@5imp1]

My dad took me to see this many times. It was bloody amazing. Earls Court, London. How about Kings Troop, Royal Horse Artillery?

[@5imp1]

I was at the show when a Kings Troop RHA gun carriage turned over and brought down all the horses.

[@zozoa1]

I went to see this as a kid was absolutely amazing to watch. The guys literally pushed themselves to the limit. A huge amount of pride was at stake and even as a kid I remembered how proud I was of our forces. Great days

[@davidsmall2944]

This was a yearly competition in the fleet every year !! All gun crews were ratings from the fleet who spent six months from being picked to the final at the Royal tournament !! It was stopped because of military cut backs !! No bump to salaries just pride in representing your command !! This was CHATHAM, PORTSMOUTH, DEVEONPORT AND FLEET AIR ARM !!

[@eugenemorice8545]

I sadly lost a mate of mine to cancer a couple of years ago. His Dad was "Chief" at RNAS Culdrose ( Fleet Air Arm country !). The results of the "gun runs" were posted up outside the PTI office after each one. Everyone wanted to know ! Mad... but bloody marvellous. Up spirits !

[@adamdudley2590]

I visited RNAS Culdrose (HMS Seahawk) as a Sea Cadet, we took a flight in a helicopter and the cut the engines and did an "autorotate" landing. Bloody amazing and scary at the same time. This was where the Royal Navy pilots taught the RAF to fly rescue helicopters...

[@tonycasey3183]

I was once in a very rowdy pub in Portsmouth with a friend who was a serving Royal Naval Engineer. There were a few guys there with missing fingers and I asked my friend how come. Without batting an eyelid he said: "Field Gun Competitors" and carried on with his beer.

[@steveforster9764]

I think I might of drank in that pub

[@adventussaxonum448]

"a very rowdy pub in Portsmouth" that narrows it down a bit.... 😄

[@Matthew-by5bt]

enter at your own risk, fixed tables with plastic jars 😂

[@quiltygal6981]

Were there any pubs in Pompey that weren't rowdy? 🤣🤣

[@driftergtj2106]

I used to love watching this growing up, can’t believe it was stopped, would watch it again if they brought it back

[@Helifella882]

As an ex Royal Navy veteran the Field Gun Competition was run by Three competing teams Portsmouth Command, Devonport Command, and the Fleet Air Arm Naval Air Command. Comprising of selected men who aspired to become gunners, very physical selection tests were carried out by these volunteers and many disappointed in not making the grade. It was a fantastic spectacle and the results were followed by ships crews on duty throughout the world. It was very sad the day it was announced it would end. A similar event sponsored by a brewery was run at many shore establishments and the army and airforce participated. It was good and pleasurable to take part. But without walls , gates, sheer legs wires and travellers it was never going to have the same audience appeal. Thanks for watching and commenting it as made me feel very proud. Even though I never run the gun myself, it was a great tradition and still is, albeit on a smaller scale.

[@marsmacl6211]

Do you know why they stopped it Craig?

[@Chelskie-darts]

My dad Kevin Morby did this for Portsmouth in the Royal Navy when he was younger back in the 70’s I think

[@gavinstuart3446]

@@marsmacl6211 I'm currently serving in the RN, It was due to our navy shrinking and so was the funding. The navy could no longer afford to release men from their work roles to train for field gun.

[@jameswg13]

@@marsmacl6211 the financial losses of the event as well and the amount of injuries. With a shrinking time consumed navy it was either lose the spectacle and Remember it for what it was or be in serious situation

[@Berry-fr5wj]

Didn't the bootnecks have a team once ? Brickwoods brewery sponsored it

[@mazdaram226]

Love to see the American reaction to our culture and having visited your fine country numerous times , I know there’s a lot of things I find just as marvellous about your culture also.....respect

[@martindunstan8043]

I used to live in Portsmouth as a lad and saw this and thought it couldn't be real. Thanks for the memory jogger and yet another great and respectful video, cheers buddy👍👍🇺🇸🇬🇧✌️🍻🍻

[@quiltygal6981]

I used to watch this live every thursday as a child/ teen. Our group was the Fleet Air Arm, winners here, based at HMS Daedalus, Lee on Solent. These were tough guys. My Dad who coached the HMS Daedalus soccer team held his breath till it was over as many of his team ran and sometimes didn't survive to play on saturday.

[@jay71512]

I remember watching this as a child! Back when we had respect for who we were instead of being taught to be ashamed of our history!

[@fulwoodphantom]

So true 👍

[@jameswg13]

You mean now how we are taught the whole truth and can make up our own minds instead of just being taught propaganda

[@loyalist5736]

@@jameswg13 Yeah you are very ashamed ain't you ?

[@jameswg13]

@@loyalist5736 the is a lot to be proud of in our history many wonderful stories however we have to understand and respect that the is a lot of bad in our history as well . If we do not learn from the past we are doomed to repeat it and we do repeat it

[@andreneedham9845]

@@jameswg13 It's a mystery to me why you prefer negative propaganda to positive propaganda

[@TheOptimisticGardener]

It was basically stopped because of money! The Labour government said that it wasn't representative of the modern navy, but what could be more so - determination, skill, teamwork. I ran 4 times and it was the best thing I ever did. A fantastic band of brothers!

[@PatriciaKelly-gz7vg]

Used to go to this every year, my great grandad got tickets free as he served in two world wars.

[@johnjamesflashman6856]

We are free because of men like your great granddad.

[@PatriciaKelly-gz7vg]

@@johnjamesflashman6856 I know I can’t stand the ignorance re WW2. He was a kid when he went into the Navy for the first lot, and a middle aged man for the second. Did the whole lot. Got torpedoed , sunk,. He never moaned, in fact very cheerful. He was just grateful he got home.

[@cacambo589]

Two world wars? That's quite a distinction. God bless your ggdad.

[@PatriciaKelly-gz7vg]

@@cacambo589 Thank You. I often think what nightmares he must have kept to himself. What a breed they were.

[@sunnyinsanya2]

This specific competition was part of the military 'Royal Tournament' show, at Earls Court in London annuall. The Royal Tournament show stopped in '99. The Royal Navy still does the exercise, and the record time was set relatively recently in 2017, but its not in a public tournament setting like this.

[@devonport83]

No, the Royal Navy doesn't do this anymore! It finished in 1999. The RN promotes the Brickwoods Competition as being the equivalent. It is nothing like it though. It is like comparing touch rugby, in the park, to a rugby cup final!

[@zigman63]

Makes me proud my boy is in the Royal Navy.

[@alvinburrell]

OMG - I went to see this when I was a child in the 70s...it was just brilliant to be there, this brought a smile to my face :-)

[@fatmanscoop8650]

Such an awesome competition. If you watch the documentary of them training it shows you just how fit they have to be. They take a year out from duties to train just for this event. Incredible and sadly missed by all! 👍🏼

[@SwedishSonna]

This brings back so many memories. Used to go and watch The Royal Tournament as a youngster when it was hosted at Earls Court.

[@davidsavage6910]

They train for months, crews change every year. Injuries are horrendous. The results broadcast throughout the fleet wherever in the World.

[@derrickknight4985]

I used to go to The Royal Tournament every year. I have so much pride in watching this again. Wish it was still going. Brought a tear to my eye. Got really choked at hearing your praise and comments for our guys.

[@neilbulman2296]

aaaand............ after that, they all go to the bar and get pissed together........ Just like a good old Limey does! :-D

[@slartythecyclops4643]

Tis what we do good Sir! We hate each other in the UK with such passion, but give us a 'Erm Just fight' & a few Brews we would take on the planet! Alas Cutbacks, the selling off of everything nailed down & the amount of npc's in charge have made us a meh nation, Going the way of pre-ww2 America, Isolationist , & sulking in the corner! But we still get pissed :-) ( Until the wankers bring in prohibition ) FFS lol

[@raybenstead2548]

Just to say that I really do appreciate your videos so keep up the good work.

[@bedpansniper]

I'm sure I remember that the teams wore black armbands to mark the last televised run at the Royal Tournament

[@garybarnard9952]

You are right sir and against orders.

[@almac2598]

@@garybarnard9952 And who in his right mind argued with a Gunny. These guys made the average Olympic athlete look like a wet lettuce leaf

[@CS-zn6pp]

@@garybarnard9952 They got chewed out afterwards by a admiral, embarrassed tony Blair (prime minister at the time who refused to fund this event anymore)

[@chrisbeecham439]

Makes us Brits proud of all of them

[@tobortine]

Your face was an absolute picture for the first two minutes. I'd forgotten about this competition. You may also want to check out "Climbing the Ganges Mast".

[@johnpatrick6116]

My dad trained at HMS Ganges during the war, one test was to climb the mast

[@grumpynanny7402]

My dad was button boy there during training in ww2.

[@paulleigh7792]

tobortine: I used to live within a minute or so walk of HMS Ganges in the mid to late ‘50’s. At that time, HMS Ganges training ship had the highest static mast in the U.K. The trainee sailors used to climb the mast to the beat and accompaniment of the R.M. band every Sunday. To be a “Button Boy” (he who stood on the top with just a short pole between his legs for stability) was regarded a very high individual honour. Health and Safety would have a heart attack today. Brings back happy memories.

[@llamamanism]

I live very close to what used to be Ganges in Shotley, that mast is in very poor condition now and the whole area derelict and waiting to be turned into another housing estate. Everyone here is angry it’s just been abandoned

[@tobortine]

@@llamamanism That's sad., it's a thing I would have liked to have seen before I finish my days.

[@sonoflincs]

Thanks for sharing this... as a family we used to watch this every year. My father fought in the Navy so really enjoyed seeing these disciplined men do their incredible feat....!

[@jotabill]

You have to remember what the display is really all about, there has always been competition between the services and the navy has titled itself the SENIOR service . The British navy saved the British army.....on land and the navy will never let the army forget it.

[@hb3331]

And it should never do! Up Navy!

[@garybarnard9952]

Royal Navy 😉

[@imperialdebauchery5988]

The RN did not title itself the senior service, it IS the senior service. Senior as in elder or longer serving. The Royal Navy was founded by Henry VIII in the 16th century, while the British Army was founded by Oliver Cromwell and Parliament in the 17th century.

[@davidbaker8483]

Royal Tournament at Earl's Court. Great memories of my childhood. Audience full of veterans and their families. Lots of flash bangs and this was a highlight along with Signal display team and musical ride of gun carriage.

[@benpennick6208]

Was privileged to watch a training run between the A and B teams of Devonport (Plymouth) from right beside the "course," surprise surprise it was scary as hell, and there were a lot of guys walking around with bandages and splints!

[@andrewstatton6025]

I’ve got a few black and white photographs of these open day practice runs from the late 60’s early 70’s

[@Thalarctos]

This is the most incredible thing I've seen in a long time!

[@richardpoynton4026]

I’d actually forgotten about this was a thing..... I went to a military tattoo once, and a rifle shell case landed at my feet. Being a young child at the time I was delighted, because I thought I’d keep it as a souvenir. Picking it up was when I found out just fired bullet cases are a mite hot (burn’t like hell)

[@duncanb1981]

Yeah buddy, I've had expent casings from the guy firing next to me go down the back of my shirt. Must look funny to the outsider as you perform a fast forward striptease trying to remove webbing and items of clothing to locate the burning brass. It does look pretty funny.

[@handlesarefeckinstupid]

@@duncanb1981 yeah I've done the shell case dance as well. 😂

[@glennshaw9977]

I served in the Royal Navy F.A.A (I NEVER ran the Field Gun I have to say) but knew & worked with a few of the lads that did. I had the privilege to watch this live a couple of times. It brings a tear to my eyes now (20+yrs later) and fills me with pride to see it again. HOW we ever let this stop???

[@AlmosttheGoodlife]

Look up The Royal Navy Mast Manning Display Team. It’s impressive!

[@entwiner1]

Absolutely. Saw it as a youngster and was scared for them the whole time. Really impressive.

[@SRMT-en8yz]

Climbing the Ganges, the button boy at the top.

[@sharonkay8638]

I remember seeing John Noakes from Blue Peter do it when I was young. He didn’t manage to get to the button though! There’s a great KZbin video of it.

[@SRMT-en8yz]

@@sharonkay8638 I remember that, and his film climbing Nelson's Column, with minimal or no safety equipment. Apparently he was also jet lagged at the time. Still gives me jitters watching it today.

[@LiveDonkeyDeadLion]

@@entwiner1 me too. Funnily enough I was converting some slides my dad took when I was there and found a few photos he took of it

[@LeeDorje]

Used to love watching these military demos/competitions as a kid!

[@TukikoTroy]

I used to work in the drill shed maintaining the guns for the Portsmouth team (1976). There must have been at least a dozen guns in there. Interestingly, there were also a pair of smaller guns used by young Sea Cadets. The members of the team are brave and insane in equal measures; fingers were lost, bones broken but the only thing that mattered was moving the gun. Great times. Edited to add, the results of each race were transmitted to every RN ship at sea and posted on noticeboards for eagerly waiting crews.

[@davidcollins9512]

Yes indeed. I well remember the anticipation of waiting for the results to be signalled to us in 1982 - and a cheer would run through the ship (HMS Alacrity) if Devonport (Plymouth) had won.

[@1MrCrusherX]

Look at the coordination involved for the weights carried for each part of the movement. Awesome!!

[@peterwilliams6793]

The times were flashed around the fleet after every run. we worked hard to just get a chance to get into the team.

[@mercurial_cyclist]

Thanks for doing this one. Brought back a lot of memories, I used to go to the Royal Tournament every year with my dad and this was always the highlight along with the White Helmets motorcycle display team

[@richatkinson4470]

""A British Tar is a soaring soul, as free as a mountain bird..."

[@MrCuddlyable3]

"...His energetic fist should be ready to resist A dictatorial word."

[@robleary3353]

Awesome!. I watched this live in the crowd and it is one of the most impressive things you can see!. SHAME, SHAME, SHAME it ended!

[@robleary3353]

I also remember walking around the arena outer areas prior to the start of the show and seeing these behemoths walking about! Upon asking my Dad, he simply said 'field gun' competitors...

[@andrewlaw]

You can see the determination and pride in their faces as they compete. Did you notice how every single man was a heavy duty unit? Broken fingers and wrists were commonplace during the run when hands got caught between the wheel spokes.

[@shaundwyer6598]

Hats off to your enthusiasm and once again your objectivity. I've subscribed to hear more. Keep it up fella.

[@ExplodingPiggy]

My dad broke an arm and his collar bone but still finished one of these.

[@wanderingsoul7935]

Brings back so many memories of my childhood, we used to go to the Royal Tournament a lot.

[@scientiautverum]

The only thing the FGC teams got extra was rations. Check out Ganges mast manning. Not a competition but used to be part of the training.

[@ericwilliams2317]

I remember going to the galley for lunch during 'Brickwoods' training in 83. "How much steak do you want"? "How do you want it done"? Christ, I thought I'd died and gone to heaven.

[@BertPreast]

The FGC day job was as regulators, the navy version of military police. As you may imagine, they were quite good at it.

[@scientiautverum]

@freebeerfordworkers Yes, the button boy. Got a tot and a Crown or Half Crown as payment.

[@nigeldeacon3271]

My mother, as a child, lived on the road leading to Whale Island where Portsmouth trained. They used to go and watch training. One of her memories was of the time when the barrel wasn't clipped properly to the A frame and it fell and killed a chap.

[@stevebird7265]

It is criminal that military cutbacks ended this amazing spectacle.

[@juliapigworthy]

It's not cutbacks.. it's the political enemy within intentionally weakening us over time by hollowing out our defences, institutions, and the traditions that kept us strong.

[@christophersargent6385]

Military, CUTS WONT AFFECT OFFICERS PENSIONS. I PUT MONEY ONIT.

[@Lt.GonvilleBromhead]

@@juliapigworthy Exactly that! Anything that reminds us we are British with a unique history has to be destroyed or re-written or thrown in the sea to make way for globalism. The elites look down their noses at all displays of patriotism like this.

[@jayleigh4642]

Just so nice to see you enjoy this 👍🏻🇬🇧

[@leebishop4570]

Guys would loose fingers during the competition either from holding wheel pins in as the carriage is rolled, or crush injuries. But they would just carry on regardless. Proud of the most historic navy in the world.

[@louiselumsden8646]

My husband has been a No.1 Field Gun Trainer for the Brickwoods competition for years and my son was so proud to be in a cadet Field Gun team at HMS Collingwood. I love Field Gun!

[@chrism8325]

During the Boer War the British Navy/Army hauled heavy battleship guns on land, to use in sieges etc. Quite a feat, considering the terrain and climate. Think they were a bit slower than this, though. Just a bit...

[@mairiconnell6282]

Gosh I was with the WRAC in 1984 had a blast with the Field Gunners at The Royal Tournament. They had broken fingers taped together, stitched and the injuries were awful and they continued. To hear the noise of the gun getting over is quite breath taking. Electric Beard you are becoming more British by the day.

[@265petsar]

Brits have some guts, you have to admire their fighting ability to get the job done quick, presice and with shear will power, glad there on our side when we go to war and not the enemy.

[@Ouch.]

These guys are tough and have real pride in their team. I hear a story about one run through where the pin that held one of the wheels on the gun carriage was dropped and one of the men shoved his finger in the hole to hold the wheel on during the final run. This resulted in an amputated finger but a win for his team and he was very happy!

[@peterthomas5792]

This was always one of the highlights of the entire year on TV for me. Such a shame it was stopped, those guys had such guts & dedication. I guess it was health & safety - a precursor to all the woke garbage that's currently polluting all our lives :-( Thanks to all those heroes who took part in it - it was a real spectacle, I'd love for it to come back.

[@MostlyPennyCat]

Money. They couldn't afford to run the royal tournament anymore. Much as we all loved it it was an enormous money pit.

[@howardbowen-RC-Pilot]

I saw this at the Royal Tournament in 78 i think. Earls Court. What a superb experience. Very proud that we had men like these. Wish it was around today.

[@alicroup]

My Dad use to take me as a child between 80s and 90s best memories ever.

[@mariawren771]

I remember seeing this on school trip in mid ‘80s when I was 10. Loved it so much & missed it too!

[@unwrittenwizard910]

One of the highlights of tv when I was a kid, sadly they no longer do it.

[@davidholmes2283]

It was ALWAYS my favourite part of the event. Please bring it back!

[@black5f]

Remember watching this, the barrel alone weighs just under 1/2 ton and they just throw it around.

[@BobMuk08]

That was filmed at the Last 'Royal Tournament' in Earls Court Arena. A showcase for UK military prowess & often featured guest Military units from all over the world. I remember seeing the American 'dancing' military band there. The 'Gun-Run' is still a regular competition in the Navy. Participants are all volunteers & specially selected for their task. The training is very demanding & takes months.. it can be very dangerous, and injuries do happen. It's very easy to lose a finger in the competition. As a teenage Sea Cadet, we used to do this (with a smaller gun) but the barrel still weighed a quarter of a ton. My job was on the 'Limber' pole jumping over the wall... it was very exciting. I was only 14yrs old.

[@PHDarren]

The Navy Field Gun competition still runs to this day, it was the televised Royal Tournament that showcased the final that ended in 1999.

[@customspoons]

Its nothing like at the Royal tournament. This was the final run, I know because I served in the Royal Navy.

[@RugbyMatters]

It has been reintroduced to the Tournament (no longer "Royal" but the Navy no longer perform this event due to Health & Safety. These days its performed a private High School who also puts this event on every year at the Sandhurst Open day.

[@tomazimon7448]

@@RugbyMatters Still takes place yearly, just a bit less dangerous these days. Look up hms collingwood field gun.

[@andytilley7205]

You mean the Brickfields gun run....nothing like this.

[@MrJethro64]

I am glad you enjoyed it.... I have had the privilege to watch these guys practice.... they practice dailey... diet is huge... no extra pay, just pride... all serving military personnel too.... bring it back !!!

[@devonsteve2347]

You’d be surprised how many ‘side bets’ were placed, lot of prestige placed in winning :) being part of the gun crew used to be a specific draft, training every day, extra victuals. But i believe now it is voluntary done in your spare time, its not the same. Yet another tradition lost. (As were some fingers)

[@shadegate6660]

Our workshop in Plymouth used to manufacture / repair the wheels and spars for all 3 gun crews. Kept our wheelwrights busy all year round. The wheels were adjusted with lead blocks between the spokes in the hub to make them all identical. The spars were laminated from 1" thick planks to give strength. Still got broken regularly because of the sheer brutality of the competition. Used to see the Devonport crew practicing in the naval base behind our workshop. Such a shame it came to an end.