To The Limit And Beyond Pt 1

The legendary 1979 documentary of the 1978 Portsmouth Command Field Gun crew in action. The documentary follows the crew from selection to the A and B teams, through to the actual Field Gun competition at Earls Court in London. The blood, sweat, tears, strength and sheer will needed to be part of a Field Gun crew are shown like never before in this remarkable snapshot of the toughest team sport in the world. Written and directed by the late Ian Wooldridge for the BBC and distributed by DD Video.

[@garyscully2417]

Good footage of the Blue Bellies...loved it. Mini Lou..

[@alistairgillon4976]

I was selected for the B crew of the year they filmed,I amm the man with the Sand bag that got wet

[@Berkcam]

Good on ya Gilly

[@smilodontiger5675]

I think you made a great comment early on concerning the elite. It was very dignified. Nobody ordered you to take part in the Field Gun. It was all blood, sweat and a few tears. Bravo !!

[@Lionboy2930]

Nice one Gilly... won't forget your sideburns!!

[@brentmeistergeneral6074]

My old man was the first one back of the 4. Big Vic!

[@RebelVoDKa]

Television just can't capture how exciting it was to watch this live.

[@alftupper9359]

I loved the Field Gun competition and whoever killed it off should be ashamed. However, perhaps it's best that it didn't enter our 'inclusive' time - no doubt there would have been calls for women to be allowed.

[@RicTic66]

Bless them all, as a kid growing up in the 60/70s I knew all about the RN Field Gun Race, the history from The Boer War and why Devonport shouted 'Oggie, Oggie, Oggie!' My Mum and Dad both RAF veterans of WWII took me to The Royal Tournament twice in the late 60s and both times Devonport raced on the side we were sitting. I was a Devonport supporter from then as the MC encouraged all neutrals to cheer for the team nearest to them. The atmosphere and tension was amazing, it is such a shame it had to finish. We as a nation have lost too much tradition and are worse of for it.

[@haveyougotthetimeple]

Also used to watch on the track in HMS DRAKE. Think it was a Thursday in late 80s/90s. Helicopter display, police dogs etc. Great days.

[@ianhoward2757]

my dad ran twice for pompy

[@joannemarshall9600]

My cousin was selected and he died the night before the actual tournament during "rehearsal". He fell from the wall, went into a coma for a few days, then we lost him.

[@RicTic66]

That is so sad, you must have been really proud of your cousin. The Royal Navy only picked the best of the 'very' best for their field gun crews.

[@jackoates6418]

Which year was this and what was his name? I had no idea of this incident?

[@philibean1]

Derby Allen died in 82 when during the rig collapse, he was B Crew Flying Angel.

[@camrenwick]

This is tough. Respect.

[@scufferz713]

Brings back memories of my days in the mob