Roaring crowds enjoyed a display of grit, determination, and camaraderie recently as the HMS Sultan Field Gun Crews went all out in the Burgess Trophy at HMS Sultan.
Two 18-strong crews put on a fast and furious display in timed runs which included dismantling, reassembling, and firing a Field Gun in front of the personnel from across the Establishment.
Both teams, who had been in training since April, performed admirably on the day, but it was Sultan 'A' Crew who took the run with a well drilled display.
With the runs complete, Captain Mark Hamilton, the Commanding Officer of HMS Sultan presented ‘A’ Crew with the Burgess Trophy. There was also a special presentation made by both Field Gun Crews of a team training top to Aggies Pastoral Worker Iain Whitehead, for his support to Crew welfare.
Next weekend, both crews will head to HMS Collingwood to compete in the Tri-Service Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC) Field Gun, held as part of the HMS Collingwood Open Day on Saturday, 6 July.
The Field Gun Competition will feature crews from across the UK and as far afield as Gibraltar competing for the coveted Brickwoods Trophy.
The HMS Sultan field gun crews are made up of personnel from right across the Establishment and from the first-time novice to the experienced Field Gun veteran the team has worked hard to pull together.
No.1 Field Gun Trainer Lt Cdr Stu Moss said: “The Burgess trophy provides a good opportunity for both crews to show Sultan what we’ve been doing ahead of the Field Gun Competition at HMS Collingwood. In addition, it gives the crews a taste of what it’s like to perform in front of crowds, your friends and families and the adrenalin which drives you to get that little bit quicker.
“This is my 24th year of Field Gun competition, including two in the old format at the Royal Tournament.
“What I really like about Field Gun, and keeps me coming back, is that it is the epitome our Naval Core Values Courage, Commitment, Discipline, Respect, Integrity, and Loyalty. It builds people up and the need for teamwork and everyone to perform their roles correctly means that if one goes wrong then you’ve lost it. It also brings people of all ranks, from those 16-year-olds straight out of school to senior officers, together as one with no rank, just one team.
“With the main competition fast approaching, I think we’re progressing well. Anything can happen on the day, and we will be going there to compete with the best.”
The HMS Collingwood Open Day is open to the public, with the gates open at 0930. A FREE BUS SERVICE will run twice per hour from Fareham and Gosport and back. Once the entrance fee is paid, all entertainment and attractions are free of charge.
For tickets visit https://royalnavy.ticketsrv.co.uk/tickets/
