The spirit of one of the Royal Navy’s most iconic traditions was on full display today as teams from across the Armed Forces battled it out in Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC) Field Gun Competition at the HMS Collingwood Open Day.
Following weeks of demanding training, crews took to the track in front of spectators, competing for some of Field Gun’s most prestigious trophies. Every race showcased the strength and teamwork that have defined the competition for generations.
After an afternoon of fierce competition, REME emerged victorious to lift the coveted Brickwoods Trophy after going head to head with HMS Seahawk.
Alongside the overall champions, teams were recognised across a number of categories:
RNRMC Cup: HMS Seahawk
Portsmouth Command Trophy: HMS Collingwood A crew
Fleet Air Arm Trophy: HMS Seahawk
Powerful Trophy: HMS Seahawk
Plate One: 42 Commando
Plate Two: Gibraltar
Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity Trainers Trophy: REME
Although fiercely competitive, Field Gun is about far more than winning silverware. Crews spend weeks preparing together, developing the trust, resilience and communication needed to complete each run with speed and precision. Open to personnel of all ranks, the competition continues to bring together people from across the Royal Navy, Royal Marines and wider Armed Forces, forging friendships that often last long after the final race.
The competition traces its roots back to the heroic efforts of naval personnel during the Siege of Ladysmith in the Second Boer War, when sailors hauled their guns more than 100 miles over difficult terrain to reinforce British troops. More than a century later, that remarkable feat continues to inspire today’s competitors, ensuring this unique chapter of naval history remains alive for future generations.
Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity is proud to support the continuation of the competition, funding the maintenance of the historic guns and providing financial support to participating crews. By investing in Field Gun, the charity helps preserve an important part of Royal Navy heritage while creating opportunities for serving personnel to challenge themselves physically and mentally.
