THE FAMOUS field gun competition could be relaunched as part

of the revival of the Royal Tournament.

In an official Government report, ministers say they are

considering a “modern equivalent” of the show, which was

controversially scrapped in 1999.

Former field gunners in Plymouth who took part in the

competition welcomed the news, claiming the “cherished” event

provided a special opportunity for promoting the Armed Forces

to the general public.

It is envisaged the tournament could be revived as part of a

campaign to restore national recognition to the Armed Forces –

but its revival will not happen in the near future, with

thousands of troops currently posted around the world.

The Government report of inquiry into National Recognition

of Our Armed Forces was ordered by the Prime Minister, Gordon

Brown.

It also discusses the use of military uniform in public, and

homecoming parades.

Ian 'Ike' Sherriff, who was a member of the Fleet Air Arm

Field Gun Crew in the 1970s and 1980s, took part in the

tournament. He said: “The Royal Tournament was a great shop

window, not only for the Armed Forces, but everything Great

Britain stood for.

“The field gun event was a great spectacle. It also bonded

together the guys taking part, and I feel the navy

benefited.

“Everyone loved the event, and I think it is brilliant it

could be brought back.”

The Royal Tournament was first held in 1880, and is believed

to be the world's oldest tattoo. It was famous for its massed

military bands, equestrian displays and the field gun

competition.

In its final years, the event was hit by low ticket sales

and there were difficulties finding the manpower to arrange

it.

Vic Barnett, a committee member of the Devonport Field Gun

Association and a field gunner during the 1970s, added: “It is

a fantastic idea.

“To acknowledge a recognition of the Armed Forces in this

way would be great.

“As a field gun association representative, I would welcome

the idea. We are looking at the information and are keen to

know more about it.”

The report, by the labour MP Quentin Davies, states the

Royal Tournament could be cost-effective.

“Many people we have spoken to, both civilian and military,

spontaneously said how much they regretted its demise,” it

states in the report.

“We share this sentiment but recognise in view of the

current pressure on our Armed Forces, it would not be

practicable to revive it at the present time.”

However, the report states there is the possibility of

launching a “modern equivalent” and adds: “We believe the

Ministry of Defence should re-examine this possibility every

year in light of pressure from overseas deployments.”

The report also recommends the creation of an Armed Forces

Day, which could become a public holiday, and the encouragement

of troops to wear their uniforms while off duty.

It adds: “Homecoming parades for units returning from combat

should be encouraged, and not be left to chance.

“The object should be to do everything possible to provide

an opportunity for a unit from any of the three services

returning from a combat zone to have a parade if it desire.

“The local authority for its part should be expected to make

an effort to arrange publicity before the event, and to provide

a reception for the marching servicemen and servicewomen and

their families afterwards.”

HMS Raleigh's Field Gun Crew will be gunning for glory in

Portsmouth during the annual Brickwoods Field Gun Competition

on June 7.

HMS Raleigh's squad of 25 has been practising hard during

their spare time for the tournament since the beginning of

April.