FIELD-GUNNERS ALL FIRED UP AGAIN

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.