The name of the Field Gun lives on with the annual Competition for the magnificent Brickwood Trophy, which dates back to 1907. The Brickwood Trophy (the idea of the late Sir John Brickwood, Chairman of the Brewery) is a handsome piece of work. It is an exact reproduction in silver of a 12 pounder field gun and its sailor crew of seven. Originally it was mounted on a black ebony stand. The trophy was first competed for on August 28th 1907 at the RN Barracks, Portsmouth. The first winners were the Royal Marines Light Infantry Field Gun Crew from Forton. To celebrate their victory they held a dinner followed by a smoking concert.

The origin of these field gun competitions is linked to the Boer War, in particular the epic 119 day siege of Ladysmith. The gallant defenders were helped enormously by the arrival at the last minute, of Captain the Hon Hedworth Lambton of the Naval Brigade with his 280 Blue-Jackets, four 12 pounders and two 4.7 inch guns.

Competing for the prestigious Brickwood Trophy remains a key aspiration for all Units involved, is still going strong and well supported and in fact the abolition of the annual Royal Tournament, and the Command Naval Field Gun competition in 1999 has placed new focus on this spectacle, where courage, discipline, teamwork and leadership remain key components in today’s Armed Services.

Communication Specialists are very fortunate this year to be involved in the event, therefore, we will be attending the Royal Marines Field Gun and families day at Collingwood on the 26th May, 2012.

From the coach: The Electric Hairdressing ‘gunner of the week’ was won by Sam Fryer. Behind the scenes Sam is keeping us on track and without that stop watch we could not keep No.1 to account on box builds, (2 beers?). Sam was not on the track for the award, (too busy changing into her wonder woman / nursey costume and taking ‘fingers’ to hospital) therefore prize giving on Monday. Next week’s gunner of the week is sponsored by Communication Systems

Who Are JFC Field Gun Team?
JFC Naples Field Gun Crew; the only Multi-National, NATO Field Gun Crew competing to win the Royal Navy Field Gun Competition.
Pulling together
Simple effective communications
Trust
Determination to deliver

Comments from Bruce Foster
I feel that we could stress the communications aspects of field gun. When the gun arrives it will be all about communication in order to improve on the track times, the gunners discuss the best ways to lift the beastie, or fire the shells or rip the wheels on and off. The run is akin to a formula 1 pit stop! It is team work too – leadership falls into the mutual respect category as there is no rank on the track just 18 problem solvers literally all pulling together.

We are really looking forward to the events on the day which start at 09:30 with a meet in the Day Hospitality Area and conclude with the March On & Prize Giving at 17:00.

We wish the team good luck in their training!

5 Comments

  • Chalky says:

    The Army are set to defend their title this year!!

    • CommSpec-Admin says:

      Hi

      Have you been to one of their battles, I had so much fun in 2012, we supprted the Army for an event and my goodness the boys word hard! Thanks for commenting and keep in touch

  • CommSpec-Admin says:

    Really, which team, how exciting, well done you. We were there with the team Bruce Foster, the team lifted me in the air after their session, we had a very good day down in Southampton. I will be interested to hear about your day and routing for you to win!

  • CommSpec-Admin says:

    JFC Naples was the team we supported

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