Field gun highlight of Collingwood Open Day

HMS COLLINGWOOD Open Day is set to return this weekend after two years of cancellations due to COVID-19 restrictions and lockdowns; with the Fareham-based Royal Navy training base due to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee while also commemorating the 40th anniversary of the Falklands War.

The ever-popular family event – which showcases the annual Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity Field Gun Competition – will take place this Saturday, July 2. The RNRMC Field Gun Competition will feature seventeen individual crews from across the UK and as far afield as European country Cyprus, including a combined Naples/Norway crew, competing for the coveted Brickwoods Trophy in front of a large crowd.

Competition will be as fast and furious as ever; with teams of eighteen individuals required to run, dismantle, reassemble and fire the field guns in the shortest / quickest possible time as measured by speed monitors.

Strength, stamina and teamwork are essential throughout this challenge. There is much to play for this year as the last time the competition was held, it resulted in a draw between two crews – Portsmouth Naval Base and the Army’s REME – sharing the title of Brickwoods Trophy Champions in the 2019 event.

There will also be many fun-filled family attractions during the day with entertainment and displays designed to capture the imagination of everyone, whilst giving an insight into both HMS Collingwood, Defence Training, the Royal Navy and other Armed Forces and Public Services. There will be Interactive Zones and the opportunity to witness ships being navigated into Portsmouth Harbour in the Warship Bridge Simulator.

Gates will open at the base, located off Newgate Lane, at the prompt time of 9:30am; with all entertainment and attractions including fairground fairs free of charge upon the payment of an entrance fee. A free bus service will also run at regular intervals throughout the day between Gosport and Fareham in both directions.

PICTURES REPRODUCED WITH PERMISSION FROM HMS COLLINGWOOD, FAREHAM MEDIA TEAM