Collingwood celebrate big JLFG competition success
By Maddie Purdy
HMS COLLINGWOOD are celebrating as their Victory Squadron tasted success in the Junior Leaders Field Gun Competition (JLFG) last Saturday (May 9); which returned in 2026 with the finals taking place at the Royal Artillery Barracks in south-east London.
The competition aims to strengthen leadership development among young participants from military and civilian organisations alike. HMS Collingwood’s Victory Squadron Phase 2 trainees were able to attend training throughout next week culminating in the finals.
OiC Victory Squadron Lt Cdr “RAS” Winch said: “This competition gives our trainees an outstanding opportunity to challenge themselves beyond the classroom environment. JLFG develops resilience, discipline, leadership, and teamwork under pressure, which are all qualities that are essential in today’s Armed Forces. The sense of achievement and camaraderie that comes from completing the competition is something participants carry with them throughout their careers, and we are proud that our VS trainees represented themselves and Collingwood so positively.”
Organisers said this year’s competition represents a “significant step forward” for JLFG, with the format now more closely aligned to the established Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity Field Gun Competition. This plays an important role in fostering leadership skills, confidence, and team cohesion among young people aged 16 to 24. Plans also include enhanced welfare support and a “summer camp” style environment intended to improve both participant engagement and the spectator experience.
First launched in 2006, the competition was created to help develop future military and civilian leaders through disciplined training, teamwork, and physical endurance. Participants are drawn from a wide range of organisations, including Royal Navy training establishments, Army / RAF units, University Royal Naval Units, cadet forces, colleges, University Technical Colleges, and industry partners.
The competition itself centres on teams manoeuvring and operating heavy field gun equipment in timed drills. Crews must combine speed, coordination and precision while handling equipment weighing around one tonne. Participants often describe the experience as both exhausting and rewarding.
Inspired by the historic naval field gun runs associated with the relief of Ladysmith during the Boer War, the modern JLFG competition continues to place strong emphasis on leadership, self-discipline, and camaraderie. Teams underwent extensive preparation including training in gun drills and equipment handling before taking part in heats and the main competition.
A highly competitive final saw VS compete against the Fleet Air Arm, HMS Raleigh, and the RN Cadet Force. Team work and clean drill saw VS emerge victorious in a time of 1 min 25 Sec.
VS Crew Mentor CPO Lee Beagley said: “They demonstrated hard work, dedication and C2DRIL in abundance. Hopefully, following this win, we can continue to progress and go on to win the Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity Field Gun at this year’s Open Day. This is a fantastic opportunity for both military and civilian organisations to come together and compete in some friendly rivalry.
Readers can find out more information about HMS Collingwood via this online link, whilst they can purchase tickets for the Open Day in July by clicking https://royalnavy.ticketsrv.co.uk.
PICTURED: HMS Collingwood’s Victory Squadron celebrate their victory and pose for trophy as they win the Junior Leaders Field Gun Competition (JLFG) last Saturday.
