Brickwoods trophy returns to Yeovilton

Victory for the HMS Heron Field Gun Crew this year in a dramatic finale at HMS Collingwood’s annual open day in the Royal Navy Field Gun Competition. In hot and testing conditions over two days 21 Field Gun Crews from across all three Services vied for the coveted Brickwoods trophy. HMS Heron’s crew of 18 won through to the final after 7 gruelling heats, before competing in the final on Sat 1st June. The competition is a showpiece event at the establishment’s annual open day.

Facing stiff competition in the final with crews from HMS Excellent, HMS Sultan, HMNB Portsmouth, REME and HMS Seahawk, the men of HMS Heron emerged victorious with a winning time of 1 min 19.4 seconds. This extremely fast time also secured the crew the overall fastest time trophy and best aggregate time trophy in addition to the prestigious Brickwoods trophy.

HMS Heron’s Field Gun Crew 1st Trainer Petty Officer Gavin ‘Dolly’ Partoon said he was immensely proud of his team’s achievements especially after the disappointment of losing last year’s final by a fraction of a second. Winning the Best trainer trophy, after only his first season in charge as 1st trainer, PO Partoon thanked his crew for their dedication and commitment through a long and tiring season and especially thanked the families for their support. HMS Heron’s Field Gun Officer Lt Mike Harris said ‘The result was just reward for the grit and determination displayed by the crew. They have all worked extremely hard during the season and each member can be very proud of their achievement. My thanks are also extended to the support staff and families who did lot behind the scenes which helped ensure the Brickwoods trophy returned to Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton.’ In its 106th year The Brickwoods Trophy was presented to HMS Heron, the triumphant field gun crew by the 2nd Sea Lord Vice Admiral David Steel.

Photographs L(PHOT) Caroline Davies