HMS Heron wins Brickwoods Field Gun

On the hottest day of the summer so far this year the public poured in to HMS COLLINGWOOD, Fareham in their thousands to enjoy the annual Open Day featuring the Royal Navy Field Gun Competition, which this year saw 20 crews from across the UK and Gibraltar pushing out all the stops to compete for and win the prestigious Brickwoods Trophy.

In a tense and thrilling finale to this fast and furious competition, friends, families and visitors looked on eagerly as the final began. All eyes were on the Portsmouth Naval Base crew, the reigning champions, however the skill and determination of the crew from HMS HERON, Somerset saw them cross the line first, taking the trophy back to Somerset again, having last won it in 2011! Addressing the crews on completion of the final Second Sea Lord Vice Admiral David Steel CBE said “To all staff, sponsors and everyone involved in bringing this together my profound thanks. Thank you to everyone who has provided a magnificent field gun competition.”

In addition to the Field Gun competition the Navy’s Weapon Engineering and Warfare Training establishment opened many of the training areas used by ratings and officers to train them and prepare them for their roles in the Fleet. Two very popular areas were the High Ropes challenge, used by sailors to build confidence and trust in themselves and their colleagues, and the virtual reality bridge simulator, which may features were convinced actually moved – rendered them feeling slightly seasick! Other popular family attractions included the free fun fair, Armed Forces Recruitment zones and many other attractions to entertain the thousands who visited from far and wide.

The results of the final were: 1st - HMS HERON - 1.19.41 2nd - HMS EXCELLENT - 1.22.31 3rd - HM NAVAL BASE PORTSMOUTH - 1.22.73 The HMS HERON crew also won the trophy for fastest single run, their time in the final.