Gibraltar Field Gun Crew celebrate success at HMS Collingwood

The British Forces Gibraltar field gun crew won the Plate 2 final at the Royal Navy & Marines Charity open day at HMS Collingwood.

The competition is a race to assemble, dismantle and transport a 1,300kg antique gun across a series of obstacles.  Historically referred to as ‘the toughest team sport in the world’, the grueling challenge has its roots in the Second Boer War, and emulates action taken by the Royal Navy personnel during the Siege of Ladysmith

Three months of intense training paid off for the Gibraltar team, making a first appearance at the competition in over seven years.  The Plate 2 win also marks the first time a crew from the Rock brings back silverware in over 25 years.

Lieutenant Mark Gower RN led the crew, which comprised 12 RG personnel and included four B Coy reservists, six Royal Navy, three RAF, and one British Army member.

Lt Gower credited support from Command leadership and local sponsors with enabling him to rebuild a team after the Covid-19 pandemic initially halted local involvement.

The recently appointed Commander British Forces Gibraltar, Commodore Tim Davey RN congratulated the team, saying he was incredibly proud of this achievement.  Cdre Davey was the Commanding Officer at HMS Collingwood before being appointed CBF on the June 26th.  He said he knew how competitive the event is and just how important the win was.