'Proud' HMS Collingwood sailors win junior Royal Navy field gun competition ahead of open day
.jpg?width=96&crop=1:1,smart)
Personnel will take the sense of achievement and camaraderie through their careers
Passionate sailors from a Fareham Royal Navy base have won a remarkable field gun competition.
Personnel from HMS Collingwood’s Victory Squadron came out on top against a competitive field. The finals of the Junior Leaders Field Gun Competition took place on May 9 at the Royal Artillery Barracks in south-east London.
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. 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.”
The competition aims to strengthen leadership development among young participants from military and civilian organisations. Phase 2 trainees undertook a week’s worth of training ahead of the finals. 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 and Royal Marines Charity field gun competition.
Initially 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 and RAF units, University Royal Naval Units, cadet forces, colleges, University Technical Colleges, and defence companies.
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.
The final saw Victory Squadron compete against the Fleet Air Arm, HMS Raleigh, and the Royal Navy Cadet Force. Teamwork and a clean drill saw the HMS Collingwood personnel emerge victorious in one minute and 25 seconds.
VS Crew Mentor CPO Lee Beagley said the team demonstrated hard work and dedication in abundance. He added: “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.” The HMS Collingwood Open Day takes place this summer on July 4.