Scorching 35C weather doesn't stop Royal Navy sailors pushing large field gun in front of crowds
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They are preparing ahead of a high stakes competition next month
Determined Royal Navy sailors didn’t let the fiercely hot weather stop them from training for an upcoming competition.
Field Gun Crews at HMS Colingwood in Fareham sweltered through 35C temperatures to complete their training. Performing in front of crowds at a public demonstration, they didn’t let the scorching conditions hamper their resolve and teamwork.
No.1 Trainer CPO Lee Beagley said: “It was a great performance by both crews, today. Running in front of a crowd readies them for the upcoming competition. With only 6 training days left, it has put them in a good position to compete and represent CWD with pride on the day of the competition.”
The public display are in preparation for the annual Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC) Field Gun competition. This is due to take place at HMS Collingwood’s Open Day on July 4.
Demonstrating intense strength and skill, the event allowed the crews to showcase the accumulation of intensive training they have been doing 5 days a week since the spring. They completed the run to a competitive time. Competing for the sought after “Brickwoods Trophy”, HMS Collingwood crews will commence their final track week training on June 29.
HMS Collingwood personnel were in attendance supporting the teams, with the atmosphere encouraging them to keep going amid harsh temperatures. A red weather alert for “extreme heart” was extended to Portsmouth by the Met Office today.
Temperatures are expected to break the current UK temperature record of 40.5C. Met Office deputy chief forecaster Mark Sidaway, said: “Red warnings are reserved for the most severe events and we’re expecting severe and significant impacts from this heatwave, with health impacts likely for many, even beyond those who are normally more vulnerable to the heat.
“The last time the UK recorded temperatures this high was in July 2022, but on this occasion the heat is expected to be accompanied by high humidity. As well as very high daytime temperatures, there will be consecutive nights where temperatures do not drop below 20 degrees Celsius, which is called a tropical night. This will make it very hard for people to recover from the daytime heat, exacerbating the heat stress impacts.”