RAF Cosford recruits are put through their paces before Birmingham Tattoo
Nov 24 2009 by Christina Savvas, Birmingham Mail
READY aim fire! Recruits from RAF Cosford are being put through their paces as they prepare for battle at the Birmingham Tattoo.
An 18-strong crew are taking part in an intense training regime before they compete against Abbey Wood Field Gun Team, from MoD Abbey Wood, near Bristol, at the two-day event at the NIA this weekend.
Volunteers from all ranks, aged between 17 and 44, must carry the gun equipment, which weighs a tonne and a quarter, a distance of 85 yards in a quicker time than their opponents.
The Field Gun Competition originates from the exploits of the Naval Brigade during the Boer War when six naval guns were manhandled from Durban, over 100 miles of arduous terrain to relieve the besieged town of Ladysmith.
Queen Victoria requested the event be re-enacted for the British public at the 1900 Royal Tournament, and the display evolved into competition.
RAF Cosford Field Gun Team, number one trainer, Sgt Matt Golling said: “It’s all about attitude and determination. There is a bit of a misconception that you have to be a brilliant sportsman but that’s not the case. If you have 18 people working together as a team the kit is easier to move. It is heavy equipment and they need to be moving it in about one minute, 20 seconds.
“We have a mix of trainees and permanent staff on the team. It is a big commitment to make and it wears you down and for some reason they are more enthusiastic than I ever was.
“There is one main competition each year in Portsmouth.
“But we are quite lucky that we have the NIA to keep the season going and it’s a real showpiece.
“I try not to be too harsh when shouting orders.
“It’s trying to keep a lot of people happy but if people make mistakes you have to highlight them. They are really enthusiastic and that is half the battle and I am fairly confident we will do well against Abbey Wood.”
Corp Dave Tomkinson, 30, is taking part for the third year. He said: “It is real hard graft, you have to give it everything for that minute and a half.”
Dan Carr, has one of the four wheel positions. The 26-year old from Widnes, said: “It is very physically demanding and can be quite daunting. It is heavy kit and you are going so quick, if you make a mistake and don’t get the wheel on quick enough people can get injured, it’s a big responsibility.”
The 21st Birmingham Tattoo takes place this Saturday and Sunday.
The event is one of the largest gatherings of massed military bands and standard bearers and brings together nearly 1,000 performers.
