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Trust backs its own in prestigious 'Brickwoods' Field Gun competition
Published: 19 Jun 2018
Members of 605 Sqn, RAF Cosford, received a £600 grant from the RAF Charitable Trust to better their chances in the annual Royal Navy Brickwoods Field Gun competition.
The money was used to purchase a RAFCT branded gazebo to house the team's kit and equipment.
Before the Trust's donation, the 18-man Cosford team, who were the only crew to represent the RAF in the competition, were the only team without a gazebo.
Today, what is now recognised as the "Brickwoods" competition is held annually at HMS Collingwood as part of the HMS Collingwood Open Day. The competition requires teams from the forces to dismantle, reassemble and fire the gun in the shortest time in possible in a bid to win the coveted Brickwoods Trophy.
The origins of the field gun competition lie in the second Boer War when in support of the British Army, the Royal Navy transported guns over difficult terrain and brought them into action in the relief of the siege.
Warrant Officer John Taylor said: "The gazebo significantly helped to promote a sense of belonging and pride, inspire crew members and instil Service ethos into the only RAF team amongst 24 Navy crews.
"Thanks to the Trust, we were able to make small improvements aesthetically, overall bettering our performance."
A spokesperson for the RAF Charitable Trust, said: "It's great that RAF Cosford represented the Air Force in this prestigious competition - they should be proud of their achievement."
The competition took place on June 2, with the team finishing in 8th place out of 24 teams respectively.
