Military personnel often are invited to participate in competitions that are part of a tradition. Two of our Canadian Forces members stationed in Naples, Italy, participated last July in The Brickwoods Field Gun Competition in Portsmouth, England.
They were part of a team of NATO soldiers. It was a challenge for Sergeant Claudine Lamy Da Silva and Master Seaman Sarah-Emilie Lasnier who had never heard of this traditional British military event.
This competition has its origins in the military history of the British Navy. During the Second Boer War in 1899 (South Africa) the army had to find a way to transport guns to help the troops under siege. However, how could this be done in this difficult terrain when the 6 guns in question weighed half a metric ton each? The solution was to dismantle them.
This competition aims to replicate the epic feat that broke the battalion's deadlock. Every year since 1907, the British Navy has formed teams to compete in the dismantling of the caisson that carries the gun. It is a race against time that lasts between 1 minute 20 seconds and 2 minutes.
Claudine Lamy Da Silva and Sarah-Emilie Lasnier joined a team of NATO soldiers from Naples and Stavanger (Norway). It was a great challenge for the 18 members who, unlike the British teams, did not have a gun to practice with. They had to make do with a few days of preparation on-site before the event. The speed of execution and the weight of the cart poses a huge challenge of coordination, physical strength and leadership. It is a job of precision and sustained attention. A small mistake cost precious seconds and penalties.
Although the team did not rank among the best, they have been noticed for their exemplary team spirit. Congratulations to Claudine and Sarah-Emilie!