The genesis of the competition originates was Second Boer War in South Africa. To help relieve the siege of the British Army garrison in Ladysmith in 1899, guns from HMS Terrible and HMS Powerful were transported inland, with the final section requiring them to be manhandled over difficult terrain. One story tells of sailors carrying one of the 12-pounders for 2 miles after one of the wheels collapsed.

Organised and marshalled by PRFC Stalwart, Steve Penberthy, the gun-run was a bright spot on an otherwise gloomy day as the Crew showed strength, control and teamwork to a packed street audience. With former Field Gunner Nigel Ayling in attendance to oversee the proceedings, the crew followed the “Brickwood’s” race format to essay four runs along the High Street. Used to this day in closely fought intra-service competitions, this format simulates the drill which would have been undertaken to bring the field gun into action at Ladysmith.

Whilst the crew sought to surprise and delight the crowds, the main purpose of the event was to raise money for the Parkinson’s Disease Charity. Their blood, sweat and tears were richly rewarded and they exceeded their target raising over £1,000 for the Charity, helped by a bucket collection on the day by Petersfield U15 players.

For those wanting a bit more information on the efforts the Crew went to, the “Brickwood’s” format is as follows;

1st Advance, 1st Wheel Change
The limber is lifted, its wheels and drag ropes are shipped and it is run forward. The gun wheels are exchanged with the limber wheels. The gun is brought to the back of the limber and connected, both are then run forward.

2nd Advance, 1st Action
The gun is unhooked and the limber is run to the 70-yard line, where it is turned or spun to face the start; its wheels are removed, and it is dropped to the ground. The gun is run to the end of the track, turned and stopped. The gun is fired three times, each shell being run to the gun from the limber by the fastest man in the crew.

1st Retire, 2nd Wheel Change
The limber wheels are shipped and it is run back and hooked to the gun. Both are then run towards the start, stopped and lifted together to exchange wheels. This is the heaviest lift of all, and life gets very difficult if the gear is dropped.

2nd Retire, 2nd Action
Gun and limber are run towards the start line, separated and stopped. The gun is fired three times as quickly as possible.

3rd Retire and Finish
The limber is run back and hooked to the gun, then every member of the crew strains to accelerate the gear over the finish line. This is not the best time to fall in front of the gear, because it is very heavy and cannot be stopped!