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Filmed during the Second Boer War at Durban, South Africa, this film records
a Royal Navy training session in which two groups of sailors compete to
disassemble, reassemble and fire two 12-pounder field guns. Although known
simply as 'guns', these weapons actually resemble canons and were extremely
heavy. Sailors were required to transport these burdensome weapons over
difficult terrain and this film demonstrates the remarkable speed with which
troops would take these machines apart, carry their various pieces, and
reassemble them again for firing. These guns and the skills demonstrated here
played an important role in the Second Boer War, particularly during the relief
of the besieged town of Ladysmith.
Originating at this time, this competition became known as the Naval Field
Gun Run and inspired a famous naval contest that became an integral part of the Royal Tournament from 1907 to 1999.
Christian Hayes
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Complete film (1:19)
