Poole Fieldgun display team at Wareham Carnival

The days of the Royal Tournament are long since past, but its spirit remains.  This is not a field gun race, as there is no rival team, but these hardy local volunteers provide a good idea of just how tough the course is.

The original race was held between two different army units.  It was based on an episode of the Boer War in 1899 when heavy naval guns, using manpower alone, were taken over rough terrain in order to relieve the garrison at Ladysmith.  Very tough and dangerous work, and the guns had at times had to be dismounted and manoeuvred by hand.  There were no heroic victories for the British army during that war, this episode was a useful substitute for home consumption.

The gun used here is nothing like the size and weight of the originals!