After taking up the challenge to join a Royal Navy field gun crew, Dan Judson presents a programme about the gruelling preparation for the annual competition at HMS Collingwood
‘Rock, Jock and One Smoking Barrel: The Inside Story of the Gibraltar Field Gun Crew’, will be broadcast on BFBS Radio on Saturday 1st August at 1pm (UK) and on BFBS Radio 2 on Monday 3rd August at 12.30pm (UK).
“Having experienced this naval tradition first hand, I wanted to share what really happens behind the scenes. Spectators see a polished performance of strength, determination, and discipline in 90 seconds but there has been months of training to get to that stage.
“We’re living up to our reputation as the Forces Station by living and breathing life within the military community, embracing the unique opportunity to discover the roles within a crew from day one of training until the after party at HMS Collingwood.”
During the 30-minute documentary Dan explores just what it takes to become part of a field gun crew, with personal insights of the taxing training regime – both on and off the track – and the different roles that make up the 18-man team.
And after surviving the selection process himself, Dan relays fitness advice from the Gibraltar Crew PTI, POPT ‘Bungy’ Edwards (RN), while former Chief Gunner, Pete Murray-Jones, describes the original Command Field Gun competition.
There’s coverage from the tent village in the week before the finals at HMS Collingwood, including interviews with new crews from 42 Commando and the Royal Engineers. Dan speaks to WO2 Natasha Pulley, the first female No.1 Crew Trainer, and also to the world record-breaking team from HMS Heron.
Dan presents the weekday breakfast show from 7-10am. You can listen to him on BFBS Gibraltar via the app and online athttp://www.bfbs.com/radio/locations/gibraltar
BFBS Radio is available on DAB digital radio in the UK, on FM in the UK, on FM across the forces world, on Sky Channel 0211, Freesat Channel 786, online atwww.bfbs.com and via the free BFBS smartphone app.
BFBS Radio 2 is on FM across the forces world and available via BFBS set top boxes. Selected programmes can be heard online atwww.bfbs.com