A Most Fine, Antique, Regimental Embroidery Of the Royal Artillery, P Battery, 63rd Royal Field Artillery

Stunningly handsome embroidered regimental wreathed crest, with the field cannon and motto ‘Ubique’ of legendary ‘P’ Battery, and also bearing their later title the 63rd RFA. [Royal Field Artillery]

Likely stiched by an officer's lady from the regiment. A traditional pastime of the wives of the serving or past serving men from British Regiments in the army, or, by sailors themselves in the Royal Navy was the making of highly intricate embroidery of their regimental colours.

From the doomed attempt to seize the Russian guns by the Light Brigade at Balaclava, to the Siege of Sebastopol itself, artillery played a major part in the Crimean War. The official history of the Royal Artillery Regiment in the conflict is therefore indispensible to a full picture of the war. Original embroidery , made in the Victorian to WW1 period, nicely framed. With Crimean War, Canada and Boer War Battle Honours. The story of the 63rd RFA from 1899; The 63rd lost their guns on the Ismore. They were refitted and joined Buller in Natal in time to take part in the operations about Spion Kop and Vaal Krantz and in the final relief actions. One officer was mentioned in General Buller's despatch of 30th March 1900. The battery accompanied that general in his northward movement to the south of the Transvaal, and a section went with General Clery to Heidelberg. In General Buller's final despatch 2 officers were mentioned. Towards the close of 1900 and in 1901 the battery was employed about the Standerton line, and four guns accompanied the column of Colonel Colville which operated on that line and in the north-east of the Orange River Colony. Referring to an action near Vlakfontein, Lord Kitchener in his telegram of 22nd December 1900 said, "Colonel Colville attributes the small loss to the excellent shooting of the 63rd Battery and the skilful leading of Lieutenant Jarvis, 13th Hussars, and Captain Talbot and Lieutenant White of the Rifle Brigade". 34.5 inches x 29 inches in the frame.  read more

Code: 22530

South American 19th Century Brazilian Faca De Ponta Fighting Knife

Rare Antique Brazilian Cangaceiros Faca De Ponta Lampiao Bandit Dagger Knife. Intersperced discs of carved bone and horn handle. Good maker mark logo of a prancing pony. Although made earlier they are now called after the early 20th century bandit leader. Lampiao became associated with an established bandit leader, Sebastiao Pereira. After only a few months of operating together, in 1922, Pereira decided to retire from banditry; he moved to the State of Goias and lived there peacefully into advanced old age. Lampiao then took over leadership of the remnants of Pereira's band. For the next 16 years, he led his band of cangaceiros, which varied greatly in number from around a dozen to up to a hundred, in a career of large-scale banditry through seven states of the Brazilian Northeast.

Depending on the terrain and other conditions, the bandits operated either on horseback or on foot. They were heavily armed, and wore leather outfits, including hats, jackets, sandals, ammunition belts, and trousers, to protect them from the thorns of the caatinga, the dry shrub and brushwood typical of the dry hinterland of Brazil's Northeast. The police and soldiers stationed in the backlands often dressed in an identical manner; on more than one occasion Lampiao impersonated a police officer, especially when moving into a new area of operations, in order to gain information.

The firearms and ammunition of the cangaceiros were mostly stolen, or acquired by bribery, from the police and paramilitary units and consisted of Mauser military rifles and a variety of small arms including Winchester rifles, revolvers and the prized Luger and Mauser semi-automatic pistols.

A strange and contradictory piety ran through Lampiao's psyche: while robbing and killing people, he also prayed regularly and reverenced the Church and priests. He wore many religious symbols on his person; presumably, he invested them with talismanic qualities. Like many others in the region he particularly revered Padre Cicero, the charismatic priest of Juazeiro. He was noted for his loyalty to those he befriended or to whom he owed a debt of gratitude. He generously rewarded his followers and those of the population who shielded or materially helped him (coiteros), and he was entirely reliable if he gave his word of honour. Lampiao was capable of acts of mercy and even charity, however, he systematically used terror to achieve his own survival. His enmity, once aroused, was implacable and he killed many people merely because they had an association with someone who had displeased him. He is recorded as having said "If you have to kill, kill quickly. But for me killing a thousand is just like killing one". For the cangaceiros murder was not only casual, they took pride in their efficiency in killing. They were excellent shots and were skilled in the use of long, narrow knives (nicknamed peixeiras - "fish-filleters") which could be used to dispatch a man quickly.

Lampiao's band attacked small towns and farms in seven states, took hostages for ransom, extorted money by threats of violence, tortured, fire-branded, and maimed; it has been claimed that they killed over 1,000 people and 5,000 head of cattle and raped over 200 women. The band fought the police over 200 times and Lampiao was wounded six times. 11 inches long overall  read more

Code: 20875

Thousands of Historical Books Available, With Up to 50 New Additions Every Day.

Some years ago The Lanes Armoury bookshop dept. made a special appearance, with a most kind and complimentary reference, in “The Sunday Times Culture Magazine’, within its bookshop section, in March 2006, and we continue to trade in our specialist books as much now as we did then, despite the demise of many of Britain’s fine bookshops. Mark’s interest in historical books was partly honed by his good school friend, with whom he shared a study at college in the 1960’s just into the early 70’s, Robert Foyle, of, probably, the world’s most famous bookshop family, Foyles of London. We cannot begin to emulate Foyles, but we do have many thousands of books, and as books are our largest single selling line we have just too many pass through our hands to even begin to list them all in stock, but we do try to list all our 1st Editions if possible. Please email us if you seek a particular item you don't see available. We are, as usual, actively seeking rare old books with a historical interest, we had an urgent request for a very rare and valuable [50k+ gbp] numbered & signed subscribers edition "The 7 Pillars of Wisdom", by T.E. Lawrence, and we found a superb one in April, after a 10 year search. and it was sold within hours.

The price shown below is an illustration of the average price of one of our modern, hardback historical books, of course our antique leather bound books can vary in price enormously from £50 to £5,000, depending on age, but more importantly, on rarity  read more

Code: 23677

A Fabulous Set of The Rifle Brigade Chronicle, Yearbooks Still Over 100 Available. Priced Per Volume!

A unique set of original regimental year books published during the past 120 years for and on behalf of the officers and men of the rifle Brigade. Over 100 copies [out of around 500 we had] still remaining, bound in regimental green cloth, up to 1967, and containing unique and hard to find information on the Rifle Brigade from the past century. One has a very special reference being supplied by Buckingham Palace [sold seperately]

For example;

The Rifle Brigade Chronicle for 1916 (Twenty-Seventh Year) compiled and edited by Colonel Willoughby Verner (London...
Title: The Rifle Brigade Chronicle for [various years]
Author: Colonel Willoughby Verner
Edition: 1st edition
Binding: Hardcover
Publisher: John Bale, Sons & Danielsson
Date published: various
====
THE RIFLE BRIGADE CHRONICLE FOR 1938 (FORTY-NINTH YEAR). Hardcover – 1 Jan. 1939
by Major H. G. (edit). Parkyn (Author)
=====
THE RIFLE BRIGADE CHRONICLE
Published by The Rifle Brigade Club and Association, Peninsula Barracks., Winchester (1965)

Buyers may email first direct to enquire for their preferred year, although we have duplicates of years some years are lacking. Some years contain the only known surviving records of the names of the men that served in the regiment. We had originally over 400, all the years of editions published, and 5 original copies per year.  read more

Code: 23385

Very Special Offer!! Many Have Been Reserved Just 5 Remaining As Not Yet Reserved A Fabulous, Original Set of Antique MK II Zulu War &1880's Vintage Martini Henry Rifles

Special one off offer items. We are sending them individually to be conserved and stock restored but as requested and as required. The stocks and all steel parts are very good but some stock cracking needs attention etc. our artisan can attend to that near invisibly. All the rifles are with original Victorian era leather slings.
These the very types of MK IIs as were used by the 24th Foot at Ishandwhana and Rorkes Drift. All of them are original ordnance contract examples, made either by Enfield, Birmingham Small Arms or London Small Arms, all with VR Crown mark, all originally line regiment issue. All sold on an individual basis . As they are incredibly collectible it is most unlikely they will remain available for long.

These rifles are truly exceptional examples, maker marked, and in very good operational order indeed with an excellent action, and clearly combat used. All their cleaning rods are present but usually no longer removable.
The Martini Henry, .450 577 rifle was most famous British Infantry breech loading rifle of the 19th century. All of these rifles are just as were used in the film ZULU, and the exact type as was used during the 1879 Zulu War, all very nice examples.
The Martini-Henry was a breech-loading lever-actuated rifle adopted by the British, combining an action worked on by Friedrich von Martini (based on the Peabody rifle developed by Henry Peabody), with the rifled barrel designed by Scotsman, Alexander Henry. It first entered service in 1871 replacing the Snider-Enfield, and variants were used throughout the British Empire for 30 years. It was the first British service rifle that was a true breech-loading rifle using metallic cartridges.
During the Martini-Henry period in service, the British army were involved in a large number of colonial wars, most notably the Anglo-Zulu War in 1879. The Martini Henry, 450-577, Short Lever, [MK I converted] MK II or the regular MK II rifle was the type used by the company of the 2nd Battalion, 24th Regiment of Foot present at Rorke's Drift during the eponymous battle. The MK I originally had a small design fault in that the actions hinge pin was initially made of brass, which was too soft for continual use. The rare and early MKI's were thus converted by removing this pin, replacing it with a steel pin, and then redesignated the MKII. The later dated 1880's examples we have were used throughout the British empire. This fabulous set, will now be sold individually, and were used for lecture purposes for almost 15 years at various military bases around the country

As with all our original antique arms, no licence is required to own, purchase or to collect anything of that description we sell. They, and all of these rifles, are entirely unrestricted to own, collect, and display just as they are, however, we only permitted to sell to those who are over 18 of age [with suitable I.d.]  read more

Code: 24259

An Original, Antique, Edwardian Royal Artillery Undress Pouch and Bullion Dress Cross Belt

Gold bullion crossbelt with gilt bronze fitting of traditional finest quality. A leather undress pouch with gilt brass swivel mounts. Reverse of leather pouch with old score marks. The undress pouch is in patent leather with gilt Royal Artillery badge and motto. The belt has superb original bullion with gilt bronze mounts, embellished finely cast acanthus leaves and the flaming canon ball. The design of the full dress pouch followed that of the full dress sabretache in that the royal arms were central over the battle honour, UBIQUE, latin for 'everywhere'. Laurel leaves are on the left and oak leaves on the right. Below UBIQUE is a metal gun badge, and below that is a three part scroll with the regimental motto QUO FAS ET GLORIA DUCUNT - Where Right and Glory Lead. This pouch was worn for special occasions. Mostly the full dress pouch belt was worn with the undress black leather pouch. A vintage photo in the gallery show a Royal Artillery officer wearing his cross belt and pouches however, the pouches are worn across the back and not visible from the front in this photo  read more

Code: 23005

Early 19th Century 'Tiger's Claw' Horn Hilted Khanjar Dagger

A most attractive antique dagger with an impressive blade. A middle eastern long bladed dagger, also called a jambiya. With a long, curved double-edged sturdy steel blade, with a medial ridge. Beautifully hand carved horn hilt of elegant form with waisted grip with central carved spiral and typical hooked pommel. In its original leather covered wooden scabbard with metal conical chape. Jambiya were taken by travellers to other cultures including Persia, the Ottoman empire, and India, where they were adopted with slight differences to the blade, hilt and scabbard. The horn hilt has old small losses to some surfaces. Blade 9 inches overall in scabbard 16.25 inches long, both measured straight across  read more

Code: 21254

Belgium's First Airship the Belgique, A Bronze Plaquette, by D Weygers of Louis Godard's Airship 'Belgique' Circa 1910

Most rare early aeronautical medal of one of the very earliest airships, from Belgium, issued by the towns of d’Auderghem and Watermael-Boitsfort.

It depicts a semi-draped nude figure holding informative scroll, looking up at the airship, 52mm x 70mm. Engraved on the reverse Souvenir of the Derigible 'Belgique' the type of construction by Louis Godard. The "Belgique" was a 4.200m3 airship constructed by Louis Goddard at Paris and used by the Service Aérostatique from 1910 onwards.

The Belgique III was in fact the third extensive modification of the basic Belgique airship previously owned by Mrs. Goldschmidt and Solvay, who donated the machine to King Albert. Transferred to the Compagnie d'Aérostiers du Génie, the Belgique III was used up to September 1914 from Wilrijk, Antwerp. When the Germans took this town, the machine was disassembled and transported to France.

Still manned by the Belgian Commandant Soucy, the Belgique III was equipped with the gondola of the vedette Zodiac to become the VZ 5 based at La Rochelle and later Rochefort for coastal surveillance duties.

The VZ 5 having been operational until at least 1919 was offered back to Belgians but the government didn't have any use for an airship anymore.  read more

Code: 24175

Early War M1910 Feldgrau & Wine Red Wool Cloth Representing the Colours of a Prussian Uhlans Lancers Regiment

The very same form of Imperial German army cap worn by Adolf Hitler in WW1 [see photos] A rare survivor of early WW1 German trench warfare head dress of 1914. In super condition with no mothing. The cockades used during WW1 to represent the National colours and Prussian state was black and white, and the upper cockade, red, white and black.
The type of cap worn by. Adolf Hitler is shown in a photo in the gallery wearing his very same type of cap, while serving as a gefreiter in the trenches in WW1. The infantry Mutze was adorned with two roundels (Kokarden) sewn one over the other. The upper Kokarde was known as the Deutsche or Reichs Kokarde, and it was painted in the national colors of red-white-black. The lower Kokarde was painted in the State colours and was known as the Landeskokarde. 1897 Reich's Kokarde
In 1897 a new Reich's Kokarde in Red/White/Black was introduced for all ranks to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the birth of Kaiser Wilhelm 1st. The Reich's Kokarde was to be worn on the right side of the Pickelhaube, and worn centered between the band and the top row of piping on Kratzchen (Feldmutze)The lower Kokarde was painted in the State colors and was known as the Landeskokarde, and is based in Schlesien - a Prussian State Because the Krätzchen was a vital link in the rather complicated unit colour-coding system, it had a wide-range of colour combinations for the band and piping. A wide coloured band in combination with piping at the cap’s top, and sometimes on the band, indicated the wearer’s branch, or in the cavalry’s case, regiment. It sounds simple, yet the almost endless colour-coding made it so complicated it had little utility. For example, all infantrymen would have a poppy red band and piping. Various shades of red band and piping would also apply to certain regiments of Dragoons, Uhlans, Schwere Reiter and Chevaulegers. Some cavalry regiments, such as Hussars and Cuirassiers, would have their own unique unit colour combination. Certain branches of the army would wear the identical colour combination, such as the technical branches, including engineers, field artillery and transport troops (black band with red piping). This cap has wine red coloured band and piping which usually denotes an Uhlan Regt. The cotton lining is good and complete but the interior wear marks have worn away the interior black regimental ink stamps.  read more

Code: 23679

A Unique, Small But Significant, Historical Boer War, the Siege of and Battle for Ladysmith Collection of A Combatant With Superb Personal Correspondence Provenance

Of Gunner Reginald Kisch, NNV one of the besieged at Ladysmith.
An HMS Powerful cap tally with accompanying original letter, from one of the 'Powerfuls', the landing party from HMS Powerful, for the Battle for Ladysmith, a pair of uniform epaulette shoulder board’s from a combatant at the siege, The Border Mounted Rifles, pieces of shrapnel from a Long Tom the destruction of 'Puffing Billy' [the British nickname of the Boers Long Tom big gun], plus numerous letters to Gunner Kisch' mother and sister, at the NNV [Natal Naval Volunteers] combatants home camp. Plus original newspaper cuttings of the war from the family.

The urgent transport of the cannon from HMS Powerful and HMS Terrible by the landing party, sent to the Siege of Ladysmith were the inspiration for the world renown Royal Naval Field Gun Competition at the Royal Tournament since 1907. [see below]

This collection would be a fabulous compliment to a medal group from the siege, such as from an HMS Powerful landing party combatant, or a NNV combatant, or a BMR combatant.

This is also the probably most historically interesting cap tally combat collection since our ‘Battle of River Plate’ German Battleship Graff Spee cap tally, taken from a killed German sailor, and personally given by Kapitan Langsdorff as a souvenir to a merchant ship captain who was a prisoner aboard his battleship. Now in a private museum collection in America.


Powerful's Naval Brigade Arrives in Ladysmith
The Powerful's Naval Brigade consisting of 283 officers and men, had arrived at the port of Durban on 29th October and travelled overnight by two trains to Ladysmith. The Brigade had with them two 4.7, four 12 pounders and four Maxim guns. The first detachment from the brigade arrived at 6am in Ladysmith in the middle of the Battle for Ladysmith. It had taken them just six days to adapt the 4.7" guns and then transport them by ship and rail to Ladysmith. Unfortunately, in the quest for speed, the Brigade did not bring sufficient ammunition. Percy Scott had asked for 5,000 rounds for the 4.7" guns but was given only 500 rounds - enough for 25 minutes of rapid firing. Departmental arguing saw to it that after Lambton had procured a further two 12 pounder guns, he was not to receive any further ammunition.

As soon as the Brigade arrived at Ladysmith Station it was under fire from the enemy. The 12 pounder guns were then transported using oxen and manpower to their positions and it was not long before they were finding their range and silencing the enemy's 'Long Tom' referred to as 'Puffing Billy' by the British. One enemy shell did dismount one of the 12 pounders and wounded three of the gun crew, the first casualties of the ship in South Africa.

It took several days for the 4.7" guns to be pulled to their positions on Junction Hill and Cove Redoubt from where they could fire on the Boers' long range guns (named Long Toms by the British). On the first day that the 4.7" guns were in action, 2 November, Lieutenant Egerton was killed by shells from Long Tom. His legs were hit by a shell bringing the response: "My cricketing days are over". His legs were amputated and by the afternoon he was cheerfully sitting up drinking champagne, but he died in the evening. On this day, the Naval Brigade's long guns were being fired on by at least five Boer guns and the town found itself finally cut off.

The Border Mounted rifles at the Siege;

the Volunteer Brigade under Colonel Royston, with Lieutenant Colonel H. T. Bru-de-Wold as Chief Staff Officer. The Naval volunteers were generally split up throughout the siege, part being on Caesar's Camp and part at Gordon Post. Between 1st November and the end of February the Natal Mounted Volunteers were frequently engaged. On 2nd November they were, with other troops, out reconnoitering; on the 3rd they were sent to cover the retirement of another force. On this occasion the Carbineers had Major Taunton and Sergeant Mapston killed, and the Border M.R. lost Captain Arnott and 11 men wounded. Section D of the defences of Ladysmith was placed under Colonel Royston. This included the thorn country north of Caesar's Camp and the Klip River Flats. Colonel Royston lost no time in building sangars and digging trenches, and soon had his section greatly strengthened. On 9th November the enemy attacked, firing 800 shells into the town; but their attack was driven off. On the 14th the Volunteers were out with Major-General Brocklehurst, and, along with the Imperial Light Horse, seized Star Hill; but it was not held permanently. When Sir Archibald Hunter made his deservedly famous sortie on 7th December to destroy the Boer guns on Gun Hill, his force consisted of 500 Natal Mounted Volunteers under Colonel Royston, 100 Imperial Light Horse (see that regiment), and a few Royal Engineers, artillerymen, and guides. The storming-parties were 100 Carbineers, Major Addison, and 100 ILH, Lieutenant Colonel Edwards. Two big guns were destroyed and one maxim brought back. Colonel Royston was among those specially mentioned in the body of the despatch. Sir George White had the ILH and Volunteers paraded on the following day, and, addressing them, said " that he did not wish to use inflated or exaggerated language, but the men of Sir Archibald Hunter's party were a credit, not only to the colony, but to the Empire. There was a lot of severe fighting to do, but it was a gratification to a General to have the help of such men."

The town and camps were during the siege constantly under shell-fire, and on 18th December one 6-inch shell bursting in the camp of the Carbineers killed 4 men, wounded 6 men, and destroyed 10 horses. The times were trying, but hard digging, sangar building, and brigade sports kept the men fairly fit. In the repulse of the great attack of 6th January 1900 the volunteers took a prominent part. The following is the report furnished by Colonel Royston to the Chief of the Staff : "I have to report that on Saturday, 6th inst., at about 4.15 am, I received information by telephone from headquarters that the enemy were making an attack on Wagon Hill. I at once despatched 80 men of the Natal MR, under Major Evans, to strengthen the outposts on the Flats, then held by 1 officer and 40 men Natal Police, attached to Volunteers, and 1 officer and 20 men Natal Carbineers. The Town Guard was also directed to stand fast at its post on the left bank of the Klip River. As it had been intimated that a battery of artillery would be placed at my disposal, I directed two squadrons Border MR, with one maxim, to accompany the guns. Major Abadie, at about 5.40 am, reported his guns in position near the point where the road to Caesar's Camp crosses the town rifle-range. On my arrival at the outpost line, at 5 am, the enemy were occupying the extreme south-eastern point of Caesar's Hill, well under cover amongst the rocks and bushes. About 50 men were visible from the Flats, but more appeared to be pushing on from the west in small parties. These men were being fired on from the thorn trees and from sangars below by my men as soon as they appeared in sight. A few minutes after my arrival the enemy advanced north along the top of the hill, firing at a party of 'Gordons' near a sangar about 500 yards to their front. I requested the officer commanding the battery to open fire, which he did with good effect, stopping the enemy's advance, and driving them into the rocks. As there appeared to be only a small party of the 'Gordons' opposed to the enemy at this spot, as far as I could see from below, I directed a squadron of Border MR, under Lieutenant Royston, to climb the hill and go to their assistance dismounted. This would be about 6 am. On my men joining the Gordons the party advanced towards the enemy in the rocks, but were at first driven back by their heavy fire, and the enemy again advanced. The battery again opened fire, and the 'Gordons' and the Border MR again advancing, drove the enemy over the point of the hill, and they never again mounted to the crest. At mid-day the enemy had retired about half way down the southern slope of the hill, but still kept up a heavy fire. Unfortunately, it was impossible to get at these with artillery fire from where the battery was limbered, owing to the danger of hitting our own people on the crest of the hill, and the officer commanding the battery did not consider it advisable, owing to the rough ground to cross, and to exposure to Bulwana, to advance any of his guns as far as our outpost line, from which point the enemy could be reached. Rifle-fire was kept up until the enemy finally got into the bed of the Fourie Spruit, where he could only be reached from the top of Caesar's Hill. A heavy fire was kept up until dark, when it gradually ceased, and the enemy appeared to be retiring up the Fourie Spruit. My casualties were 4 men killed and 2 officers and 10 men wounded. I wish to bring to notice the gallant manner in which the battery of artillery, under Major Abadie, stuck to its ground under the very heavy fire from the 6 inch gun and another long range gun on Umbulwana, and also the excellent practice made by the battery. I also consider that Lieutenant Royston, Border MR, did good service with his men. The behaviour of Captain Platt and Lieutenant Hornabrook, Vol. Med. Corps, in attending to the wounded throughout the day under heavy fire, deserves special mention; the last-named officer was wounded, besides having his clothes pierced by a bullet."

When Dundonald rode into Ladysmith on the evening of 28th February, he was accompanied by some Carbineers, Natal Mounted Rifles, Border Mounted Rifles, and Natal Police, the officers being Major D. M'Kenzie, Lieutenants Silburn, M'Kay Verney, Richards, Ashburnham, and Abraham. None of those present will ever forget this ride, probably the most memorable occasion in the lives of any of them.

The Royal Naval Field Gun Tournament;

The Interport Field Gun competition was established in 1907 and was a highlight of the Royal Tournament until the Last Run in 1999. After the demise of the Royal Tournament, the Brickwoods field gun competition was revived as a naval contest. known as the Most Dangerous Sport in the World, where losing a limb is a distinct possibility. two 18-strong teams of the Royal Navy's finest crashing around the main arena and performing a series of Formula One-style pit stops with a Victorian cannon.
Each set of kit weighs the same as a family car and each gun must be put together, taken apart and dragged up and down an 83-yard course, blasting off six shots in the process. It is all done in just over a minute. At this speed, the process can, literally, cost an arm and a leg. But there is no prize money. The teams competing for the pride of their respective bases - HM Naval Base, Portsmouth, and HMS Sultan in neighbouring Gosport. After four consecutive nights, the winning crew will receive a trophy from the Queen and, perhaps, a drink from their commanding officer.

The origins of the world famous field gun competition lie in the Second Boer War in South Africa. The legendary story tells of the siege of the British garrison in the township of Ladysmith in 1899. In support of the British Army, the Royal Navy landed guns from HMS Terrible and Powerful to help in the relief of the siege. The Naval Brigade transported guns over difficult terrain and brought them into action against the Boers.
The Royal Naval Field Gun Tournament;

The Royal Navy landed two 4.7 inch guns and four 12-pounder field guns. The guns were transported inland by rail and then drawn on makeshift carriages by oxen. For the final part of the journey, sailors from the Naval Brigade manhandled the guns over very difficult terrain. One story tells of sailors carrying one of the 12 pounder guns for 2 miles after one of the wheels collapsed.

The siege of Ladysmith lasted for 120 days until February 1900. On their return home, the sailors from the Naval Brigade paraded their guns through London and appeared at the Royal Naval and Military Tournament at the Agricultural Hall, Islington. Displays of Field Gun drill continued in subsequent years. A precursor to the competition lay in the presentation of Field Gun 'Evolutions' including one performed by Miss Weston’s Naval Boy’s Brigade from Portsmouth at the Royal Albert Hall on 21 October 1905 as part of the Centenary Commemoration of the Battle of Trafalgar

If you wish to watch the Royal Naval Gun Race on youtube copy and paste link below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6lhx6Q3WuvU  read more

Code: 24243