British Military Tournament 2013

It must have been about 14 years ago when I was last at Earl's Court, sitting arena side at the Royal Tournament, waving my flag and straining to see the soldiers. I remember lining up by the Jungle Gym, a mini assault course made for kids, and then when it came to my turn, running as fast as I possibly could through the course so that the soldiers that had to help you for safety, were beaten.  I loved it. Everything about the Tournament was exciting and this year, I felt as excited as I did all those years ago, as I returned for the first time in 14yrs.

Of course, there was the added mission of getting a few sneaky pictures of my brother after attempting to single him out among the other hundred marines. That always makes it more exciting as you dodge the stewards to break the rules! And of course, try not to let the bangs make you jump so that the picture isn't blurred!

The first half opened with the Marines and the National Anthem, followed by a re-enactment of the sinking of submarine U-559 and the brave actions of the soldiers (and NAAFI assistant) of 'HMS Petard' that ventured into the sinking sub, to retrieve vital documents, risking their lives. Then it was back to the Marines for an intricate drum display and march-past.

We were treated to all the things I remembered and more. We saw the White Helmets showing of their amazing skill and balance on motorbikes at high speed. We saw crossovers, handstands, headstands and at one point, fourteen guys perform a pyramid shape using just three bikes for balance. And to finish off, a jump over four military trucks to wow the crowd. I loved it.

We then saw the King's troop perform their usual cross-overs and gun salute, which always have you watching on the edge of your seat as you think the cannons are sure to crash. And always has me falling about laughing when everyone is surprised by the fifth bang!

Then we had the tanks giving them a run for their money, dancing their way around the arena through the same cross-overs and stunts. Being accompanied by a small child had it's perks. Not only do you get free flags and stickers, or get to sit in army trucks and pretend to fire weapons, you also find everything in the arena a lot more exciting! It was like I'd gone back in time!

We had another re-enactment of Lawrence of Arabia, blowing up the Hejaz railway, part of the Ottoman railway network in Saudi Arabia, with his fellow soldiers on.. camel-back? Whilst those on horseback drove the enemy away. I was just as impressed with the team that managed to fold the railway track that crossed the entire arena, back up in mere minutes.





We then returned to the part I always loved, the field gun run team: the race between colleges, through bridges, over ravines, along the arena and to the finish line, to assemble the guns the other end. This year we had Team Terrible and Team Powerful from Wellington College competing. I always loved watching them leap together across the ravine clearly giving their all to win in front of the crowd. And of course, our team won! GO POWERFUL! Finished off nicely by a mexican wave from the crowd and three gun salutes from each team. IN FACT, I don't think there were five minutes where there wasn't a bang of some sort from the arena! Of course, not that we minded!

Then we were wowed by the commandos with a live example of the work they do in the field. Identifying a hostage situation, using hi-tech helicopter cameras to identify the threat and co-ordinating an extraction. We watched as a helicopter was lowered from the ceiling of Earl's Court with commandos on the ground approaching the compound. As they took it in turns to advance, the commandos ab-sailed from the helicopter to the ground, shooting at the threat. They then approached the compound, blew a hole in the wall, neutralised the enemy and extracted the hostages safely. It was great to see what these guys face in the field.

The penultimate part of the programme was dedicated to those injured in combat. To those who had climbed Everest, competed in rallies, trekked from Pole to Pole and even competed in the olympics and all as amputees. truly incredible human beings to say the least. They received a standing ovation from the crowd and quite right!

Then we hit the finale, with all the massed bands of the Royal Marines, the London Scottish Regiment of the Pipes & Drums, the Royal Artillery, the commandos, the White helmets, the tanks, the Wellington College teams and flag bearers for one final array of applause and cheers. What a great night! The tournament is all about showing off, telling military stories in an exciting way, and it certainly did that. I'm so glad I went, not only to see my brother during the drum static, but to witness what I'd enjoyed every year as a child. It certainly came back with a bang! Meant literally in every sense.

Until next year...!