Page 22 - 4RA Regimental Journal 2019-2020

On Friday the 14th of February 2020, 88 (Arracan) Battery celebrated its 218th birthday.
The day was broken down into two parts; the first being an inter-Troop sports day, organised by Bdr Ward and LBdr Gilbert. The competition consisted of four separate events; the Troop gaining the most over- all points would take home the Arracan Shield, a prestigious prize in its inaugural year.
The first event was a simulated gun run, in which the Troops carried a selection of equipment over 1.5 miles. Next was Tug- o-War during which the mass of the gun- line troops proved decisive, followed by a round-robin five-a-side football competi- tion. Borneo Troop took victory in all three of these events. The final, and apparently most popular, event was benchball. Uti- lising their Tac Group agility, Anzio Troop proved dominant in these hotly contested matches and seized the top podium spot in that event. Alas it was not enough how- ever to prevent Borneo Troop from being crowned overall winners of the Arracan Shield.
After a quick wash and change parade cel- ebrations switched to a more formal set- ting, with all members of the Battery and their partners meeting for a formal dinner
4th Regiment Royal Artillery Battery Birthday
Anzio Troop conducting an equipment carry during the Battery Birthday
in the Warrant Officers’ and Sergeants’ Mess. For most soldiers this was their first time in a Mess for a formal dinner.
The Officers, Soldiers and their guests enjoyed a five-course meal with the even- ing culminating in the coveted Bombardier Gilbert Award for the Top Gunner. The Bat-
tery were privileged to have Mrs Jackie Gilbert, the wife of the late Bombardier Stephen Gilbert, present the award. From several worthy candidates across the Bat- tery, Gnr Palmer was announced as the overall winner. Happy birthday Rednecks!
Fine dining to celebrate the Battery Birthday
Tug-o-War competition during the Battery Birthday
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