13th June 2025 at 9:12am
Petty Officer Taane Tapp from the Royal New Zealand Navy will once again compete in the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC) Field Gun competition later this month, representing HMS Collingwood in one of the service’s most gruelling ceremonial events.
The 33-year-old instructor is part of the base’s Warfare Training Group and has been selected for the final crew after months of preparation.
Originally from Te Tai Rāwhiti, New Zealand, PO Tapp now lives in Gosport with his wife Belinda and their two children.
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“I am honoured to be part of the HMS Collingwood Field Gun Crew this year,” he said.
This will be his second time competing in the historic contest, which sees teams from across the country, and beyond, race to manoeuvre heavy field guns over obstacles in a timed test of teamwork, discipline, and raw physical strength.
Training began in February with gym sessions on base, whittling down more than 40 hopefuls to the final crew.
Full track training with the field guns begins on Monday 23 June under strict safety protocols.
PO Tapp brings extensive operational experience to the team.
He previously served on HMNZS Te Mana during disaster relief efforts for Cyclone Gabrielle, and on Operation Crucible, a five-month deployment around Southeast Asia.
Also part of HMNZS Te Kaha’s deployment to Gallipoli for the 100th anniversary of the ANZAC landings, he supported maritime security operations near the Gulf of Oman.
His medals include the New Zealand Operational Service Medal, the NZ General Service Medal (Greater Middle East), and the NZ Defence Service Medal, all awarded in 2015.
The Field Gun competition, which dates back to 1907, commemorates the Royal Navy’s role in lifting the Siege of Ladysmith during the Second Boer War.
Teams of 18 run, dismantle, carry, and reassemble a field gun and limber in a dramatic race against the clock.
The final event will take place during HMS Collingwood’s Open Day on Saturday 28 June, offering the public a rare chance to witness this iconic tradition in action.
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