Last 25 Pdr Shoot

2 Regiment provided the setting for the last 25pdr shoot. Having fired the weapons in the morning as part of their live firing exercise, they vacated the gun position to allow new crews man the guns. Gun position was forward of Keoghs house. A 6 gun battery was formed with a crew from each of the 3 Permanent and 3 Reserve regiments. 62 RAR gun crew was commanded by BS Paddy O’Shea. The target for an 8 round expend ammo final fire for effect was the Octagonal field on a bearing of approx 1600, elevation of approx. 260 with a 200m sheaf pattern. Last round was ceremoniously fired by a gun crew comprising D Arty, OC Arty School, and RSM Arty School. Food for the troops on the ground was as per tradition – Chicken Curry!

Thanks to John and Ger Gibson for the photos.

Also check out  http://www.riv.co.nz/rnza/tales/last25.htm for an interesting ‘Last 25 Pounder Round’ story from the Kiwi Gunners.

Other links of interest:

http://www.westmeathexaminer.ie/news/mullingar/articles/2009/08/04/390013-final-shots-fired-in-the-glen-/

http://www.herald.ie/national-news/going-out-with-a-bang-1848124.html

http://www.wicklowpeople.ie/news/final-shoot-out-1853212.html

http://dynamic.rte.ie/av/230-2587961-320-180.smil

http://www.independent.ie/opinion/columnists/kevin-myers/creatures-of-the-night-that–explode-in-murderous-rage-1849916.html

 

25 pdr last round – Effect

25pdr last round – shot

62 RAR Gun Crew – Last 25 Pdr shoot

62 RAR Gun Crew – Last 25 Pdr shoot – Shot

Big Ol

Cancel at my Command

Chief Of Staff – Tree Planting

Director of Artillery – Comdt Gibson (62 RAR) – Comdt Campion (2 FAR)

Director of Artillery speech

Digger and Stewy

Expend Ammo

Heli 105 approach

heli over camara

heli over stranaheley

John D and the Guinger

Peter O Brien (Kevin Myers in the photo?)

Comdt Sean Reilly (62 RAR)

The guys from Mullingar

you’ll never be a captain sir