The Field Gun run is a tribute to the Royal Navy’s involvement in the relief of Ladysmith during the Boer War in 1900, when guns from HMS Powerful were hauled to Ladysmith by the ship’s Naval Brigade to defend the town against the Boer attack.

The field gun run competition first took place at the Royal Tournament of 1907. It is estimated that 15,000 men of the Royal Navy have taken part in the competition throughout the century. The last Field gun run at the Royal Tournament took place in 1999. The competition still continues annually.