RAF
Surprise Entrants Nearly Steal Show At Forces Tug Of War Contest
The Army were the victors at this year's inter-services tug of war competition - but it was the Royal Navy who ended up nearly stealing the show.
The Navy provided a team of Royal Marines to compete alongside the Army and RAF after a 13-year absence from the competition.
Corporal John Creese put the team together a few months ago, and they've been training ever since. Unusually the team is made up of recruits who are about to pass out from phase one training in Lympstone.
And despite the comparatively short preparation time, a number of those watching were impressed by their showing - amongst them Army team manager Major Taff Evans. He said:
"They've come out here and done themselves proud. They beat the RAF in the 680kg weight."
Today was the first time the Marines were wearing their tailor-made boots. Although this new piece of kit will affect their technique and improve their ability to hold fast, it is the lessons learned from their first proper tug of war competition that will have the greatest effect on their future prospects.
Recruit Osborne confided:
"We didn't really know what we were doing back at camp, we just pulled on a rope, but as soon as we got here the RAF guys gave us a few pointers. Without that we'd have been shocking today.
"Little bits and bobs picked up from them and watching other people doing it, we've learned one hundred times more today than we have so far."
One way the team stood out, which had nothing to do with their skills, was their appearance. By far the smartest team, the Marines sported their brand new scarlet red shirts.
But their decision to wear combat trousers showed either their humour or their naivity. Each team member in the competition was stamped on the leg so the referee could check their weight before each 'pull'.
All the other competitiors, perhaps more wisely, wore shorts - but when it was the Marines turn, the trousers had to come down every time!
As well as some new naval faces, Major Evans was pleased to see some infantry regiments represented in the Army team.
"Traditionally the Tug of War is the sport of the signals, gunners or Royal Logistics Corps, so I'm happy to see the Mercian regiment drumming up support within the infantry."
He was also happy to leave the competition having seen the Army win all categories and weights.
Smaller regimental and squadron teams came together to compete for their service here at Aldershot, but the next step is for elite squad members from all three services to compete as a combined force against the police and the civil service.
The highlight of the Tug of War calendar year is the Braemar or Highland Games, where the military will have a chance to compete and pull in front of the Queen.
If this is an incentive to join any of the forces squads then these are the characteristics you'll need: "sheer aggression", "just being robust" and "strong legs".
Major Evans was keen to stress that this was the sort of competition that could suit any body shape or size. Much of the skill lies "up here" he said, tapping his head...
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