Taking part in the Death Gun Salute for HRH The Duke of Edinburgh
At noon today, the Armed Forces marked the passing of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh with Gun Salutes across the nation and overseas
Today at midday, members of the UK Armed Forces took part in a Gun Salute to mark the passing of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh. This morning we spoke to Gunner Gower of the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery, who participated in the Gun Salute at Woolwich Barracks in London.
Can you introduce yourself and tell us what you are doing?
“My name is Gunner Gower of The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery, and we are doing a 41-Gun Death Salute for The Duke of Edinburgh over at Woolwich Barracks.”
What is your role in the Gun Salute?
“I am the breech operator. I unload the gun, so once we have fired a round, I will unload the gun, and wait for the number four to reload the gun and then I will shut the breech. It is a team effort between me and the number four.”
How long have you been in the Army?
“I have been in the Army for over four years now. I am coming up to my four-year point in the King’s Troop itself. This was the first regiment I wanted to come to because I have always loved horses.”
Did you ever meet The Duke of Edinburgh?
“I had the opportunity to meet The Duke of Edinburgh down in Windsor, and him and Her Majesty The Queen came walking round where we were based with the horses”
What does it mean to you to be involved in the Gun Salute today?
“It is the biggest honour to be able to take part in the Gun Salute today. We are the only regiment in the world who will get to do something like this, and it gives you a sense of pride because we are at the forefront.
What are your final preparations before the Gun Salute begins?
“We will wait for a five minute call, and then that is when it tells us to get all of the horses out and ready and then we will all go onto the square and have our inspections from our Section Commanders and Commanding Officer.
“Once we have done that we will set off and do our hack, which is an exercise to get the horses warmed up, get them all moving before we go in and do the salute itself.”
