Holkham Country Fair

The Flying Gunners

The Motorcycle Display Team of the Royal Artillery
Grand Ring: Saturday 1245 & 1645, Sunday 1245 & 1700

 

Motorcycles were introduced into the Royal Artillery during the First World War. They were used by Gunner Regiments to reconnoitre gun positions and for courier missions. Today, the Royal Artillery still use motorcycles in some very important roles.

The Team has its origins in the 31st Training Regiment Royal Artillery Display Team, which was formed at Kinmel Park Camp, Rhyl, in the summer of 1949. The team was the brainchild of Captain David Miles, and used the normal issue Army motorcycles of that time, which were Matchless G3L machines. They were an immediate success and during their early days gave displays in North Wales and Central Wales and the neighbouring English counties.
From the very start the emphasis was on a slick, polished and professional presentation, with really well-practised precision riding for the team manoeuvres and a non-stop series of tricks, with the next machine always in the arena before the previous one had left. You will see that this high standard of polish and professionalism has been maintained and perfected by the team of today. Although the display is varied in content from year to year, some of the trick riding acts, and the clown act, have remained as they were originally conceived in the team of 1949. The Team is now based at Larkhill, Wiltshire.

The team represents the cream of the Army's riding ability and the soldiers are selected to be in The Flying Gunners for their riding skill and courage and are drawn from across the Royal Regiment of Artillery. Successful applicants are posted to the team on 2 - 3 year postings. Full training is given and no motorcycling experience is necessary to become a member of the Flying Gunners. The team is self-sufficient and must fund its own activities. The soldiers are all from operational Regiments, many having served in numerous theatres of conflict, from Iraq to Afghanistan. All of the riders are proud to be Gunners, but above all else, they are proud to be “Flying Gunners”.

Each year the team gives approximately 120 separate performances at different venues. Their high octane 30 minute performance will leave you asking for more. The 20 man team perform feats of sheer courage and skill, with precision riding at its best, and you will see the fastest crossovers performed in the world today, with closing speeds of up to 90 - 100 mph. You will see a pyramid built whilst on the move, individual balancing acts and stunts and arena entertainment for all ages. For the finale you will see a multi-car jump over various vehicles.

Don’t miss the Flying Gunners: we are honoured to have them here at Holkham.