The Gordons Cup 2026

On Saturday 3 October the Master completed the final engagement of his busy year in office with a visit to Blandford Camp for the Gordon’s Cup.  This military skills competition pitted teams from 11(RSS)SR, including those on their initial training as Signallers or Troop Commanders and staff against teams from REME, Germany, France and, for the first time, the USA.

The Master was welcomed by the CO and his leadership team.  After an initial briefing at the woodland command, and the now traditional open-air lunch, there followed an afternoon stroll of around 7 miles to observe the teams tackling their tasks.

During the next few hours the teams demonstrated their ability to undertake a section attack, patrol and question people in an operational environment, and deal with a serious accident while controlling an uncooperative crowd – a scenario made even more lifelike thanks to the volunteer amputees.

More traditional skills were tested, among other things, by the stretcher run (a 5k run with a body on a stretcher and other team members carrying heavy equipment), the bayonet course, IED detection and the firing range.

The range provided the opportunity to observe the technical equipment which provides not just the scoring, but also a wide range of data on individual weapon handling.  All of which, during training, provides invaluable insights to improve marksmanship across the trainees.

During a break in the competition the Master was invited to try his marksmanship, and it can be reported that no barndoors were harmed.

The afternoon ended with the presentation of awards before the Master said a few words of congratulations to the assembled regiment and visitors.The Master’s day concluded as a guest of the German team at their evening Barbeque.

Court Assistant Nick Claydon
For more information on our affiliation with the Royal Signals please contact our Relationship Manager, Liveryman Tim Allen (tim.allen@member.wcit.org.uk)