recently having distinguished themselves so well that they were invited to take part in the pageantry surrounding the Queen Mother's 97th birthday.

And their exploits were the subject of an article and photograph in the South Wales Argus newspaper.

The nine member contingent left the Island for 15 days of training in Cardiff, Wales with the 104th Regiment Royal Artillery.

In addition to the rigours of classes on the history, traditions and mechanics of the 25-pound gun, the Bermudians were involved in skeet shooting, abseiling and low level conventional tactics.

Warrant Officer First Class Herman Eve, who is responsible for the Bermuda Regiment's training wing, accompanied the soldiers on the trip to the UK.

He said the aim of the visit was to cement the affiliation between the Bermuda Regiment and the 104th Regiment Royal Artillery and to glean important practical and historical knowledge.

"It was a good 15 days,'' he said. "We wanted our soldiers to get an overview of what the guns and artillery are all about.

"All past gun troops had no knowledge of the history of our own guns and the artillery which goes back to the amalgamation of the Bermuda Rifles and the Bermuda Militia back in 1965.'' Mr. Eve said that the Bermuda Regiment has a 25-pound gun which got a new barrel in 1995.

That gun which was built in 1942, was used to carry the casket of slain Governor Sir Richard Sharples during his funeral in 1973.

In 1995 two warrant officers from the 104th Regiment Royal Artillery -- Regimental Sergeant Major Stephen Garland and Artillery Quartermaster Sergeant Andy Harvey supervised the installation of the barrel.

The Bermuda Regiment's guns see action at all ceremonial parades when Governor and commander-in-chief Thorold Masefield is on parade.

Consequently, Mr. Eve said that the need to hone the local gun troop's skills and an appreciation of their value was important.

"They now realise that the guns are proper objects of respect and worthy of a salute just as the colours are whenever they are in view,'' he added.

Meanwhile Lt. Col. David Burch said that the overall goal was to achieve an "esprit de corps'' and camaraderie among the members of gun troop.

"We always try to do these kinds of exchanges within our limited budget to help our own people.''