The
Royal Australian Navy’s use of the naval gun carriage in
State and other Flag Officers funerals, is derived from Royal
Navy tradition and influence.
The privilege accorded the Navy to draw the gun carriage at Royal
funerals was established during the funeral of Queen Victoria
in 1901, where the gun carriage was to be drawn by horses of the
Royal Artillery.
A Guard of Honour of five Officers and 106 Seaman from HMS Excellent,
were paraded. When the procession commenced, and the order ‘Walk-March’
given, the horses became agitated and the initial jerk tore out
the Ring Bolt, throwing the horse team into confusion.
The seamen from HMS Excellent were tasked to take over, piling
arms and improvising drag ropes from lengths of rope commandeered
from the railway station. The seamen were formed up into a gun
carriage crew and pulled the carriage a considerable distance
to St George’s Chapel.
It is believed King Edward VII expressed a wish that the Royal
Navy should then have the privilege of drawing the gun carriage
at royal funerals.
Today the tradition stands, and the practice of sailors pulling
the gun carriage has been extended to include funeral honours
paid to Naval Flag Officers and other personages deserving of
the highest honours.
Two 12 lb field guns and limbers in the RAN are fitted to the
gun carriage configuration. One is maintained at HMAS Cerberus
and the other in Sydney, by the MHQ Command Ceremonial Section.
