This was the group’s formal opening of its shooting programme and officially marked the start of its activities at the historical headland.
Chairman Peter Finigan opened the event by cutting the ribbon and fired the first official shot with a 1916 Short Magazine Lee-Enfield, a rifle type that was carried by the Royal Guernsey Light Infantry during the First World War.
The opening was followed by a ceremonial rifle volley, which marked the first in 139 years, since one performed for Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee in 1887.
Formally recorded as part of Guernsey’s long military and shooting tradition, range officers conducted the rifle volley while the firing party consisted of Oliver Bailey, Simon Welch, Paul Winberg, Colin Dodd, Aaron Finigan, Ian Sarchet, Darren Keyte, Matthew Pearson, Alex Richards and Mike Simmonds.
The group also undertook historical research which showed that Guernsey’s tradition of ceremonial rifle firing dates go way back to 1795.
There were similar formal events then staged in 1840, 1863 and 1887.
‘It’s been a great day enjoyed by all,’ Mr Finigan said.
‘It’s really impressive to see these service rifles being used as a target sport – something that is currently very popular around the globe.’
The opening also marked the first time that the group has conducted its own full shoot at Fort Le Marchant, following extensive work with the relevant authorities to secure formal approval and range allocation.
The programme included heritage addresses, a historic rifle demonstration, and the presentation of the inaugural FLM Detail Patch, which was issued only to members attending the first official Fort Le Marchant shoot.
The event was photographed and filmed to create a permanent contemporary record for future generations.
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