QM shoot held in Waiouru

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 9, Issue 417, 17 December 1991, Page 3

QM shoot held in Waiouru

BY

JO

HOWIE

The Queens Medal competition was held early December to determine the top army shot. Eliminated shoots from the four regions of New Zealand were conducted to select the top 40 marksmen to compete for the Queens Medal. The Kings Medal was introduced to New Zealand by King George V in 1922. Awards to the best army shot, the Kings Medal (now Queens Medal) has been contested annually. The competition is judged in five areas: the champion army shot which is for the best allround shot; the night shot where competitors fire 15 rounds at a semiilluminated walking target from 50 metres; and the Queens Medal practice one, two and three. Competitors fire between five and ten rounds at walking, rushing, snap, timed, deliberate and reaction ranging from 300 to 50 metres. The rifle used in the competition was the Standard Individual Weapon Steyr. The Chief Umpire was Captain Gordon Benfell, a past winner of the

Queens Medal. The Range Conducting Officer was Warrant Officer Class One Gary Shaw from the School of Infantry. "The standard was very high, 25% of shooters got close to scores of 100%. The weather conditions made it difficult to shoot in up to 30-knot winds. It's very competitive, and there's a lot of personal pride at stake," said Captain Benfell. Results: Queens Medal, Staff Sergeant T W Small from Christchurch; Lewis Trophy, Corporal A Tukariri from Waiouru; Vickers Trophy, Private R D Bird from Burnham; Trentham Rose Bowl, Sergeant C J Venning from Linton; Army Cup, Staff Sergeant T W Small from Christchurch; Waiouru RSA Shield, Staff Sergeant T Quirke from Waiouru; School of Infantry Trophy, Private R D Bird from Burnham.