Latest news with #marksmanship
Times
26-06-2025
- Sport
- Times
Lt Col Sir Andrew Ogilvy-Wedderburn obituary: officer and bobsleigh Olympian
Even for a Highland regiment officer, Sir Andrew Ogilvy-Wedderburn's marksmanship, athleticism and intrepidity stood out. In 1979, when there were still more than 50 infantry battalions in the British Army, he led the Black Watch's winning sniper team at the National Rifle Association's Imperial Meeting, held annually at the Bisley Ranges in Surrey, the most prestigious shooting competition in the world. In the winter months he was an energetic bobsleigh competitor, traversing the Alps in an old Bedford van and staying in modest inns to keep the costs down. As part of the army's four-man team, in 1976 he won the British Bobsleigh Championship and went on to represent Great Britain in the Winter Olympics at Innsbruck that year, and then again in 1980 at Lake Placid, New York. More than once he returned to barracks in plaster from neck to pelvis. As 'brakeman' — a misleading term, the brake being applied only after crossing the finish line — his job was to give the sledge the necessary momentum, pushing at the start for 50 yards or so before jumping in. Speed being everything at that stage, for which many a top track-sprinter was enticed from athletics, Ogilvy-Wedderburn's height, powerful thighs and enormous strength put him in the top league. Andrew John Alexander Ogilvy-Wedderburn, 7th baronet, of Balindean in the County of Perth — abbreviated with military inevitability to 'Og Wedd' — was born in Fareham, Hampshire, in 1952, the youngest of four and the only son. His father, Sir John, was a serving Royal Navy officer, and Og Wedd was brought up initially at naval bases in Malta and on the Firth of Clyde before moving to the ancient family home in Perthshire in 1960. He was subsequently educated at Gordonstoun in northeast Scotland, of which the future King Charles, a contemporary, said: 'I'm glad I went to Gordonstoun. It wasn't the toughness of the place — that's all much exaggerated by report — it was the general character of the education there … with the emphasis on self-reliance to develop a rounded human being.' From Gordonstoun, he went to Mons Officer Cadet School in Aldershot, where men were trained for short-service commissions in five and a half months. In 1971 he was commissioned into the Black Watch, his local (Perthshire) regiment, odd perhaps for a man whose Jacobite forebears had been deprived of title and estate (and in one case life). The baronetcy was restored in 1809 for Sir David Wedderburn, the Tory politician; Og Wedd succeeded to the title on the death of his father in 1977. After joining the 1st Battalion (1BW) he did several emergency tours of duty in Northern Ireland, converted to a regular commission and became adjutant, ever a demanding appointment. After two years as the commanding officer's right-hand man he was posted to the Royal Marines commando training centre at Lympstone in Devon, where he completed the 13-week commando course and gained the celebrated green beret. Two years later he reverted to the equally celebrated red hackle of the Black Watch's tam o' shanter to serve with 8th Infantry Brigade headquarters in Londonderry. He returned to 1BW in 1986, by now in Berlin, as a company commander and the following year commanded the British contingent of the Tripartite Guard of Honour for President Reagan's visit, in which the leader of the free world famously stood in front of the Brandenburg Gate and said: 'Mr Gorbachev, tear down this wall!' Promotion to lieutenant colonel and command of 1BW in Hong Kong followed. An ebullient, natural leader, he led a notably happy battalion, his style both canny and relaxed. On one occasion, his 'jocks', interpreting their orders to the letter, managed to contrive an incident that might have been out of George MacDonald Fraser's The General Danced at Dawn. While on exercise in the New Territories, they had been told to be on guard against infiltration from across the border and to detain anyone without good reason to be in the area. A group of executives from Jardine Matheson, the great British Hong Kong multinational conglomerate, happened to be enjoying a day's team-building exercise. When stopped and questioned and — although demonstrably not ethnic Chinese — found wanting in good reason, they were blindfolded and handcuffed. At first thinking it was part of the team-building exercise, their sense of humour began to fail on being marched at bayonet point for three miles in some heat and then put in a detention cage. When Ogilvy-Wedderburn arrived to sort things out, tempers were frayed, but with a shrewd display of firmness and charm he disarmed them, almost convincing them that he was doing them a favour by releasing them. The battalion returned to England in 1994 and the following year served another six-month tour of duty in Northern Ireland, for which Ogilvy-Wedderburn received the Queen's Commendation for Valuable Service. Not overly ambitious, after two years instructing at the Combined Arms Training Centre on Salisbury Plain, he chose to become commander of recruiting in Scotland, and in turn Scottish divisional lieutenant colonel, responsible for personnel matters in the Scottish infantry regiments. On retiring in 2004 he became a director of the Army Benevolent Fund Scotland. Latterly, though his health declined, he spent his time at home in Perthshire enhancing the flora and fauna, ridding the estate of grey squirrels to save the reds. In 1984 he had married Gillian Adderley, daughter of a decorated Royal Army Service Corps officer. The marriage was dissolved in 2014, and he married, secondly, Fiona (Fi) Beaton, a naturopathic nutritionist, who survives him along with a daughter and two sons from his first marriage: Katherine, a ski-chalet manager; Peter, a wine merchant, who succeeds to the baronetcy; and Peter's twin, Geordie, an insurance broker. He was the last of the army's Olympic gentleman amateurs. Lieutenant Colonel Sir Andrew Ogilvy-Wedderburn Bt, Black Watch officer and Olympian, was born on August 4, 1952. He died of cancer on April 9, 2025, aged 72
Times of Oman
02-06-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
First fully indoor, multi-range shooting complex opens
Muscat: A state-of-the-art indoor shooting complex — touted as the first-of-its kind not just in Oman but across the wider region —has officially opened its doors in Muscat, ushering in a new era for recreational and professional marksmanship in the Sultanate. Named Action Point, the facility offers a rare and highly specialised combination of 25-metre, 50-metre, and 100-metre shooting ranges along with a fully indoor shotgun skeet and trap range — an extraordinary setup made even more remarkable by the fact that all ranges are fully air-conditioned and housed under one roof. This unique private complex is located at the Active Oman Centre (Oman Automobile Association) and promises to cater to first-time shooters, seasoned enthusiasts, and tactical professionals in an environment that is immersive, safe and technologically advanced. The facility was inaugurated recently under the patronage of His Highness Sayyid Theyazin bin Haitham Al Said, Minister of Culture, Sports, and Youth. Developed and delivered by the Special Projects Division of Khimji Ramdas (KR) in partnership with Cubic Technologies Singapore PTE LTD — a global name in advanced defence training systems —Action Point marks a significant milestone for shooting sports and security training infrastructure in Oman. 'This is more than just a facility — it's an experience that combines adrenaline, precision, and professionalism,' said Col (Retd) Nasser bin Ali Al Amri, General Manager of Action Point. 'Through our collaboration with Khimji Ramdas and Cubic Defence, we've brought international-level shooting disciplines to Oman with the highest standards of safety and supervision. Our aim is to nurture responsible firearms sportsmanship and create an atmosphere where people feel both inspired and secure.' The sprawling complex includes two 25-metre pistol ranges equipped with retrievable targets for 9mm handguns, two 50-metre tactical ranges featuring advanced Location of Miss and Hit (LOMAH) systems, and a 100-metre rifle range tailored for 5.56mm calibre firearms. But what truly elevates Action Point to a class of its own is its fully indoor shotgun skeet and trap range — an exceedingly rare feature even by global standards. An air gun range is also under development, further expanding the facility's appeal to a broad spectrum of users. In terms of technology, each range is equipped with smart bullet traps that safely direct fired projectiles into specialised collection channels. Complementing these are electronic target systems that offer real-time feedback, enabling more accurate assessment and training. A specially engineered air purification system ensures that dust and gases generated during live firing are swiftly removed, maintaining a safe and clean indoor environment. The facility has been thoughtfully designed to cater to a diverse clientele. From beginners trying their hand at shooting for the first time to competitive marksmen training for international tournaments, Action Point offers tailored packages and supervised sessions. It also supports the tactical training needs of private security personnel and government agencies, ensuring wide-ranging utility. Every visitor is given a thorough safety briefing upon arrival and is continuously supervised by qualified instructors, reflecting the facility's unwavering focus on professionalism and best practices. Omani talent has been a central part of the project's success. In coordination with the Ministry of Labour, Action Point recruited and trained Omani jobseekers — men and women alike — who underwent intensive instruction from global experts. This localisation strategy has not only created jobs but also developed a skilled cadre of personnel capable of managing and operating a high-spec, internationally aligned shooting facility. Speaking at a recent media tour of the facilities, Varun Pankaj Khimji, Director of Khimji Ramdas LLC, said, 'We are proud to support Action Point's mission of enhancing responsible firearms sporting in the region. This project reflects our commitment to delivering turnkey, high-performance solutions that support national training infrastructure and innovation. The facility is another example of the vision and capability of our Special Projects Division.' Rajneesh Armugham, General Manager – Special Projects at Khimji Ramdas, said: 'We are proud to have delivered this sophisticated training facility that not only meets international safety and operational standards but also showcases our division's capability in managing complex, defence-aligned infrastructure projects. Our collaboration with Cubic Defence has brought cutting-edge technology into Oman, and we're confident Action Point will become a go-to destination for hobbyists, competition shooters, and private security agencies alike.' The KR Special Projects Division will also continue to support the facility over the next two years through a comprehensive technical support and maintenance contract, ensuring operational continuity and sustained quality through a dedicated in-house team. Open to individuals aged 16 and above, Action Point welcomes private enthusiasts, corporate teams, educational institutions, and government organisations with tailored offerings. The facility is expected to host regional tournaments in the near future, positioning Oman as a hub for competitive shooting and sport. With its exceptional mix of features, world-class equipment, and climate-controlled indoor design, Action Point is not just a first for Oman — it's a regional trailblazer in modern recreational shooting. The facility is open daily from 8:00am to 10:00pm, Sunday to Saturday.
CBC
30-05-2025
- General
- CBC
Marksman George Chase drops his grudge and enters N.B. Sports Hall of Fame
George Chase will be inducted into the New Brunswick Sports Hall of Fame after a marksmanship career full of national and international accolades. In 23 national championship appearances, Chase was a back-to-back Canadian Fullbore Rifle Champion in 1992-93. In 1993, he also won the Canadian Grand Aggregate, which is the highest shooting honour in Canada. The 84-year-old has travelled to the United Kingdom more than a dozen times to represent his country and has collected dozens of medals for provincial competition. From Saint John and now living in Grand Bay-Westfield, Chase began his rifle competition reign in the late 1970s and was still competing in the early 2000s. He has already been inducted into the Dominion of Canada Rifle Association Hall of Fame. WATCH | Chase explains how he got things wrong when he said no to hall: Why this marksman took so long reaching N.B. Hall of Fame 33 minutes ago Duration 3:20 His greatest win might be the Royal New Brunswick Rifle Association's oldest trophy – the Prince of Wales Challenge Cup. The match trophy is considered by New Brunswick marksmen as the most prestigious and signifies one of the province's top shooters. "There's sort of a separation from the good, to the best, to the unbeatable," Chase said. "I would have been in simply because who the hell can win the Prince of Wales three times? And my answer would be 'I won it nine.'" The trophy was given to the province by Albert Edward, the Prince of Wales, later King Edward VII, in 1860. A years-old misunderstanding surrounding the trophy would also be the reason Chase declined a New Brunswick Sports Hall of Fame nomination 25 years before his induction this year. A broken promise When he was a rookie competitor, Chase said, an event organizer told him that if he won the silver cup three times in a row, he'd be the owner. "He knew that I was brand new to this game, and he said if you win it three times in a row, I'll see you get it. How will that be? "He's joking with me, but he's also talking to me. So I think this is bible what he is saying." Chase thought that promise was a guarantee and didn't mention the conversation to anyone until he found himself a defending back-to-back champ. Standing on the range in line for his third consecutive Prince of Wales win in 1986, he reminded the then association organizer, Ellen MacGillivray, about the promise of the cup. "I said to Ellen, 'If I win it for the third time, Ellen, do you realize that trophy's going to belong to me?' She got a blank look in her face and she said, 'I don't think so, George.' I said, 'I know so.'" When Chase completed his third consecutive win, he was shocked when his ownership claim wasn't honoured. "Just 'No, you can't have it.' So then I became a little bit more than pissed with this association." When MacGillivary wanted to nominate Chase for the Hall of Fame 25 years ago, he declined because of the association's Prince of Wales decision. "I easily declined — because of a misunderstanding," he said. He held a grudge about the trophy until he realized all these years later that the mistake was his own. Chase has since researched the trophy and understands there are many in existence, and they were gifts from the Prince of Wales and not for one person to own. "I just didn't know it … I never got the chance to apologize to Ellen because she had passed away. But I do apologize to her often, and hope she forgives me because I know she's in heaven." Chase also said he was a fierce and aggressive competitor and regrets it. "I was so aggressive. I wished I could go back and undo those things because there was no need for it. There was no need for it." 'Kind of a blessing' Now Chase will accept the Hall of Fame honour in Saint John. He thinks things may have worked out for the best. "I wish the Prince of Wales story was never told to me, and now I'm kind of glad that it was, because my great-grandchildren are going to come and see me walk out on stage and talk for five minutes about what I did, who my heroes were. Yeah, so it's kind of a blind blessing." Started young He said that the night is a "big deal" for him. "My whole family, yeah, my immediate family, that is, who are all across Canada, granddaughters, great-grandchildren — they're all coming for this night." Chase started shooting at age five and he had son Paul on the range at a young age as well. Paul knew more about shooting at 12 years old than "most shooters learned in their lifetime," Chase said. Paul became his coach in international competition and later overtook him during a head-to-head shootout, which Chase considers "the biggest moment" of his career. "I thought I would explode. I was so proud of him for that moment."
Times of Oman
12-05-2025
- Sport
- Times of Oman
HH Sayyid Shihab opens National Olympic Shooting Complex in Muscat
Muscat: The National Olympic Shooting Complex (NOSC) in Muscat was opened today under the patronage of HH Sayyid Shihab bin Tarik Al Said, Deputy Prime Minister for Defence Affairs. The facility's opening is in line with Oman's ongoing development and modernisation process, with the aim of harnessing all capabilities to maintain high national standards. At the outset of the ceremony, HH Sayyid Shihab unveiled the commemorative plaque, marking the official inauguration of the National Olympic Shooting Complex - Muscat. HH Sayyid Shihab and the attendees then watched a visual presentation on the stages of construction of the NOSC, its facilities, services and its modern technologies and equipment. Then, HH Sayyid Shihab toured the facilities of the NOSC and listened to a briefing about every shooting range and its supporting units. On this occasion, HH Sayyid Azzan bin Qais Al Said, Chairman of Oman Olympic Committee (OOC), said that the National Olympic Shooting Complex - Muscat constitutes a sporting accomplishment. He pointed out that the NOSC serves as a leading destination for sports talents, an incubator for marksmanship and a podium for hosting local and international events. 'This achievement reflects constant support to the sports sector by His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik and highlights the vital role of sports as a fundamental pillar of sustainable development in the Sultanate of Oman,' HH Sayyid Azzan bin Qais added. Vice Admiral Abdullah bin Khamis Al Raisi, Chief of Staff of the Sultan's Armed Forces (SAF), Chairman of Oman Shooting Association, said that the National Olympic Shooting Complex - Muscat is an achievement that consolidates the Sultanate of Oman's position as an incubator for sporting excellence. He added that the facility serves as home for competencies and skills and a spacious arena for crowning Olympic champions and embracing achievements. He added that the NOSC boasts advanced facilities and features a strategic vision that elevates the status of human resources under the Royal patronage of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, the Supreme Commander, who places the advancement of sports among top priorities of comprehensive development, in line with Oman Vision 2040. It is worth noting that the NOSC was built in accordance with the highest international specifications and standards approved by the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF), to meet the technical and organizational requirements that are required by the Olympic sport of shooting. The NOSC stands out as a comprehensive edifice for all shooters in the Sultanate of Oman, embracing their ambitions and providing them with the best environment for training, competition and excellence. It is a milestone in the march of Oman Modern Renaissance and a clear symbol of the progress achieved by the Sultanate of Oman in the field of sports infrastructure. The NOSC is an embodiment of the Royal vision for empowering human resources and backing Omani sports at regional, continental and international levels. The complex consists of a number of buildings and facilities. Its main building extends over an area of 2400 square metres and it includes a spacious open hall, administrative offices, a warehouse for weapons and a store for ammunition, in addition to a restaurant and a media broadcasting room that keeps pace with the aspirations of digital and visual coverage of tournaments and events. The NOSC also includes a 10-metre shooting range that occupies an area of 2,700 square metres, includes 80 targets and accommodates 80 shooters at one time. It also includes a 25-metre shooting range that occupies an area of 2,900 square metres and includes 50 targets that can accommodate 50 shooters at the same time. The facility also includes a 50-metre shooting range that occupies an area of 2,600 square metres, comprising 80 targets that can accommodate 80 shooters at one time. This makes the NOSC one of the most prominent shooting ranges in the region. The facility also has a large hall designated for final competitions. The hall occupies an area of 1,600 square metres and it can accommodate 10 shooters. The opening ceremony was attended by government officials, the Chairman of Oman Shooting Association, senior officers of the SAF and other military and security services and members of Oman Shooting Association.
