SOLDIER John Loudon will be ensuring that the ceremonial field guns in his care are in top order for next month's Royal Salute.
The Darlington gunner from the 38 Seringapatam Battery, 40 Regiment Royal Artillery, based at Alanbrooke Barracks, in Topcliffe, North Yorkshire, is one of a specialist team charged with looking after the regiment's 25-pounder ceremonial guns.
Four of 38 Seringapatam Battery's ceremonial guns will fire a Royal Salute in York, at 1pm on Monday, in honour of the Queen's Golden Jubilee.
Royal Salutes will also be fired in the four national capitals and various military bases around the UK, and will consist of 21 rounds fired from four guns at 15 second intervals.
Gunner Loudon, who joined the Army seven years ago after leaving Staindrop Comprehensive School, in Teesdale, joined the 40 Regiment Royal Artillery while based in Germany, and moved to Alanbrooke Barracks in 1998.
The battery was formed in 1768 as part of the Bombay Artillery, and took part in the Mysore War of 1799 in southern India, where it received its name during the battle of Seringapatam, on May 4, 1799.
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