The Melplash Agricultural Society are honoured and delighted to announce that will be present at this year's Melplash Show.  

Commanding Officer, Major J. E. Baileff RHA, with around 10 officers and soldiers, will be at the show with a stand to promote what they do and to talk about the many exciting career opportunities that there are available.  

They will have a variety of equipment pieces to show, including elements of their tailors, farriers, saddlers, and gun park.   

Most importantly, they will have one of their 13 Pounder Quick fire Guns, which the public will be able to see up close.

There are only ten of these guns still in existence, each dating back to between 1912 and 1918, all seeing active service in both the First and Second World War. 

With the exception of the 'George Gun', which is reserved exclusively for the funeral of the reigning monarch, all of the guns are used daily on parade, in training or at events. 

Each is maintained by a limber gunner to an exacting standard; a significant challenge given that there is no published maintenance manual nor spare parts. 

The guns are also The Troop's colours, never being sat on or touched unless being operated. They are considered to be the most prized possession of The Troop.

"We are delighted that the Kings Troop stand is coming to the Show this year," said Melplash Agricultural Society director Nigel Jones.

"This is a real honour for the society and we hope that their presence will be appreciated by everyone." 

The King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery is the Saluting Battery to His Majesty's Household. It fires Gun Salutes to mark the grand occasions of state, including The King's Birthday Parade, Royal Birthdays and Births.

Commanded by Major J. E. Baileff RHA, the unit consists of 165 officers and soldiers, being the most diverse regiment in The British Army, with a demographic of 52 per cent female and at last count boasting nine different nationalities and 14 faiths and Christian denominations represented.

The regiment was formed on April 17 1946, following the close of the Second World War. King George VI expressed the view that, following the mechanisation of the last batteries of horse-drawn artillery, a troop of horse artillery should be retained to take part in the great ceremonies of state.

On October 24 1947, King George VI proclaimed that the Riding Troop would be known as 'The King's Troop'. To the officers and soldiers of the regiment, it is fondly known as 'The Troop'.

Melplash Agricultural Show will this year be held on Thursday, August 24 at West Bay Showground, Bridport (DT6 4EG).

Admission for children under 16 years is free, and tickets for adults cost £20 on the day (card only) or £18 in advance from www.melplashshow.co.uk