A ceremonial rifle volley was fired for the first time in 139 years in Guernsey last week.

The Guernsey Service Rifle & Heritage Group (GSRHG) held its first organised and officially recorded shoot at Fort Le Marchant.

Peter Finigan, Chairman of GSHRG, said it was “a great day enjoyed by all.”

Pictured: The attendees of the shoot were presented with the Inaugural FLM Detail Patch

Mr Finigan began the event by cutting a ribbon and firing a 1916 Short Magazine Lee-Enfield – the rifle carried by the Royal Guernsey Light Infantry in the First World War – marking the group’s first officially recorded shoot on the headland.

Oliver Bailey, Simon Welch, Paul Winberg, Colin Dodd, Aaron Finigan, Ian Sarchet, Darren Keyte, Matthew Pearson, Alex Richards and Mike Simmonds then fired the ceremonial rifle volley, the first recorded in Guernsey since Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee in 1887.

Research by the GSHRG found four documented examples of a volley, in 1795, 1840, 1863 and 1887, with no later examples being found – making this week’s a historic moment.

Pictured: The group worked extensively with authorities to gain the correct permission and range allocation

The group has worked for some time with the relevant authorities, securing formal approval and range allocation.

The gunmen fired historic rifles, gave a heritage address and presented the inaugural FLM Detail patch – issued to members attending the first official Le Marchant shoot.

Mr Finigan added: “It’s really impressive to see these service rifles being used as a target sport – something which is currently very popular around the globe.”