The appointment of Master Gunner dates to the early 1500s when the English King, Henry VIII, appointed a master gunner and 12 paid gunners to man the guns in the Tower of London. This master gunner became known as the Master Gunner of England and was overall responsible for supervision of the guns and the men who served them. Several countries defence forces, including British, American, and Australian armies have adopted Master Gunner appointments. A Master Gunner provides technical gunnery advice and training to the unit, branch, or formation to which he is appointed. The Master Gunner appointment normally carries with it the rank of Warrant Officer Class One.