|
The 18 Pounder was the most common piece of ordnance in the Canadian Artillery during World War One. My former regiment, The 15th Field Artillery Regiment RCA, was originally equipped with this gun when formed in 1920. The Regiment also precedes two batteries the 31st Battery in France and the 68th Battery in Russia. Both of those units were equipped with the 18 pounder as well; most notably, 31 Battery fired 18 pounders during the artillery barrage leading up to the capture of Vimy Ridge. In the beginning of the Second World War the 18 pounder was upgraded with the addition of pneumatic tires and served in a reserve capacity. I was fortunate in contacting Base Wainwright in Alberta at the same time they were looking to discard an old 18 pounder that had been sitting outside for 40 years. It has now been moved to Bessborough Armoury in Vancouver and is being restored under the watchful eyes of the Regimental Museum. What a great piece of history! Surrey Says Howdy to Howitzer Vancouver is now home to a really big, really rare gun.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
