25-Pounder Cannon in Autumn
THE CACHE
We have not personally had a lot of success with artillery. A
big part of this is the high muggle factor, because of the often
close proximity to the road.
However, geoson really wanted to put one here and this cannon is
further off the road, hence the name. Although you will still need
to watch out for muggles from ALL directions, especially on some
Saturdays when a nearby sporting match is taking place, during the
summer months when the nearby pool is likely open, and of course
ANZAC Day when the town gathers here mid-morning around the nearby
flag-pole.
This cannon used to be on the main road before it was removed,
restored and placed in its current location ready for the 2010
ANZAC Day service. The Plaque was put up later in time for the 2011
ANZAC Day service. Also on that day a descendent of the Lone Pine
was planted nearby.
As this is our first cache, the containers ordered only arrived
soon after this latter event. Sorry to say that after finding such
a great hide for the cache, the micro we had didn’t fit, so
it’s a traditional nano on a piece of artillery. All we can
say is “All the best!” and “We did warn
you!”
Artist's drawing of Canon in use
THE CANNON
This is an example of the most famous field gun used by
Australian forces during WWII. It could be used in three different
ways – as a field gun with a flat trajectory, as a Howitzer,
to lob shells over obstacles, or as an anti-tank gun.
Designed in Britain, it was made in Australia and fired a 25
pound (11.3kg) shell of various designs for its different
tasks.
Its superb accuracy, reliability and efficiency were the pride
of the gun crews who manned them. It fired at a steady rate of 5
rounds per minute, although at the Easter Battle at Tobruk it
managed 12 rounds per minute. Its normal range was 11,430
metres.
These guns were used in the siege of Tobruk where they were a
major factor in securing the first defeat of the Panzers in WWII.
They were also used in New Guinea to help protect Port Moresby in
1942.
This particular gun was a gift to the RSL and was transported to
Walla from Sydney in 1973 by Ernie Lindner.
For many years it took pride of place outside the War Memorial
Swimming Pool. In 2010 it was taken down, repainted by a dedicated
team and repositioned here in Bicentennial Park. It reminds us of
our brave soldiers who have kept us free during the perilous times
of war.
FTF Honours go to LostMonster for not giving up!
Congratulations!