18 Pounder Plan
The 18 Pounder is about to arrive at Bessborough Armoury and it would be wise to put pen to paper to ensure that we can all agree on the way ahead for this historic piece.
This particular gun (Reg. No. 9121, WBC 18 II, C871, RMC Arty Dept Kingston, 1933) was manufactured in Great Britain and used by the Royal Artillery. It was apparently presented to Canada in 1945 and mounted in Wainwright in August 1981 by One Troop, 9 Para Squadron during Exercise Pond Jump West III. Since that time, 37 years, it has sat in the traffic circle.
There appear to be only seven 18 pounders that can be located in Canada.
Lethbridge, Alberta
Shilo, Manitoba x 2
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Ottawa, Ontario x 2
Vancouver, British Columbia
My vision for the 18-pounder is that it will be restored to a semi-functional state. The paint finish high gloss, the breech assembly operational, the recoil system stabilized, tools and sighting equipment found or replicated.
The process to fulfill this vision will be a lengthy one with many incremental steps.
Step 1 – Secure Commanding Officers approval for Vancouver Artillery Association to restore the gun in the Bessborough Armoury. Plastic protective sheeting to be laid to protect the concrete floor. Noise levels not to interfere with classroom periods or office work times. All products to be used in the restoration to be compliant with unit WHMIS policies.
Step 2 – Invite local paint suppliers to provide expert advice on stripping and repainting. Gun to be stripped as per their best suggestion. Mechanical fittings to be examined for serviceability.
Step 3 – Examine possibility of returning gun to World War I configuration (wooden wheels) and engage in conversation to determine suitability of that approach.
Step 4 – Research required gun tools and equipment and create plan for acquisition.
Step 5 – Paint required parts as per paint suppliers recommendations.
This particular gun (Reg. No. 9121, WBC 18 II, C871, RMC Arty Dept Kingston, 1933) was manufactured in Great Britain and used by the Royal Artillery. It was apparently presented to Canada in 1945 and mounted in Wainwright in August 1981 by One Troop, 9 Para Squadron during Exercise Pond Jump West III. Since that time, 37 years, it has sat in the traffic circle.
There appear to be only seven 18 pounders that can be located in Canada.
Lethbridge, Alberta
Shilo, Manitoba x 2
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Ottawa, Ontario x 2
Vancouver, British Columbia
My vision for the 18-pounder is that it will be restored to a semi-functional state. The paint finish high gloss, the breech assembly operational, the recoil system stabilized, tools and sighting equipment found or replicated.
The process to fulfill this vision will be a lengthy one with many incremental steps.
Step 1 – Secure Commanding Officers approval for Vancouver Artillery Association to restore the gun in the Bessborough Armoury. Plastic protective sheeting to be laid to protect the concrete floor. Noise levels not to interfere with classroom periods or office work times. All products to be used in the restoration to be compliant with unit WHMIS policies.
Step 2 – Invite local paint suppliers to provide expert advice on stripping and repainting. Gun to be stripped as per their best suggestion. Mechanical fittings to be examined for serviceability.
Step 3 – Examine possibility of returning gun to World War I configuration (wooden wheels) and engage in conversation to determine suitability of that approach.
Step 4 – Research required gun tools and equipment and create plan for acquisition.
Step 5 – Paint required parts as per paint suppliers recommendations.