War Trophies
A construction project at the Pacific National Exhibition has uncovered a bit of a mystery. While excavating some ground, the operator uncovered pieces of a rusty gun.
It is believed that this was piece of ordnance was originally a "10.5 cm leichte Feldhaubitze 16" manufactured by the German armament Company Krupp. The 16 refers to the start date of production and it is believed that about 500 were manufactured. The first mystery is, "Where did it come from?" The second mystery is, "Why was it buried at Hastings Park?"
One suggestion was that the gun was originally installed in front of Bessborough Armoury in 1932 and was later turned in as part of a program to recycle material for the war effort during the Second World War.
Colin Stevens, curator at the Richmond Service Battalion Museum has a collection of War Trophy serial numbers. In that list serial number 7283 is listed as a 105mm allotted to the Vancouver Exhibition Association. The Association is also listed as having been allotted 10 Machine Guns and 2 Trench Mortars. Photos of their collection have yet to be found.
James Calhoun, curator at the Seaforth Highlanders of Canada Museum has studied War Trophies and suggests there was a strong pacifist movement after the First World War which resulted in many of the War Trophies being collected at Hastings Park. This included the large 21 cm German field gun that had been mounted at the entrance to Stanley Park. This gun had originally been captured by the Seaforth Highlanders in the First World War and its disappearance is particularly galling to the Regiment. One archived document states that it had simply been dumped in a ravine at Hastings Park and covered over! Could that be the location where the 10.5 cm leichte Feldhaubitze 16 was found?
Global News Article
‘Described as a cannon’: Crews dig up WWI artillery piece at PNE in B.C.
‘Described as a cannon’: Crews dig up WWI artillery piece at PNE in B.C.
Global News Report II - with video
The artefact is now at the Seaforth Highlanders armoury. We'll be working together to work on a refurbishment. Interested? Send me an email.
Described as a Cannon
The artefact is now at the Seaforth Highlanders armoury. We'll be working together to work on a refurbishment. Interested? Send me an email.
Described as a Cannon
Vancouver Sun article 1 Apr 2025
Vancouver Sun article provides some additional background information including the following photos and news clips.
Vancouver Sun article provides some additional background information including the following photos and news clips.
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23 April 2025 Update
It appears that the Hastings Park PNE site has a few more surprises for us. Another two guns were excavated today and shipped to the Seaforth Armouries. Types of guns are yet to be determined. One of them looks like our 9 pounder! |
Vancouver Volunteer Reserve
Prior to the 68th Depot Battery, the Vancouver Volunteer Reserve had an artillery contingent. Photos are rather rare but it does appear that they are equipped with 9 Pounder Muzzle loaders. Are these the latest guns to surface from Hastings Park?
Prior to the 68th Depot Battery, the Vancouver Volunteer Reserve had an artillery contingent. Photos are rather rare but it does appear that they are equipped with 9 Pounder Muzzle loaders. Are these the latest guns to surface from Hastings Park?
