HERITAGE GUN RESTORATION REPORT NO 30

by Gunner Roy Andersen, Chairman

The Heritage Gun Restoration Committee of the Gunners’ Association

VISIT TO ADA SCHOOL IN ERMELO

On 15 February, 2024 Gunners Wassermeier, Henning, Brits and Andersen visited the ADA School in Ermelo and were shown five guns not previously on the Heritage Gun Register. They are four GV 1 (25pdr) guns and one 6pdr Anti-Tank Gun.

One of the GV 1’s
One of the GV 1’s
6 Pdr anti-tank gun
6 Pdr anti-tank gun

HERITAGE GUN REGISTER
With the addition of the five Ermelo guns, the Heritage Gun Register and the Data Base, now contain 529 guns of which 350 (66%) have been inspected in the past three years. The data base is being populated with pictures of each gun.

SPRINGS MINE AND MILITARY MUSEUM
Great progress continues to be made at the Springs Museum. The German WWI 10.5cm le FH 98/09 Howitzer which stood for many years in Joubert Park, Johannesburg, and is now on loan to the Springs Museum, has been restored. Many of the spokes on the wooden wheels have been replaced and the gun has been resprayed. This was all achieved in about three months!

Final Product
The restoration process
The restoration process
While still in Joubert Park
While still in Joubert Park

GV 5 & 6 AT THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF MILITARY HISTORY

GV 5 with new tail lights
GV 5 with new tail lights

The SA Army Artillery Formation has provided replacement tail lights for the GV 5 and GV 6 at the Ditsong SA National Museum of Military History in Saxonwold.

RUSSIAN D30 122MM

Russian D30 122mm
Russian D30 122mm

The Russian Embassy has been approached to provide replacement tyres for the D30 122mm gun which also stands in Saxonwold. The attaché plans an onsite inspection.

GV 4 – SCHOOL OF ARTILLERY

GV 4
GV 4

The OC of the School of Artillery confirms that the GV 4 which took part in Op ASKARI will be repainted in the next few weeks. The paint has been sponsored by the Gunners’ Association.

Many thanks to all who have made a contribution to the preservation of our Gunner Heritage. Much remains to be done!

Gnr Roy Andersen
Chairman
Heritage Gun Restoration Committee
Gunners’ Association
19 February, 2024