CREMONA – Members of the historic Sam Steele’s Scouts joined several dozen legion members and other supporters for the recent unveiling of a Boer War cannon donated to the Cremona and District Legion Branch #172.
George Rogers, 93, who lives south of the village, donated the nine-pounder, muzzle-loading rifle field gun to the branch.
While the cannon itself is a replica built by Roger’s now-deceased brother Walter, the wheels on the carriage holding the gun are originals that saw service in the Boer War, he said.
The Legion has built a covered enclosure, complete with all-around plexiglass windows, to house the historic weapon.
Made of steel and English oak, the wheels were likely built in England. They were brought to Canada after the war by a soldier named Vince Robinson.
Rogers said his brother and a friend cast the new barrel and built the carriage using original design plans.
Cremona Legion member Kerry Berryman says having the gun on display is a great salute to Canada’s military history.
More than 7,000 Canadian volunteers fought in the Boer War (1899-1902).
