Captured Russian Anti-Tank Gun - Hale, UK - Static Artillery Displays on Waymarking.com

The original monument was a stone Floriated Latin cross on circular column and two stepped base. It had a wreath on the front face at the top with the words 'Pro Patria'.

In 2004 it was updated to add names that had been missed off the original memorial. At the same time this artillery gun was placed next to the cross with an attached plaque explaining why.

WHY HAVE A GUN ON A WAR MEMORIAL

In ancient times, Kings, Chiefs, and the famous were often buried in magnificent tombs, Pyramids, Mausoleums, and great barrows, standing as their memorials. Our village war memorial stands as a memorial for those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for King and Country.

After great battles, the victor would set up a trophy of captured arms, standards, armour, and even a Cenotaph or empty grave to honour the fallen.

Artillery regiments throughout the world do not have standards or Gideon's, the standard of regiments is its guns. It is the rallying point of all gunners.

So today we honour our dead, not just with captured arms, but also with a gun or standard of the enemy.


HISTORY OF THE HALE GUN

The gun honouring the fallen in the Hale war memorial started service with the Russian forces in World War I as an anti-tank gun. Captured by the Germany army, it was re-barrelled with its original chassis into a 3 inch Howitzer, capable of firing an 18 pound high explosive shell up to 6,500 metres. Captured again by the Allies it now finds its place honouring our fallen from both wars.

Close inspection of the forward shield will show the gun was hit at close range by small arms fire.

What type of artillery is this?: Russian WWI anti-tank gun converted to a 3 inch Howitzer Where is this artillery located?: Monument grounds What military of the world used this device?: Originally Russian and then German Date artillery was placed on display: 06/06/2004 Cost?: 0.00 (listed in local currency) Artillery is no longer operational: yes Still may work: no Date artillery was in use: Not listed Parking location to view this Waymark: Not Listed Are there any geocaches at this location?: Not listed

Visit Instructions:
Two pictures are required for this Waymark. Please take a close up picture of the artillery. Take a second with the artillery in the distance and capture as much of the surroundings as possible. Name the Waymark with first the name of the area and second what the artillery is. An example would be if it were a cannon in front of the Montgomery Armory you would name the Waymark: Montgomery Armory Cannon.

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