Andy Naude
Well-Known Member
The 9-inch cannon at Simon's Town is a rifled muzzleloading (RML)cannon with a bore diameter of 9 inches, located at Middle NorthBattery.
This cannon was placed in its position by the British.
With the commissioning of more modern cannon in defense of the Simon's Towncoast line, the 9-inch cannon became obsolete and was abandoned to vandalismand deterioration. That was until Warrant Officer (Class 1) Harry Croome, amember of the Cannon Association ofSouth Africa (CAOSA) succeeded in becoming the custodian of the cannon. Since then thecannon was restored as far as possible and was proof fired again for the firsttime in 108 years before the Navy Festival of April 2011.
The historicity of this proof firing is emphasised by the fact that no onepresent at the previous firing of the cannon was alive anymore.
The 9-inch is still fired at special occasions like the commemoration of HeritageDay, YouthDay, FreedomDay, ReconcilliationDay and during the annual NavyFestival.
This 9 Inch Gun is fired on Six to Seven days per year. We took our grandson on 24 September, Heritage Day. Quite an experience if you ever in South Africa.
Hope you enjoy the photos.
This cannon was placed in its position by the British.
With the commissioning of more modern cannon in defense of the Simon's Towncoast line, the 9-inch cannon became obsolete and was abandoned to vandalismand deterioration. That was until Warrant Officer (Class 1) Harry Croome, amember of the Cannon Association ofSouth Africa (CAOSA) succeeded in becoming the custodian of the cannon. Since then thecannon was restored as far as possible and was proof fired again for the firsttime in 108 years before the Navy Festival of April 2011.
The historicity of this proof firing is emphasised by the fact that no onepresent at the previous firing of the cannon was alive anymore.
The 9-inch is still fired at special occasions like the commemoration of HeritageDay, YouthDay, FreedomDay, ReconcilliationDay and during the annual NavyFestival.
This 9 Inch Gun is fired on Six to Seven days per year. We took our grandson on 24 September, Heritage Day. Quite an experience if you ever in South Africa.
Hope you enjoy the photos.
Last edited:
