CREMONA - Thanks to a generous donation by former Canadian Army soldier George Rogers, the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #172 in Cremona is now home to a piece of Canadian military history.
Rogers, 93, who lives south of the village, has donated a 9-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 wheels, made of steel and English oak, were likely built in England. They were brought to Canada after the war by a soldier named Vince Robinson, eventually ending up in the possession of Walter Rogers, he said.
George explained that his brother and a friend cast the new barrel and started to build the carriage using original design plans.
When his brother passed away George took up the task of finishing the project - the undertaking helped in no small part by the fact George is a customized brass and sheet metal worker by trade.
Rogers served in the Canadian Army in his teens and early 20s. He says he wanted to ensure the gun found a good permanent home.
“I want to know it will be appreciated,” he said. “The Cremona legion has done a fantastic, excellent job.”
The gun now stands outside the branch overlooking Highway 22.
Cremona legion branch member Kerry Berryman says having the gun on proud display in the village is great for the community.
The plan is to have the gun permanently positioned in an enclosed display, complete with protective glass walls and an elevated platform, said Berryman.
Doug Bateman, a Cochrane legion member, worked with Rogers, Berryman and others on the project to bring the cannon to Cremona.
An official unveiling of the antique cannon will probably take place sometime down the road, Berryman said.
More than 7,000 Canadian volunteers fought in the Boer War (1899-1902), with about 270 being killed in the action.
