Image Gallery: February 2010
26 February 2010
Anglesea Cannon Returns Home
A small wooden cannon, donated to the Anglesea Barracks Sergeant's Mess in 1956 by the HMAS Wagga, has travelled the world for nearly 60 years. Regularly "liberated" from the Mess by members of Australian and allied ships, squadrons and units, the cannon has gained a unique history.
It has travelled the world on the USS Missouri and USS Carl Vinson, been taken on operations in the Middle East and East Timor, passed between US nuclear submarines under the Arctic ice and been on many Australian, UK, US, Canadian and NZ ships. The cannon and base are covered with small plaques detailing its travels.
More recently, the cannon was taken to London on the HMAS Sydney. It was on board that Yeoman Warder "Jimmy" James spied the trophy during a visit and liberated it from the Australians, taking it to the Yeoman Warder's Mess at the Tower of London where it remained until it was decided to return the cannon home after nearly a decade away.
Yesterday, the two Yeoman Warders, Jimmy James and Crawford Butler, marched with the cannon into Anglesea Barracks, presenting it to Regimental Sergeant Major 12th/40th Battalion, Warrant Officer Class One John Stonebridge in front of assembled Mess members.
The Yeoman were assisted in the return of the cannon to Australia through sponsorship from Qantas. They also paid the fine to Legacy, presenting $400 to Legacy Hobart secretary, Mr John Paul.
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