Restored WWI Howitzer Presented in Saint John
SAINT JOHN—Hundreds of people gathered in Saint John on Sunday as a restored artillery piece manned by Saint John soldiers during some of the biggest battles of World War I was officially transferred to the Loyal Company Association.
The howitzer stood for many years at Saint John’s Fort Howe where it fell into increasingly worse condition. Ocean Capital’s John Irving, the Honorary Colonel of the 3Rd Field Regiment, pledged his support to its restoration. Soon the gun was moved to the Saint John shop of Source Atlantic where restoration work began under the guidance of Master Gunner, Chief Warrant Officer (Ret) Joe Jordan.
“After so many years, the howitzer was in rough shape when we brought it into the Source Atlantic shop,” said Joe Jordan. “We took it apart, cleaned it and then got started rebuilding. There aren’t a lot 100-year old howitzer spare parts so in some cases we had to fabricate entirely new parts. It was a lot of work, but now the gun looks as it did a century ago. It will be an important reminder of the service of members of the 3rd Field Regiment.”
The howitzer will be used in ceremonial services in the Saint John area, including the upcoming Remembrance Day ceremonies at Harbour Station on Nov. 11.