25-Pounder Field Gun/Howitzer
with Limber and Field Artillery Tractor
Vancouver, British Columbia

The 25-Pounder Field Gun/Howitzer was one of the types of artillery used by the Canadian Army during the Second World War and in Korea. The 15th Field Artillery Regiment, RCA retrieved this 25 Pounder from its mounting at the Victory Memorial Park in South Surrey, B.C. in 1975.

This British-designed Howitzer is one of the world's classic artillery pieces. The 1.8 ton piece was issued early in the Second World War as a replacement for the earlier 18-pounder of First World War vintage. During its service, in addition to barrage, the gun was used in an anti-tank role and as a self-propelled unit. The crew of one Non-Commissioned Officer and five men could fire four rounds per minute and the piece would hurl a shell up to 13,400 yards.

The Field Artillery Tractor was originally purchased by the 15th Field Artillery Museum in 1979 from a farm in Northern British Columbia. The vehicle had been converted to farm use with its rear cut out for use in hauling fill. Little more than a rusty hulk, the vehicle receved little attention until Bombardier (require authorization from individual) persisted in efforts to raise money for the restoration. Through his perseverance, a grant was requested and granted from the Canada 125 committee. This money was received in 2001 and resulted in immediate restoration undertaken under the supervision of Captain (ret'd) (require authorization from individual). The highlight of the restoration was the use of the vehicle to tow the funeral fun carrying the casket of Ernest (Smokey) Smith VC through the streets of Vancouver.

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Photos from Canadian Military Remembrance Society